Housing
We have some of the best housing in the nation. But don’t take our word for it; our historic buildings and modern residence halls have been recognized by the National Building Museum.
Instead of traditional college dorms, we offer five spacious residence halls. All built recently and designed with your needs and lifestyle in mind. Two person semi-suite, one bath is the most common room style.
For more information, visit PennWest.edu
1,500 students with internships & hands-on learning opportunities
Security Features
• Controlled entry to building and rooms
• Sprinkler systems
• Security cameras
• Routine fire drills
Entertainment Features
• Community Assistants provide resources, support and programs
• Free Wi-Fi
• Lounges provide open study areas and places to meet and socialize
Location Features
Located within steps to:
• Recreation center
• Athletic events
• Concerts
• Dining locations, including Chick-fil-A
• Student Center
Comfort and Privacy Features
• Individually climate-controlled rooms
• Maintenance response within 24 - 48 hours
• Private bathrooms, most shared with only one other person and never more than three
• Full laundry facilities
Technology Features
• High-speed wireless internet
• On-site computer labs
• HD cable in first-floor lounge of halls
Living Learning Communities
• Live with other students who share common interests in wings devoted to:
• Honors Program students
• Diversity and inclusion
• And many more options
Not sure living on campus is for you?
We’ve made commuting to PennWest California a great option.
• You’ll feel welcome with dedicated spaces to study, socialize and recharge between classes.
• Full access to all university amenities, health services and our Career and Professional Development Center
Natali Student Center
The Elmo Natali Student Center at PennWest California is one of the best student centers in the country. Located in the heart of campus, it’s the hub of student activity. Rededicated in 2016 after a top-to-bottom renovation, the student center is the place to go for a meal or a snack, to meet friends for a study session, visit the The Esports Zone, or to enjoy some downtime between classes.
Greek Life
With 16 fraternities and sorority organizations on campus, Greek Life is strong at PennWest California. While each organization is different, they all emphasize:
• Scholarship
• Leadership
• Community service
• Social activities
• Brotherhood or sisterhood
Commuters Welcome
Commuter students have full access to our recreation center, clubs and organizations, Career and Professional Development Center, and health and wellness services. Think of campus as your home away from home. We offer The Energy Zone as a “home base” for commuter students, located in the heart of campus in the Natali Student Center, and Commuter Break Pods throughout campus ensure you have a place of your own wherever you are.
Hop on the Bus to the ‘Burgh
We offer students transportation from downtown Pittsburgh direct to campus. Our shuttles make getting to and from the city a breeze.
Sports Clubs
Our competitive sports clubs are run by students. The clubs compete against off-campus rivals in a wide variety of sports.
Intramural and Extramural Sports Intramural sports offer structured contests, meets, tournaments and leagues for members of the campus.
Extramural sports are campus-sponsored tournaments that allow the champion teams and individual students to compete against other schools’ intramural or club sports champions.
Outdoor Recreation at SAI Farm
Fitness Center
Plus, with a fee, all our students can take advantage of the exceptional facilities and fitness classes at our Herron Recreation and Fitness Center. Students have access to:
• New treadmills
• Elliptical machines
• Rowers
• Stationary bikes
• Indoor jogging track
• Swimming pools
• Basketball and handball courts
• Climbing wall
The 94-acre SAI Farm on our upper campus is the place for outdoor recreation. The Student Association Inc. (SAI) owns the former farmland, which includes a disc golf course, a cross country track, a fitness circuit course and nature trails for hiking or simply enjoying time outdoors.
California Athletics
The stands are packed at PennWest California. That’s because our campus is filled with spirit for the Vulcans. We proudly compete in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC), winning 72 conference championships and making numerous appearances in NCAA playoff competition.
California Intercollegiate Athletic Programs
MEN’S Baseball Basketball Cross Country Football Golf Soccer Track & Field
WOMEN’S Basketball Cross Country Golf Soccer Softball Swimming
Tennis Track & Field Volleyball
All time PSAC Champions
Baseball 1979, 2004, 2010
Men’s Basketball 1970, 1985, 1988, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2008
Women’s Basketball 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2015, 2016
Football* 1946, 1958, 1968, 1984, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2016
Men’s Golf 1980
Women’s Golf 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014
Men’s Soccer 2008
Women’s Soccer 2011, 2013
Softball 1991, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2014, 2015
Men’s Tennis 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972
Women’s Tennis 1991, 1993, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
Volleyball 1991, 1992, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2014
* Championship Game Played 2008-present, Divisional Champions 1988-2007, Championship Game Played 1960-87, Selected by the Saylor Point System 1951-59, Selected by Sportswriters 1934-50
Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest California, PennWest Clarion, PennWest Edinboro, PennWest Global Online) is an inclusive and equal opportunity academic community and does not condone any form of unlawful discrimination.
PennWest California
250 University Ave. California, PA 15419