Resources for Families

All of us here at Pacific University know that this can be just as much of a transition for you as it is for your student. These resources for parents and families are maintained by Student Affairs to help assist families and their student in the transition to college.

After your student gets settled in, you may have some more questions or need additional resources. We encourage you to subscribe to the Boxer Family Newsletter or reach out to us anytime at parents@pacificu.edu. 

Sending Your Student to College

College is a major adjustment not only in lifestyle, but in the level of difficulty of college work. Many college students do not perform as well academically during their first year as they did in high school.

However, most students adjust and ultimately do well, so try not to worry about grades. Express your belief that your son or daughter will succeed. Students especially need your confidence during their freshman year, strongly encourage them to take advantage of the help that is available from the University.

If you've already told your friends and family what your student will be majoring in, prepare for that to change not once, but several times. Exploring different areas of knowledge and possible careers is central to becoming an educated person and making the right decision. Again, your support for several different majors during the first two years will be much appreciated by your student. Trust them to find what they truly love to study, and they will excel.

College students need to build the foundation, qualities, and skills that are absolutely necessary no matter what careers they finally pursue. They need to focus on being good writers, expressing their ideas in a group, learning the self-discipline to do an excellent job, reconciling different opinions, reasoning through complicated situations and problems, and developing the personal qualities, ethics, and standards to be leading professionals.

Pacific University graduates (whose parents were probably just as worried as you are that their students would never get jobs) are working and contributing in every imaginable career.

And finally, it will not be unusual if your child goes through periods of wondering if college is right for him or her. This is to be expected, and should not be cause for alarm.

At a recent meeting with a group of outstanding seniors, each one confessed to having had serious thoughts of leaving school at one time or another. They also cited understanding parents and faculty who believed in them as the reason why they did not give up. However, sometimes it's best for a student to take a semester or more away from school. We have a leave-of-absence policy to accommodate these needs, and a generous re-entry program on a student's return.

Visiting Campus

Books about and for College Parents

We've compiled a list of books we think might be helpful for parents and families. If you have books to add to this list, please share them with us so we can post them. You can email parents@contact.pacificu.edu. Books are organized alphabetically by title. 

 

Parents of Pacific students
Family & Support Systems

Welcome to the Boxer Family! You have been an integral part of assisting your incoming student(s) as they have navigated their way to becoming a Boxer. Whether it is your child, grandchild, niece, nephew, spouse, or friend, sending them off to college is a big transition for all of you. Our goal in Orientation is to assist you through the beginning stages of this transition.

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Office of Student Support

Being a student can come with unexpected challenges and it’s important that every student receives the necessary support to address those obstacles. The Office of Student Support (OSS) advocates for equitable and inclusive student belonging, growth, and enrichment.

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Clubs & Organizations

There are many ways to engage in the Pacific University experience, including participating in any of the many student-run clubs and organizations. From joining Greek Life to participating in Lū'au and Ho‘ike, there is something for everyone.

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Common Financial Aid Questions | Parents

Answers to parents' frequently asked financial aid questions.

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Frequently asked questions of the business office.

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Lincoln Park Athletic Complex
Athletic Facilities

No matter what sport you compete in, you will be hard pressed to find better small college athletic facilities than you will at Pacific University. Pacific's award-winning indoor and outdoor athletic facilities provide the best experience for students and a great experience for fans to take in a Pacific game.

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