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University of Pittsburgh Bradford    
2023-2024 Bradford Campus Catalog 
  
 
  May 02, 2024
 
2023-2024 Bradford Campus Catalog

About the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford



The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford (Pitt-Bradford) is a comprehensive four-year undergraduate college of the University of Pittsburgh. Founded in 1963, Pitt-Bradford traces its roots back to 1787, the founding year of the University of Pittsburgh. Pitt-Bradford awards the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees in 25 major areas of study, the Associate of Science degree in two major areas of study, and the Associate of Arts degree in one area of study. In addition, the college provides certification programs in elementary and secondary education, preprofessional programs in a variety of health-related and other areas, and minor concentrations in more than 40 areas of study.

Pitt-Bradford is located in northwestern Pennsylvania near the New York state border on north-south U.S. Route 219, just 10 miles south of Interstate 86. Nearby are the major population centers of Pittsburgh (165 miles), Buffalo (80 miles), and Toronto, Canada (165 miles). The modern 170-acre Pitt-Bradford campus, which was first constructed in 1970, completed a major capital expansion program in 2003. This resulted in the renovation and expansion of a comprehensive sport and fitness center and a student center, and the construction of a fine arts building and theater. Combined with other existing buildings and a mountain setting that is unparalleled for its beauty, Pitt-Bradford has become one of the most physically attractive campuses in the northeastern United States.

Because of Pitt-Bradford’s location near the Allegheny National Forest, opportunities for outdoor recreation are plentiful. This includes cross-country and downhill skiing in the winter (the slopes of Holiday Valley are just minutes away) and boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and camping in the warmer months both in and around the Allegheny Reservoir.

The city of Bradford and its environs, population 20,000, has a rich historic heritage. It was founded during the Pennsylvania oil boom, and some of the world’s finest crude oil is still pumped from Bradford wells. Shopping and banking facilities, a well-staffed regional medical center, and all the other amenities of an established small city are available to Pitt-Bradford students.

Accreditation

The University of Pittsburgh is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, (267) 284 - 5000. Schools, programs, and departments may furthermore be accredited by discipline-specific accrediting bodies.

Campus Buildings, Centers, and Facilities

Blaisdell Hall

Blaisdell Hall is the new building that houses the Division of Communication and the Arts and all programs in the fine arts, which include drama, music, and studio arts. Opened in the summer of 2003, the academic wing houses classrooms, art studios, music practice rooms, a state-of-the art broadcast studio, a rehearsal facility, and faculty offices and meeting rooms. In spring 2004, the Bromeley Family Theater, housed within Blaisdell Hall, opened. Included are a 500-seat theater with a full-stage house, and facilities for designing and building sets for a variety of productions.

Fisher Hall

Fisher Hall contains classrooms, laboratories, and faculty offices for the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Geology and Environmental Science, Engineering, Psychology, and Physics. Fisher Hall also houses the College’s Computing, Telecommunications, and Media Services Center. Students have 24-hour access to one of the two computer-aided learning centers (CALCs). Fisher Hall also houses the 100-seat Rice Auditorium.

Frame-Westerberg Commons

The Frame-Westerberg Commons (the student union), newly expanded and remodeled in 2003, is the “living room” of the campus. The Commons contains on its first floor the college dining rooms; the snack bar/coffee shop; the Panther Shop, formerly known as the Book Center; the campus post office; a game room, meeting and conference rooms; student lounges; and WDRQ, the campus radio station. The Office of Conference Services is also there. On the second floor are the Offices of Student Affairs and Career Services, Student Health and Counseling Services, Residential Life and Housing, and Student Activities, as well as the student offices for the Student Government Association, Student Activities Council, and student publications.

George B. Duke Engineering and Technologies Building

Opening in early 2023, the George B. Duke Engineering and Technologies Building will house engineering technology majors as well as computer information systems and technology, energy science and technology, and information systems. The building is equipped with state-of-the-art engineering and computer labs and will meet Leadership in Energy and Environment Design-LEED- standards. The new facility will feature a solar array on its roof, which is expected to produce about 113,000 kWh/year and include a building dashboard that will aid in community education and engagement.

T. Edward and Tullah Hanley Library/Administration Building

Dedicated and named in October of 1989, the T. Edward and Tullah Hanley Library holds 84,000 volumes and more than 400 periodical titles. PITTCAT, the online computerized catalog, includes the Hanley Library’s holdings as well as 3.9 million additional volumes from other University of Pittsburgh libraries. Hanley Library contains a number of small-group study areas, an AV listening/viewing room, an art gallery, and the Academic Success Center. The Hanley Library also houses the Offices of the President, Admissions, Admissions, and TRiO Student Support Services.

Sport and Fitness Center

The Sport and Fitness Center, opened in fall of 2002, provides a magnificent addition to the campus. Included in this complex is a 1,200-seat performance arena that is designed for basketball, volleyball, and general recreation; a fully equipped Fitness Center with the latest in physical conditioning equipment; and an Exercise Arts Studio to support dance, martial arts, and aerobics instruction. In addition, the Tom L. McDowell Fieldhouse is a full-sized auxiliary gymnasium used primarily for recreation and intramurals, physical education classes, and other events. Also included is a six-lane National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) regulation-length swimming pool, which supports swim instruction, recreation, and intercollegiate swim teams. The building also houses offices and facilities for the Department of Athletics and Recreational Sports, as well as offices and classrooms for Sport and Exercise Science and Athletic Training majors. The latter includes a computer lab, physiology lab, and a National Athletic Training Association (NATA) standard athletic training room. Outdoor recreational facilities include a lighted softball field, a baseball field, tennis courts, two handball courts, several outdoor basketball courts, football/softball fields, a sand volleyball court, and the Richard E. McDowell Community Trail.

Swarts Hall

Swarts Hall contains classrooms and faculty offices for the Departments of Anthropology, Business Management, Criminal Justice, Economics, Education, English, Environmental Studies, French, Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies, History, International Affairs, Mathematics, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Nursing, Sociology, Spanish, and Writing. The Office of the Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs is on the second floor of Swarts. Two state-of-the-art computer labs are also available for student use. One of them also serves as an interactive television (ITV) and multimedia classroom.

Computer Facilities

All Pitt-Bradford students have access to six computer areas (four computer-aided learning centers (CALCs), an Apple computing lab and an open lab area), giving students access to more than 130 high-powered Windows based computers and several Apple machines. Each computer area has access to a black and white laser printer. The 113 Fisher Hall CALC currently contains a variety of hardware, including a number of Windows-based computers, full-page scanner and a high quality color laser printer. The 220 Duke Hall (EITB) CALC  is used for instructional purposes during the day. It contains Windows-based computers and an instructor’s computer connected to an overhead projection system. It is our largest lab with 30 student computers. The CALC in 106 Swarts Hall is a 24 hour-a-day instructional lab that comes equipped with Windows-based computers and an instructor’s computer connected to an overhead projection system. The CALC in 158 Sport and Fitness Center is an instructional lab that comes equipped with Windows-based computers and an instructor’s computer connected to an overhead projection system. This lab has 28 student machines. The Hanley Library open lab area is an unsupervised computing area containing Windows-based systems. All computers are neworked and fully enabled for internet access. Likewise, all residence halls have wi-fi for internent access.

Conference Services

The University provides full service conference and catering for conferences, summer camps/events, meetings, banquets, workshops and seminars. Overnight accommodations are available during the summer months (May-mid August).

Sponsored Programs

Pitt-Bradford pursues an intentional strategy to compete for Federal and State grant monies, as well as to seek funding from corporations and private foundations. These efforts focus on the development and enhancement of academic programs and student services, and enable Pitt-Bradford to participate in regional community and economic development projects.

Athletics

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford is a Division III member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC). A diversified program of six intercollegiate sports for men and six intercollegiate sports for women is maintained. Men’s sports are basketball, soccer, swimming, cross-country, golf, wrestling and baseball. Women’s sports include basketball, bowling, soccer, swimming, volleyball, cross-country, and softball. In 2024-2025, men’s lacrosse will be added and in 2025-2026, women’s lacrosse will be added.

A professional medical staff, including a team physician and two certified athletic trainers, support the student athletes at Pitt-Bradford.

Intercollegiate and recreational sports are an integral part of campus life at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. The intercollegiate athletic program is consistent with the established University mission dedicated to the education of undergraduate students prepared to deal effectively with and contribute to a changing society. A balance between academic achievement and athletic accomplishment is emphasized. The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford believes in athletics as a valuable part of a well-rounded education.

Career Services

We’re excited to support you on your path to personal and professional transformation! Whether you’re sure of what you want to do or are just beginning to think about what lies ahead, there’s something for you at Pitt-Bradford Career Services.  We offer person-centered career coaching to explore possibilities, develop a professional identity and get connected with opportunities.  Seek us out early, ask questions, attend our workshops, and get the information you need to make thoughtful choices about your future. We strive for equity in the delivery of our career-readiness support offering a full suite of resources to empower students to turn possibility into purpose and purpose into a profession. 

Other Student Services

TRiO Student Support Services (SSS) program provides opportunities for academic development, assists students with basic college requirements and serves to motivate students toward the successful completion of the college education. The goal of TRiO-SSS is to increase the college retention and graduation rates of its participants and facilitate the process of transition from one level of higher education to the next. Services provided include but are not limited to: basic study skill instruction; and academic, personal, career, or financial counseling.

Division of Student Affairs

The Division of Student Affairs is concerned with creating an atmosphere on campus that is complementary to and supportive of the academic environment. This division includes the Offices of the Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs, , Counseling Services, Disability Resources, Health Services, Residence Life and Housing, Student Care and Conduct, Student Engagement. Each of these offices provides important support services for students, as well as cocurricular programs that enhance the college experience for all. Offices for the Division of Student Affairs are located on the second floor of the Frame-Westerberg Commons.

Counseling Services

Counseling services are available to students who have personal concerns or problems. The director of Counseling services and the counseling services therapist are licensed mental health professionals, providing individual and group counseling and crisis intervention, as well as programs to assist students in identifying and resolving problems that may interfere with their adjustment. Referrals for counseling or psychiatric services are also sometimes made to The Guidance Center, a community counseling facility located near campus. Additional community services and counseling services through the main campus in Oakland can be utilized. Confidentiality is maintained in all contacts.

Disability Resources and Services

Disability Resources and Services (DRS) is the designated department to determine reasonable accommodations and services for students. DRS provides equal opportunities in higher education to academically qualified students with disabilities.  Students with a documented learning, psychiatric, or medical disability, are eligible for services. Students with disabilities are integrated as completely as possible into the University experience.  Through an interactive process, the coordinator works individually with each student to provide access to University classes, housing, programs, and activities. 

Health Services

At Health Services, registered nurses provide health services and programs for Pitt-Bradford students. Primary assessment and
treatment of health problems and injuries, health counseling, and referrals are included in the scope of service. A campus physician provides verbal
consultation daily and a monthly medical clinic on campus.

The Student Health Center also includes a Self-Care Cabinet with free over-the-counter medications and supplies for colds, cuts, and
upset stomachs.

Immunization Requirements

Vaccines greatly reduce the risk of becoming seriously ill from - or spreading - common diseases. They’re the best way to protect yourself and your community from certain preventable diseases. We require all students to provide documentation of immunization against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR); chicken pox (Varicella); and COVID-19. For students living on campus, we also require vaccination for Meningitis ACYW (meningococcal conjugate vaccine).

Effective December 6, 2021, the University of Pittsburgh requires all Pitt affiliates on all campuses to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved exemption.  As of the summer of 2023, this requirement is still in effect and proof of vaccination or exemption approvals is necessary for all faculty, staff and students.  For the most up-to-date information, to upload your proof of immunization or to request an exemption, please visit Vaccine Requirement | Power of Pitt | University of Pittsburgh.

ENTER AND UPLOAD YOUR IMMUNIZATION RECORD FOR MMR, VARICELLA, MENINGITIS AND COVID19

If you need assistance with understanding the COVID-19 exemption process, completing forms or uploading documents, you may email exemptions@pitt.edu.

Students may be granted an exemption from any required immunization, if needed.  If you need assistance with the Varicella, MMR or Meningitis ACYW vaccine exemption process, completing the forms or uploading the documents, please contact UPB Health Services at 814-362-5272 or upb.healthservices@pitt.edu.

Community Engagement

Student Affairs works with individual students and student organizations to connect them with community service projects and civic engagement opportunities that are compatible with their interests and goals. Students have the opportunity to get involved in a variety of community service projects in the Bradford area and beyond. Student Affairs hosts Leadership Development opportunites and at the end of the year, students are recognized at the Leadership and Service Awards Ceremony for their contributions to the university and the community.

Residential Life and Housing

Pitt-Bradford has established a distinctive approach to campus living that includes a wide variety of living options. Forty- eight townhouse apartments, thirty-nine garden apartments, and 120 suite-style apartments provide accommodations for two to six students each and are complete with kitchenettes and living rooms. Livingston Alexander, our newest residence hall, has 92 traditional- style living spaces with up to two students per bedroom, and includes communal bathrooms, lounges, and work out areas. Thirty-one, specially trained, resident advisors (RAs) staff all of our residence halls.

Freshmen and sophomores whose permanent homes are not within commutable distance (as defined by the University) are required to live on campus unless they are residing in the local area with members of their family. Juniors, seniors, and students 21 years of age or older may live off campus. Pitt-Bradford Offers a 260-meal plan, a 225-meal plan, and a 195-meal plan that are available to all students. Upperclassman, may also select the 145 meal option. All of our meal plans come with the option of Flex Dollars. Flex Dollars is are money that can be used to buy food from the vending machines, Bookstore, Commons Café, Hanley Library Café, or the Marilyn Horne Café.

Resident students must submit a housing application and a housing reservation fee before being assigned to a room. Students may indicate their choice of roommates; however, the University reserves the right to make all room assignments.

Rules, regulations, and policies regarding on-campus living are published in the Pitt-Bradford Student Handbook and the residential student Handbook, which are distributed to all students at the beginning of the term.

Student Activities

More than 40 campus clubs and organizations exist to serve the cocurricular needs of students. In addition, the Student Activities Council provides students with a variety of programs, which includes but is not limited to lectures, comedy, dances, concerts, trips, and special events (such as Alumni and Family Weekend, Best Week Ever). The director of student engagement serves as advisor to the Student Activities Council and is available to work with students on planning campus events. Most programs in student activities take place in the Frame-Westerberg Commons (student union facility), which provides a variety of facilities to help meet the cocurricular needs of the campus community.

Student Care & Conduct

Student Care & Conduct assists students with identifying resources to support them in regard to a wide variety of issues and concerns, and aids students in making connections to those resources. Additionally, Student Care & Conduct works to educate students on engaging responsibly with the campus community, and to hold them accountable via the University conduct process when violations of the Student Code of Conduct occur. The Director of Student Care & Conduct coordinates and advises the Student Judicial Board, which is authorized to hear cases of student policy violations and make recommendations to the vice president and dean of student affairs regarding what sanctions, if any, should be issued.

Recreational Intramurals and Club Sports

The primary goal of the intramural and recreational sports program is to provide individuals of various ability levels with opportunities for fun and leisure through recreational competition. The intramural and recreational sports program provides a year-round schedule for seasonal sports with voluntary participation in regularly organized and supervised activities. Under the direction of the director of recreation and intramurals, students organize and implement most activities.

The intramural and recreational sports program includes opportunities for both men and women in team, individual, coed, and leisure-time sports such as basketball, flag football, tennis, softball, volleyball, indoor soccer, downhill and cross-country skiing, fishing, hiking, camping, canoeing, and bicycling. Opportunities to compete in club sports programs are also available. Outdoor recreation facilities include a lighted softball field, outdoor basketball courts, tennis courts, soccer/football fields, and a sand volleyball court.

Campus Ministries

The Board of Campus Ministries is composed of local Bradford clergy representing various faiths. This ecumenical board provides programs for the campus community throughout the year and encourages interested students to become involved in one of the local churches or synagogue. During the fall and spring terms, Bible studies and retreats are made available and are generally coordinated by representatives of campus ministries and faculty advisors.  Worship services are offered to students on the weekends and the chapel is open daily for prayer, meditation and reflection.

First Year Experiences (FYX) and New Student Orientation (NSO)

FYX and NSO provide meaningful programs and opportunities to support the transition and engagement of new students and their supporters, and to establish a sense of belonging and mattering in our campus community. The programs are intentionally designed to lay the foundation for students to thrive academically, flourish socially, and transform personally during and beyond their time at Pitt-Bradford. Through the FYX/NSO programs, new Panthers participate in a mix of engaging and educational activities that serve to connect with Pitt-Bradford’s community through open dialogue, ongoing mentorship, and an inclusive environment reflective of our university mission and goals.

Campus Government and Judicial Organizations

Student Government Association

The Student Government Association (SGA) is elected by the student body and is authorized by the University to represent students on all matters related to college life. SGA is headed by an executive board of seven students: president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, Student Activities Council president, parliamentarian, and the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Coordinator. The purpose of SGA is to provide students with opportunities to participate in the decision-making processes of the University, to consider and make recommendations on all phases of student life, and to serve as a principal forum for discussion and dialogue regarding student concerns. The SGA also allocates all revenues to clubs and organizations that are generated through the Student Activities Fee.

Student Judicial Board

The Student Judicial Board is authorized to hear cases of student policy violations and make recommendations to the vice president and dean of student affairs regarding what sanctions, if any, should be imposed.

Greek Council

The Greek Council is the governing body that oversees the affairs and concerns of the six social fraternities and sororities. Headed by an Executive Board comprised of representatives from each Greek Letter organization. The Greek Council meets weekly to establish standards and coordinate activities for fraternity and sorority life. In addition, it reviews and recommends dates for fall and spring term new member programs. Greek Council also serves as the judicial body for Greek letter organizations that have violated Greek Council and/or University policies.

Student Campus Media

The college literary magazine, Baily’s Beads, publishes students’ prose, poetry, and art once a year at the end of the spring term.
WDRQ is the Pitt-Bradford college radio station, which broadcasts to the campus at 1620 on the AM dial. Membership on the radio staff is open to all students.

Clubs and Organizations

The majority of student clubs and organizations are approved and funded by the Student Government Association. Any group of students desiring to form a new club or organization may visit the Office of Student Engagement for more information.

Registered and Recognized Clubs and Organizations (Funded by SGA)

African Student Association
Art Club
Black Box Improvers Improv Team
Black Student Union
Christ in Action
Colleges for a Cure
Creative Engineering Club
Criminal Justice Club
Crochet Club
Diamond Steppers
Dungeon Divers
Education Club
Environmental Club
Garden Club
Greek Council
Habitat for Humanity
Hospitality Organization of Students at Pitt (HOSP)
International Student Association
Latino and Caribbean American Student Association of Bradford (LACASA)
National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS)
Pre-Med Club
Pride Alliance
Psychology Club
Rotaract Club
Sport Business and Science Club
Student Activities Council (SAC)
Student Investment Club
Student Nurses Organization (SNO)
Yoga and Meditation Club

Academic Clubs

Art Club
Baily’s Beads literary magazine
Criminal Justice Club
Education Club
Environmental Studies Club
History/Political Science Club
Hospitality Organization of Students at Pitt
Student Nurse Organization

Registered and Recognized Clubs and Organizations (Not Funded by SGA)

Blue & Gold Society
Student Alumni Association
Cheerleading
E-Sports
Hockey Club
Outdoor Club
Intramurals
Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)

Registered Social Organizations (Not Recognized, Not Funded by SGA)

Gamma Psi Omega
Lambda XI
Phi Beta Chi
Phi Kappa Epsilon
Theta Sigma Delta
Zeta Alpha Chi

Honor Societies

*Alpha Lambda Delta freshman honor society — membership in this national organization is open to any full-time student pursuing a baccalaureate degree who attains a grade point average of 3.5 or higher during the first term of study. A student whose cumulative GPA is 3.5 or higher after two terms of full-time study is also eligible for membership. The purpose of this organization is to recognize and encourage academic excellence during the freshman year and beyond.

* Alpha Sigma Lambda honor society for non-traditional/adult students — membership in this organization is open to nontraditional students, usually 25 years of age or older, who have distinguished themselves academically. To be eligible, a student must have earned at least 30 credits at Pitt-Bradford and carry a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5.

* Beta Beta Beta biological honor society — membership in this national organization is open to seniors, juniors, and second semester sophomores who have excelled in the field of biology. New members are inducted in the Spring Term.

* Chi Alpha Sigma national college athlete honor society — membership in this national society is open to student athletes who have earned an athletic letter in their sport(s). Chi Alpha Sigma requires a minimum of junior status in academic standing and must have earned  3.4or higher. New members are inducted at the athletic banquet in April.

* Phi Epsilon Kappa honorary fraternity - membership in this national fraternity is open to men and women pursuing academic majors in the sport and exercise science department. This organization is open to eligible upper-class students who have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0, as well as a 3.0 in the academic major.

* Pi Gamma Mu social science honor society - membership in this international organization is open to seniors and juniors who are in the upper 35% of their class, have completed at least 20 credit hours in the social sciences, and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. New members are inducted during the Spring Term.

* Psi Chi psychology honor society - membership in this national organization is open to students enrolled as a Psychology major or minor who have completed at least 3 terms or equivalent of full-time college coursework, have completed at least 9 credit hours of psychology courses, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and a minimum 3.0 GPA for psychology courses.

* Sigma Tau Delta English honor society — membership in this international honor society is open to students who are studying English language and literature, have earned at least a 3.0 quality point average overall and in all ENG, WRITNG and CLP courses beyond ENG 102, and must have completed three semesters of university work.



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