Slippery Rock University
Slippery Rock University is the region’s premier public residential university. Shaped by its normal school heritage, the University is distinguished by its commitment to academic excellence, leadership and citizenship.
Slippery Rock University is a four-year, public, coeducational, comprehensive university offering a broad array of undergraduate and select graduate programs to more than 8,600 students.
The University, a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a recognized leader in evidence-based planning and decision-making. SRU provides students with a superior learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with applied learning opportunities that will help them succeed in an increasingly complex world.
Engaged Students
Community building and student leadership development are hallmarks of a Slippery Rock University experience. The University is recognized for several first-year initiatives including:
- The FYRST program, which offers students a close-knit peer group and a mentoring relationship with an experienced professor or staff member;
- Its residential living-learning communities that allow students who share similar academic, career or personal interests to live together; and
- Programs that are intentionally designed to help students develop community-building skills while finding their own individual strengths.
By the time a student graduates from Slippery Rock University they are engaged in the following core-learning outcomes:
- Engaged citizenship; community service, social justice
- Career planning
- Ethical approaches to business, relationships, problem solving and conflict
- Practical leadership
- Emotional intelligence
- Critical thinking; evaluating sources of information
- Informed decision making
- Working in teams and groups; conflict resolution
- Cultural competency and cross-cultural understanding
- Civility and tolerance
To achieve these outcomes, Student Life partners with Academic Affairs and other areas to provide opportunities for students to organize, lead and participate in more than 150 social, honorary and special-interest clubs.
The SRU Student Government Association, Inc. is an independent corporation funded through a student general service fee. The SRUSGA owns and operates the University Bookstore, Child Care Center and Campus Shuttle; helps fund recognized student organizations and SRU athletics; and serves as the advocate for student interests and concerns. The SGA is responsible for allocating more than $1.6 million in student fees annually.
The University Program Board, comprised entirely of students, is the major sponsor of student activity events. UPB offers activities featuring local, national and international entertainers in areas such as performing arts, concerts, films, lectures and travel. UPB is responsible for all aspects of the program including budgeting, scheduling, marketing, sales and event management. Students involved in UPB annually manage funds in excess of $350,000.
SRU students are encouraged to participate in international study, research and travel programs. SRU has been ranked 10th nationally among masters-degree granting institutions for the number of students participating in short-term study abroad programs by the Institute for International Education. Recent study opportunities have taken students to Poland, China, the Bahamas, Ireland, Greece, Egypt, Ghana, the Netherlands, Russia, England and elsewhere.
Through the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership, SRU students participate in programs that give them the chance to make a difference in the lives of people at home and around the world, to practice academic skills and to earn certifications for achieving leadership competencies.
Results from the National Survey of Student Engagement show that SRU students consistently rate their experience at SRU higher than do students attending peer institutions. Check out the results for yourself: www.sru.edu/academics/enrollment/fye/pages/NSSE.aspx
Great Teaching
Great teaching starts in the classroom at Slippery Rock University and extends across campus and around the world. In fact, during your studies at SRU, your classroom is just as likely to be the Roman ruins, or a jungle in Peru, as it is to be a room on campus. One thing is certain though, no matter where you learn, you’ll study with a faculty member who has a passion for teaching.
At SRU only fully credentialed faculty teach. The University does not allow graduate assistants or research fellows to teach classes. Our faculty members’ first priority is teaching and learning.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the tremendous opportunities faculty provide for undergraduate students to collaborate with them on high-quality research. These practical, cutting-edge research projects provide a pathway for students to make intellectual or creative contributions to their discipline, build self-confidence, gain experience that will enhance their career opportunities, and improve critical-thinking, communication and presentation skills.
At SRU, the spirit of discovery and the challenge of tackling real questions and problems underpin the undergraduate research experience. As part of their faculty-directed undergraduate research projects:
- Two physics majors constructed an Organic Light Emitting Diode light from scratch. This type of lighting is extremely energy efficient and could be used in many applications.
- A geography major traveled to Nevada to research fossil marine organisms in rock layers to learn more about the conditions that existed there 300 million years ago.
- A dance major researched how children use movement to learn, and turned that into practical lessons to combat child obesity.
- Nine psychology majors researched eating behavior and body image among students and used that knowledge to develop a program promoting positive body image.
- Three chemistry majors studied cancer at the cell level to determine whether certain chemicals could be used to slow down or prevent cell growth.
- Biology students researching the Harderian gland in snakes identified a new, little-understood protein. The researchers hope it will help them better understand snake behavior.
- An environmental science major researching spatial characteristics and land ownership in San Salvador from 1760 to 1919, uncovered the original driveway to the oldest port on the island.
Slippery Rock University professors help students find their passion and then challenge and work with them to put it into action.
Vibrant Community
A few quick questions: Where did you first learn to text message, update your Facebook profile, or juggle a schedule filled with classes, homework and sports and recreation activities? Did you answer, in a classroom? Probably not.
At Slippery Rock University we recognize that learning takes place wherever you have an opportunity to discuss, think and practice the process of gaining new knowledge or solving a problem. In “academic speak” the University describes this as “providing students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that will help them succeed in their lives, professional careers and be engaged citizens.” Whew.
What that means for you is that Slippery Rock University provides a dynamic and diverse array of extra-curricular and co-curricular activities that promote healthy minds and bodies, student interaction, leadership and community service.
Clubs and organizations
http://sru.collegiatelink.net/organizations
The University offers more than 275 clubs and organizations, everything from Active Minds – a nationally recognized, student run organization dedicated to raising awareness of mental health issues and reducing stigma associated with mental illness to Zeta Phi Eta – a national professional fraternity in Communication Arts and Sciences.
Whatever your passion, you’re sure to find it at The Rock.
Living learning communities
www.sru.edu/studentlife/reslife/LLC/Pages/LLChome.aspx
Living-learning communities offer students the opportunity to live with other students who share similar academic, career or personal interests. Current LLCs include: Business, Information and Social Science; Creating Connections; Education; Leadership; Health, Environment and Science; Honors; Humanities; Fine and Performing Arts; Outdoor Adventures and Military Leadership.
Leadership
http://www.sru.edu/studentlife/studentleadership/Pages/index.aspx
Compass leadership is a signature program within the University’s Center for Student Involvement and Leadership. Compass Leadership provides a sequence of workshops through which students can earn certification for acquiring basic, intermediate or advanced leadership competencies. Participation in Compass Leadership workshops is recorded and posted on the student’s Co-Curricular Experiences Transcript.
Co-Curricular Experience Program
http://www.sru.edu/studentlife/studentleadership/Pages/CCE.aspx
The Co-Curricular Experience Program is an official record of leadership accomplishments and involvement in student organizations, community service activities and professional development programs. The Co-Curricular Experience Program is a valuable resource for students when they apply for internships, graduate or professional schools, or first career positions.
Kaleidoscope
http://www.sru.edu/academics/colleges/chfpa/kaleidoscope/Pages/home.aspx
For two weeks each spring the entire northwest region of Pennsylvania is alive with the sights and sounds of the Kaleidoscope Arts Festival. This unique arts festival provides music and dance concerts, student theatre, sculpture and hands-on activities for all ages.
Successful Outcomes
The focus of a Slippery Rock University education goes beyond just earning a diploma. The University’s focus is on developing people capable of making positive differences in the lives of others. The University challenges SRU graduates to understand the problems of our global society and have confidence in their skills and values to address those problems throughout their life.
To that end, academic and co-curricular activities are intentionally designed to help students mature into competent, civil and caring citizens who will make their communities and the world a better place for all people to live and work.
Students demonstrate civic engagement competencies through a myriad of programs, activities and services.
Empty Bowls, an annual event to raise funds for and awareness of hunger issues, is an excellent example of how the University helps develop civic engagement skills. At the base level (personal responsibility) students contribute food or hand-made ceramic bowls to the event. At a second level, (participant) students organize and take full responsibility for planning and managing the event. At a third level, (social justice) students might conduct undergraduate research studies as to the causes of hunger locally, and build on that discovery to recommend or initiate other social justice programs or actions that address this condition. 
RecycleMania is another example of how students learn lifelong skills that will help them be better citizens. RecycleMania is an annual event to promote recycling and waste reduction activities. At the personal level, a student might pledge to reduce their use of resources and increase the level at which they recycle. At the participant level, students would plan recycling events and track participation rates. At the social justice level, students might investigate why more people don’t recycle and then develop information or action campaigns to increase participation rates.
Through the University’s Alternative Break Program students travel across the United States to engage in enriching service projects and to experience first-hand the importance their contributions can make to the hungry, the homeless, the aged, the lonely, and those living in poverty, suffering from addictions, or victimized by human or natural disasters.
Through programs such as these, and hundreds of other hands-on volunteer opportunities available throughout their collegiate career, SRU graduates develop the practical skills (thinking, writing, speaking and reasoning), intellectual knowledge and commitment to be engaged citizens who will make a positive difference in their communities and professions.
Slippery Rock University is a Carnegie Master-L, four-year, public, coeducational university. Founded in 1889, the University is part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
Web site
www.sru.edu
Location
Slippery Rock University is located in the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania in the borough of Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. The 660-acre main campus is less than an hour north of Pittsburgh, one hour south of Erie, and 45 minutes east of Youngstown, Ohio. Two major interstates, I-79 and I-80, intersect within seven miles of the University, conveniently linking it to the entire state and its contiguous regions.
Student Profile 2012 (Fall 2011 Data)
www.sru.edu/academics/institutionalresearch/Pages/StudentProfile.aspx
Undergraduate 7,961
Graduate 751
TOTAL 8,712
Male 42 percent
Female 58 percent
Top 5 states represented:
Pennsylvania
Ohio
New York
Maryland
New Jersey
Top foreign countries represented:
Ireland
Republic of Korea
Australia
Nigeria
Canada
China
Germany
Japan
Kenya
Faculty Profile 2011/12
www.sru.edu/academics/institutionalresearch/Pages/Faculty.aspx
Full time faculty 374
Part time faculty 50
Student/Faculty ratio 20:1
Tenure or tenure track
faculty with Ph.D. or
terminal degree 92 percent
Classes taught by fully-
credentialed faculty 100 percent
Athletics
www.rockathletics.com
Division II
Member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference
SRU sponsors 17 intercollegiate sports
Mascot: The Rock
Colors: Green and White
Men’s sports
Baseball
Basketball
Cross Country
Football
Soccer
Indoor track
Outdoor track
Women’s sports
Basketball
Cross Country
Field Hockey
Indoor track
Lacrosse
Outdoor track
Soccer
Softball
Tennis
Volleyball
Competitive Club sports
Equestrian
Golf
Ice Hockey
In-line Hockey
Men’s Lacrosse
Rugby
Men’s Volleyball
Water Polo
Academic Programs
www.sru.edu/academics/Pages/majorsandminorsalpha.aspx
Accounting
Art
Art with Teacher Certification (K-12)
Athletic Training
Biology (Cytotechnology, Medical Technology, Professional)
Chemistry (Biochemistry, Environmental, Forensics)
Communication
Communication – Emerging Technology and Multimedia
Communication – Journalism
Communication – Public Relations
Community Programs for Americans with Disabilities
Computer Science
Criminology and Criminal Justice
Dance
Economics
Early Childhood Education (PreK-4)
English Literature
English Writing – (Professional and Creative)
Environmental Geosciences
Environmental Geosciences – Environmental Science
Environmental Geosciences – Geology
Exercise Science
Exploratory (undecided)
Finance
French
French – Business Administration
Geography
Geography – Applied Geographic Technology
Geography – Environment and Society
Geography – Environmental Studies
Health Services Administration
History
Information Systems
Information Technology
Management
Marketing
Mathematics
Music
Music Education (K-12)
Music Performance (Instrumental, Vocal)
Music Therapy
Nursing
Park and Resource Management
Philosophy
Physical Education/Health (K-12)
Physics
Political Science
Professional Studies
Psychology
Public Health
Resort Recreation Management/Tourism
Safety Management
Secondary Education/Middle Level (4-8)
- Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
Secondary Education
- English (7-12)
- French (K-12)
- Social Studies (7-12)
- Spanish (K-12)
Secondary Education (7-12) (certification in the following areas following completion of a Master of Education program)
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth and Space Science
- General Sciences
- Mathematics
- Physics
Social Work
Spanish
Spanish – Business Administration
Special Education (certification in PreK-8, must be a dual major with Early Childhood Education PreK-4)
Sport Management
Theatre (Acting, Arts Administration, Design and Technology, Playwriting)
Therapeutic Recreation Services
Undecided (Exploratory)
Pre-Professional Areas of Study
Pre-Dental
Pre-Law
Pre-Medical
Pre-Optometry
Pre-Podiatry
Pre-Veterinarian
Pre-Professional Affiliations
Pre-Chiropractic 3+3 (Logan)
Pre-Engineering 3+2 (YSU, WVU)
Dual degree Pre-Engineering program with PSU
Pre-Osteopathy 3+4 (LECOM)
Pre-Pharmacy 3+3 (LECOM)
Pre-Physical Therapy 3+3 (SRU)
Costs and Aid 2011/12
www.sru.edu/academics/institutionalresearch/Documents/tuition/ug.pdf
Tuition (undergraduate)
In-state $6,240
Out-of-state with 3.0 GPA $9,360
Out-of-state $12,480
Mandatory fees
In-state $2,266
Out-of-state $2,444
Financial Aid
http://administration.sru.edu/publicrelations/accountability/accountabilityreport.htm
More than 85 percent of students receive financial aid.
Endowment
$16 million
More Distinctions
Slippery Rock University is a Carnegie Masters-L, four-year, public, coeducational university. The University has earned full institutional accreditation through the Middle State Commission on Higher Learning and discipline specific accreditation by the following:
- Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology: Information Technology, Information Science, Computer Science
- American Chemical Society: Chemistry
- American Physical Therapy Association: Physical Therapy
- National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission: Nursing
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education: Exercise Science
- Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education: Athletic Training
- Nation Recreation and Park Association: Park and Resource Management, Resort Management / Tourism, Therapeutic Recreation
- Institute for Safety and Health Management: Safety and Health
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education: College of Education
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs: Community Counseling, School of Counseling
- American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages: Spanish, French Education
- National Association for the Education of Young Children: Early Childhood Education
- Association for Childhood Education International: Elementary Education
- National Council for Teachers of English: English Education
- National Council for the Social Sciences: Social Studies Education
- National Science Teachers Association: Science Education
- Council for Exceptional Children: Special Education
- National Council for Teachers of Mathematics: Math Education
- Council on Social Work Education: Social Work
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design: Art, Fine Arts
- National Association of Schools of Dance: Dance
- National Association of Schools of Music: Music Instrumental, Music Performance, Music Therapy
- National Association of Schools of Theatre: Theatre
- Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care: Health Services
- National Association for the Education of Young Children: Child Care Center
- International Association of Counseling Services Inc.
Rankings and awards:
- Princeton Review – “Best in the Northeast”
- The Chronicle of Higher Education – “A Great College to Work For”
- U.S. News and World Report – “One of the 100 Best Colleges in the North”
- G.I. Jobs Magazine – “A Military Friendly School”
- WorldWideLearn – “One of the Top (No.2) 20 Rural Colleges and Universities
- Princeton Review – “One of the top 286 Green Colleges” in the nation
- University Business Magazine – “Dining Hall of Distinction”
- Consumer’s Digest – A “Best Value” in higher education
- Daily Beast/Newsweek – One of the “Top 50 safest campuses in America.”
- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – A “Top Workplace” in the region
- Pittsburgh Magazine – Health Services Administration major named one of the 12 smartest educational choices for a career.
Admissions and Financial Aid
www.sru.edu/academics/enrollment/undergraduate/Pages/freshman.aspx
A premiere higher education consists of two components: a student who is hungry for truth and knowledge, and an institution that fosters development and education not just in the classroom, but also in every aspect of its students' lives.
Admission Requirements
Slippery Rock University has a strong commitment to student success, and thoroughly researches the academic background of the students who tend to succeed at SRU. The University seeks students who have attained at least a 3.0 GPA at the time of admission, have demonstrated proficiency in college preparatory coursework, and who have average to above average scores on the SAT or ACT. SRU will accept either test and uses the best scores available. Offers of admission for new freshmen from high school may be made as soon as July following their junior year in high school. Upon graduation from high school admitted students are required to submit proof of high school graduation in the form of Official Transcripts.
In order to apply for admission, the following credentials are required:
- Official High School transcript, including a 12th grade class schedule if applicable
- SAT or ACT Scores
- $30.00 application fee
Campus visit
Visiting campus is the best way to determine if a college or university is the right fit for you. When you visit Slippery Rock University, you'll see that the University is more than just a premiere residential university with first-rate academics. It is student focused in everything it does both in-and-out of the classroom. And, because SRU’s most common class size is only 20-29 students, faculty members have time to mentor students and provide the personal attention that has become a hallmark of a Slippery Rock University education. SRU provides a variety of visit options. To schedule a visit call 800.929.4778 or visit: www.sru.edu/academics/enrollment/undergraduate/Pages/VisittheRock.aspx
Financial Aid
Slippery Rock University understands that the cost of attending a university is one of the biggest investments you will make. It’s also one of the best. On average, over the course of a career, a person with a bachelor’s degree will earn more than $1 million more than someone with a high school diploma. The University’s helpful, professional staff will do everything it can to help you meet your financial need. To get started: call 724.738.2044, e-mail – financial.aid@sru.edu or visit: www.sru.edu/academics/enrollment/financialAid/Pages/index.aspx
More than 85 percent of SRU students receive financial aid.
Premier Freshman Scholarships
SRU Merit Scholarship
Requirements: Scholarships are offered to a number of the highest-ranking applicants for admission to SRU. Consideration is given to first-time freshmen who have attained at least a 3.5 high school GPA, are ranked in the top 25 percent of their high school class and who have achieved at least a 1150 SAT or 25 ACT score. Students with the highest scores of this group will be selected to receive scholarships.
Amount: Up to $1,250 and renewable
Scholarship Application Process: Must apply for admission to SRU (no other application necessary.) Students should apply by December 1 of their senior year in high school.
President’s Scholarship
Requirements:
- A scholarship for students ranked number one in their class at the end of their junior year in high school.
- Minimum high school class size of 30
- If multiple students from the same high school are classified as number one in the class, the student with the highest GPA from that high school will be awarded the President’s Scholarship. If the GPAs are equal, the student with the highest SAT/ACT score will receive the scholarship.
Amount: Up to $1,500 and renewable
Scholarship Application Process: Must apply for admission to SRU (no other application necessary.) Students should apply by December 15 of their senior year in high school.
Board of Governor’s Scholarship
Requirements: This scholarship program is designed to fulfill the needs and best interests of the University with regard to minority students, academically talented students, those with demonstrated leadership qualities and those in the performing arts, math, science, technology and other fields identified by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. These scholarships are designated for Pennsylvania residents.
Amount: Up to full cost of in-state tuition, renewable
Scholarship Application Process: Must apply for admission to SRU (no other application necessary). Must file FAFSA.
Honors Program Scholarship
Requirements: The Honors Program at SRU provides outstanding opportunities to academically talented and motivated students including travel, smaller classes, participation in honors conferences and independent research. Incoming freshmen that have either a 3.8 grade point average or a combined Reading and Math SAT score of 1200 may qualify for the Honors Program at SRU. Students participating in the Honors Program are eligible to be considered for a renewable Honors Scholarship.
Amount: Up to $1,500 and renewable
Scholarship Application Process: Must apply for admission to SRU. Interested students should contact the SRU Honors Program at 724.738.4003, or honorsprogram@sru.edu for an application and essay requirements. An application can also be obtained at: www.sru.edu/academics/provost/honors/Pages/HPScholarships.aspx Students are encouraged to apply by December 1 of their senior year.
Slippery Rock University
1 Morrow Way
Slippery Rock, PA 16057
800.929.4778