Autumn Quarter In the Loop

From the VP of Student Life: On your mark ... get set ... go!

By Jeffrey Jordan, Vice President for Student Life

Students are waiting for the word “Go!” Just as we eagerly anticipated the start of the 2024 Summer Olympics, we now — with equal excitement — anticipate welcoming incoming and returning students to the Seattle Pacific University campus! Just like the athletes in the heptathlon and decathlon, students will have many “events” in which to participate — and the variety of opportunities will stretch and strengthen them.

New students explode off the blocks with the first step with class registration and financial aid. By now, your student should have been in contact with their academic counselor and financial aid counselor. These SPU staff members help with class scheduling, and they can also provide you and your student with information about scholarships and payment options.

Is your student an incoming student who’s leaving home for the first time? When first-year students arrive on the SPU campus, they (and their families) can breathe deeply as staff and faculty welcome them for Orientation. You can check out the schedule for students and information for parents now. Most first-year students live in residence halls, and staff in Housing and Residence Life can assist with any questions. But will your student be a commuter student? You and your student can check out the Collegium to learn more about this place where they can relax, study, eat, and spend time alone or meet up with other commuters.

Rounding that first corner of the track — and whether your student is new or returning — encourage your student to get involved.

In fact, your student won’t want to miss this unforgettable kickoff to the school year: We are excited to welcome special guests Lecrae and PEABOD live in concert in an event exclusive to SPU students, faculty, and staff! This free concert is Saturday, September 28, at 7 p.m. in Royal Brougham Pavilion. But that’s just the beginning. Your student has many more opportunities to get involved.

Students can attend Involve-O-Rama on Sunday, September 29, 4–6 p.m., in Martin Square to discover and connect with campus clubs and organizations. If your student is seeking a new church home during the school year, First Free Methodist Church is adjacent to campus; and the Church and Ministry Fair will be held on Thursday, October 17, in Martin Square, and include several area church and ministry representatives. Falcon athletics events, residence hall activities, concerts and theater productions happen throughout the year, too!

Once students settle into the rhythm of this year’s academic adventure, encourage your student to find and maintain their right pace.

When not in class or studying, students can attend chapel and campuswide academic lectures; they can also connect with classmates, faculty, and staff. And when students need extra coaching to assist with academics, health issues, spiritual direction, counseling, or other things, they can reach out to the many resources in the Center for Student Support. If unsure of who to contact, students can contact the Office of Student Life, and we’ll get them to right place.

As Autumn Quarter nears its end, your student can finish strong in the final push to finish papers and exams. Then when Christmas Break begins on Thursday, Dec. 12, your student can celebrate Christmas and the new year to come, knowing that we are rooting for them — and we are here to help them set personal milestones for Winter Quarter 2025!

Jeffrey Jordan is Seattle Pacific University’s vice president for student life. He is responsible for collaborative planning with SPU’s academic leaders, student leaders, and student life staff.

VIDEO: Student Financial Services explains student loans

VIDEO: The assistant director of student financial aid explains the different kinds of loans available, and how you can determine which kind may work best for your student if a student loan is needed to supplement your student’s financial aid.

New programs in the School of Education launch in 2024–25

Since its founding in 1891, Seattle Pacific has built a strong legacy of training educators who are among today’s most sought-after teachers, expertly prepared to meet the challenges of their field and serve their communities.

For the 2024–25 academic year, SPU’s School of Education will further its mission by adding this slate of new offerings for future teachers:

• Elementary Education: K-8 Certification and English Language Learner Endorsement (BA)
• Elementary Education: K-8 Certification and Reading Endorsement (BA)
• Elementary Education: K-8 Certification and Special Education Endorsement (BA)
• Elementary Education: K-8 Certification (BA)
• Elementary Education: No Certification (BA)

Your student can learn more by meeting with an academic counselor and by visiting the online academic catalog at catalog.spu.edu/undergraduate/. Academic counselors are also prepared to help your student consider any of the other 53 majors and 53 minors Seattle Pacific has to offer.

Supporting your student's academic journey: The Center for Student Success

The Center for Student Success is here to ensure your student has the tools and support needed to thrive academically. Offering a range of services, the Center provides peer tutoring, study resources, and academic coaching tailored to help students stay on track. Whether students need help mastering time management, improving test-taking skills, or organizing their workload, the Center has resources to guide them.

Additionally, the Center includes Disability Support Services and a Veteran Navigator, ensuring that all students have access to the support they need. First-year students can also find tailored guidance to help them set the foundation for a successful academic journey.

At the Center for Student Success, we’re dedicated to helping your student not only meet their academic goals but exceed them. Encourage your student to explore the resources available to them and start their academic journey off on the right foot! Learn more at the website.