Dean of Students

Absence memos may be requested via the Dean of Students office for non-medical absences of one day or more for the following:

• Family Emergency – Death or hospitalization of Family/supporters, Funerals, Traumatic Events such as house fires or car accidents
• Non-University Requirements – Legal reasons (Jury Duty, Legal Proceedings, or Court Attendance) or Military Orders/Trainings
• University Requirements – Students who are required to participate in a university process or activity as directed by a university official

Absence Memos will NOT be generated for the following:

• Weddings, graduations, family reunions, or other celebrations
• Vacations or leaving campus early for long weekends, holidays, etc
• Confinement or placement in lawful custody
• Illness or medical concerns (please contact the student health center to request Extended Medical Illness notice for an medical absence of 3 or more days or request a doctor’s note from your treating medical provider)
• Travel delays or transportation issues 

Students should be advised that faculty may request 3rd party documentation of an absence.  Students should consult with course syllabi regarding class absence requirements and information. It is recommended that students contact professors to inform them of the absence and to plan for missed assignments and class materials.

To request an absence memo, students should contact the Dean of Students office by emailing deanofstudents@commonwealthu.edu or by calling 570-389-4734 during business hours. Students may be asked to provide supporting documentation or additional information regarding the reason for the absence.  Any approved Absence memo will be sent out to faculty using CU Succeed and students will also receive a copy of the absence memo in their university email.

• Affirmed gender marker policy (PRP 4902)
• Affirmed gender marker policy application

The CARE Team, chaired by the Senior Associate Dean of Students, exists to provide a coordinated response to students who may be experiencing concerns across a wide range and/or spectrum of risk. The team focuses on matters impacting students including but not limited to: early intervention needs, behavior indicating life stress or emotional health concerns, medical concerns, resource insecurities, emergency situations, or other issues of trauma or personal challenge.

The CARE Team reviews all available information regarding the student of concern in a proactive manner to ensure the response provided is coordinated, safety-minded, and student-centered. Steps taken will include thoughtful use of resources, advocacy, and engagement with assistance from multiple departments to provide students with appropriate intervention and assistance. In partnership with the campus community, the team strives to promote holistic wellness and student success while prioritizing safety of each individual and the community as a whole.

Our CARE Team is comprised of various individuals from the University working collaboratively to provide students with assistance and support services. The team consists of:

• Senior Associate Dean of Students for Students Support, Leadership, and Retention Initiatives, Chair
• Dean of Students
• Associate Dean of Students - Mansfield
• Associate Dean of Students - Lock Haven
• Director(s) of Residence Life – Bloomsburg, Lock Haven & Mansfield
• Executive Director of Counseling Services
• Chief Accessibility Officer
• Executive Director of Residence Life
• Executive Director of Student Conduct and Title IX
• Director of Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania Police
• Student Success Specialist Representatives
• BU Health Center Director & CUP Campus Health Liaison
• Executive Director of Act 101
• Executive Director of Financial Aid
• Director(s) of TRIO Student Support Services
• Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs – Campus Life
• Director(s) of Athletics

Referrals to the CARE Team can be made using the Student of Concern Report Form or by calling the Office of the Dean of Students at 570-389-4734.

For concerns that you feel are urgent and need immediate attention, contact the University Police or call 911.

For campus counseling service, please contact our Counseling Center.

Commonwealth University's Counseling Centers help students develop human relations skills and personal growth. Typical reasons for seeking counseling include: anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, adjustment difficulties, family issues, substance use concerns, eating concerns, and responses to traumatic events. 

Counseling Center services are based on a short-term model of treatment, in which sessions are provided on a bi-weekly basis. If you are seeking a longer-term treatment approach or weekly session, the Student Counseling Center can assist in finding appropriate resources.

Keystone Extraordinary Emergency Program (KEEP)

• A one-time emergency grant that assists students who are experience an unexpected financial emergency. Eligibility requirements are: full-time undergraduate student, 2.0 GPA, complete FAFSA, and accepted all financial aid offerings. Student must be experiencing an unexpected financial emergency and be at risk of dropping out. KEEP may assist with food, off campus housing/utilities, travel expenses related to school and/or employment, books, laptops, medical expenses, childcare, costs associated with being the victim of a crime, and expenses related to a natural disaster. KEEP cannot cover tuition, legal fines or tickets, study abroad, health insurance, and any bill owed to the university. To apply visit https://thepafoundation.scholarships.ngwebsolutions.com.

Bloomsburg Foundation

• For Bloomsburg students who are confronted with an emergency financial need and have exhausted all financial aid options, including student loans. Please note: poor use of financial aid funding, credit card debit, and enrollment in summer/winter does not constitute an emergency. To apply for emergency funding please complete the online “I Need Help Paying” application at https://bloomu.scholarships.ngwebsolutions.com.

Lock Haven Foundation

• For Lock Haven students who are confronted with an emergency financial need and have exhausted all financial aid options, including student loans. Please contact Mike Hall, 570-484-2424, mhall@commonwealthu.edu. Please note funding is extremely limited.

Mansfield Foundation

• For Mansfield students who are confronted with an emergency financial need and have exhausted all financial aid options, including student loans. Please submit a brief summary of your emergency situation to Amanda Kern at akern@commonwealthu.edu. Please note funding is extremely limited.

Financial Aid Office

• The Financial Aid Office has additional financial education and scholarship information available to help you financially prepare to support your education. More information about financial resources and contact information for your financial aid counselor can be found on the Financial Aid Office webpage.

The Campus Cupboards across Commonwealth University provide support for students facing food insecurity or financial strain. Stocked with essential items ranging from non-perishable foods to personal hygiene products, it stands as a testament to our community's commitment to inclusivity and support.

Campus Cupboard

Commonwealth University's Health and Wellness initiative provides programs, services, and events that educate and motivate students to adopt healthy behaviors. The initiative supports the well-rounded health of CU students via the collaboration of services provided by Commonwealth University’s Student Health Centers, Counseling Centers, the Health and Wellness Education, and AOD (Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention and Intervention Services). For more information, visit the Health and Wellness Promotion website.

The Dean of Students Office can assist with connecting students to campus legal resources.

At the Bloomsburg Campus, a lawyer is on campus each semester for two-hour sessions to discuss student legal concerns. Contact the Community Activities Office at 570-389-4462 for more information about specific dates, times and location. This service is provided by the Community Government Association.

PA COMPASS helps Pennsylvanians apply for many health and human service programs including health care coverage, food assistance, cash assistance, and help paying for child care.  This includes benefits like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).  For more information or to apply for services, visit the PA Compass website for additional information.

The number for the helpline for assistance is 1-800-692-7462 available between 8:30am – 4:30 pm Monday – Friday. If you would like to speak to a case worker in person or have your questions answered over the phone, the contact information for your county assistance office can be found at the PA County Assistance Offices website.

If you would like help navigating the PA Compass process, Dean of Students staff may be able to assist. 

In accordance with Commonwealth University's mission of being an inclusive comprehensive public university that prepares students for personal and professional success in an increasingly complex global environment, the university is issuing a preferred name policy.

• Preferred name policy (PRP 4901)
• Preferred name policy application

Visit the Student Conduct Office for additional resources

In need of assistance with purchasing a textbook? CU has many resources available to students!

Textbook Assistance