New Transfer Students | Orientation
Getting Started: Transfer Students
Welcome to Pacific University! We are so excited to have you join us here at Pacific as the newest members of our community! Orientation programs will be delivered in person on the Forest Grove Campus for transfer students entering in Fall 2024. Look for more information in your Pacific U email.
Fall Orientation is Thursday, August 22 - Sunday, 25, 2024 on our Forest Grove Campus.
If you're living on campus, you must check in on Thursday, August 22, between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. at the check-in tent on Marsh West Lawn before moving into your residence hall.
- If you're living off campus, you are encouraged to check in during the same time and attend optional Thursday afternoon sessions, including a Transfer Students Welcome Meet & Greet at 12:00 p.m.
- Alternatively, off-campus transfer students may check in on Friday, August 23, between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. at the UC.
Both residential and non-residential transfer students have required sessions they must attend on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
What happens at orientation?
At your orientation program, you're going to:
At your transfer student orientation, you'll learn about the resources available at Pacific to help address common challenges faced by transfer students. You'll gain a clear understanding of your roles and responsibilities to ensure your success here. Plus, you'll discover meaningful ways to get involved on campus and start building a sense of belonging at Pacific University.
Do I have to participate in orientation?
Yes! All new students, including transfer students, are required to participate in orientation. This program includes specific break-out sessions tailored for transfer students to address their unique needs and set them up for success as a Boxer. While not all sessions are mandatory, those that are required will be clearly noted in the program.
If you are living on campus, you’ll need to attend Thursday-Sunday orientation sessions. If you are commuting, you are welcome to join us Thursday or may wait until Friday morning to attend.
How can I find out more information?
- Learn about the transfer-specific sessions below
- Check your Pacific U email for regular newsletters
- Follow Orientation on Instagram: @pacificu_orientation
- Email the Orientation team at orientation@pacificu.edu or give us a call at 503-352-3040
Orientation | Transfer-Specific Sessions
THURSDAY, AUGUST 22 // DAY ONE
9:00 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Orientation Check-in, Check-in Tent on Marsh West Lawn
12:00 - 4:00 p.m. | College 101 Sessions, Tours, and Activities*, Around Campus - Individualize your NSO experience by attending informational breakout sessions and workshops; students are required* to attend at least one dining session. This includes:
12:00 - 12:30 p.m. | Transfer Students Welcome Meet & Greet, Clark Hall 3rd Floor - This is an informal gathering where you'll be provided snacks and time to get to know your fellow transfer classmates. Sponsored by the Office of Transfer Student Services. OPTIONAL SESSION
See the full schedule for more offerings.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 23 // DAY TWO
8:00 - 9:00 a.m. | Non-Residential Student Check-in, University Center - Non-residential students must stop by the NSO info desk in the UC to pick up your student ID, nametag, and more. Required for students who didn’t check in Thursday.
9:00 -10:00 a.m. | Convocation & Presidential Welcome [Required Session], Marsh East Lawn - Convocation marks a significant milestone for new students at Pacific University, serving as their inaugural academic ceremony in August. Families and supporters are invited to attend.
10:00 - 11:30 a.m. | Welcome Brunch, the Quad (between Walter & McCormick Halls) - Join us for a community brunch with faculty immediately following Convocation. OPTIONAL SESSION
11:45 - 12:15 p.m. | Transfer Support Services Session: OTS [Required Session for Transfer Students], Location TBD - Discover tailored guidance alongside personalized support services at our Transfer Support Session.
12:15 - 1:00 p.m. | Transfer Advising Session: ACA [Required Session for Transfer Students], Marsh Hall Auditorium - Discover tailored academic and career guidance alongside personalized support services at our Transfer Advising Session.
1:10-1:50 p.m. | Meet Your Faculty Advisor: Transfer Students [Required Session for Transfer Students] - Meet with your advisor. Check see your individual itinerary to find your advisor’s name and office or designated meeting location.
2:00 - 3:00 p.m. | Transfer Student & Orientation Leaders: Taking Care of Business, Various offices will be open for you to stop in and take care of business, including: Bookstore, Financial Aid, Mailroom, OAA, and Student Accounts. Our Orientation Leaders will help you find where you need to go. OPTIONAL SESSION
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Students are required to attend one of the following sessions depending on if they live on campus or not:
Building Community: Navigating Expectations & Respectful Living [Required Session for all Residential Students], Taylor Meade Auditorium - Together we'll delve into essential community expectations, discussing what it means to foster a culture of respect and understanding among new students. This session emphasizes the importance of honoring our shared space and creating a welcoming and inclusive environment at Pacific.
or
Top 10 Tips for Commuter Student Success, [Required for all new students who don’t live on campus] Location TBA: Join us for this crucial session, to discover vital strategies for thriving in the Boxer community including information about parking, getting around campus, parking, staying safe, and studying! Learn how to honor our shared spaces and foster a welcoming, inclusive environment at Pacific University.
4:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Sign, Shake and Ring (and Sweet Send-Offs), Old College Hall - Students get a chance to "sign, shake, and ring", a tradition unique to Pacific! Families are invited to join in this celebration then share a sweet treat before you bid farewell to your student, sponsored by University Advancement; this concludes the family portion of Orientation. OPTIONAL SESSION
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24 // DAY THREE
10:00 - 12:00 p.m. | Navigating Success: Essential Workshops for New Boxers, [Attendance is mandatory for all new students (both first-year and transfer) across all four assigned sessions.] - Check your Orientation Folder for your assigned academic group number and schedule.
Join us for a mandatory comprehensive orientation program designed to equip you with the tools for academic and personal success at Pacific University. Across these four sessions, you'll explore academic expectations and honesty, discover the benefits of peer tutoring through the Center for Learning and Student Success (CLASS), learn about student support services from the Academic & Career Advising Center and Office of Student Support, and understand how the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations supports students in overcoming challenges.
ACADEMIC GROUP 4 (Transfer Students), Location: Check your Orientation materials for your assigned academic group.
10:00 - 10:20 | Peer Tutoring Support for Student Success
10:30 - 10:50 | When Things Get Tough: Strategies for Success
11:00 - 11:20 | Academic Expectations and Academic Honesty
11:30 - 11:50 | Accessing Student Accommodations at Pacific
2:00 - 10:00 p.m. | Choose Your College Adventure: Social Events, Activities, and Affinity Group Meet and Greets, Around Campus. See Full Schedule for details.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 25 // DAY FOUR
9:45 - 11:00 a.m. | Can I Kiss You? [Required Session for all new Students], Stoller Gym - Join your fellow Boxers for a one-person show by the Center for Respect, demonstrating essential skills: asking for verbal consent, bystander intervention, and supporting survivors. Learn how we can work together to keep our community safe. Performed by the Center for Respect.
11:00 - 11:30 a.m. | Mental Health, Harm Reduction and Wellbeing [Required Session for all new Students], Stoller Gym - Discover essential tips for taking care of yourself during your first year at Pacific.
1:00 - 3:00 p.m. | Sunday-Funday Social Activities, Around Campus. See Full Schedule for details.
3:00 p.m. | Orientation ends - Orientation programming ends Sunday afternoon, but the information desk will be open until 5:00 p.m. to help answer questions.
View the full Orientation Schedule for additional information on essential sessions and optional social activities designed to introduce you to campus resources, academic expectations, and the Pacific University community. While participation in NSO is required for matriculation, attending the optional events is highly encouraged. These activities offer great opportunities to meet fellow students and start building your Pacific University network.
