Ready for an outdoor experience unlike anything you've done before?
Join us for 70 days of outdoor adventuring in some of the most awe-inspiring places in the world! You will be backpacking and mountaineering in the North Cascades, whitewater rafting in Central Oregon and Idaho, rock climbing at the world-class Smith Rocks, and backpacking in the stunning Pueblos of Southeast Oregon.
Overview
Earn 18 credits while learning to manage risks, cross glaciers, run rapids, facilitate group dynamics, build rock-climbing anchors, practice leading with integrity, develop your lens of systemic oppression, and climb mountains. The ultimate goal of this experience is to develop you as a whole person who will be able to lead others more effectively in the backcountry or in any profession you choose.
The skills you will develop during the Outdoor Adventure Semester (OAS) can be combined with many other academic disciplines and used in a wide variety of professions and graduate schools. You will grow as a person during this experience because you will be challenged beyond preconceived limits, inspired by the power of nature, and placed in exciting and novel situations where you will need to apply new skills to solve complex problems.
If you're looking to work in the outdoor industry, your extended time in the field will make you stand out to employers. The OAS provides you with the field time and skills you need to be competitive in the outdoor job market. It will also distinguish you for graduate schools and other professions that require a high degree of interpersonal and problem solving skills.
Any Pacific University student can apply for the OAS, but priority is given to Outdoor Leadership (OL) majors and minors in good academic standing. Every student applying for the OAS must complete Outdoor Leadership Theory and Practice (OL 205 & OL 206) classes and have a valid Wilderness First Responder (WFR). The WFR training can be taken at Pacific University or through NOLS, WMTC, WMA or SOLO.
All Outdoor Leadership Majors and Applied Minors are required to participate in the Outdoor Adventure Semester.
Contact Phil Zook Friesen, Outdoor Leadership professor, with any questions: phil@pacificu.edu or 503-352-1452
Learn about application and selection information and program cost and payment.