California University of Pennsylvania

California University of Pennsylvania

Motto	Building Character. Building Careers.
Type	Public
Established	1852
Chancellor	Frank T. Brogan
President	Geraldine M. Jones
Academic staff	296 full-time, 90 part-time
Administrative staff	463 full-time, 22 part-time
Students	9,400+
Undergraduates	7,419
Postgraduates	1,981
Doctoral students	N/A
Address	250 University Ave. California, PA 15419, California, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Campus	Rural
Colors	Red and Black
Athletics	NCAA Division II – PSAC (West)
Nickname	Vulcans
Mascot	Blaze
Affiliations	PASSHE
Website	www.calu.edu

California University of Pennsylvania (commonly referred to as Cal U) is a public university located in California, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded in 1852, it is a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). The university offers bachelor's, master's, and, as of July 2015, doctoral degrees. Cal U's enrollment was approximately 9,400 in 2010 and has increased the past few years.

The main campus consists of about 38 buildings situated on 92 acres (37 ha). Another 9-acre (3.6 ha) facility is located near the main campus. An additional 98-acre (40 ha) recreation complex, George H. Roadman University Park, is located one mile (1.6 km) from campus and includes a football stadium, various sports facilities, and picnic facilities. The University's student association also owns 98 acres at SAI Park, located near Roadman Park. Cal U has a satellite campus in Canonsburg as well as a large virtual school.

Cal U traces its roots back to 1852, when the fledgling community of California spent tax money and donations to create an Academy for kindergarten through college-level courses. In 1864, it purchased 10 acres (4.0 ha) and moved to what is now the center of its present location, and a year later the school received a charter to be a normal school. In 1874, the institution was renamed SouthWestern Normal School and in 1914 Pennsylvania bought the school, renaming it the California State Normal School and converted it into a two-year institute for training of elementary school teachers.

In 1928 the school restored a full 4-year curriculum and was renamed the California State Teachers College. The programs offered were expanded over time and broadened beyond teacher training, and by 1959 the school's name was condensed to California State College. In 1962, the school added a graduate program. The school became a part of the State System of Higher Education on July 1, 1983. At the same time, it was granted university status under its current name, California University of Pennsylvania.

California University has recently received state and private grants to rebuild the campus. Since 2000, six new residence halls have been completed, each with private bathrooms. A short drive or bus ride from campus, Cal U has apartment-like housing at the Vulcan Village complex.