Sep 13, 2024  
2024-25 Graduate Catalog 
    
2024-25 Graduate Catalog

Student Services



Athletics and Recreation

(610-796-8276)

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 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

(610-796-8250)

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

(610-796-8350)

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. Student wishing to utilize evening transportation to this bus stop should call Public Safety (610-796-8350) to make arrangements.

Dining Services

(610-796-8222)

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

(610-796-8350)

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

(610-796-8350)

All motor vehicles parked on campus, and in auxiliary parking lots, must display a current Alvernia parking permit. This does not include Reading CollegeTowne. 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

(610-796-8350)

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

(610-796-8350)

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.

Military/Veteran Students

Alvernia University recognizes the importance of military service and thanks our students for their contributions. Students should submit all necessary admission paperwork as well as their DD214 (member 4 copy) when available. Military and veteran students are given a specific contact in Admissions and Student Financial Service to help ease their transition. Students must submit the Confirmation of Enrollment form to hold a place in the class (non-refundable $300 Enrollment Deposit is waived for military and student veterans).

A Covered Individual is any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, or chapter 33, Post-911 GI Bill ®benefits. Alvernia University will not impose any penalty on Covered Individuals, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a Covered Individual borrow additional funds, because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations due to Alvernia University due to delayed disbursement of funding from VA chapter 31 or 33.

Alvernia University requires a Covered Individual to take the following actions in order to participate in the course of education:

  • Submit a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for entitlement to educational assistance no later than the first day of the course of education.
  • Submit a request to use such entitlement.
  • Provide additional information necessary for the proper certification of enrollment by Alvernia University.

Alvernia University is authorized to require additional payment, impose a fee, place a financial hold on an account or prevent access to the items listed above for the amount that is the difference in a student’s financial obligation and the amount of the VA educational benefit disbursement. “GI Bill ® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about the education benefits offered by the VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.”