Saint Vincent College
Saint Vincent College

Frequently Asked Questions
  • How do I schedule my classes?

    As a first semester freshman you will not have to schedule your own classes. You will have your choice of what freshman seminar you are interested in taking, the rest are scheduled for you. When scheduling for your other semesters you have to meet with your advisor(s) and discuss the classes you would like to take. Your advisor will then clear you for registration. Once cleared you will be given a date and time to register based on the number of credits you currently have. All registration occurs on the Web Registration Center found on the Saint Vincent website: http://cxweb.stvincent.edu:9040/

  • How do I sign up for clubs or get involved in campus activities?

    Saint Vincent College is probably one of the easiest places to get involved due to the vast array of clubs and activities on campus. Within the first few weeks of school there is the SVC annual club fair. Each club or group on campus sets up a booth and all the students have the opportunity to walk through and put their names on the mailing list of the clubs that interest them. Also, each day the college sends an email title “SVC Today” with a list of campus happenings, events, etc. It is never a bad idea to read through those to see if something catches your eye. If you are interested in getting involved in your department, many of the departments have clubs and societies for you to get involved in. To inquire about those activities contact your department head or come out to the Club Fair on Wednesday, September 9 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm in Melvin Platz.

  • What is the difference between a meal plan and flex dollars?

    Meals are primarily used in the cafeteria. Most freshmen are allotted 15-19 meals per week, which can be used during the week and on the weekends. Along with each meal plan, students are given anywhere from $50-$150 in flex. Think of flex as your own personal debit card. When purchasing drinks at the barista or the shack, the cashiers will use your flex to purchase your item. If throughout the semester your flex is dwindling down, you can go to the food services office and put money of your “express” account. The express account is the same as flex and is used as a bonus when your flex is gone.

  • What if I’m doing poorly in a class and could potentially fail?

    Do not hesitate to go to a tutor for help. All of the departments at St. Vincent College provide tutors to assist the students in revising papers, learning a foreign language and even providing study skills and tips for challenging exams. The tutor schedule can be found outside of all of the departments. Do not hesitate to ask your professor for a copy of the tutor schedule. We at St. Vincent College know what it’s like to struggle in classes and the tutors are always here to help.

  • Is there anything to do off campus near the college if I want a change in atmosphere?

    Yes! Many students on campus here have cars, so transportation isn't necessarily an issue. If you don't have a car, you'll be sure to have at least one friend who has one. In addition, there are many different places to go around the campus. Latrobe and Greensburg are at the most 10 minutes away, and the city of Pittsburgh is about 45 minutes drive from the college. In addition to those main hubs of activities, there is a drive in movie theater off route 30, various restaurants such as Jioio's and Dinos, two of the favorite places that students frequent for a bite to eat. The Greensburg mall is about an 8 minute drive, which has a movie theater, as well a huge variety of stores to shop at. These and many other options await for you around the campus!

  • Do I get an I.D. card? Does it work for entrance into the residence halls, laundry, and food service?

    Yes, at registration your photo will be taken by Public Safety and an I.D. Card will be ready for you when you come to campus to begin the Fall Semester. Your I.D. card is called a Freedom Card, which allows you to deposit funds into the card at an automated teller machine in the Carey Center Student Union and the Saint Vincent College Library. The I.D. card will grant you access to your residence hall entrance. It will also serve you for operating campus copiers, select vending machines and for food service.

  • Is there cable in the residence halls? Is there a fee for cable?

    Your residence hall room is cable ready. The cost for cable is included in the room charges. You may add premium services by contacting the cable provider after you arrive.

  • If I commute, is there a place to store my books and personal belongings?

    Yes, if you are a commuter, just sign up for a locker at the Student Affairs Office. The lockers are located by the post office and the dining hall in Placid Hall. There is NO FEE for the locker, but you must provide your own lock. There is also a Commuter Lounge next to the dining hall and lockers. The Commuter Lounge is opened every day of the week from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm. The lounge has a TV, computer, wireless access, refrigerator, and microwave.

  • Can I change roommates after the semester begins?

    All freshmen must remain with their assigned roommate for the first 4 weeks of the semester. After those 4 weeks, freshmen can request a roommate change. The student must see the Residence Hall Director of his/her residence hall and state the reasons why a roommate change is needed. Requests are considered but depend upon availability of room spaces and if the switch is to the benefit of all parties involved.

  • What resources should I familiarize myself with when I begin my course of study at Saint Vincent?

    Obviously, you will have a wealth of information and resources at your disposal to assist you in your matriculation to Saint Vincent College. However, there are a few texts that will assist you throughout your academic and extracurricular endeavors at SVC. They are:

    The Student Handbook: This provides you with information relating to academic and non-academic standards and guidelines set forth by the College administration. It addresses various substantive issues including student rights and responsibilities, college services, campus organizations and clubs, and rules and regulations. You will receive a copy of the Student Handbook upon your arrival in August. This information is also available on our website, www.stvincent.edu.

    The College Bulletin: This details academic requirements and course descriptions and will be utilized when planning your course of study throughout your college career.

    The Calendar of Events: Published by the Orientation Program, this provides you with day-to-day information about campus activities and meetings as well as a directory of all new students, faculty, and administrators. You will receive a copy upon your arrival.

    The Rule of Saint Benedict: Available in a small pocketsize edition, this provides you with a basic understanding of the background, standards, and ethics upon which Saint Vincent College was founded. Written by Saint Benedict, it is a foundational text upon which the Order of Benedictine Monasticism was founded. The values set forth in The Rule have helped shape the Saint Vincent Community and establish Saint Vincent as a unique Catholic institution of higher learning.
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