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March 2011 | Volume 5, Issue 3

Avoiding the Sophomore Slump

The freshman year of college is exciting. Students find new friends, explore new academic subjects, and gain a newfound independence.

But because the freshman year is so much fun, the challenges of the sophomore year can be a surprise to students as they grow anxious about choosing a major and career. This common phenomenon is called "the sophomore slump."

The sophomore slump is known to be a time of confusion for students. Many wonder, "Why am I in school?" "How do I choose a major?" "What do I want to do with my life?"

Some students even "stop out" of college for a while, thinking they will return later. Unfortunately, many of these students never return to college.

Because a college degree opens many opportunities in life, it's important for students to work through the difficulties of the sophomore year so they can graduate.

Read more.

How to Choose a Major

Choosing a major can be a daunting experience for students.

After all, it affects everything from the classes they will take and the people they will connect with to the types of internships and careers they might have.

Understandably, students can grow anxious. And the pressure to "get it right" can lead to a variety of responses.

Some students put off choosing a major. Others bunny-hop from one academic discipline to another hoping that one will feel right. Still others fall into a choice without considering their reasons. And some students even decide to take a break from college.

How can parents help during this important decision-making process? In the Loop asked SPU faculty, staff, and parents for practical insights. Read what they have to say.

And if you have tips or advice, we'd love to hear from you.

In the Loop Recommends

One of the best ways to help students learn is to connect their classroom studies with real-world applications. The Social Venture Plan Competition, hosted by Seattle Pacific's School of Business and Economics, does just that. An innovative collaboration between SBE and SPU's College of Arts and Sciences, the competition teaches entrepreneurship in a practical and unique way. Learn more with this video, and read about one group's project aimed at defeating "energy vampires."

Read more at In the Loop online.

Let Justice Roll On Premiere April 25 Be among the first to see a new documentary about renowned reconciliation advocate John Perkins. Presented by SPU in association with the John M. Perkins Foundation, Let Justice Roll On recounts Perkins' journey from sharecropper's son to reconciliation leader. Perkins is a partner with SPU through the University's John Perkins Center. Learn more and watch the film trailer.

In SPU's spring Lectio: Guided Bible Reading series, Associate Professor of Theology Daniel Castelo shows how Romans is a "'greatest hits' statement of what the Apostle Paul believes to be the essential features of the gospel at a time in which Christianity was emerging as a religion intricately tied to Judaism and yet having a growing appeal to the Gentile population." You can read the Lectio, listen to a podcast, or both. Sign up today to receive weekly notifications of readings and podcasts.

SPU Payment Plan Is Online
The 2011-12 Payment Plan application will be available to all students online through their Banner Information System account after they've registered for their Autumn Quarter courses. Instructions will be emailed to students and authorized individuals when the application is available. The payment plan divides a student's quarterly charges into three equal installments per quarter. Read more about payment options and methods.


Protect Your Student's Identity
Each year 700,000 people fall victim to financial identity theft. Encourage your student to learn how to avoid this scenario with Student Financial Services' free information sessions. Learn more.



Upcoming Events

Admitted Student Preview
April 7-8

What's it like to be a college student? SPU's overnight preview event allows admitted students to experience college life firsthand. Participants will interact with current SPU students, attend a class, explore the campus and Seattle area, and more. There are even programs for parents. Check out the schedule and find out more.

Weter Lecture
April 18

In his lecture "A Two-Talent Servant in a Five-Talent World: Christian vs. Secular Views of Human Potential," SPU Professor Paul Yost will discuss emerging research in psychology that suggests that a few stable personality characteristics are surprisingly good predictors of job performance, life satisfaction, and longevity. How does this apply to a Christian worldview? Come find out. Learn more.

SPU Dad's Day
April 30

SPU Dad's Day is a fantastic opportunity for dads to connect with their SPU daughters and sons, find common ground with other dads and students -- and have some fun! The day includes a kick-off breakfast, SPU and Seattle activities, and an electrifying Seattle Sounders FC soccer game in the evening. Register today.