Monthly Archives: March 2019

Join Us for Admitted Students Day!

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If you’re an accepted student, we hope you can make plans to join us on May 17 for Admitted Students Day, a special day to celebrate your big achievement. Meet your future classmates and professors, enjoy your soon-to-be campus, and get firsthand experience of life as a Pioneer! Keep an eye on your inbox for more information about this exciting event.

Register now for Admitted Students Day at puc.edu/admitted.

While you’re here, get things done on your accepted student checklist:

  • Register for classes, explore your major, and meet your professors
  • Tour the residence halls and see which one feels most like home
  • Learn about student support services and resources
  • Meet with your financial counselor to finalize your aid package
  • Indulge in a delicious meal or two in the Dining Commons
  • Take a hike in PUC’s forest
  • Experience the Napa Valley community and all it has to offer
  • Join our campus family for vespers and church (for overnight guests)

There will also be special programs for parents and guardians.

If you haven’t been accepted yet, we invite you to finish your application now. Visit puc.edu/admissions-process to see what’s left for you to submit, or you can bring your outstanding documents to have your application reviewed during Admitted Students Day.

Email admissions@puc.edu or call (800) 862-7080, option 2 for more information or to talk with an admissions counselor.

Register now for Admitted Students Day at puc.edu/admitted.

We can’t wait to have you here!

PUC in Pictures: Winter 2019 Edition

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With the close of another great winter quarter here at PUC, we’re taking a moment to reflect back on some of the many great moments over the past few months that made this quarter unforgettable.

Remember—You can follow PUC on Instagram and browse through some of our hashtags for a closer look at student life at PUC. #PUCNow and #PUCAdventures are good places to start!

Have a great spring break! We’ll see you in April!

Student Research Profile: Emily Castellanos

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Here at PUC, biology students have countless opportunities to get involved with research, oftentimes working alongside professors on projects. Programs are specially curated to not only prepare students academically but also to equip them with real-world experience for success in future endeavors.

Here’s one student’s experience and how they feel PUC helped prepare them.

Who are you?

I am Emily Castellanos, and I am a senior biology, pre-vet major. I plan to go to graduate school for a masters in biomedical sciences: animal anatomy and physiology, then go to professional school to become a veterinarian.

What did you do?

I interned this summer as a veterinarian assistant at an animal hospital. I performed simple tasks such as cleaning cages, taking dogs out for short walks, and administering vaccines to cats and dogs to more complicated tasks such as monitoring anesthesia, performing blood draws, taking notes for the doctors, and interacting with as well as explaining treatment plans to clients.

When and where did you do this work?

My initial internship was for two and a half months (summer 2018), but now has been extended to a part-time job until I graduate in 2019. The animal hospital is the California Pet Hospital in Napa.

What did you learn?

I’ve learned so many things during my time at Cal Pet. I’ve learned about the basic anatomy of cats and dogs, the physiology of and calculations for the dosing of medications. I have had the amazing opportunity to learn how to interact with clients, basic animal behavior cues, surgery equipment identification, how to make estimates for treatments, basic radiography, cytology, and many other valuable skills.

How did your experience at PUC help prepare you for this experience?

There are several classes PUC offers which have helped prepare me for this experience. While many of the classes related to medicine are focused on human anatomy and physiology, there are countless comparative similarities between animals and humans. Thus, Human Anatomy, Developmental Biology, and Systems Physiology have been the most helpful in giving me background knowledge for treatments as well as allowing me to be more useful to the veterinarians because I have knowledge on what they talk about. But even the foundational sequences in biology and chemistry have also proven to be very helpful as well.

Academic Spotlight: Global Development Studies

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Do you care about the people and problems of the world?

Do you desire to learn, not just from lectures and books, but also through real-life experiences and relationships?

Do you seek a career where your passions and the world’s needs intersect?

For over 130 years, PUC has produced creative, socially responsible graduates who are ready to represent Christ in a vast and changing world. Our founders set out to prepare students for “productive lives of useful human service and uncompromising personal integrity” and it is with our mission statement in mind a new program was created.

In 2017, PUC introduced a new program, global development studies. Taken in conjunction with another major, this program encourages students to think critically about complex world issues while considering social, economic, political, and environmental factors, within a faith perspective. Theory is integrated with real-world experience, as students are immersed in diverse cultures and build relationships around the world, transcending the typical classroom setting. Students learn to effectively communicate and interact with others from different cultural backgrounds while serving in partnership with individual communities.

Possible double majors available:

  • Business
  • Chemistry
  • Communication
  • Environmental Studies
  • Film & TV
  • Graphic Design
  • Language & Culture Studies
  • Mathematics
  • Photography
  • Social Work

Program Highlights

  • The program is designed to be interdisciplinary, giving students the opportunity to follow their passions, while choosing from a combination of religion, communication, environmental studies, and sociology courses
  • Students are required to spend time studying abroad or participating in an international service project
  • Students will develop a capstone project showcasing their plan for global service within their chosen profession, working closely with their advisor

Possible Career Options

  • Church leader
  • Community organizer
  • Diplomat
  • English as a foreign language (EFL) teacher
  • Environmental manager
  • Human rights advocate
  • International development consultant
  • Non-profit program manager
  • Public health worker
  • Social entrepreneur
  • Social worker
  • Teacher
  • Urban planner
  • Volunteer coordinator

The world desperately needs people who are ready to serve, are open to change, and feel called to His service. Talk with an admissions counselor to learn more about the global development studies program at PUC, and everywhere it can take you. Email admissions@puc.edu or call (800) 862-7080, option 2 to get connected with a counselor now.

A Spring Checklist for Accepted Students

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Happy first official day of spring! Wherever you are, we hope it’s a beautiful day.

If you’re an accepted student, the spring is a great time to get a lot of important things taken care of.

Pay your enrollment fee & fill out a housing form. You will need to pay a $200 enrollment fee before registering for classes, as well as submit a housing form. You can do both at puc.edu/reserve. If you pay your fee before May 1, $100 of it will be put towards your fall tuition bill!

Apply for PUC scholarships. If you haven’t already, check out what scholarships PUC offers. There’s still plenty of time to write those essays! See a full list of PUC scholarships at puc.edu/scholarships. Be sure to check out the Maxwell Scholarship, which is worth approximately $116,000!

Submit your FAFSA. One of the most important things you can do to prepare for college is to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is an online form you will submit each year that determines your eligibility for student financial aid. This information is used by the Student Finance office to put together your financial aid award. Note: If you have 10 minutes, you can use PUC’s net price calculator to get a preliminary estimate of how much aid you may qualify for. Get started now at puc.edu/npc.

Register for classes. You will be assigned an academic advisor in the program you’re planning to study and will work closely with them to come up with your perfect (or relatively close to perfect!) class schedule for the fall. This professor knows the ins and outs of your major and works with you to foster academic, spiritual, and personal growth. Your advisor will be one of the most important people you work with on campus during your years at PUC since they need to approve your class schedule each quarter to help make sure you stay on track to complete your degree!  

Submit your health forms. Turning in your health forms before you get to campus will only make your future life easier! You can find the forms at puc.edu/healthservices.

If you have any questions while working on these items, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Admissions office at admissions@puc.edu or through our 800 number at (800) 862-7080, option 2. Our team of counselors is happy to help!

Student Research Profile: Sean Richards

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Here at PUC, biology students have countless opportunities to get involved with research, oftentimes working alongside professors on projects. Programs are specially curated to not only prepare students academically but also to equip them with real-world experience for success in future endeavors.

Here’s one student’s experience and how they feel PUC helped prepare them.

Who are you?

I am Sean Richards, and I am a senior biology major. I plan to go on to graduate school in marine biology to specialize in invertebrate conservation.

What did you do?

I participated in a research trip with Dr. Hayes to study the commensal associations between different species of urchins, invertebrates, and fish. During this time, I was responsible for taking photos as well as counting urchin individuals, with and without associating organisms.

When and where did you do this work?

This research opportunity took place in January 2019 off the coasts of Cabo San Lucas, in the Gulf of California.

What did you learn?

I learned an immense amount on this trip. Though swimming in a wetsuit for multiple hours in a day can be tiring, it is well worth the effort. I saw several species of pufferfish, pipefish, and eels I had only read about or seen in captivity up until that point. It was also interesting to peek into each crevice to find different species hiding within the urchin’s spines for protection. From this, I learned much about underwater photography, the collection of density measurements, as well as the resources available for fish/invertebrate identification.

How did your experience at PUC help prepare you for this experience?

The classes immediately come to mind for me are those of General Biology, Ecology, and Marine Biology. From these classes, I learned an enormous amount about the writing of scientific papers, animal anatomy, as well as the mindset goes into doing this kind of research. Also, students at PUC are lucky enough to have a department that routinely offers research opportunities in a variety of areas.

Academic Spotlight: Exercise Science

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Exercise science isn’t just about lifting weights. It’s also about helping people overcome their fears, cope with and prevent injuries, and live longer, happier lives.

The department of exercise science at PUC features programs designed to prepare students for careers in physical education and the exercise sciences, which are often combined with pre-professional programs. The department gives students the opportunity for career development in athletics, sports management, instruction, and a variety of careers in health and wellness.  

Our facilities include the fitness center, weight room, gymnasium, pool, tennis courts, and athletic fields. In recent years, students have supported our facilities and programs by utilizing student senate funds. They provided a substantial amount toward the creation of our $100,000+ fitness center. They also purchased a state-of-the-art sound system for the gymnasium, weight room equipment, and additional equipment for a climbing wall.

Programs offered:

  • B.S. in Physical Education, Teacher Education Emphasis
  • B.S. in Exercise Science
  • Minor in Physical Education

A Student’s Perspective

“Something I appreciate about the department is they do a great job of informing you about the different areas in which this major is useful. They require classes that cross over with the subjects I will also learn about in graduate school, including anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and exercise physiology, among others. With this degree, I plan to apply to the physical therapy program at Loma Linda University. My future goal is to specialize in pediatrics and work with kids with disabilities. I think PUC’s department of exercise science is preparing me for this career by introducing me to many of the topics I will be learning in graduate school and teaches us about sports and athletic injuries I may encounter as I advance in my career.” — Amy Robles, sophomore, exercise science & honors student

Fast Facts: Exercise Science

  • Exercise science students are offered a variety of employment opportunities within the department at PUC to enhance their resumes and experience, including lifeguarding, weight room and fitness center attendants, gym supervisors, officiating and set up crews for intramurals, and athletics office assistants.
  • In 2013, the department’s intramurals program was ranked #1 in the nation by Niche.com. It is one of the largest intramural programs offered by a school of our size on the West Coast.
  • Interesting and fun classes offered by the department include care & prevention of athletic injuries, pickleball, skiing & snowboarding, kinesiology, hydro aerobics, theory & practice of officiating, fencing, research methods in sports, canoeing, ethics in sports and exercise, and more.
  • According to Payscale.com, the average salary for someone with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science is approximately $53,000, slightly more than the median household income in the U.S., which is about $51,939 across all jobs.
  • Exercise science is a growing field! About a 10 percent growth is expected in positions between now and 2026. As there has been an increased emphasis on health and wellness in recent years, it has expanded job opportunities in the field.

What You Can Do With an Exercise Science Major

Wondering what you can do with a degree in exercise science? Here are just a few places it can take you!

  • Research
  • Teaching
  • Physical therapy
  • Public health
  • Coaching
  • Fitness instructor
  • Sports medicine
  • Chiropractic medicine
  • Athletic trainer
  • Corporate wellness
  • Sporting goods retail
  • Recreational program director

Our team of admissions counselors can answer any questions you have about exercise science or any of PUC’s other programs. Call (800) 862-7080, option 2 or email admissions@puc.edu to get connected with a counselor now and start learning about all the options available to you!

Student Research Profile: Caroline Hogan

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Here at PUC, biology students have countless opportunities to get involved with research, oftentimes working alongside professors on projects. Programs are specially curated to not only prepare students academically but also to equip them with real-world experience for success in future endeavors.

Here’s one student’s experience and how they feel PUC helped prepare them.

Who are you?

I am Caroline Hogan, and I am a junior environmental studies major. I plan to go into the Navy or to get my master’s degree in forestry and ecology.

What did you do?

I did an internship involving the study on the impact the October 2017 fires had on the plant and tree growth on my burned property. The mission was to count and record the impact the Nuns Fire had on the property and to see if any of the trees like oak and Douglas-fir were able to recover from being burned as well as the degree of life that the survivors had.

When and where did you do this work?

My research internship was for eight months on my property in Sonoma Valley in Sonoma County.

What did you learn?

There were so many things I learned when doing this research project I never knew were not in the norm for an internship. Much of the work was in the field and involved a lot of hiking and charting down every single individual tree and shrub inhabited the heavily wooded five-acre property. I learned how to chart and map the trees and plants properly, how to identify them in their burnt state. I also learned how to write up a report on the trees for the insurance company and client. As well as how to deal with a client professionally and how to work with multiple different people, agencies, insurance agents, and lawyers.

How did your experience at PUC help prepare you for this experience?

I am an environmental studies major, so the class Natural History of California helped prepare me to identify the plants and trees that were difficult to identify due to their burnt state. Intro to GIS as well helped me immensely because I learned how to properly use a GPS to map out the entire property and every individual tree. Professor Wyrick also helped me with her knowledge of the native plants of California and how to identify them and gave me tips on how to determine what they were when they were unrecognizable.

Visit PUC This Spring!

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Choosing what college to attend is an important decision and one you shouldn’t make without doing a lot of research. What better way to research the colleges you’re considering than by visiting them? We would be thrilled to have you and your family come visit PUC! Take a campus tour given by one of our student ambassadors, sit in on a class, chat with a professor, eat in our cafeteria, walk around the charming nearby towns of St. Helena or Calistoga, AND if you plan in advance, join us for any of the following upcoming and exciting events during spring quarter.

We hope to see you on campus soon!

Special Colloquies

Each week, students, faculty, and staff gather for Colloquy to worship together and create a sense of community and unity. It might be the only time you see some of your pre-med and pre-dent friends! There are two Colloquies in the spring that may be of particular interest to you when planning your visit:

  • April 4, 2019 — Educator of the Year Colloquy, 10 a.m.; See who PUC students voted as the best teacher of the year and learn more about someone who could be one of your future professors!
  • April 8-13, 2019 — Student Week of Prayer, various times; Hear from current students about their spiritual walk and experiences.

For more information about Colloquy, check out the college’s calendar at puc.edu/calendar.

Rasmussen Art Gallery Openings

If you’re interested in seeing some incredible works of art, you won’t want to miss the Rasmussen Art Gallery. Several times a quarter, a new exhibit opens at the college’s on-campus art gallery, which often features students, faculty, and other local artists. The opening reception is a chance to meet the artists, mingle with other guests, and enjoy some tasty snacks while appreciating the talent on display. If you can’t make it to one of the opening receptions, check with your tour guide to be sure to stop by the gallery and spend some time browsing during regular open hours.

  • April 18, 2019 — Opening Reception: Student Art Exhibition, 7 p.m.
  • May 18, 2019 — Opening Reception: Senior Art Major Thesis Projects, 7 p.m.

For more information, visit the Rasmussen Art Gallery Facebook page.

Paulin Hall Music Concerts

PUC’s department of music has many concerts throughout the year at the Paulin Hall Auditorium; all of which are free to the public. The college has several ensembles that frequently perform, and there are usually multiple student recitals each quarter. During spring quarter, there are several concerts we hope you can join us for!

  • May 12, 2019 — Orchestra Concert, 4 p.m.
  • May 19, 2019 — Symphonic Wind Ensemble Concert, 4 p.m.
  • June 1, 2019 — Choral Concert, 4 p.m.
  • June 5, 2019 — General Student Recital, 6 p.m.
  • June 6, 2019 — String Ensemble Concert, 7 p.m.

Contact the department of music for more information; call (707) 965-6201 or email music@puc.edu.

Other Exciting Upcoming Events

There are also several other events happening this coming spring quarter we think might be of interest to you!

  • April 19-21, 2019 — Homecoming Weekend; If one or both of your parents attended PUC, why not tag along with them for Homecoming and hear stories about the college back in the day!
  • June 14-16, 2019 — Graduation Weekend; Join us as we celebrate our graduating seniors!
  • Every Friday night — We invite you to attend our weekly vespers service at 8 p.m. where we worship together as a campus family to welcome the Sabbath.
  • Every Sabbath morning — At 12 noon, we also invite you to our student-led church service, the Twelve, which features student and faculty speakers each week.

Visit puc.edu/calendar for more information about these events.

For more information about visiting PUC, check out puc.edu/visit.

We can spend hours explaining what we think makes life at PUC so unique but there’s no better way than by experiencing it firsthand, so schedule your visit today! Call (800) 862-7080, option 2 or email visit@puc.edu to get connected with our visit coordinator and start setting up your schedule now.

All About PUC Life Groups

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I’m a fairly shy person so to be placed into a Life Group without knowing anyone was a bit of a nightmare for me—initially. However, I would soon come to meet two ladies who would become some of my favorite people at PUC; and they continue to be many years later. You might be asking yourself, “What actually is a Life Group?” and that’s a great question. I chatted with Emma Tyner and Logan Earles who are two Life Group leaders, and they answered a few Life-Group-related questions to help explain what they are, and why you should care.

What is a Life Group?

Life Groups are a way for incoming freshmen to meet other students in their class and to get to know someone who knows about PUC. These groups serve as a way for new students to start their college experience off on a good note by introducing them to their fellow classmates and help get them involved in school activities from the start of their first quarter here.

Do I pick a Life Group or am I assigned to one?

You and your roommate are assigned to a group together. Normally you don’t know anyone else in your group; this is to help you meet new people outside your regular group of friends.

What are some of the things Life Groups do?

Activities vary; there are planned events all Life Groups will participate in, but for the most part, the things you do with your life group are discussed and decided by the group. Activities can include watching a movie, going out to eat, going for a hike, or playing board games together. If you have an activity you want to do, all you have to do is bring it up to your Life Group leader, and hopefully, everyone can work out a time to do it!

Who can be a Life Group leader?

Life Group leaders are students from PUC who have expressed the desire to be apart of the new student experience. Usually, these students have a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences at PUC, which can be a huge asset to students new to the college. Life Group leaders want to help new students feel comfortable and have a safe place to ask questions as they start their college experience at PUC.

How long will I be in my Life Group?

Life Groups are usually very active during the first quarter of the year and then stay active as long as the group wants. There is no limit of time you and your Life Group can meet!

We hope this helps you get excited to start your college years at PUC and meet your very own Life Group!