FAQ for STUDENTS
What else do you need to know?
Check back often for updates and new information.
Commonsense measures described by the CDC and state Health Department can help to mitigate risk of contracting and spreading the coronavirus. These measures
include receiving the COVID-19 vaccine; avoiding close contact with others, especially
indoors; wearing a face covering unless you are fully vaccinated; washing your hands
frequently; cleaning and disinfecting surfaces; covering coughs and sneezes; and monitoring
your own health for symptoms of COVID-19.
Cal U has a customized app to help you monitor your health. Here are instructions
for downloading the CampusShield self-screening app:
ACCESS THE MOBILE APP
- Using your phone, select the appropriate Campus Shield link:
- Next, register and create a profile within the Campus Shield app. You must register with your edu email address to access the customized app. Once you have registered, allow/accept all prompts. When you finish with registration, click the “COVID Health Assessment” tile to complete your assessment.
- Use the app each day to answer the self-screening questions. After providing your answers, you will receive one of the following:
- Green badge – Keep your phone handy to show the badge as needed.
- Red notice – This indicates you may have been exposed to COVID-19. Follow the instructions on the screen. This will include calling the University’s Health Center.
NOTE: Students may decline to answer and may opt out at any time.
Cal U strongly encourages vaccination, but it is not required. To mitigate risk to our campus community, students, employees and guests who are not vaccinated may be required to wear masks indoors in classrooms, common areas and other group settings.
Masking is required indoors beginning Aug. 13, 2021.
The COVID-19 testing program will resume in fall.
If you are symptom-free, you may walk in to the testing site in the Convocation Center from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, call the Health Center at 724-938-4232 or contact your personal healthcare provider.
Commuter students who test positive will be asked to isolate at home and not report
to campus until they have recovered.
Resident students who experience symptoms should call the Health Center for guidance. All students who test positive with symptoms must remain in isolation until they meet CDC guidelines.
For all students, the University will follow up by:
a) Contacting you to determine possible close contacts.
b) Contacting other appropriate staff (housing, faculty, etc.) to confirm/find
others who may have been in close contact with you.
c) Notifying those students and employees who were close contacts about the confirmed
case, keeping privacy concerns intact.
If you have been identified as a "close contact" of someone who tested positive, you
must follow CDC guidelines for quarantine.
For the Fall 2021 semester:
Classes start on August 23.
Classes end Dec. 3. Final exams will be held Dec. 6-10.
This page has information for students about the D2L Brightspace learning tool, including how to find your courses, student help videos, and a useful D2L Brightspace Student Orientation.
The page also has tips for video assignments and using ZOOM web conferencing technology.
Zoom is easy for most people to use. Learn how to log in with the Zoom app here.
If your class is offered via Zoom, your professor will provide you with the Zoom link
for your class, either directly via email or via the D2L shell for your course. If
you need information, please contact your professor directly.
Most online courses are “asynchronous,” so you can complete assignments on your own schedule each week. In contrast, remote learning is real-time instruction – you and your classmates will participate in classes at a scheduled day and time, usually through Zoom.
Think of remote learning as a virtual classroom where you, your classmates and your professor meet on a regular schedule to engage in teaching and learning.
Check your schedule to see how your course will be delivered. Most Fall 2021 classes meet on campus, unless you have registered for one or more online courses.
Online classes will be asynchronous (you complete assignments on your own schedule) and delivered through D2L/Brightspace, our learning management system. These courses are identified on your schedule with either “G” or “W” as the first character in the section code.
Remote learning classes will be synchronous (you and your classmates meet with the instructor at an assigned day and time) and held using Zoom. These courses are identified on your schedule with "R” as the first character in the section code. You will also note that the building is identified as “REMOTE.”
Email your professor directly. (Use the “People Finder” at the bottom of the Cal U homepage to find email addresses for faculty and staff.) If the faculty member does not respond within a few days, contact the department chairperson.
Computer workstations in Manderino Library are open for students who need internet
access. For details, check the FAQ item "Is the library open?" on this page.
If visiting campus is not practical for you, check in with your local internet provider. Some companies are providing internet access free or at a reduced rate during this national emergency.
Computer workstations in Manderino Library will be open for students who need computer
access for classwork or exams. For details, check the FAQ item "Is the library open?"
on this page.
A limited number of “loaner” laptops are available from UTech Services. Students who need to borrow a laptop may email eichelberger@calu.edu to request an application.
To preserve the value of a Cal U degree, students may be required to use Respondus Lockdown Browser for major exams that are administered online.
If your digital technology does not work well with Respondus Lockdown Browser, contact your professor to discuss alternative proctoring methods.
The library has a limited number of computers equipped with Respondus software for testing. Please bring your own headset. Check the FAQ item "Is the library open?" on this page for library hours and more information.
The UTech Helpdesk is available from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. An email to UTechRequests@calu.edu is the most efficient way to reach the Helpdesk. The phone number is 724-938-5911.
Before you email or phone, see if one of our UTech Tutorials can answer your technology question.
You can visit the campus store website at: www.calupa.bkstr.com .
Regular hours are: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Cal U Bookstore staff will be available by phone (724-938-4324) weekdays and by email (nash@calu.edu) any time to answer questions and assist with online ordering.
Contact the bookstore during regular hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; Saturday,
10 a.m.–2 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
You may contact the Cal U Bookstore by phone (724-938-4324) or by email (nash@calu.edu).
Computer workstations in Manderino Library will be open for students who need computer access for classwork or exams.
The library has a limited number of computers equipped with Respondus software for testing, and about 35 computers for general use. Please bring your own headset. For details and library hours, check the FAQ item "Is the library open?" on this page.
University Technology Services (UTech) has a limited number of laptops that can be borrowed for short-term use. To request a “loaner” laptop, email eichelberger@calu.edu.
Yes! And it's a wonderful resource for students at all levels. Please check the library website before your visit. Hours may change.
In addition, library database resources are available 24/7 via the library’s website
for assigned research papers and other assignments. You can also schedule librarian
research assistance and chat with a librarian. Check the library website for librarians' hours.
Yes! Students may check out books and other materials, and you will have access to
course reserves.
No-contact curbside pickup also is available so students, faculty and staff can borrow materials (books, DVDs, realia/teaching aids, etc.) without leaving their vehicles. For details about how to request a book or other loanable materials, and for libvrary hours, visit the library website.
Internships, externships, field experiences and student teaching will continue as
long as the host site is accepting students at their location.
Faculty have "office hours" when they are available to meet with students. Check with
your professor(s) to find out when they are scheduling office hours or use Starfish
to make an appointment. Please note that faculty office hours may change from semester
to semester.
Faculty post grades regularly on D2L/Brightspace. If you have concerns, contact your
professor directly or use Starfish to “raise your hand” and ask for help.
Our Vulcan Learning Commons (VLC) tutors are available to work with you. To schedule an appointment, email vlc@calu.edu. You also can use the WCOnline scheduling software at https://calu.mywconline.com/.
In addition, Cal U has partnered with Pearson’s Smarthinking, an online tutoring service. Cal U students can request and receive FREE online tutorial assistance from Smarthinking tutors, 24/7, in reading, writing and several other subjects and disciplines. Learn how to get started.
Contact the Scheduling Center at schedulingcenter@calu.edu and ask to connect with a staff member. They are experts at scheduling!
Check the tutorials in VIP for useful information like how to find your adviser. The “People Finder” at the
bottom of the Cal U homepage is a useful tool for finding faculty and staff email
addresses.
A limited number of work-study positions are available. Check Handshake for information about open positions.
The federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021
(CRRSA) includes funds to assist institutions of higher education and university students
impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Cal U received about $2.1 million to provide emergency
financial assistance directly to eligible students. Awards were made to approximately
3,400 students for the Spring 2021 semester.
Cal U began disbursing this aid on April 1, 2021, via direct deposit and (for those without direct deposit on file) paper checks.
Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Education allowed Cal U to distribute CRRSA HEERF II funds as direct emergency aid to domestic undergraduate and graduate students who were enrolled in on-campus and online degree programs during the Spring 2021 semester, and who had a FAFSA on file.
All students received an email with additional details. You can see that information in the Important Messages section of the coronavirus response page, www.calu.edu/coronaplan.
Cal U looks forward to honoring our graduates. The Guide to Operations outlines the University’s plans to hold Commencement ceremonies appropriate to the
University’s operational level.
AS A REMINDER: Whether or not ceremonies are held, graduation is not automatic; students must apply during the semester they intend to graduate. Graduation information and details will be sent ONLY to students who have applied by the posted deadline. Although plans for our formal ceremonies may have changed, students should apply for graduation as usual.
Contact the Financial Aid Office (finaid@calu.edu) if medical expenses, job loss or other effects of the pandemic have made a significant
change in your family’s income. Financial Aid staff can advise you about updating
your FAFSA to ask for an adjustment in your financial aid.
The Financial Aid staff are here to help you. Some staff members are in the office
and others may be working remotely.
Email questions or concerns to finaid@calu.edu. If you need to speak with someone by phone, provide a callback number and someone will call you back.
Cal U's nationally recognized residence halls will be open for Fall 2021. Contact
Housing and Residence Life (housing@calu.edu) to learn more.
Vulcan Village, which is owned and operated by the Student Association Inc., remains open during the summer and during the school year. All Vulcan Village apartments have a full kitchen and laundry room. The Mid Mon Valley Transit Authority provides bus service to Walmart and other locations for students who do not have a vehicle.
Yes! All dining services will be available in Fall 2021.
Hours are subject to change.
Vulcan Village, which is owned and operated by the Student Association Inc., remains
open year-round. All Vulcan Village apartments have a full kitchen and laundry room. The
Mid Mon Valley Transit Authority provides access to Walmart and other locations for students who do not have a vehicle.
This apartment complex is located about 1.5 miles from campus. Contact Vulcan Village at 724-938-8990.
A full schedule of fall activities is planned. Access to certain locations (classrooms,
common areas, offices, etc.) may be limited -- and both students and guests must follow
guidelines about masking and social/physical distancing.
Of course plans may change if health and safety measures are needed. Check in often for updates.
Check the list of clubs and organizations to see what student activities are planned for Fall 2021.
In addition, watch your campus email, the Daily Announcements, the online events calendar and the Cal Times student newspaper (caltimes.org) for information about activities.
- Go to the Cal Times website
- Find the panel on the homepage: "Get the Cal Times delivered to your Inbox."
- Insert the email address where you want to receive the notifications.
- Enjoy your Cal Times subscription!
Student Affairs staff members are ready to assist you. Please call 724-938-4439 or email stuaffairs@calu.edu.
If you have a fever, cough or other symptoms, please contact the Student Health Center at 724-938-4232. The Health Center they will schedule an appointment (following social distancing guidelines) or provide tele-medicine services.
The Counseling Center iresumes regular hours at the start of the fall semester.
Students in need of summertime counseling services should reach out to their family counseling provider or local public service agencies. Pennsylvania residents can find a county-by-county list of crisis intervention services here.
If you need help finding a therapist in your local area this summer, contact Rachel Michaels, director of student wellness support services, at michaels_r@calu.edu.
If you are struggling to find the resources you need to complete your coursework,
maintain your mental or physical health, sustain your recovery (PARC), address food
insecurity, or confront other issues that present as barriers to success, please contact
Rachel Michaels, director of Student Wellness Support Services, at michaels_r@calu.edu.
If you need support for recovery, these websites can help you find online meetings:
Shuttle service is provided by the Mid Mon Valley Transit Authority. Check MMVTA.com for information about bus service in the area. Masks are required when riding MMVTA vehicles.
Parking passes are issued by the Office of Parking and Transportation. You can reach the office at 724-938-4677.
You can learn more and manage your parking account online at www.calu.edu/parking.