The University Life staff, located in several locations, and supervised by the Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, encompasses services and programs that are designed to enhance the co-curricular learning environment as a vital element in Alvernia University’s commitment to the education of the whole person. The staff and programs include Health and Wellness, Community Standards, Counseling Services, Student Government Association, Residence Life, Student Activities, Commencement, and Public Safety. These programs and services, taken together, assist students in developing their abilities to be self-directed human beings, capable of moving through various work, leisure, and life roles to make vital contributions to the home, church, and community. University Life works closely with the Academic Success Center, the faculty, and all other university staff for the benefit of the students of Alvernia.
Note: Additional University Life information is available in the Student Handbook.
Activities Calendar
Activities and events are posted on the university website calendar and the PAX events page. Semester activity posters are available in the Office of Student Activities.
Career Development
Located in Bernardine Hall, The Office of Career Development is designed to assist students in all phases of career decision-making and career planning. Resources and staff are available to aid in major and career exploration, career assessment, career counseling, and job, internship, and graduate school searches. Additional services in interview preparation, resume critique, and networking are available. The center houses a career resource library and online services. The Career Development Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., and evenings by appointment. Please contact Career Development at 610-790-2878 or career.development@alvernia.edu for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Community Standards
The Community Standards Office is located in the Campus Commons building on the first floor of the University Life suite. The office’s primary function is to address all violations of the Student Code of Citizenship and/or University Policy in a fair and reasonable manner, while balancing both the students’ and institution’s rights and responsibilities. In accordance with Alvernia’s Community Standards Mission, the office strives to create and support an environment where rigorous, caring, and inclusive learning communities thrive, while promoting good citizenship at Alvernia University.
Counseling Center
The Counseling Center entrance is located in the Nursing Resource building. Please see Counseling Services under Health and Wellness Center, below.
Health and Wellness Center
The Health and Wellness Center is located in the Nursing Resource building. The center is proud to offer a safe, caring, and confidential environment for the healthcare and counseling needs of our students. The center’s staff encourages individuals to maximize their physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness and empowers our students to make healthy choices regarding their lifestyle. All services rendered at the Health and Wellness Center are confidential. The center is compliant with patient privacy laws. This means that the center may not release any physical or mental health information without the student’s written consent.
Counseling Services: The center offers free short-term counseling services to individuals by a licensed psychologist. If necessary, the counselor will make referrals to off-campus counseling services. Counseling Services also provides educational programming opportunities for the university community designed to meet the needs of the community in areas of personal, emotional development and substance abuse issues.
Health Services: All full-time students are required to submit health forms including an immunization history to the Health and Wellness Center prior to starting classes at Alvernia.
Health services are available to all registered students. The center provides evaluation and treatment of minor illnesses and injuries, health education, and referrals to off-campus medical facilities, as well as on-campus programming to educate our students about living a healthy lifestyle. Appointments are available Monday through Friday and are free of charge. (There are minimal charges for onsite laboratory tests and medications prescribed by our medical staff). Please remember, it is the responsibility of the student to notify his/her professors regarding any absence due to illness. The Health and Wellness Center does not excuse students from class.
Medical Emergencies: In a medical emergency, students should observe the following procedures: Life threatening emergency, dial 911 immediately; in other instances, call Public Safety at x8350.
International Student Program
Each year Alvernia University hosts individuals from various countries either as a one-year exchange student or as a student seeking a degree. The university provides support for international students in their acclimation to American culture through individual meetings, group gatherings, programs, and trips. Alvernia University fully complies with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the record keeping and reporting requirements of the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Current Alvernia students interested in studying abroad should contact the Holleran Center for Community and Global Engagement at 610-790-1925. Alvernia officially accepts and hosts individuals from various countries throughout the world. Some come to campus as one-year exchange students while others enroll in traditional four-year degree programs. All international students follow Alvernia’s standard admission policies and practices. In addition, standardized test scores of English proficiency may also be required. For more detailed information on applying to Alvernia as an international student, please call the Director of International Student Recruitment at 610- 568-1473.
International students at the Reading campus who have questions related to their acclimation to the United States should contact the office of the Director of International Student Recruitment, 610-568-1473; International students enrolled at our Philadelphia campus should contact 215-635-4734. Students who are interested in English language learning programs at the Schuylkill or Reading campuses should contact the Director of Multilingual Academic Success at 610-568-1495.
Alvernia fully complies with all Federal mandates concerning international students. The International Admissions Office is responsible for the required record keeping as defined by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), and the Department of Homeland Security. Prospective international students can obtain further information about how Alvernia reports information to federal agencies by contacting the Office of International Admissions.
Public Safety
See “Safety and Security” in Student Services section.
Residence Life
The Office of Residence Life is located on the first floor of Veronica Hall. The University’s Residence Life philosophy promotes moral development and civic responsibility, welcomes diversity, and respects the dignity of the human person at all times. The living-learning environment of the residence halls provides valuable learning opportunities through interaction with other students. Alvernia University maintains several housing options for students: traditional residence halls, suite-style halls, apartment-style halls, and townhouse units. Full-time professional staff members include Resident Directors and Graduate Hall Directors as well as student Resident Assistants provide support to our residential community. The Residence Life staff offers activities throughout the year designed to build community and to enhance the academic and social life of the campus.
Note: For specific information regarding residence life policies and procedures please refer to the Residence Life & Housing section of the Student Handbook.
Student Activities and Organizations
The Office of Student Activities is located in the Campus Commons. The staff works with the university’s numerous student organizations to provide a calendar of social, cultural, and other co-curricular activities for Alvernia students throughout the year. These have included comedy acts, dances, educational and motivational speakers, activities related to majors and career choices, Spring Fling, and trips to New York City, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, MD., to name a few.
Student Government Association
The Student Government Association (SGA) represents all full-time undergraduate students. These elected officers represent the student body. Regular meetings are held to discuss campus issues, to award funding to student organizations, and to plan activities throughout the year. In addition, SGA hosts several major events each year and plays an integral part in shaping the campus community.
Student Services
Additional Student Service information is available in the Student Handbook.
Athletics and Recreation
Alvernia University views athletics as an integral component of the overall educational mission. Alvernia is a member of the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC), the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC), and the National Collegiate Athletic Conference (NCAA), Division III. The university has adopted the Division III philosophy statement as its own and follows the guidelines of Division III.
The Department of Athletics and Recreation Policy Handbook outlines the philosophy of athletics at Alvernia and the responsibility of the Athletic Director, coaches, staff, and student-athletes. Information in the handbook includes but is not limited to the following: academic eligibility and responsibilities, social responsibilities, community service, class absence, insurance, varsity status, awards, role of athletics in the total college mission, student-athlete advisory committee (SAAC), and the NCAA summary regulations and certification information.
Alvernia University sponsors intercollegiate teams for men in volleyball, football, wrestling, cross-country, lacrosse, tennis, soccer, basketball, ice- hockey, track and field, baseball, and golf. Women’s teams include cross- country, lacrosse, volleyball, field hockey, basketball, tennis, track and field, soccer, golf, equestrian, ice hockey, wrestling and softball. The coed e-sports team, cheer team, dance team, and the men’s ice hockey team are club sports run under the Department of Athletics and Recreation.
The Department of Athletics and Recreation also offers a variety of recreation and wellness opportunities throughout the year. Recreational activities are organized by the Intramural Athletic Board (IAB) - a student-run organization. All intramural and wellness opportunities are available to Alvernia students, faculty, and staff.
The Campus Commons on main campus is equipped with a cardio center and a strength training room, available to all Alvernia students, faculty, and staff. These areas include a dance/yoga room, treadmills, elliptical machines, steppers, bicycles, and strength training equipment. Graduate and Adult Education students are encouraged to take advantage of the services provided by the Campus Commons.
Bookstore
The bookstore is located on the first floor of the Student Center. Textbooks, supplies, software, clothing, and gifts can be purchased online. Texts may be picked up in the bookstore or shipped directly to your home or place of business. In addition, Alvernia University novelties, greeting cards, snacks, drinks, postage stamps, phone cards, pre-pay phones, electronics, and general health and beauty items are available in the store.
Students may use cash, checks, money orders, credit cards or financial aid (when applicable) for in-store purchases. Orders placed on the Internet may be paid with a credit card or financial aid (when applicable).
Campus Shuttle
Alvernia provides a campus shuttle between CollegeTowne, Bernardine Hall, the PLEX and the Angelica parking lot. The shuttle schedule is available on the university website. In the evening upon request, Alvernia can also provide transportation to the BARTA Route 10 bus stop at the corner of Brookline Plaza and Lancaster Avenue. A specific BARTA bus schedule can be found at www.bartabus.com. Students wishing to utilize evening transportation to this bus stop should call Public Safety (610-796-8350) to make arrangements.
Dining Services
Alvernia’s food/dining service is provided by Aladdin Food Management Service, Inc. All resident students are required to participate in the meal plan provided by the university; commuter students, visitors, and other members of the Alvernia community may use the dining facilities on an “all you can eat” basis for a set cash price. Students on a meal plan must present their ID/meal card to the cashier at each meal.
There are four dining locales on campus: The Main Dining Hall (Student Center), Kestrel Café (Bernardine Hall), and Courtside Café (PEC), Freshens (PLEX). Please see the Student Handbook for additional information.
Identification Cards
Every student must possess a valid Alvernia photo identification card (ID). This card should be carried at all times and is not transferable. Students must present their ID to utilize dining and library services, to gain admission to the cardio/weight room, and for admission to sporting and social activities on campus. IDs are also needed to gain entrance to residence halls and to access other campus buildings after hours. Debit accounts for the Bookstore and Dining Services are also available with a student ID. ID photos are taken throughout the year at the Public Safety Office.
Parking
All motor vehicles parked on campus, and in auxiliary parking lots, must display a current Alvernia parking permit. Parking permits may be obtained from the Public Safety Department, located in the Library. For additional information on parking policies see the Undergraduate Student Handbook.
Safety and Security: Office of Public Safety
Alvernia strives to maintain a clean, safe, healthy environment for its students, faculty, and staff to enjoy. While no institution can guarantee the safety of all members, Alvernia has taken steps to promote a safe environment conducive to the campus community’s successful academic and co-curricular pursuits. The Public Safety Office, located in the Library, is staffed 24-hours-a-day, each day of the year, and conducts both vehicular and foot patrols. All officers carry cell phones and two-way radios while on patrol and are CPR AED and First Aid certified.
The Public Safety Office is a clearinghouse for lost and found items reported activities, and emergencies occurring on campus. All reported incidents are thoroughly investigated, including those related to alcohol and other drugs. The Alvernia community is alerted to safety concerns through written and verbal communications including bulletin boards, flyers, meetings, the Alvernia newspaper and an electronic alert system. If a murder, forcible rape, or other serious crime is alleged to have occurred on the campus, the President or his designee shall notify the campus community so as to protect the alleged victim’s right to privacy while alerting the community to potential danger. Members of the Alvernia community who witness or may be victimized by a criminal offense should contact the Public Safety Office immediately.
Alvernia, in being true to its mission and its responsibility to its students and employees, is dedicated to doing what is necessary both to maintain the dignity of students and employees and to teach them to accept their roles as responsible men and women in society. Alvernia, therefore, not only distributes this section of this publication as required by law, but also sponsors crime prevention talks presented by local policing authorities or the Criminal Justice Club. Discussions of safety procedures and practices are included in new student and employee orientation programs. For campus residents, more frequent reminders are provided.
Students may contact local police at any time a crime is witnessed or suspected, but Public Safety should also be notified so a Safety Officer can escort police to the appropriate place on campus. Investigations are conducted through the process of sharing information.
Campus Call Boxes
Alvernia has installed emergency call boxes on campus. Silver/white call buttons send calls directly to Public Safety. In an emergency, pressing the red button immediately sends a distress signal to the Reading Police Department and also notifies Alvernia Public Safety.
Omnilert
In an effort to ensure the safety and security of the Alvernia community, the university has adopted
Omnilert. Omnilert is a campus-wide, text-messaging, email and voicemail system that will enable
Alvernia University officials to communicate with registered students, faculty, staff, and parents in the
event of a catastrophic emergency. Registration is free and can be accessed by clicking on the “logins”
link, located on the homepage of the university website.
Escort Service
Alvernia Public Safety offers free escort service for students and staff who need assistance traveling on campus if our shuttle system cannot meet special needs. Students and staff should call x8350 to request assistance.
Parking Lot Cameras
Video cameras are strategically placed in campus parking lots to aid in hindering vandalism to vehicles.
Note: Alvernia University assumes NO LIABILITY for theft or damages to vehicles parked on premises.
Veterans Center
Located in Bernardine Hall Room 106 and working with our Veterans Club, the Veterans Center creates a comfortable atmosphere in which veterans and veteran affiliates are able to bond and share experiences. We promote members’ participation in veteran organizations and outreach programs that will enlighten fellow Alvernians about veteran culture and history and raise awareness within our community about the issues surrounding veterans and their families. Our Veterans Advocate and our small staff of Student Veterans are ready to help veterans and veteran affiliates become aware and make use of all possible Alvernia and external support resources, as well.
Holleran Center for Community & Global Engagement
Community Service
Alvernia University requires community service to be completed by all undergraduate students before graduation. For the community service requirements, see the Graduation Requirements in the Programs and Courses of Study section of this catalog or contact the Registrar. For service opportunities, please contact the Holleran Center for Community and Global Engagement or visit Alvernia’s online volunteer platform, Get Connected, via the Alvernia logins page.
Holleran Center for Community & Global Engagement
Rooted in the Franciscan identity of Alvernia University and its mission as a teaching and learning institution, the Holleran Center for Community and Global Engagement identifies, cultivates and sustains strategic partnerships to strengthen both campus and community life. By making these community partnerships an essential part of the curriculum, the Holleran Center strives to foster the University mission and improve the quality of life in our community and to develop in its students a lifelong commitment to service as engaged citizens with ethical and moral courage.
Study Abroad
Alvernia University encourages students to broaden their academic experience by participating in a study abroad program. Faculty-led short-term study-travel courses, summer internships, and traditional study abroad semesters around the world are available to students. Contact the Director of Global Learning for information. The Office of Global Engagement offers a variety of short-term faculty-led programs, as well as, semester and year-long programs Each of which presents students with the opportunity to engage in new culture while studying abroad, enroll in courses that provide a new understanding, and leave the world in which they are familiar.
The Washington Center
Alvernia students have an opportunity to translate their college major into a career path, while spending a semester in Washington DC. through an immersive, residential experience. Students serve as interns in one of over 600 partner agencies in areas such as government, business, arts, education, and mass communications. In addition to their internship, students participate in an academic seminar and a variety of professional development experiences designed to foster personal and professional growth. Participants are customarily juniors or seniors who have achieved grade point averages of 2.5 or better and who have the endorsement of the appropriate academic area. Interested students should see the Office of Career Development.
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