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SLIPPERY ROCK UNIVERSITY
STUDENT HANDBOOK

WELCOME TO THE ROCK!
Dear Students:
Welcome to The Rock!
The Green and White is designed to be your resource. Use it regularly to learn valuable information and
assist you in making responsible decisions as well as planning for your future.
Slippery Rock University, the university with the distinctive name, provides you a distinctive higher
education. With resources like the Green and White, you can enhance your education to the fullest. Be
assertive in learning of opportunities provided to you; respect yourself and others and always be aware of
your rights and responsibilities.
It is good to have you as part of the SRU family. Go Rock!
Sincerely,
Dr. Constance L. Foley
Vice President for Student Life

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CTRL + CLICK on page number to go directly to topic
HISTORY OF SRU ................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE ................................................................................................................................................................ 9
ACADEMIC AFFAIRS ........................................................................................................................................................................ 22
Academic Complaint ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 22
Cheating and Plagiarism ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Class Attendance ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 22
Readmission ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Withdrawal ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 23
Guest Speaker Policy........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
Cancellation of Classes ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 24
Academic Dismissal ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 26
Academic Suspension .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Continuous Registration Procedure .................................................................................................................................................................................. 26
Degree Requirements .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 27
Grade Appeal Policy ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 29
Repeat of Courses ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 32
Second Baccalaureate Degree .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 32
Transcripts ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 33
Transient Student Status.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 33

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Visiting Students ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 33
Writing Intensive Courses ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 33
Public Notice Designating Directory Information........................................................................................................................................................ 34
Public Notice of Rights Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 ..................................................................................... 34

ORIENTATION ..................................................................................................... 36
ACADEMIC SERVICES .............................................................................................. 36
Tutorial Center ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 37
Writing Center ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 37
International Services ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 37
Study Abroad........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 37
Bailey Library ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 37

OFFICE FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES ................................................................ 39
ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION SYSTEMS ................................................................. 40
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY .................................................................................... 40
Computer Use Policy ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 41

FINANCIAL & ADMINISTRATIVE AFFAIRS ............................................................................................................................. 41
FINANCIAL AID .................................................................................................... 41

Financial Aid Programs ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 41
The Application Process ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 42
Eligibility for Financial Aid ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 42
Academic Progress Requirements .................................................................................................................................................................................... 43
Financial Aid for Summer Term ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 43
Study Abroad Programs ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 43
Statement of Rights and Responsibilities ...................................................................................................................................................................... 43
Other Sources of Financial Assistance .......................................................................................................................................................................... 44
State Student Employment Program ............................................................................................................................................................................... 44
Veterans ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 44

STUDENT ACCOUNTS ............................................................................................. 45
Payment Of Fees .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 45
Insufficient Funds Checks ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 45
Non-Payment Of Bills .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 45

4

Return Of Title IV Funds (Federal Aid):........................................................................................................................................................................ 45
Refund Policy Applicability ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 45

OFFICE OF DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY .......................................................... 49
Ethnic Intimidation ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 49
Equal Employment Opportunity ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 50
Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ............................................................................................................................................ 50
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ......................................................................................................................................................................... 51
Harassment and Discrimination Policy ............................................................................................................................................................................. 51
Policy of Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action ................................................................................................................................................... 52
Sexual Harassment Policy .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 52

STUDENT AFFAIRS .......................................................................................................................................................................... 53
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT / JUDICIAL PROGRAMS (FORMERLY STUDENT STANDARDS) .......... 53
UNIVERSITY POLICE .............................................................................................. 53
Emergency Stations ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 53
Fire And Safety ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 53
Parking Regulations .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 54

CAMPUS RECREATION ............................................................................................. 55
Facility Regulations ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 55
Intramural Activities .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 57
Club Sports ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 58
Outdoor Adventures ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 58
Ski Lodge ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 58
Campground ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 58
Outfitter ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 58
Reach Program ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 59

COUNSELING CENTER ............................................................................................. 59
FOOD SERVICES.................................................................................................... 59
Dining Facilities .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 59
Expected Standards Of Behavior: ................................................................................................................................................................................... 60
Meal Contracts ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 60
Special Diets .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 61

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ID CARDS ........................................................................................................... 61
STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES .................................................................................... 62
WOMEN’S CENTER ................................................................................................. 63
THE BRIDGE PROJECT ............................................................................................. 63
OFFICE OF INTERCULTURAL PROGRAMS ....................................................................... 64
FAMILY CONNECTION SERVICES................................................................................ 65
RESIDENCE LIFE ................................................................................................... 66
Community Living .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 66
Residence Hall Staffing ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 66
Residence Halls..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 66
Freshman Residence Requirement ................................................................................................................................................................................... 67

THE INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC PROGRAM ................................................................. 67
UNIVERSITY UNION ................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Union as Auxiliary ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 68
Overview of Scheduling ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 68
Authority for Scheduling ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 68
Operating Hours ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 68
On-Campus Scheduling Procedures .................................................................................................................................................................................. 69
University Union Posting Policy ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 76

CENTER FOR STUDENT INVOLVEMENT AND LEADERSHIP .................................................. 79
University Program Board (UPB) ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 79
Student Transition Programs ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 79
Freshman Leader Scholar Program (FLSP) .................................................................................................................................................................... 79
Leadership Alliance ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 80
Student Ambassadors......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 80
Leadership Conferences and Workshops ....................................................................................................................................................................... 80
Co-Curricular Experiences Transcript (Ccet) .............................................................................................................................................................. 80
Student Organizations ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 80
Organization Recognition .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 81
Organization Responsibility ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 81
Currently Recognized Organizations ................................................................................................................................................................................ 81

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Fraternities and Sororities ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 81

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION ....................................................................... 85
SGA Definition ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 85
Functions and Services of The SGA ................................................................................................................................................................................ 85
Childcare Center .................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 86
Cooperative Activities ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 87
SGA Bookstore ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 88

PETS ON CAMPUS .................................................................................................. 90
SALES AND SOLICITATION POLICY ............................................................................ 90
Athletic Events, Camps and Conferences ....................................................................................................................................................................... 90
Campus Building and Public Outdoor Areas .................................................................................................................................................................... 90
Residence Hall Sales and Solicitation Policy ................................................................................................................................................................... 91
University Union Sales/Solicitation Policy ..................................................................................................................................................................... 92

CAMPUS DIRECTORY .................................................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

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HISTORY OF SRU

Today, as part of the State System of Higher Education,
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania enjoys an enrollment of
some 7,200 students in more than 100 undergraduate, graduate
and doctoral degree programs, including students in its College of
Business, Information and Social Sciences, College of Health,
Environment and Science, College of Humanities, Fine and
Performing Arts, College of Education, and its School of Physical
Therapy and School of Business.

Slippery Rock University opened its doors on March 26, 1889, as
Slippery Rock State Normal School. Its first president was
James E. Morrow, grandfather of Anne Morrow Lindbergh.
Enrollment for the first session was 168 students. Limited to a
singular mission in teacher education, the normal school fulfilled
its mandate well, and over the years graduated thousands of
teachers qualified to staff public schools in Pennsylvania and the
nation.

Students are currently enrolled from some 30 states and some
70 countries.

In 1916, the school was purchased by the commonwealth, and in
1926 became a four-year teachers college, permitted the
following year to change its name to State Teachers College at
Slippery Rock. The institution continued its tradition of teacher
training while offering four-year, bachelor’s degrees. Although
the curricular preparations were in elementary education and in a
number of secondary education subjects, the area of academic
focus assigned during that era by the Pennsylvania Department
of Education was health and physical education. And it was in
that concentration that the institution soon achieved a national
reputation for excellence.

As one of the largest campuses in Pennsylvania, SRU is situated
on 600+ acres in 49 buildings.
To complement on-campus resources, today’s students have
access to learning facilities at nearby Moraine State Park,
Pymatuning State Park, Jennings Environmental Education
Center, McKeever Environmental Learning Center and at the
Marine Science Laboratory at Wallops Island, Virginia.

Slippery Rock State College was established in 1960 and for the
first time could award undergraduate and graduate degrees in
the liberal arts and in the professions. Expanded curricular
offerings and an increased number of degree programs created
an appreciable rise in enrollment. From 1960 to 1970, enrollment
climbed from 1,314 to 5,446.

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QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

Academic Services
Administers programs to meet the needs of the academically
under-prepared student. 724-738-2012

Absences
Minor Illness: Students who live in campus residence halls should
report illnesses to their resident coordinator.

Graduation With Honors
Summa Cum Laude (with highest honor) 3.80-4.000
Magna Cum Laude (with high honor) 3.600-3.799
Cum Laude (with honor) 3.500-3.599

Major Illnesses
If the student will be out of school for more than one week, (for
medical reasons), the student should notify the Student Health
Center. The appropriate dean and the student’s professors will
be notified.

Academic Integrity Policy
The value of a Slippery Rock University education is determined
by the quality and character of its students and graduates.
Therefore students and student organizations are expected to
uphold academic integrity. For more on this policy see the SRU
undergraduate catalog.

Academic Advisor
Faculty advisors provide assistance in the class registration
process, assessing academic needs, and referring students to
other campus resources. 724-738-2009

Academic Records And Summer School
Assists students with registration and withdrawal from courses,
transcript requests, academic waivers, major declaration,
teacher certification forms and much more. 724-738-2010

Academic Calendar
Provides dates on: course withdrawal, drop/add, final exams,
graduation, payment deadlines and registration.

Academic Standards Policy
This policy states the minimal requirements that a student must
meet to remain enrolled in the university and the consequences
when those requirements are not met (refer to Academic
Affairs).

Academic Dismissal
A student who has been previously suspended two times and
again qualifies for suspension will be dismissed from the
university. This student will not normally be readmitted.
Academic Good Standing
Generally a cumulative quality point average of 2.00 or higher is
considered academic good standing.

Address Change
File a change of address form in the Office of Academic
Records.

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Admission To Teacher Education And Certification
Student must have achieved a 3.00 QPA, 42-48 credits and take
the PRAXIS basic skills test.

ATM Machine
There are three ATM machines available on campus. They are
located at the Robert M. Smith Student Center, the University
Union and Weisenfluh Dining Hall. The machines allow 24-hour
access to cash.

Admissions-Undergraduate and Graduate
SRU "rolling admissions" means a decision will be made within a
few weeks of application. For undergraduate admissions, an
applicant must submit a completed application form, transcript of
high school record and SAT or ACT scores. 724-738-2015. At
the graduate level, individual departments may have their own
application requirements. Therefore, those interested in
graduate admissions should visit the Graduate website at
www.sru.edu/graduate or contact the Office of Graduate
Admissions at 724-738-2051.

Audit Policy
Students desiring to audit courses (no credit awarded) must
receive approval from their academic advisor. Audit
course fees and credit course fees are the same. After the
second week of the semester, students may not change from
audit status to graded status or visa versa.

Advising And Testing Services
SRU’s Academic Services coordinates academic advising and
administers the ACT Assessment.

Banks
PNC Bank (www.pnc.com)
Slippery Rock University
Robert M. Smith
724-794-1170

Alcohol Policy
Alcohol usage is prohibited on the SRU campus (exceptions are
listed in the alcohol regulations section).

Bicycles
Bicycle racks are located on campus for student convenience.
Secure all bikes with the appropriate locks.

Alumni Affairs
Sponsors homecoming and alumni weekend as well as a variety of
scholarships. Visit Alumni Affairs in the Russell Wright Alumni
House adjacent to West Gym. 724-738-2018

Blue-Light Emergency Phones
These special telephone boxes are located throughout SRU's
campus. When the box is opened and the receiver picked up, a
call is automatically made to University Police Dispatch
regardless of whether the caller speaks. A police officer will be
sent to the location.

Athletics
Intercollegiate athletics, club sports and intramural sports are
coordinated in this administrative area. 724-738-2021

10

Bookstore
The Student Government Association Bookstore services include:
academic regalia, book buy back, computer equipment, fax
service, phone cards, class rings, fraternity/sorority
paraphernalia, Western Union, books and supplies. 724-738-2104

Catalog (SRU Undergraduate)
Contains valuable in-depth information about academic majors,
procedures and other academic policies.
Change Of Major
To change a major students must complete a change of major
form at the Office of Academic Records, 107 Old Main.

Borough Police
Slippery Rock Borough Police enforce state laws and local
ordinances regarding parking and traffic regulations, disorderly
conduct, illegal use of alcohol and other criminal activity. The
police station and local magistrate's office are located in the
borough building at 306 E. Water Street.

Check Cashing
The SGA Bookstore offers a check cashing service for 50-cents
per check. Consult the Bookstore for full details at 724-7382104.

Bus Schedule
The SRU Student Government Association distributes the
campus shuttle bus schedule. Other public transportation
information may be obtained at the Office of Student
Organizations & Leadership in the University Union.

Child Care Center
The Pre-School and Child Childcare Center is a service of the
Slippery Rock University Student Government Association. The
National Association for the Education of Young Children
accredits the center. Hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 5:00
p.m. The center is located in room 007 McKay Education Building.
For more information including rates contact: 724-738-2102.

Campus Film Policy For Recognized Organizations
Permission and/or a permit must be obtained from the company
that distributes the film before showing the film at an event.

Commencement
Commencement is held at the end of the fall (December) and
spring (May) semesters. August graduates have the option of
participating in the May ceremony or the following December
ceremony.

Campus Maps
Maps of the university are available at the Office of Admissions,
North Hall Welcome Center.
Career Services
Freshmen and upperclassmen refer to this section for important
information about the various services designed especially for
you. 724-738-2028

11

Computer Labs
There are 25 computer labs available on campus at SRU. All eight
residence halls have their own labs that are available 24 hours a
day. There are four academic labs that can be used by university
students throughout the academic year. In addition there are 12
labs available for specific departments and majors that are
restricted for major use only. There is a new lab available in the
University Union 2nd floor for student use. Each lab offers
independent hours of operation.

Course Repeats
Students may improve their quality point average by repeating
courses. The last grade earned is used in calculating the QPA,
even if an earlier grade was higher. However, all grades will
appear on transcripts.
Credit/Examinations
Under certain conditions it is possible for students to take
credit courses by examination in a subject field. A grade of
"Pass" or "No Credit" will be recorded on a student’s records for
coursework taken through credit by examination. A student may
take credit by examination only once per course.

Continuing Education
Credit courses, workshops, and seminars are regularly scheduled
for the convenience of the part-time student. Classes are
regularly offered in Cranberry Township. For those seeking
professional development, but not needing college credit Slippery
Rock University awards continuing education units. For more
information call 724-738-2633.

Criteria Governing Continuance At Sru
For detailed information refer to the section entitled Academic
Records and Summer School.
Cultural Center
The Office of Multicultural Development has a Cultural Center
located on the first floor of the University Union. To reserve
student organization meeting space, phone the office at 724738-2700.

Counseling And Student Development Center
The Counseling Center is located in Rhoads Hall. The Counseling
Center offers counseling and testing services to help students
with problems they may encounter. In addition to office hours, a
counselor is available round the clock to assist students with any
emergency. 724-738-2034

Academic Microcomputer Laboratory Directory

Course Descriptions
Refer to the SRU Undergraduate Catalog for complete course
descriptions.

Information Technology Managed Labs
Eisenberg Classroom Building - Room 120
724-738-4488
McKay Education –Room 010
724-738-4491

12

Spotts World Culture Building - Room 105
724-738-4490

College of Health, Environment, and Sciences West Gym Building
Room 013 - 724-738-6899

Vincent Science Hall Room 129

University Union
Lobby

Other Labs on Campus
Cultural Library
The Cultural Library is located in the Cultural Center in the
University Union. Staff is available to sign out books to students
who would like to expand their knowledge about cultural
diversity. 724-738-2700

Art Department
Room 102 - 724-738-4194
Bailey Library
Room 102 - 724-738-4487

Dining Services
Food service is available in Weisenfluh and Boozel dining halls and
Rocky’s Grille. The daily menu may be obtained by calling 724738-2844.

Communication Department Eisenberg Classroom Bldg.
Room 217 - 724-738-2281
College of Education McKay Education Bldg.
Room 123 - 724-738-2892

Diplomas
All diplomas are sent via mail after completion of degree
requirements.

Maltby
Room 104 - 724-738-6032
Modern Languages Spotts World Cultures Bldg.
Room 203 - 724-738-6158

Directory Assistance
Directory assistance may be reached on-campus between the
hours of 8:00a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday by
dialing "0". The off-campus number is 724-738-9000.

English Department
Writing Center
Spotts World Culture Bldg.
Room 301 - 724-738-2654

Disability Student Services
The Office for Students with Disabilities handles services for
students with disabilities. The office is located in 122 Bailey
Library. 724-738-2203

College of Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts Vincent Science
Hall Room 119 - 724-738-2709

13

Elevators
Elevators are located in all class buildings and residence halls.
Those requesting a key for medical reasons may contact the
Office for Students with Disabilities, 122 Bailey Library, 724738-2203.

Family Day
Family Day is held during the fall semester of each year. A
variety of activities are designed specifically for parents and
alumni to interact with students, faculty and staff.
724-738-2082

Escort Service
The University provides an escort service through the campus
safety office that is available around the clock. For more
information contact University Police at 724-738-3333.

Family Educational Rights And Privacy Act Of 1974
Refer to the general information section to review this policy.
Final Examinations
At the end of each semester, all final examinations are
administered during the time stipulated in the examination
schedule, printed in the Master Schedule of Course Offerings,
by the Office of Academic Records and Summer School.

Evacuation Procedures
Evacuation procedures are provided in the hallways of each
campus building.
Exams
Exams are administered at the faculty member’s discretion.
Rules and regulations for exams are also developed at the faculty
member’s discretion.

Financial Aid Office
The Office of Financial Aid is located at Room 107, Maltby. 724738-2044
Frederick Douglass Institute
The Frederick Douglass Institute for Academic Achievement and
Human Development is a collaborative effort between Academic
Affairs and Student Affairs. Principles developed by Frederick
Douglass serve as the foundation for the development of
academic and human development programs. For more
information contact Dwight Greer at 724-738-2615.

Exit Exams
Some students are required to take specific standardized
examinations in liberal studies and/or major area of study before
a degree will be conferred.
Family Connection Services
Family Connection Services provides families with a variety of
services and resources in an effort to connect them with the
Slippery Rock University campus community. 724-738-2082

Full-Time Status
Students must register for 12 credits to be considered a fulltime student.
Grade Appeal Policy
Refer to the SRU Undergraduate Catalog for details.

14

Grade Point Average
Refer to the undergraduate catalog for details.

Help Desk
The SRU HELP Desk is located at 200 Maltby Center. Operating
hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. unless otherwise
posted. The HELP Desk is the first point of contact for all work
requests or problems concerning technology at SRU. The HELP
Desk can be reached at 724-738-HELP (4357)

Graduate Student Programs
Graduate student information may be found in the SRU Graduate
catalog. Those interested in graduate admissions should visit the
Graduate website at www.sru.edu/graduate or contact the
Office of Graduate Admissions at 724-738-2051.

Homecoming
Homecoming is a chance for alumni to return to SRU to
recapture the memories of their time at the university. Events
include a homecoming parade, football game and the crowning of
the homecoming king and queen.

Hazing Policy
No student or organization, fraternity or sorority shall permit
its pledges or members to submit or take part in hazing or vulgar
or indecent practices, or any practices that involve hazard or
danger. The criteria for hazing includes public display, physical
abuse, moral indignity and scholastic interference.

Housing/Residence Education
All students are welcome to live in the various residence halls.
Freshmen are required to live in the residence halls. All
residence halls have kitchen, cable, microwaves, computer rooms,
personal voice mail and individual computer internet access. 724738-2082

Health Services
Health services are provided by staff of Student Health
Services. All students are provided with confidential health
care. Specific services included medical care by certified
physicians and nurse practitioners; walk-in care by registered
nurses around the clock during the academic year; inpatient care
for short-term illnesses; and health education resources and
outreach programs.

ID Cards
Identification cards are necessary for all students at Slippery
Rock University. ID cards may be used to purchase meals and use
university facilities. Students who damage or misplace ID cards
must pay a fee to have them replaced an ID card when they
arrive at SRU. 724-738-2100

Grades And Quality Points
Refer to the undergraduate catalog for details.

15

Incompletes
Incomplete grades are given at the discretion of the individual
faculty member and are given when extenuating circumstances
prevent a student from completing course requirements during
any given semester. Any student receiving an incomplete has 12
months to complete coursework and receive a final grade. If a
student is unable to complete work in this time period,
regardless of the circumstances, the grade is automatically
changed to an "F."

International Services
The International Services Office provides support for
international students studying on our campus as well as for SRU
students interested in pursuing a study abroad program.
Additional information on these programs can be found in
subsequent sections of this handbook.
Internships
Internships are normally given to upperclassmen as a way to gain
experience within a student’s academic major. Requirements and
availability vary by department. Contact your area of interest
and meet with your advisor or the department chairperson for
information on internships.

Individual Course Withdrawal
See the SRU Undergraduate Catalog for further information.
Information Desk
The Student Information Desk is located in the University Union.
Information is available on events, programs, student
organizations and more. 724-738-2644

Intramural Sports
With one of the most extensive programs in the country for a
school of its size, Slippery Rock University’s Intramural Sports
gives the student population an opportunity to compete. There
are approximately 15 sports offered for both men and women
along with co-educational opportunities. Intramurals are an
excellent way to interact and compete with other students. 724738-2874

Information Technology
Telecommunications and Networking is located in 200 Maltby.
The campus telephone system, computer network, HELP desk and
academic labs are all managed and supported by this office.
Telephone repair orders can be placed at ext. 6800. The
department office can be reached at 724-738-2800.

Language Lab
The Language Lab at SRU is located on the second floor of
Carruth-Rizza Hall. The lab gives students the opportunity to
enhance their study of the various languages available at SRU.

Intercultural Programs
The Office of Intercultural Programs is a comprehensive office
that serves historically bypassed students and organizations at
Slippery Rock University. Location -University Union in Room 102.
724-738-2700

16

Late Payment Fee Policy
A late payment fee will be charged after deadlines stated in the
individual course withdrawal policy. Late fees are $15 and must
be paid to the Office of Academic Records and Summer School.
(Refer to the comprehensive review of the policy contained in
this publication).

Meal Plans
All students living in university residence halls must sign a meal
contract. This contract entitles them to use the food service
facilities on campus. A variety of meal plans are available. For
additional information, contact Dining Services at 724-7382038.

Laundry Facilities
Laundry facilities are available in all residence halls and are open
around the clock. In addition, all university
laundry facilities accept Rock Dollars for added convenience.

Praxis Teachers Exam
Praxis is administered by Career Services.
Nondiscriminatory Policy And Affirmative Action Statement
Please consult the section named above for a complete
description of the policy.

Library
Bailey Library offers a full range of resources and services
which supports the university community and constituencies. A
collection of more than two million items are available for
student’s use. These include 420,000 books, 71,000 bound
periodicals and 128 million pieces of microfilm and microfiche.
The library offers an interlibrary loan, an Instructional Materials
Center and a fully operational computer lab. 724-738-2058

Operation Id
This is a program used for on-campus computer labs in order to
ensure personal access and security. All students are given an ID
when they enroll at SRU.
Organizations
There are numerous student organizations available on campus
for a variety of interests. Student organizations promote
personal growth, fellowship and community service.

Lost And Found
Contact Slippery Rock University Police for lost items. Take all
found items to University Police at 145 Kiester Road. 724-7383333

Parking Regulations
All students who wish to park on campus are required to register
for a parking permit through University Police. "Commuter",
"Resident" and "Staff" parking decals are issued. Parking areas
are designated by the categories listed above.

Major
A complete description of under-graduate majors is available in
the SRU Undergraduate Catalog.

17

Part-Time Status
Any undergraduate taking less than 12 credits, or any graduate
student taking less than 9 credits, in any given semester is
considered a part-time student.

Probation
Refer to the section entitled Office of Academic Records and
Summer School for information about academic probation.
Quality Point Average
The quality point average is computed by dividing the quality
points earned by the total number of credits attempted
exclusive of repeat courses. (A)= 4 quality points, (B)= 3 quality
points, (C)= 2 quality points, (D)= 1 quality points, (F)= 0 quality
points.

Pass-No Credit Grade Policy
For a full description of the Pass-No Credit
Grade Policy refer to the Undergraduate Catalog.
Peer Helping Opportunities
Academic Services, Office of Intercultural Programs,
Orientation, Health Center, and Residence Halls, are among the
departments that hire and train students to assist peers in a
variety of programs. (Contact the department for more
information and applications).

Rape Crisis Information
Contact the McLachlan Student Health Center at 724-738-2052.
The Health Center is staffed by registered nurses 7-days-aweek. University counselors are on call 24-hours-a-day for crisis
situations.
Other points of contact: SRU Counseling Center 724-738-2034,
Crime Victim Services 724-282-7273, Volunteers Against Abuse
Center 1-800-400-8551.

Pets
No dogs, cats, or other pets are permitted in any institutional
facility. This includes private residence of employees who may
reside on campus. Excluded are dogs to assist the blind and
animals required in connection with laboratory activities.

Recycling
Bins are placed in all buildings for collection.

Policies And Regulations Regarding Student Behavior
Refer to the SRU Student Code of Conduct.

Refund Policy
Refer to Student Accounts for more information.

Post Office
Located at 400 South Main Street Slippery Rock, PA 16057.
724-794-8760

Registrar’s Office
Located in the Office of Academic Records and Summer School,
107 Old Main.

Presentations On Crime Awareness And Prevention
For information contact University Police at 724-738-3333.

Registration
Refer to Academic Records and Summer School.

18

Requirements for Graduation
The majority of the majors require a minimum of 120 credits for
graduation. The minimum QPA is 2.00 in most majors, but some
are higher. Teacher certification applicants are required to have
a 3.0 as their overall Slippery Rock University QPA. Please check
with your academic department for specific QPA requirements.

Solicitation Policy
To schedule University Union facilities, groups and organizations
must contact the Office of University Union Operations and
complete the appropriate paper work. The Office of University
Union Operations is located in Room C-217 of the University
Union. 724-738-4985

Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)
The Army ROTC program offers men and women the opportunity
to learn and practice leadership and managerial techniques; to
obtain credits which count toward graduation; and to earn a
commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army upon
completion of the program.
724-738-2019

Scholarships
Scholarship information may be obtained from the Office of
Financial Aid. Information is also listed in the Slippery Rock
Undergraduate catalog. A complete list of all available SRU
scholarships appears on the SRU homepage www.sru.edu/finaid.
Sexual Harassment Policy Statement And Grievance
Procedures
Slippery Rock University’s sexual harassment policy and
procedures seek to insure an environment that is free from
sexual harassment. Such conduct is costly in human terms and
seriously undermines the atmosphere of trust and respect that
is essential to work and study for all members of the academic
community. For more information contact the Office of Social
Equity, located in Room 305 Old Main.

Residency Requirements
(Academic)
To qualify for graduation, students must complete the last 30
credits of degree requirements at Slippery Rock University.
Ride Board
Located in the University Union is a "Ride Board" containing
information on carpool and travel. 724-738-2092

Sports Information
The Sports Information Office is located in 201 Old Main (724738-2086). The hotline number is 724-738-2962.

Rock Talk
Rock Talk is an interactive system that allows students to access
services through the convenience of their telephone or
computer. Rock Talk lets students register for classes, acquire
mid-term and final grades, drop and add classes or find account
balances on university fees. Call 724-738-3000 or go online at
http://rocktalk.sru.edu to use Rock Talk.

Student Activities and Organizations
The Center for Student Leadership is located in Room B-105,
University Union. 724-738-2092

19

Student Life
Refer to the above named section for a complete description.
724-738-2003

Telephone Directory
The University Directory is published annually by the Student
Government Association (SGA). In addition to listing names,
addresses, e-mails and telephone numbers of your fellow
students, the directory will assist in locating phone numbers for
various offices, academic departments, services and businesses
throughout the community.

Student Telephone Services
Student Telephone Services offers inexpensive long distance
access. A variety of billing options are available. For additional
information please call 724-738-2900 or 888-YES-ECCI.

Transcripts
Transcripts of students’ academic records may be obtained from
the Office of Academic Records and Summer School by written
request of the student.

Study Abroad Program
The International Services Office is the place to go for
information on study abroad opportunities. Program last from
one week to a full-year, and further details and resources can be
found in subsequent sections of this handbook as well as in the
International Services Office, 114 Carruth Rizza Hall, or by
calling 724-738-2057

Transfer Coursework
Courses in which grades of C- or higher are earned are generally
acceptable in transfer providing the student meets all regular
admission requirements. Courses in which grades of D have been
earned as part of an accredited associate degree from a
Pennsylvania public community college will be acceptable for
transfer.

Support Groups
There are several support groups located throughout campus,
refer to Student Affairs personnel for more
information.

Tutoring Services
Located in Room 106 Bailey Library, Tutoring Services provides
peer tutors to meet with students on an individual or small group
basis, free of charge. Tutoring is available for most 100- and
200- level courses. To receive peer tutoring, the student must
complete a tutor request form and return it to the Tutorial
Center. 724-738-2845

System For Courses
Undergraduate courses are numbered between the 100 and 400
level. The range of difficulty is based on how high the number is
with 100 level courses being freshman/ introductory level and
the 400 level directed at more specialized topics for
upperclassmen.

20

Undergraduate Course Attendance Policy
Determination of individual class attendance requirements rests
with the individual instructor. Students are expected to attend
every class session of the courses for which they are registered.
Instructors are required to inform students of attendance
requirements and of circumstances/conditions under which
absence will be excused.

Writing Center
The University Writing Center is located on the third floor of
Spotts World Culture Building. The center offers tutorial
instruction on the writing process and the revision of papers.
724-738-2654
Work Study Program
Employment based on financial need may be available to eligible
students. Students who are awarded work-study monies are
eligible to work up to 20 hours per week. Paychecks are
distributed bi-weekly and the rate of pay is minimum wage. Job
opportunities are advertised by the Office of Career Services at
www.sru.edu/pages/13368.asp.

University Policy on Semester Course Syllabi
Generally the course syllabus is handed out during the first class
meeting. It usually includes the faculty member’s office hours, a
tentative class schedule, course requirements and expected
outcomes.
University Police
The University Police Department is located at 145 Keister Road
(opposite Morrow Field House). 724-738-3333

Zip Code
The local zip code for SRU and Slippery Rock is 16057.

Veterans Affairs
Located in the Office of Financial Aid
107 Maltby Center. 724-738-2044
Withdrawal Policy
(Total University)
Students must complete an official Withdrawal Form obtainable
at the Office of Academic Records and Summer School. Regular
charges will be assessed until the Office of Student Accounts
receives the withdrawal notice.

21

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

inform the vice president for academic affairs. If the instructor
decides to refer the matter to the Office of Student
Standards, the coordinator of that office may institute
disciplinary action.

308 Old Main - 724-738-2001

ACADEMIC POLICIES

Class Attendance

Academic Complaint

Slippery Rock University policy on student absence from class is
as follows:

In the event that a student has an academic complaint (e.g.,
complaint against a professor, grade problems, etc.), the
following procedure is to be followed:

Determination of individual class attendance requirements rests
with the individual instructor.

Contact should be made with the instructor.
Students are expected to attend every class session of the
courses for which they are registered.

If the student and the instructor cannot settle the problem,
contact should be made with the chairperson of the department.

Attendance may be required for approved classes or field trips
outside the regular schedule (students should check course
description in the catalog and the course syllabus).

If the problem persists, the student should contact the dean of
the college in which the complaint is lodged.
The next step in solving the problem, if necessary, should be to
contact the Office of Academic Affairs.

Instructors are required to inform students of attendance
requirements and of circumstances/conditions under which
absence will be excused.

Cheating and Plagiarism

Instructors may make some allowances for absence occasioned
by illness, by authorized activities for the University, or for
religious holidays.

Academic dishonesty is considered a major violation against the
University’s Code of Conduct and an offense against the
University. Any student charged with academic dishonesty will be
dealt with by either the coordinator of student development or
the course instructor. If the instructor handles the matter, the
instructor is to inform the departmental chairperson of the
problem and its resolution. The departmental chairperson is to
forward the information to the appropriate dean who will then

Arrangements to make up work because of class absence are the
student’s responsibility.

22

Readmission

necessarily the last day of class attendance. Contact the office
of retention services at 724 738 2011 for additional information.

Students who have interrupted their attendance at SRU for any
reason may resume studies at Slippery Rock University by
applying for readmission to the dean in whose college they
previously studied, or the Director of Retention Services (even if
they will change their major after entering the university). This
must be done at least one month prior to the beginning of the
semester/term in which they wish to enter. Students must
submit official transcripts from all schools attended after
leaving SRU before a readmission decision will be made. Credits
earned at another college or university while they are not
attending SRU may not be eligible for transfer to Slippery Rock
University. Using a transient clearance form, students must
obtain approval from their department and at times, their dean
before taking the courses to ensure the transferability of
credits to Slippery Rock University. Grades earned, as a
transient student, will not be computed into the student’s SRU
grade point average. Readmitted students are responsible for
meeting all academic requirements in effect at the time they are
readmitted, not at the time they were originally admitted to the
university.

Unless suitable proof is submitted, students not living on campus
will be withdrawn on the day their withdrawal form is completed
and returned, not the day they claim they last attended classes.
Students residing on campus will be withdrawn from the
university either on the day they move out of the residence hall,
stop attending classes or last use their meal plan, whichever date
is the latest.

Guest Speaker Policy
When a decision is made by any group (student or departmental)
to invite to the campus a prominent guest speaker, notification
should be sent to the appropriate dean or vice president, prior to
issuing the invitation. On occasion, it may be appropriate for the
official invitation to be issued by the president on behalf of the
sponsoring group. Such determination will be made by the
appropriate dean or vice president.
On the occasion when a prominent individual initiates contact
with the university, specifically asking to attend a class or
gathering, prior notification may not be possible. In such cases,
the appropriate dean or vice president should be informed of
this individual’s visit with as much advance notice as possible.

Withdrawal
Once the decision has been made to withdraw from the
University, the student must secure a withdrawal form. These
forms are located throughout campus as well as in the office of
academic records and summer school and the Office of
Retention Services. The student is to fill out section one of the
form. Section two will indicate with whom the student needs to
meet to conclude the process. Once the student has been
interviewed, the process of withdrawal is complete. The
withdrawal date is considered the date of the exit interview, nor

23

Cancellation of Classes

WBUT-LER 97.7
FM
WTIC/Y103 103
FM
WRSK
88.1
FM
WTAE
1250
AM
WVTY
Variety 96
FM
TV Stations
KDKA
Pittsburgh

Cancellation Policy
The university and its off-campus locations will remain open in all
but the most extreme circumstances. On occasion, due to severe
inclement weather or a lack of ability to provide essential
services, the university may find it necessary to cancel classes.
Cancellation of classes does not imply that the university is
closed. Any class cancellations will apply to all university locations
unless otherwise specified. Faculty members will be required to
make up time for cancelled classes.
During hazardous weather conditions, students, faculty, and
staff are urged to use their discretion in deciding whether they
can safely commute to work or classes. Any university employee
unable to reach campus is required to report off work and
request leave, using established procedures. Faculty should not
penalize students who miss class because severe weather
conditions. Students should discuss their absence with their
professors.

WBZY
KDKA
WISR

AM
FM
AM
AM
AM

WPXI

Pittsburgh

WFMJ

Youngstown

WKBN

Youngstown

Channel 6

Slippery Rock

The staff at the university’s main number 724-738-9000 will be
notified so they can respond to inquiries. The main number
greeting will inform callers of class cancellations when that
number is not staffed.
Should the university be officially closed, essential functions
must be maintained and certain personnel may be required to
report to work. Provisions will be made to keep the following
operations open to provide services for the students:

Radio Stations
1280
921
1200
1020
680

Pittsburgh

A voice mail will be distributed to all university telephones and a
recorded message will be placed on 724-738-2998. Information
also will be posted on our Web Site, www.SRU.edu and Rock Talk.

Notification Procedures
Any change to normal university operation will be announced as
early as possible through the media. The following radio and
television stations will be notified.

WKST

WTAE

Butler
Sharon/Youngstown
SRU
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh

Bailey Library
Dining Halls
Health Services
Morrow Field House
University Union

New Castle
New Castle
New Castle
Pittsburgh
Butler

24

Recreation Center
Residence Halls
Switchboard
University Police

ACADEMIC RECORDS & SUMMER SCHOOL

processes the following forms:
All Academic Waivers/Exemptions and Substitutions
- Authorization of Grade Disclosure Forms
- Change of Major Forms
- Class Registration Forms
- Credit by Examination Forms
- Drop/Add Cards
- Excess Hours Forms
- Grade Change Cards
- Grade Option Cards
- Graduation and Diploma Applications
- Minor Declaration Forms
- Name/Address Change Cards
- Second Major Forms
- Student Withdrawal Forms Applications
-Transcript Request Forms
- Transient and Visiting Student Forms
- Withdrawal Cards

107 Old Main - 724-738-2010
The Office of Academic Records and Summer School is located
in Room 107, Old Main. The office serves two purposes in helping
students while they are enrolled at the University and after they
graduate.
As the primary repository for all students’ academic records, the
Office of Academic Records and Summer School...
fulfills requests from students and former students to send
their official transcripts to other individuals, institutions or
employers. The office does not release unofficial transcripts to
anyone but university personnel, and will not release transcripts
on behalf of any student with an obligation to the university.
writes letters and completes forms certifying student
attendance at the university. These forms are often times sent
from loan agencies, local tax collectors, prospective employers,
government agencies, credit card companies, insurance companies
and many other sources.

evaluates credits:
-transferred to the university from another school while
the student was a transient or "visiting" student.
-earned through military service (DD214 is required),
Advanced Placement (AP) exams, College Level
Examination Program (CLEP)
-tests, DSST exams, and PEP exams.
-the university does not award credit for correspondence
courses or work experience.

monitors the university’s compliance with the Family Educational
Rights and Privacy Act, Student Right to Know Act, and the
Solomon Amendment.
performs degree audits on prospective graduates to assure that
they will meet all their graduation requirements prior to
graduation.
monitors the university's "Rock Talk" telephone and Web
systems.
25

Academic Dismissal

earns less than a 2.000 cumulative QPA for three semesters and
is deficient six or more quality points.

A student who has been previously suspended two times and
again qualifies for suspension will be dismissed from the
university. This student will not normally be readmitted.

earns less than a 2.000 cumulative QPA for four semesters and
is deficient three or more quality points.

Academic Probation

earns more than 95 credit hours and has a cumulative QPA of
less than 2.000.

If the cumulative quality point average (QPA) for all courses
attempted at Slippery Rock University is less than a 2.000, the
student will be placed on academic probation. Students may also
be placed on probation at the end of any semester in which they
earn less than a 1.0 semester QPA and have a cumulative QPA of
2.0 or higher. The student may continue at the university under
conditions agreed to by the student and the appropriate
academic dean.

Ordinarily, a first suspension is for a period of one semester and
a second suspension is for a period of two semesters.
Suspension may result whenever a part-time or full-time student
earns deficient grades at the conclusion of any semester or
summer session.

Academic Suspension

Continuous Registration Procedure

Academic suspension will occur whenever a student:

The courses designated as "Basic Competency" courses are
subject to continuous registration. Students will be placed into
the appropriate course in each skills area. If the course
requirements are satisfactorily met, the students will receive a
grade of A, B, or C. If the expectations are not met, the
students will receive an "NC" (No Credit) and must repeat the
course the following semester. If, on the second attempt of the
same course, the student has not met the expectations, a grade
of "F" will be posted to the permanent record. Once enrolled,
students are not permitted to drop a basic competency course
after the first day of classes. Connecting Reading and Writing,
College Writing I and II, Developmental Math, Beginning
Algebra, and Public Speaking are considered "Basic Competency"
courses. Students may not drop or withdraw from a "Basic
Competency" course.

is deficient 24 quality points during the first semester of
attendance.
earns, after the first semester, a QPA of less than 1.000 in any
semester and has a cumulative QPA of less than 2.0.
is on academic probation for two consecutive semesters and does
not earn a cumulative QPA of 2.000 by the conclusion of the
third semester.
earns less than a 2.000 cumulative QPA for two semesters and is
deficient 12 or more quality points.

26

Degree Requirements

Exit Examinations
Some students are required to take specific standardized
examinations in liberal studies and/or major area of study before
their degrees will be conferred.

Application for Graduation
Students must make formal application to the Office of
Academic Records and Summer School by October 1 for
December graduation, March 1 for May graduation, and June 15
for summer graduation.

Minimum Credit Hour and Quality Point Requirements
All degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits. At least
30 credits must be completed to earn a major and at least 18
credits must be completed to earn a minor. The majority of
programs require minimum cumulative and major quality point
averages of 2.000; some programs require a higher average. This
information is available from the department advisor or
chairperson. To be eligible for teacher certification, students
entering fall 2003 or thereafter must have a 3.000 cumulative
average in all university coursework.

A non-refundable diploma fee is payable at that time. Eligible
students should apply for a teaching certificate at the time they
apply for graduation. A certification fee is payable at the time of
application. (Please check with the College of Education for
further details.) The diploma application and fee are not
transferable to another individual or term. Students who meet
all graduation requirements in a given term, but fail to apply for
graduation and/or pay their graduation fee after the semester
ends will be graduated at the end of the semester in which their
application is received in the Office of Academic Records and
Summer School, not the term they completed their coursework.

Drop, Add, Withdrawal
Full semester courses may be added during the first week that
the course meets and during the second week of classes with the
instructor’s signature. Courses dropped during the first week of
the semester will not be recorded on the students' permanent
records unless they withdraw from all their classes, in which
case grades of "W" will be awarded. Students may withdraw
from full semester classes with a grade of "W" between the
second and tenth weeks of the semester. Students will not be
permitted to withdraw from classes after the tenth week and
will be held accountable and awarded a final grade for all
coursework, exams and other work assigned during the final five
weeks of the semester. For courses meeting fewer than 15
weeks, the withdrawal deadline is two thirds of the way through
the course's beginning and ending dates. Students taking basic

Completion of Degree Requirements
It is the responsibility of the student to complete the specific
major and to know university requirements for graduation. This is
not the responsibility of the student's advisors.
Students must meet all graduation requirements by the official
end of the semester in which they have applied to graduate.
Failure to do so (incomplete grades in any course or "X" grades in
required courses, no application, etc.) will result in the updating
of the student's graduation date to the end of the term/year
the work is eventually completed. Final grades for summer
internships must be submitted no later than Sept. 30 if students
wish to have their graduation date backdated to July.
27

requirement courses may not drop or withdraw once the
semester has started.

Pass/No Credit Grades
Students may schedule a maximum of 12 credits graded by
pass/no credit in the sophomore, junior, and senior years
combined. Students must select these courses at registration
and cannot change the pass/no credit designations after the
first two weeks of the semester. For these 12 credits, only free
elective courses may be taken on a pass/no credit basis. Pass/no
credit courses may not be used to satisfy major, minor and
liberal studies requirements. Some selected courses are not
included in the 12-credit limitation. Students may not take more
than one pass/no credit course during a semester.

Students desiring to add closed sections will have to secure the
signatures of the professors of the closed sections.
Students may use yellow drop cards anytime after they have
registered until the end of the first week of the semester.
After the first week of the semester, students must use blue
withdrawal cards, which require the signatures of the professors
of the courses and the students' advisors.
Students who for exceptional reasons, are permitted to drop,
add, or withdraw from classes after the university's stated
deadlines must receive their respective dean's approval and will
be charged $15 for each transaction.

Courses taken under the pass/no credit system are not used in
computing the QPA. Credit for such courses is recorded toward
meeting the total credit requirements if the course is passed. A
grade of "No Credit" (NC) will be recorded if the course is
failed.

Residency (Academic)
To qualify for graduation, students must complete the last 36
credits of degree requirements at Slippery Rock University.

Pass/no credit is not synonymous with audit. In pass/no credit,
all course requirements must be met by the student.

Incomplete Grades
The assignment of incomplete grades is the prerogative of the
individual faculty member and is granted when extenuating
circumstances prevent a student’s completing the course
requirements within the regular time period. It is the sole
responsibility of the professor to set the deadline for the
completion of an incomplete; however, effective with the summer
1993 semester, if an incomplete grade is not changed within 12
months, the grade will automatically convert to an "F," regardless
of whether or not the student attends the university.

Grading and Quality Point Conversion System University Grading
System
A
B
C
D
F
I
P
NC
AU

28

Excellent
Good
Satisfactory
Poor
Failure
Incomplete
Pass
No Credit
Audit

4
3
2
1
0
0
0
0
0

quality
quality
quality
quality
quality
quality
quality
quality
quality

pts.
pts.
pts.
pts.
pts.
pts.
pts.
pts.
pts.

W
X

Withdrawal
No Grade Given

0
0

quality pts.
quality pts.

injustice(s) relating to a final grade and/or professional
responsibilities. Students should have protection through
orderly procedures against unsubstantiated academic evaluation.
Students who believe that their final course grade reflects
unsubstantiated academic evaluation may initiate and pursue a
grade change appeal in accordance with provisions of this
document. At the same time, all academic rights and privileges
of faculty members are to be honored in this process, which
includes careful review of the course syllabus. Changes in final
course grades will occur only when, as a result of this grade
appeal process, there is clear evidence of unsubstantiated
academic evaluation.

See Table above: All "WP" and "WF" grades have been removed.
Quality Point Average
Quality points for a single course are calculated by multiplying
the quality points assigned the letter grade (as noted above) by
the number of credits of the course. Total points are calculated
by adding the quality points earned in each course. The quality
point average (QPA) is computed by dividing the total quality
points earned by the total number of credits attempted,
exclusive of repeated courses. Grades earned in courses taken at
other colleges for transfer are not computed in the quality point
average of Slippery Rock University, unless the courses were
taken at SRU’s approval as a "visiting student" at another State
System of Higher Education university. Further explanation
concerning the calculation of the QPA may be directed to the
Advisement Center or the Office of Academic Records and
Summer School.

Since the grade process involves the instructor’s judgment of
the academic performance of a student the only issue under
consideration in the grade appeal process is whether or not the
student can present clear evidence that the assignment of the
grade was based on factors other than the academic judgment of
the instructor.
Some examples of the basis for a legitimate disagreement could
include, but not be limited to prejudiced, capricious, or
unsubstantiated academic evaluation by the instructor:

Grade Appeal Policy
Procedure for Filing Grade Appeal

The instructor did not inform the student of the basis for
calculation of grades.
The instructor did not calculate the student’s grade in
accordance with the instructor’s stated policy for calculating
grades. Significant and unwarranted deviation from grading
procedures and course outlines set at the beginning of the
course (ordinarily during the first week of the course) or a grade
assigned arbitrarily and capriciously on the basis of whim,
impulse or caprice.

Academic Due Process Procedures
The purpose of the following procedure is to provide students
with a system by which to grieve complaints of alleged academic

29

There is an error in the computation of the grade that was not
corrected.

Formal Procedure:
Step One – Instructor

The student, through no fault of his or her own, was not provided
with the same opportunity to complete the requirements for the
course in terms, for example, of time, access to materials, or
access to the instructor as the other students.

The student must complete and submit the “student” portion of
the Final Grade Appeal Form to the course instructor no later
than 21 days after the beginning of the semester following the
issuance of the final grade. The summer term does not
constitute a semester.

A student may not claim arbitrariness and capriciousness if
he/she disagrees with the subjective professional evaluation of
the instructor.

The student must discuss the final course grade, grading
practices and assignments with the instructor who gave the final
grade. This discussion may eliminate any misunderstandings over
the assignment of the grade as relates to the course syllabus.
This discussion must occur no later than 10 days after the
beginning of the semester (not summer) following the issuance of
the final grade.
If the faculty member finds in the student’s favor, a grade
change card is submitted with signatures and the appeal process
is resolved.

The student must retain a copy of the Final Grade Appeal for
his/her records and send a copy to the department chairperson
(or substitute). The chairperson of the department evaluation
committee shall substitute for the department chairperson IF
the department chairperson was the instructor of the course in
which the grade is being appealed.
The department chairperson (or substitute) is to confirm that
the instructor is aware of the grade appeal and is to inquire as to
the instructor’s planned response.
If the instructor decides that the final grade is correct, he/she
must complete the “instructor” portion of the Final Grade Appeal
Form, and return it to the student and send a copy to the
chairperson (or substitute) within 14 days of receipt of the
student’s appeal.
If an instructor fails to respond within the allotted time, the
appeal shall move to step 2 below.

If a student and instructor fail to resolve the grade dispute
through informal means the student may request a formal grade
appeal process by completing a Final Grade Appeal Form that may
be obtained in the Office of Academic Records and Summer
School.

If a faculty member whose grade(s) are being appealed is no
longer employed by the university or is unavailable due to a
sabbatical, sick leave, or other reasons during the time period
allotted for the appeal process, the appeal should be directed to
the chair of the department’s evaluation committee for review.

The following steps must be followed in the appeals procedure:
Informal Procedure:

30

The instructor must indicate on the Final Grade Appeal Form
whether he/she agrees or disagrees with the chairperson’s
recommendation, signs and returns the Final Grade Appeal Form
to the chairperson within 7 days.
If the instructor amends the grade, a signed grade change card
is submitted and the grade appeal is ended.
If the instructor does not agree to amend the grade or fails to
respond in the allotted time, the chairperson (or substitute)
submits the Final Grade Appeal Form to the college dean with
his/her recommendation within 7 days. A copy of the
recommendation must be forwarded to the student and the
instructor.

Step Two – Department Chairperson
If the student wishes to appeal further, he/she must submit the
original Final Grade Appeal Form (or copy if the instructor fails
to respond as described in step 1 above) to the department
chairperson (or substitute). This appeal must be submitted
within 14 days of the dated instructor’s response, or if the
instructor does not respond, within 28 days after the appeal was
originally filed with the instructor. A copy of the Final Grade
Appeal Form must be forwarded to the college dean.
The department chairperson (or substitute) will review the
appeal within 7 days.
Before the department chairperson (or substitute) determines if
the student’s complaint provides evidence that the instructor’s
assignment of the grade was based on factors other than the
academic judgment of the instructor he/she will review the
appeal with the instructor.
The chairperson (or substitute) may also conduct whatever
informal investigation seems necessary and should attempt to
achieve a negotiated settlement.
If the department chairperson (or substitute) determines the
student’s evidence does not meet the criteria for a grade appeal,
the chairperson (or substitute) will forward his/her decision on
the grade appeal to the college dean.
A copy of the Final Grade appeal Form must be forwarded to the
student and the instructor.
If the department chairperson (or substitute) determines the
student’s evidence does meet the criteria for a grade appeal,
he/she will recommend in writing to the instructor a course of
action to amend the grade.

Step Three – Dean
If the dean, upon review of the chairperson’s recommendation,
also determines the student’s evidence does not meet the
criteria for a grade appeal, the dean will complete and return the
Grade Appeal Form to the student with a copy to the instructor
and chairperson (or substitute) with 7 days. The grade appeal
process ends.
If the dean, upon review of the chairperson’s recommendation,
determines that the student’s evidence does meet the criteria
for a grade appeal, the dean shall initiate a meeting with the
faculty member. The dean shall review the appeal, can hear
evidence by each side, and may collect further evidence as
desirable.
If agreement cannot be reached, the dean will forward the Final
Grade Appeal Form to the Provost and Vice President for
Academic Affairs within 7 days, with his/her recommendation
that the grade appeal be referred to a Grade Appeal Board. A
copy of the Final Grade Appeal Form must be forwarded to the
student, instructor, and chairperson.

31

Students who appeal a grade to a Grade Appeal Board are
responsible for maintaining ALL written materials relevant to the
appeal, such as papers, examinations, and completed assignments.
Further, the appeals board must have access to appropriate
documentation and academic records pertaining to the course
grade in question.

In each of the above statements, the chairperson of the
department evaluation committee shall substitute for the
department chairperson IF the department chairperson was the
instructor of the course in which the grade is being appealed.
Should the chair of the evaluation committee not be available,
APSCUF will be consulted in the process in choosing the
substitute.

After the appeals process is complete, the only record to be
maintained will be the student’s final grade.

Composition of Grade Appeal Board
Three faculty recommended by APSCUF. One from the academic
department in which the course is taught. Not the instructor.
Two managers selected by the provost. One to be the dean of
the college in which the course was taught.
One student recommended by Student Government Association.
A senior major in the department in which the course is taught.
Normally, each Grade Appeal Board will be appointed to hear one
appeal.
Those responsible for recommending board members should be
sensitive to race and gender composition.
The provost will appoint each board and chairperson within the
parameters above.

Each appeals board will make its recommendation to the
university president, who may accept or reject the
recommendation.
Since the university president has the power and duty to direct
the activities of the institution, nothing in this policy should be
construed as to diminish that authority in any way.

Repeat of Courses
Students may improve their quality point average by repeating
courses. The last grade earned is used in calculating the QPA
even if the earlier grade was higher. However, all grades will
appear on the transcript. If the repeated grade is "F" or "WF,"
the credits originally earned will be removed from the student’s
record.

Grade Appeal Board Procedures
Each Grade Appeal Board is to determine its procedures for
hearing the grade appeal. Normally, both the student and the
instructor will be given an opportunity to state his/her case
before the board.

Second Baccalaureate Degree
If students desire to earn a second baccalaureate degree at
Slippery Rock University, they may do so by:

32

Taking a minimum of 30 credits at SRU after receiving their
first baccalaureate degree; meeting departmental requirements
for the degree in respect to the required credits and courses
for a major in that department and meeting degree requirements
in respect to courses required for the requested degree.

cumulative QPA. Copies of the transient student form are
available in department chairpersons’ offices or the Office of
Academic Records and Summer School. Correspondence courses
and credit earned by examination may not be taken by transient
students. Other policies governing transient status are available
from the Office of Academic Records and Summer School.

Transcripts
Transcripts of students’ academic records may be obtained from
the Office of Academic Records and Summer School by written
request. Each copy costs $3 and requests should include a check
or money order made payable to Slippery Rock University.
Students requesting that a transcript be faxed are assessed a
$5 faxed transcript fee. Transcripts are typically processed in
24 to 48 hours. Students requesting "same day" service are
limited to five transcript requests and will be charged $10 per
transcript ($12 per transcript if faxed). A complimentary copy
of the transcript is sent to each student upon graduation.
Transcripts are not released to students who have outstanding
financial obligations to the university.

Visiting Students

Transient Student Status

All students who graduate from Slippery Rock University must
successfully complete at least two, three-credit writing intensive
courses in addition to the freshman composition requirement of
demonstrating competence in English 101 and English 103.
Writing Intensive courses must be completed at Slippery Rock
University. Each semester/term, these writing intensive courses
are indicated by a "#" symbol in the Master Schedule of course
offerings for the semester/term.

Students desiring to transfer credits and grades earned at
other universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher
Education back to Slippery Rock University may do so as "visiting
students." Courses taken under this program are treated the
same as courses taken at Slippery Rock University in computing
the student’s QPA. A special form, with a list of program
requirements, is available in the Office of Academic Records and
Summer School and must be approved by the student’s advisor or
chairperson, academic dean, and the director of academic
records and summer school.

Writing Intensive Courses

Slippery Rock University students who are in good academic
standing or who are under academic suspension and who plan to
take courses at another institution for transfer back to Slippery
Rock University must complete, and have approved by their
advisor, chairperson and dean (if suspended), a Transient
Student Clearance Form and comply with all regulations cited on
that form. Credit will not be awarded for transient courses
determined by the director of academic records and summer
school to duplicate coursework already posted on student's SRU
record. Transient credit will be awarded for courses in which
grades of "C-" or better have been earned. Grades earned as a
transient student will not be computed in a student’s SRU
33

Public Notice Designating Directory Information

each semester/summer session. Forms requesting the
withholding of “Directory Information” are available in the
Office of Academic Records and Summer School, Room 107, Old
Main. Slippery Rock University assumes that failure on the part
of any student to specifically request the withholding of
“Directory Information” indicates individual approval for
disclosures. Former students and alumni are not covered under
the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. As such,
the University is not obligated to honor requests for nondisclosure of “Directory Information” from former students.

Slippery Rock University hereby designates the following student
information as public or “Directory Information.” Such
Information may be disclosed without a student’s previous
consent by the institution for any purpose, at its discretion.
1. Name
2. Addresses (local, permanent, and e-mail)
3. Telephone number (local and permanent)
4. Date and place of birth
5. Program and concentration(s) and minor(s)
6. Student activities, including athletics
7. Weight, height (athletic teams)
8. Dates of attendance
9. Degrees and awards received
10. Date of graduation
11. All educational institutions previously attended
12. Academic Awards/Scholarships
13. Title of Master Thesis
14. Number of credits (full- or part-time) for which a student is
registered
15. Pictures of students (for university use in publications,
press releases and advertisements)
16. Class level
17. Anticipated graduation date
Currently enrolled students have the opportunity to withhold
disclosure of all 17 categories of information under the Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. The University will
not partially withhold this information, so students are advised
to think carefully before requesting non-disclosure. To withhold
disclosure, written notification must be received in the Office of
Academic Records and Summer School, Slippery Rock University,
Slippery Rock, Pa 16057 prior to the end of the second week of

Note: Students requesting that “Directory Information” not be
disclosed during their final semester of enrollment will have this
information withheld indefinitely after leaving the University.
Students are cautioned that making such a request may
adversely impact future requests from potential employers, and
other important individuals/organizations.

Public Notice of Rights Under the Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords
students certain rights with respect to their educational
records. They are:

The right to inspect and review the student’s education records
within 45 days of the day the university receives a request for
access.
Students should submit to the director of academic records and
summer school, dean, department chairperson, or other
34

appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s)
they wish to inspect. The university official will make
arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and
place where the records may be inspected. If the records are
not maintained by the university official to whom the request
was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the
correct official to whom the request should be addressed.

The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable
information contained in the student’s education records, except
to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
One exception which permits disclosure without consent is
disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational
interests. A school official is a person employed by the university
in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or
support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel
and health staff); a person or company with whom the university
has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent);
a person serving on the board of trustees; or a student serving
on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance
committee, or assisting another school official in performing his
or her tasks.

The right to request the amendment of the student’s education
records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading.
Students may ask the university to amend a record that they
believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the
university official responsible for the record, clearly identifying
the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is
inaccurate or misleading.

A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the
official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his
or her professional responsibility.

If the university decides not to amend the record, as requested
by the student, the university will notify the student of the
decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing
regarding the request or amendment. Additional information
regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student
when notified of the right to a hearing.

Upon request, the university may disclose education records
without consent to officials of another school in which a student
seeks or intends to enroll.

35

ACADEMIC SERVICES

The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of
Education concerning alleged failures by Slippery Rock University
to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and
address of the office that administers FERPA is:

106 Bailey Library – 724-738-2012
Academic Services administers a number of programs designed
to meet the needs of all students. Some of the department’s
programs are meant to provide an educational opportunity for
students whose academic performance in high school or college
reveals a need for supportive services such as tutoring or indepth advising in order for them to enter or remain at the
University. At least two of the department’s programs may be of
interest to the general student body.

Family Policy Compliance Office U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20202-4605
Copies of the university’s policy governing the Family Educational
Rights and Privacy Act are available in the Office of Academic
Records and Summer School, Room 107, Old Main. Questions
concerning FERPA should be referred to the director of
academic records and summer school.

The Academic Advisement Center provides individual advising and
counseling for the exploratory student. Students are required
to meet with their advisors regularly to discuss their academic
program, study habits, and personal concerns. Faculty advisors
may also provide assistance in the class registration process,
assessing academic needs and referring students to other
campus resources.

ORIENTATION
110 North Hall Welcome Center – 724-738-2067
The Office of Orientation works collaboratively with various
academic and student life areas to foster the college success of
our new freshmen, transfers, and their families through nine
transitional programs offered in spring, June, August and
January.

College Skills Workshops conducted by the department’s faculty
are offered throughout the semester. The workshops include
such topics as “Managing Your Time,” “Taking Effective Class
Notes,” “Finals Preparation,” etc. Students interested in these
workshops may contact Academic Services for additional
information on dates, times, and locations of the workshops.

During the Orientation programs, new students are provided with
information and materials that are designed to create a smooth
transition to the University community. Students learn about
academic expectations and registration, graduation
requirements, student services, and build important connections
with our students, faculty, staff, and administrators.
The goal of our Orientation initiatives is to assist in the
development of the critical skills necessary to support the
academic pursuits and the social engagement of all new students.
36

Tutorial Center

International Services
114 Carruth Rizza Hall – 724-738-2057

Located in 106 Bailey Library, provides peer tutors to meet with
students on an individual or small group basis, free of charge.
Tutoring is available in most introductory 100- and 200- level
courses. To receive peer tutoring, the student needs only to
complete a Tutor Request Form (including class schedule) and
return it to the Tutorial Center.

Study Abroad
International opportunities via Slippery Rock University are
varied with both short and long term programs available for
students to gain academic, cultural and social understanding of
foreign countries. Students can spend a semester studying in
Australia, China, Costa Rica, England, France, Germany, Hungary,
India, Ireland, Japan, Poland, Scotland, South Korea, Spain,
Slovakia, and Wales. Short term programs over Spring Break and
summers are offered each year, with locations varying. Student
teaching is also available in Ireland and Mexico.

Writing Center
The University’s Writing Center, located on the third floor of
Spotts World Culture Building, is an integral part of the
academic resources at Slippery Rock University. Under the
direction of the department of English, the Writing Center
offers full tutorial services for all students of the University.
Department of English graduate students, who staff the center,
offer students the opportunity for tutorial instruction with any
aspect of the writing process from generating ideas, to
organizing information, to refining sentence structure, to editing
techniques. Diagnostic services are also available for students
who want to discover and remedy their writing weaknesses.

For more information on how you can spend part of your SRU
program in an international location, contact the International
Services Office today!
International Students
International Students will find their “home away from home” in
the International Services Office. Students are offered
admission, academic, personal, cultural, social and legal support
via the International Services Office.

The University’s Writing Center is also equipped with 25 personal
computers. Twelve printers make student access to print
capability easy. In addition to selected writing instruction
taught in this facility, tutorial instruction on word processors is
also available.

Bailey Library
724-738-2058
Services
Bailey Library is a four level modern facility that constantly
upgrades its collection and services to meet the needs of its
students. Students are asked to provide feedback in a number
of ways, including responding to surveys.

From freshman to graduate students, the University’s Writing
Center provides a full range of individualized services without
charge.

37

Theft (or attempted theft) or mutilation of any library
materials. This includes removing covers or pages from books or
periodicals, and removing security tapes, pockets, etc.

The library covers over 98,000 square feet and seats over 1,000
students. During the academic year, the library is open 102
hours a week. Hours are extended during finals week each
semester. There is a reading room for recreational reading
materials and newspapers, over 100 computer workstations,
laptops for checkout that connect to the building’s wireless
network, a cyber café, and a lounge with vending machines.

Illegal use of a University ID with regard to library use.
Career Services
103 Maltby Center – 724-738-2028

The library also contains classrooms, small group study rooms,
individual carrels, and traditional areas for reference, books,
Special Collections and Archives, and Government Documents.
Journals are available in print, microform, and electronically;
electronic access is available to registered students at any time
from any location where they have Internet access. The library’s
Instructional Materials Center primarily provides support to the
curriculum in the College of Education, but also provides media
materials and equipment for all SRU students.

The Office of Career Services is available to help all students,
freshmen through graduate students, develop and refine
educational and career goals. Whether your concern is choosing
a major, selecting a career, finding a graduate school, or
organizing a job search, Career Services has the resources and
staff to assist you.
We offer:
A state-of-the-art Technology-Based Career Resource Center
featuring 12 computers. 2 high-speed laser printers, and
supporting software to assist students in all phases of career
development
DISCOVER, a computerized vocational guidance program
Individualized career counseling and assistance in development of
a personalized career plan
Administration and interpretation of career assessment
inventories
Coordination of and assistance with identifying on-campus
employment
Coordination of a Job Location Development program to identify
off-campus, part-time employment opportunities
Rock-U-Pations, an online daily vacancy bulletin listing positions in
education, business, health and human services, and government

Policies
Students are required to present their ID card when borrowing
any library material. An electronic security system is used to
detect material that has not been properly charged out.
All library materials should be returned by the due date.
Students who fail to return materials by the end of the
semester may have their grades and transcripts withheld by the
Office of Academic Records and Summer School.
Students found guilty of the following violations may be subject
to disciplinary action and/or restitution:

38

OFFICE FOR STUDENTS WITH
DISABILITIES

On-campus interviews with employers seeking interns and fulltime employees
A Summer Job Fair, Fall and Spring Teacher Job Fair, held oncampus. Off-campus job fairs include West PACs (business,
industry, and government) and PERC (teacher job fair) each held
in Monroeville, PA
While Career Services does not guarantee you a job, we do
guarantee personal attention to your educational and career
concerns. Drop in or call for an appointment.

University Union – 724-738-4877
Slippery Rock University is committed to both the letter and
spirit of laws that mandate access to higher education to
students with disabilities. Accordingly, Slippery Rock University
provides various disability-related services to ensure that
qualified students with disabilities have the opportunity to
participate in the educational, social, and cultural life of the
University. The Office for Students with Disabilities provides
accommodations and services to ensure equal access to education
as intended by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Hours:
M-F 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Summer:
M-F 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Additional evening hours are scheduled during fall and spring
semesters.

At Slippery Rock University we want all students to achieve
academic success, and are interested in making every effort to
accommodate and serve students with disabilities. Services that
not limited to the following are: extended test time, separate
test location, taped texts or books on tape from Recordings for
the Blind and Dyslexic, note takers, test readers, test scribes,
and/or use of computer, priority registration, elevator keys,
special seating, others as requested and approved.
Any student requesting service must be registered with the
Office for Students with Disabilities – 122 Bailey Library. To be
eligible for services appropriate documentation must be approved
(medical diagnosis, psychological evaluation, etc.).

39

Upon acceptance to SRU, students with disabilities are
encouraged to make an appointment with the Director of
Disability Services at 724-738-4877 to schedule a personal
interview.

Computer Operations supports the University’s instructional,
research and administrative functions. Computer Operations is
responsible for the operation and maintenance of the mainframe
computer system and its peripheral devices. Some of our main
activities include support for Admissions, Orientation,
Registration, Billing, Grade processing, Graduation, and Honors
Convocation. Test scoring and election result processing from
optical scan sheets are processed. Ad hoc and regular reporting
is done for all levels of the university. Statistical support for
academic and administration research projects is provided.
Support is provided for the University’s financial system.

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
SYSTEMS
200 Maltby Center – 724-738-2156
The Administrative Information Systems area provides a variety
of services, computing resources and facilities to support the
University’s instructional, research and administrative functions.
IBM CICS is used to support administration functions such as:
student registration, student accounts, admissions and financial
aide, etc.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
104 Maltby – 724-738-2800
http://www.sru.edu/academics/iats/Pages/Default.aspx
Information and Administrative Technology Services (IATS)
provides computing and communications infrastructure, services,
support, and innovation for Slippery Rock's instructional,
research, public service, and administrative programs. IATS
works closely with many other units on campus to provide a wide
range of services for students, faculty, staff, and others. To
carry out its mission, IATS meets regularly with the Technology
Advisory Committee.

The Degree Audit Reports System (DARS) has been completed
for all undergraduate programs at the University. Students can
validate their academic records to verify courses completed and
remaining to be taken to insure compliance with academic
program requirements. Degree audits can be performed and
printed at every computer terminal in all of the academic
departments and on rocktalk.sru.edu. Rocktalk, the voice
response system, is being used to allow students to register for
classes. The Rocktalk voice system is also used to report grades
to students and take credit card payments. This system also
allows students to drop and add courses and review their
schedule. Rocktalk web, at rocktalk.sru.edu, allows students to
drop and add courses, review schedules, view grades, student
accounting information, and update their address, and print a
degree audit.

Support Services
http://www.sru.edu/academics/iats/SupportServices/Pages/Sup
portServices.aspx
Network & Telecommunications
http://www.sru.edu/academics/iats/Pages/NetworkAndTelecom.
aspx

40

Computer Use Policy

Pennsylvania State Grant: the Pennsylvania Higher Education
Assistance Agency provides grant assistance to eligible
Pennsylvania residents. PHEAA Grant funds are awarded to
under-graduate students on the basis of financial need.

http://www.sru.edu/academics/iats/Policies/Pages/policy.aspx

FINANCIAL & ADMINISTRATIVE
AFFAIRS

Federal Work Study (FWS): Employment based on financial need
may be available to eligible students. FWS is a part-time
employment program. Students employed by FWS receive a
paycheck on a bi-weekly basis and are paid minimum wage.
FWS job opportunities are located throughout the campus.
Available FWS positions are publicized through the Office of
Career Services. Community Service positions are available
through several areas on campus including SGA Child Care
Center, Macoskey Center, Institute for Community, Service and
Learning, ARC, and Women’s Center. Students must be FWS
eligible to be considered for these positions.

FINANCIAL AID
107 Maltby Center – 724-738-2044
The Office of Financial Aid is responsible for coordination of
sources of financial assistance for undergraduate and graduate
students at Slippery Rock University. The majority of financial
aid offered through the Office of Financial Aid is based on the
overall financial need of applicants. Presently, both state and
federal financial aid sources are coordinated through this office.

Federal Perkins Loan: This is a low-interest loan that is offered
by SRU through the use of federal funds. Typically, this loan is
awarded to under-graduate students who demonstrate a high
degree of financial need. Repayment of this loan begins nine
months after the student ceases to be enrolled on at least a
half-time basis.

Financial Aid Programs
Available financial aid at Slippery Rock University includes grant,
loan, and employment programs.
Federal Pell Grant: Pell Grants are federal funds available to
under-graduates with the amount of the grant based on cost and
financial need.

Federal Stafford Loan: This is a long-term, low-interest loan
that students may elect to use to assist them with their
educational expenses. The amount and type of loan available is
dependent upon the individual student costs, resources, year in
school, and financial need.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant: FSEOG
funds are grant funds available to under-graduate students with
a high degree of financial need. Students may be eligible for
this grant only if they already qualify for the Federal Pell Grant.

41

Eligibility for Financial Aid

A student may either quality for a Subsidized or Unsubsidized
Federal Stafford Loan or a combination of both. Subsidized
loans are offered to students who demonstrate financial need;
these do not require repayment of principal or interest during
the student’s enrollment. Unsubsidized loans require either the
repayment of the “interest only on a quarterly basis,” during
enrollment or the capitalization of interest. The student
officially enters repayment of an Unsubsidized or Subsidized
Federal Stafford Loan following a grace period after graduation
or after the student ceases to be enrolled on at least a half-time
basis.

Students qualify for most financial aid based on their eligibility
for individual sources of aid and their financial need. A family’s
or student’s financial need is based on a simple formula:
Cost of Attendance
Expected Family Contribution
=
Financial Need
Cost of Attendance: The Office of Financial Aid calculates an
average cost of attendance for each student based on their
program of study and their in-state or out-of-state status.
Typically, the cost of attendance consists of costs for tuition,
fees, room, board, books, travel and other associated educational
costs.
Expected Family Contribution (EFC): The EFC is calculated
through the completion of the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid. This figure reflects the federal estimate of what
a family and/or student can afford to contribute toward a year
of college.

Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS): Parents of
dependent students may borrow up to the “cost of education
minus any other financial aid” through the use of this federal
loan program.

The Application Process
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be
completed in order to apply for financial aid available for
attendance at Slippery Rock University. Students are able to
complete the FAFSA beginning January 1 of the year preceding
their enrollment in college. SRU recommends that the
application be completed after January 1, but before May 1.

Financial Need: The level of financial need determines the
amount of eligibility that a student has for financial aid. It is
used by the Office of Financial Aid to determine eligibility for
specific programs. An award letter listing eligibility for financial
aid is sent to each student after the determination of financial
need.

In addition, students interested in receiving assistance from the
Federal Stafford Loan must complete a master promissory note.
Parents wishing to borrow through the PLUS program must
submit an application/promissory note six to eight weeks in
advance of the student’s first date of attendance at SRU.

Students or families who experience hardship due to disability,
death, decrease in income, loss of benefits, etc., should contact
the Office of Financial Aid. A review of their eligibility for
financial aid may be performed based on their change in status.

42

Academic Progress Requirements

Study Abroad Programs

Students are required to meet academic progress requirements
in order to continue to receive financial aid. In general, undergraduate federal aid recipients are required to complete 24 new
credits each academic year. Under-graduates who have
completed the equivalent of two full-time academic years must
have at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA at the end of each year. A
complete statement of academic progress requirements for
graduate and under-graduate students is available from the
Office of Financial Aid. An appeal process exists for students
who do not meet the academic progress requirements.

Financial aid eligibility for study abroad programs is reviewed by
individual request. The terms and conditions of the study abroad
program has a direct impact upon the student’s eligibility for
financial aid. Students interested in financial aid for a study
abroad program should contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Statement of Rights and Responsibilities
Rights:
The student has the right to:
be considered for financial aid assistance; be notified of the
financial aid decision; and if not awarded financial assistance, to
be informed as to the reason for denial.
appeal financial aid decisions to the provost and vice president of
academic affairs.
be informed of the financial aid programs available and the
required application materials.

The Pennsylvania State Grant Program has established an
academic progress policy for its recipients. This policy is
communicated to students directly by PHEAA when a student is
notified of their state grant eligibility.

Financial Aid for Summer Term
Students may be able to qualify for financial aid for the summer
term depending upon their enrollment status, eligibility for aid,
and the availability of financial aid funds. The following sources
of financial aid may be available for the summer term: Federal
Pell Grant, Pennsylvania State Grant, Federal Work Study,
Federal Stafford Loans and PLUS. Students are encouraged to
contact the Office of Financial Aid in the early spring regarding
application procedures for financial aid for the summer term.

Responsibilities:
The student is responsible for:
submitting the appropriate application forms within published
deadline dates.
using all refunds of financial aid funds for expenses related to
their education.
following the requirements and repayment schedules of
educational loan programs.
informing the Office of Financial Aid of all grants, scholarships,
or other funds received for their educational costs from outside
organizations.

43

Other Sources of Financial Assistance

Applicants may be required to submit an original application plus
one or more of the following original documents (or copies which
have been recorded at a courthouse or certified by an
authorized VA official): copy #4 of DD214 (Notice of Basic
Eligibility), “kicker contract,” marriage certificate, children’s
birth certificates. Students should initiate Veterans Education
paperwork at least 60 days prior to the beginning of each
semester in order to receive timely payments. Normal
application processing time is eight to ten weeks.

Assistance with educational costs is also obtainable from sources
other than need-based financial aid. These include employment
and scholarship sources. A complete list of all available SRU
scholarships appears on the SRU homepage (www.sru.edu/finaid).
The following programs are also available to students:
ROTC Scholarships
Army ROTC at SRU offers scholarships to assist with tuition and
related educational costs. The Army ROTC office may be
contacted at 724-738-2019.

Academic Progress for Recipients of Veteran’s Benefits
The student will be placed on academic probation if the
cumulative QPA for all courses attempted is less than a 2.0. A
veteran or dependent receiving benefits who is on probation for
more than one semester risks academic suspension and
termination of his/her benefits due to unsatisfactory progress.

State Student Employment Program
SRU offers employment opportunities on campus for students
who do not qualify for employment with the Federal Work Study
Program. The wage and hiring procedures are identical to those
of the FWS Program. Information regarding available positions
may be obtained through Career Services.

Overpayment of Veteran’s Benefits
The VA must collect all benefits paid for a course for which a
grade is not used in computing requirements for graduation.
Therefore, if a student drops a course, the money already paid
to the student for that course must be repaid unless the student
can prove that there were mitigating circumstances. Students
who claim mitigating circumstances must submit evidence to
support that claim. Examples of mitigating circumstances
include: prolonged illness, severe illness or death in the
immediate family, or unscheduled changes in employment or work
schedule.

Veterans
The Office of Financial Air handles all paperwork for veterans
and their dependents who apply for Veteran Administration
educational benefits. Counseling and information regarding
financial aid, extra costs, and tutorial assistance are also
available.
Certification of Veterans Benefits
Qualified individuals may apply for Veteran Administration
educational benefits at the Financial Aid Office.

VA Actions on Overpayment
Add interest charges and collection fees to your debt.
Withhold future benefits and apply them to your debt.
Turn your debt over to private collection agency.

44

File suit in federal court to collect the debt.
Withhold approval of VA home loan guarantee.
Collect the debt from your federal income tax refund.

Non-Payment Of Bills
Students may not be permitted to attend classes, obtain meals in
a University dining hall, or reside in a University residence hall
until all past due accounts are paid.

Regulations, eligibility requirements, etc., are subject to change.
For additional information, contact the Office of Financial Aid,
107 Maltby Center, SRU, Slippery Rock, PA 16057-1326; 724738-2044.

Also, the University will seal the student’s file and will not issue
transcripts until the bill is paid. If the bill is not paid the
account will be submitted to the Attorney General’s Office (in
Harrisburg) for proper action. Collection costs may be incurred
and are the student’s responsibility. Students are not permitted
to register for any subsequent semesters until the bill has been
paid. Any student needing assistance may contact the Office of
Student Accounts.

STUDENT ACCOUNTS
104 Old Main – 724-738-2088

Payment Of Fees
Fee statements (basic fee, room, board, general service fee,
health service fee, academic enhancement fee and community
building fee) are mailed in July and are due back with payment in
August for the fall semester. Fee statements are mailed in
December and are due back with payment in early January for
the spring semester. Any financial aid that has been officially
awarded will be deducted from the billing statement. The
balance still due after deducting the financial aid may be paid-infull or by using the SRU Payment Plan. There is a $25 charge per
semester for those who elect to pay by the payment plan.
Anyone not paying the bill in full by the due date will
automatically be charged the $25 payment plan fee. Bills
returned after the due date are subject to a $15 late fee.
Diploma fees, damages, certification fee, and miscellaneous
charges are also paid at this office.

Return Of Title IV Funds (Federal Aid):
The Federal government requires SRU to return Financial Aid
(Title IV) money to the Title IV programs for any student
withdrawing through 60% of the session. Students withdrawing
with Title IV aid may owe the University a balance once the aid is
returned. Title IV aid must be returned to the Title IV program
before any refund can be returned to a student.

Refund Policy Applicability
This policy is applicable to all students (under-graduates,
graduates, credit, non-credit) and all terms (regular semester,
mini-courses). It applies only to fees paid directly to the
University. It does not apply to fees paid to other organizations,
such as off-campus housing and insurance.

Insufficient Funds Checks
There is a $15 charge for all checks returned by the bank for
any reason.

45

WITHDRAWAL from the University on or BEFORE the First Day
of Class of a Semester: All fees paid for this semester will be
refunded, except the following fees: The Advance Enrollment
Deposit paid by full-time under-graduate new and transfer
students (will be refunded if notified by May 1st for that Fall
Semester and if notified by December 1st for that Spring
Semester); and the $130 Advance Deposit for room fee, if the
student’s withdrawal is received by the Friday prior to spring
commencement.

The first full day of class for students desiring a refund of
refundable fees other than the $130 Advance Deposit for room.
WITHDRAWAL from the University AFTER the First Day of
Class of a Semester: The student must complete the official
withdrawal procedure. The charge will be computed as follows,
and any amount paid beyond that charge will be refunded. Any
portion of a week attended will count as a full week, beginning
with the first day of class and ending with the date of
withdrawal (excluding recesses). The following fees will not be
refunded: Application Fee, Community Building Fee, Payment Plan
Fee and Late Payment Fee.

Withdrawal from the University means that the student is
withdrawing from all courses for a semester. When the student
withdraws from some courses but remains in the University, the
refund is computed as in the Overpayment section.

Regular Semesters:

Letter: The student must send a signed letter (not a telephone
call) stating that he or she is withdrawing from the University.
This letter must be sent by the deadlines in paragraph C.

Residence Hall Rent: Students withdrawing during the first
semester will forfeit the $175 Room Deposit paid for the Second
semester. For students withdrawing during the second semester
the charge will be $175, plus the refund week percentage, listed
below in section 3, which applies. Students evicted from the
Residence Hall forfeit all Residence Hall Fees.

New and transfer students; send your letter to the Admissions
Office. Upper-class students; send your letter to the Retention
Services Office.

Flex only Meal Plan: There will be $10 administrative fee for the
flex only meal plan plus a weekly charge of one-fifteenth of the
amount of the flex plan or amount used, whichever is greater.
The total will not exceed the full semester charge.

DEADLINE FOR LETTER: The letter from the student must be
received in the office listed in B above by the following
deadlines:
The Friday prior to spring commencement for student desiring a
refund of $75 of the $130 Advance Deposit for Room.

Tuition, General Service, Health Service Fee, Academic
Enhancement Fee, Residence Hall Rent, Meal Plans A through G
and Rec Center Fee:

May 1st for Fall Semester and December 1st for the Spring
Semester for a refund of the Advance Enrollment Deposit.

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Voluntary withdrawal: The University will charge the following
percentage of fees when the termination is during the weeks
shown.
1st Week
10%

Become deceased before the beginning of the spring semester to
which the fee is credited ($175 Refund).
Notify the University in writing (not the telephone) by the last
Friday prior to spring commencement that they are not returned.
($87.50 Refund, $87.50 Forfeit).

2nd Week
20%

3rd Week
40%

4th Week
50%

5th Week
60%

After 5th Week
100% Charge

There will be no refund or transfer of the $175 Advance Room
Deposit to students who:
Notify the University after the last Friday prior to
commencement they are not returning.
Return to the University, but do not live in a residence hall, after
having signed a residence hall contract for the year.
Do not return for the spring semester except for academic
suspension at the end of the previous spring semester or summer
session, or who become deceased. Non-return for reasons of
illness or academic suspension at the end of the fall semester
will not entitle the student to a refund.
Are evicted from the Residence Hall.

Suspension or Dismissal from the University other than for
reasons of academic standing: No refund will be made to any such
student; all money paid will be forfeited.
Full refund of tuition shall be granted to students who are
military reservists or members of the National Guard and are
ordered to active military service by the President of the United
States.

THIS ENTIRE REFUND POLICY IS SUBJECT TO
CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

Room Deposit Advance: The $175 Advance Deposit for housing is
paid in the spring by the students who wish to reserve a room in
an on-campus residence hall for the following academic year. The
payment is credited to the following spring (not the fall)
semester.

Summer Sessions:

Refund of this fee will be made to those students who:

Withdrawal on or before the First Day of Class: A student may
obtain a full refund if the registration is officially cancelled
through the Office of Academic Records and Summer School on
or before the first day of class for the summer session.

Are suspended for academic reasons at the end of the spring
semester during which they paid the fee, or at the end of the
summer session ($130 Refund).

Withdrawal on or after the First Day of Class:
Voluntary withdrawal: Students withdrawing after the first day
of class will have refunds processed based on the following:

47

The percentage of tuition and fees charged when withdrawing is
printed in the Summer School registration information and/or is
available on request from the Office of Student Accounts, Room
104 Old Main, 724-738-2088.

APPROVED WITHDRAWAL FROM AN ON-CAMPUS
RESIDENCE HALL AND/OR DINING HALL (applicable only when
withdrawal is pre-approved by the appropriate Vice President or
his/her designee): The charges will be computed as stated in
Section 3 relating to withdrawal from the University.

Each summer session will be treated as a separate enrollment
period for refund calculation purposes.

EQUITY IN ATHLETICS DISCLOSURE

After the cut-off, no basic tuition and fees will be refunded.
Refund of Residence Hall rent and Meal Plan fee will be based on
the same percentages used to adjust basic tuition. The
University Union Fee is not refundable after the first day of
class.

As set forth by the U.S. Department of Education, a report
containing information outlined by the Equity in Athletics
Disclosure Act will be available upon request from the
Department of Athletics, Academic Records, Admissions or
Financial Aid after October 15 of each year.

Charges for withdrawal from an Internship will be calculated on
an individual basis. The internship start date, scheduled length
of the internship and the date of withdrawal from the internship
will determine the charge/refund.
Overpayment of account with the student remaining in the
university: When the student’s account is overpaid for one of the
following reasons, the charge will be computed as follows and any
amount paid beyond the charge will be refunded and must be
requested in writing.
REDUCTION OF THE NUMBER OF CREDIT HOURS WHEN THE
STUDENT IS PAYING ON AN HOURLY BASIS: The percentage
of the basic fee charged for the hours dropped will be stated
under “Regular Semester Voluntary Withdrawals” in the section
of this policy concerning withdrawals from the University after
the opening date of a regular semester.

48

OFFICE OF DIVERSITY AND EQUAL
OPPORTUNITY

dead, school, educational facility, community center, grounds
surrounding such institutional facilities, or personal property
located within, is an offense now punishable as a felony of the
third degree if the repair, replacement or other costs exceed
$5,000.

305 Old Main 724-738-2016

Ethnic Intimidation
In June 1982, Governor Dick Thornburgh signed into law the
Ethnic Intimidation and Institutional Vandalism Act.

Any person who is injured or whose property is damaged by such
actions can sue for damages, including damages for emotional
distress, punitive damages and reasonable attorney fees and
costs. Victims should immediately report any and all such
activities to University police, 724-738-3333 for investigation
and possible prosecution under this statute or to the vice
president for student affairs, 724-738-2003.

Pennsylvania law now considers certain crimes to be more serious
when motivated by hatred or malice toward the race, color,
religion, or national origin of another individual or group. The law
provides a more severe punishment of fines and imprisonment if
the offense can be proved to be based upon a motivation of
hatred of the race, color, religion or national origin of the
victim(s).

Under this statute, the victim has the right to file a complaint
against the suspect for injunction, damages or other appropriate
civil or equitable relief. This may include recovery for damages,
including damages for emotional distress, punitive damages and
reasonable attorney fees and costs. The complaint may ask that
the suspect cease the activities considered to be ethnic
intimidation. This civil complaint may be filed even though
criminal prosecution has not occurred.

Crimes punishable by the more severe penalty include assault,
aggravated assault, harrassment by communication or address
(telephone), arson, criminal mischief, criminal trespass and other
property destruction.
Vandalism causing damage or defacement to a church, synagogue,
cemetery, mortuary, memorial to the

49

Equal Employment Opportunity

Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of
1973

Policy Statement
It is the policy of Slippery Rock University, without regard to
gender, race, color, national and ethnic origin, disability or other
legally protected class:

It is the University’s plan to fully comply with Section 504 of the
Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990. In so doing, the University does not
discriminate against students with disabilities in admission,
student programs, activities and services. Slippery Rock
University will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified
students with disabilities in an effort to enhance the learning
process and enable individuals to reach their maximum potential.
Section 504 states that no otherwise qualified person with a
disability may be denied access to, or the benefits of or be
subjected to discrimination by any program or activity provided
by any institution or entity receiving federal financial assistance.
There are specific provisions related to postsecondary education
which prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities
in recruiting, admission and treatment after admission. It
requires reasonable accommodations be made by college and
universities to those who possess a record of such impairment.
These provisions are necessary to ensure that students with
disabilities are given the opportunity to fulfill academic
requirements and that they are not excluded from programs
because of the absence of auxiliary aids. The student, however,
is expected to meet the standards of each class as determined
by the instructor.

Seek qualified employees, selected on the basis of ability,
experience and training;
Make available to employees opportunities for training,
development and advancement on the basis of the individual’s
ability and performance; and
Encourage upward mobility and ensure that only valid
requirements are used in promotion decisions.
In accordance with this policy, the university will seek to ensure
that all personnel actions are made in a manner to further the
principle of equal employment opportunity in the building of a
diverse academic and employment community.
As a management tool to increase employment opportunities for
traditionally under-represented individuals, the University
declares its determination to continue to enforce the
philosophical and practical intent of affirmative action.
Overall responsibility for equal employment opportunity as it is
stated in the University’s affirmative action plan resides with
the president. Responsibility for day-to-day implementation and
monitoring of the plan is assigned to the director of social
equity. On an annual basis the office of social equity will submit
a progress report to the president. Whenever remedial action
appears to be needed, prompt reports will be provided to the
president and appropriate vice presidents.

50

Harassment and Discrimination Policy

Any student requiring accommodation under the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973 MUST be registered with the Office for Students
with Disabilities, 122 Bailey Library, to receive services. For
services to be provided, documented evidence (i.e. medical
diagnosis, psychological evaluation, etc.) of a disability must also
be submitted.

Slippery Rock University has a policy against discrimination and
harassment based on race, gender, national origin, religion,
veteran status, disability status, gender, age or other legally
protected class. This policy is supported by state and federal
laws.

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
The Americans with Disabilities Act guarantees people with
disabilities access to employment, public services and
telecommunications. Under ADA, if you are, or become, disable,
you may request that reasonable accommodations be made to
assist in the performance of your duties.

Slippery Rock University respects the rights of individuals to be
employed and to pursue an education in an environment free of
harassment and discrimination. Therefore, the university will
take whatever action necessary to insure, to the extent possible,
that the basic rights of all individuals are protected.

Accommodations are defined as modifications or adjustments to
your work environment or the manner in which your job is
customarily performed. Accommodations are reasonable if they
do not create undue hardship for the employer. The Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission regulation defines undue
hard-ship to mean an action requiring significant difficulty or
expense i.e., an action that is unduly costly, extensive,
substantial or disruptive, or that will fundamentally alter the
nature of the business.

Ethnic Intimidation and Vandalism Act of Pennsylvania
Charges of ethnic intimidation can be levied against those who
commit certain designated offenses with malicious intentions
toward the race, color, religion or national origin of a particular
group or individual.
If you believe you are a victim of racial discrimination or ethnic
intimidation, please report it to: Office of Diversity and Equal
Opportunity, 305 Old Main, 724-738-2016 or Office of
Intercultural Programs, B102 University Union, 724-738-2700.

If you are affected by this law and require accommodations, you
may obtain an accommodation request from the Office of Social
Equity or the Office of Human Resources. Slippery Rock
University wants to assist you in whatever way possible. If you
have any questions related to disabilities and employment, please
contact the Office of Social Equity at ext. 2016.

Student Right to Know
Freshman Cohort and Student Athlete Graduation Rates
Disclosure – In accordance with the Student Right to Know and
Campus Security Act (P.O. 101-542) as amended by the Higher
Education Technical Amendments of 1991 (P.L. 102-26), Slippery
Rock University has published a report documenting the
graduation rates of its full-time, degree-seeking freshmen and
those student athletes receiving any form of athletically related

51

Sexual Harassment Policy

financial aid. Anyone interested in receiving a copy of this
report may do so in the Office of Academic Records and Summer
School, Room 107, Old Main.

Slippery Rock University's sexual harassment policy and
procedures seek to provide an environment that is free from
sexual harassment.
All employees, students and vendors are to comply with federal
and state laws and regulations that relate to sexual harassment.
The coverage of this policy extends to persons visiting the
campus.
It should be clearly understood that the University will take
action to prevent sexual harassment, including, if necessary,
disciplining those individuals whose behavior violates University
policy. For employees, discipline may include, but is not limited to,
oral or written warning, transfer, suspension or dismissal.
Students may be referred to student standards for appropriate
disposition.

Equity in Athletics Disclosure
As set forth by the U.S. Department of Education, a report
containing information outlined by the Equity in Athletics
Disclosure Act will be available upon request from the
Department of Athletics.
A complete copy of the Harassment and Discrimination Policy can
be found at
http://www.sru.edu/financeandadministrativeaffairs/diversity/P
ages/Discrimination.aspx

Policy of Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania is committed to
affirmative action to provide equal educational and employment
opportunities for all persons and will not discriminate on the
basis of gender, race, color, national origin, religion, disability,
age, veteran’s status or other legally protected class. The
University complies with all federal and state laws and
regulations. Such laws and regulations include a prohibition of
sexual harassment, including same-sex harassment. All persons
within the University community have the right to an
environment free from illegal harassment.

A complete copy of the Sexual Harassment Policy can be found
at
http://www.sru.edu/financeandadministrativeaffairs/diversity/P
ages/SexualHarassmentPolicy.aspx or from the Office of
Diversity and Equality Opportunity, Slippery Rock University,
304 Old Main, Slippery Rock, PA 16057. The telephone number is
724-738-2016.

All inquiries regarding the above may be addressed to the Office
of Diversity and Equal Opportunity, Slippery Rock University,
304 Old Main, Slippery Rock, PA 16057. The telephone number
is (724) 738-2016.

52

STUDENT AFFAIRS

Emergency Stations
These stations are located throughout the campus and are
identified by a blue light. Anyone in need of emergency
assistance may use these stations. In addition, each residence
hall has an emergency telephone keypad at the front outside
door.

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT /
JUDICIAL PROGRAMS (FORMERLY
STUDENT STANDARDS)

Fire And Safety

Slippery Rock University is an academic community given meaning
through the mutual respect and trust of individuals who learn,
teach, and work within it. Students of Slippery Rock University
are entitled to certain rights and privileges which will be
protected through fair and orderly processes and which are best
safeguarded when each student acts in a responsible manner.
The purpose of the Code of Conduct is, therefore, to establish
standards for students and a method to fairly assess student
behavior according to those standards. All students of the
University community are equally entitled to the protection of
this document.

Fire Alarms
All fire alarms, when sounding, should be considered as a fire
alert and the building must be evacuated immediately. All
occupants must evacuate the building. Failure to do so could
result in disciplinary and/or legal action. Also, remember, during
evacuation “DO NOT USE ELEVATORS.”
Fire Equipment
Fire extinguishers are placed in strategic locations in all
buildings. Misuse of, or tampering with, fire equipment is
considered a criminal offense. This includes: setting off fire
extinguishers or tampering with any part of the extinguisher or
fire alarm boxes.

The complete Code of Conduct is available at:
http://www.sru.edu/studentlife/OSCRS/Pages/index.aspx

All offenders will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law
and may be subject to University disciplinary action and/or
eviction from campus residence halls.

UNIVERSITY POLICE
145 Keister Road – 724-738-3333
Students and staff are informed that the University Police
Department exists to provide a safe and secure environment. All
are encouraged to report any incident detrimental to this
atmosphere. When such reports are made, University Police
conduct a thorough investigation and take appropriate action
within the framework of existing laws.

Fireworks/Lethal Weapons

53

The use of fireworks (firecrackers, caps and sparklers) is
potentially dangerous to oneself and others and is also a
disturbance to the living environment. The use or possession of
fireworks, explosives, or any other substances which may injure,
discomfort, or disturb other individuals is strictly prohibited.
Students who violate any of these policies may be subject to
disciplinary action and/or eviction from residence halls.

displayed. (Notes left on car are not special permits and will not
prevent issuance of parking tickets.) Parking is not permitted in
loading zones, “no parking” areas, by fire hydrants/stand pipes, in
reserved/medical spaces, on the grass, and in the roadways.
Handicap parking spaces are for use ONLY with a current
Handicap Permit
Vehicle Registration Required
All members of the University community operating and parking a
vehicle on University property must display a valid University
vehicle registration decal.

The unauthorized use or possession of dangerous chemicals,
explosive materials, dangerous devices capable of casting a
projectile (including guns, bottle rockets), or other lethal
weapons is also strictly prohibited. Students who violate any of
these policies may be subject to disciplinary action and/or
eviction from residence halls.

Payment for decals will be made at the University Police
Department located at 145 Keister Road from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00
p.m., Mondays through Fridays.

Parking Regulations

Temporary Registration Permits
Temporary registration permits are available at the University
Police Department for any person having obtained a permanent
decal who may have reason to use an unregistered vehicle for
short period of time.

PARKING REGULATIONS ARE IN EFFECT 24-HOURS-A-DAY,
365-DAYS-A-YEAR (INCL. HOLIDAYS). Regulations apply to
ALL operators of motor vehicles on University property, including
faculty/staff, students and visitors.
Designated Parking Areas
Strict enforcement of designated parking areas (resident,
commuter, staff and visitor areas) will occur between the hours
of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.

15-Minute Parking
Fifteen-minute parking is permitted in those designated areas –
ONLY if vehicle flashers are left on. Persons not utilizing
flashers will be ticketed. (In effect 24-hours-a-day.)

Visitors
All vehicles must be registered with the University Police or
through the hosting organization. Community members are
responsible for seeing that their guests and visitors observe all
University regulations. Acquaint yourself with and observe all
posted signs concerning parking on University property. Parking
is not permitted on University property without a valid permit

Towing
Excessive improper parking and parking in such a way as to
obstruct exits, entrances, roadways and/or traffic may result in
vehicles being towed at the owner’s expense.

54

CAMPUS RECREATION

Payment for Parking Violations
Payment is accepted at the University Police Department or at
the Accounts Receivable Office (Student Accounts) located in
Old Main from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Mondays through Fridays
or may be deposited in the ticket payment boxes located around
campus and at the University Police Department.

Aebersold Student Recreation Center 724-738-4800
Overview
The Aebersold Student Recreation Center is an 82,000 square
feet state-of-the-art facility that includes an aquatic center,
climbing wall, fitness center, free weight area, fitness
assessment lab, five gymnasiums and a 200 meter track. The
Campus Recreation Department is responsible for the operation
of the building as well as providing programming within the
facility. The program and facility have been designed to promote
positive physical, mental and spiritual health. The Campus
Recreation Department offers a variety of sports and fitness
activities that provide exciting opportunities to “Rock &
Recreate.”

Booting
A vehicle boot/immobilizer may be installed on vehicles that have
violated certain University parking regulations.
Unpaid Parking Tickets
A vehicle boot/immobilizer may be installed on those vehicles
which have five (5) unpaid parking violations.
Appeals
Appeals regarding tickets must be made within five (5) working
days of issuance for maximum benefit. Appeals are to be made
IN WRITING to the officer writing the ticket or his/her
immediate supervisor.

Facility Regulations
Proper Attire and Footwear
For safety purposes, proper athletic and exercise attire and
shoes are required in all activity areas.

Special Permits
Contact desk officer at University Police Department.

Proper attire is identified as:
T-shirts, shorts, warm-up suits, sweats, aerobic wear, etc.

ALL OTHER QUESTIONS MAY BE DIRECTED TO:
UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT, 145 KEISTER ROAD,
OPPOSITE MORROW FIELD HOSUE, OLD FOOTBALL FIELD.

Non marking shoes are required on the wood floors.
Swim suits and swim footwear is limited to the pool.

NOTE: COMPLETE PARKING POLICY AVAILABLE AT
UNIVERSITY POLICE OFFICE.

Appropriate footwear must be worn on the climbing wall (no bare
feet).

55

Full-toed athletic shoes are required in the fitness center and
weight room (sandals are prohibited).
Muddy/dirty shoes are not permitted in the facility.

Aquatic Center
Aquatic Center activity is permitted only when supervised by an
SRU Lifeguard or other certified Aquatic staff person.

Clothing Storage
Protect your valuables!!! With the exchange of your ID, free
locks are available at the Welcome Center. Patron clothing and
travel bags must be stored in the available lockers.

Access to the Aquatic Center is through the locker rooms.
Lifeguards have the responsibility to enforce all regulations and
the authority to remove anyone for behavior deemed either
unsafe or inappropriate.

It is recommended that jewelry and valuables be left at home.
The Emergency Alert System is three whistle blasts upon which
all patrons must exit the pool immediately.

Radios/Multi-Media Equipment
Radios and headphones are permitted.

Lap swim is scheduled during open recreation times.
Other media is prohibited unless approval is requested and
received from the Campus Recreation Office.

Children under 10 years of age must be directly supervised
within the center by their parent/guardian or other adult.

Food/Beverages/Tobacco
Food and beverages may be consumed in the mall area of the
student recreation center, but are prohibited in the activity
areas.

Deep water access by children 10 years of age or younger is
permitted once they can demonstrate the ability to swim 20
yards.

Plastic water bottles with a lid or squirt spout may be used in the
activity areas.

Entrance into the shallow end, 5 feet of water and under, must
be by feet first.

Tobacco use in any form and alcoholic beverages are prohibited
in the facility.

Young children must wear plastic pants if they are still wearing
diapers.

Pets/Animals
With the exception of Seeing Eye dogs and companion dogs for
individuals who have a physical disability, all pets and animals are
prohibited in the student recreation center.

Climbing Wall
Climbing Wall activity is permitted only when supervised by
Campus Recreation Team personnel. Skill and Safety Test must
be passed to become a certified belayer. Children 12 years old
and younger are not permitted to belay.

56

Safety
All injuries should be reported to a Campus Recreation Team
member. Minor injuries can be treated with first aid supplies,
which are located at each activity area in the building. In the
event of a serious injury or medical emergency, contact
University Police (3333) immediately.

Gym A & Gym B
Informal Recreation Volleyball, Badminton and Basketball:
Basketball challenge play will be conducted in the available courts
when other players are waiting to play.
Informal Recreation Gym B:
This court will be utilized primarily for soccer, hockey, and
aerobics. However, Gym B may also be used for field hockey,
lacrosse, rugby, and tossing of baseball and football. Challenge
play will be conducted when other players are waiting to play.

Services
Locker Policies: Day lockers are available for all patrons. Patrons
may use their own lock or check out a lock at the Welcome
Center with a valid ID. All locks must be returned at the
conclusion of the day.
Extended Use Lockers: Lockers are available for rental by the
semester, academic year, or annual basis. Lock is provided with
the rental. Rental fee schedule is available at the Welcome
Center.

Russell Wright Fitness Center patrons must be 16 years of age
or older to use the Russell Write Fitness Center unless special
previously arranged programming is established. Fitness
Equipment should be wiped down after each use. Orientations,
fitness assessments, and exercise programs are available to all
RWFC users. In order to complete a healthy workout, patrons
are encouraged to warm up prior to exercise participate in
cardiovascular, muscular fitness, and flexibility activities and
then to cool down at the conclusion of their workout.

Welcome Center Services
Equipment Checkout of a variety of sports and fitness equipment
is available with a valid ID.
Lost and Found
All lost and found items will be temporarily stored at the
Welcome Center.

Track
Athletic or walking shoes are required. Walkers must use the
outside lanes and runners use the inside lanes. Strollers and/or
baby packs are not permitted. Course direction: even numbered
days clockwise; odd numbered days counterclockwise. Youth
under the age of 10 are not permitted to use the track.

Intramural Activities
Intramural Activities attract students who want to participate in
athletic competition with other students on campus. Seasonal
schedules, tournaments, and special events, are held between
residence halls, fraternities, sororities, clubs, faculty, and
commuting students. Intramural activities are provided for men
and women separately as well as together in co-educational
activities.

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Ski Lodge

Approximately 28 sports are currently offered as intramural
activities, and some sports have as many as 1,500 students
participating. For a school its size, Slippery Rock University has
one of the most extensive intramural programs in the country.

The lodge is available for use by SRU students, faculty and staff
groups. Many groups use the lodge for meetings, programs, and
end of the year celebrations. The building features restrooms,
fireplace, refrigerator, ice machine and tables and chairs. There
is also an outside patio with grills and picnic tables accompanied
by a sand volleyball court. The lodge can be reserved through
the Office of Campus Recreation at 724-738-4440.

Club Sports
Club sports provide the opportunity for competition with teams
from other colleges and organizations but a t a less formal level
than the inter-collegiate athletic program. Each club sport is
under the supervision of a qualified faculty/staff member.
Included in the present club sport offerings are: rugby,
lacrosse, ice hockey, power lifting, judo, cycling, and equestrian
for both men and women; and volleyball for men.

Campground
There are primitive and electrical campsites in the campground
adjacent to the ski lodge. Shower and restroom facilities are
available inside the lodge. You may purchase a camping permit in
the ARC room 117. Non electrical sties are $5.00 and electrical
sites are $7.00.

Outdoor Adventures

Outfitter

Outdoor Adventures is a program which encourages Slippery
Rock University students, faculty, and staff to safely learn,
enjoy, and appreciate outdoor recreation while protecting our
environment. Outdoor Adventures also pledges to develop an
outdoor leadership program that helps prepare students for
future employment, and to develop this program to encompass
activities for disabled and minority populations. SRU outdoor
adventures provides programs that include whitewater rafting,
kayaking, backpacking, canoeing, rock climbing, caving, cycling,
and other indoor and outdoor events. Our usual schedule runs in
the fall and spring semesters.

This service is located in the Ski Lodge at the northeast end of
campus, is the equipment end of SRU Outdoor Adventures.
Outdoor equipment is available to rent at low rates for SRU
students, staff, and faculty. The equipment used is the latest in
the outdoor industry. Hours of operation vary with the seasons.
Call the ARC Welcome Center (724-738-4801) for current hours
of operation.

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Reach Program

Provides short-term counseling, implements programming on
issues relevant to students to enhance their personal growth,
assists during crisis situations, and is a resource for referral to
both on-campus and community support services.
Maintains a safe, confidential, non-judgmental environment for
all students.
Promotes wellness through programming, training, and
consultation to the Slippery Rock University community.

This is an on campus experiential based high and low challenge
course program that serves all recognized student organizations
with free team building, problem solving group initiatives on low
course. The high ropes course allows for the provision of
individual and pair challenges. Off campus groups can also secure
experiences by contacting the REACH Program Coordinator at
724-738-4819.

In the counseling relationship, students can learn about
themselves, strategies for self-reliance, problem solving,
decision-making, and relating to others. Counseling records are
confidential and are not available to anyone without the written
consent of the student. There is no charge for counseling
services.

Rental of ARC
Rental for special events, parties, etc. Student groups may
reserve activity areas free of charge on a space available basis
during operational hours. A fee may be assessed for additional
staffing, custodial maintenance and/or supervision of group. ARC
is available for RENTAL by staff, faculty, and community groups.
Fee schedule is available at the Welcome Center or ARC office.

During regular office hours, a counselor is available to assist
students with any emergencies that may arise. Should an
emergency arise after hours, contact the McLachlan Student
Health Center at 724-738-2052.

COUNSELING CENTER
Rhoads Hall – 724-738-2034
http://www.sru.edu/studentlife/counseling/Pages/Welcome.aspx

FOOD SERVICES

College years are a time of excitement, challenge and growth.
Students develop not just educationally, but personally as well.
The mission of the Student Counseling Center supports and
promotes the psychological, academic and holistic health of
Slippery Rock students.
To accomplish this, the Counseling Center:
Provides counseling to students through the developmental, social
adjustment, academic preparedness and psychological challenges
and opportunities they face during their decisive college years.

Weisenfluh Dining Hall - 724-738-2038
http://sru.avifoodweb.com/

Dining Facilities
The dining program at Slippery Rock University offers a variety
of services throughout the campus for students and their guests.
Meal service is available somewhere on campus from 7:00 a.m. to
9:30 pm (Sunday through Thursday) and to 10:00 p.m. (Friday and
Saturday). When scheduling classes, students should take into
consideration the dining hall service hours. Allow yourself

59

enough time between classes to eat lunch! NOTE: Dining hall
hours are subject to change without notice.

Taylor & Byrnes Gourmet Café, located in the lobby of the
University Union, offers brewed coffee, iced specialty drinks and
smoothies. Pastries and fine chocolates are also available. Taylor
& Byrnes Express cafes are located in Bailey Library and Watson
Hall.

Weisenfluh Dining Hall, located across from North Hall parking
lot, contains a food court with a number of different food
stations. This all-you-can-eat facility offers something for
everyone: Hot entrees and ethnic foods, sandwich selection from
the cold deli or hot grille area, pizza, vegetarian entrees, pasta
and entrée salads made-to-order. Also available is a soup/salad
bar, fresh baked breads, desserts including ice cream and frozen
yogurt, and a variety of beverages.

Expected Standards Of Behavior:
Students are not permitted to cut into food lines.
No food or service ware (glasses, china, silverware, etc.) is to be
taken from the dining facilities.
No person is permitted in the dining hall unless he/she has
presented a validated ID card or purchased a meal.
All trays, silverware, china, glassware, and paper are to be taken
to the dish room or appropriate racks.
Health and safety requirements demand that shoes and shirts
must be worn at all times. No spikes (rubber or steel) are
permitted.
Smoking and/or use of smokeless tobacco is prohibited in the
dining rooms except when permission is granted for special
catered functions.
Students are not permitted to throw food or other objects in
the dining facilities.
Foul language is not permitted.

Boozel Dining Hall, located at the lower end of campus next to
the University Union, provides a more traditional dining
atmosphere. The entrée selection includes vegetarian and
healthy choice options, deli, grille, pizza, specialty bars,
soup/salad bar, and a variety of desserts and beverages. This
all-you-care-to-eat facility also features special meals, holiday
dinners, monotony breakers, and prize giveaways.
Rocky’s Grille, located on the lower level of the University Union,
is an a la carte snack bar featuring grille and deli sandwiches,
pizza, Mexican, salads, and other grab-an-go items, desserts, and
beverages. This operation also provides delivery service to
students who have contracted for a meal plan.

Meal Contracts
There are a number of meal plan options available to Slippery
Rock University students. Students residing in a University
Operated residence hall sign a housing/food service contract.
Once signed, these become binding contracts. The only reason
for exemption from the meal contract will be suspension or
withdrawal from the University. Meal contracts are optional for
off-campus/commuter students.

The Marketplace, a convenience store located in Weisenfluh
Dining Hall, provides a large selection of pre-packaged foods,
snacks, packed lunches, beverages, and pastries/dessert items
baked fresh daily.

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The meal contract entitles you to meals only when the University
is in session. Students required to remain on campus during
University recess periods (including student teachers and
international students) may purchase meals at the transient rate
if the dining facilities are open. Arrangements must be made in
advance.

Your ID card is valuable and you should treat it like cash or a
credit card. It is your responsibility to ensure that your ID card
remains in working condition. As a security measure, your card
must be read by “swiping” it through a card reader terminal. If
you lose or damage your card, you must replace it.
The following area regulations concerning the use of ID cards:
Each student is required to have an SRU ID card in his/her
possession at all times. Students may, upon request of a
University official, be required to show a University ID card for
identification purposes.
Properly validated ID cards are to be used only by the person
whose name and picture appear on the card.
An ID card must be shown before a student will be allowed to
enter a University function.
Only students with a properly validated ID card may use the card
as a “meal ticket” or for withdrawing materials from the library.

Special Diets
Special consideration will be given to boarding students who have
a medically related dietary problem. Dining Services will attempt
to accommodate dietary needs. The student must submit
documentation from his/her physician that defines the medical
problem and clearly outlines the dietary procedures that are to
be followed. No exemptions from the meal contract will be given
to students living in residence halls. Students should see the
director of Dining Services, Weisenfluh Dining Hall, to arrange
for special diets.

Violations of the above policies may subject the student to
disciplinary action.

ID CARDS
Your SRU ID card is your key to many services on campus. It is
your admission ticket to the dining facilities, sports events and
other campus activities. For those students living in a residence
hall, it provides access to your building. Money deposited in a
Rock Dollars account (Pre-paid debit account) is accessible with
your ID card. Rock Dollars may be used to purchase
items/services in a number of locations throughout campus: SGA
Bookstore, dining facilities, selected vending machines, residence
hall laundry machines, copiers in Bailey Library, ticket purchases,
and parking fees/fines. The ID card is also used as
identification for cashing checks at the SGA Bookstore or in
town and to withdraw materials from the library.

Replacement ID Cards
In the case of lost or stolen ID cards, replacement ID cards will
be provided at a cost of $15.00 for the first replacement and
$20.00 for any subsequent replacements. A $10.00 fee will be
charged to replace damaged cards, if the card is returned to the
ID Card Office when the new card is issued. Pictures for
replacement ID cards are taken in the University ID Card
Office, located in the lobby of Weisenfluh Dining Hall.

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STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES

Special features include a COLD SELF-CARE CENTER and
comprehensive exams including testing for pregnancy, HIV,
sexually transmitted infection, pap smears, and pelvic exams.
Confidential contraceptive counseling and prescribing is available.
An additional fee may be required for some services.
Immunization services are available and include, but are not
limited to, tetanus, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), meningitis,
and TB (tuberculosis) testing for those seeking to satisfy
registration, housing, or certification requirements.

Rhoads Hall – 724-738-2052
http://www.sru.edu/studentlife/healthservices/Pages/Home.asp
x
The mission of Student Health Services is to enhance the
educational process by providing quality health care and
promoting an optimal level of health and wellness among the
student body.

Emergency ambulance service is available by contacting the
University Police at 724-738-3333. Off campus dial 911. Be
specific about the location and nature of the emergency. When in
doubt about the need for an ambulance, contact the nurse on
duty for advice at 724-738-2052.

To fulfill our mission the Student Health Services will:
Provide quality health care
Adhere to ethical, professional and legal standards
Offer health promotion activities to advance student growth and
development
Refer students for services not available on campus
Monitor for and respond to public health concerns

Van transportation may be available for non-ambulance injuries
and illnesses. Contact the nurse on duty and ask for assistance.

The McLachlan Student Health Center is located in Rhoads Hall.
Health Service fees provide all students with confidential health
care.

Student involvement is a vital part of our quality improvement
program. The Student Health Advisory Board (SHAB) is our
student input group. SHAB is composed of student
representatives and is involved in decision-making about health
services programs and policies. Inquiries about SHAB may be
directed to Kristina Benkeser Chiprean at 724-738-4883.

Students are encouraged to join as partners in their health care.
Specific services include medical care by certified physicians and
nurse practitioners, walk-in care by registered nurses around the
clock during the academic year, in-patient care for short-term
illnesses, as well as health related resources and wellness
programs.

HOPE peer education is a student outreach project dealing with a
variety of health topics and is coordinated through the office of
Health Promotion within Student Health Services.
While it is not required that all students carry health insurance,
it is strongly advised. (Athletes and international students must
have current health insurance benefits.) If you are currently

62

without insurance, your current coverage does not extend to
providers in the Slippery Rock/Western Pennsylvania area, or you
are no longer eligible for benefits under you parents plan, a
Student Accident and Sickness Plan is available. You can obtain
insurance plan information by visiting Student Health Services or
our website.

The Women’s Center is an on-campus resource center that exists
to foster understanding and actions that result in increased
respect for, cooperation among, and acceptance of all people.
The Women’s Center offers a safe and welcoming place for
meetings, programs, studying, making friends, or taking a break.
A resource library of books, videos, magazines, newsletters, and
brochures about issues relevant to women is maintained on site.
The Women’s Center proudly houses and coordinates the SRU
Community Alliance Clothesline Project, a visual testimony to the
existence of interpersonal violence.

The resource area provides printed and video material on health
topics from A to Z. Material is available for loan with your
student ID.

THE BRIDGE PROJECT

Student Health Services will issue a Medical Visit Verification
form to students who request written documentation of SHS
utilization. The verification form is designed to provide the date,
time and duration of treatment. It is the student’s responsibility
to forward the Medical Visit Verification form to their
professor/employer.

The Bridge Project –724-738-2121
Slippery Rock University has combined with Victim Outreach
Intervention Center (VOICe) of Butler County to provide sexual
assault, relationship violence, and stalking education, prevention,
risk-reduction and comprehensive services to the campus
community. The Bridge Project is located on the lower level of
Strain Behavioral Science Building in the Women’s Center. Our
mission is to reduce the prevalence and consequence of violence
against women on campus. We will address sexual assault
relationship violence and stalking from sociological perspective,
challenging cultural norms and belief systems that contribute to
violence against women.

Absence policies are determined by individual professors. It is
the student’s responsibility to be aware of these and do their
part to meet the class requirements. Student Health Services
does not have the authority to excuse students from class
attendance.

WOMEN’S CENTER
Strain Behavioral Science Building – 724-738-2992
http://www.sru.edu/studentlife/womenscenter/Pages/TheWome
nsCenter.aspx

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OFFICE OF MULTICULTURAL
DEVELOPMENT (OMD)

All Bridge Project services are free and confidential. Services
include: education in the form of awareness, prevention, riskreduction, trainings on updated materials, victim advocacy
including accompaniment to medical/legal appointments and
distribution of educational information and programming
including speakers, presentations and campus wide campaigns.
Students can volunteer their time as peer educators for the
Bridge Project.

B-102 University Union - 724-738-2700
http://www.sru.edu/studentlife/multicultural/Pages/Multicultura
lDevelopment.aspx
The OMD is a comprehensive office that assists with the
development of a campus wide plan for the retention of
historically bypassed students. The OMD encourages exposure to
the cultural richness found within color, gender, national origin,
creed, lifestyle and sexual orientation. The staff advocates
educational growth and development of students. With this in
mind, specific retention and personal development programs are
instituted for historically bypassed students to promote
academic success and professional development.

In case of emergencies resulting from sexual assault,
relationship violence or stalking, contact University Police at
724-738-3333 or McLachlan Student Health Center at 724-7382052.

Building Bridges Program created to provide student participants
with training and practical experience for making presentations
to classes and other groups for the purpose of increasing
knowledge about diversity.
Student Development Seminars-Seminars are identified and/or
coordinated throughout each semester to provide students with
valuable techniques and knowledge about study habits,
multiculturalism, career exploration, the power of positive
thinking and more.
Student Development Opportunities provides opportunities for
students to refine their skills through hosting programs,
introducing featured speakers, participating in student lectures,
co-presenting workshops and other leadership activity.

64

The OMD provides quality programs and events that are
designed to enhance the collegiate experience of students and
educate the campus community. All of our programs assist with
the retention of a diverse student body, promote diversity
awareness and outreach to the campus community. Program
categories include retention, diversity awareness and outreach.
Student Organizations under the auspices of Intercultural
Programs

The Student Union for Minority Affairs (SUMA) SUMA's goal is
the promotion of unity for all students on campus with a
particular emphasis on diversity. SUMA provides programming to
ensure awareness of cultural diversity, social justice and
multiculturalism. SUMA also functions as an umbrella
organization for historically bypassed groups that choose to be
affiliated with the organization, but is open to ALL Slippery Rock
University Students in good standing with the university.

Black Action Society (BAS) is a student organization that
focuses on the academic, social and cultural development for
African American students. Black Action Society also seeks to
educate by providing programming that fosters a broad inclusion
of diverse populations

FAMILY CONNECTION SERVICES
University Union - 724-738-2092
Slippery Rock University's Family Foundation was established in
1981 in order to promote a collaborative partnership with the
families of enrolled students.

Latino Student Organization (LSO) provides programs for the
Latino population at Slippery Rock University. The organization's
mission is to educate and provide the campus community with a
better understanding and appreciation of Latino culture and
heritage

In 2002, Family Foundation has taken on a new name and a new
look! Family Connection Services continues to enhance the
personal support of our students in a community of learning.

Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgender and Allies (LGBTA) was
created to provide an opportunity for personal growth and
education regarding lifestyles and to extend an opportunity for
social interaction among members of the gay, lesbian and
bisexual community and others. LGBTA also provides support for
individuals regarding lifestyles and seeks to enhance the
relationships between gay, lesbian and bisexual communities and
the Slippery Rock University campus.

It is our hope, through the efforts of this organization, that we
will be able to support a variety of web-based and campus
communication services that benefit Slippery Rock University
students and their families.
Family Connection Services continues to be the sponsor of
Slippery Rock University’s annual Family Day activities held in the
fall of each year for parents and also acts as a clearing house of
resources and contact information concerning campus policies
and activities throughout the year.

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RESIDENCE LIFE

whom you will have the most direct contact. These individuals
are students who have received extensive training to assist
students with adjustment, serve as a source of information, and
provide opportunities to enhance your overall residential
experience. Night Desk Staff, facilities staff, custodial staff
and mailpersons who work to maintain a health living environment
also assist in providing a quality experience in the halls.

Watson Hall
http://www.sru.edu/studentlife/reslife/Pages/welcome.aspx
The residential living experience at Slippery Rock University is
based on providing students with a quality residence hall
program. As a member of the residential community, students
have the opportunity to become involved in numerous activities
and organizations, to meet and become friends with many people
from a variety of different backgrounds, and to enrich one’s
academic pursuits at the University. Students also have the
expectation of being a responsible community member.

Residence Halls
All residence halls have kitchens, computer labs, cable,
microwaves, and individual computer access, telephone numbers,
and voice mail boxes.
Residence Halls have magnetic locks on all slide entrances and
front entrance doors are equipped with a swipe card locking
system that works with the student ID card. All doors are
locked 24-hours-a-day. Each hall is equipped with an automatic
fire alarm system that activates an alarm system in the
University Police department. All rooms are equipped with smoke
detectors. The Department of Residence Life is concerned with
student safety, and we try to maintain safe living areas for our
occupants. Locks are on each of the doors of each living area and
can be unlocked by utilizing the resident’s room key. We work
with student groups in promoting safety in the halls. For
example, students helped us develop a policy that prohibits
extension cords and requires power strips, which include a circuit
breaker. This power surge protector should be utilized for
electrical equipment such as a computer, refrigerator, stereo,
etc. Only appliances with automatic shut off are permitted in
the halls.

Community Living
Community Living Responsibilities
The primary challenge of living in a residence hall is learning to
live together with a variety of people. For individuals to live
together, a respect for each other and a commitment to certain
standards is required. These standards are based on the respect
for the rights of others and exist to provide the most freedom
for the most people. Every resident of every hall has the right
to an environment conducive to academic pursuit and personal
growth, the right to some measure of privacy, and the right to
belong to the community. Along with these rights go
responsibilities to oneself, to one’s roommate, to the residents
of the building, and to other members of the community.

Residence Hall Staffing
The coordination and management of the Residence Hall Program
is accomplished by a staff of 74 live-in personnel. Each complex
is staffed by a Residence Life Coordinator who is a full-time
professional. The Community Assistant is the staff member with

66

Residence hall guests are escorted by their host when visiting in
the halls and are expected to obey University and residence hall
rules and regulations. A copy of the visitation policy and rules
and regulations can be found in the handbook entitled Living at
the Rock. Please refer to this publication if you have any
questions concerning visitation rules or residence hall
regulations. If after reading the policies and rules, you have any
questions, please feel free to talk to a Residence Life
Coordinator or call the Department of Residence Life at 7382082.

request to the Director of Residence Life at the time they
submit their advanced residence hall deposit.

THE INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC
PROGRAM
Morrow Field House
http://www.sru.edu/PublicRelations/AthleticsandRecreation/Pag
es/AthleticsandRecreation.aspx
The Slippery Rock University Intercollegiate Athletic Program
complements and supplements the overall mission of the
Institution, the PSAC, and the NCAA while providing a high level
experience for student-athletes at the conference, regional, and
national levels. The Rock Athletic Program encourages the
intellectual, physical, and social growth of all student-athletes.

Freshman Residence Requirement
Slippery Rock University believes that living in residence halls is
beneficial to students making the transition between high school
and University life. Research has shown that students who live in
residence halls tend to do better academically and persist to
complete their University curriculum. In the residence halls,
students have the opportunity to learn from educational
programming and from one another. They draw support from the
Residence Life staff and utilize the staff in addressing the
multitude of challenges associated with University life. Because
we believe that a student’s first year at the University helps to
set the tone for their educational and social development, all
freshmen are required to live on campus. This requirement does
not apply to freshmen who live with their parent or legal guardian
at their primary residence and within a reasonable commuting
distance. Also, any student over the age of 21 may request
permission to live off campus (it should be noted that nontraditional housing is available in the residence halls). Requests
to live off campus will be reviewed by the University Residence
Requirement Appeals Board. Students who request an exemption
to the freshman residence requirement must submit a written

The strength of the SRU intercollegiate athletic program is its
academic accountability, as well as its desire for excellence in all
19 of the University’s varsity teams. Competitive, intercollegiate
teams for women include cross country, volleyball, soccer, and
field hockey in the fall; basketball, swimming, and indoor track in
the winter; and lacrosse, softball, tennis, water polo, and outdoor
track and field in the spring. The men’s sports include football,
soccer, and cross country in the fall; basketball, and indoor track
in the winter; and baseball, and outdoor track and field in the
spring. Slippery Rock University is a member of the Pennsylvania
State Athletic Conference (PSAC) and the National Collegiate
Athletic Association (NCAA).

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Robert M. Smith Student Center

The Student Center administration attempts to accommodate as
many events and activities in the Student Center as possible. As
the campus gathering place, students, faculty, staff, and
community members all seek to utilize the Student Center for
events and programs. In scheduling the facility, efforts are
made to provide as much opportunity as possible to student
groups while maintaining the ability to serve the varied needs of
other members of the campus community.

http://www.sru.edu/studentlife/union/Pages/unionhome.aspx
The Mission of the Robert M. Smith Student Center is to serve
as a gathering place for the campus community. The services,
programs, activities, and opportunities that the Student Center
provides are designed to meet the needs of students, faculty,
staff, and visitors and foster a sense of community and campus
loyalty. Through their involvement with the Student Center,
students develop skills in leadership, citizenship, diversity
awareness, and professionalism.

Authority for Scheduling
The administration of the Student Center department is
responsible for the scheduling of the facility. Only authorized
departmental personnel may establish, alter, change, modify, or
cancel reservations for the Student Center. Department or
organization event organizers may not assign, share, give, or
promise reserved facility space and services to other parties.
Any requests of this nature must be discussed with the Student
Center staff, which has ultimate authority to assign, approve, or
disapprove facility use requests. The Director of the Student
Center may use administrative discretion in making exceptions to
the standard operating practices and procedures as may be
necessary to further the mission of the Student Center.

An Auxiliary
The Robert M. Smith Student Center is an auxiliary enterprise
operating solely on student fees and other revenue generated
through rental agreements. No tuition dollars or state
appropriations are allocated to the Student Center. A separate
Student Center fee is determined, approved by the Council of
Trustees, and assessed to all enrolled students. Revenue
generated through programs, services, and rental agreements
helps to offset the budget requirements for the student fee
assessment.

Operating Hours

Overview of Scheduling

The Robert M. Smith Student Center administration establishes
normal operating hours for the facility. Requests to deviate
from normal operating hours are reviewed by the Director.
Approval of requests to deviate from normal operating hours is
dependent upon the ability to schedule staff coverage for the
event.
Academic Year Operating Hours:
Monday-Thursday
7:30 a.m. – 12:00 midnight
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Friday
Saturday
Sunday

The Student Center is designated as an essential facility. As
such, the facility may remain open on days when other facilities
are closed, including holidays, inclement weather days, etc.

7:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

On-Campus Scheduling Procedures

Requests to extend the operating hours on Friday and Saturday
nights are reviewed and are subject to late-night event
guidelines developed by the Division of Student Affairs. Latenight event guidelines require at least 30 days advance notice for
scheduling an event, participation and attendance of a
faculty/staff advisor, completion of a security review meeting,
and submission of a cancellation deposit to secure the facility.
If approved, the Student Center will require the sponsoring
organization to end any late-night event by 1:30 a.m. to allow the
organization time to clean up, load-out, and insure that all
patrons have left the facility prior to the extended closing time
of 2:00 a.m. The Director of the Student Center will coordinate
the completion of the late-night event guidelines.

Recognized student organizations and university departments can
view campus room availability, including the Student Center, online via the website http://schedule.sru.edu and should do so
prior to requesting any campus facility. Reservation request
forms for university activities sponsored by recognized student
organizations and university departments are available at the
Student Center Information Desk or via the Student Center web
page. A faculty or staff advisor must sign the reservation
request form for recognized student organizations. Completed
reservation request forms should be submitted to the Student
Center Information Desk as soon as a date for the event is
known, preferably at least one month in advance of the desired
date. Reservation requests may also be submitted for recurring
events (e.g. weekly meetings) at the start of each academic year
or semester. Upon receipt, the form is reviewed for
completeness and availability of the requested facilities.
Written notice is returned to the requesting organization or
department, usually within one week, indicating the result of the
reservation request.

Summer Session Operating Hours:
Monday-Thursday
8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Summer session hours will be modified as needed to
accommodate events, conferences, and other special functions.
Breaks and Holidays:
Breaks in the academic
calendar when the University
remains open
Holidays when the University is
officially closed

Guidelines for Scheduling Recurring Meetings
Approximately four weeks prior to the end of each semester,
reservation requests for recurring meetings will be accepted for
the following semester. The start date will be announced to all
student organizations through the Center for Student
Involvement & Leadership. The Student Center administration
reserves the right to restrict the frequency of recurring
meetings for individual departments or organizations in order to

8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. MondayFriday
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Sunday
Closed

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maximize availability for all organizations. Organizations seeking
to reserve more than two recurring meetings each week may be
asked to meet with Student Center administrators to review the
needs of the organization. Such requests may be deferred until
the third week of the semester to permit other organizations
sufficient time to schedule rooms.

Denial of Requests
When a request cannot be accommodated, a written denial will be
marked on the reservation request and returned to the
requestor. The requestor may seek other facility availability on
campus or submit a new reservation request for a different date
and/or time. Due to the volume of facility requests, there is no
waitlist for facility reservations.

First-Come, First-Serve
The general practice of the Student Center is to schedule events
on a rolling basis. Reservation requests are processed in the
order received. Reservation requests are stamped with the date
and time of submission at the Student Center Information Desk
in order to resolve any conflicting requests. Incomplete requests
are returned for correction and are processed based on the
resubmission date.

Cancellation Notification
Departments and organizations should report any cancellations of
confirmed reservations to the University Union administrative
personnel as soon as possible. Once notified of a cancellation, all
facility reservations will be released. New reservation requests
for released facilities will be processed in the order in which
they are received. Failure to notify the University Union of
cancellations or engaging in a recurring pattern of cancellations
may result in restrictions on future reservation requests by that
organization or department (also see No Show Procedures below).

Relocation of Reserved Activities
The University Union administration reserves the right to
reassign a previously approved event to a different space in the
facility. Any reassignment will be communicated to the
requestor as soon as such reassignment is made in order to
insure minimal disruption to the scheduled activity.

No Show Procedures
The University Union administration monitors room usage. If it
is determined that a department or organization is not utilizing a
recurring reservation, an attempt will be made to confirm with
the organization whether the reservation may be modified or
canceled. The University Union reserves the right to cancel the
entire reservation, with appropriate notice to the requestor, if
the department or organization does not utilize reserved
facilities. Once canceled, the facility space will be available for
new reservation requests.

Alternate Space Assignments
When the requested facility space is not available on the date
and time requested, the University Union scheduling staff will
attempt to accommodate the activity in an alternate space in the
University Union. Assignment of alternate space will be noted on
the written confirmation returned in response to the reservation
request.

Block Holds

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For significant university events it may be necessary to place a
hold on University Union facilities for a block of time until
decisions can be made as to actual room usage needs. Such holds
are discouraged as they prevent other event organizers from
making firm plans. A request for a block hold must be submitted
to the Director of the University Union for approval. If
approved, the Director will specify an expiration date for the
block hold that allows up to a maximum of 30 days for more
specific plans to be made. The sponsoring organization or
department must submit room reservation requests that specify
actual event and room usage needs prior to the expiration of the
block hold. Upon expiration, all remaining rooms in the block hold
are released and new reservation requests will be accepted.
Significant university events are defined as those that are
critical to the success of the institution and usually involve
significant investment of resources by various departments on
campus to include, but not be limited to, Homecoming,
Kaleidoscope, Orientation, Admission Visitation events, etc.

Off-Campus Scheduling Procedures
Individuals, groups, organizations, businesses, and others seeking
to hold an activity that is not university sponsored, must contact
the Director of the University Union to complete a rental
agreement. The Director will review the request, determine
rental fees and payment schedules, and confirm the availability
of the facility. A tentative hold may be placed on the facility
pending completion of the rental agreement. A deposit (ranging
from 25-100%) must be submitted within two weeks to confirm
the rental arrangement or the tentative hold will be released.
The balance of the rental payment is invoiced immediately
following the event and includes any additional charges for onsite requests not anticipated at the time of booking (i.e. extra
staffing, extended hours, additional room usage, etc.). The
Director reserves the right to refuse rental requests in order to
preserve facility availability for university events.
Wedding Procedures
Through agreement with the food services contractor, all
wedding requests are handled through the campus office of the
food service contractor. This minimizes the number of contacts
required to gather information, check availability, and book an
event. Special wedding package rates have been developed and
are presented by the food service contractor. The University
Union Multi-Purpose Room is available for wedding receptions
during the summer and during holidays and breaks during the
academic year when the university is open and student events
have not been scheduled. All other facility spaces (e.g. lobby,
patios, meeting rooms, etc.) may also be scheduled depending
upon the needs of the event.

71

Current Rental Rates
Please contact the Director of the University Union for current
rental rates.

A two-hour room set-up time and two-hour room teardown time is
scheduled for each event to permit room changeovers and
cleaning.
A member of the University Union operations staff will be
present at all times during an event. Only University Union
employees are authorized to operate the sound, light, and
projection console and associated equipment in the Multi-Purpose
Room.
All equipment needs and set-up diagrams must be confirmed with
the Coordinator of Union Facilities & Event Services
approximately one month, and no later than one week, in advance
of the scheduled activity.
All requests to change room layouts during the course of a single
reservation (e.g. converting from a classroom set-up to a banquet
set-up) will be evaluated by the Coordinator of Union Facilities
and Event Services. If approved, the Coordinator will specify
the amount of time needed to clear the room and accomplish the
change. The Coordinator may refuse the request or discuss
alternative arrangements if insufficient time is available.
All decoration requests must be reviewed and approved by the
Coordinator of Union Facilities and Event Services. In general,
decorations must be freestanding and not adhered to windows,
walls, curtains, or fixtures. Candles and other open flames are
permitted only when utilized by the catering office in hurricane
glass or water vases or when approved in consultation with the
Office of Environmental Health and Safety.
University Union operations staff will attempt to accommodate
requests for additional equipment or minor room layout changes
at the time of the program, but such requests may not always be
feasible due to other activities in the facility and staffing
limitations.

Commission on Sales
Individuals or businesses conducting a sale must arrange to rent
the appropriate facility and pay a 20% commission on the gross,
pre-tax proceeds from the sale.
University-Affiliated Requests
Some departments and organizations may seek to host events
that are a blend between a university and a non-university event.
Typically these events have as their focus the provision of a
program or service to an audience broader than the university
community of faculty, staff, and students. These events may be
similar in nature to a conference where some participants are
Slippery Rock University students, but many other participants
are from groups or organizations not related to Slippery Rock
University. Special rental rates have been developed for these
events (usually 50% of the regular rate), and will be determined
by the Director in consultation with the sponsoring organization.
Multi-Purpose Room Scheduling
The Multi-Purpose Room is the only ballroom facility available on
campus. As such, it is a highly sought-after space for all manner
of events. The following conditions and restrictions are imposed
on use of the Multi-Purpose Room:
Due to the special staffing provided in the Multi-Purpose Room,
reservation requests must be received at least two weeks in
advance of the desired date of the event. Late night event
requests should be submitted 45 days in advance but must be
received at least 30 days prior to the desired date in order to
meet the Division of Student Life Late-Night Event Guidelines.

72

The scheduling of ongoing or recurring events (e.g. weekly
organization meetings) is not permitted in the Multi-Purpose
Room in order to insure availability for single-use, special events.
Practices for performances are limited to one dress rehearsal in
advance of the scheduled performance. Meeting rooms may be
booked for additional practices.

Any equipment or supply deliveries must be scheduled with the
Coordinator of Union Facilities and Event Services in order to
prevent infringing on other reservations.
Information Table Scheduling
There are five (5) information tables in the lobby of the
University Union. As with other facility spaces, information
tables are scheduled on a first-come, first-serve basis. A Sales
and Solicitation request must be approved through established
procedures in order to conduct a fundraising activity at an
information table. Information tables may be rented in
accordance with the Off-Campus Scheduling Procedures. An
information table may be scheduled for a maximum of two (2)
consecutive calendar weeks per activity or fundraiser.

Equipment Scheduling
The University Union purchases and maintains standard
equipment for events.
Tables and chairs are available in meeting rooms and the MultiPurpose Room and may be configured for the needs of the event.
Integrated computer, video, and projection equipment is available
in two meeting rooms and the Multi-Purpose Room. Portable
projectors are available in limited supply. Other rooms may be
configured for projection equipment supplied by the event
organizer.
Staging and stage lighting is available for use in the MultiPurpose Room.
A variety of accessories such as easels, screens, overhead
projectors, tv/vcr units, tv/dvd units, etc. are available in limited
supply.
The event coordinator should discuss specific equipment needs
approximately one month, and no less than one week, in advance
of the scheduled activity. All media should be submitted at least
one week in advance of the event in order to test compatibility
with equipment.
The Coordinator of Union Facilities and Event Services will
confirm with the event coordinator what equipment is available
for use.
The event coordinator is responsible for insuring that program
equipment needs are met, including making arrangements for
equipment that cannot be provided by the University Union.

University Union Lobby Scheduling
The lobby of the University Union may be scheduled for
programs and events by recognized student organizations and
university departments. However, as the lobby is surrounded by
administrative offices, noise levels of scheduled events will be
strictly monitored during regular office hours. The University
Union may schedule events in alternative locations or deny
reservation requests in order to prevent noise concerns.
Banner Scheduling
Banner request forms are available at the Union Information
Desk and the University Union web page. Request forms must be
submitted along with the banner to be displayed. Requests
should be submitted at least one week in advance of the desired
start date for display.
Outdoors
Recognized student organizations and university departments

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may submit requests for a banner to be hung over the front door
of the University Union. Banners must be constructed of sturdy,
weather-resistant material with appropriate grommets for
hanging on the facility. Banners should not exceed the
dimensions of 3’ vertical x 12’ horizontal. The University Union
will schedule the placement of banners and issue work orders for
the facilities department to place and remove outdoor banners.
Although every effort will be made to meet the requested
schedule, the University Union cannot guarantee the dates that
the facilities department will schedule the work of hanging and
removing banners.

arranged with the campus facilities or information technology
department by the sponsoring organization or department.
Quad Locations
The Quad is designated as containing the following three areas:
(1) adjacent to Bailey Library; (2) adjacent to the Physical
Therapy building; and (3) adjacent to the Advanced Technology
and Science Hall. Reservation requests should designate the
desired location(s).
SGA Pavilion
The SGA Pavilion includes the area under cover of the pavilion as
well as the patio area immediately adjacent to the pavilion. SGA
has determined that non-university groups or individuals may not
reserve the pavilion. Further, University departments may not
reserve the pavilion sooner than one month prior to a desired
activity in order to increase availability of the pavilion for
student organization activities. Individual students may request
to reserve the SGA Pavilion using regular reservation processes.
SGA has further determined that no organization may schedule
the Pavilion for more than two consecutive days and no more than
three days per week. Organizations desiring to seek an
exception to these limits must submit an hour-by-hour schedule
of proposed activities to be reviewed by the SGA Vice President
of Administrative Affairs.

Indoors
Recognized student organizations and university departments
may submit requests for a banner to be hung from the banner
tracks in the lobby of the University Union. Banners should not
exceed the dimensions of 3’ vertical x 6’ horizontal. Banners are
hung on a space-available basis only, and all requests are
processed on a first-come, first-serve basis. The University
Union operations staff will schedule the placement of banners
and hang and remove all banners.
Quad & SGA Pavilion Scheduling
The University Union coordinates the scheduling of activities on
the campus quad, including the SGA Pavilion. Recognized student
organizations and university departments may submit requests
for use of these areas using the University Union Reservation
Request form available at the Union Information Desk or the
University Union web page. For quad and pavilion reservations,
the University Union confirms availability only. The University
Union does not provide equipment or technical support for events
on the quad or in the pavilion. All requests for tables, chairs,
electricity, audio-visual equipment, and any other needs must be

On Demand Usage
Meeting rooms (excluding the Multi-Purpose Room) are available
for immediate use by individual students, recognized student
organizations, and faculty and staff members upon request as
availability permits. The person desiring to use the room must go
to the Union Information Desk, complete a room usage form, and
leave identification for the duration of the activity. The

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Information Desk Assistant will permit access to the room and
will check the room at the conclusion of the event. Due to the
immediate nature of these requests, special room arrangements
and equipment requests cannot be honored.

The use of candles and other open flames in the University Union
is strictly limited to only those events where the catering office
coordinates the usage. The Director of the University Union and
the Director of the Environmental Health and Safety Office will
review requests for exceptions to this policy.
Decorations must be approved by the Coordinator of Union
Facilities and Event Services and may not be adhered to walls,
doors, or windows.
Posters, flyers, and other advertisements may be posted on
bulletin boards in accordance with normal posting procedures.
Event planners should arrange with the Coordinator of Union
Facilities and Event Services for easels if the posting of
directional signage on the day of an activity is desired. Flyers
and other signage may not be adhered to doors, windows, walls,
floors, ceilings, railings, or other facility spaces not specifically
designated for posting.
No alcohol is permitted except as may be approved through the
University Alcohol Use Permit process. Information regarding
the Alcohol Use Permit process may be obtained from the
Director of the University Union or the Director of
Environmental Health and Safety.
Solicitation is permitted inside the University Union only when
appropriate approval has been granted for the activity and a
reservation has been made for a facility space. Information
concerning solicitation policies and procedures may be obtained
from the Director of the University Union.
All individuals, recognized student organizations, university
departments, and others that utilize the University Union must
meet the financial obligations incurred for the use of University
Union programs, services, and facilities. Failure to pay for
services rendered by the University Union may result in
restrictions on further use of the programs, services, and
facility until all financial obligations have been met.

Facility Usage Rules and Expectations
The following rules and expectations apply to every event and
activity whether scheduled in advance or requested on demand:
The facility must be used for activities specified in the original
request. University departments or recognized student
organizations may not utilize the facility for non-university
events without making appropriate rental arrangements.
Organizations or departments that violate this provision may be
billed for room usage and are subject to loss or restriction of
future reservation privileges.
Student organizations must maintain university recognition in
order to utilize the University Union. Organizations that lose
recognition or fail to complete the annual registration process
will forfeit all confirmed room reservations and be denied
further facility usage until such time as the organization is
officially recognized by Slippery Rock University.
All furniture and equipment must be used appropriately so as not
to cause damage. Event organizers may be billed for any damage
to equipment or furnishings.
At the conclusion of the event, the room must be restored to
order with all trash put in proper receptacles and all furniture
placed in its original position. All equipment and supplies brought
in by the event participants must be removed immediately upon
the completion of the event.
Events must adhere to the requested start and end times so as
not to interfere with or impact other reservations.

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Violation of facility rules may result in one or more of the
following responses depending on circumstances: restrictions on
future use of the facility, referral to the Office of Judicial
Programs, notification to University Police, billing for damage
repair or replacement of equipment, or other appropriate
penalty.

to utilize those bulletin boards for advertising activities, events,
and information in order to provide maximum availability on the
general bulletin boards to students and organizations without
designated space. Bulletin board space is currently designated
for the following groups: Center for Student Involvement &
Leadership, Greek Life, Black Action Society, University Program
Board, Office of Intercultural Programs, Alpha Kappa Alpha, and
Zeta Phi Beta/Phi Beta Sigma.
Posters or flyers placed on bulletin boards without having an
approval stamp will be removed.
In order to preserve an aesthetically pleasing environment and to
lessen litter, flyers or posters are not to be adhered to doors,
windows, walls, pillars, stairwells, bathroom stalls, floors,
sidewalks, railings, water fountains, or other non-authorized
areas. When found, these will be removed.
Individuals or student organizations that do not comply with any
of the guidelines of the posting policy may be referred to the
Office of Judicial Programs.

University Union Posting Policy
Posters/Flyers
All public postings (example: flyers, posters, etc.) must be
presented to the staff at the Information Desk located in the
University Union in order to be approved and posted in the
University Union. Due to space limitations, posters/flyers should
measure no more than 11”x17” whenever possible. Larger items
will be posted only when space permits.
The Information Desk staff will review the poster to insure
compliance with the posting policy.
If approved, up to three (3) posters will be stamped and dated
by the Information Desk staff.
Once approved, the Information Desk staff will place the
posters on the public bulletin boards in the University Union.
There is one public bulletin board located on each floor of the
Union. There is a limit of one poster per event on each bulletin
board.
Information Desk staff will remove posters immediately upon
completion of the advertised event or after two weeks when
space is needed for new postings. The University reserves the
right to remove announcements more frequently should the
accumulation of signs detract from the appearance of the
University Union.
Organizations or offices that maintain specifically designated
bulletin boards in the University Union are strongly encouraged

Table Tents
Table tents are not permitted in the lobby, lounges, or other
common areas in the University Union. Table tents placed in
these areas will be discarded. Table tents are permitted to be
placed in Rocky’s Grille when properly scheduled and approved by
the Dining Services office located in Weisenfluh Hall.
Pamphlets/Brochures
The University Union maintains a literature rack on the first
floor of the Union near the Information Desk.
Pamphlets and brochures must be given to the Information Desk
for placement in the literature rack.

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A pamphlet or brochure will be placed in only one location in the
literature rack. The University Union will dispose of excess
quantities of brochures. The University Union will not store
brochures for purposes of refilling the literature rack.
The Information Desk Assistant will determine placement of the
pamphlet or brochure in the literature rack.
Due to space limitations, older materials will be removed
periodically to permit placement of newer materials. The
University reserves the right to remove pamphlets and
brochures more frequently should the accumulation of items
detract from the appearance of the University Union.
The University Union will not accept deliveries of bulk quantities
of pamphlets, flyers, brochures, coupons, or other materials
intended to be distributed to the university community. Any
such materials delivered to the University Union will be refused
or discarded.

Banners to be hung on the outside of the Union must be made of
weather resistant material (e.g., vinyl) and have secured
fasteners to insure stability. Banners should not exceed 3’
vertical x 12’ horizontal.
Banners are hung on a space available basis only, and all requests
are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Requests to
display banners should be made at least one week in advance of
the first day of display.
The University Union will issue a work order to the facilities
office for the hanging and subsequent removal of banners
approved to be hung outside of the Union. Although every effort
will be made to meet the requested schedule, the University
Union cannot guarantee the dates that the facilities department
will schedule the work of hanging and removing the banner.
Banner display is usually limited to two weeks in duration.
The University Union reserves the right to adjust banner
placements, duration of display, number of banners, etc. to best
serve the varied uses and programs scheduled in the Union.
Plans should be made by the requesting party to pick up banners
immediately following the display period.
Any questions concerning banner materials or dimensions should
be addressed to the Coordinator of Union Facilities & Event
Services in 217UU.

Banners
Space to hang banners in or on the University Union may be
reserved by University departments and recognized student
organizations through the University Union reservation request
process.
Facility reservation forms are available at the University Union
Information Desk.
The facility reservation request must be completed and
submitted with the banner to the University Union Information
Desk.
Banners to be hung inside the Union lobby may be made of paper,
vinyl, cloth, or other material not to exceed 3’ vertical x 6’
horizontal.

Chalking
Chalking of sidewalks and the wall in front of Patterson Hall near
to Morrow Field House will be permitted by officially recognized
student organizations for the announcement of universitysponsored events. A washable, non-staining chalk must be used.
Chalking of university sidewalks and patios (including the
University Union and the Quad) will be permitted for officially
recognized student organizations for the announcement of
University-sponsored events.

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The university reserves the right to remove announcements
periodically should the accumulation of signs detract from the
appearance of the campus. Students shall not remove or alter
the message of another student organization. The chalking of
buildings, roadways, or parking areas is prohibited. Reported
violations will be referred to the coordinator of student
standards.
A washable and non-staining chalk must be utilized.
Chalking is only permitted on sidewalks, patios, and horizontal
surfaces where rain will be able to wash it away.
Chalking is not permitted under overhangs.
The chalking of buildings, walls, windows, light poles, or other
vertical surfaces is strictly prohibited. Organizations may be
billed cleaning charges for the removal of chalked messages in
unauthorized areas.
The defacing or removal of a group’s chalked advertising by
another group is prohibited and subject to referral to the
Office of Judicial Programs.

discard materials that have expired or that are inhibiting the
completion of other duties at the Information Desk.
Oversight of University Union Posting Policy
The oversight of the University Union Posting Policy will be
through the Director of the University Union. This policy will be
reviewed as needed and will be communicated to the campus
community on a regular basis via the Student Handbook, Student
Organization manual, and other written and electronic media.
Requests for changes to the University Union Posting Policy
should be made in writing to the Director of the University
Union. The Director of the University Union reserves the right
to authorize exceptions to this policy as may be required to
support the purposes and goals of Slippery Rock University.
SGA BOOKSTORE
Monday-Friday
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Special Saturdays
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Information Desk Displays
Arrangements may be made with the Director of the University
Union for the display and distribution of applications and other
material of general interest to the student body at the Union
Information Desk (e.g. applications for scholarships and
leadership positions, course scheduling guides, etc.).
Arrangements must be made at least a week in advance, and all
materials should clearly designate the office, organization, or
department to contact with questions or concerns. In order to
prevent any misunderstanding, the Union Information Desk
should not be designated as a location to submit completed
applications for any organization or department other than the
University Union. The University Union reserves the right to

COOPERATIVE ACTIVITIES OFFICE
Academic Year
Monday-Friday
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Summer Sessions
Monday-Friday
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

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CENTER FOR STUDENT INVOLVEMENT
AND LEADERSHIP

University Program Board (UPB)
The University Program Board (UPB) is the major co-curricular
sponsor of student events. It consists of committees and
executive positions, held by students, who provide varied
programming assuring a diverse array of entertainment for the
campus community. The University Program Board invites all
students to enjoy their many events. Most events are free for
SRU students. Recent events sponsored by UPB include TI,
Trace Atkins, Chris Cagle, Hawthorne Heights, Ludacris, Dave
Chappelle, the Goo-Goo Dolls, Jimmy Fallon, Mitch Hedberg,
Busta Rhymes, and WWE superstar Mick Foley. Visit the office
located in B-122 on the main level in the University Union. All
students are encouraged to become a part of this exciting
student organization and help create campus entertainment while
gaining leadership experience.

The programs and services offered through the Slippery Rock
University Center for Student Involvement and Leadership are
designed to involve students in the life of the campus and
enhance student leadership skills. The Centre provides programs
and workshops that explore theories of leadership and the
practical application of leadership skills. In addition, the Center
encourages students to utilize leadership strategies in their
roles within student organizations. The student activity
programs sponsored each year are designed to complement
academic course work by taking the theory learned in the
classroom and placing it into practice. The Center’s goal is to
involve every Slippery Rock University student in the
development of leadership skills. The Center for Student
Leadership, located in B-105 University Union, provides a
conveniently accessible location for students to obtain
informational resources, meet with professional and paraprofessional advisors, and utilize office equipment to enhance
their programmatic efforts.

Student Transition Programs
Students and their families experience a number of significant
transitions during the college years. The CSIL works
collaboratively to create and implement special programs to ease
and explain these transitional periods. Some of these programs
include Pathfinder Certificate Series, Transfer Student
Services, Sophomore Initiative and Family and Friends Day, and
other specially designed events. Parents and family members will
receive special communication about university resources,
services, and programs from the CSIL.

The Center for Student Involvement and Leadership houses the
co-curricular transcript program, Compass Leadership Program,
Family Connection Services, Greek Affairs, Transition Programs,
Student Organizations, Freshman Leader Scholar Program,
Student Government and the University Program Board. Each
office works extensively with students (both individually and in
groups), faculty, and staff to develop effective and meaningful
opportunities for the campus community. For additional
information, call (724) 738-2092 or stop by B-105 University
Union.

Freshman Leader Scholar Program (FLSP)
The Freshman Leader Scholar Program is a selective program
offered to incoming students through a rigorous application and
interview process. The program engages students in leadership
retreats, weekly topical workshops, and service learning

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experiences throughout the first academic year. Activities are
structured to be interesting and fun. The staff of the CSIL
serves as a mentor to assist students in developing their
leadership skills and in finding appropriate leadership roles in
which to serve. FLSP graduates currently serve in key roles in
the Student Government Association, the Association of
Residence Hall Students, and other student organizations.

national leadership conferences. Special guest lectures and
instructional workshops are held on campus. In addition, the
Center collaborates with other departments to provide a diverse
array of leadership development opportunities.

Co-Curricular Experiences Transcript (Ccet)
All students are encouraged to register in the Center for
Student Involvement and Leadership for a Co-Curricular
Experiences Transcript. Throughout their college experience,
students track their involvement in clubs and organizations,
special recognition and awards, attendance at educational
workshops, and other experiences that contribute to their
leadership development. The Center for Student Involvement
and Leadership maintains the student’s records and produces a
written transcript suitable for use in student portfolios or in the
development of a resume.

Leadership Alliance
Slippery Rock University is a member of the Northeast Ohio –
Western Pennsylvania Alliance involving Westminster College,
Thiel College, Youngstown State University, Lake Erie College,
and Walsh University. Slippery Rock students are selected each
year to participate in leadership retreats and topical workshops
with students from the other Alliance schools. Students learn
leadership skills and are exposed to different campus
environments and issues through their participation in the
program.

Student Organizations
Student organizations at Slippery Rock University are viewed as
opportunities for self-development and self-expression.
Therefore, the success of student activities rests largely with
the students. Students are encouraged to become involved in
organizations as their time and interest permit. There are more
than 120 organizations, activities, and teams, which have been
created from student interest. The scope of the organizations
includes athletics, drama, music, service, social, scholastic
interest, the media, academic honoraries, governance and special
interest groups. A variety of resources and workshops are
available to assist student organization members with developing
and enhancing their leadership skills.

Student Ambassadors
Approximately 25 upper-class students are selected through a
rigorous screening process to serve as Student Ambassadors.
These student leaders represent the best of Slippery Rock
University. They are invited to participate in special events
involving senior administrative staff, the Council of Trustees,
special alumni or foundation events, and other occasions when
select student representation is appropriate.

Leadership Conferences and Workshops
The Center for Student Involvement and Leadership coordinates
several leadership development programs each year.
Registration and transportation may be offered to regional or

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Currently Recognized Organizations

The Center for Student Leadership coordinates the annual
registration process for student organizations. An organization
fair is sponsored annually to introduce students to the variety of
clubs and organizations active on the campus. A directory of
student clubs and organizations is maintained at
http://www.sru.edu/clubs. Students interested in starting a
new club are encouraged to contact the staff in the Center for
Student Involvement and Leadership for assistance.

You can find the most updated information about recognized
Student Organizations at www.sru.edu/clubs

Fraternities and Sororities
Slippery Rock University’s national fraternities and sororities
provide opportunities for fun, friendship, and learning. The
primary purposes of these organizations are educational
excellence, campus and community service, leadership
development, and developing a friendship network. Joining a
Greek organization provides a positive connection between
students and the University. Membership in sororities or
fraternities is a lifetime commitment that begins during the
college experience.

Organization Recognition
Student organizations are required to register annually in order
to be recognized as university sponsored clubs. Organizations
must submit a current list of club officers and their contact
information, identify a faculty or staff member as organization
advisor, and agree to abide by university policies and procedures.
Recognized organizations are permitted to reserve university
facilities, establish charge accounts with university services, and
apply for funding to support activities and special events. In
addition, recognized organizations are listed in university
directories and receive notice of special programs, workshops,
and conferences for organization members. The Student
Organization Review Board (SORB) reviews all petitions for
recognition by new and continuing organizations.

The Greek system at Slippery Rock University has played a
positive role on the campus since 1961. Interfraternity,
Panhellenic, and National Pan-Hellenic organizations believe that
Greek organizations can make a relevant contribution to their
individual members, the University as a whole, and the
community.
Interfraternity Council (IFC)
The Interfraternity Council is the governance organization at
Slippery Rock University created by and for the fraternities
affiliated with the North American Interfraternity Conference.
Each fraternity elects two delegates to represent the fraternity
in making decisions regarding recruitment and membership
criteria, scholastic requirements, programming opportunities, and
other policy decisions. Executive officers are elected from the
fraternity representatives. The purpose of this organization is
to coordinate activities between the fraternities and to promote

Organization Responsibility
Recognized student organizations have an obligation to protect
the welfare of their members, guests, and the University. Every
precaution should be taken to protect against University,
individual and organization liability. Any violations of the law or
University policy could subject an organization and/or its
representatives to University disciplinary action, including
possible loss of recognition.

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the interests of fraternities on the campus and in the
community. Member organizations include:

National Panhellenic Council (NPHC)
The National Pan-Hellenic Council consists of representatives of
each of the traditionally African-American sororities and
fraternities. Executive officers are elected to preside over
council meetings. The goals of the NPHC are to improve the
campus and community through active service. Member
organizations include:

Alpha Sigma Phi
Pi Kappa Alpha
Pi Kappa Phi
Theta Xi
Kappa Sigma
Sigma Tau Gamma

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Panhellenic Council (Panhel)
The Panhellenic Council is a self-governing body composed of two
delegates from each National Panhellenic Conference sorority on
campus. Executive officers are elected from the sorority
representatives. The major functions of the council are to
encourage beneficial inter-sorority relationships; to maintain
high social, service, and educational standards within the Greek
system; and to regulate recruitment of new members. Member
organizations include:

Chartering a New Fraternity or Sorority
Slippery Rock University is committed to the success of
fraternities and sororities and works closely with currently
recognized organizations, their respective governance councils,
and national representatives and staff members to provide
opportunities for all interested students. Establishment of a new
fraternity or sorority is a lengthy process designed to insure
sufficient support for sustaining the organization from
university students; other fraternities and sororities; faculty,
staff, and alumni advisors; and national staff and officers. In the
event that a student interest group expresses a desire to
establish a new fraternity or sorority, the following procedures
apply. Modifications to these procedures may be made, as needed
for cause, by the University President, Vice President for
Student Life, or designee.

Alpha Omicron Pi
Alpha Sigma Tau
Alpha Xi Delta
Delta Zeta
Phi Sigma Sigma
Sigma Sigma Sigma

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1. Each inter/national organization has its own process, supports,
and expectations for any expansion effort. Additionally, the
following fraternal associations have resolutions and agreements
regarding these efforts for their member organizations.
Understanding the NIC, NPPC, NPHC and NALFO
guidelines/positions and those of their members is critical
before moving forward.
o NIC- North-American Interfraternity Conference: see
the expansion philosophy at
www.nicindy.org/resolutions/Expansions.htm, or the NIC
Standards for Campuses for their standard on open
expansion at www.nicindy.org/
o NPC- National Panhellenic Conference extension: refer
to the NPC Manual of Information- 13th Edition:
www.npcwomen.org
o NALFO-National Association of Latino Fraternal
Organizations, Inc.: www.nalfo.org
o NPHC- National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc.:
www.nphchq.org
o Individual websites of inter/national organizations
(links can be found on the AFA website)
2. Representatives from the interest group must meet with the
Center for Student Involvement & Leadership and staff to
review all relevant policies and procedures. They must also be
able to answer the following questions:
• Why do you want to start a new group?
• What is your vision of a fraternal experience?
• What do you know about the group(s) you are
researching?
• As an individual, are you in good academic standing with
the university?

• What is your collective grade point average? Does it
match the requirements of the group(s) you are
researching?
• Do your personal values match the organization’s values?
• What is your available time commitment to establish a
new group?
• What are your basic expectations of support from your
desired new group?
• Are you willing and able to meet the group’s financial
responsibilities?
• What will you do after you are established/receive you
charter?
3. Here are a few questions undergraduates might ask an
inter/national organization representative:
• What do you expect from us? What are the chartering
requirements?
• Who will support our group in the short term?
Long term?
• What paperwork do you require?
• What is our timeline of tasks/responsibilities?
• How do we stay in good standing with your organization
as a colony? As a chapter?
• How will you help us recruit alumni advisement and
support?
• How do we recruit more members?
• What support do we need from the university?
• What happens after we have colony status?
• What if we can’t meet the chartering requirements
after a year? Two years? Three years?
• What might jeopardize our colony/charter status?

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4. Representatives from the interest group must attend a prescheduled council meeting for the appropriate council. Following a
presentation from the interest group, council members may ask
questions or offer comments to interest group members
concerning their petition.
5. The interest group will work in conjunction with the council
officers and the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership
to identify national organizations that may be interested in
establishing a colony at Slippery Rock University.
6. Following identification of a national sponsor, the colony must
complete the student organization recognition process and
receive approval from the Student Organization Review Board
and university president to operate as a recognized student
organization. The appropriate council recommendation must be
included with the petition presented to the Student Organization
Review Board.
7. The colony is expected to complete all requirements
established by the national sponsor, the local governance council,
and the Student Organization Review Board prior to receiving a
charter as a fraternity or sorority. This process typically takes a
year or more.
8. After meeting all requirements and receiving a national
charter, the organization will become a full voting member of the
respective governance council.

will observe and fully comply with the University hazing policy
outlined in the Code of Conduct. Fraternities and sororities must
also comply with the regulations set forth by their respective
national fraternity, Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council,
and National Pan-Hellenic Council. It is the responsibility of the
officers of student organizations to be informed of all
organization requirements and the hazing policy, and to see that
they are brought to the attention of the rest of the
membership.

Recruitment, Initiation, And Hazing
Slippery Rock University student organizations establish their
own procedures and criteria for the selection and involvement of
new members. Fraternities and sororities work together through
their respective governing bodies to establish membership
requirements. In addition, some organizations follow rules
established by their national offices. Slippery Rock University
expects that all members of all recognized student organizations

Hazing as moral indignity shall be defined as actions which by
their ethical, moral and/or social implications, when viewed in the
light of socially accepted standards of right or wrong may create
in the individual a feeling of humiliation and/or disgrace.

No student or organization, fraternity, or sorority shall permit
its pledges or members to submit or take part in hazing, as
hereinafter defined, or vulgar or indecent practices, or any
practices that involve hazard or danger.
For this purpose, hazing is defined, without limitation as to
definition, as follows:
Hazing as a public display shall consist of any and all forms of
public appearance that may result in adverse publicity to the
organization Hazing as physical abuse shall be interpreted to
mean any practice, whether internal or external, which is apt to
be detrimental to the health and/or well being of a pledge or
member.

Hazing as scholastic interference shall consist of any and all
practices that place pledges or members in the position of being
unable to attend or properly prepare themselves for classes.

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Functions and Services of The SGA

A student or organization that engages in hazing will be referred
to the Office of Judicial Affairs and will be subject to
University disciplinary action.

The Student Government Association operates several
enterprises which include the SGA Bookstore, the SRU/SGA
Child Care Center (which subsidizes the cost to children of
students), vending machines and the SGA shuttle. These
enterprises contribute funding to SGA recognized activities and
organizations. A major responsibility of SGA is to fund student
organizations. These organizations must submit a constitution
and, if approved, the organization may use the University name
and facilities. After being recognized for two years, student
organizations may request funding. Every Spring, the Board of
CoOperative Activities or "Co-Op" distributes over $1.5M to
recognized organizations.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION
University Union - 724-738-2656

SGA Definition
The Student Government Association, Inc., (SGA) is a 501©3
non-profit incorporated for the sole purpose of representing and
assisting Slippery Rock University students. SGA is comprised of
an executive board consisting of the president, vice presidents,
parliamentarian, speaker of the Senate and senators
representing residence halls, commuters.
SGA functions primarily as a forum for students to express
concerns. It is open to all students and they are encouraged to
voice their concerns during open forum of SGA meetings.
Senators may speak on behalf of the students in their
constituency.

ORGANIZATIONS FUNDED BY SGA
Amnesty International
Athletic Training
Athletics
Black Action Society
Campus Crusade for Christ
Chamber Singers
Cheerleaders
Child Care Center
CoOperative Activities
Cycling Club
Dance Theatre
Delta Alpha
Downhill Ski and Snowboard Club
Equestrian Team
Flute Ensemble
French Club
German Club
Ginger Hall

SGA also acts as a liaison between the students and the
faculty/administration. SGA strives to keep the lines of
communication open and all of the students informed.

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Gospel Choir
Gym Suite Service
Homecoming
Ice Hockey Club (Men & Women)
IFC
Internations
Intramurals
Jazz Ensemble
LaCrosse Club (Men & Women)
Latino Student Organization
SRU LEADS
LGBA
Marching Pride
Martha Gault Art Gallery
Martha Gault Art Society
Music Therapy Club
Order of Omega
Outing Club
Panhellenic Council
PCMEA
PETE
Philosophy Club
Potters Guild
Psychic Awareness Club
ROCKET
Rugby Club (Men & Women)
Russian Club
Student Government Association
SGA Shuttle
Sista 2 Sista
Social Work Club
Society of International Affairs
Spanish Club

Special Olympics
SUMA
University Choir
University Theatre
Volleyball Club (Men's)
Union Program Board (UPD)
WRSK

Childcare Center
007 McKay Education Building - 724-738-2102
Hourly Rates
Full-Time SRU Students
$2.95/hour
Faculty/Staff, and Community Members
$32.00/Full Day $20.00/Half Day
The SRU/SGA Preschool and Child Care Center is a state
licensed facility owned by the Slippery Rock Student Government
Association, Inc. All staff are required to meet state regulations
regarding training and experience. The Center is open from 7:30
a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, year round providing
supervised free-choice activities as well as a structured
preschool program from 9:30-12:30 every morning for 3-5 year
olds. Summer programs for both preschool and school age
children are also available. Part-time contracts can be arranged
to include those days and times which best fit the parent's
schedule. Lunch is provided by Dining Services.
The student rate reflects a subsidy of $1.05 paid by SGA, Inc.
Information regarding registration and enrollment can be
obtained by visiting the Center or by calling (724) 738-2102.
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Cooperative Activities
C-214 University Union 724-738-2103

3. Every organization should have its own account book to track
all expenditures and receipts. These records should be balanced
monthly with the master ledger in the Co-op Office.

Cooperative Activities Board is the financial branch of the SGA
Corporation.

Budget Policies (General)

SGA has delegated the responsibility/authority for receiving,
evaluating and recommending the appropriate student
organization budget to its Cooperative Activities Board of
Directors. The SGA Senate reviews the board of directors
recommended budgets and accepts or rejects the
recommendations. The final senate-approved budgets are then
sent to the president of Slippery Rock University for final
review and approval.

The board's major responsibilities include: collecting the General
Service Fee, operating the Student Government Association notfor-profit enterprises, recommending allocation of the General
Service Fee to the Board, Senate, and University president.

Banking with SGA: All SGA funded organizations and clubs must
have their monies banked in the Cooperative Activities Office.
The process is:

1. All organization or club money is deposited at the Co-op
Office, where it is credited to the account of the organization.

Both the SGA and its Cooperative Activities Board of Directors
must perform their budgeting and fiscal functions within the
policies and procedures established by the board of governors.

2. A payment request form is used to expend funds: payment
requests are available in the Cooperative Activities office.

Budget timeline dates are available in the SGA office and will be
printed in The Rocket.
Eligibility for SGA Funding: Following are the rules concerning an
organization's eligibility to receive SGA funding.
The organization must have, and maintain, a valid constitution
which has been approved by the Senate of the SGA.
The organization must be operative for two years prior to
submitting a budget request.
The organization’s membership must be limited to those students
who have fully paid their General Service Fee.

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Any organization which is classified as an academic or social club
may make requests for funding only for specific events which are
of interest to the general student body as determined by the
Cooperative Activities Board of Directors.

Full-time, post-baccalaureate and graduate students are required
to pay the General Service Fee. Summer School $1.25 per week
for all students, including undergraduate, graduate, and postbaccalaureate students.
Faculty
Faculty members and their spouses shall not be required to pay
the General Service Fee. However, they will be asked to pay on a
per-event basis for some events, which shall be publicized as
such.

All SGA funded organizations are required to bank all income in
their account in the Co-op Office and are subject to established
rules concerning expenditures.
Also see other stipulations concerning budgeting in the SGA
budgeting process packet.
Tickets
All SGA-funded organizations that sponsor an event requiring
tickets (i.e. raffle, dances, concert, etc.), must submit their
ticket sales reconciliation to Cooperative Activities. Sales,
dollars and ticket counts must be returned to Cooperative
Activities for deposit and reconciliation.

SGA Bookstore
University Union – 724-738-2104
www.srubookstore.com

Payment of the General Service Fee each semester and each
summer session, as a part of the pre-registration procedure, will
entitle the student to all privileges and programs sponsored by
SGA through Co-op. All students on campus are required to pay
the General Service Fee.

The SGA Bookstore is located in the University Union. The
bookstore is operated by the Student Government Association,
Inc., which employs a full-time staff under the direction of the
Bookstore manager. The bookstore sells all required and
recommended textbooks for classes, both new and used, as well
as all required and recommended supplies for all graduate and
undergraduate classes. In addition to textbooks and school
supplies, the bookstore sells a variety of general reading books,
references, teacher aids, art supplies, computer software, and a
large selection of sportswear and novelties.

The General Service Fee is billed to each student as noted below:
Regular School Year
Full-time Student - 5 1/4 percent of tuition per semester for
full-time students
Part-time Students - Pro-rated per credit hour

Any questions concerning bookstore policies should be directed
to the manager’s office. Bookstore hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mondays through Fridays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.
Extra hours are added at the beginning of each semester for
special events.

General Service Fee (Activity Fee)

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NOTE: Shoplifting is a serious offense. Anyone caught
shoplifting in the bookstore will be referred to the appropriate
legal authorities for prosecution under the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania’s Retail Theft Act. In addition, the individual will be
referred to the Office of Student Standards.

Students and staff must have SRU identification.
A service fee of .50 cents will be charged for each check cashed.
Second party checks will be cashed only from parents with the
same last name, Student Government Association (SGA), Slippery
Rock University, Commonwealth, and AVI. The check must be
made payable to the student.
If a check is returned from the bank, that person will not be
permitted to write checks until the bad check has been paid.
Any other violations will result in privileges being revoked
permanently.
All bad checks are sent directly to a national credit bureau.
If you wish to write a check for a purchase, it must be a
separate check for the amount of the purchase only.

Western Union
The bookstore is an agent for Western Union for receiving wired
money. Any student having money sent may have it wired directly
to the bookstore.
Book Buyback
The bookstore offers a book buyback service so that students
may sell their unneeded texts for cash. The bookstore buys
back texts to be used the next semester and pays one half of
the new price. An outside firm will buy other texts at wholesale
prices.

Return Policy
All returns must be accompanied by a receipt.
Merchandise must be in saleable condition.
Apparel items will be exchanged for size only if the customer
does not have a receipt. Sale items can be exchanged for size
providing the item is still a sale item.
Electronic merchandise is returnable within 30 days of purchase.
After 30 days, all returns and defective merchandise will be
handled by the manufacturer.
General and reference books, as well as special orders, are nonreturnable.

Policies and Procedures
Methods of payment
Cash
Personal Check (with SRU ID)
Mastercard, Visa, AMEX, or Discover
Traveler’s Checks
Rock Dollars Debit Account
IF YOU HAVE FINANCIAL AID, YOU WILL STILL HAVE TO
PURCHASE YOUR BOOKS USING ONE OF THE ABOVE
METHODS. THERE ARE NO IN-HOUSE CHARGE ACCOUNTS.
FINANCIAL AID DOES NOT PAY FOR YOUR PURCHASES.

Textbook Return Policy
An SRU I.D. card and original SGA Bookstore cash register
receipt are required for all returns or exchanges.

Check Cashing Policy
Students may cash personal checks up to $50 per day

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SALES AND SOLICITATION POLICY

The last day to return or exchange textbooks for any reason is 6
calendar days from the first day of classes of a regular term,
and within 3 days of a summer session.

The following is the established University policy in regard to
selling and solicitation on the Slippery Rock University campus.

After the 6 calendar days, for an additional 10 days, textbooks

Athletic Events, Camps and Conferences
Only recognized campus organizations may sell commercial
services or products at athletic events, camps and conferences.
Sales by any other individual or entity are not allowed unless
sponsorship is provided by a recognized campus organization.
Registration forms must be completed five University working
days in advance of activity and registered with the Office of
Student Life. All sales involving food products must be in line
with the contract of the University food contractor.

PETS ON CAMPUS
No dogs, cats, or other pets are permitted in any institutional
facility (this includes the private residence of employees who
may reside on campus). Excluded are dogs to assist the blind and
animals required in connection with laboratory activities. Pets
should be leashed and under the supervision and restraint of the
owner at all times while on campus grounds. Stray animals found
in buildings or on campus will be turned over to the appropriate
authorities by the university police. While every effort will be
made to identify and contact the owners of stray pets,
responsibility for the pets rests with the owners. Violation of
this policy may result in prosecution and penalties imposed in
accordance with the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, Act 437, known as
the “Dog Law”.

Campus Building and Public Outdoor Areas
Definitions
An office is the private work area of a University staff member
Campus building includes all interior rooms, lobbies, and hallways
of any non-resident campus building.
Public outdoor areas refers to all walkways and outdoor areas
open to the public.
A staff member assigned a private office area in any campus
building may invite a person, firm, business entity, charitable
organization to that member’s assigned office area to solicit the
sale of products or services with that staff member only. The
sale or the solicitation of products or services to any other staff
member is prohibited in the campus building.

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Residence Hall Sales and Solicitation Policy

Public outdoor areas - Individual sales and/or distribution of
newspapers/books/other printed media, as well as the individual
solicitation and making of donations to
political/cultural/educational/ religious organizations, shall be
permitted on all walkways and outdoor areas open to the public,
provided that the particular activity in question does not create
a public nuisance, cause undue noise, or disrupt the activities
that customarily take place in the area in question. Leafletting
shall be permitted in outdoor campus areas. Registration forms
identifying the name of the recognized campus organization
sponsoring the activity must be completed five University
working days in advance of the scheduled activity. This form will
also ask for the name and address of the group, association,
organization, or corporation represented and be registered with
the Office of Student Life and copied to University police.

Definitions
A residence hall is a University-owned building that contains
rooms assigned to students for sleeping, dressing, studying, and
socializing. It also contains common facilities and areas used by
all students assigned to such residence halls, including common
study lounges, common storage areas and areas utilized in
common for organized educational and social functions.
The lobby area is defined as the living room of the hall. This area
is utilized by students to meet people and is under the
jurisdiction of the individual residence hall house council and the
director of housing.
The sale of a product(s) or services shall include (1) any attempt
to organize a meeting in a residence hall for the purpose of a
demonstration or explanation of a product or a service which are
for sale; (2) any demonstration, explanation or distribution of
literature in a residence hall concerning products or services
that are for sale; (3) solicitation is defined as the act of
approaching another party with the intent of petition, request or
plead for support (monetary, personal commitment, distribution
of literature, etc.)

Non-sponsored, non-affiliated individuals or organizations may
also distribute news-papers/books/other printed media in
outside public areas, providing the activity in question is
registered with the Office of Student Life and copied to
University Police, and does not cause a disturbance.

A residence hall room is defined as the private room for one, two
or three students that is utilized for living, studying and
socializing. Residence hall room occupants are responsible for the
contents of the room and any activities that take place in that
room.

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Common areas are defined as the non-living areas of the
residence hall utilized by the students for the purpose of
studying, socializing and community activities.

Student groups or other organizations are permitted to
distribute literature, conduct opinion polls, seek support for a
particular case, etc., in the lobbies of each hall. Approval for
such solicitation must be obtained from the individual house
councils and the coordinator of each hall. ALL requests must be
obtained at least 72 hours in advance. These organizations and
their representatives must operate within the established
guidelines.

Except as hereinafter provided, no person (including a student),
recognized student organization, firm, business entity, charitable
organization, religious organization or other organization may sell
or solicit the sale of products or services anywhere in a
residence hall. Any exceptions to this policy will be made by the
director of housing.

Signs must be posted on bulletin boards which are located
throughout the residence halls. They should not be posted on
windows, walls, mirrors, doors, etc. All posted material, i.e., signs,
must be approved by the director of housing before they are
posted. Unapproved signs will be removed by the housing staff.
8. Nothing in these regulations shall be deemed to preclude any
solicitation or sale by mail, telephone or other communication
media.

A student assigned to a room in a residence hall may invite a
person, firm, business entity, charitable organization, religious
organization or other organization to that student’s assigned
room to solicit the sale of products or services with that student
only. Such solicitation or sale must occur only in the assigned
room of the student inviter. The sale or the solicitation of
products or services to other students is prohibited anywhere in
the residence hall.

University Union Sales/Solicitation Policy

Individual sales and distribution of newspapers/books or other
printed media, as well as the individual solicitations and making
donations to political, cultural, educational, and religious
organizations shall not be permitted in the residence halls.

Definitions
As used in these regulations, the term “solicitation” refers to
the act of approaching another with the intent of petition or
request for support (e.g., monetary support or personal
commitment). Examples of solicitation include distribution of
literature, holding meetings, conducting surveys, and placing
advertisements on bulletin boards.

The University reserves the right to prohibit or disband any
activity that causes undue noise or disturbance, disrupts or
interferes with OR IS ON THE VERGE OF DISRUPTING, the
activities that customarily take place in the residence hall in
question.

As used in these regulations, the term “sale” refers to an actual
sales transaction (e.g., the exchange of money, the signing of a
written contract or the making of a binding contractual
commitment to purchase a product or service.)

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Anyone wishing to solicit in or around the University union must
register in the Office of Student Life. Registration includes
stating, in writing, the purpose of the solicitation. No funds,
fees, donations or monies of any kind may be collected or
requested by the solicitor. No solicitor may disturb or disrupt
traffic patterns or pedestrians in any way. This includes personto-person distribution of literature. Should any of the
aforementioned regulations be violated, the solicitor’s permit to
solicit will be revoked and they must vacate the premises or will
be subject to arrest.

As used in these regulations, the term “recognized campus
organization” means any group, association, organization or
corporation officially recognized by or affiliated with the
University, or any organization whose primary mission is to
further the educational/ social/cultural missions of the
University.
As used in these regulations, the term “outside individual, groups,
associations, organizations or corporations” refers to individuals
who are neither University employees and groups, associations,
organizations and corporations that are not officially recognized
by, or affiliated with, the University. THE TERM INCLUDES
UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES WHEN THEY ARE CONDUCTING
SOLICITATION ON BEHALF OF GROUPS, ORGANIZATIONS,
ASSOCIATIONS AND CORPORATIONS NOT AFFILIATED
WITH OR RECOGNIZED BY THE UNIVERSITY.

To give college organizations the opportunity to conduct
legitimate “money raising” projects, while providing a benefit or
service to members of the college community.
To prohibit illegitimate activities or activities that create a
public nuisance.

Policy Rationale

Prevent unfair competition (Refer to Section IV, Article A.).

Any fully recognized organization must complete the Office of
Student Life Registration Form and obtain the appropriate
signatures for all sales on campus at least five days in advance.

Ensure consistent and uniform policy enforcement. Promoting
equal opportunities for all college organizations.
Solicitation Eligibility and Restrictions a. Outside individuals or
organizations are prohibited from soliciting in the University
Union unless sanctioned or supported by a University
organization. The sponsoring organization is responsible for any
conflicts or problems that result from the conducting of a sale.
Conditions for approval are:
That the outside organization must contribute a minimum of 20
percent of the revenue produced to the sponsoring organization.

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Approval must be received from the director of student life to
determine benefit or service to members of the University
community.

Solicitation by methods such as door-to-door or person-toperson is prohibited. Soliciting is limited to specific locations and
hours in the University Union.

Registered student organizations are the only groups allowed to
request sales dates and locations. Forms may be obtained from
the Office of Student Leadership, located in the University
Union. It is the responsibility of the student to complete the
form properly, obtain the signature of the organization’s advisor
and return it to the Office of Student Leadership. Registered
organizations consist of University groups which have formally
filed a list of officers, the signature of the faculty advisor, a
constitution, and their financial plans with Student Government
Association, Inc., and meet all of the requirements of the
University for this classification.

University organizations are restricted to two sales or
solicitation activities per semester due to the large number of
organizations requesting dates and locations. Each sale must be a
short-term endeavor, not exceeding one day in length unless
approved by the director of student life or his/her designee.
Approval to conduct a money-raising event may be denied if
deemed to be in competition with the University Union or
cooperative activities regularly scheduled events or services.
Individuals are prohibited from soliciting in the University Union
for personal gain or profit-making reasons.

Non-registered organizations will not be permitted to solicit on
campus.

Advertising prior to the sales may be placed only on the bulletin
board designated as public notices. Signs should be of 11x14 size,
in good taste and approved by the Office of Student Leadership.

An explicit statement as to the purpose(s) of the solicitation or
concession must be open and visible to contributor at the time of
solicitation or concession.

The sponsoring group must clean up and dispose of all debris of
the sale and advertisements immediately after the sale. Should
they not do so, their right to sell or solicit may be revoked by
the Office of Student Leadership.

All monies must be collected and accounted for by the registered
organization.
In the judgment of the director of student life or his/her
designated representative, sales or solicitation may be denied if
it conflicts in time, place or function with other licenses granted.

University students, faculty or staff may not solicit or sell
commercial products or services in the University Union. This
does not include fund-raising events conducted by officially
recognized University groups, organizations or departments.

Any activity that is illegal by federal or Pennsylvania law is
prohibited.

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Credit card solicitations are limited to two solicitations per
semester and are scheduled on a first come basis. A credit card
solicitation form must be completed and appropriate approval
must be received. Forms are available in the Office of Student
Leadership.

Ticket sales for scheduled fund-raising events are restricted to
specific locations as determined by the director of student life
and should be held no more than two weeks prior to the
scheduled event.
Fiscal Information a. Rental or equipment fees may be charged
for money-raising activities (e.g., movies, dances, etc.).

Registering Sales or Solicitation.
Activities.

Enforcement
Outside individuals, groups, associations, organizations and
corporations:

All requests must be filed at least five working days prior to a
sales or solicitation date with the Office of Student Leadership
in the University Union. This is necessary for planning,
reservation of space and conflict resolution purposes. Sales or
solicitation is permitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Two
sales of the same item in the same location will be prohibited.
Sales dates and location cannot be reserved more than one year
in advance.

The University police department will escort violators off
campus and will explain the University solicitation policy to them.
If the problem continues, appropriate civil or criminal action will
be taken against intruders.
Slippery Rock University recognized campus organizations Recognized campus organizations which violate this policy will be
referred to the Office of Judicial Affairs for appropriate action
in accordance with the University disciplinary code.

A copy of the approved registration form will be given to the
individual responsible for the sale. This form is to be utilized as
a permit and presented to any University official inquiring as to
the validity of a sales activity.

Residence hall activities committees - Residence hall activities
committees which violate these policies will be referred to the
Office of Residence Life which may impose appropriate
disciplinary sanctions in accordance with the University
disciplinary code.

Publicity for sales is limited to posting in designated areas and
where required, must be stamped or approved by the facility
manager prior to the sale or event approved. Publicity can be
posted only after the organization responsible has received
approval for their event.

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Violations of the stated rules will result in loss of solicitation
privileges up to 12 months, depending on the violation occurring
as adjudicated by the vice president for student life. Additional
violations may result in disciplinary action by the Office of
Student Standards.

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Media of