FAQ for STUDENTS

Commonsense measures described by the CDC and state Health Department can help to mitigate risk of contracting and spreading the coronavirus. These measures include avoiding close contact with others, especially indoors; wearing a face covering; washing your hands frequently; cleaning and disinfecting surfaces; covering coughs and sneezes; and monitoring your own health for symptoms of COVID-19.

The state Health Department is using the COVIDAlert PA app in a voluntary effort to help stop the spread. You can learn more and download the app to your own digital device.

For the Fall 2020 semester:

Classes start on August 24. There are no classes on September 7 (Labor Day) and November 24-27 (Thanksgiving break); classes resume Nov. 30.
Classes end December 4. Final exams will be held December 7-11.

For the Spring 2021 semester:

Classes start on January 25. There is no spring break.
Classes end April 30. Final exams will be held May 3-7.

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.

Your professor will provide you with the Zoom link for your class, either directly via email or via the D2L shell for your course.

Most online courses are “asynchronous,” so you can complete assignments on your own schedule each week. In contrast, remote learning is real-time instruction – you and your classmates will participate in classes at a scheduled day and time, usually through Zoom.

Think of remote learning as a virtual classroom where you, your classmates and your professor meet on a regular schedule to engage in teaching and learning.

Online classes will be asynchronous (you complete assignments on your own schedule) and delivered through D2L/Brightspace, our learning management system. These are courses are identified on your schedule with either “G” or “W” as the first character in the section code. 

Remote learning classes will be synchronous (you and your classmates meet with the instructor at an assigned day and time) and held using Zoom. These courses are identified on your schedule with "R” as the first character in the section code. You will also note that the building is identified as “REMOTE.”

Zoom web conferencing technology will be used for most real-time remote learning in the FAll 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters. Zoom is easy for most people to use. Learn how to log in with the Zoom app here.

Yes, real-time remote learning is a lot like on-campus classes – you, your classmates and your professor get together at the same time and day(s) each week.

Email your professor directly. (Use the “People Finder” at the bottom of the Cal U homepage to find email addresses for faculty and staff.) If the faculty member does not respond within a few days, contact the department chairperson.

Computer workstations in Manderino Library will be open for students who need internet access. For details, check the FAQ item "Is the library open?" on this page.

If visiting campus is not practical for you, check in with your local internet provider. Some companies are providing internet access free or at a reduced rate during this national emergency.

Computer workstations in Manderino Library will be open for students who need computer access for classwork or exams. For details, check the FAQ item "Is the library open?" on this page.

A limited number of “loaner” laptops are available from UTech Services. Students who need to borrow a laptop may email eichelberger@calu.edu to request an application.

To preserve the value of a Cal U degree, students may be required to use Respondus Lockdown Browser for major exams that are administered online.

If your digital technology does not work well with Respondus Lockdown Browser, contact your professor to discuss alternative proctoring methods.

The UTech Helpdesk is available from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Staff are working remotely during the Fall 2020 semester, so an email to UTechRequests@calu.edu is the most efficient way to reach the Helpdesk. The phone number is 724-938-5911.

Before you email or phone, see if one of our UTech Tutorials can answer your technology question.

During the Fall 2020 semester, the Cal U Bookstore will be processing orders online daily and shipping items to students’ homes. You can visit the campus store website at: www.calupa.bkstr.com .

The bookstore will be open once on-campus activities resume in Spring 2021. 

Cal U Bookstore staff will be available by phone (724-938-4324) from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays and by email (nash@calu.edu) any time to answer questions and assist with online ordering.

Please contact the Cal U Bookstore by phone (724-938-4324) from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays or by email (nash@calu.edu).

Computer workstations in Manderino Library will be open for students who need computer access for classwork or exams. For details, check the FAQ item "Is the library open?" on this page.

University Technology Services (UTech) has a limited number of laptops that can be borrowed for short-term use. To request a “loaner” laptop, email eichelberger@calu.edu.

Fall 2020: Workstations on the first floor of Manderino Library are open for Cal U students, faculty and staff ONLY as part of a pilot program. Initial hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 9 a..-4 p.m. Friday. Hours may change; please check the library website before your visit.

These rules are in effect:

• Your temperature will be checked when you enter the library, and patrons who are fever-free must sign in and out with Starfish. (This will assist with case investigations, if necessary.)
• You MUST wear a face covering and stay 6 feet away from others during your visit. No gatherings are permitted.
• You may bring your own filled water bottle, but no other food or drink is permitted. Restrooms will be open, but water fountains will be turned off.
• Sanitizing stations will be located throughout the first floor. Patrons should wipe the keyboard and computer mouse before using them.

In addition, 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 librarians' hours. 

Yes! No-contact curbside pickup is available so students, faculty and staff can borrow materials (books, DVDs, realia/teaching aids, etc.) without leaving their vehicles. For details about how to request a book or other loanable materials, visit the library website.

Internships, externships, field experiences and student teaching will continue as long as the host site is accepting students at their location.

Yes, faculty will be available to meet with students online during virtual office hours. Check with your professor(s) to find out when they are scheduling office hours, or use Starfish to make an appointment.

Office hours may change in Spring 2021. Again, check with your professor or use Starfish to make an appointment.

Faculty will post grades regularly on D2L/Brightspace. If you have concerns, contact your professor directly or use Starfish to “raise your hand” and ask for help.

Our Vulcan Learning Commons (VLC) tutors are available to work with you. To schedule an appointment, email vlc@calu.edu or  boukaabar@calu.edu. You also can use the WCOnline scheduling software at https://calu.mywconline.com/.

In addition, Cal U has partnered with Pearson’s Smarthinking, an online tutoring service. Cal U students can request and receive FREE online tutorial assistance from Smarthinking tutors, 24/7, in reading, writing and several other subjects and disciplines. Learn how to get started.

NOTE: Pass/No Credit grading is available for Fall 2020 only. It will NOT be available in Spring 2021.

Pass/No Credit is an alternative to letter grades (A, B, C, D or F). It can be helpful for students who are having difficulty with a particular course or adjusting to remote learning. You must apply for this option toward the end of the semester.

Here's how the P/NC grading option works:

1. At the end of the semester, faculty will grade your coursework and give you a final letter grade (A, B, C, D or F) for your course.
2. You can apply for Pass/No Credit grading before you see your final letter grade, or up to one week after your final letter grade is posted.
3. You must complete a P/NC Grade Request Form for each course to request the change to Pass/No Credit grading for that course. The form to use will be posted here.
4. Your faculty adviser or department chair and the College dean must approve your P/NC request. (Note: Some courses cannot be graded Pass/No Credit because of accreditation requirements or other reasons.)
5. Once final grades are received in the Registrar’s Office, those with Pass/No Credit requests that are approved by your faculty adviser/department chair and dean will be converted to P/NC grades. Grades of A, B, C and D will be converted to Pass; grades of F will be converted to No Credit.
6. A grade of NC (No Credit) will not adversely affect your GPA, but you will not receive credit for the course.

Contact the Scheduling Center at schedulingcenter@calu.edu and ask to connect with a staff member. They are experts at scheduling!

Check the tutorials in VIP for useful information like how to find your advisor. The “People Finder” at the bottom of the Cal U homepage is a useful tool for finding faculty and staff email addresses.

Incoming first-year students can defer Fall 2020 admission and start classes in Spring 2021. This will not affect your state or federal financial aid, and scholarships will not be affected. To request a deferred start, incoming students should contact the Admissions Office at 724-938-4404 or admissions@calu.edu.

Current students should contact the Scheduling Center at schedulingcenter@calu.edu and ask to have their schedule deleted.

You can expect to learn just as much and earn the same credits via remote learning as you would in face-to-face courses. For this reason, tuition will NOT be reduced or refunded. However, some fees will be reduced; others will not be charged. Check the Guide to Operations for details about financial adjustments.

Any scholarships or grants you received will NOT be reduced because courses are being provided remotely. Depending on your situation, there may be a small change in your financial aid award based on the lower cost of attendance. This will be reflected in your updated bill.

Cal U maintains its facilities and provides high-quality education and a variety of student services whether it is operating within an in-person, blended or remote learning environment.

As such, these fees are NOT refundable: Academic Support Fee, Lab/Private Instruction Fee, Special Program Fee, Technology Fee and University Services Fee.

When the University is operating at Level 2-4, fees associated with the Herron Recreation and Fitness Center and the Natali Student Center are reduced by 50%, saving students enrolled for 12 or more credits a total of $254.50 per semester. The reduced fees cover costs to maintain the buildings, pay for utilities, etc.

The Student Association Fee is reduced to $140 (from $300) when the University is operating at Level 4. The reduced rate supports services provided virtually while in-person activities are suspended. The fee will be reinstated when Cal U operates at Level 3.

Some services for on-campus students (those enrolled in programs other than Global Online) will not be provided while Cal U is operating remotely. These fees will NOT be charged during the Fall 2020 (Level 4) semester: Dining Fee, Housing Fee, Parking Fee and Transportation Fee. Your student account was adjusted to reflect this change. Students who paid a housing deposit  received a credit to their account.

At Level 3, the Transportation Fee covers the cost of shuttle service between the main campus and Vulcan Village, as well as free student parking on campus. A parking permit is still required, and you must park in your assigned lot.

To learn more about University fees and what they pay for, read the Guide to Operations. 

Yes! Revised bills were issued Aug. 18, 2020. Payments were due Sept. 11, 2020.

Payment plans are available. For details about your bill or payments, contact the Student Accounts Office at StudentAccountsOffice@calu.edu.

For financial aid information, contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@calu.edu.

Yes. If you paid through your student account, the amount will be credited. If you paid in another manner, your payment will be refunded.

Only a very limited number of remote work-study positions are available for Fall 2020. Some positions may re-open when on-campus activities resume in spring.

Check Handshake for information about open positions.

Cal U looks forward to honoring our graduates when it is safe to do so. The Guide to Operations outlines the University’s plans to hold Commencement ceremonies appropriate to the University’s operational level.

Cal U is operating at Level 4 for the entire Fall 2020 semester. At Level 4, Commencement will be postponed and graduates will be invited to attend in-person ceremonies when the University is operating at Level 3 or higher.

At Level 3, Cal U will hold modified, socially distant ceremonies that may be limited to graduates and University personnel (no guests). Face coverings will be required for all attendees.

AS A REMINDER: Whether or not ceremonies are held, graduation is not automatic; students must apply during the semester they intend to graduate. Graduation information and details will be sent ONLY to students who have applied by the posted deadline. Although plans for our formal ceremonies may have changed, students should apply for graduation as usual.

Contact the Financial Aid Office (finaid@calu.edu) if medical expenses, job loss or other effects of the pandemic have made a significant change in your family’s income. Financial Aid staff can advise you about updating your FAFSA to ask for an adjustment in your financial aid.

The Financial Aid staff is working remotely, but they 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.

We expect some Financial Aid staff to be on campus when in-person classes resume.

Fall 2020: Residence halls and all dining services are CLOSED for the semester.

Spring 2021: A limited number of rooms are available. With few exceptions, residents will be housed singly (one student per bedroom/bathroom). Student in experiential majors will be prioritized when making room assignments; student-athletes will be housed on campus as well.

Vulcan Village, which is owned and operated by the Student Association Inc., remains open this fall and spring. All Vulcan Village apartments have a full kitchen and laundry room. The Mid Mon Valley Transit Authority provides bus service to Walmart and other locations for students who do not have a vehicle.

Vulcan Village, which is owned and operated by the Student Association Inc., remains open year-round. All Vulcan Village apartments have a full kitchen and laundry room. The Mid Mon Valley Transit Authority provides access to Walmart and other locations for students who do not have a vehicle.

This apartment complex is located about 1.5 miles from campus. Contact Vulcan Village at 724-938-8990.

Fall 2020: To mitigate risks associated with COVID-19, all campus buildings are closed. Student services are being provided remotely. Employees seeking access to a campus building should contact their area’s vice president.

Spring 2021: Some in-person activities will resume, but visitors are NOT permitted in residence halls. Access to other locations (classrooms, common areas, offices, etc.) may require a green badge on Cal U's COVID-19 self-check app.

To mitigate risk, most student clubs and organizations will meet virtually through Microsoft Teams. Check the list of clubs and organizations to see what might interest you.

A virtual Clubs & Orgs Fair was held in October. CUTV helped each club make a short video introduction. Watch your campus email, the Daily Announcements, the online events calendar and the Cal Times student newspaper for information about spring activities.

One good source is the Cal Times student newspaper, at caltimes.org. Activities also are listed on the University's events calendar and in the Daily Announcements delivered to your campus email account. And don't forget to follow the SAI, Student Affairs and SAB social media accounts.

1.  Go to the Cal Times website
2.  Find the panel on the homepage: "Get the Cal Times delivered to your Inbox."
3.  Insert the email address where you want to receive the notifications.
4. Enjoy your Cal Times subscription!

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.

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.

If you are struggling to find the resources you need to complete your coursework, maintain your mental or physical health, sustain your recovery (PARC), address food insecurity, or confront other issues that present as barriers to success, please contact Rachel Michaels, director of Student Wellness Support Services, at michaels_r@calu.edu.

If you need support for recovery, these websites can help you find online meetings:

• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Narcotics Anonymous

Vulcan Flyer service has been suspended for Fall 2020. Check the Mid Mon Valley Transit Authority for information about bus service in the area.

Shuttle service will return when on-campus activities resume in spring.

Parking passes are issued by the Office of Parking and Transportation. You can reach the office at 724-938-4677.

Most students will not need a parking pass in Fall 2020, since classes are being held remotely this semester. You can learn more and manage your parking account online at www.calu.edu/parking.

Information  for student voters is available at www.calu.edu/vote2020.