College Profile:
Slippery Rock University

Recently called one of the "98 best universities in the mid-Atlantic region to consider” by the nationally respected Princeton Review, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania is a continually growing institution of higher education dedicated as a premier, regional, public residential university.

A member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, Slippery Rock University is dedicated to offering a rock solid education at an affordable price.

In evaluating the University, the Princeton Review reported the environs of the University "provide an academic setting for those serious about learning.” The book praised small class size and the "excellent tutoring center, writing center and resident hall study groups” and pointed out that "marked friendliness pervades the Slippery Rock atmosphere.” The report was on interviews conducted with current SRU students.

Begun as a community-based, teacher-education institution in 1889, SRU has a long tradition of providing quality education to students. As a modern, multi-purpose institution with nearly 8,000 students, SRU offers more than 60 degree programs in its College of Business, Information and Social Sciences, College of Education, College of Health, Environment and Science, College of Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts and its graduate program, which includes a doctoral program in physical therapy.

Located on more than 600 acres, the campus is undergoing a building transformation with the addition of a new $17 million Science and Technology Building. More than $2 million in renovations were recently completed on its Carruth Rizza Hall, home to the modern languages and cultures department and the Office of International Initiatives and a new state-of-the-art School of Physical Therapy Building offers specialized science courses. Recent beautification projects include a new rock fountain and Rock Plaza, in addition to a refurbished pedestrian walkway linking upper and lower campus. Artificial turf and night lighting were recently installed in N. Kerr Thompson Field used by both men’s and women’s sports.

The University’s vision calls for Slippery Rock University to excel as a caring community of lifelong learners connecting with the world and to meet that vision the University’s international studies program annually brings 125 students to campus from foreign countries while helping more than 300 SRU students spend part of their academic year studying overseas. Each spring some 300 students use spring break to complete course work outside the U.S.

Added emphasis on joint faculty-student research is allowing students to become even more involved in their major study area as are added and expanded opportunities for internships.

The perspectives of Slippery Rock University are contemporary and futuristic, national and international. The University provides experiences and opportunities to demonstrate leadership and to develop confidence and self-reliance in its students. It promotes intellectual, social and physical development and accomplishes its goals in an open, caring, nurturing and friendly environment. SRU is committed to serving and empowering all segments of the population that can benefit from its offerings.

Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, a number of its individual academic programs hold specialized accreditations that ensure SRU students receive the latest information.

Approximately 70 percent of Slippery Rock University’s students are from Western Pennsylvania, with Pittsburgh and other cities in Allegheny County providing the largest number of students. Students from nearly 40 states are enrolled at the University, which has more than 40,000 living alumni.

Set in a small town of 3,000 permanent residents, Slippery Rock University is located in the middle of a population center of nearly 120,000 people. Two major interstates – I-79 and I-80 – intersect within seven miles of campus making trips to Pittsburgh, Erie and Youngstown, Ohio, less than an hour’s travel.

Bailey Library, the hub for campus research, is among the best in the state among both public and private institutions. Extensive holdings are "on-line” and available from any computer in the world. The library includes more than 3,000 "cyber books” and students have access to more than 1,000 journals.

While academics are always a top priority with Slippery Rock University students, there is also time for recreation. In addition to soccer and lacrosse fields, tennis and outdoor basketball courts, the $10 million Robert N. Aebersold Student Recreation Center offers a complete physical fitness facility, including a 44-foot climbing wall. The center, open to all students, offers an Olympic-size swimming pool, indoor running track, five basketball/volleyball courts, facilities for floor hockey, aerobics, badminton and other sports.

The University Union, compete with dining facilities and adjacent bookstore, offers students a "campus living room” to meet friends – or just hang out. Students looking to become involved in campus life will find more than 100 student organizations as well as a weekly student newspaper and student-run radio station available.