The Division of Student Life offers comprehensive programs and services that foster an educational environment conducive to the holistic development of students. By building bridges between the curricular and co-curricular experiences, Student Life educators provide opportunities for students to become successful, competent, lifelong learners. Information on specific programs and services follow.
Department of Athletics 215.951.2720 (www.PhilaU.edu/athletics)
The University offers 16 intercollegiate sports competing at the NCAA Division II level: men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, soccer, track and tennis; men’s baseball and golf; and women’s lacrosse, rowing, softball and volleyball. The University holds membership in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC). Athletic scholarships are available and interested students should contact the Department of Athletics at 215.951.2720 for more information.
Undergraduate students are required to take two semesters (.5 credits each semester) of physical education classes, which can be satisfied by two semesters of intercollegiate competition.
Recreation Sports 215.951.2723
The Department of Athletics organizes and promotes structured and competitive recreation sports and activities that are open to full-time students, faculty and staff. The Recreation Program provides an opportunity for everyone to participate in enjoyable physical activity and to develop an appreciation for the benefits of physical exercise. Activities are offered in league/tournament format, fitness programs, instructional programming, informal recreation, club sports and special recreation events for student organizations.
Philadelphia University hosts athletic events in The Gallagher Athletic, Recreation and Convocation Center, and at the Alumni and Ravenhill Athletics Fields. The campus also features six newly refurbished tennis courts, a softball field, a state-of-the-art fitness center, racquetball court, aerobics studio and an elevated track. Check out Athletics at Philadelphia University by visiting www.philaurams.com. Go Rams!
Career Services 215.951.2930, careerservices@PhilaU.edu
The Career Services Center offers students pursuing undergraduate, graduate or continuing studies, as well as alumni, many opportunities to develop the skills for a meaningful career. Career Services provides individual advising by qualified counselors; a comprehensive range of computerized assessments, employer databases and online job listings; employer networking receptions, career seminars and on-campus recruiting.
Starting freshman year, students can work with counselors to complete the careerCOMPASS, a tool developed to help students identify their skills, values and interests to help them develop a solid, individualized career plan. Career Services partners with faculty from all schools to present meaningful instruction on various topics, including résumé writing, interview skills, job-search strategies and networking. Multiple online resources are available including Interview Stream, a site where students and alumni can conduct mock interviews, and Reference USA, a comprehensive database to locate employers around the country and/or conduct company research. Career Services offers an online job listing and resume service called CareerLink. Undergraduate students, graduate students and alumni may post resumes and apply for positions through the system. Career Services manages the internship program and assists all students with preparation for securing an internship position and academic credit for the experience. Employer networking receptions, Design Expo, Alumni Portfolio Showcase, career panels, mock interviews, on-campus interviews and other activities allow students to interact personally with employers and alumni to learn more about career opportunities in a more personalized setting. The most important factor contributing to student success in entering the job market is student involvement in the career-development process. The Career Services Center encourages students meet one-on-one with a counselor to learn the latest job search strategies that contribute to students securing meaningful career positions and acceptance into graduate programs.
The Office of Community Service Programs is located in The Kanbar Campus Center, Room 311. 215.951.2856.
The goal of the Office of Community Service Programs is to develop students into community-conscious leaders who have active, engaging relationships with the local neighbors and the city of Philadelphia. Participation in community service projects and initiatives provides opportunities for students to relate classroom theory to real-world experiences. Students will gain better understanding of the world around them and the importance of acting as agents of positive change. There are several ways in which students can take advantage of these opportunities. Each year, first-year students participate in our Annual Community Service PLUNGE. This program sends hundreds of students into the local community during the New Student Orientation Program. In addition, students or members of clubs and organizations participate in ongoing projects throughout the year. Past events have included Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity, AIDS Walk, Relay for Life, the Red Cross and much more. Any students interested in finding a way to serve in the community can contact the Office of Community Service at communityservice@PhilaU.edu and the staff will help connect the student with a local organization meeting their area of interest.
Commuter Services is located in the Department of Student Activities in The Kanbar Campus Center, Room 301, 215.951.2744, commuterservices@PhilaU.edu.
Commuter Services provides information and resources that are helpful for students living off campus and/or commuting from home. The assistant director plans monthly socials throughout the academic year to ensure that commuter students feel fully connected to the University community. The assistant director meets with a group of interested students to help plan events and advocate for commuter student issues. In addition, the Office of Residence Life works with a company to provide students with an online searchable database of housing available in the area. This site also provides current students the ability to locate other students looking for off-campus roommates. In addition, there is an annual Off-Campus Housing Fair each spring that is attended by many local landlords.
Personal Counseling Services 215.951.2868
Counseling for personal concerns – including anxiety, adjustment to college, depression, stress, misuse or abuse of alcohol or other drugs, and other issues – is available to all full-time students at no charge. Counseling is provided on a short-term basis by licensed professionals who understand the special needs of university students. Referrals to area agencies and practitioners are made for those who need more specialized or long-term care. Students are encouraged to make appointments in advance through the Student Life Office at ext. 2686. Students experiencing more urgent concerns are encouraged to use the Drop-In Hour, 4 to 5 p.m. each weekday during the regular academic year. Students in crisis should call Security at ext. 2999. All information shared with counselors is held in strict confidence, as long as there is no clear and imminent danger to the student or others.
215.951.2924, diningservices@PhilaU.edu
The Ravenhill Dining Hall provides students with a large variety of meal selections, including many healthy choices, with unlimited seconds for students dining in. It features creations from all over the world at Bravisimo, fresh dough pizzas from Pepperazzi’s, delicious fresh salads and mouth-watering sandwiches from the Deli, as well as fresh-stock soups and favorite home-cooked foods.
Ravenhill Dining Hall is open regular hours during the day Monday through Friday, serving breakfast from 7:15 to 10:15 a.m., continental breakfast from 10:15 to 11 a.m., lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., lite lunch from 2 to 4:30 p.m. and dinner from 4:30 to 7 p.m. On the weekends, it is open for brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., lite lunch from 2 to 4:30 p.m. and dinner from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
The Kanbar Campus Center houses two dining locations. The Common Thread, located on the lower level, offers fresh burgers and hand-cut french fries, Philadelphia cheesesteaks and other favorites at the grill. The deli offers whole roasted turkey and roast beef, along with other deli favorites and sides. Homemade fresh-stock soups, baked pastas and entrées cooked to order also are available. Ted’s, located on the main level, offers “on-the-go!” and convenience items in the store, as well as fresh dough pizzas, hot subs, Starbucks coffee, ice cream and fresh baked products. Ted’s is open continuously Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to midnight, and noon to midnight on Saturdays and Sundays. Common Thread is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Friday.
The Tuttleman Cafe, located in The Tuttleman Center, offers coffee and lite fare. It is open 7:45 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 7:45 to 2:30 p.m. on Friday.
All students living on campus, with the exception of those residing in the townhouses or apartments, are required to purchase a meal plan. Commuting, townhouse and apartment students may purchase a meal plan or use the dining facilities on a cash basis.
Any student with a documented disability, including a physical impairment, learning disability or psychological disability, is eligible for services and reasonable accommodations. Accommodations include, but are not limited to, untimed tests, distraction-free testing environment, note takers, textbooks on tape, reduced course load, assistive technology and adaptation to physical facilities. For more information, call 215.951.6830.
The Student Health Center is located in Scholler Hall, lower level. Call 215.951.2986.
Contact the Business Office at 215.951.2960 to purchase University health insurance.
The Student Health Center is open weekdays during the academic year to provide assessment and treatment of minor illnesses and injuries. All full-time undergraduate students and international students pay an annual fee that entitles them to access the Student Health Center as often as needed. Full-time graduate students may opt to utilize the services by paying the semester Student Health Fee and submitting a Pre-matriculation Health Form. Arrangements to pay the fee can be made by visiting the Student Health Center or the Business Office.
Students may be responsible for lab fees, prescription costs, and costs for specialty exams, if needed. Students that require additional or alternative treatment may be referred to local providers at their own expense.
Students are encouraged to visit during Walk-In-Hours (M-F 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.). Staffing includes an administrative assistant and board-certified nurse practitioners who are available to assist in meeting students’ confidential health care needs. Please note that confidentiality may be broken if the student is considered to be a danger to self or others.
The Student Health Center waiting room has health-related reference materials and pamphlets, as well as a self-care station stocked with common over-the-counter medications. Students may get these supplies during office hours.
All full-time day undergraduate students are required to submit a completed health form that includes a medical history, recent physical exam and documentation of the required immunizations and testing. Forms are available in the Student Health Center and must be submitted prior to attending classes as a new or returning student. The University reserves the right to deny housing, to deny preventative-care services or to withhold registration for any student who does not meet the pre-matriculation requirements established by Student Health Services.
All full-time students are required to be covered by a medical insurance policy. Full-time day undergraduate students and all international students are required to present proof of adequate insurance at the beginning of each academic year. In adherence to immigration laws, all international students must demonstrate minimal standards of adequate health insurance. Insurance will be considered adequate if the carrier is licensed to do business in the United States with a U.S.-based office and telephone number. This information must be provided to the Student Health Center by the second Friday in September (fall semester) or the first Friday in February (spring semester). If documentation of adequate health insurance is not provided, the Business Office reserves the right to charge the appropriate health and accident insurance fee to the student’s account.
It is each student’s responsibility to ensure that they are covered either through private insurance or through the University-sponsored health insurance plan. To purchase the University-sponsored plan, students may contact the Business Office at 215.951.2633. Any changes in insurance coverage should be reported to Student Health Services.
Office of International Student Programs 215.951.2660 www.PhilaU.edu/international
The University has a long history of educating students from all over the world, representing nearly 40 different countries. The Office of International Student Programs implements two orientation programs a year for the undergraduate and graduate international student. The Office also provides ongoing support in terms of immigration advising, work permission paperwork, and educational and recreational programming. The director also serves as the staff to the ISA, the international student organization.
More information and resources are available in the director’s office where business and social information for new international students can be found.
Upon arrival, all international students, including transfer students, must report to the director’s office, located in Suite 311 of The Kanbar Campus Center.
The Office of the Dean of Students is located in The Kanbar Campus Center, 215.951.2740.
The Office of the Dean of Students oversees all departments in the Division of Student Life and serves as an advocate for students in the development of University policy. The Office is also responsible for administering the University code of conduct (judicial policies).
The Office of Residence Life is located in The Kanbar Campus Center, Room 317, 215.951.2741
The University provides on-campus housing for approximately 1,400 undergraduate students in traditional and apartment-style residence halls. First-year students are housed primarily on the Ravenhill Campus, while returning and upper-class students are housed on the Main Campus. Housing on the Ravenhill Campus consists of four residence halls — Fortess Hall, Mott Hall, Partridge Hall and Ronson Hall. Students reside in rooms accommodating one to four students with community bathrooms in each building.
Housing on the Main Campus consists of three apartment complexes: Independence Plaza, the Townhouses and one residence hall, Scholler Hall. The apartment-style units range from one to five bedrooms, accommodating two to five people. Each air-conditioned unit contains a full kitchen, living room and bathroom. Scholler Hall is a traditional residence hall with double-occupancy rooms. In addition, the Office of Residence Life leases apartment units at Alden Park, located on the corner of School House Lane and Wissahickon Avenue. The University provides shuttle service from Alden Park to Main Campus.
Each resident is provided with an extra-long bed, desk, desk chair and dresser/wardrobe unit. In room phone service is available upon request. In addition, one data port is provided for each resident except in Alden Park where no local telephone service is provided. At least one cable connection with basic service is provided for each room or apartment. Apartment-style units are additionally furnished with living room and kitchen furniture as space permits.
Recognizing that students spend a significant amount of their time outside of the classroom setting, the Office of Residence Life strives to create a group-living environment in which each student is afforded an opportunity to develop as an individual in an atmosphere that encourages emotional and intellectual growth.
The environment within a student’s residence area significantly influences his/her success and personal satisfaction while at the University. Each resident contributes to making residential living a positive experience. A sense of community is achieved through mutual consideration, cooperation and responsible behavior. Community living places responsibility on the individual for self-discipline and an awareness, becoming more aware of their needs as members of the community and to become more action-oriented in the residential community.
Each residence area is supervised by a Residence Life staff member. Residence Coordinators (RCs) and Resident Assistants (RAs) work with students to develop a sense of community, in their residential area and create an atmosphere conducive to mutual respect and consideration. Residence Life staff members are also instrumental in assisting students to develop positive attitudes and behavior to deal responsibly with the establishment of an independent lifestyle and the social freedoms of adult life.
For information on the Campus Activities Board , contact the Department of Student Activities in The Kanbar Campus Center, Suite 301, 215.951.2744.
The Student Activities Program at the University serves a vital role in enriching the quality of life on campus. The program offers the opportunity for the development of lifelong skills, and serves as the conduit for diverse ideas, cultures, lifestyles and experiences. The various components of the student activities area are housed in the Student Center.
The Student Government Association (SGA) is an independent, self-governing student group that includes President’s Council, a body that consists of representatives from all recognized student clubs and organizations.
In addition to the basic responsibility of protecting students’ rights, the SGA recommends students to University-wide committees, addresses student grievances and sponsors campus-wide events.
The Campus Activities Board is the major social programming organization on campus. Its responsibility is to provide a wide variety of special, scholastic, cultural, educational and entertainment-based programs open to the entire campus community.
In addition to the SGA and the Campus Activities Board, there are approximately 50 social, cultural, professional, religious and special interest clubs and organizations at the University. Philadelphia University has one national social fraternity and one national social sorority, along with the professional fraternities Phi Psi (Textile) and Delta Sigma Pi (Business).
The Office of Student Development Programs is located in the Kanbar Campus Center, Room 311. 215.951.2634. studentdevelopment@PhilaU.edu.
Student Development Programs houses the First Year Experience Program and the offices of Community Service Learning and Spiritual Development. Collectively, our programs and services support the mission of Philadelphia University and promote and engage students’ thoughtful and creative contributions by: coordinating students’ transition to the institution and ensuring the highest-quality first-year experience possible, creating links between the curriculum and co-curriculum, focusing on student leadership development, promoting citizenship through community service initiatives, exploring one’s sense of purpose and meaning through spiritual development, and deepening students’ awareness of self, others and the wider world through intercultural exchanges.
First Year Experience (FYE): In partnership with Academic Affairs, Student Development Programs coordinates campus-wide efforts to ensure the highest-quality experience possible in the first year of college. The central theme of the FYE components is Finding Philadelphia , learning about the history, culture, diversity, and wealth of activities in the city, our extended campus. Our comprehensive approach to your first-year experience begins with START and New Student Orientation, which includes the Summer Reading; integrates both your curricular and co-curricular experiences; includes faculty-oriented academic advising; and is centered on your residential community. The First-Year Experience Program at Philadelphia University is designed to provide support and encouragement for new students. FYE acknowledges that the first year in college is a major life step during which students face challenges in adjusting to a new place, managing time and workload, starting new relationships, clarifying values, establishing autonomy, and addressing a host of other developmental issues. Philadelphia University has committed an extensive amount of time and resources to provide a sound foundation for success for each student.
Community Service-Learning: Philadelphia University believes that community service initiatives are a central part of the undergraduate experience. Accordingly, the Office of Community Service Learning works to increase student access to service opportunities, serves as an informational resource about community agencies, supports student’s civic engagement, and promotes service as a tool for learning. Our goal is to develop students into community-conscious leaders who have an active and engaged relationship with the city of Philadelphia, surrounding neighborhood, and the broader context of society.
Spiritual Development: The Office of Spiritual Development offers opportunities for students as they seek to deepen and enhance their spiritual and religious lives. These include: counseling which addresses questions of spirituality and religious faith and its application to issues and challenges at school and home; small groups for students wanting to explore their spiritual lives; workshops on spiritual development, meditation and prayer; interfaith services and discussions; holy day observances and special event celebrations. The Office provides a listing of places of worship offered by local faith communities. Information about different religious traditions and holy days is also available.