President's Welcome

The mission of California University of Pennsylvania is to build the character and careers of our students. And while building careers may be expected of universities, building character may seem less so. But the rationale for building character, as well as careers, is best seen in these words by Theodore Roosevelt: "To educate a person in mind but not in morals is to educate a menace to society."

Since 1852, eager students have seized the opportunity to develop their character and careers here and, in so doing, have improved their lives and the lives of those around them.

To advance its ultimate mission of building the character and careers of students, the University relies upon committed faculty, motivated students, challenging programs, and exceptional facilities. We invite you to meet our faculty and students, to evaluate our academic programs, and to tour our facilities.

Because learning at California University is not restricted to one's academic major, the university experience here is a broad one, involving many co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities. Students can select from a number of academic minors and concentrations; from an array of student activities, ranging from athletics to honor societies; from Greek organizations to service learning; and from scores of student clubs and organizations.

Cal U is a student-centered university that is committed above all to academic excellence and intellectual rigor in the context of personal and institutional integrity, civility, and responsibility. We provide a welcoming, family atmosphere. We are large enough to offer a variety of programs, yet small enough to know many students by name.

Please excuse our dust as we continue to grow at Cal U. The new Duda Hall and adjoining Booker Towers have been completed and provide a beautiful new gateway to our campus. Renovations to our historic buildings continued, magnificent renovations to Noss, Vulcan, and Steele Halls have been completed.

In fall 2006 we opened two more residence halls on the main campus, bringing to five the total number of new student housing facilities. A sixth on-campus residence hall opened in fall 2007. The very successful off-campus residence complex, Vulcan Village, is located adjacent to Roadman Park on the upper campus and offers students the option of garden-style apartment living. These new residences reflect our commitment to students and their families. All residence halls include amenities quite popular with students — air conditioning, private or semi-private baths, Internet connections, and sprinkler and security systems.

We are a University on the move, and I welcome you to visit us.