Why Should You Live On-Campus?!?

Here at Pacific University, we love having our students live on campus. We make housing not only available, but guaranteed for four years. It is required for students to be on campus for the first two years of attendance, and it is encouraged that students spend all four as residents on campus. In fact, it is quite common to see seniors living on campus and loving it!

Some good reasons to live on campus:

• ·         More involvement – When living on campus, you are being dropped right into the action. You are less than 10 minutes away from any event, game, speaker, or class. When you can hear music playing in the quad and look out your window to see students playing volleyball or just hanging out, you are much more likely to go out and join unlike those who may not even know that anything is going on because they are living off campus.
• ·         Community – Simply walking out of your room will provide an opportunity to get involved due to the fact that there is always something going on in a residence hall. The RAs (Residence Assistants) are there to make life more enjoyable for their students. Things such as ping pong tournaments, pancake parties, and haunted houses around Halloween time are not unusual to see. The RAs try to host an event at least once a month, and they have office hours in the lobby of their respective residence halls at least once a week each.
• ·         Less Financial Stress! – Students who live off campus have to account for paying monthly rent, a security deposit, utilities, furnishing their apartment/house, laundry, and repairs. When you live on campus, your room and board is payed as a package with your tuition, so no monthly fees. Utilities, laundry, furniture, appliances (in apartment style dorms), and repairs to the room (i.e. broken oven, dead lightbulbs) are all included. With less things to worry about in terms of your living situation, students are able to keep their focus on school and other more important factors of their life.

The on campus experience is catered to students. When on campus, you can truly experience the full benefits of a university that looks out for its students. Off campus living is something that everyone will experience once graduated from school, so why rush the process and add more real world stress and pressure to your plate prematurely?

For more information on housing, click on the link below:

https://www.pacificu.edu/housingdining

For more information on residence halls, click the link below:

https://www.pacificu.edu/housingdining/housing/residence-halls

For more information on residence life, click the link below:

https://www.pacificu.edu/housingdining/residence-life

Merit Scholarships

The most frequently asked questions we receive from students who are interested in Pacific University revolve around the finances and tuition of the university. We do all that we can to make sure that the financial burden of college is something our students do not have to stress over. 90% of Pacific University students receive some form of scholarship or financial aid. The main source of this statistic comes from our Merit Scholarships. Merit Scholarships are solely based on all the hard work students have done in high school, there is no application process, and they are renewable for four years at Pacific University. When high school students apply to Pacific, they send in their official high school transcript and test scores (we have no preferences between the SAT and ACT). When your admissions counselor receives these items from incoming students, they do a small calculation and immediately award the student a scholarship.

There are five different Merit scholarships: The University ($12,000 per year), the Trustee ($15,000 per year), the Presidential ($18,000 per year), the Honors ($21,000 per year), and the Founders ($24,000 per year).

When it comes to the test scores, for the ACT we look at the composite score (math, reading, science, English). For the SAT we only consider the critical reading and math sections. We also accept super scores! Super score essentially means that we allow students to take either test as many times they want, and we will select the top score from each category. For example, a student takes the SAT for the first time and scores a 650 on the critical reading and 530 on the math, giving them a total of 1190. The same student takes the test again and take and scores a 640 on the critical reading and 580 on the math, giving them a total of 1220. Instead of just accepting the total score from the second test (1220), we would take the higher critical reading score (first test = 660) and the higher math score (second test = 580) giving the student a super score of 1240. If a student is accepted in December but they retake the test again in January, we encourage them to send in their scores so that we can see if they qualify for more scholarship money. Your counselor will let students know how close they are to being able to reach the next level of scholarship. Once again, we do this so that students do not have to stress out as much on the financial side, and truly focus on enjoying their time here at Pacific University. 

Clubs and Organizations

At Pacific University, we host a club fair in the beginning of every semester. Clubs and on-campus organizations are able to reserve tables and promote themselves to the general student population. It is a fun and exciting event as students, both returning and new, wander through the maze of tables in search of new opportunities and communities. There is no shortage of clubs to choose from as Pacific has over 70 clubs and organizations on campus including:

• ·         Academic/Educational – Business Club, First Generation Student Success Association, Pre-Med Club, Social Work Club, Women in Computer Science, etc.
• ·         Greek Life – Alpha Kappa Delta, Alpha Zeta, Phi Lambda Omicron, Pi Kappa Rho, Pacific University Greek Senate, etc.
• ·         Cultural & Religious – Black Student Union, Pacific Christian Fellowship, Muslim Student Association, Nā Haumāna O Hawai’i (The Hawaii Club), French Club, etc.
• ·         Public Service – Students for Environmental Activism, PDA (Animal Ethics), B-Street Farm Club B-Street Farm Club, Activities and Cultural Events (ACE) Board , Residence Hall Association, etc.
• ·         Recreational – Rugby, Unified Sports, Drama Club, Pacific Speech and Debate (Forensics), Board Game Club, Pacific Parkour Club, etc
• ·         Student Media – The Pacific Index (Pacific University student newspaper), Boxer Radio, Silk Road Review (student ran literary magazine), Pacific’s Literature by Undergraduates Magazine (PLUM)

We highly encourage students to join multiple clubs. It is a great way for all students to make new connections with like-minded students, take up potential leadership positions, and get involved on campus/in the community. The most Pacific student are involved with three or four different clubs or organizations throughout their career as a student. Club fair is a highly encouraged event, as well as very exciting.

If students are unable to find a club that fits their desires, we highly encourage starting a new club! All students need to start their own club is seven members and staff or faculty member as their advisor. All this information can be found on the Clubs and Organizations link below!

https://www.pacificu.edu/life-pacific/clubs-organizations

New Coaches 2018

At Pacific, you can play the sport you enjoy, while studying the academics you need for your future career. With nearly one-third of our undergraduate population involved in varsity or club sports, you will be joining an active, spirited community that works hard both on and off the field.

Boxer Nation is excited to welcome new coaching staff. These coaches will be working with students to succeed both on and off the field.

Justin Lunt, Men’s Basketball
The 18/19 season will be his first with Pacific. Before this, he spent 12 years as the head men’s basketball coach at the University of Puget Sound. While there, Coach Lunt took the Loggers to seven Northwest Conference Tournament appearances, a Northwest Conference title and the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Division III basketball tournament. He is excited to take Pacific’s Basketball program to the next level!

Alecia Wilson, Women’s Basketball
Prior to Pacific, Coach Wilson spent 4 years as the assistant women’s basketball coach at Whitworth University. She took the Pirates twice to the Northwest Conference Tournament semifinals. Coach Wilson is passionate about guiding student-athletes to success, in all areas of their life. Her two passions are basketball and helping people grow.

Brittany Hartmann, Women’s Lacrosse
Brittany Hartmann was named the new Head Coach for Pacific’s Women’s Lacrosse team this summer. Coach Hartmann previously coached at both Linfield and George Fox, but has returned to her alma mater to take over and lead the Boxers on the field for the 2018-19 season. She is excited to come back to her roots and make the program grow and flourish.

Beth Whittle, Men’s & Women’s Swimming
During her swimming career, Beth Whittle was a 20-time All-American and the recipient of 11 Northwest Conference titles. As a coach, she has been just as successful. While coaching at Macalester College, Washington University in St. Louis, and University of Washington, she took her teams to the top 20 in their respective divisions multiple times each. She can’t wait to lead Boxers to victory!

Become a Boxer!
Pacific University is always looking for quality individuals to become part of the Boxer athletic squads. Pacific competes in the Northwest Conference, one of the toughest small college conferences in the nation. In the past 10 years, Boxer teams have won 12 conference championships and advanced to national tournaments on 14 different occasions. Some of our more successful Boxer athletic alumni include Brett Jefferies '97 (men's basketball, played professionally in Australia), Nick Vorberg '97 (men's soccer, professional indoor goalie) and Rich Burk '88 (baseball, play-by-play announcer for ROOT Sports, Pac-12 Network and the Class A Hillsboro Hops).

NCAA Division I OR NCAA Division II Transfers
If you are a transfer from a NCAA Division I or Division II school, your current institution must provide a "Permission To Contact" letter. This letter must be provided by your current institution and faxed to the Pacific Athletics Department, Attention: Compliance Officer, at 503-352-2209. If a letter is not received, or if your current school does not grant permission, we are unable to talk with you.

NCAA Division III Transfers
Transfers from other NCAA Division III schools may issue their own release ("self-release") to allow Pacific to make contact about a potential transfer. You must fax this letter to the Pacific Athletics Department, Attention: Compliance Officer, at 503-352-2209.

Key Facts About Pacific Athletics
Pacific University is a NCAA Division III institution. Like other Division III schools, Pacific cannot give scholarships based on athletic performance. Other financial aid solutions are available based on academic merit and financial need.

Pacific sponsors 24 intercollegiate sports: baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, swimming, tennis, indoor/outdoor track & field and wrestling for men; basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, rowing, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, indoor/outdoor track & field, volleyball and wrestling for women. Additionally, club programs are offered for men's and women's handball and rugby as well as cheerleading.

Recruiting Basics
The following links will help you become better informed about the collegiate recruiting process:
NCAAStudent.org: Information about becoming a college athlete, including the NCAA Guide For The College Bound Student-Athlete.
NCAA Eligibility Center: Eligibility information for competing in college athletics.
Pacific Admissions: Learn what it takes to apply to Pacific University and what it takes to be accepted. You can even apply online!

Center for Learning and Student Success (CLASS)

At Pacific University, we sincerely believe in helping our students succeed in their area and choice of study.  The academic programs we have are designed to help students find the right pathway but everyone can always use a little help along the way.

We are proud to announce the relaunching of our tutoring program.  Known as the Center for Learning and Student Success (CLASS), students can now get peer support and tutoring Sunday through Thursday until 10:00pm.  Appointments can be made ahead of time to work around class schedules or students may also go to the kiosk located in the Tran Library on a walk-in basis.
 

Future additions to the program such as conference capability and workshops will also be available for students such as time-management, how to set attainable goals as well as study skills and habits.

CLASS is located on the second floor of Tran Library.  For more information contact, Josie Ragolia, our Student Success Librarian at JRagolia@pacificu.edu.

Visit campus today and get a tour of our beautiful school including Tran Library and the newly launched CLASS.  

Explore the Pacific Northwest and earn College Credit!

At Pacific University, we are proud to say students can explore the many different options nature has to offer.  Students can learn about sustainability and the environment while taking on leadership roles. Take such courses through rock climbing, sea kayaking, rafting and use the skills learned and apply them to everyday activities or future careers.

Our students who minor in Outdoor Pursuits have been able to transition their experiences to fields such as education, psychology, environmental science, business and more.
Tailor Dolguin (Class of 2018), recent Pacific graduate, talks about her experience as an Outdoor Leadership minor and her time here.

Explore the Galapagos Island!

At Pacific University, we offer short-term study abroad opportunities that range from theater programs in England, education programs in New Zealand to environmental sciences in the Galapagos Island. Senior, Wyatt Eng, spent this past winter on the islands and shared his experience.

  

Name: Wyatt Eng

Major: Bioinformatics

Year: 2019

Hometown: Los Altos, California

What brought you to Pacific?

The family atmosphere and personal care that the faculty members provide for us initially attracted me to Pacific University. During the admissions process, Pacific University was the only school that valued me as a person.  I felt like an individual, not just a number.

What got you involved in the trip to the Galapagos Island?

The biology courses that my major requires gave me the proper background to take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad. I also love exploring the outdoors and thought this trip fit me perfectly.

Do you have to major in biology to be able to go on this trip?

No, we had both major and non-major students on the trip. I took this course to fulfill an upper division major requirement for biology, but you do not have to be a natural science major to go.  

How many credits is it worth?

The class is worth a total of four credits.  The first two credits is a prep course on campus and the last two credits is the trip itself, which took place during the winter term.

Was there a lot of preparation for the trip?

Besides the prerequisite courses, we spent the first two days of our trip in Ecuador to acclimate to the culture, climate and elevation.  All of the meals were provided for so we didn't have to worry about packing extra food. The food was amazing especially all the fresh fish we got to eat.

What was a normal day like on this trip?

We spent most of our time exploring the different habitats and nature on the islands. We island hopped every few days so there was always something new to see.

Did you have a lot of assignments?

We had a few, but they were all relevant and really interesting. There was about 15 of us on the trip, including two professors. We would read primary literature articles assigned to us every day and gather in the evenings to discuss the material as well as a brief recap of the day. We also had to maintain a journal and sketches of the different animals and plant organisms that we encountered. 

What was the most awe inspiring moment?

The whole trip was amazing. The only thing I would change, if I could, would be the duration of the stay. I wish it could have been a longer program. However, all of the abundant plant and animal life on the islands was extremely intriguing. Since Ecuador is located on the equator, the mere thought of exploring the center of the planet was absolutely fantastic. While on the Galápagos Islands, I got to see first-hand how evolution affected different organisms. We also got to see historical landmarks, including the first cove that Charles Darwin himself stepped foot on when he first discovered the Galapagos Islands. Overall, I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone considering the experience.

What were some of your favorite moments?

While we were moving to a new island, our boat got surrounded by a pod of dolphins, which then led us to a pod of whales. This particular moment was simply breathtaking and surreal. Some other moments I loved include getting to spend time at a tortoise preservation center, exploring the Cloud Forest, and connecting with all of the people I went on the trip with. In the end, I got to experience what I learned in the classroom and apply it to real life, showing how this incredible trip could be useful throughout my life

Would you study abroad again?

Hands down, I would! Word of advice: The additional cost was worth every penny. If you have the resources, go for it! Live your dreams!

Check out Wyatt's video of his experience!

Schedule a visit today to learn how you can join the next trip!