INTRODUCTION
Mission of Pacific University
Preamble. Pacific is distinctive in its unique combination of qualities. It began as a Congregationalist school for orphans from the Oregon trail, and developed into an exceptional liberal arts college. Now in its current combination of graduate teaching, graduate health programs and the undergraduate college, Pacific's focus on teaching and learning in a close mentoring environment leads to genuine transformation in students' lives. Close links between the liberal arts college and our renowned professional schools give the University a unique character. The emphasis on public service and on developing cross-disciplinary skills creates life-long learners willing to further the public good. The small size of the University provides for a friendly atmosphere, and the capacity to be flexible and open to change. Students, faculty and staff alike are drawn to Pacific by its commitment to the global community, and by its welcoming environment.The Mission. Pacific is a nationally recognized University devoted to excellence in teaching and learning. A commitment to collaborative scholarly and creative activities promotes a vibrant academic culture. Our campus community is enriched by embracing sustainable practices, by appreciating diverse perspectives, and being dedicated to civic engagement, both locally and globally.
To bring these ambitions to life, we
- Promote a rich atmosphere of intellectual exchange, and encourage faculty and students to follow their academic interests. Teaching and Learning
- Provide opportunities for students, faculty and staff to engage in scholarship, and creative activities, and to produce original work that animates and advances our disciplines. Scholarship
- Embrace sustainability, and use the University as a learning laboratory for sustainable practices. Sustainability
- Value diversity, both in culture and opinion, and encourage an attitude of openness and discovery among students, faculty and staff. Diversity
- Challenge campus members to involve themselves in the needs of their communities, whether locally or globally. Civic Engagement
Approved by the Board of Trustees
March 7, 2009
A Brief History
Oregon's Pacific University is the oldest chartered university in the West. The Oregon Territorial Legislature granted its original charter as the Tualatin Academy on Sept. 26, 1849. The charter predates statehood by 10 years, and was the first formal act of the territorial government.Pacific founders were also instrumental in the 1843 vote at Champoeg, which resulted in the formation of the Oregon Provisional Government, the first American government on the Pacific Coast.
The school traces its roots to a log cabin meeting house in Forest Grove where the Rev. Harvey Clark, a Congregationalist minister, and Tabitha Brown, a former teacher from Massachusetts, cared for and educated orphans of the Oregon Trail. The University issued the first baccalaureate degree in the region in 1863 to Harvey W. Scott, later the editor of The Oregonian. Pacific's Old College Hall, built in 1850, housed the original academy and is the oldest educational building in the West.
Today, Pacific is a comprehensive liberal arts and healthcare university with 3,200 graduate and undergraduate students attending classes at the original campus in Forest Grove, and campuses in Eugene, Hillsboro and Portland.
Pioneer Beginnings, Modern Impact
In 1846, a remarkable 66-year-old widow completed a rugged trip west with her family to live in the Oregon Territory. Tabitha Moffatt Brown arrived in Oregon, but not before undergoing much hardship. At one point on the journey by wagon train, she was left alone on the trail in the bitter cold with her ailing 77-year-old brother-in-law. She pulled them through, despite being near starvation, and they reached the temperate Willamette Valley on Christmas Day.Brown, the Rev. Harvey Clark and his wife Emeline, concerned for the welfare of the many orphans in the area, made arrangements for using a local meetinghouse in Forest Grove, Oregon as a school, which became know as the Orphan Asylum. By 1848, Mrs. Brown was "house-mother" to the students there and had become a driving force behind the school.
In the summer of 1848, the Rev. George H. Atkinson came to Oregon, commissioned by the Home Missionary Society of the Congregational Church Association to "found an academy that shall grow into a college... on the New England model." Atkinson and Clark drew up plans for a new educational institution, based on the orphan school. On September 26, 1849, the Territorial Legislature gave its official sanction to the new school, establishing by charter the Tualatin Academy. It was the first official act of the new provisional government and predates statehood by nearly 10 years.
By 1854 a new charter had been granted, establishing "Tualatin Academy and Pacific University." Congregational missionaries were key leaders in the establishment and growth of the University, and that legacy is still regarded as an important influence. Pacific, along with such colleges as Dartmouth, Carleton, Oberlin, Grinnell, Rollins, and Pomona celebrate a tradition of more than 350 years, dating back to the establishment of higher education in America with the founding of Harvard College by Congregational pioneers on the first American frontier.
As an independent university, Pacific continues to maintain ties with the United Church of Christ Council for Higher Education. The University supports religious pluralism, and is committed to instilling a sense of values and ethics, compassion, caring and conscience in both students and programs.
Pacific awarded its first baccalaureate degree in 1863 - the first in the region. Harvey W. Scott, recipient of the degree, went on to become editor of The Portland Oregonian -- now the state's largest daily newspaper -- and later established himself as an influential political figure. Scott's legacy at Pacific is honored in the Harvey W. Scott building, built in 1967, which served as the University library until 2005. The academy closed in 1915 as public high schools came on the scene.
In 1945, the University expanded into the health professions through a merger with the Pacific Northwest College of Optometry. In 1995, the School of Education, now the College of Education, was established through reorganization of the professional teacher education programs that had been part of the College of Arts and Sciences. A year later, the Physician Assistant Studies program was added.
Other health professions programs were launched, including Physical Therapy in 1975, Occupational Therapy in 1984, and Professional Psychology in 1985.
In 2004, the College of Health Professions was formed; consolidating all the health programs except for the College of Optometry under one umbrella. A new Health Professions Campus (HPC) opened in 2006 in Hillsboro, Oregon. The HPC is a partnership with Tuality Healthcare hospital and the Virginia Garcia Memorial Clinic. In the same year, new programs in Pharmacy and Dental Health Science were established, followed by a Masters in Healthcare administration program in 2008.
Since 2003 and the tenure of President Phil Creighton, the University has experienced the most prosperous and expansive period in its history. A $51 million capital campaign was completed in 2006. Two residence halls, a library, an education and business building, the health campus and extensive new track, baseball, softball and soccer facilities were constructed between 2004 and 2008. The residence halls and academic buildings were all built to LEED "green building" standards, reflecting the University's commitment to sustainability. During this same time, undergraduate enrollment has increased 18.5 percent while graduate enrollment, almost exclusively in the health professions, has increased 22 percent for a total of about 3,200 students. Income is up 75 percent over five years, with the annual operating budget at over $78 million.
Disclaimers
Pacific University has made every effort to ensure that the information herein is accurate at the time of publication, but reserves the right to change the provisions in this catalog. This includes the right to discontinue courses, change requirements for admission and graduation, adjust fees or change any other regulation or policy in this catalog. The information and policies in this catalog are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an agreement or contract between Pacific University and students, staff or faculty.NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION | It is the policy of Pacific University not to discriminate on the basis of sex, disability, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, age, religious preference, disabled veteran or Vietnam Era status in admission and access to, or treatment in employment, educational programs or activities as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1072, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act, the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 and their implementing regulations. Questions or complaints may be directed to the Vice President for Academic Affairs, 2043 College Way, Forest Grove, Oregon 97116, 503-352-2215. © 2009 Pacific University. All rights reserved.
