| Screen last updated on: June 2004 |
| Total undergraduates: |
3,813 |
| Full-time undergraduates: |
3,459 |
| Part-time undergraduates: |
354 |
| Total graduate students: |
10 |
| Full-time graduate students: |
1 |
| Part-time graduate students: |
9 |
| Average age of full-time undergraduates: |
20 |
| U.S. region where majority of students come from: |
Northeast |
| Percent of full-time U.S. undergraduates from out of state: |
12% |
| First-year student breakdown: |
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| 6.9% | Black (non-Hispanic) |
| 0.1% | American Indian or Alaskan Native |
| 2.6% | Asian or Pacific Islander |
| 2.2% | Hispanic |
| 87.0% | White (non-Hispanic) |
| 1.2% | total international (nonresident aliens) |
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| Undergraduate breakdown: |
 |  |
| 5.3% | Black (non-Hispanic) |
| 0.1% | American Indian or Alaskan Native |
| 1.9% | Asian or Pacific Islander |
| 2.0% | Hispanic |
| 90.0% | White (non-Hispanic) |
| 0.7% | total international (nonresident aliens) |
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| Campus size: |
123 acres |
| City or town school is located in: |
Altoona |
| Population of city/town: |
51,000 |
| Nearest major city: |
Pittsburgh |
| Distance of nearest major city: |
95 miles |
| Population of nearest major city: |
1,281,666 |
| Online campus map: |
www.aa.psu.edu/map |
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| Institution offers housing: |
yes |
| Campus housing available to all unmarried students regardless of year: |
yes |
| Housing types (% in housing type, if given): |
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| Percent of students who live in school housing: |
24% |
| Percent of students who live off campus: |
76% |
| Student conduct policies: |
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THE PENN STATE PRINCIPLES
The Pennsylvania State University is a community dedicated to personal and academic excellence. The Penn State Principles embody the values that our students, faculty, staff, administration, and alumni possess. It is understood that members of the Penn State community agree to abide by the Principles to ensure that Penn State is a thriving environment for living and learning. By endorsing these common principles, members of the community contribute to the traditions and scholarly heritage left by those who preceded them and promise to leave Penn State a better place for those who follow.
I will respect the dignity of all individuals within the Penn State community:
The University is committed to creating and maintaining an educational environment that respects the right of all individuals to participate fully in the community. Actions motivated by hate, prejudice, or in-tolerance violate this principle. I will not engage in any behaviors that compromise or demean the dignity of individuals or groups, including intimidation, stalking, harassment, discrimination, taunting, ridiculing, insulting, or acts of violence. I will demonstrate respect for others by striving to learn from differences between people, ideas, and opinions and by avoiding behaviors that inhibit the ability of other community members to feel safe or welcome as they pursue their academic goals.
I will practice academic integrity:
Academic integrity is a basic guiding principle for all academic activity at Penn State University, allowing the pursuit of scholarly activity in an open, honest, and responsible manner. In accordance with the University's Code of Conduct, I will practice integrity in regard to all academic assignments. I will not engage in or tolerate acts of falsification, misrepresentation or deception because such acts of dishonesty violate the fundamental ethical principles of the University community and compromise the worth of work completed by others.
I will demonstrate social and personal responsibility:
The University is a community that promotes learning; any behaviors that are inconsistent with that goal are unacceptable. Irresponsible behaviors, including alcohol or drug abuse and the use of violence against people or property, undermine the educational climate by threatening the physical and mental health of members of the community. I will exercise personal responsibility for my actions and I will make sure that my actions do not interfere with the academic and social environment of the University. I will maintain a high standard of behavior by adhering to the Code of Conduct and respecting the rights of others.
I will be responsible for my own academic progress and agree to comply with all University policies:
The University allows students to identify and achieve their academic goals by providing the information needed to plan the chosen program of study and the necessary educational opportunities, but students assume final responsibility for course scheduling, program planning, and the successful completion of graduation requirements. I will be responsible for seeking the academic and career information needed to meet my educational goals by becoming knowledgeable about the relevant policies, procedures, and rules of the University and academic program, by consulting and meeting with my adviser, and by successfully completing all of the requirements for graduation.
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| Alcohol is permitted on campus to students of legal age: |
no |
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| Every student is required to lease or own a computer: |
no |
| Every student is required to take a computer course: |
no |
| Computer equipment is provided in: |
library, computer center/lab(s) |
| Internet access provided to all students: |
yes |
| E-mail services/accounts provided to all students: |
yes |
| School has a library on campus: |
yes |
| Additional library facilities/collections: |
 |
Eiche Library/Computer and Learning Resources Center:
Penn State Altoona’s Eiche Library contains more than 62,000 book volumes that are located in the circulating or reference collection and subscribes to approximately 200 journals. Through an online catalog and intercampus loan, students have access to the more than 7 million items that are located in the University Libraries collection. The Eiche Library also contains an open access computer lab, a leisure reading area with an array of current newspapers, magazines and journals, study areas, a circulation desk where reserve materials can be obtained, and reference librarians ready to help answer any questions.
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| Museums and other special academic buildings/equipment on campus: |
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Community Arts Center:
Built in 1989, the Community Arts Center contains the 400-seat Paul R. and Margery Wolf-Kuhn Theatre, a music classroom, two art studios, faculty offices, an Integrative Arts Macintosh computer lab, and three conference rooms. The lobby area of the building also houses the McLanahan and Sheetz Art Galleries and the Titelman Study. The Community Arts Center hosts cultural and performing art series and theater productions, as well as special events throughout the year.
Edith Davis Eve Memorial Chapel:
The Chapel was completed in 1970 and is available for use by all faiths. The Chapel contains a sanctuary with an all-faiths altar, organ, and choir loft. The building also contains office space, a social meeting room, and a circular tower, approximately sixty-five feet high with a fifty-bell carillon. Members of our local community may utilize the chapel for weddings.
The Ralph and Helen Force Advanced Technology Center:
Home of Penn State Altoona's bachelor of science degree in electro-mechanical engineering technology, this building contains five state-of-the-art engineering labs: a machine shop/chemical lab, a manufacturing lab, a senior project lab, a controls lab and a communications lab, as well as classrooms and office space.
Port-Sky Café:
Port-Sky Café contains the Housing and Food Service Office, a food court, two dining rooms and a special events room. Tickets to all Bryce Jordan Center events at University Park may be purchased in the Housing and Food Service Office.
Reflecting Pond:
The pond is centrally located on the campus and is easily the most visited site at Penn State Altoona. It previously served as the warming pond for the Ivyside Park swimming pool, once the largest concrete pool in the world, now a parking lot. Students, faculty, staff, and the community enjoy the serene setting with its tree lined sidewalks and fountain while feeding the wildlife, including ducks, chipmunks, and squirrels.
Harry E. Slep Student Center:
The Harry E. Slep Student Center, completed in 1964, is the social center of the campus. It serves as a common recreational and relaxation center for faculty, staff, and students. On the first floor is the Office of Student Affairs, student organization offices, game area, TV lounge, and general purpose areas. The second floor houses the Student Life, Service Learning, Greek Affairs, Off-Campus Housing offices, Adult Learner Lounge, and a small study lounge.
E. Raymond Smith Building:
Completed in 1958, the E. Raymond Smith Building was the first modern building on campus. As the main administrative building on campus, the Smith Building contains the Office of Admissions, Student Aid Office, Bursar’s Office, Division of Undergraduate Studies/Advising Center, Adult Center, Registrar's Office, CEO’s Office, Business Office, University Relations, Development and Alumni Relations, faculty offices, and classrooms. |
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| Remedial learning services: |
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reading, writing, math, study skills, For more information regarding service available through the Learning Resources Center, please access this website:
www.personal.psu.edu/dept/altoonalrc/altlrc.html |
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| Additional services offered: |
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nonremedial tutoring, health service, health insurance, For more information regarding the Health and Wellness Center, please access this website:
www.aa.psu.edu/healthwellness/ |
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| Counseling services: |
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older student, birth control, career, personal, academic, psychological, For more information regarding Counseling services available, please access this website:
www.aa.psu.edu/healthwellness/counselingservices.htm |
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| Career placement services: |
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co-op education, internships, career/job search classes, interest inventory, on-campus job interviews, resumé assistance, alumni services, interview training, For more information regarding Career Services, please access this website:
www.aa.psu.edu/career/default.htm |
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| Services for students with disabilities: |
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note-taking services, tape recorders, tutors, reader services, interpreters for hearing-impaired, adaptive equipment, For more information on other services available, please access this website:
www.aa.psu.edu/healthwellness/disabilityservices.htm |
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| Number of social fraternities on campus: |
3 |
| Percent of men who join fraternities: |
7% |
| Number of social sororities on campus: |
3 |
| Percent of women who join sororities: |
7% |
| Student activities: |
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student government, student newspaper, literary magazine, yearbook |
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| School newspaper(s): |
The Altoona Collegiate Review |
| Newspaper homepage: |
www.aa.psu.edu/page2/ news.htm |
| Number of honor societies: |
2 |
| Total number of registered organizations: |
48 |
| Campus-based religious organizations: |
 |
Catholic Council:
The objectives of this organization shall be the spiritual care of Catholics and interested non-Catholics.
Jewish Student Association:
This organization shall serve as a means to socialize with other students of similar faith, provide a place to worship over the holidays while students are away from home, and also to hold events on campus with the goal of unity.
Students About Living Truth (SALT):
The purpose of this organization shall be to foster a knowledge of Jesus Christ and biblical Christianity among the students of Penn State Altoona.
Young Life:
To train and equip college students for community service in the area of Relational Youth Ministry. Including listening and speaking skills, and learning how to mentor young people.
The Gospel Choir:
Our purpose is to express musical talent and belief through song. |
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| Minority student organizations: |
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Asian Student Association (ASA):
The ASA is a student association that organizes cultural, educational, and social activities to celebrate and increase awareness of Asian heritage in the Penn State Altoona community.
Black Student Union (BSU):
To educate future leaders about issues concerning black people.
International Student Association (ISA):
To educate others about international customs and cultures.
Latin American Student Organization (LASO):
To coordinate social and academic activities on campus in order to develop leadership skills; among its existing membership. To provide (volunteer) community service to the community of Altoona.
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| Other student organizations, musical groups, activities, and committees: |
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Student Government Association (SGA):
This organization shall be the official representative government of the students at Penn State Altoona. Each student has a voice in his/her government through participation in campus wide elections of officers and senators. SGA makes certain that the University’s policies are adhered to by all registered organizations and allocates funding to these organizations to be used for campus programs and events.
Student Activities Board (SAB):
SAB is a student organization responsible for social programming under the guidance of the Student Life Office. It is comprised of six committees: Daytime Events, Publicity, Night Time Events, Weekend Programming, Tech/Comedy, and Film. Each committee is led by a chairperson, and together, these individuals are responsible for the majority of student social programming at Penn State Altoona.
Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC):
The council’s mission is to promote student-athlete image, to build and strengthen student-athlete relationships with each other, the administration, the campus, and the community; and to develop and support programs aimed at the student-athlete’s well being.
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME):
The purpose shall be the advancement and dissemination of the theory and practice of mechanical engineering, the presentation of proper perspective of engineering work and the opportunity to become acquainted with the personnel and activities of the Society as well as to promote professional consciousness and fellowship.
Criminal Justice Organization:
The purpose of the By-Laws will be to provide operational procedures for the Criminal Justice Organization. The By-Laws will be the rules of the Criminal Justice Organization, subject to the provisions of the Constitution and the regulations of the University.
HDFS-Community Friends:
The purpose is to provide community awareness about Penn State Human Development programs, services, and needs of students who attend Penn State Altoona in HDFS and to also provide education in the field.
Information Sciences & Technology (IST):
The purpose is to promote awareness in the Information Sciences and Technology field.
Society of Business Students:
The objective of this organization is to intertwine the students at the Pennsylvania State University Altoona Campus, the University, and the business in the area, in order that they can understand and work with each other better. Specific objectives and goals are as follows: a.To help the students get more acquainted with each other. b.To help the businesses know of the number of qualified students for different levels of work. c.To help the University prepare students for future employment. d.To let the area businesses/students know of the different ways the University can help them.
Student Nurses at Altoona College (SNAC):
To serve as an extracurricular activity to Penn State students who have an interest in pursuing a career in nursing. To promote awareness of Penn State students about the nursing profession. To promote general health awareness at Penn State Altoona. To promote the professional development of our members who are nursing students. To sponsor and assist with nursing events on campus.
Student Pennsylvania State Education Association (S-PSEA):
The purpose of PSEA shall be: (a) to influence and improve the conditions of teacher preparation;
(b) to provide for a unified student voice in matters affecting their education and profession;
(c) to develop in the future educator an understanding of and appreciation for the education profession and the role of the professional education association;
(d) to promote and protect human and civil rights of students;
(e) to forward the aim of quality education; to stimulate the highest ideals of professional ethics, standards, and attitudes.
Society of Women Engineers (SWE):
Dedicated to the recruitment, retention, and employment of women in engineering.
Alpha Lambda Delta National Freshman Scholastic Honorary:
The purpose of the society shall be to encourage superior scholastic achievement among students in their first year in institutions of higher education, to promote intelligent living and a continued high standard of learning, and to assist women and men in recognizing and developing meaningful goals for their roles in society.
Omicron Delta Kappa:
To recognize individuals at Penn State Altoona who have attained a high standard of leadership; to encourage the development of the whole person as a student and as a member of society; to bring together members of the faculty, administration, and student body.
The Altoona Collegiate Review (student newspaper):
The purpose of the Altoona Collegiate Review is to provide the students of Penn State Altoona with a student news publication and to provide for students interested in the field of journalism an opportunity for practical experience.
Hard Freight (student literary magazine):
To provide an outlet for the creative arts on campus. It is a means of expression through original literature (Poetry, Song Lyrics, Short Fiction, Essays), original two-dimensional visual artwork (Art), original sketches (drawings), and original photography (Photographs). It shall also provide the staff a tool for gaining insight and experience on how editing, layout, judging, and basic publishing techniques go into the production of a literary arts magazine. The staff of this organization shall publish a magazine at least once per academic school year.
Yearbook Club:
To provide students interested in fields of journalism, graphics, photography, etc. an opportunity for practical experience; and to provide the students at Penn State Altoona with a reflective yearbook.
Budokai (martial arts):
To address and represent the concerns of students interested in traditional Japanese and Filipino martial arts and culture before the Student Government Association and the administration of Penn State University. To enhance access to information about traditional Japanese and Filipino martial arts for Penn State University students and staff. To enhance access to information about traditional Japanese and Filipino culture for Penn State University students and staff.
Dancescape Theatre:
To increase technique ability in modern, jazz, tap, and ballet dance forms. To provide opportunities to choreograph and perform in a concert setting. To work with experienced dancers through rehearsal situations (learning new choreography).
Dance Team:
To entertain and bring school spirit to the people of the campus.
Deutschmeister Club:
Our purpose is to promote appreciation and understanding of German culture, to educate club members about German culture, in order for them to gain respect for the culture, and to attempt to simulate certain German experiences and activities.
French Club:
To promote and expand students knowledge of the French language, to provide students with the opportunity to speak the French language and to teach students to respect the French culture.
General Ag Club:
The purpose of this organization is to establish and develop a spirit of unity and friendship among the students and faculty members of the Department of Agriculture, to stimulate greater student interest in agriculture, and to keep the public informed of the opportunities as well as the increasing importance of agriculture.
Horticulture Club:
The purpose of this club shall be to establish and develop a spirit of unity, friendship, and sociability among the students and faculty members of the Department of Horticulture, to stimulate greater student interest in horticulture and to keep the public informed of the opportunities as well as the increasing importance of horticulture.
Lion Ambassadors:
To expose the community at large to Penn State Altoona, as well as representing its interests and goals among future, current, and past students and friends of the univeristy. To instill in the students the idea that their involvement with the University can and should be a lifelong, fun filled commitment. To serve the community, and the University, and to help in any way that may be necessary.
Outing Club:
To promote student awareness of outdoor activities; to allow students to experience the outdoors through activities such as hiking, camping, climbing, etc.; and to teach students to respect the outdoors.
Rainbow Alliance:
To provide a safe and comfortable situation for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and heterosexual students, faculty, and staff to meet and discuss relevant issues; to promote student awareness of issues of the gay community; to provide an opportunity for the gay community of Penn State Altoona to work together on relevant projects; to provide an environment to create recreational opportunities for the gay community.
Ski Club:
Our purpose is to provide the students at Penn State Altoona the opportunities of skiing and snow boarding.
Spanish Club:
The purpose of this club will be to promote the Spanish language and culture to the Students at Penn State Altoona and the surrounding community.
STEP Team:
To provide a way for people from all walks of life and ethnicity to express themselves through stepping.
Urban Dance Troupe:
To educate the student population on various cultural traditions (Latin, African, American-urban, Caribbean) in the arts; To coordinate dance routines and performances focused on various types of dance (Jazz, Flamenco, Salsa, Hip-hop, African, etc) and; To participate in college events.
Veteran’s Club:
The objectives of this organization shall be directed towards the mutual aid, social and intellectual growth, and the preservation of the common interests of its members.
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| School has an athletic program: |
yes |
| Athletic director: |
Fredina M. Ingold, Director of Athletics |
| Athletic department's mailing address: |
Steven A. Adler Athletic Complex Penn State Altoona 3000 Ivyside Park Altoona, PA 16601-3760 |
| Athletics homepage: |
www.aa.psu.edu/sports |
| School colors: |
Blue and White |
| School mascot: |
Nittany Lion |
| Athletic conference memberships: |
Penn State Altoona participates in three athletic conferences:
Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC)
NCAA
Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) |
| Sports offered |
Scholarships? |
Athletic Assoc. |
| Men's baseball | | AMCC, NCAA Div. III |
| Men's basketball | | AMCC, NCAA Div. III |
| Men's diving | | AMCC, NCAA Div. III |
| Men's golf | | AMCC, NCAA Div. III |
| Men's soccer | | AMCC, NCAA Div. III |
| Men's swimming | | AMCC, NCAA Div. III |
| Men's tennis | | AMCC, NCAA Div. III |
| Women's basketball | | AMCC, NCAA Div. III |
| Women's diving | | AMCC, NCAA Div. III |
| Women's soccer | | AMCC, NCAA Div. III |
| Women's softball | | AMCC, NCAA Div. III |
| Women's swimming | | AMCC, NCAA Div. III |
| Women's tennis | | AMCC, NCAA Div. III |
| Women's volleyball | | AMCC, NCAA Div. III |
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| Athletic facilities: |
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The Steven A. Adler Athletic Complex contains a large gymnasium, an Olympic-size indoor swimming pool, racquetball courts, a multipurpose room, a weight room, fitness loft, and showers and lockers.
Behind the Athletic Complex are six tennis courts, two sand volleyball courts, and the athletic fields, all with lighting for night use.
A new soccer field is currently under construction. |
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| Intramural/Recreational sports: |
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Aerobics, Badminton, Basketball, Flag Football, Ping-Pong, Soccer, Softball, Street Hockey, Tennis, Volleyball, Weightlifting |
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| Club sports for men: |
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Volleyball, Roller Hockey and Rugby Football |
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| Club sports for women: |
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Roller Hockey and Rugby Football |
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| Public transportation serves campus: |
yes |
| Nearest international airport: |
Pittsburgh (100 miles) |
| Nearest other airport: |
Altoona-Blair County Airport (20 miles) |
| Nearest passenger train service: |
Altoona (3 miles) |
| Nearest passenger bus service: |
Altoona (2 miles) |
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| Institutional employment is available: |
yes |
| Off-campus employment opportunities for undergraduates are: |
excellent |
| Freshmen are discouraged from working for first term: |
no |
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