In the Loop

March 2019

SPU students study on the sunny steps - photo by John Crozier

SPU Voices: Creating new majors and minors

This year, Seattle Pacific University students will choose from 69 majors and 55 minors. Next year that number may be different, as programs are added and others may be removed.

So how are those majors and minors determined? We asked Student Academic Services, the office that handles academic records and policy, and helps keep students on track toward graduation.

It turns out, well, it’s complicated. Read more.

Professor Andy Peterson teaches a drawing class

SPU offers scholarships to Art Institute students

When the Art Institute of Seattle closed for good on March 8, many of its students were left with questions — including how to finish their degrees.

In response, Seattle Pacific University began offering a special scholarship for students who were left in a lurch. The SPU-AI Transfer Scholarship will give eligible AI students $3,000 toward finishing their degree at Seattle Pacific. Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing Nate Mouttet told the Queen Anne News and Magnolia News that he expects a number of local students to consider SPU, while those living outside Seattle may return home. SPU expects to be able to accommodate additional AI students, he said, and will use the summer to assess whether more programming is needed. For more information, contact Undergraduate Admissions.

An illuminated tent sits in a dark meadow under a starry sky

SPU Voices: Travel conscious

While many Seattle Pacific students and alumni embrace the outdoors as a hobby, others have made it their workplace. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t fun.

“Going outdoors just takes you to a different world and challenges you,” says Suzanne Weston ’14, a program coordinator at Seattle-based Peak 7 Adventures. “It lets you see the beauty of God’s creation — it’s meant for us to go explore.” Read the story.

Immerse: A summer intensive for high school students

High school students sing during the Immerse summer intensive at Camp Casey Conference Center

July 14–20, 2019 | SPU campus and Camp Casey Conference Center

SPU’s School of Theology again offers this seven-day summer intensive for high school students ready to explore how God is calling them deeper into Christian community, leadership, and service. The first 25 students to submit nonrefundable deposits will receive a reduced tuition. Students will also get a $1,000 scholarship for attending Immerse! Scholarships are available. More information and registration.

2019 Summer Sessions

SPU students studying outside by the Student Union Building

SPU’s first Summer Session begins Monday, June 10, just days after the close of Spring Quarter. What kind of students want to spend part of the summer in class? Students who need to make up classes, stay on track, or potentially graduate sooner. Find out more about summer classes, including the courses offered, summer tuition, and summer registration deadlines.

Video: Body Positive Week

February 25–28 saw students celebrating Body Positive Week. Watch this short video to find out what students had to say about it.

An SPU student works at a laptop

SFS Reminder: Granting access

Student Financial Services wants to remind families that even if parents, grandparents, guardians, spouses, or any others are making their student’s tuition and fees payments, federal law restricts Seattle Pacific from divulging any details to them — unless the student provides written permission.

So if your student wants someone else involved, be sure he or she follows these easy steps to grant access.

Professor Robert Wall delivers a speech

Faculty write book in honor of colleague

You know you’ve impacted colleagues when they get together to write a book as a birthday present. That’s what School of Theology professors did in honor of fellow faculty member, Robert Wall, the Paul T. Walls Professor of Scripture and Wesleyan Studies. In celebration of his 70th birthday, they penned  The Usefulness of Scripture: Essays in Honor of Robert W. Wall (Eisenbrauns, 2018).

Edited by faculty members Daniel Castelo, Sara Koenig, and David Nienhuis, the essays explore two themes — theology and methodology — and their relationship to the study of Scripture and the Christian life. “We are indebted to Rob for his creative, critical, and prescient work in leading us to a deeper appreciation of the usefulness of Scripture,” wrote David Nienhuis, professor of New Testament studies and former student of Wall’s, in the introduction. “It should come as no surprise, then, that a collection of essays gathered in his honor should strive to reflect the ‘learning and holiness combined’ that characterize his life and work.”

SOE Dean Nyaradzo Mvududu instructs a group of graduate students

Courses for K–12 educators

Seattle Pacific University is the largest provider of continuing education credits for teachers in Washington state, and our Center for Professional Education is focused on the current needs of K–12 educators.

Check out courses in areas such as technology, special education, classroom management, and much more. Many courses are available online, at sites off campus, or are self-paced. For a list of courses and fields of study, visit Continuing Professional Education.

Upcoming events

Spring Break
March 16–24

Residence halls close Saturday, March 16. They reopen Sunday, March 24, at 1 p.m.


Mountain Pacific Sport Federation Gymnastics Conference Championship
Saturday, March 23
6 p.m. | Royal Brougham Pavilion
Adults/$10; Seniors & youth/$5

Purchase tickets online or at the door. 


Spring Quarter
Monday, March 25

Classes begin.


Business and Government Mega Meet-up
Wednesday, April 10
2:30–5 p.m. | Weter Lounge

A casual gathering of employers that’s part career fair, part networking event. Students meet professionals (many are SPU alums) in these fields, learn about the work they do, and possibly find a job or internship.


Social Venture Plan Competition Showcase
Tuesday, April 16
2–6 p.m. | Upper Gwinn Commons

Student teams develop an entrepreneurial project to tackle a felt social need while proposing a way to provide sustainable funding through a business activity. Business people and other community partners evaluate and score the plans. Teams with the highest cumulative scores from the two phases of the competition win cash prizes.


Good Friday
Friday, April 19

Classes end at noon.


Easter Monday
Monday, April 22

Classes begin at 12:30 p.m.


Commencement
Friday, June 7–Saturday, June 8

Find complete information at spu.edu/commencement, including schedules, events, tickets, and more.


Engage Events

Renowned national and international speakers, some of Seattle’s most engaging theatre performances, memorable concerts, outstanding athletic competition. Explore upcoming events and get involved.