Autumn Quarter In the Loop

Campus News

Video: President Porterfield’s welcome message

President Deana Porterfield introduces the University’s new streamlined academic structure — three colleges with the Seminary at the center — giving students new opportunities to explore more career pathways. Watch the video.

VP of Student Life: Welcome to a new year!

By Jeffrey Jordan, Vice President for Student Life

I’m a big baseball fan, and every year hope springs eternal for our Seattle Mariners. And “My, oh, my,” as their legendary broadcaster Dave Niehaus would say, it’s been a great summer for the team. You can almost taste the playoffs.

As a parent, you may also feel the anticipation of Seattle Pacific University’s academic year beginning. Your student is gearing up for the “major leagues” of SPU — packing, preparing, and making sure everything is in order. Whether they’re starting their first year or returning as “veterans,” a few nerves are natural as everyone waits to hear, “Play ball!”

Parents, you’ve been a coach, a trainer, a manager, and maybe even sold a few boxes of Cracker Jacks along the way. Thank you for everything you’ve done to get your student-player ready.

This year at SPU brings exciting changes. The Rev. Fred TenEyck is our new campus pastor and eager to meet students. Student leaders and athletic teams are ready to build community and rally school spirit. Several academic departments reorganized with new leadership, and faculty remain dedicated to providing excellent classroom experiences. Campus and online resources abound to support student success.

Your role now shifts to cheering from the stands. Encourage your student to practice hard and play hard, to work with faculty and staff, and to take advantage of opportunities to grow. Celebrate their healthy choices — from connecting with a local church or ministry to considering study abroad, joining a club, or serving in the community. A great place to start is the Involvement Fair the night before classes begin.

While MLB baseball winds down, your student’s season is just starting. It is with great anticipation that we welcome all students to the Falcon Team.

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.

New campus pastor announced

Pastor Fred TenEyck (pictured) has been named Seattle Pacific University’s new campus pastor and director of Student Ministries, announced Vice President for Student Life Jeff Jordan. In this role, TenEyck will lead SPU’s efforts in Christian spiritual formation and provide pastoral care for students.

TenEyck brings nearly 20 years of pastoral leadership, most recently founding The Bridge in Kent, Wash., with his wife, Aretha. He previously served with Seattle’s Rainier Avenue Church and has been active in supporting at-risk youth and public school programs. He also serves as director of the African Heritage Network of the Free Methodist Church, where he helps develop and support ministry leaders nationwide.

“I’m excited to begin this journey at SPU,” TenEyck said. “It’s an honor to walk alongside students as they grow into faithful followers of Jesus. My hope is to help nurture a campus community where every student feels seen, known, and deeply loved.”

TenEyck will speak at the year’s first All-University Chapel on Sept. 30, 11:10 a.m. at First Free Methodist Church, adjacent to the campus.

Your quarterly prayer prompts

As you and your student begin Autumn Quarter, the SPU Parent Prayer Network invites you to use these thoughtful prayer prompts as you pray for your student and the wider SPU community. Here is your Autumn Quarter prayer guide by Rev. Greg Asimakoupoulos, SPU Parent Prayer Guide Writer. 

Academic News

In early September, faculty and staff came together for all-day mini course summarizing the contents of Seattle Pacific’s University Foundations courses. The goal? To ensure they know what the University deems foundational to an SPU education.

The mini courses mirrored what undergraduates encounter in their required Foundations classes, giving employees an opportunity to experience firsthand the theological core of an SPU education. Sessions were held twice, on Sept. 8 and Sept. 12, and drew about 70 participants from across the University — including faculty, staff, and administrators, as well as President Deana Porterfield and most of the vice presidents.

Taught by David Nienhuis (pictured), professor of New Testament, the daylong sessions offered a framework for understanding how theology shapes the wider SPU experience. Participants considered the importance of these courses for students, and how a common foundation can strengthen connections across disciplines and departments.

Said Nienhuis, “Faculty from other disciplines benefit from knowing what theological training their students are receiving, not only so they can simply be aware of it, but also so they can look for opportunities to make meaningful connections with their own course readings and assignments.” Learn more about the University Foundations requirement.

New academic structure integrates faith and learning

This summer, SPU unveiled a new academic structure, streamlining six schools into three colleges with Seattle Pacific Seminary at the center. Each college has a faith-focused theme to underscore SPU’s commitment to integrating rigorous academics with Christian mission.

The new model also aims to create clearer pathways for students to engage across disciplines and prepare for their future vocations. These changes reflect SPU’s commitment to stewarding resources wisely in a challenging higher education environment while continuing to deliver excellent, mission-centered education.

The three new colleges are:

• College of Applied and Natural Sciences, including the Nursing department, encourages students to explore the intersection of faith and science with interdisciplinary programs grounded in academic excellence and Christian commitment.
• College of Humanities, Education, and the Arts blends faith and inquiry to equip students with knowledge, creativity, and compassion.
• College of Business and Technology brings together integrative, multi-disciplinary programs shaped by a strong Christian foundation.

Seattle Pacific Seminary will continue to guide all students through courses that explore Christian life, scripture, and theology.

For students, this means more opportunities to study outside their majors and explore new pathways as they prepare for future careers. Graduation plans will not be disrupted and all programs remain fully accredited. And the Common Curriculum — writing, critical thinking, academic inquiry — continues for all students.

Undergraduate students who have questions about this update and their academic program(s) can connect with their academic advisors.

New at SPU: Bachelor’s in data science

Is your student considering majors? SPU’s BS in Data Science blends math, stats, and computer science with hands-on learning. Students gain skills to analyze data, solve real-world problems, and explore ethical decision-making — all grounded in SPU’s Christian liberal arts tradition. See how your student can turn curiosity into career-ready skills.

Reminders from Student Financial Services

In case you missed the updates, here are important reminders from Student Financial Services about updated tuition deadlines, tuition payment plans, and granting account access to parents and others who need access to student accounts. 

Tuition deadlines

Beginning this year, tuition deadlines were adjusted — four weeks earlier than previous years — to align with other universities and help students start the quarter smoothly. This updated timeline ensures that all charges — tuition, fees, housing, meals, and more — are settled before students arrive on campus and the quarter begins. See tuition deadlines here.

Tuition payment plans

Seattle Pacific offers quarterly and annual plans for tuition payments.  In the Academic Year Plan, eligible charges for the entire academic year are split into nine equal monthly installments and due on the 10th of each month. The Quarterly Plan splits tuition payments into fall, winter, and spring payments. Find out more here.

Account access

Students must authorize adding parents or a third party to their account, if they want others to have access to their SPU bills, make online payments to their account, and receive information about their account and financial aid. Find instructions here that your student needs to grant you access.