The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg is offering an unusual incentive for its students to do summer study there — free housing.
The school, on its website, also said it plans to provide expanded financial aid options for those students.
It is the first time the campus has made the offer, school officials said.
The campus, one of four Pitt branches, said that to get the no-charge accommodations, students must have finished a semester as a full-time student there during the last academic year and take no less than six credits in the summer, either on the campus, as an internship or online.
If they fall below six credits, or do not obtain those credits, they will billed the full amount, which the school said is $145 a week or $1,430 for the term.
“We know that there are many reasons why students might want to take summer classes. They may want to get ahead, retake classes, raise their GPAs, make up credits, satisfy requirements or electives, or graduate early,' said Troy Ross, director of Housing and Residence Life, said in a statement accompanying the announcement. "They may also want to pursue an internship with a local business to build their resume.
"We also know that students may have financial concerns that make taking summer classes difficult, if not impossible,' he added. "By removing the cost of housing from the equation, we are helping to remove a financial obstacle that then makes taking summer classes a reality.”
Students participating will be placed in the University Court apartments, which offers two bedrooms, a full bathroom, living room, and kitchen with stovetop, oven, microwave, and full refrigerator.
Pitt said students to be eligible must complete fill out the Pitt-Greensburg Summer Aid Request Form. It can be found on the school's financial aid web page on Feb. 1.
In North Central Pennsylvania, Pitt Bradford is offering free summer housing to its sophomores, juniors and seniors through a program with different eligibility rules, including that a student take at least three credits.
Bill Schackner: bschackner@post-gazette.com, 412-263-1977 and on Twitter: @Bschackner.
First Published: January 29, 2018, 6:56 p.m.
