Dean of Students Office
The Dean of Students Office, promotes responsible citizenship by protecting student rights, and maintaining the principles outlined in the PennWest Clarion Student Code of Conduct. The office administers campus disciplinary procedures, seeks to maintain a positive living and learning environment, and encourages the building of a respectful and inclusive community. All students are strongly encouraged to review the Student Code of Conduct so they know what their rights are, as well as understand what represents misconduct as a student at PennWest Clarion.
The Dean of Students Office also serves as a resource to the university community regarding conflict management and resolution by providing services that promote the development of critical life skills. The mediation service is intended to help students in resolving interpersonal conflicts. Trained mediators guide the process, and all involved parties voluntarily participate in a structured setting to reach a workable solution.
CORE VALUES OF STUDENT CONDUCT AT PENNWEST CLARION
- Integrity: PennWest Clarion students exemplify honesty, honor and a respect for the truth in all of their dealings.
- Community: PennWest Clarion students build and enhance their community.
- Social Justice: PennWest Clarion students are just and equitable in their treatment of all members of the community and act to discourage and/or intervene to prevent unjust and inequitable behaviors.
- Respect: PennWest Clarion students show positive regard for each other, for property and for the community.
- Responsibility: PennWest Clarion students are given and accept a high level of responsibility to self, to others and to the community.
Title IX Sexual misconduct policy and procedures
The Dean of Students Office uses email as the official form of communication with students. All correspondence regarding student conduct will be communicated through Eagle E-mail. Students should check their email on a frequent basis, and students should be aware that the failure to check, read and/or respond to Eagle E-mail will not constitute a valid reason to change the outcome or request a new hearing.
When students receive official correspondence from the Dean of Students Office, the email will include an attached PDF document that the student will need to open. Students will need to know their student ID number to access the PDF document. The PDF will be a letter that is addressed to the student, and will provide the student with information about why they are being contacted by the Dean of Students Office. Students are responsible for reading the information contained in the letter, and following up on any directives contained within the letter.
Official correspondence involving incidents may also come from the Office of Residence Life or other offices such as, but not limited to Social Equity, The Office of the Vice President of Student Affairs, Student Engagement & Development, Athletics, or other offices.
Student Complaints
PennWest strives for students to have positive experiences on each of our campuses! At times, however, concerns related to services provided by office(s) or disputes with employee(s) happen on any campus. PennWest also aspires for students to learn skills needed to resolve conflicts or address concerns in appropriate ways.
Many issues can be resolved through open and honest communication between the involved parties. Whenever possible, students should attempt to resolve the concern using the following informal process.
Matthew Shaffer, Dean of Students
271 Gemmell Student Center
Clarion, PA 16214-1232
mshaffer@pennwest.edu
Office: +1 814-393-1982
Fax: +1 814-393-2707
Sarah Zerfoss-Calhoun, Assistant Dean of Students
265 Gemmell Student Center
Clarion, PA 16214-1232
szerfoss@pennwest.edu
Office: +1 814-393-1918
Fax: +1 814-393-2707
Title IX/Sexual Harassment Report & Resources
Clarion - EMERGENCY NUMBERS
PennWest Clarion Police: 814-393-2111
Clarion County Crisis: 814-226-7223
Clarion Psychiatric Center: 800-253-4906
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line: 741741
clarion - COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH AGENCIES
Primary Health Network: 814-223-9914
Clarion Family Therapy: 814-227-2941
Family Psychological Services: 814-226-4912
Passages: 800-793-3620
SAFE: 800-992-3039
pittsburgh - emergency numbers
Re:solve Crisis Network: 1-888-796-8226
UPMC Western Psychiatric: 412-624-1000
PennWest Clarion Police: 814-393-2111
Emergency: 911
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
Crisis Textline: 741741
pittsburgh - community Mental health agencies
Wesley Family Services: 412-342-2270
Mon Yough Community Services: 412-675-6927
Pittsburgh Action Against Rape: 1-866-363-7273
Women's Center and Shelter: 412-687-8005
Venango - emergency numbers
Venango County Crisis: 814-432-9111
Clarion Psychiatric Center: 800-253-4906
UPMC Behavioral Health: 814-676-7700
PennWest Clarion Police: 814-393-2111
Emergency: 911
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
Crisis Textline: 741741
venango - community mental health agencies
Rural Mental Health Associates: 814-678-6900
Regional Counseling Center: 814-676-5614
Craig Psychological: 814-676-2804
somerset - community mental health agencies
Beal Counseling: 814-444-9696
Marker and Strucky Counseling Services: 814-445-6915
Onstead Counseling Services: 814-445-9930
somerset - emergency numbers
Somerset County Crisis: 1-866-611-6467
UPMC Somerset: 814-443-5170
PennWest Clarion Police: 814-393-2111
Emergency: 911
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
Crisis Textline: 741741