Pacific Union College » Enrollment » Parents FAQ

Academics

My son or daughter did well in high school. Why are they struggling in college?
Even students who have done exceptionally well in high school find college work challenging. Students spend less time in class and more time in preparation. College professors demand much more, and course material is covered at a faster pace. Good note-taking and study habits are essential.

What are the biggest academic adjustments during the freshman year?
Learning to discipline oneself and manage time are critical adjustments. College classes may meet only every other day, or once a week, but the workload does not diminish. It is suggested that the student spend two hours of studying for every one hour in class, balanced with study breaks. Students should know to seek help for academic difficulties.

How can a student get help if they’re struggling with academics or a certain class?
If a student is struggling in a class, they should schedule an office meeting with the professor. They can discuss challenges, note-taking and test-preparation methods, and tutoring possibilities. The professor can help the student decide if they should continue or drop the class. If the student continues, they should attend every class session. If they drop the class, they must complete paperwork at the Records Office by the drop deadline and will receive a grade of "W."

For all academic challenges, the Teaching and Learning Center offers personal tutoring, advising for undeclared majors, and additional academic resources. Students can reach the TLC at (707) 965-7688 or tlc@puc.edu.

Be sure your student meets with their advisor before making any changes to their class schedule.

Why do parents not receive a copy of mid-term and final grades?
In maintaining student records, PUC complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, which prohibits the college from releasing information (including grades) about a student without the student's written permission. Students can sign the Your Right to Privacy form to grant access to their grades.

What services are available for career planning?
Encourage your student to visit the Career and Counseling Center their freshman year. The Center will discuss career options, self-assessment, values, skills, interests, goals and job-seeking strategies.

Does PUC offer a program for studying abroad?
PUC is a member of Adventist Colleges Abroad (ACA), a consortium of colleges and universities operated by the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. This gives qualified students the opportunity for international study while completing the requirements of their programs. Campuses are in Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Germany, Greece, France, Italy, Russia, or Spain.

What does PUC offer for students with learning disabilities?
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 counselors who help determine the appropriate resources needed. See Disabilities Support Services for more information.

Student Life

Is the meal plan required if a student lives on campus?
The Dining Commons is operated on the cafeteria plan. Students living in the residence hall are charged a non-refundable minimum board. Any amount that is spent over the minimum board for the quarter is billed to a student’s account at the end of the quarter.

What should students bring for the residence hall room?
New students should have filled out a Residence Hall Information Card and sent in the room reservation fee to Enrollment Services before arriving. Suggested items: mattress cover (beds are standard size twin), desk lamp, bed linens, wastebasket, telephone, earphones, iron, airtight food storage containers, room decor to reflect a Christian atmosphere, and cleaning supplies. Optional items: coffee maker, rice cooker, blender, microwave, hot pot with enclosed heating elements, micro refrigerator, and computer. See The Ultimate To Bring List for more information.

Can students stay in the residence halls over quarter breaks?
Winning Hall (for women) and Newton Hall (for men) are open during quarter breaks. Only students who must stay on campus for work or dean-approved reasons may stay.

What if my son or daughter experiences roommate problems?
If issues cannot be resolved between roommates, the student should contact the Resident Assistant assigned to their hall or the dean of their residence hall.

How can my son or daughter get involved in campus activities?
PUC has student clubs and organizations, the Student Association, intramurals and Pioneers sports, and campus ministries service opportunities that are open to all students.

What should my son or daughter do if they get sick?
If a student’s illness lasts one or two days, they are responsible for notifying their instructors regarding missed classes. Any illness extending three or more days should be assessed by Health Services. Health Services provides screening of medical conditions and referrals to either our on-staff physician or local medical providers. If the student needs emergency care, they will be transported to the emergency room by ambulance. The nearest hospital is in Deer Park, just a few miles from PUC.

In most cases, there are no fees for student visits to Health Services. If there is billing for minor procedures or prescriptions, the student's account will be billed. Health Services has a physician available by appointment through his office at a reduced rate.

For services not provided by PUC, students must have their own insurance. The college has funds that may be accessed after the student’s or parent’s primary insurance plan has been billed, to help offset the costs. If the student accesses outside medical services without prior authorization, PUC will not provide any financial assistance.

What is there to do off campus?
From hiking and biking to sightseeing and shopping, the Napa Valley, Bay Area and Gold Rush Country offer premier culinary, cultural and recreational experiences. For a glimpse into opportunities, see Area Dining & Entertainment.

Spiritual

Why choose a Christian college?
Objective facts will be similar at any school; what makes all the difference is the perspective from which facts are viewed. At PUC we explore the sciences, humanities, arts, and religion from a Christian faith base. We don't sidestep the difficult issues, and each student is urged to carve out their own understanding; but the context in which we educate is Christian.

What help is available if a student has spiritual needs or concerns?
Small groups, worships, clubs, church, and service and outreach opportunities give students spiritual experience and support with peers and community members. For individual spiritual concerns, students are always welcome to contact the campus chaplain at (707) 965-7190 or the pastors of the PUC Church at (707) 965-7297.

General

Are there computers and Internet connections on campus?
Wireless networking is available to common areas. The residence hall rooms utilize the wired network, which gives greater bandwidth capacity. Students purchasing a new computer should choose one that has both wireless and a standard 10/100 network adapter built in. For other computer and technology suggestions, see Information Technology’s information for prospective students.

Students also have access to computers at the library, business administration, computer science, math, chemistry, and psychology and social work departments.

How do students find jobs?
Students can check out Student Employment or visit the Financial Services office for current on- and off-campus job openings. In order to obtain a student employment authorization form for PUC, students must complete the W-4, the I-9, and the PUC student employment form. Find out more at student employment general information.

How can students call home?
Each residence hall room is equipped with a single phone jack. Students need to provide their own phones. For off-campus calls, students must set up a long-distance account with the college, available on a pre-paid basis (similar to a calling card). More detail is available at Information Technology’s information for prospective students. Cellular phone users take note: Verizon is the only cell service that works in Angwin!

What are the dates for vacations?
The listing of all major academic dates can be found on the academic calendar.

What is the mailing address for students?
All incoming mail and packages are received by PUC’s mail room and must be addressed as follows:

Student's name
Residence hall and room number
Pacific Union College
One Angwin Avenue
Angwin CA 94508

Is there more information for parents?
All parents of new students are encouraged to attend a parent orientation at the beginning of the school year. Parents are also invited to the annual Parents’ Weekend during the fall quarter.

How can we get financial aid?
Student Financial Services provides all the information you’ll need, including details about applying for financial aid.