Newsletter Archives
January 2018
SPU study abroad
By Gail DeBell, Study Abroad director
Seattle Pacific University has a decades-long history with study abroad programs, including in the 1970s with a European Quarter for students majoring in European Studies. Things have changed since then.
Today, approximately 25 percent of SPU’s nearly 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students participate in study, interning, or experiential learning programs abroad. Students choose from 18 SPU faculty-led study trips and more than 35 partner programs at foreign universities.
The programs, now in nearly every discipline, give students an opportunity to earn credits toward their majors, minors, or general education requirements. In fact, to ensure a trip fits seamlessly into a student’s academic plan, all study abroad courses must be preapproved. If a study abroad trip’s credits will fulfill a student’s major requirements, the student’s faculty advisor must approve; if a student uses the study abroad credits toward general education requirements, Student Academic Services must approve.
Rather than just one quarter in duration, programs now also range from two weeks to a full academic year. Study destinations include nearly every continent and countries such as England, Russia, China, and South Africa.
Often a study abroad program is the first time students see the United States from the outside, experience God from a different perspective, and learn something unique about themselves. They are challenged intellectually, culturally, socially, and spiritually in a new way. In this globally connected world of the 21st century, employers are often drawn to students with experiences abroad.
Many families question whether or not their student can participate due to costs. Extra costs include airline tickets and personal expenses. But because the costs vary depending on length and type of program, students have multiple options. For example, the tuition for short-term global seminars, such as the New Zealand Business and Science Winter Seminar, is part of normal SPU tuition. Summer programs are often not much more expensive than taking the credits on campus. Additionally, financial aid and scholarships may be applied depending on the type of program. Student Financial Services is available to assist families with the financial aspects of studying abroad.
The key to a successful study abroad experience lies in the planning, and SPU’s Study Abroad Office is committed to helping students explore international opportunities. For more information, visit spu.edu/studyabroad. We hope to help your student arrange a study trip they will always remember.
Gail DeBell has been SPU’s study abroad director for 10 years. She has visited 60 countries on six continents.
SPU Voices: SPU junior interns with Disney
It’s a small world after all. Last year, Seattle Pacific University junior Monique Diaz posted on the University’s career online networking community, Switchboard. She wanted to learn more about career opportunities in the hospitality and tourism industry. Troy Hodges, a 2016 business management graduate, responded. Read the rest of the story.
Concerts now live streamed
Did you miss November’s All-Choir Concert? Or the Instrumental Concert before Thanksgiving? Or maybe you have too many miles between home and campus, making it unrealistic for you to attend music performances. We’ve got good news for you.
SPU now live streams many of its concerts. You can watch the performances live at spu.edu/music, or when the time is right for your schedule. Don’t miss hearing these talented student and faculty musicians in action!
From Student Financial Services
Your 1098-T
Watch the mail this month for an important document to arrive from Student Financial Services.
The 1098-T is a tax-related document that shows all account charges and financial aid payments that occurred in tax year 2017 for your student.
Forms are mailed by January 31 to each student’s permanent address. But the form can also be accessed electronically through the Banner Information System.
Find out more information regarding the 1098-T and other education tax benefits on the SFS website. Contact SFS if you have questions about your student’s 1098-T form once you receive it.
A video from StudentAid.gov
Having a hard time filling out your FAFSA? Check out this video from StudentAid.gov.
Autumn Quarter 2017 Dean’s List
The Dean’s List is now available for Autumn Quarter 2017. These quarterly honors are awarded to undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students who complete at least 12 credit hours at Seattle Pacific University and attain a 3.5 or higher quarterly grade-point average. See the Dean’s List here.
Master of Arts in Management in Data Analytics
Working professionals with at least one year of work experience after receiving a bachelor’s degree are discovering SPU’s MA in Management with an emphasis in Business Intelligence and Data Analytics (MAM-DA). With courses offered in the evenings, this program is intended for data analytics oriented professionals who recognize the need to develop and expand their knowledge and expertise in analytics.
Apply by February 1 to begin in Spring Quarter. For more information, visit the School of Business, Government, and Economics.
Faculty spotlight: Nienhuis’ new book published
A new book by Professor of New Testament Studies David Nienhuis titled A Concise Guide to Reading the New Testament: A Canonical Introduction was published by Baker Academic in January 2018.
The publisher describes the book as “a concise, theological introduction to the New Testament,” adding that it provides an essential overview often missing from New Testament books and courses. Nienhuis is a 1990 SPU graduate and has been a faculty member since 1998.
Upcoming events
Time-management drop-in sessions
Tuesday, January 16
3–4:30 p.m. | Lower Moyer Hall
Students are invited to bring their class syllabi to the Center for Learning to get valuable help in managing their time during Winter Quarter.
Study Abroad Fair
Friday, January 26
10 a.m.–2 p.m. | Weter Hall Lounge
Students have an opportunity to ask questions and discover more about their study abroad options.
U.S. Department of State Employer Meet-up
Monday, January 29
12:30–1:30 p.m. | Weter Hall Lounge
Students and alumni are invited to this event to connect with U.S. State Department employers. Career opportunities include information technology, engineering, business/management, and law enforcement and security.
Homecoming and Family Weekend
February 2–3
All-access individual pass, $20
All-access family pass (up to six family members), $45
Basketball galore, Jane Eyre: The Musical, the always-amazing Talent Show, and more fill this popular weekend. All-access passes include student-support sessions, tours, academic sessions, student talent show, one performance of Jane Eyre: The Musical for each pass holder, and one ticket to a men's basketball game for each pass holder. Tickets to the Falcon Family Brunch and Alumni Awards Dinner are sold separately. For a complete schedule and information, visit spu.edu/homecoming.
2018 C. May Marston Lecture
“Classics and Classical Music”
Tuesday, February 6
3:15 p.m. | Demaray Hall 150
In this annual lecture, the C. May Marston Associate Professor of Classical Languages and Civilizations Owen Ewald discusses the creative work of such Classical composers as Monteverdi and Berlioz in bringing Classical literature from text to musical performance.
Presidents Day
Monday, February 19
Evening classes meet.
Jazz Ensemble Concert
Tuesday, February 20
7:30 p.m. | Nickerson Studios
The Jazz Ensemble explores some of America’s original music from the 20th century.