Student support for Spring Quarter 2020
During Spring Break, 10 professors, each from a different discipline, explained via Zoom how they were preparing for an unprecedented Spring Quarter. Due to Washington Governor Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order to help combat COVID-19, teaching and supporting students would have to be done from a healthy distance. Professors wanted students and their families to know what to expect.
Students were also required to prepare. Before class instruction begin, they were required to take an extensive tutorial designed to help them succeed as they learned remotely.
Then on April 13, 2020, classes began without the usual campus hum of activity from students rushing to classrooms and labs. But weeks of preparations by the faculty, staff, and students were now in place.
This quarter, in addition to remote learning via Canvas, SPU’s learning management system, and the video and web conferencing platform Zoom, students now had a dedicated Spring Quarter 2020 website to provide access to remote-learning resources, a regularly updated FAQ, and online campus offices and resources for academic support, spiritual support, and wellness. Said Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Cynthia Price, “I believe this time of rigor and engagement will be rich with discovery and filled with unique opportunities.”
Commencement 2020
Earlier this month, Seattle Pacific University announced that due to the uncertainties of the COVID-19 outbreak, the University’s traditional graduation ceremonies, including Ivy Cutting and Undergraduate Commencement, were canceled.
Graduates will find information about the virtual ceremony (including how to have their name read during it), updates about regalia, news about a commemorative Commencement box they’ll receive in May, and answers to frequently asked questions. Note: Graduating students should sign up on the MarchingOrder portal by April 23 to ensure their names are read during the event.
Graduates and families are encouraged to visit the Virtual Commencement Celebrations website for that information and more.
2020 Winter Quarter Dean’s List
The Dean’s List is now available for Winter Quarter 2020. 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. Check out the Winter Quarter Dean’s List.
From Student Financial Services
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Student Financial Services lobby in Demaray Hall will be closed until at least May 4, 2020.
However, SFS staff can be reached by calling 206-281-2061 or 800-737-8826, or by emailing sfs-info@spu.edu during regular business hours of Monday–Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; and Thursday, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Additionally:
- Continuing students should watch for their 2020–21 financial aid awards by mid-May.
- If your family has been directly impacted by COVID-19, SFS urges you to contact their office.
- Remote financial aid presentations are coming up soon, with dates and times listed below.
Parents of incoming students are invited to join two upcoming financial aid presentations. These replace the presentations at New Student Advising.
- Tuesday, April 21, 3 p.m. PDT
- Tuesday, April 28, 3 p.m. PDT
Video: Visit campus virtually this spring
No matter where you may live, you’re invited to join Ineliz Soto-Fuller, director of undergraduate admissions, on a virtual walk around campus this spring.
SPU parents connecting on Facebook
Parents, you’re invited to join the Seattle Pacific University Parents and Families Facebook group, a space exclusively for parents and families of admitted and current SPU students.
As a member, you can read and post questions, reflections, and prayers. You’ll also get occasional updates from the University on matters that interest parents and families. Join the Parents and Families Facebook group today.
Upcoming events
SPU Comes to You Week
Week of April 20–24, various times
Admitted students can pick and choose from webinar events covering topics including housing, registration, financial aid, student life, major programs, Seattle life, and more. Students can also schedule an individual phone or video chat with an admissions counselor. Attending counts toward Visit Scholarship. Visit the website for more information.
14th annual Social Venture Plan Competition
Wednesday, April 22, 6:30 p.m.
Watch student teams pitching their projects via video. Vote for your favorite to win the People’s Choice award; enter to win virtual door prizes. Winning teams will be announced April 22 and $15,000 in cash awards presented via a livestream message from Dean Ross Stewart on Wednesday.
Summer registration begins
Friday, May 1
Students can take advantage of Summer Sessions to complete required courses in their major or take courses to complement their majors. Visit the Summer Sessions: Undergraduate website for more information.
GivingTuesdayNow
Tuesday, May 5
GivingTuesdayNow is a new global day of giving and unity as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. Support Seattle Pacific University with a gift to the Seattle Pacific Fund–Greatest Need/COVID-19 response. For more information, visit now.givingtuesday.org.
Autumn registration for incoming new students begins
Friday, May 22
Memorial Day
Monday, May 25
No classes meet, offices closed.
Last day of instruction
June 11
Virtual Commencement
Saturday, June 14
4 p.m.
All graduates who register for the virtual ceremony by April 23 will receive a commemorative SPU Commencement box in early May. The box will contain pre-ordered regalia (if the student choose to keep the order), a graduation cap (if you do not choose to keep your regalia), an SPU 2020 tassel for all students, your diploma cover, three copies of the official Commencement program, and other commemorative items. Visit the Virtual Commencement website for more information.
Academic calendars
SPU academic calendars, including updates for Spring Quarter 2020, as well as important deadlines, final exam schedules, holidays, and academic highlights for 2020–21.