Success at PennWest

The Student Success Center is here to support you at every stage of your academic journey. Whether you're a new student, a transfer, or navigating college life, our dedicated team is ready to help. With physical locations on each campus, our Student Success offices provide access to:

• First-Year & Transfer Student Scheduling
• Military & Veteran Support Services
• Starfish Software for Academic Support
• Tutoring & Supplemental Instruction
• Success Coaching & Peer Mentoring
• International Education & Study Abroad

Student Success Center

This program is designed to give you timely information to prepare for the Spring semester. Meet fellow classmates, discuss financial aid, academic course scheduling and more. For more information, click on the campus buttons below.

California

Clarion

Edinboro

Virtual New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation for Spring 2025 is a self-guided virtual program that will open on January 1, 2025. All students who are deposited for the Spring semester will receive an email directing them to the orientation. 

For questions or additional information, please contact Melissa Dunn, Director of Student Development, Division of Student Affairs, dunn@pennwest.edu.

Campus leadership teams have been formed to address your “I’m not sure who can help me” questions or concerns quickly to create the best learning environment possible for you. Each campus leadership team is made up of the academic dean based at your campus, the campus administrator, and the student affairs leader. This team concept was designed to quickly solve issues when you’re not sure who to ask for assistance. As a PennWest student, you will have access to academic support services, including:

• Your First Schedule for new and incoming transfer students
• Adult Learning Services
• Tutoring
• Supplemental Instruction
• Success Coaching
• Peer Mentoring
• International Education and Study Abroad
• Military and Veterans support services
•  Starfish software to support your journey 

Not sure where to start? Raise your hand in Starfish.

See all student resources

The PennWest Career Center, which includes the Internship Center, is committed to giving every student a professional advantage. As a future student, you can talk with a career coach and access tools that help you choose a major or a career path. Once you are a student, you will be supported as you explore, prepare, and apply for the next step in your career journey.

The career center also works with employers and alumni to build strong professional networks to connect qualified students and alumni with employers and opportunities and to continue supporting professional goals throughout their careers.

Career Center

PennWest is committed to providing an exceptional education to military service members, veterans, and their families. Whether you attend classes on campus or 100% online, you'll receive the career-boosting education you need and the flexibility and support you deserve.

Our military-friendly services include military and veteran priority registration, a comprehensive Military and Veterans Affairs Office, military tuition discounts and scholarship opportunities, and more.

Military and Veteran Support

The Student Support Services (SSS) program is one of the three original TRIO programs authorized in 1968 by the Higher Education Act of 1965. The goal of SSS is to increase the postsecondary persistence and graduation rate of income eligible and/or, first-generation college students, or students with disabilities and to facilitate these students’ transition from one level of higher education to the next.  Activities and services offered by SSS include instruction in basic skills, peer support,  academic advising, financial aid and career counseling, graduate school counseling and mentoring.

TRIO SSS at California

TRIO SSS at Clarion

Get in touch with professionals for support in health and wellness strategies. PennWest support is designed to enhance the academic experience by fostering good social and emotional self-care habits so you can attain your personal and academic goals.  

Counseling and Wellness by Campus

• California Counseling Information
• Clarion Counseling Information 
• Edinboro Counseling Information 

The Office of Disability Support Services is available to any enrolled student having a documented disability. The office provides students with reasonable accommodations as documented through evaluations. Appropriate accommodations are individually based on identified needs. The coordinator meets with these students each semester to determine the effectiveness of the accommodation and to evaluate the need for any further services.

If you have a disability and would typically request accommodations in traditional classroom settings, there may also be the possibility of accommodations in an online class. Online courses often present new challenges to full accessibility that are best resolved by early review. All students requesting accommodations must be registered with the Office of Disability Support Services. 

Accessibility Services

The Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) provides assessment and early intermediation to students exhibiting concerning behaviors, supports students with concerns and assists faculty/staff. The team is dedicated to the student community’s wellness and safety by providing an atmosphere where individuals are free to work and learn in a secure and supportive environment.  B.I.T. will continue the legacy of having a right to safety and security and the responsibility of ensuring the safety and security of others by taking reviewing a broader range of behaviors.

Reasons to Refer a Student to B.I.T.
Referrals can be made by anyone – students, family, friends, employees, or community members. Referrals can be made at any time through the appropriate referral form:

• GO BIT Referral
• PennWest California
• PennWest Clarion
• PennWest Edinboro

This referral system accepts reports any time but is not monitored so responses are not immediate. Immediate concerns should be reported to the police. Referrals should be made whenever a student is exhibiting concerning behavior or appears to be in distress. This can include:

• Self-injurious/suicidal idealization, thoughts or actions
• Erratic behavior
• Aggressive behavior (arguments, fights, threats, angry outbursts, etc.)
• Destructive behavior (substance abuse, self-harm, disturbing others, not meeting commitments like attending class, etc.)
• Sudden changes in behavior
• Social withdrawal
• Eating disorders
• Frequent abnormal behavior (paranoia, hallucinations, etc.)
• Appearing tired or suddenly losing interest in activities or social events

Tutoring Services are available to PennWest students at all four campuses. We provide specialized academic tutoring in a safe environment to help students become confident and independent learners.  Our peer tutors have reached academic success and are endorsed by the faculty in their specific disciplines.

Learn More