Things To Do

The Student Club and Organization Suite serves as a vibrant hub for campus engagement, providing a dedicated space for student groups to thrive. Each organization is required to hold regular office hours, fostering accessibility and encouraging collaboration among members. Additionally, the suite offers meeting spaces equipped with essential resources, allowing clubs to plan events, strategize initiatives, and strengthen community ties. This environment not only promotes leadership development and teamwork but also enhances the overall student experience by creating opportunities for connection and involvement.

• The Information Desk serves as the central hub for student resources, offering services such as PennWest One Card printing, the university switchboard, event reservations, and billiards equipment sign out.
• The Career Center provides essential guidance and resources to help students explore, prepare for, and apply their skills for career success. Accessible 24/7 at career.pennwest.edu, each student is paired with a career coach who assists with major exploration, job searches, resume development, and interview preparation. The center also offers workshops for classes and student organizations on various career topics, encouraging students to engage early and frequently throughout their college journey.
• The Office of Student Development offers key resources, including Volunteer Programs and Service Learning to connect students with community projects, the PennWest California Pantry for food and essential supplies, and Commuter Services. It also organizes New Student Orientations and major campus events like Homecoming and Family Weekend, enhancing campus life.
• The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs & Institutional Effectiveness functions as the central hub for student affairs on the California campus. It oversees a range of crucial areas, including Auxiliary Services, Budgeting, Project Management, and Compliance within the Institutional Effectiveness, Student Affairs, and University Police divisions. Additionally, this office is home to the Associate Dean of Students, who serves as the campus leader for student conduct, facilitates conflict resolution, and chairs the Behavioral Intervention Team, ensuring a supportive and safe environment for all students.
• Student Association Inc. (SAI), a nonprofit corporation owned and operated by the students of PennWest California. Active since 1937, SAI supports the activities of student clubs and organizations.

Campus Ministry is a space for spiritual growth, character development, prayer, community service, and social interaction among students; PennWest California's campus ministry includes:

• Cal Catholic fosters fellowship and learning opportunities among Catholic students at PennWest California. Cal Catholic hosts mass on Sundays in the Vulcan Theater.
• New Life Christian Fellowship is where students explore faith, make friends, study God's Word, and enjoy the college experience. New Life, a Baptist-supported ministry open to students of any denomination, meets for Bible study and fellowship on Tuesdays.
• STAND (Students Taking a New Direction) is an interdenominational ministry that helps students explore Christianity, deepen their faith, and connect with fellow students through Bible study and other activities.

• The Performance Center is a versatile meeting and performance space used for a variety of campus activities.
• The Vulcan Theater is a 104-seat multipurpose space. The theater can be booked for clubs and outside events. Sound, lights, and projector are available.
• Conference Rooms (206/207, 319, 321, 333) are equipped with classroom-style seating, presentation screens, and Zoom capabilities via OWL or webcam.
• Board Rooms (311, 313) feature a board table with chairs, presentation screens, and Zoom capabilities through a webcam

• The Gail Artyth George Lese Heritage Lounge, also known as the Rotunda, provides a stunning environment for group projects or socializing and events throughout the year.

• • ESports Zone is designed for students to play video games together on state-of-the-art consoles and PCs. It also includes a TV so students can stream Twitch — a service that focuses on video game livestreams, including broadcasts of esports competitions.
  • Corner Pocket Billiards Room is where you can play a casual game with friends between classes or brush up on your skills—equipment is available to sign out at the info desk.
  • Student Media Suite, home to CUTV, the campus television station; WCAL, the campus radio station; and the Cal Times student newspaper. Students of all majors are welcome to participate.
  • The Commuter Pod, located behind the Energy Zone, features charging, a kitchenette with a microwave, refrigerator, sink, and lockers.
  • The PennWest California Pantry assists our students by providing food, academic supplies and personal hygiene items, so they can continue on the path toward graduation. Students in need can ask to receive food or non-food supplies (personal hygiene items or school supplies) online.
  • The PennWest California Bookstore is your go-to destination for purchasing textbooks, computer hardware and software, school supplies, and PennWest California apparel and gear. With a wide selection of essential items, you’ll find everything you need to support your academic journey. Visit their website at PennWest California Bookstore for more information and to shop online.

• Flatz is the perfect destination for breakfast or lunch, offering a wide range of options including coffee, smoothies, breakfast sandwiches, grab-and-go salads, and more. Enjoy Starbucks brewed beverages to complete your meal.
• Gold Rush Culinary Center, is the primary dining option for PennWest California students and offers all-you-care-to-eat dining in a relaxed setting. Students can choose from a variety of meal plans.
• Chick-fil-A Express  is a prime location for our Vulcan community – pick up a classic Chick-fil-a sandwich, market salad or house-made lemonade to make any day better
• The Vulcan Express micro market, located on the second floor of the Natali Student Center, offers a wide selection of snacks and beverages, with vending machines
• Late Night Eats is open evenings and offers a variety of snack items.

See More Dining Options

PSECU, the Pennsylvania State Employee Credit Union. PSECU offers on-campus financial services to students and PennWest California employees.  Visit their website for more information.