Video: The 2018 Christmas message from President Martin
Says SPU President Dan Martin: “This time of year was wonderfully captured by the late Rev. Dr. Eugene Peterson, SPU Class of 1954, in his paraphrased translation of John 1:14: ‘The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood.’”
Staying on track to graduate
With college costs increasing each year, how can you help your student stay on track to graduate in a timely manner? Student Academic Services offers parents and students these “Student Best Practices.”
Students should use “Degree Check” in Banner to chart progress to graduation.
- Anything designated incomplete must be fulfilled before a student can graduate.
- If students believe an error exists in their degree check, they should contact the academic counselor.
- Your student’s academic counselor can help clarify degree requirements and/or make updates where necessary.
Students should regularly meet with their faculty advisor.
- Until formally admitted to a major, students are required to meet with their advisor before registering for the upcoming quarter.
- After being admitted to a major, students can continue meeting with their advisor for academic and professional mentoring, as well as course planning.
Students should check their SPU email regularly.
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Faculty advisors, academic counselors, and other offices on campus use SPU email as the main mode of communication.
- By checking their SPU email account regularly, students can ensure they’re receiving important communications.
- Remind your student that he or she can easily load the SPU email account on most mobile devices, making checking in even easier.
Although some majors require additional credits, these best practices can help your student maintain his or her trajectory to Commencement. Remember, students are always welcome to contact their academic counselor in Student Academic Services with questions about academic programs, credits, and staying on track.
SPU Voices: Students collaborate for project at Pacific Science Center
Over the 2018 Winter and Spring quarters, engineering and visual communication students collaborated on a projection screen for the Pacific Science Center’s “What is Reality” exhibit, on display last summer. Read the article.
Student jobs and more on Handshake
Is your student looking for a part-time job? Whether students are seeking an on- or off-campus job, volunteer opportunity, or internship, they can visit Handshake, SPU’s online hub for career resources.
After students and alumni set up their online profiles, they gain increased visibility for potential employers, including nonprofit organizations and Fortune 500 companies. Students can even upload résumés and search not only for jobs and internships, but also for networking opportunities. Encourage your student to visit Handshake.
Faculty spotlight: An innovative way to combine teaching and helping homeless pets
Jennie Warmouth, adjunct professor in SPU’s School of Education, received the Patsy Collins Award for Excellence in Education, Environment, and Community, presented by Islandwood and The Seattle Foundation. Warmouth is one of three public school teachers selected in Washington state for innovative approaches to connect learning with students’ lives and communities to foster environmental awareness and stewardship behaviors.
Since 2004, Warmouth has been teaching her first-, second-, and third-grade students to write online adoption ads for homeless dogs and cats awaiting adoption at the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) in Lynnwood, Washington. In that time, her students have helped over 500 “difficult to place” dogs and cats find forever homes. The advertisements, she says, help her students not only learn writing skills, but also be “motivated toward compassionate action and stewardship that extends beyond the four walls of our classroom.” For Seattle Pacific University, Warmouth teaches graduate courses in reading strategies for young learners. Read the ad her pupils wrote about Dusty, a one-eyed cat (PDF).
Save the date: Homecoming and Family Weekend
SPU parents and families, come to campus February 1–3 for a weekend of fun with the whole family. Go on a campus tour with your student, see the theatre’s mainstage production “Before the Eclipse,” listen to outstanding student musicians of SPU’s Music Department present a showcase of solo chamber music and jazz ensemble performances, and watch this year’s acts at the Student Talent Show.
Get an All-Access Pass to these events and more for one low price. For more info and to register, visit spu.edu/homecoming.
Seminary February 2019 Discernment Weekend
If you’ve ever considered seminary, save the date for Seattle Pacific Seminary’s Discernment Weekend on February 15–16, 2019. Join us for a day and a half of teaching, prayer, discussion, thoughtful challenge, worship, fellowship, and food. Talk with Seminary faculty, current seminary students, and others also exploring their call.
Learn more about Discernment Weekend, and explore the Seminary’s graduate programs.
Upcoming events
Christmas campus closure
December 24–January 1
SPU offices, departments, and residence halls closed.
Residence halls reopen
Wednesday, January 2
Students return to residence halls, beginning at 1 p.m. First meals served in Gwinn Commons, 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Winter Quarter classes begin
Thursday, January 3
Study abroad info sessions
January, Tuesdays and Thursdays
11:15 a.m. | Weter Hall 202
January, Wednesdays
12:30 p.m. | Weter Hall 202
Students can ask questions of about the study abroad trips available to them, including faculty-led programs and partner programs.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Monday, January 21
No day classes; evening classes meet.
Homecoming and Family Weekend
February 1–3
Family pass, $45; Individual pass, $20
Enjoy a weekend at Seattle Pacific on Homecoming and Family Weekend. Parents and families, come experience campus life with your student, and enjoy sports, theatre, and student talent. All-Access Passes get holders into favorite traditions for one fee.