Enrollment | New Student FAQ
ORIENTATION
» When is New Student Orientation and when do classes
start?
» What will I be doing during Orientation?
» What is the FUSION?
ACADEMIC LIFE
» How and when do I register for classes?
» What if I haven’t decided on a major yet?
» What if I want to change my major?
» How will I know who my adviser is?
» Whom should I contact if I need information about
disability-related accommodations?
» Where can I go for assistance with my classes?
» What testing will I need to have?
» Does PUC have an Honors Program?
» When will auditions be held for music ensembles?
RESIDENCE LIFE
» When can I move into the residence hall and what
do I need to bring?
» What if I want to live off campus?
» How can I get involved on campus?
SPIRITUAL LIFE
» Who can I contact about spiritual needs or concerns?
GENERAL
» What about computers and Internet connections
on campus?
» Why do I need an ID card?
» What about financial aid?
» When do I need to register my vehicle?
» Do I need to have health clearance?
» Where can I get school supplies at PUC?
» What information is available for my parents?
» Who do international students need to contact?
» How can I find a job?
» What are the directions to PUC?
ORIENTATION
When is New Student Orientation and when do classes start?
New Student Orientation begins on Thursday evening, September 20, and continues
through Monday, September 24. See the Orientation
Schedule for details. The first day of instruction
is Tuesday, September 25.
What will I be doing during Orientation?
Check out the Orientation
Schedule.
What is FUSION?
Required of all new students, this weekend retreat is filled with
worship, friendship, and fun in the beautiful redwoods of Northern
California. Be sure to only bring casual clothing for two days,
a warm jacket, comfortable closed-toe shoes for hiking, a flashlight,
a sleeping bag for cool nights, pillow, toiletries, a towel, bathing suit,
sunscreen, mosquito repellant, a Bible, notebook of paper, a
pen, and an adventurous spirit! The camp we are going to has
a skate park, Ropes Course (with 400-foot zip line), climbing
wall, volleyball court, ping pong, swimming pool, outdoor basketball
court, soccer and baseball field. Buses will leave campus on
Friday, September 21, at 1:30 p.m. and will return to campus on
Sunday, September 23, at 12 noon.
ACADEMIC LIFE
How and when do I register for classes?
For those who have not pre-registered or for those who need to
make changes to their class schedule, on-going online registration
continues. All the sessions during orientation, such as
academic advising, lead you through the processes that will assist
you in knowing which classes to choose. You will finalize your
finances, register your vehicle, and obtain your ID card prior
to Tuesday, September 25. (See the Ultimate
To Do List for details.) If we can be of further assistance
or you would like to pre-register for classes, please call 1-800-862-7080,
option 2.
What if I haven’t decided on a major yet?
That’s okay—you don’t have to decide today! For
students unsure of their major, PUC has created the optimistic
term “deciding.” If you don’t know your major
yet, remember that it’s a good idea to select a major as soon
as possible. Making this decision will help you more easily
complete the requirements of an academic program within the time
allotted for the program, saving time and money.
Some majors require close planning right from the beginning because
of their highly structured requirements. Other majors allow
some freedom in selecting elective courses or choosing classes
that are more relevant to your interests.
If you’re seeking acceptance to dental or medical school,
you do not major in “pre-dentistry” or “pre-medicine.” Rather,
you work for a four year B.A. or B.S. degree in a major of your
choice while taking classes that meet professional school pre-entry
requirements. If you’re in a pre-professional program
with the goal of entering a dental or medical program as something
other than a dentist or physician, you need to complete specific
pre-entry requirements for that profession.
PUC has various resources available to assist you in your search
for a career. See Career
Exploration for more information.
What if I want to change my major?
No problem—it’s a student’s prerogative! Don’t
feel as if you’re locked into a major. If you need to
change your major, obtain a “Change of Major” form from
the Records Office (Graf Hall) or download it.
How will I know who my adviser is?
You will be assigned an academic adviser from the major field you
declare. Your assigned adviser is listed in Lantern. Your
adviser will guide you through your college experience. Your
adviser will not make decisions for you. He or she will
assist you in your choices and answer questions, but ultimately
you are responsible for taking the right courses at the right
times.
To help you plan your academic career, read thoroughly the PUC General
Catalog and Class Schedule.
Whom should I contact if I need information about disability-related
accommodations?
PUC’s Teaching and Learning
Center offers students with diagnosed learning disabilities
access to accommodations and support that will improve their college
experience. Students with learning disabilities may be seen
by the counselor who helps determine the appropriate resources
needed. See Learning
and Psychological Disabilities Services for more information.
Where can I go for assistance with my classes?
The Teaching and Learning
Center, is dedicated to helping PUC students develop their
abilities for a successful college experience. The Center is located just north of the Dining Commons on the small
road leading to the science complex.
The TLC is for your personal tutoring needs, advising for those
students with undeclared majors, and additional requests for academic
support. Computer assisted learning resources are also available
for math, reading, and a variety of other subjects. Please phone
the TLC at (707) 965-7688 or e-mail at TLC@puc.edu.
What testing will I need to have?
To register for classes at PUC, you must have taken either the
ACT or the SAT college entrance exam. If we have not received
your ACT or SAT score by the time you arrive on campus, you must
take the ACT here at PUC on Friday, September 21.
To waive the typing prerequisite, business and computer science
majors must pass the Typing Waiver Exam by the end of the sophomore
year or enroll in OFAD 111. The exam will be given on Monday,
September 24. Additionally, the Typing Waiver Exam is offered
the first Thursday of every quarter.
Career testing will be available in the Dining Commons on Sunday
and Monday, September 23 and 24.
Does PUC have an Honors Program?
Yes. PUC’s Honors
Program offers an alternative general-education program
for academically motivated students. It is built around a
series of “great books,” or central texts, illustrating
significant themes in the liberal arts.
The goal of the Honors courses is to create an atmosphere in which
you feel free to experiment with ideas and to test them in open
debate with classmates and teachers. The program is designed
to engage significant books, films, art, and music in a Christian
context. We encourage each student, regardless of vocational
goals, to seek truth, and to act upon it.
If you are interested in the honors program and know that you
scored in the 80th percentile or higher on the ACT assessment (or
its equivalent) and have a strong academic record with a C.P.I.
of at least 3.5, you are eligible to participate. To apply to be
part of the Honors program, please download the application.
For more information, contact Dr. John McDowell at (707) 965-6612
or e-mail honors@puc.edu.
When will auditions be held for music ensembles?
Auditions are held during the first week of classes. Sign ups will
be in Paulin Hall beginning on Sunday, September 23. For choral
ensembles, sign up outside Room 135. For orchestra, sign up outside
Room 207. For wind ensemble, sign up outside Room 107. For more
information, click http://www.puc.edu/Departments/Music/.
RESIDENCE LIFE
When can I move into the residence hall and what do I need
to bring?
The residence halls will be open for you to move in beginning Thursday,
September 20. Hopefully, you will have already filled out
your Residence Hall Information Card and sent in the $150 room
reservation fee to Enrollment Services.
When you are planning what to bring with you from home, keep in
mind the following items: mattress cover, desk lamp, linens for
a bed, wastebasket, telephone, earphones, iron, airtight food storage
containers, room décor to reflect a Christian atmosphere,
and cleaning supplies. Optional items to bring: coffee maker,
rice cooker, blender, microwave, hot pot with enclosed heating
elements, micro refrigerator, and computer. For more information
download The
Ultimate To Bring List.
If you have any questions, contact the women’s residence
hall at (707) 965-6313 or the men’s residence hall at (707)
965-6487.
What if I want to live off campus?
PUC affirms the values gained from being primarily a residential
college. By accepting admission, a student 22 or younger agrees
to live in a residence hall—unless the student applies and
is granted an exception. Any rental/lease agreements should not
be finalized until you receive approval. Review the Housing
Policy to see if you are eligible to live off campus. To
apply to live off campus, fill out and return the Community
Housing Application to student services.
For more information regarding off campus housing, contact student
services at (707) 965-7362. If you are looking for housing off
campus, visit PUC classifieds.
How can I get involved on campus?
PUC has Clubs and Organizations,
the Student Association, Intramurals,
and Campus Ministries service
opportunities to participate in. See—and be seen while
getting involved in something significant.
SPIRITUAL LIFE
Who can I contact about spiritual needs or concerns?
PUC is not only a community of learners, but we are also a community
of believers in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In all
aspects of life, we seek to integrate our faith into our daily
activities.
The Chaplain is available
to help students explore their relationship with God and what it
means to be a Christian in today's world. The chaplain is also
adviser to the Student Association Religious Vice President and
Campus Ministries. This includes inreach and outreach programs
and activities like vespers, weeks of prayer, small groups, and
student missions. The chaplain's office is located off the sidewalk
that leads from the campus center to the church.
GENERAL
What about computers and Internet connections on campus?
Wireless networking is available to all common areas of the
campus; the cafeteria, residence hall lobbies, some of the
classrooms, and the library. This wireless networking allows students and faculty
access to the Internet from any computer that has wireless network
capabilities. The residence hall rooms still utilize the wired
network, which gives greater bandwidth capacity.
PUC recommends that any student considering purchasing a new computer
for the 2007-2008 school year, purchase a notebook that has both
wireless and a standard 10/100 network adapter built in. This
allows access to the network at increased speed from a
dorm room and also utilizes the wireless network while in the classrooms
or common areas. For suggestions on purchasing a computer and other ITSS related information, see PUC Information Technology Student Information. If
you have any questions, please contact ITSS at (707) 965-7000.
Students also have access to computers at several locations on
campus. The library, business administration, computer science,
math & physics, chemistry, and psychology and social work departments
have PC’s available. The library has a few Macintosh computers
available.
Why do I need an ID card?
Your picture ID card serves as your meal ticket, library card,
permit to buy textbooks, and timecard. Have your ID card
made as soon as you arrive on campus.
What about financial aid?
Worried about financing your PUC education? Click here to find
out more about Financial
Aid.
When do I need to register my vehicle?
During the school year, every vehicle parked on campus must be
registered with Public
Safety upon arrival. There are permit fees that apply. You
will need to show your vehicle’s proper state registration,
proof of insurance, and your driver’s license.
Do I need to have health clearance?
Yes. You will need to fill out and send in the Health
Information Form and the PUC Health
Examination Form. See Health
Services for more information.
Where can I get school supplies at PUC?
The College Bookstore, located in Angwin Plaza, sells textbooks
and reference books; general reading books and magazines; cookbooks;
travel books and maps; office and school supplies; college mementos;
T-shirts; and other gifts; children’s toys and books; greeting
cards and stationery. The Bookstore accepts VISA and MasterCard;
personal checks require two ID’s. (Except for textbooks and school supplies, Bookstore purchases
may not be charged to your student account.)
During exam week, the bookstore buys used books from students,
based on the list of books needed for the next quarter.
Call (707) 965-6271 for more information.
What information is available for my parents?
All parents are encouraged to attend a parent seminar on Thursday evening,
September 20. A parent information booth will be in front
of the Financial Administration building. PUC’s annual
Parents’ Weekend is on October 19-21. Additional parent
information can be found on our parents
resource page.
Who do international students need to contact?
The international student adviser, based in student services, provides
general international student advising services for those students
needing assistance with immigration information, medical insurance,
visas, and related matters. All international students are required to meet with the international student adviser within the first week of fall quarter. International
students in F-1 status may work on campus up to
20 hours without permission from the USCIS. International students
wishing to work off campus may obtain an USCIS request form by
calling the international student adviser at (707) 965-7362.
How can I find a job?
If you are looking for work on or off campus, check out Student
Employment for current job openings. Students must
obtain a Student Employment Authorization form from the Student
Employment office before starting on-campus employment.
What are the directions to PUC?
Where we are located. To
check out the location of your residence hall or your classes,
see the Campus
Map.
Student Life Agreement
Pacific Union College is a Christian liberal arts college sponsored
by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Students seeking an education
in Pacific Union College's environment have a responsibility to
help preserve the essential qualities which make the college distinctive.
The college desires for its students to become experienced at making
personal decisions based on Seventh-day Adventist principles of
Christian living. By choosing to enroll at PUC, you are expressing
a willingness to make decisions which are guided by the following
principles:
- To seek truth and to consider the Bible
as life's ultimate guidebook.
- To participate actively in a lifestyle
which includes personal devotions, group worship, and service to
others.
- To deal honestly in all aspects of life.
- To maintain high standards of taste
and decency in conduct, expression, and citizenship.
- To respect the property, personal dignity,
time, and right to privacy of others.
- To treat others with graciousness, demonstrating
tolerance for diversity.
- To maintain a lifestyle of moral purity.
- To value and pursue a healthful lifestyle,
including good nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate rest.
(The use of alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs or the misuse of prescription
drugs is not acceptable.)
- To dress modestly, appropriately, and
in good taste.
- To develop an appreciation for great art, music,
and literature.
- To help others fulfill their student life agreement.
- To faithfully abide by PUC's policies, understanding
that failure to do so may result in withdrawal from PUC.
As a student, you understand that Pacific Union College is a unique,
Christian institution. You wish to attend PUC of your own free
will, and you choose to live by its principles both on and off
campus.
Our faculty, staff, and students form a supportive group interested
in your spiritual growth, academic success, and overall well-being.
Many avenues exist at PUC to maintain a healthy and well-balanced
life along with opportunities to cultivate good social and personal
relationships. We are committed to the development of the whole
person. We summarize our mission and purpose in the following statements.
Our mission is:
Pacific Union College is a Seventh-day Adventist learning community
offering an excellent Christ-centered education that prepares
its students for productive lives of useful human service and
uncompromising personal integrity.
Our core values are:
Inquiry
Pacific Union College is a community of Christian learners, students
and teachers, where sharing knowledge leads to a search for further
knowledge.
Excellence
Pacific Union College offers each learner the opportunity to achieve
his or her highest potential mentally, spiritually, socially,
and physically. As one of the most valued outcomes of a high-quality
education, students will discover the meaning and purpose in
their lives. Educational programming, both in and out of the
classroom, is intended to facilitate an accelerated stage in
a lifetime of continuous improvement.
Integrity in Human Relationships
All are created equal in God's sight. The goal is to treat everyone
with fairness, dignity, and respect.
Service
Pacific Union College will encourage students to plan for a life
of engagement in the world, both professionally and personally.
Christian Witness
In every way, faculty, staff, and students will reflect the love
of God as expressed in the life and character of Christ.
Community
The core values of Inquiry, Excellence, Integrity, Service, and
Christian Witness will be cultivated and handed on within a community
of learners who are as committed to one another as they are to
Christ. This community will be engaged in the creative pursuit
of knowledge and meaning, actively involved in Angwin, the Napa
Valley, and beyond as both partner and resource.
We are committed to these values and hope you, too, embrace them.
God bless.
Our Strategic Plan
GOAL 1: A Christ-centered Campus
A loving relationship with Jesus Christ will be integral to the
academic and community life of our college.
GOAL 2: A Vibrant Adventist Learning Community
We will foster an environment in which all members of our college
family nurture a vibrant, wholistic approach to learning.
GOAL 3: Student Access and Persistence (Retention)
We will improve student access and methods of helping students
persist at PUC by strengthening financial assistance, student
employment opportunities, campus climate, and spirit.
GOAL 4: Strong Faculty and Staff Retention/Recruitment
We will be known for our outstanding faculty and staff who have
such high morale and commitment to Christian education and to
the college that they will want to remain as employees, thereby
making recruitment of new college family members an easier task.
GOAL 5: Financial Stability
We will operate from a position of long-term stability and annual
economic balance. |
