A Brief History
Pitt-Johnstown was founded in 1927 as a two-year college of the University of Pittsburgh. For almost 20 years it held classes in the Johnstown High School building in the Kernville section of downtown Johnstown. After World War II, the Johnstown College moved to the Moxham section of town where the number of courses and students increased. In the early 1960s, community leaders worked with the University of Pittsburgh to build a new campus in Richland Township, a Johnstown suburb. The new campus opened in 1967 with two classroom buildings, five dormitories, and a student union. Degree-granting status was awarded to Pitt-Johnstown by the University of Pittsburgh in 1970. The campus has grown significantly since that time, with five academic buildings, a library, an expanded student union, a sports and aquatic center, a wellness center, a conference center, a chapel, a performing arts center, and a large cluster of dormitories, lodges, townhouse apartments and other student resident housing. Pitt-Johnstown now offers more than 46 baccalaureate and associate degree programs.
Academic Calendar Year
Pitt-Johnstown operates on a modified trimester calendar. The standard school year includes a 15-week fall term (September to mid-December) and a 15-week spring term (January to mid-April). Optional summer term offerings from 6-week to 12-week sessions allow students to accelerate their degrees.
Accreditation
The University of Pittsburgh is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, (267) 284 - 5000. In addition, programs may be accredited by discipline-specific accrediting bodies. The engineering technology programs at Johnstown are accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org. Programs in education are reviewed and approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The Respiratory Care program provides classroom and up-to-date clinical education as required by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, 1248 Harwood Road, Bedford, TX 76021-4244, 817.283.2835, www.coarc.com. The Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA).
Degrees Offered
Pitt-Johnstown offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in more than 45 areas.
Additionally, Pitt-Johnstown offers several associate degrees in the allied health area.
Description of the College
The Johnstown campus is one of the East’s most attractive campus settings; the college occupies 655 acres in a suburban, wooded setting. This makes Pitt-Johnstown, physically, the third largest campus in Pennsylvania. It is located eight miles outside Johnstown, Pennsylvania (metropolitan population of 110,000); 70 miles east of Pittsburgh; and 175 miles north of Washington, D.C.
The college offers more than 50 academic majors, with minors available in many of the major fields, as well as in other areas of arts and sciences. The average class size is 25, and the student to teacher ratio is 17:1. The college is strictly undergraduate, and all courses are taught by college faculty. The 145 full-time faculty members have outstanding credentials and remain active professionally. There are more than 22,000 Pitt-Johnstown alumni living around the globe.
The 38 campus buildings include resident housing, classroom buildings, a performing arts center, sports center, library, student union, wellness center, and outdoor recreation areas. Other features include a 40-acre nature preserve, more than 15 intramural activities, more than 80 student organizations, and NCAA Division II men’s and women’s sports.
Facilities and Resources
The campus has seven academic/administrative buildings: Biddle Hall, Krebs Hall, John P. Murtha Engineering and Science Building, Blackington Hall, Nursing and Health Sciences Building, the John P. Murtha Center for Public Service and National Competitiveness and the Living/Learning Center. Each building contains classrooms, laboratories, faculty offices, and/or administrative offices. Additional facilities include a music room, computer labs, auditoriums, smart classrooms, and conference rooms.
The Owen Library holds more than 146,000 monograph volumes and more than 10,000 microforms. As part of the University Library System (ULS), the Owen Library supplies access to more than 5 million monograph volumes, 40,000 electronic full-text journals and over 500,000 electronic books. PITTCat+, the University of Pittsburgh’s online library catalog, offers access to materials held in all University libraries, as well as to online journal, newspaper and magazine articles, e-books, digital images, and streaming video and audio files. Most material held within the ULS is available for loan within the Pitt system. The ULS provides access to more than 400 additional general and subject specific databases supporting the research needs of faculty, staff and students. Owen Library offers wireless laptops and IPads for short period multi-day loans. There are computer stations for research needs as well as a computer lab. Wireless Pittnet is available in the library building. There is seating for study at tables and individual units, as well as lighted study carrels.
Campus-wide computing labs for student use are available. Labs primarily contain Windows-based PCs, along with application servers, laser printers, scanners, and advanced graphics devices. The labs can be used to work with software, such as word processing and programming languages, or to access network services, such as online card catalogs, electronic mail, and the Internet. There are more than 200 computers available on campus for student use.
The Student Union, located in the middle of campus, houses the Student Life Office, Health and Wellness Services, Housing Office, Residence Life, RealWorld Career Services, International Services, and the campus store. Also included are a full-service mail room, a 400-person cafeteria, a food court including the Brioche Doree, and a dining/entertainment venue known as the Mountain Cat Club. The union also holds “The Zone,” a hi-tech game room, and many organizational offices.
The Living/Learning Center, completed in 1994, is a 400-person residence unit, which includes a full-circuit weight training room, sauna, an aerobics room, and a smaller student cafeteria, The Varsity Cafe. The Living/Learning Center is not only used as a residence but also as a conference center throughout the year. With several meeting rooms, the facility can accommodate groups of 20-300 people.
In addition to the residence units in the Living/Learning Center, the campus offers the choice of single gender and coeducational housing. The campus has six residence halls, seven small-group lodges, 46 townhouse-style apartment units, and an apartment complex.
The Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center (PPAC) is a 42,000-square-foot multipurpose facility; it was completed in 1991. It contains a 1,000-seat concert hall, a 200-seat studio theater, and supporting operational spaces. Performances include Pitt-Johnstown theater department productions, music department concerts, and national touring troupes. The PPAC is also home to the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra and the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Johnstown. Additionally, the River City Brass Band of Pittsburgh performs a complete season of concerts at the Center each year. The art gallery displays at least eight exhibitions a year as well as work produced by Pitt-Johnstown students.
The J. Irving Whalley Memorial Chapel was constructed in 1991. It is nondenominational and seats 250 people. Weekly Catholic mass and Protestant services are held, as well as personal conferences.
University Square is an outdoor green space that features a gazebo and seating areas in a park-like atmosphere. The facility provides a central meeting place for students and other groups and takes advantage of Pitt-Johnstown’s lush, pristine surroundings. In addition to hosting a number of student events, the area also hosts Homecoming activities and is the location for Pitt-Johnstown’s annual Light Up Night.
The Sports Center and Zamias Aquatic Center provide recreational facilities for more than 15 intramural sports, as well as intercollegiate activities. The building houses the Athletics Hall of Fame, a 25-meter indoor swimming pool, a workout room with free weights, and locker rooms with showers. Adjacent to the Sports Center is the Pitt-Johnstown Wellness Center, a 40,000-square-foot facility containing cardiovascular and strength training areas, a three-lane, elevated running track, two multi-purpose courts for basketball and volleyball, a 30-ft. climbing wall, and a 1,000-square-foot professional-grade dance studio
Special Programs
Special opportunities include internships, the President’s Scholars program, independent and directed studies, a self-designed major, an ESL program, an International Studies Certificate, participation in the RealWorld Action Program, and the Academic Success Center.
Statement of Academic Purpose
The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown strives for academic integrity by employing skilled and professional faculty to ensure that a valuable and marketable education is adopted by all students.
The Pitt-Johnstown Mission
To offer a high-quality educational experience in a supportive living-learning environment, that is grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, that is current, and that is responsive both to our students’ personal and professional needs and to our communities’ needs.
The Pitt-Johnstown Vision
Pitt-Johnstown will be the regional leader educating for success in the real world.
Campus Life
Academic Success Center
The Academic Success Center (ASC) supports Pitt-Johnstown’s mission to offer a high-quality educational experience by providing comprehensive services designed to strengthen learning, promote success, and enhance retention of students. ASC staff serve as academic advisors to Undeclared students as well as students with majors who wish to explore other options. Academic support is provided through the First-Year Success Program (FYSP) for provisionally admitted students and Great Outcomes in Academic Learning (GOAL) for first-year students on academic probation. Academic counselors are available to work with any student wishing to improve academic performance. Students may seek peer tutoring through the ASC, choosing among individual, small group, and drop-in formats as well as Supplemental Instruction sessions. Pitt-Johnstown students can gain valuable paraprofessional experience by serving as tutors, Mentors for Academic & Personal Success (MAPS), and/or as student workers. Learn more about the ASC by visiting G-16 Owen Library or contacting us at (814) 269-7998 or at https://www.upj.pitt.edu/en/academics/academic-success-center/ or upjasc@pitt.edu.
Athletics
Pitt-Johnstown varsity teams compete in NCAA Division II athletics and are members of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). Pitt-Johnstown’s student-athletes’ performances have garnered individual and team honors at the conference, regional and national levels. The 15 varsity sports offer student-athletes an opportunity to compete and represent Pitt-Johnstown, while learning valuable lessons that can be applied off the court, field, mat or track. Men compete at the NCAA level in baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, indoor and outdoor track and field, and wrestling, while women compete in basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, indoor and outdoor track and field, and volleyball.
In addition, Pitt-Johnstown offers an excellent intramural program that includes basketball, flag football, volleyball, soccer, and many other activities for students throughout the academic year.
Bookstore
The Pitt-Johnstown Book Center, located in the Student Union Building, is managed by eFollett.com. Its purpose is to provide students and the campus community with the largest possible selection of high quality goods and services at equitable prices with particular attention paid to academic requirements.
The Book Center sells required textbooks (new and used); reference materials and student aids; school supplies; technology products and engineering supplies. Other merchandise available includes University of Pittsburgh and Pitt-Johnstown clothing, Greek products, spirit and gift items and glassware. Additional Book Center services include: on-line purchases, textbook reservation, textbook rental, book buy-back, special order for books and apparel, group orders, and class rings.
The Book Center also stocks a wide selection of products including snack foods, beverages, and health and beauty aids.
Campus Ministry
Campus ministry strives to meet the spiritual needs of students by providing an exciting and comfortable atmosphere in which to worship, serve, and share fellowship with other believers. Both Protestant and Catholic ministries desire to challenge and encourage students to realize their God-given potential in order to effectively and positively impact the world around them. Most services are held weekly in the Whalley Memorial Chapel, in addition to other venues on campus.
Campus Police
The Campus Police Department provides on-campus protection and service to students, faculty, staff, and visitors of the University. Officers are on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Campus police officers are certified by the Pennsylvania State Police and receive annual training as mandated under the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission. The department also provides a variety of programs such as crime prevention awareness, alcohol and drug awareness training and programming, fire safety training, and operation ID (students inscribe identifying numbers on valuables such as televisions, stereos, computers, etc.). Campus police officers enforce the Pennsylvania Crimes Code and the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Codes as it relates to parking on campus, including campus vehicle registration. Additional miscellaneous services of the department include motorist assistance and police escort services. As required by federal law (Clery Act), the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown publishes an annual safety brochure. This brochure provides information regarding safety and security policies, procedures, and programs, as well as campus crime statistics for the past three years. To view the most recent information on campus safety and crime reports, visit http://www.upj.pitt.edu/globalassets/security-fire-safety-report.pdf. To receive a copy by mail write to: Campus Police Department, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, 450 Schoolhouse Road, Johnstown, PA 15904.
Career Services
The Pitt-Johnstown Office of Real World Career Services assists students in identifying career goals, formulating career plans, and implementing their plans upon graduation. Our services begin when students first arrive on campus for orientation and continue throughout their time on campus. This service is also available to our Pitt-Johnstown alumni as they continue pursuing their professional careers.
Our services include career counseling (including the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Assessment & the Strong Interest Inventory), résumé development/review, personal branding, professional correspondence development/review (cover letters, thank you notes), mock interviewing, informational interviewing, job shadowing opportunities, networking opportunities, internship research, job search strategies, social media etiquette, and preparatory testing for pre-professionals.
PJ Links is an online job and internship database offered only to the Pitt-Johnstown student. Pitt-Johnstown students also have access to Handshake, the online job and internship database maintained by Pitt-Oakland. Pitt-Johnstown students have access to all Pitt-Oakland Career Fairs and other regional fairs (van transportation is provided).
The Office of Real World Career Services partners with faculty and student organizations to target their particular needs. We also partner with the community and economic development organizations in the region for the benefit of our students.
Information Technology Facilities
The Information Technology unit manages seven computer labs for student use. All labs are equipped with windows-based PCs or MAC’s and provide full Internet and e-mail access; a comprehensive suite of software for course work, research, and project development; access to library resources; and printing capability. Additionally, several academic divisions maintain private labs for specialized departmental use.
The University-wide network also enables access to many computing resources including the University mainframe computers, and all Web-based campus resources.
A multimedia center, located in the Technology Support Center (228 Blackington Hall) provides access to scanning, digitizing, and high-quality color printing.
The university’s wireless network is free to the campus community and is available in most areas of the academic buildings, the Owen Library, and the Student Union. Wireless network is also available in all residence halls along with direct-connect high-speed Internet access for each student.
All classrooms are technology-enabled with PC, internet access, document camera and multimedia devices and projectors. Network access is available in every classroom. Laptop computers and video projectors are available for loan to both students and faculty for academic-related projects.
Information Technology provides local oversight to the university’s program that provides free productivity software to students. The University also works with major hardware vendors to provide discounted computer prices for students. A variety of computer-related and software supplies are available in the campus Bookstore.
Computing Use Policy
Every member of the University community has two basic rights regarding computing: privacy and a fair share of resources. It is unethical for another person to violate these rights. All users, in turn, are expected to exercise common sense and decency with regard to the campus computing resources. Students are subject to the rules and regulations as described in the University of Pittsburgh Student Code of Conduct. Students should realize that any misuse of computing resources may result in the suspension of their computing privileges.
Cultural Activities
The Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center is a focal point of cultural and community activities. The area’s most professional and diverse theatre, this state-of-the-art facility presents numerous live, professional, world-class artists and entertainment through a variety of performances that include Broadway, theatre, music, comedy, dance, family entertainment, and shows for children. The Arts Center hosts the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, River City Brass Band, and Johnstown Concert Ballet. It also serves as an artistic, educational, social, and economic resource for the Greater Johnstown Region.
The Pitt-Johnstown Theatre department makes its home at the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center, presenting two to three productions each year. Pitt-Johnstown’s Dance Ensemble, the largest student organization on campus, also calls the Arts Center home. The Arts Center is also home to the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art (SAMA). SAMA is nationally accredited and offers more than five exhibitions annually.
Drug-Free School and Workplace Policy
The University of Pittsburgh prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance on University property or as part of any University activity. Faculty, staff, and students of the University must also comply with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on the possession and consumption of alcohol.
Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action within 30 days, including, but not limited to, a warning, written reprimand, suspension, dismissal, expulsion, and/or mandatory participation and successful completion of a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved by an appropriate health or law-enforcement agency.
Any University employee paid from federally funded grants or contracts, or any students participating in any federally funded or guaranteed Student Loan Program, must notify the University of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring at the University or while engaged in University activities. For more information, see https://www.cfo.pitt.edu/policies/procedure/06/06-02-01.html.
Harassment Policy
No University employee, student, or individual on University property may intentionally harass or abuse a person (physically or verbally) with the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with such person’s work or academic performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or academic environment.
Office of Health and Counseling/Disability Services
At Pitt-Johnstown we offer services for students with diagnosed disabilities. The purpose of these services is to enhance our students’ educational experience and to assure that the University does not discriminate against any student with a disability. For more information on the services provided visit the Office of Health and Counseling /Disability Services in G-10 Student Union or call 814-269-7119.
Office of Health and Counseling/Health Services
On campus, health care is available to all University of Pittsburgh Johnstown’s enrolled, full-time students. A health fee is paid by full-time students each term. The health center staff provides treatment for minor ailments and general health problems.
The Office of Health and Counseling Services is not equipped to handle severe accidents or illnesses. Students who present with medical needs beyond the Center’s scope of practice will be directed off campus for services. The University of Pittsburgh Johnstown is not accountable for student expenses incurred for off campus medical treatment, hospitalization, or prescription drugs.
All incoming freshmen must provide a completed health record and documentation of required immunizations, including the month, day, and year the immunizations were administered, to the University’s Student Health Service.
Failure to Comply: Incoming full-time freshmen who, after receipt of notification by the University that their immunization records are incomplete, fail to provide proof of immunization or written request for exemption as described above will be prohibited from registering for any classes beyond the term following initial enrollment.
Office of Health and Counseling/Counseling Service
Counseling services are provided to assist Pitt-Johnstown students with their emotional, mental health, and/or social concerns. The center can assist with many issues including homesickness, relationship problems, anxiety, stress, depression, sexual assault, grieving, low self- esteem, and eating disorders. The mission of the Counseling Center is to support students on their academic journey as a means to foster a positive collegiate experience. All services are free and confidential Off-campus referrals for services are made as necessary. All student records and consultations are confidential and do not become part of the student’s academic record.
Students may schedule an appointment by visiting the Office of Health and Counseling Services located in G-10 of the Student Union Building or by calling the office at 814-269-7119. Emergency services: are available during the hours of 8:30 am to 5:00 p.m. at 814-269-7119; after hours please contact Campus Police at 814-269-7222; or Cambria County Crisis Intervention, 1-877-268-9463. Crisis workers are available 24 hours each day to answer questions and provide crisis intervention services.
ID Cards
A Pitt-Johnstown identification card (known as the Mountain Cat Card) is issued to all registered students, faculty and staff through the ID Center, located in room 152 of the Student Union Building. The Mountain Cat Card is used to access meal plan and “Mountain Cat Cash” accounts for making purchases in the cafeteria and other eating venues on campus. The “Mountain Cat Cash” account can also be used for purchases at the Pitt-Johnstown Bookstore. Residence facilities and the Health and Wellness Center require use of the Mountain Cat Card to gain access. Students also use the card for student identification in the library, at sporting events, and to receive student discounts for campus events and from local retailers. Cardholders can furthermore use their Mountain Cat Card to release print jobs at several Mt. Cat Mobile Print stations on campus. Individuals requesting additional information regarding the Mountain Cat Card should call 814-269-2049.
Immunization Policy
The University requires all incoming first-year students to complete a University Health Form and provide documentation of required immunizations. The University requires that all incoming first-year students be immunized against measles, mumps, and rubella as a condition of attendance at the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown. Incoming first-year students must provide to the Office of Health and Counseling Services documentation to verify immunizations received. Documentation must contain the name of the administering agency/doctor and included the month, day, and year that the immunizations were administered. Students with medical conditions and/or religious beliefs that preclude such vaccinations must provide a written request for exemption. Failure to Comply: Incoming full-time first-year students who, after receipt of notification by the University that their immunization records are incomplete, fail to provide proof of immunization or written request for exemption as described above will be prohibited from registering for any classes beyond the term following initial enrollment.
Information Technology
Pitt-Johnstown Information Technology is responsible for the implementation and support of applied computer systems and technology services on campus and includes the following units:
- Information Systems supports the hardware, software and data components of campus administrative systems.
- Printing Services produces a variety of printed material for campus (academic documents, mailing pieces, brochures, programs, etc.).
- Technical Services supports the campus wired and wireless networks, telecommunications, and campus computer hardware and electronics.
- User Services supports campus desktop devices, the computer labs, the residential network (ResNet), and the Pitt-Johnstown Support desk.
“Mountain Cat Cash” Account
Students have the option of creating a personal “Mountain Cat Cash” account by depositing funds at the Pitt-Johnstown Business Office. Mountain Cat Cash is a convenient way to make purchases on campus without the need to carry cash. Funds are added to the student’s ID card and can be used in the Pitt-Johnstown Bookstore and any dining facility on campus. Once money is added to the card, it is nonrefundable.
Sexual Harassment Policy
The University of Pittsburgh is committed to the maintenance of a community free from all forms of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment violates University policy as well as state, federal, and local laws. It is neither permitted nor condoned.
It is also a violation of the University of Pittsburgh’s policy against sexual harassment for any employee or student at the University of Pittsburgh to attempt in any way to retaliate against a person who makes a claim of sexual harassment. Any individual who, after thorough investigation and an informal or formal hearing, is found to have violated the University’s policy against sexual harassment will be subject to disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, reprimand, suspension, termination, or expulsion.
Any disciplinary action taken will depend upon the severity of the offense. For more information, see http://www.cfo.pitt.edu/policies/documents/policy06-05-01web.pdf.
Smoking Policy
Smoking is prohibited in all University-owned and -leased facilities, including residence halls and offcampus housing facilities, and in all University vehicles, including motor pool vehicles, campus buses, and vans, with explicit limited exceptions described in University Policy 04-05-03. For complete policy text, see http://www.cfo.pitt.edu/policies/policy/04/04-05-03.html.
Student Clubs and Organizations
There are more than 75 clubs and organizations at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown that students may participate in according to their interests and career objectives. Students are encouraged to explore their leadership potential by joining one of a range of groups including honor societies, religious organizations, fraternities, sororities, musical and theater opportunities, academic and professional clubs, publications and media outlets, governance and professional organizations, special interest groups, and recreational clubs. For more information about a particular club or organization, contact the Office of Campus Life, 130 Student Union Building, Johnstown, PA 15904.
Campus Involvement and Student Leadership
The Campus Activities and Engagement Office (G-61 Student Union) strives to create an engaged student community by creating diverse co-curricular involvement opportunities on a seven day campus. Campus Activities and Engagement provides support to over 100 registered student organizations (RSOs) and is key in collaborating and coordinating traditional and major events such as Homecoming (student portion), Student Activities Fairs and much more.
The department also prides itself as responsible for the coordination of the new student orientation program, assists with commuter student affairs, and works primarily with Athletics to deliver the Mountain Cat Maniac school spirit initiative. Campus Activities and Engagement strives to create a vibrant seven-day campus with opportunities for educational and entertainment events throughout the week and over the weekend both on and off campus. Campus Activities and Engagement serves as the primary advisors to the Student Government, The Greek Council, and the Pitt-Johnstown Program Board.
Housed in the Student Union, all related offices in Student Affairs and groups operate in this building, which also hosts The Zone, Pitt Johnstown’s student staffed game room, meeting space, the Mountain Cat Club, the Commuter Lounge, the Tuck, Brioche Café, the Cafeteria, the UPJ branch of Somerset Bank, and the Student Leadership Suite.
Student Government Association (SGA) serves as the governing body of the students, and is made up of the elected leadership and representatives from each class. The Student Government Association is the voice of the student body which addresses issues impacting the quality of the student experience directly with administration. Student organizations receive funding from the Student Government. Leadership opportunities as a class senator or as a non-senator on SGA committees are available to all traditional undergraduate students.
Pitt-Johnstown Program Board or “PB” provides a diverse palette of events for students. The events are coordinated by students for students and offer support to the academic experience as well as social, spiritual, recreational and collaborative events. UPJPB is a major player in the implementation of traditional campus events and offers a routine schedule of live comedians, music events, novelty items, arts & crafts, film, and activities in the area at a free or reduced rate.
Over 100 organizations comprise major categories of organizations: Academic /Honorary/ Professional, Cultural/Community/Faith Based, Media/ Entertainment/Performing Arts, Service/Advocacy, Special Interest, Student Government/ Sports & Recreation and Greek Life. Campus Activities and Engagement works with students who may want to create new clubs and connects them to the Student Government Association for approval. Student organizations also work with their advisors and the Pitt-Johnstown@Your Service initiative to provide support and resources to the greater Johnstown area through community service.
For more information about leadership development, connecting with clubs and organizations, joining a fraternity or sorority, planning a campus wide event, or participating in community service, please contact the Campus Activities and Engagement Office at 814.269.7065.
Campus Housing
Types of Facilities
The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown offers a variety of housing styles, including traditional residence halls, apartments, suites, and townhouses. All rooms and apartments are fully furnished. Additionally, all rooms and apartments are wired for Internet, telephone, and cable television services at no additional cost. Wireless internet is available in all residential facilities. The apartments and townhouses are equipped with kitchen appliances (except a microwave). All other rooms are equipped with a microwave and mini-fridge.
Residence Halls
- Hemlock Hall
- Hickory Hall
- Laurel Hall
- Maple Hall
- Oak Hall
The residence halls house first-year students in suites; two bedrooms share a bathroom. (There are no community bathrooms at Pitt-Johnstown.)
Each residence hall accommodates from 100-170 first-year students and features a distinctive lobby reminiscent of a ski lodge with a fireplace. A lounge, recreation room, study room, and laundry room is also available in each residence hall.
Willow Hall
Willow Hall is the newest residential facility and accommodates upper-division students. Willow Hall features apartment-style suites designed to accommodate 4-5 students in a mixture of single and double rooms. Each suite features a living room, kitchenette, and two bathrooms. Willow Hall is air conditioned. Two conference rooms are available for student meetings or for use as study areas. Due to the lack of a full kitchen setup in each suite, students are required to have a meal plan.
North and South Lodges
- Briar Lodge
- Buckhorn Lodge
- Foxfire Lodge
- Hawthorn Lodge
- Heather Lodge
- Larkspur Lodge
- Sunset Lodge
Each lodge is subdivided into discrete units, housing from as few as 8 to as many as 24 students. Each unit is a mini-community unto itself. Units feature suite-style living with at least one furnished common/lobby area for residents to share. Student Organizations have the option of living in a unit and using that as an “organization house.” Individual students may also live in a lodge without a group affiliation.
Townhouse Apartments
- Cascade Manor
- Highland Manor
- Summit Manor
- Timberline Manor
- Wilderness Manor
- Woodland Manor
The townhouses are most appealing to upper-division students because of the degree of independence offered by this living option. The townhouses feature a living room, kitchen, and powder room downstairs and two bedrooms and a full bath upstairs. Because the townhouses are equipped with a full kitchen (excluding a microwave), students are not required to have a meal plan. Townhouses accommodate 4-5 students.
College Park Apartments
The garden-style apartments of College Park are typically sought by students looking for a unique environment close to, but not surrounded by, the campus. The College Park Apartments vary in size (studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom) and in the number of occupants they house (one, two, three, or four). Students housed in College Park Apartments are not required to have a meal plan.
The Living/Learning Center (LLC)
The Living/Learning Center is a state-of-the-art residence facility featuring a 400-bed residence facility and an adjoining classroom building. All rooms of this beautiful upper-division residence are air-conditioned and have private bathrooms. The facility houses 2 recreation rooms and an exercise room. The LLC also houses the Varsity Café-a full-service dining facility.
Office of Housing
The Office of Student Housing manages housing contracts and assignments. The office works with new incoming students to assign rooms based on the process described below, and runs spring recontracting for our returning students to select their own assignment for the following year. The office works closely with the Physical Plant staff to provide maintenance and repairs to the facilities as needed, and is the coordination point for building emergency services.
Department of Residence Life
In addition, Residence Life supports all aspects of campus living-from programming to student conduct. The office employs professional, graduate, and student staff members. Student staff members are resident assistants and residence directors. These highly trained and carefully selected student staff members live and work within the residence facilities, as do our professional and graduate area coordinators.
Roommate Selection
New students are asked to complete a brief survey as part of the housing application process that evaluates their study habits, interests, and personal living preferences. Using the information from this survey, students are then matched with peers who indicated similar lifestyles. Students may also mutually request to be assigned together in a room.
Upper-division residents may choose their own roommates and may request specific housing assignments provided they follow the housing recontracting procedures publicized each spring term. Upper-division students who do not select roommates will complete a roommate survey as part of the recontracting process. Using the information from this survey, students are then matched with peers who indicated similar lifestyles.
Auxiliary Services for Students
Food Service
Food Service
Pitt-Johnstown offers three traditional meal plans, all of which offer a combination of meals and dining dollars. Students who commute and those who reside in the campus townhouse or College Park Apartments may select from any of the traditional meal plans or the Declining Balance plan. Dining Dollars can be used as cash in any of the campus’ six unique dining facilities: the Student Union Cafeteria, the Varsity Café (in the Living/Learning Center), the Tuck Shop (a small fast food outlet), the Daily Grind, and Brioche Dorẻe.
Pitt-Johnstown Food Services can accommodate most special dietary needs. Students are encouraged to participate in the Mindful dining program which encourages making healthy food choices. Nutritional information and menus are posted for each dining hall. To-go meals are available to all students and are particularly convenient for those students who will be off campus during regular meal times (e.g., student teachers, athletes, etc.).
Laundry Service
Laundry Service at Pitt-Johnstown is operated by CSC ServiceWorks. CSC Service Works has installed laundry machines in the twelve separate laundry rooms throughout campus and is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of this equipment. These machines can be utilized by resident students free of charge.
Students can download the CSC ServiceWorks app for reporting machine problems, and additional resources. Our residents also have access to LaundryView, an e-monitoring system for campus laundry facilities. The system allows you to see laundry rooms in real time to check the status of washers and dryers from a computer or smartphone. It also offers weekly usage reports to help residents avoid the busiest times in the laundry room.
Mail Service
The full-service mailroom is next to the Bookstore in the Student Union. All students, including commuters and residents, are assigned a key-accessible mailbox next to the mailroom for their entire enrollment at Pitt-Johnstown.
Area Map and Directions
Download a map of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown campus.
From Eastern, Southern or Western Points: Take Pennsylvania Turnpike (Rt. 76) to Somerset (Exit 10). From Somerset, take Route 219 North to the Elton Exit. Make a right at stop sign, then another right onto Theatre Drive. Continue straight and follow signs to campus.
Alternate route from Eastern or Southern Points: Take Pennsylvania Turnpike to Bedford (Exit 11). At the exit, turn left onto Business Route 220, then left again onto Route 220 North (towards Altoona). Exit onto Route 56 West. Follow Route 56 for approximately 30 miles until you reach a traffic light near the community of Windber. Continue on Route 56 for about 3 miles until you come to the second traffic light. Make a right onto Theatre Drive at light. Follow signs to campus.
Directly From Northern Points: Take Route 219 South to the “Elton” Exit. Note: DO NOT take the “Johnstown” Exit. At the traffic light at the bottom of the exit ramp, turn left onto Route 756. Make a right onto Theatre Drive at next light. Continue straight and follow signs to campus.
Pitt-Johnstown is located in the suburb of Richland Township, approximately 8 miles east of the city of Johnstown. As for travel, the Johnstown area can be directly reached by auto but is also served through the John P. Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County airport, Amtrak, and Greyhound Bus Lines.
Richland Township is a well-developed commercial and residential suburb. Richland has a wide range of shopping malls, restaurants, banks, hotels, and variety stores. In addition, medical clinics, doctors’ and dentists’ offices, and other health services are easily accessible from campus.
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