FAQ for STUDENTS
To minimize the spread of illness as the COVID-19 outbreak evolves, Cal U has adjusted its schedule for the spring semester.
All online courses continue as scheduled.
For students in on-campus (face-to-face) classes:
- March 16-March 27: Extended break while professors transition courses for online/distance learning.
- March 30: All on-campus classes resume via online/distance learning through the end of the spring semester.
- All University events are canceled through May 10.
Please understand that answers to your questions may change as the public health crisis evolves. Check back often for the latest information news about Cal U’s response to the spread of COVID-19.
What else do you need to know?
Check your Cal U email regularly. Your professors will contact you about your courses if they have transitioned from on-campus to online/distance learning. Expect your on-campus courses to resume in the new format on March 30 and continue online for the rest of the spring semester.
Courses that were already being delivered online will continue as scheduled.
Please note that the use of the Respondus LockDown Browser has been suspended temporarily.
This page has information for students about the D2L Brightspace learning tool, including how to find your courses, student help videos, and a useful D2L Brightspace Student Orientation.
The page also has tips for video assignments and using ZOOM web conferencing technology.
The UTech Helpdesk is available from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday; call 724-938-5911. Staff are working remotely.
We anticipate a high volume of calls. An email to UTechRequests@calu.edu is an efficient way to reach the Help Desk.
Before you phone or email, see if one of our UTech Tutorials can answer your technology question.
UPDATE: Manderino Library will be CLOSED and librarians will be on call. Check the library website for hours.
No internet access? Check in with your local internet provider. Some companies are providing internet access free or at a reduced rate during this national emergency.
All current due dates for returning materials have been extended until May 15, 2020.
You may return material when the campus reopens. All current fines and fees are waived.
Library database resources are available 24/7 via the library’s website for assigned research papers and other assignments. You can also schedule librarian research assistance and chat with a librarian. Check the library website for hours.
The Cal U Bookstore will be processing orders online and offering free ground shipping on all items with no minimum purchase.
The bookstore offers access to up to seven (7) eBooks at no additional charge with your .edu email address.
The bookstore is offering free shipping return labels so you can return your rented textbooks by mail when the semester ends. Don't forget to return your rented textbooks!
For all this and more, visit our campus store’s website.
Registration continues on schedule. Visit VIP, the Vulcan Information Portal, to register for classes, check Degree Works or use
Starfish to “raise your hand” and ask for help.
The schedule for priority and regular registration remains unchanged.
Regular Registration:
April 6 – Seniors (i.e., 90 or more earned credits) and Grad Students
April 7 – Juniors (i.e., 60 to 89 earned credits)
April 8 – Sophomores (i.e., 30 to 59 earned credits)
April 9 – Freshman (i.e., less than 30 earned credits)
The Scheduling Center is available to connect with you by:
• Email (schedulingcenter@calu.edu)
• Phone (724-938-1608)
• Text (724-780-0174)
• Zoom video conference (contact us to arrange)
• Starfish (Raise Your Hand)
Our staff is working remotely, but we are here to help you! Email questions or concerns to finaid@calu.edu. If you need to speak with someone by phone, provide a callback number and someone will call you back.
The residence halls are CLOSED for the rest of the semester. Questions? Please email housing@calu.edu or leave a message at the Housing Office, 724-938-4444.
Off-campus housing at Vulcan Village remains open. No visitors are allowed in Vulcan Village apartments. All activities are canceled. No parties or gatherings are permitted.
The residence halls have been secured and no access is permitted. Questions? Email housing@calu.edu or leave a message at the Housing Office, 724-938-4444.
No dining services are available at this time.
All Student Affairs departments are operating virtually and staff members are ready
to assist you! Please call 724-938-5375 or email stuaffairs@calu.edu — and don't forget to practice social distancing and take care of your health and
well-being.
The Office of Parking and Transportation will contact all graduating seniors with instructions on how to return their parking passes.
In the coming weeks, online renewals for the fall will open up and students will be able to charge passes to their student accounts. You are strongly encouraged to either renew your current permit or place yourself on the waitlist for the fall.
If you aren't graduating but you don't plan to bring a car back in the fall, return
your permit by mail to:
Parking and Transportation
250 University Ave., Box 46,
California, PA 15419.
Vulcan Flyer service has been suspended.
Students at Vulcan Village may use Mid Mon Valley Transit to reach Walmart and other locations. Some routes and schedules have been modified; visit www.mmvta.com for the latest information.
- Go to the Cal Times website
- Find the panel on the homepage: "Get the Cal Times delivered to your Inbox."
- Insert the email address where you want to receive the notifications.
- Enjoy your Cal Times subscription!
If you have a fever, cough or other symptoms, please call your doctor. Professionals
at the Student Health Center will be checking voicemail left at 724-938-4232 periodically.
The Counseling Center is accessible by email and telephone for scheduled consultations
and tele-therapy appointments for Pennsylvania residents. Staff also can help you
find a therapist or mental health resources close to your current location. To schedule
a consultation, phone 724-938-4056.
The center is NOT open for in-person or walk-in counseling. Group therapy is suspended
temporarily; group members may reach out to their group facilitator by email.
If you need support in the moment, call 911 or your county's crisis line.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741
Staff at the Prevention Awareness Recovery Center are working remotely to provide
support.
If you are struggling to find the resources you need to complete your course work, maintain your mental or physical health, address food insecurity, or confront other issues that present as barriers to success, please contact Rachel Michaels at michaels_r@calu.edu
If you need support for recovery, these websites can help you find online meetings:
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health:
• Stay home if you are feeling mostly fine or if you are worried.
• Stay home and call your doctor if you are feeling sick but would not have sought care under normal circumstances.
• Call your doctor or seek medical care if you feel sick and believe you have an emergency.
If you do not have a provider, call your local health department or 1-877-PA-HEALTH.
If you still need help, call your local emergency department.
In combination, symptoms of the COVID-19 virus include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear within 2-14 days of exposure. Reported illnesses have ranged from people with few or no symptoms to people who are severely ill.
In keeping with NCAA and PSAC guidelines, all spring sports have been canceled. No
practices or training sessions are scheduled.