Undergraduate Student Update

2026-2027 Academic Year Update

Table of Contents

Dear Students,

I hope you are having a restful and rejuvenating summer. I am honored to be able to write this message to you in preparation for your return to campus – 91ÇÑ×Ó’s 94th academic year.

As we quickly close on the start of the fall 2026 semester, please know that the Student Life and Success team is thrilled to welcome you back to what promises to be an exciting academic year; and we cannot wait to have your energy and enthusiasm back on campus! There is much to look forward to as you return!

This summer we were delighted to welcome to campus the eighth president of Wilkes University, Dr. James Cousins. Dr. Cousins is excited to be at 91ÇÑ×Óand looking forward to opportunities to meet students and learn more about campus life.

I would also like to offer my gratitude to Dr. Mark Allen, who will be retiring at the end of August. Dr. Allen had a distinguished career at 91ÇÑ×Óthat not only included providing leadership to a myriad of Student Life programs but also establishing the Honors Program and teaching for many years at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

Over the course of the summer, several facilities projects took place to enhance your campus experience.

  • Replacement of roof and roof top HVAC units in Breiseth
  • Renovation of 14 classrooms and the student lounge in Breiseth
  • Window replacements, and renovations of the bathrooms and common kitchen in Evans Hall
  • Restoration of the parking garage
  • Enhancements in Starbucks

Beyond the abovementioned updates, there is much to look forward to as you return to campus. Please take a few moments to read through the material included on the links under the table of contents.  If you have any questions regarding the information or would like to schedule a time to meet with one of the members of the Student Life and Success Leadership team, please feel free to contact us at the information listed below.

We look forward to seeing you soon and extend our very best wishes for a relaxing remainder of the summer and great fall semester. 

Sincerely,

Philip J. Ruthkosky
Associate Vice President for Student Life and Success

Dean of Student Life
 
Associate Dean of Academic Success
 
Assistant Dean of Experiential Learning
 

Residence Life

Move-in for returning resident students is contingent upon where you are placed.


91ÇÑ×Ó Police

Emergency Notification System

Emergency Notification System

91ÇÑ×Ó notifies the campus community of emergency and crisis situations using 91ÇÑ×ÓAlerts. These messages provide information on what is happening, what to do, and links to available additional information. The University employs text and email messaging as another technological solution for communicating swiftly and effectively with our campus community in the event of an extreme emergency on campus.

This system will be used only for emergency communication and not for general information or advertisements. While there is no charge to register a phone, your service provider may charge you a nominal fee for the airtime used for receiving these messages. Possible uses for this system will include closures and delays, community crime notifications, weather emergencies and power outages.

University faculty, staff and students 91ÇÑ×Óemail addresses are automatically enrolled into 91ÇÑ×ÓAlerts. Your 91ÇÑ×ÓAlert account is accessible via the 91ÇÑ×ÓPortal using your 91ÇÑ×Óusername and password. Parents, guardians, and family members of students should ask their student to add their phone number and email address as their second or third contact numbers.

Once your cell phone is registered and validated, a text message will let you know that you have successfully signed up for the notifications.

91ÇÑ×ÓShield

91ÇÑ×ÓShield

In support of our emergency notification system, 91ÇÑ×Ó also offers a public safety app called the 91ÇÑ×ÓShield. This app is free to download at the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. Once downloaded onto your smartphone, users have the ability to make emergency calls to the University Police Department, send/ receive real time text messages on the iReport function and access campus resource information.

Fall Parking Permit Information

Fall Parking Permit Information

Those who have signed up for parking this semester will be notified by email of additional information related to when and where to pick their parking permit.

Individuals who do not pick up their permit on the assigned date may forfeit their ability to park on campus and their application will be moved to the back of the list for further consideration.


Office of Academic Success

Tutoring

Tutoring

Our peer tutors are here to help you understand course concepts, strengthen your study strategies, and practice what you're learning in class.

One-on-one tutoring requests and small-group tutoring schedules will be available through beginning the second week of the semester.

Learning and Study Strategies

Learning and Study Strategies

Our Learning Specialists help students develop effective learning strategies, strengthen study habits, and build confidence as learners. Visit to explore the LearnWell Learning Library or schedule an appointment for personalized support.
Disability Support Services

Disability Support Services

If you have a documented disability and are in need of accommodations, please contact Katy Betnar (katy.betnar@wilkes.edu  email link ).

Students already registered with our office can contact Sandra Rendina (sandra.rendina@wilkes.edu) to renew academic accommodations for the fall. The Disability Support Services Office is located in Conyngham Hall.

For more information, please review the online documentation guidelines and related information.

Early Alert

Early Alert

Your professors have the opportunity to share any concerns they have about your performance through an early alert message. Early alert allows you to be proactive in developing new plans or approaches to your coursework. You will receive an email with the professor's concerns. A copy is also received by your advisor and the Office of Academic Success. These alerts give us the opportunity to help you continue towards your academic goals.

GPA Adjustment Policy Reminder

GPA Adjustment Policy Reminder

The GPA Adjustment Policy is a policy and procedure for a student to request removal of substandard grades in majors/programs for which they attempted, but did not continue to pursue. Specific conditions must be met in order for the policy to be enacted.

The complete policy, its procedure and the form are available below.

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Policy Summary

  1. The student must change majors/programs. This can include changing between declared majors/programs, changing from declared majors/programs to "undeclared," or changing from "undeclared" to declared majors/programs.
  2. The student must receive permission from the Department Chair of the new major to invoke this policy along with the support of staff in the Office of Academic Success.
  3. The student may initiate the GPA Adjustment Policy anytime during his/her current academic career. A returning student may apply the Policy to previously completed courses with no time limit.
  4. The student may only apply a maximum of 18 credit hours of courses to the GPA Adjustment Policy during his/her academic career at Wilkes.
  5. The student must follow the Director of Financial Aid's Federal Guidelines regarding the maximum number of acceptable credits earned each academic year and minimum GPA. This implies that the Policy may be applied more than once during his/her academic career at 91ÇÑ×Óas long as the student follows the Federal Guidelines and changes majors/programs a second time.

If you have additional questions about the following services or the Office of Academic Success in general, please contact:

Katy Betnar

Associate Dean of Academic Success
Learning Center

Conyngham Hall 212
katy.betnar@wilkes.edu email link
(570) 408-4233


Center for Career Development and Internships

The staff of the Center for Career Development and Internships (CCDI) invites all students to participate in our events and services designed to help launch successful careers. The center is comprised of a designated academic Internship Program, designed to support your search for experiential opportunities to enhance your professional development and academic career, and a Career Development Center, to coach all majors in meeting their professional goals and connect with career-related resources.

Handshake

Prepare to join the #1 career network app, Handshake! Learn of opportunities from thousands of employers, along with personalized career development resources and updates, by downloading the Handshake app and completing your profile.

Also, take advantage of:

  • Handshake registration for career, internship and graduate school fairs.
  • Employer visits for internships and jobs.
  • Career counseling sessions.
  • Resume review and mock interview practice.
  • The Colonels Clothes Closet (to receive complimentary professional clothing).

Contact Us

The Center for Career Development and Internships is located behind the Henry Student Center.

To schedule an appointment with the CCDI, contact

Mary Simmons

Director, Center for Career Development and Internships
Career Services

mary.simmons@wilkes.edu email link

Visit the Career Development and Internships Center Website


Office of Global Engagement

The Office of Global Engagement fosters partnerships across campus and around the world, we:

  • Support study abroad programs
  • Promote curricular and co-curricular global initiatives
  • Welcome international students, scholars, faculty and staff to our campus

Our core services include:

  • Ensuring immigration regulatory compliance for our international students, scholars and faculty
  • Supporting international student success from pre-arrival through graduation
  • Facilitating student participation in study abroad programs
  • Administering faculty-led study abroad programs
  • Assisting in establishing international partnerships and the drafting and review of international agreements

The Office of Global Engagement, supports, and advocates for international students who have come to the US to study at Wilkes. The office brings a global perspective to the 91ÇÑ×Ócommunity by sponsoring campus-wide programs to develop a broader understanding of the world and providing support in matters of internationalization.

The office is composed of:

For more information, please contact global.engagement@wilkes.edu  email link .


Off-Campus Student Information

If you have not already done so, students residing off campus (in apartments, not at home) are asked to provide their off-campus address and telephone number via the link below. Sharing your local address does not substitute for the 91ÇÑ×ÓEmergency Contact System or vice versa.

Off-Campus Address Form

If you have any questions about off-campus life, please contact:

Gretchen Yeninas

Dean for Student Life
Student Affairs

gretchen.yeninas@wilkes.edu email link
(570) 408-4107


University Dining Service News

For information on meal plans, locations and menus, and other aspects of the dining experience please visit the Dining Services page.


Athletics

For complete team schedules and other information on 91ÇÑ×Óathletics, please visit .


Health and Wellness Services

Required Health Insurance for Resident Students, International Students and Student Athletes

Required Health Insurance for Resident Students, International Students and Student Athletes

University policy requires that all students living in university owned housing or participating in an intercollegiate athletic program must show proof of health insurance in addition to the completed health form before receiving keys for housing.

International students on an F or J visa must have proof of health insurance and can write to the International Office (cathylee.arcuino@wilkes.edu) for suggestions of companies that meet requirements. 91ÇÑ×Ó does not offer any type of student health plan. It is up to the individual to obtain health care coverage privately.

Protocols Related to Health Services Office

Protocols Related to Health Services Office

  • In an effort to reduce face to face symptom assessment, all visits will be made by appointment only after answering a few questions prior to making the appointment. Please call 570-408-4730.
  • Doctor's hours will remain Tuesday 9 to 11 and Wednesday 10 to 12 by appointment only.
  • Telemedicine will be offered via a secure internet/HIPPA compliant system. For a telemedicine appointment call 570-408-4730. You will be instructed how to access telemedicine when you are making the appointment.
  • Allergy shots and other injections, including Mantoux testing, will require an appointment. Call 570-408-4730.
  • Appointments can be made between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. The office will be closed from 12 to 1 for lunch.
  • For 91ÇÑ×Ó Counseling Center appointments, please visit the counseling center page.
  • In case of an emergency, call 911.

Student Leaders

Student Leaders for 2026-2027

Student Leaders for 2026-2027

  • John Tondora, President, Student Government
  • Natalia Williams, President, Programming Board
  • Elias Dixon-Gilbert, President, Multicultural Student Coalition
  • Emma Sanford, President, Residence Hall Council
  • Lucy Loftus, President, Commuter Council

Required Notifications

Non-discrimination Policy Statement

Non-discrimination Policy Statement

91ÇÑ×Ó is committed to providing a welcoming environment for all members of our community and to ensuring that all educational and employment decisions are based on individuals' abilities and qualifications. 91ÇÑ×Ó prohibits discrimination in its educational programs, employment, admissions or any activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or family status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local laws.

Consistent with this principle, 91ÇÑ×Ó will comply with state and federal laws such as the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act or other applicable state law, Title IX, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Ethnic Intimidation Act of 1982 (P.L. 537-154) and other laws that prohibit discrimination.

As a recipient of federal financial assistance for education activities, 91ÇÑ×Ó is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 to ensure that all of its education programs and activities do not discriminate on the basis of sex/gender, including in admissions and employment. Sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and stalking are forms of sex discrimination, which are prohibited under Title IX and this policy.

All members and visitors of the 91ÇÑ×Ó community have the right to raise concerns or make a complaint regarding discrimination under this Policy without fear of retaliation. Inquiries about this Policy statement may be addressed to the University's Title IX Coordinator in person, by mail, by telephone, or by email, using the contact information listed below. A report may be made at any time (including during non-business hours). Anonymous complaints may also be made via the online reporting form.

Title IX Coordinator

Dr. Nicole Langan
(570) 408-4354
nicole.langan1@wilkes.edu  email link

Deputy Title IX Coordinators

Student Coordinator

Philip J. Ruthkosky, PhD
Interim Dean of Students
2nd Floor Passan Hall Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766
(570) 408-4108philip.ruthkosky@wilkes.edu  email link

Faculty & Staff Coordinator

Kelly Beishline
Associate Director, Human Resources
10 East South Street Suite A
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18766
(570) 408-3356  call link
kelly.beishline@wilkes.edu  email link

Inquiries about Title IX may be directed to 91ÇÑ×Ó’s Title IX Coordinator, the Assistant Secretary, or both. The Assistant Secretary can be contacted at U.S. Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education, 400 Maryland Avenue S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202, or (800) 421-3481. For further information on notice of non-discrimination, you can  or call 1-800-421-3481.

Graduation and Persistence Rates

Graduation and Persistence Rates

Information regarding graduation and persistence rates as required by the Students’ Right to Know Act is available at the Student Life and Success Dean’s Office, the Registrar’s Office, the Office of Admissions and the Athletic Director’s Office. Consistent with law, this information is disseminated according to regulations.

Federal and State Act Compliance

Federal and State Act Compliance

The 91ÇÑ×Ó Police Department prepares and distributes the For Your Safety Annual Safety and Security Report. This document is prepared in compliance with Act 73 of 1988 of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, 20 USC 1092(f). This report is available in hard copy format upon request during normal business hours at the Department of Public Safety, 148 S. Main St.; the Office of Admissions, Chase Hall, Reception Area; Student Life and Success Deans Office, Passan Hall, Reception Area. An electronic copy of this report is available on the University website. Additionally, daily logs and crime logs are available for review during normal business hours at the DEPARTMENT of Public Safety. Any questions regarding this report and the specific requirements of the Acts that govern its production can be addressed to the DEPARTMENT of Public Safety, ext. 4982

Drug and Alcohol Program Information

Drug and Alcohol Program Information

Please take a few moments to review the documents linked below. They provides important drug and alcohol information, including:

  • Effects associated with drug and alcohol use and abuse.
  • Federal, state and local laws and campus policies.
  • Resources for those seeking professional help.

Drug and Alcohol Prevention

Voter Information

Voter Information

The University encourages all students to take seriously their responsibility, as citizens, to vote. Voter registration information is available online at . It takes only minutes to register!


Student Handbook

The Undergraduate Student Handbook is available online.

Undergraduate Student Handbook

In the Handbook, you can find important resource information as well as the most current policies and procedures at the University.


Attendance Policy

We strongly recommend all members of the University community to be attentive to their health and safeguard others by staying home when you are sick and to seek appropriate medical evaluation.

Instructors are expected to 1) inform students in writing of their attendance policy at the beginning of the semester; 2) take attendance and report excessive absences to the Deans of Student Life and Success; and 3) discourage absence from classes prior to the beginning of a holiday period.

Attendance at all scheduled classes is expected and required. Repeated absences are a sufficient cause for failure.

After five consecutive instructional hours of unexcused absences from a class, students may be readmitted to the class only by action of the Office of Student Life and Success and the department chairperson concerned. Any absence beyond that permitted in the course is a matter between the student and the instructor. Absences due to illness, religious holidays, or participation in athletic or other University sponsored activities are usually considered to be acceptable reasons for absences, but notification of such absences and arrangements to make up missed work should be made with the instructor by the student.

In the unfortunate event of a death in the family, students are asked to contact the Office of Student Life and Success so that notification might be sent to faculty members and arrangements made with them to assist students in making up missed work.

If students are ill and will be missing a test, examination, or presentation, it is their responsibility to contact the instructor by email prior to the start of the missed activity.

When students are going to be absent for a period of two days or more, if they notify the Office of Student Life and Success, written notification of their extended absence will be sent to the students’ instructors.


COVID and Influenza Related Protocol

Students who are engaging in isolation or quarantine at the direction of the Wilkes Barre Health Department, 91ÇÑ×Ó Health Services Office, or their health care professional, should not attend class. Students will be required to provide documentation of isolation/quarantine directions from their healthcare professional to the office of Health and Wellness Services. Students will not be penalized for absences, missed exams, labs, or other critical academic activities, unless they fail to notify their instructors of their absences. Students must take responsibility for their absences and keep up with their coursework if they cannot attend class.

They must:

  • Inform their instructors/professors and the Office of Student Life and Success of their inability to attend class prior to class meetings.
  • Refrain from coming to the classroom or visiting the instructor/professor.
  • Maintain open communication by notifying instructors and student health services (anita.burns@wilkes.edu, 570-408-4730) as soon as they become aware of the situation.
  • Keep up with classwork, unless they are unable to do so.
  • When available, attend class remotely and submit assignments digitally, unless they are unable to do so.
  • Work with their instructors to reschedule exams, labs, and other critical academic activities as soon as possible.