Responding to student requests for a quick-service restaurant option in the Natali Student Center, Cal U is preparing to welcome a Chick-fil-A Express.

The outlet is scheduled to open Aug. 29, the first day of fall classes, on the first level of the student center. It will be located in the space formerly occupied by the Flatz convenience store.

University employees and members of the community will be able to use cash, credit cards or debit cards to purchase Chick-fil-A’s famous chicken sandwiches, chicken nuggets, waffle potato fries, fresh salads, freshly squeezed lemonade and other menu items. Students with valid CalCards also may use Dine Dollars or Shop Dollars for their purchases.

The location will be open from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The new Chick-fil-A Express adds another student-friendly amenity to the Natali Student Center, which was re-dedicated in 2015 after a two-year renovation and expansion.

Dining at Cal U

A news release from AVI Foodsystems Inc., the University’s dining services provider, describes Chick-fil-A as “a perfect complement to the culinary choices on the Cal U campus.” Read the news release from AVI

The Natali Student Center also houses the Gold Rush dining hall, where all-you-care-to-eat options include a wide variety of American and world cuisines; Fresh, which serves made-to-order wraps and salads; the Modeco coffee bar; the V-Bar, a pub-style location serving foods from around the world; and Fyre, which offers gourmet burgers, specialty sandwiches and panini.

Coffee, breakfast and lunch items also are available at the Sycamore Bistro, located beside Herron Recreation and Fitness Center.

This fall, Cal U will be one of five universities in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education to offer Chick-fil-A on campus.

“Students have been asking for a fast-food option for quite some time,” said Dr. Nancy Pinardi, vice president for Student Affairs. “Chick-fil-A is not only an industry leader, but a name our students recognize. I believe they’ll be pleased to see Chick-fil-A Express on campus.”

Open to the public

Community members are welcome to visit the new Chick-fil-A Express location in the Natali Student Center.

Pay-by-license parking is available in Lot 17, behind the student center. Visitors can pay by the hour using a meter similar to those found on many city streets or use the free PassportParking Mobile Pay app from iTunes or Google Play.

View a campus map

About Chick-fil-A

It all started in 1946, when Truett Cathy opened his first restaurant, Dwarf Grill, in Hapeville, Georgia. Credited with inventing Chick-fil-A's boneless breast of chicken sandwich, Mr. Cathy founded Chick-fil-A, Inc. in the early 1960s and pioneered the establishment of restaurants in shopping malls with the opening of the first Chick-fil-A Restaurant at a mall in suburban Atlanta in 1967. Since then, Chick-fil-A has steadily grown to become the largest quick-service chicken restaurant chain in the United States, based on domestic annual sales, with over 2,000 locations in 43 states and Washington, D.C. In 2015, annual sales exceeded $6 billion. Chick-fil-A is still privately held and family owned. With 48 consecutive years of positive sales growth, Chick-fil-A has set itself apart by pioneering innovations and delicious products—including the ever-popular Chick-fil-A® Chicken Sandwich.

About AVI Foodsystems, Inc.

AVI Foodsystems has long been a strong, successful, family-owned business. Founded in 1960 by John Payiavlas, AVI has an industry-leading reputation, providing customized hospitality and food service solutions for thousands of clients and millions of customers throughout 44 states and Canada. AVI offers hospitality services in business, manufacturing, education, leisure and healthcare settings, including a complete offering of on-site dining, vending, micro markets, catering, concessions, office coffee and environmental services.

These students have earned a place on the Spring 2016 dean's list at California University of Pennsylvania.

Dean’s list students are undergraduates attending full-time and have earned a grade-point average of 3.25 or higher this semester.

The teams are off as “The Amazing Race Canada” begins its fourth season, and a Cal U grad is in on the action.

Kristen McKenzie, a 2012 communication studies graduate with a concentration in television and radio, is among the competitors in the reality TV show, which sends teams to locations around the world in a race to the finish line.

McKenzie, a sales executive, is competing alongside her real-life partner, Stephanie LeClair. Both women are from Toronto.

“Amazing Race” contestants must decipher clues and participate in physical and mental challenges along the way. Couples who do not finish the tasks quickly enough face elimination.

The season finale is Sept. 13, and although McKenzie can’t reveal the outcome or discuss many details about the show until then, she called the adventure a memorable experience.

“The show aired in America when I was a teen-ager,” she said, “and I thought it would be so cool to do, because it’s so competitive.”

As a former left fielder for the Vulcan softball team, McKenzie relishes competition, and she said her experience on the team, along with being an international student, helped her during “The Amazing Race Canada.”

“The coaches and trainers pushed us physically and mentally and taught us to push ourselves. Being a student-athlete prepares you for tasks and challenges. Not everyone has that preparation.

“And going to school internationally was a big help, too, to learn how to adjust to different surroundings.

The show, which is broadcast throughout Canada, was filmed from April through early May.

“You think you’re prepared, but I was pushed harder than I’ve ever been pushed before,” McKenzie said. “It was an awesome experience.”

To keep up with the team’s progress, follow Kristen McKenzie on Twitter @KrlstenMcKenzie and “The Amazing Race Canada”@AmazingRaceCDA.

Winter College classes can help you stay on track toward graduation, add a minor, complete a dual major or explore an area of interest. Registration opens in October, but why wait? Check out the Winter College schedule today.

For more information, visit http://www.calu.edu/academics/winter-college/index.htm

A new parking plan offers lower parking permit rates and a free permit option that allows members of collective bargaining units to park in designated areas in 80% of the lots on campus. The free permits are available now. Click here for details about the new plan.

Two Cal U students are witnessing history, one at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland and the other at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Read their day-by-day reports from The Washington Center's political seminars and 'backstage' at the conventions.

For more information, visit http://www.calu.edu/academics/american-democracy-project/student-participation/index.htm

To: All Cal U students
From: President Geraldine M. Jones

This week the Board of Governors for the State System of Higher Education approved a new tuition rate for all 14 state-owned universities, including Cal U.

In the 2016-2017 academic year, undergraduates who reside in Pennsylvania will pay $3,619 per semester, an increase of $89 per semester over last year’s tuition cost.

Thanks to cost-cutting efforts across the State System, including those at Cal U, this 2.5 percent tuition increase is the smallest in more than a decade. Even at the new rate, tuition at Cal U and its “sister” institutions is your most affordable option among all four-year colleges and universities in the state.

More importantly, a Cal U education remains an excellent value for our students and their families.

Our expert faculty provide students with learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. Student Success Facilitators and career advisers are here to support you every step of the way. As a Cal U student, you can begin shaping your future even before you graduate — and that effort pays off.

A recent survey of nearly 4,300 graduates from the classes of 2010-2015 shows that 99 percent are employed, continuing their education or serving in the military.

That’s one reason why The Princeton Review consistently has listed Cal U among the best colleges and universities in the northeastern United States.

If you are concerned about tuition costs, I encourage you to contact the Office of Financial Aid right away. Ask questions now, before the fall semester begins, and we will do our best to address your concerns. We want to help you stay on track, so you can complete your degree as efficiently and affordably as possible.

Have a safe and enjoyable summer. I look forward to seeing you back on campus!

Geraldine M. Jones
President, California University of Pennsylvania

Meet President Geraldine M. Jones

‘James and the Giant Peach Jr.’

4 p.m. July 30

Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre  

The Mon Valley Performing Arts Academy wraps up its 2016 summer theater experience for young performers with a fully staged production of the children’s musical “James and the Giant Peach Jr.”

More than 30 Mon Valley Performers, or MVPs, are participating in this year’s academy, which began July 18. Students study and rehearse from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

Adapted from British author Roald Dahl’s 1961 novel, “James and the Giant Peach” follows the adventures of James, an orphaned British boy. It was made into a Disney movie in 1996.  

“Choosing a show for Summer Experience is not a task I take lightly and quality scripts that will challenge the kids and has a great message is important to me,” said Dr. Michele Pagen, the academy’s artistic director and co-chair of Cal U’s Department of Music and Theatre. “The show also contains many characters so that all children get the experience of creating a character (or often-characters).”

“James and the Giant Peach fits all of my qualifications and the musical follows the story closely, so you'll see most of the characters come to life in front of your eyes! “

Get tickets

“James and the Giant Peach Jr.” is open to the public.

Ticket price is $8 for adults, $4 for children. Tickets may be purchased at the door.

To order tickets in advance, leave a message at 724-938-4220.

Visitor parking is available in the Vulcan Garage, off Third Street near the campus entrance. Get directions and a campus map

About the academy

Now in its 19^th year, the Mon Valley Performing Arts Academy is hosted by Cal U’s Department of Music and Theatre. Its summer program gives students ages 8-17 an opportunity to take acting, voice and dance classes, then present a musical complete with stage sets, costumes and props. 

The academy is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre, the same organization that has accredited Cal U’s Bachelor of Arts in Theatre program since 2005.

A new edition of the Cal U Journal is available online. The latest headlines include: Cal U community ready for students’ return; Chick-fil-A express to open on campus; Cal U welcomes new coach. Click here to read the Cal U journal.

Talk by Olympic runner Alan Webb  
7 p.m. Aug. 3
Convocation Center, South Wing 

As part of its annual summer camp, Cal U’s cross country program hosts a free talk by Alan Webb, an Olympic runner who holds the American record for the mile run.

The free event, which is open to the public, is scheduled for 7 p.m. Aug. 3 in the south wing of the Convocation Center

About runner Alan Webb

Webb is a former track and field athlete and triathlete. He holds the American national record in the mile, with a time of 3:46.91.

Webb represented the United States at the 2004 Summer Olympics in the men's 1500-meter race.

Webb turned pro after his freshman year at the University of Michigan. He went on to win multiple national titles and to break the American record for the mile run.

His time of 3:46.91, set on July 21, 2007, in Brasschaat, Belgium, still stands today. 

Join us

This free presentation is hosted by Cal U’s cross country programs and head coach Daniel Caulfield. The public may attend.  

Get directions or a campus map

Resident students will settle into University housing during the week of Aug. 21-28 and begin fall semester classes on Aug. 29.

• Vulcan Village: Residents arrive between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. throughout the week. 
• Main-campus residence halls:
  • First-year students arrive on Move-In Day, Aug. 26. Students whose last names begin with letters A-M move n from 9 a.m.-noon; students whose last names begin with N-Z move in from Noon-3 p.m.
  • Returning students move in from noon-4 p.m. Aug. 28. Returning students who are interested in attending the California Borough Recreation Authority’s fourth annual River Fest, Aug. 27-28, may move in to their residence halls between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Aug. 27.

Volunteers will be on hand at the main-campus residence halls to greet new students and their families, and to help carry their belongings.

Move-In-Day Picnic, Aug. 26

Move-In Day activities Aug. 26 include a picnic-style lunch for all new students and their families from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Convocation Center.

University President Geraldine M. Jones plans to drop by and chat informally with the Cal U community’s newest members. 

Registration is requested. Register for the Move-In Day picnic

Cal U for Life New Student Orientation

Move-In Day 2016 begins the eighth annual Cal U for Life New Student Orientation, a student-focused experience that closes with a core values candlelight ceremony and fireworks on Aug. 28.

The three-day program helps freshmen and transfer students meet their classmates and discover the programs and services offered at Cal U.

Help out as students move in

Students who volunteer to assist their new classmates will register through OrgSync so their service can be reflected on their Activities Transcript. 

Students who volunteer on Aug. 26 receive Move-In Day T-shirts.

Register to volunteer on Move-In Day

For more information, visit Orgsync or email the Center for Volunteer Programs and Service Learning at volunteer@calu.edu.

Employees are encouraged to lend a hand if their work schedule allows. Employees may ask their supervisor for release time to assist on Aug. 26. (No compensatory time will be given.)

Staff and faculty members are encouraged to wear Cal U gear or a nametag indicating their role at the University. 

Classes begin Aug. 29

Fall semester classes begin Aug. 29. For important dates, view the academic calendar.

The men's basketball program and the 6th-Man/365 Club host their annual golf outing Aug. 14 at Duck Hollow Golf Club in Uniontown, Pa. Dinner follows the tournament, which begins at 1 p.m. Support the Vulcans and meet new head coach Kent McBride. Click 'more' for details.

For more information, visit http://www.calvulcans.com/news/2016/5/25/mens-basketball-to-host-golf-outing-on-aug-14.aspx

Whether you’re a future college student who’s thinking about Cal U, a current student who wants to stay plugged in to campus life, or a Cal U alumnus looking to keep in touch, myCALU should be on your smartphone.

The official California University of Pennsylvania app has features for everyone — and even more for students with a Cal U campus ID.

For everyone

The myCALU app offers access to a wealth of campus resources, including videos and campus photos. 

First-year students can learn their way around campus and find their class locations. Current students can check out Vulcan game times and scores. And future students can explore Cal U without leaving home.

With myCALU, these features are at your fingertips:

• Campus news and events listings
• Searchable course directory
• Searchable “people finder” directory of faculty and staff
• Emergency phone numbers
• Vulcan athletics info, schedules and scores
• Campus map
• Photos and videos
• Library link
• Cal U Facebook and Twitter

For current Cal U students

If you’re enrolled as a Cal U student, login with your campus username and password to access additional information.

With myCALU, you can:

• Access D2L apps
• Look up classes by term, subject or instructor
• Review your student schedule
• Check your midterm and final grades
• See your academic transcript
• Review financial aid information, including your awards
• View an account summary and check for holds on your account

Get the free myCALU app now

Get myCALU for iOS

Get myCALU for Android

Send us your feedback

What do you like about myCALU? What’s not so hot? Are there more features you’d like to see?

Use the Send Feedback feature in myCALU to help UTech Services improve the app. Check the myCALU menu to report issues, troubleshoot problems or get help, too.

The American Democracy Project at Cal U has planned a series of nonpartisan voter registration events beginning on Move-In Day, Aug. 26, and continuing through National Voter Registration Day, Sept. 27. Click 'more' for event dates and info for student voters.

For more information, visit http://www.calu.edu/academics/american-democracy-project/information-for-student-voters/index.htm

To: All Cal U students, faculty and staff
From: President Geraldine M. Jones

Welcome to the 2016-2017 academic year! It is wonderful to see our campus bustling again as new and returning students arrive for the start of the fall semester.

I often refer to our “Cal U family,” and that warm, family feeling is very much in evidence. It’s Move-In Day, and more than 150 student volunteers are helping first-year students move their belongings into our residence halls. Staff and students are guiding parents to parking spots, giving directions and preparing a picnic-style lunch for families in the Convocation Center.

I remember the mix of anticipation and anxiety I felt as a college freshman, and the bittersweet days when I sent my own two daughters off to college. So I’m glad to see our campus community turn out in such numbers to welcome our new and returning students.

Our incoming freshman class represents 330 different high schools in 11 U.S. states, plus the Virgin Islands and Washington, D.C. I’m looking forward to meeting many of our new students at Cal U for Life Orientation, and in the days and weeks ahead.

Our University also is welcoming 13 new tenure-track faculty members this fall. In addition, an experienced administrator starts the semester with a new title.

I have appointed Dr. Bruce Barnhart to serve as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs — in other words, the University’s chief academic officer. Dr. Barnhart has been Cal U’s acting provost since 2012, and no one is more dedicated to the success of our University’s academic mission.

Before earning his doctorate at West Virginia University, Dr. Barnhart earned an associate degree as a physical therapist assistant right here at Cal U, followed by bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. He joined the California faculty in 1984 and served as director of the accredited athletic training education program from 1992-2008, when he was named an associate provost/associate vice president for Academic Affairs.

A proven leader, Provost Barnhart is committed to working with Cal U faculty to provide the best educational experience for our students. I know he will continue to do an outstanding job as our University’s leader for Academic Affairs.

I plan to spend some time visiting with students and families on Move-In Day. If you see me, please say hello! Classes begin Monday, Aug. 29, and I wish you all a safe and productive semester.

All the best,

Geraldine M. Jones
President, California University of Pennsylvania

Meet President Geraldine M. Jones

‘The Happy Elf’ auditions 
Sept. 10, 2016
Steele Hall

The Department of Music and Theatre, along with Mon Valley Dance Council, will audition performers for roles in California University’s holiday production of “The Happy Elf.” 

Based on Grammy Award winner Harry Connick Jr.’s original song, this jazzy and whimsical show features dancers and “triple threats”— performers who can act, sing and dance — ages 5 and older. 

Auditions will be held Sept. 10 in Steele Hall.

Try out for a role

Male and female performers of all ages and abilities will be considered for acting, singing and dancing roles.

Auditioners should dress appropriately, bring their own shoes and report 30 minutes before their scheduled audition times to the Blaney Theater lobby entrance at the rear of Steele Hall.

Performers auditioning for actor/singer/dancer roles should prepare a musical theater selection between 16 and 32 bars in length and arrive ready to dance.

Audition schedule

10 a.m. to noon — Dancers only, ages 5 to adult. Come dressed to move and bring all shoes needed. No singing or acting is required.

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.—Childrenages 5- 12 (under 5 feet tall). Bring sheet music (no a cappella singing or recorded accompaniment). Bring clothing and shoes for the dance portion. In addition to an active chorus of children, the roles of Molly, Curtis and Norbert’s “mini-me” will be sought.

2-4 p.m. — Teens and adults (ensemble). Bring sheet music (no a cappella singing or recorded accompaniment). Bring clothing and shoes for the dance portion. Roles include a smooth-singing Santa and his Mrs.; elves of various types; and cranky residents of Bluesville who sing the blues.

About the holiday show

“The Happy Elf” will be performed at 7 p.m. Dec. 8-10, with matinees at 2 p.m. Dec. 10 and 11. All shows are in Cal U’s Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre. Performances are open to the public.

Contact us


Questions? Call the Department of Music and Theatre at 724-938-4220.

A new edition of the Cal U Journal is available online. The latest headlines include: President’s showcase tops off family day; Fall 2016 semester begins today; Professor creates ‘magical’ art in Portugal. Click here to read the latest Cal U Journal online.

Jim Bové, associate professor in Cal U’s Department of Art and Languages, spent the summer as a resident artist at Cerdeira Village in Lousã, Portugal. 

While overseas, he created new art work, presented his current work at the gallery, and demonstrated his jewelry and metalworking techniques to Summer Art Festival visitors from seven European countries. 

The annual Summer Art Festival, “Elementos à Solta — Art meets Nature,” has been organized for more than a decade, but Bové was the first American to serve as the invited guest artist. 

“His demonstration was a great success,” said Kirstin Thomas, the festival’s coordinator. “People loved to see his sketches of the village’s landscape and work-in-progress while he kept working on pieces in front of the visitors. Then they saw his finished work at the end. 

“It was quite magical to everyone.” 

Bové’s residency in Portugal was supported in part by travel funds from the Faculty Professional Development Committee at Cal U. 

Bové said his residency will enhance his teaching, which includes fabrication and jewelry/metal-casting 

classes. He said the residency was a challenge because he had to pare down his collection of tools and materials in order to fit them into a suitcase. 

“This residency really had me ponder the question of how one continues making artwork once (the artist has) graduated and with little access to a full studio’s worth of equipment,” Bové said. 

“Jewelry and metalworking has a vast number of techniques that students can learn, so I made special note of the techniques I would choose.” 

Rather than soldering with flame, Bové chose to use cold-connection techniques with powder-coated metal, which he prepared before traveling. He explained that powder coating is an industrial technique that gives metal a hard, colored surface that is much stronger than paint. 

“It is now being used in the decorative arts and in design,” he said. “I will teach this technique to my advanced students while reinforcing what they can do with cold connections. 

“The pieces I made at the residency will serve as examples in the classroom.” 

Bové also has been invited to teach a weeklong workshop at Tecnológico de Monterrey University in Guadalajara, Mexico, next month.