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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

  1. Integrity: PennWest Clarion students exemplify honesty, honor and a respect for the truth in all of their dealings.
  2. Community: PennWest Clarion students build and enhance their community.
  3. 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. 
  4. Respect: PennWest Clarion students show positive regard for each other, for property and for the community. 
  5. 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
Due to COVID-19, the Dean of Students Office will be conducting all hearings through Zoom until further notice. The Assistant Dean will review basic expectations prior to the hearing. These expectations include but are not limited to, conducting a full scan of the room to ensure privacy, reviewing the Pennsylvania law to record individuals, and turning off Siri, Alexa, etc. If you have questions, please reach out to the Assistant Dean, Sarah Zerfoss-Calhoun."

Title IX/Sexual Harassment Report & Resources


Clarion - EMERGENCY NUMBERS


PennWest Clarion Police: 814-393-2111

Clarion County Emergency: 911

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

Last Updated 8/30/22