History
The California Academy was founded in 1852 with community donations and tax funding. The state acquired the school in 1914, renaming it California State Normal School. The institution was renamed California State College in 1959 after expanding to liberal arts programs. In 1983, it became California University of Pennsylvania and joined the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
Education
There are many ways to be inspired and to find opportunities for more at PennWest—more experiential learning, more career paths, and more community. There is also no limit to the different combinations of student activities, athletics, intramurals, clubs, and organizations that you can take part in.
Explore specialized electives within your major, pursue minors that add value to your degree, and take advantage of the expertise found across all PennWest campuses.
Research
Institutes based at PennWest California conduct research, provide professional development and offer specialized services to communities throughout southwestern Pennsylvania.
- HRSA at PennWest California: The PennWest California Counselor Education and Social Work Departments offer programs for a variety of events including webinars, free training and student stipends through Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grants.
- Investigative Sciences: The Pennsylvania Center for Investigative and Forensic Sciences offers real-time investigative consulting and professional training programs for police, district attorneys, public defenders and others involved in the administration of justice.
Career
Graduates from California are hard-working innovators. Creators. Leaders. They enrich their communities and exemplify what we’ve always known about our universities – they prepare students for fulfilling lives after graduation, lives of service to their families, their communities and the broader world.
Career Resources Available to Alumni:
- Handshake: Includes access to job postings, virtual and in-person career fairs and employer recruiting events.
- Self Guided Resources: Use the many digital resources to assist with your career planning.
- Alumni Career Coaching Appointments: Alumni can meet individually with their assigned Career Coach for approximately one additional semester after graduation.
Student services
As a PennWest California or Global Online student, you can take advantage of The Student Success Center—Noss Hall, a centralized campus academic resource for all students, including one-on-one training, workshops, or individualized support tailored to meet your needs.
- Compass Program: The Compass program is designed for new students identified as those who would benefit from academic support from the very start.
- Mentoring Program: The Peer Mentoring Program is designed to help new students with their transition into PennWest California. The program assigns first-semester freshmen and transfer students with current students who have volunteered to be peer mentors.
Housing services
Housing: Student housing is vital to the academic journey as it provides a safe space for students to complete their work, socialize with friends, and relax, while fostering a sense of community, offering convenience and safety, and supporting academic success with easy access to campus resources and opportunities for personal growth.
Dining: Whether you're grabbing a quick bite between classes or enjoying dinner with friends, our dining services offer fresh, delicious, and nutritious options to keep you energized and satisfied throughout the day. With so many options, you’ll always find something delicious to eat.Library services
PennWest University is home to three distinct libraries, each offering unique resources and services to support the academic and research needs of students and faculty.
Louis L. Manderino (California)
- Focuses on diverse academic disciplines.
- Offers extensive digital and print collections.
- Supports research with expert staff and modern facilities.
ICT services
The Office of Information Technology Services at Pennsylvania Western University offers secure, reliable solutions and services to support the university community. The team is available to assist students, faculty, and staff with email access, websites, printing, classroom technology, network support, and more.
Medical services
Living your best life at PennWest California means taking care of yourself. It offers support from trained professionals who are dedicated to meeting your individual health and wellness needs. With easily accessible services, you can focus on your academics.
Campus life
PennWest California offers the perfect balance between nature and city culture. Located on the banks of the Monongahela River, just 35 miles from Pittsburgh, and one hour from Ohiopyle State Park. The Cal campus offers students convenient access to outdoor getaways, with nearby opportunities for hiking, biking, and kayaking in the beautiful natural surroundings. Plus, you can enjoy the vibrant shopping, dining, and cultural experiences of downtown Pittsburgh—all just a short drive from campus.
Sports facilities
As a PennWest California student, you have exclusive rights to be a member of the Herron Recreation and Fitness Center. Keep in shape with state-of-the-art treadmills, elliptical machines, rowers, stationary bikes, and other equipment in our fitness center.
There's also an indoor jogging track, a swimming pool, basketball and racquetball courts, and the Vulcans Peak climbing wall. Locker rooms are equipped with lockers, individual shower stalls, and electric saunas.
Student clubs
Find the people and organizations that fit your interests, and take time to explore who you are and where you want to go from here.
- Student Association Inc. (SAI) is a 501c3 nonprofit owned by the students at PennWest California that manages the clubs and organizations on campus.
- Service Opportunities: There are several clubs and organizations dedicated to serving the campus community and beyond.
- The California Alumni Association, established in 1883, exists to support and promote the interests of the University and expand awareness of its achievements to the broader community.
Accreditation
PennWest is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), an institutional accreditor recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE). Middle States is the same organization that accredited the legacy universities for decades: Clarion University of Pennsylvania (since 1948), Edinboro University of Pennsylvania (since 1949), and California University of Pennsylvania (since 1951).