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University of Pittsburgh Bradford    
2024-2025 Bradford Campus Catalog 
  
 
  Nov 21, 2024
 
2024-2025 Bradford Campus Catalog

About the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford



The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford (Pitt-Bradford), founded in 1963, is a comprehensive four-year undergraduate college of the University of Pittsburgh. Pitt-Bradford awards the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees in 38 major areas of study, the Associate of Science degree in three major areas of study, and the Associate of Arts degree in one area of study. In addition, the college provides preprofessional programs in a variety of health-related and other areas, and minor concentrations in more than 50 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 491-acre Pitt-Bradford campus, which was first constructed in 1970, has grown significantly since that time and includes modern facilities where students live and learn.

Because of Pitt-Bradford’s location near the Allegheny National Forest, students have ample opportunities to study the environment and take advantage of plentiful outdoor recreation, which 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, is a friendly community home to shopping and banking facilities, restaurants, a regional medical center, and many of the other amenities of an established small city.

 

**On July 17, 2024, the following information was updated in the published catalog to provide accurate information.

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 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 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 science programs, including biology, chemistry, and environmental science. Fisher Hall also houses two computer-aided learning centers (CALCs), giving students 24-hour access. Fisher Hall also houses the 100-seat Rice Auditorium.

Frame-Westerberg Commons

The Frame-Westerberg Commons (the student union), is the “living room” of the campus. The first floor houses the KOA Dining hall and Commons Café; a game room, the Panther Shop, the campus post office, meeting and conference rooms, the Office of Conference Services, student lounges, and campus radio station WDRQ. Located on the second floor are the Offices of Student Affairs and Career Services, Student Health and Counseling Services, Residence Life and Housing, and Student Activities, as well as the student offices for the Student Government Association and Student Activities Council.

George B. Duke Engineering and Technologies Building

The George B. Duke Engineering and Technologies Building, which opened in January 2023, houses the 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, including a machine shop, makerspace, virtual reality lab, a fluids mechanic lab, and a sensors and automation lab. The building also features several project/study rooms where students from all majors can work together on projects. The building meets Leadership in Energy and Environment Design-LEED- standards and has a roof-top solar array that produces about 113,000 kWh/year and includes 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 more than 97,000 volumes with access to more than 5 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, a wellness room and a Starbucks Café. The building houses the Academic Success Center, which includes the Academic Advising Center, the Academic Coaching and Tutoring Center, TRIO Student Support Services, the Mathematics Center and the Writing Center. The building is also home to the Offices of the President, Admissions, Philanthropic and Alumni Engagement, and Communications and Marketing.

Sport and Fitness Center

The Sport and Fitness Center, opened in fall of 2002, is home to 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 Exercise Science and Sport and Recreation Management majors.

Outdoor recreational facilities include a lighted softball and baseball fields, an artificial turf field for soccer and lacrosse, tennis courts, two handball courts, several outdoor basketball courts, a sand volleyball court, and the Richard E. McDowell Community Trail.

Swarts Hall

Swarts Hall contains classrooms and faculty offices for several programs, including nursing, business management, criminal justice, economics, education, history/political science, nursing, and psychology. Two computer labs are available for students, including one that serves as an interactive television and multimedia classroom. The second floor features two state-of-the-art computer labs and the nursing suite. The office of the vice president and dean of academic affairs is also located on the second floor.

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 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 networked and fully enabled for internet access. Likewise, all residence halls and academic buildings have wi-fi for internet 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).

Athletics

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

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

Intercollegiate and recreational sports are an integral part of campus life. 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. Pitt-Bradford believes in athletics as a valuable part of a well-rounded education.

Career Services

Pitt-Bradford supports students on their path to personal and professional transformation. Career Services offers person-centered career coaching to help students explore possibilities, develop a professional identity, and get connected with opportunities. Students can ask questions, attend workshops, and get the information they need to make thoughtful choices about their future

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, Health Services, Inclusion and Belonging, Residence Life and Housing, Student Care and Conduct, and 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) determines 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, DRS 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) and  chicken pox (Varicella). For students living on campus, we also require vaccination for Meningitis ACYW (meningococcal conjugate vaccine).

For the most up-to-date information and to upload your proof of immunization or request an exemption, please visit Vaccine Requirement | Power of Pitt | University of Pittsburgh.

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

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 Pitt-Bradford 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 opportunities 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. Upperclass students may also select the 145-meal option. All of our meal plans come with the option of Flex Dollars. Flex Dollars is money that can be used to buy food from the vending machines, the Panther Shop, 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 help to serve the cocurricular needs of students. In addition, the Student Activities Council provides students with a variety of programs, including lectures, comedy, dances, concerts, trips, and special events (such as Alumni and Family Weekend and Best Week Ever). Most programs in student activities take place in the Frame-Westerberg Commons.

Student Care & Conduct

Student Care & Conduct assists students with identifying resources to support them with a variety of issues and concerns. 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.

Study Abroad

Students planning to study abroad should contact the Coordinator of International Student Services and Global Citizenship as soon as they have a list of programs they’re interested in. There is a Study Abroad check list that must be reviewed and approved by several areas on campus before you may travel. All courses students plan to take must be approved by their academic advisor and enrollment services prior to travelling. There is also a Consortium Agreement that will need to be completed if students plan to use financial aid of any kind while studying abroad. The classes students take while abroad must count toward the student’s major in order to use financial aid.

Recreational Intramurals and Club Sports

The primary goal of the intramural and recreational sports program is to provide students 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.

New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation (NSO) provides 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 NSO, 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 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
Black Box Improvers Improv Team
Black Student Union
Board Game Club
Book Club
Christ in Action
Colleges for a Cure
Creative Engineering Club
Crochet Club
Diamond Steppers
Dungeon Divers
Greek Council
International Student Association
Latino and Caribbean American Student Association of Bradford (LACASA)
Pitt-Bradford Baja Racing Club
Political Engagement and Activism Club
Pride Alliance
Recreational Volleyball Club
Student Activities Council (SAC)
Student Government Association
Student Government Association Senate
The Discussion Club
The Trailblazers
The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Tennis Club
UPB Rotaract Club

Academic Clubs

Art Club
Baily’s Beads literary magazine
Criminal Justice Club
Education Club
Environmental Club
Hospitality Organization of Students at Pitt
Pre-Med Club
Psychology Club
Sport Business & Science
Student Investment Club
Student Nurse Organization

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

Blue and Gold Society
Cheerleading
E-Sports
Hockey Club
National Society of Leadership & Success (Sigma Alpha Pi)
Outdoor Club
Student Alumni Association
Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)
Student Athlete Mental Health Awareness Committee

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 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 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 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 3.4 or higher. New members are inducted at the athletic banquet in April.

Phi Epsilon Kappa honorary 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 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 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 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 English, writing and comparative literature courses beyond ENG 102, and must have completed three semesters of university work.



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