Services for Students with Disabilities
The Office for Students with Disabilities welcomes you.
PennWest California welcomes otherwise qualified students with disabilities as members of our University community.
PennWest California’s Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) supports the University in providing learning opportunities for a diverse population.
We’re here to ensure that students with documented disabilities have equal access to University programs and services and are able to participate fully in academic and campus life.
Admissions for students with disabilities
As a student with disabilities, you will follow the same admissions procedures and meet the same standards as all students who apply to PennWest California.
- Submit your completed admissions packet to the PennWest California Admissions Office. For questions about University admission, contact the Admissions Office at admissions@pennwest.edu or 724-938-4404.
- Under separate cover, submit your completed Office for Students with Disabilities application and documentation packet to the OSD. For questions about reasonable accommodations, contact the Office for Students with Disabilities at OSD-Cal@pennwest.edu or 724-938-5781.
Download the OSD application.
Your partner in academic success
The OSD facilitates a responsible partnership between PennWest California and its students with disabilities, with a goal of enhancing your prospects for academic success. This partnership means that:
- You are responsible for bringing appropriate levels of academic skills, interest, initiative and self-advocacy to the University setting, whether you study on campus or online.
- PennWest California is committed to providing reasonable accommodations, guided by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Requests for accommodations should be submitted directly to the Office for Students with Disabilities. If you are requesting an accommodation, you must provide documentation to substantiate your request and follow appropriate OSD procedures.
The requested accommodation does not substantially alter the fundamental nature of the academic and/or technical standards of your coursework and/or program.
The most commonly requested reasonable accommodations include:
- Extended test time
- Reduced distraction environment
- Alternate format text/materials
- Note taker
- Test reader
- Test scribe and/or use of computer
- Access to available assistive technology
- Priority registration
- Physical access to programs and services
- Other accommodations specific to the disability as requested and approved
Decisions regarding appropriate and reasonable accommodations rest with the Office for Students with Disabilities.
Services of a personal nature are the student’s responsibility.
Contact the Office for Students with Disabilities
Dr. John D. Massella
Associate Professor/Director
Office for Students with Disabilities
Carter Hall, Room G-35
Mail:Office for Students with Disabilities
PennWest California
250 University Ave., Campus Box 7
California, PA 15419
Email: OSD-Cal@pennwest.edu
Phone: 724-938-5781
Fax: 724-938-4599