Monthly Archives: September 2019

A Letter From Your SA President

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Hello PUC family, my name is Megan Belz and I am lucky to be the student association president for this 2019-2020 school year. I am a senior, business management major and I am absolutely loving it. I started my freshman year at PUC as a fine art major, only really knowing one person and no real drive for what I wanted to do in the future. Even though art is a huge part of my life, it never felt like the right path for me. After months of research and career tests, I decided to try out business. I fell in love with it! My sophomore year is when I really discovered myself and where my strengths lay. I let this passion carry me all the way till now and I’m still very happy. My dream career after college is to manage my own animal shelter. Anyone who knows me knows I am a huge animal lover and an adopt don’t shop advocate. I recently concluded an internship with the Napa County Animal Shelter and I learned so much through that experience. 

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I’ve never really thought of myself as someone who was capable of being a leader. To be completely honest, I often struggle with a lot of self-doubts, as I’m sure many people do. Deciding to take on the position of the SA president is actually a really big deal for me. This school year I really want to prove to myself and to PUC that I am completely capable of just about anything I want to accomplish in life. The biggest thing I have come to realize this summer is I cannot do it on my own! My relationship with God is essential to any steps I take in life and it is through Him I have the strength and the privilege to do so. 

One lesson which really stood out to me is the importance of confidence in Christ. Psalms 27:3 says though an army DEPLOYS against me, my heart will not be afraid. Though a war BREAKS OUT against me, I will still be confident. Reading this really tugged at my heart because David is talking in the present tense. He is not reciting the events that have happened but the events in his life that are happening. It is easy to be courageous and confident over a past situation, but to be brave when you know armies are being deployed against you now, is far more difficult. This is the way I want to approach this school year. I want to have confidence in the Lord that is so great, in the midst of any challenge, big or small, I remain brave. 

2C198FC9-1DCE-494D-B832-514FDE49967EThis school year is going to be so wonderful I can hardly wait!  I am so lucky to have an amazing group of people who make up my SA team. They are coming at you, PUC fam, with exciting events, crazy videos, fun posters, God-centered worship, senate inspired changes, and much more. We are here for the students and we want to give you all the best year possible. I want to encourage anyone who has any suggestions for SA to come to us and talk, we want you to be involved this year. We want to create an atmosphere that can stimulate the year you visualize. I cannot wait to get to know you all better and become the close-knit family I know we can be, because growing close to one another is a perfect example of what God’s love is about. 

 

Where Passion and Profession Unite

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Every Pioneer has a unique story. Each one is different, but they all started at the same place. Here! An education at PUC prepares students for more than just a career. Graduates are equipped with the practical knowledge and the spiritual nurturing to succeed and serve and are ready for whatever the future brings. 

PUC is a place where passion and profession unite. Our grads know the combination of a beautiful and perfectly located setting; dedicated professors; and a hands-on approach to Adventist education, all play a part in starting your future. At PUC, you find more than just a major—you find your calling.

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Cameron combined his love of surfing with graphic design and is thriving as a senior designer at RipCurl.

“PUC gave me a lot of opportunities to work one-on-one with my professors. Under their guidance, the skills and techniques I developed and perfected helped me land my dream job at Rip Curl.” Cameron Mitchell, Senior graphic designer, Rip Curl

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As an animal lover, Mindy dreamed of doing more. Now she’s a vet performing surgeries to help save the lives of horses.

“Reflecting on my undergraduate education at Pacific Union College, I can’t imagine better preparation for my career as a veterinarian. The biology program gave me the foundation needed to transition into veterinary course work with ease. My professors were not only wonderful instructors but ensured my academic success through personal mentorship and course flexibility. The smaller class sizes afforded many opportunities for leadership and teaching roles that greatly enhanced my application in a highly competitive pool. PUC influenced my transition from student to educated professional equipped to face the challenges and triumphs of my chosen career as an equine veterinarian.” Mindy C. Smith, DVM, cVMA, Associate Veterinarian, Equine Medicine

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Alex is a self-proclaimed “people person” with the singular focus to one day make a positive impact. Following her passion for education and service drove her to a career in public health. 

“PUC was not only where I received an education, but also where I received the opportunity to be an enrollment counselor. That experience has trained me to be successful in my field when it comes to working with the community in countless ways.” Alex Dunbar, community education specialist

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Stefaan combined his love of the outdoors, sports and photography into a double degree in photography and business here at Pacific Union College!

“I’ve always been an athlete and I’ve always loved photography. In my junior year, I studied abroad in Spain and I spent a lot of time traveling and finding what my passions were and I came away from that year seeing photography as a very viable career for me.” Stefaan Dick, adventure photographer

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Julie found her path around the world through global service. 

“I never imagined that my degrees in English and psychology would lead me to a job in missions that takes me around the globe. Yet my professors at PUC celebrated the diversity of people, culture, and ideas. They taught me to look beyond the surface and dig deeper for new perspectives. They showed me how compassion and dialogue can build community, wherever you are. By teaching me how to think, PUC prepared me for the world.” Julie Lee, Vice president of marketing, Maranatha Volunteers International

If you’re interested in joining our amazing alums and becoming part of the Pioneers family, apply today!

 

6 Tips for Staying Organized this Fall Quarter

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By Sarah Tanner

The beginning of each new school year is a busy time for everyone. The whirlwind of moving into the dorms, figuring out new schedules, and adjusting to new routines can be quite stressful at times, and it is often easy to feel overwhelmed when faced with so many changes after a relaxing summer. However, having more responsibilities does not necessarily equate with more stress! Ease into fall quarter with these quick tips for organization, and start the year with your best foot forward. 

  1. Invest in a daily planner. Nothing is worse than falling behind in assignments early in the quarter. Every Sunday, plan your upcoming week by writing out each day’s assignments. With your week planned, you can avoid being surprised by last-minute tasks, making it easier to schedule in free time for other activities. Take your planning one step further by color-coding each class, so assignments are easily distinguishable. 
  2. Clean up your workspace. A cluttered desk often creates a cluttered mind. Take some time every once in a while to clear up the week’s messiness. Throw out unneeded papers, line up your textbooks and notebooks, and round up your stray pens and pencils. Creativity always flows best in an open space, and a freshened-up work area can do wonders for your studying mentality. 
  3. Highlight, highlight, highlight. As you study, keep a highlighter on-hand and mark what you find important as you read. The bright visual cue combined with the physical act of highlighting the text will help information stick long after the exam. Highlighting also makes studying later easier, as all the significant portions of the text will stand out right away. 
  4. Stick to a routine sleep schedule. Nothing is more important to staying organized than getting a good night’s sleep! College students are notoriously bad at going to bed, much less going to bed at the same time every night. If possible, try to sleep at least eight to nine hours each night. Not only does it improve focus, but it also helps with memory and information retention, as well as simply revving your energy for the day. 
  5. Make time for fun. No one can maintain a study-only lifestyle. One of the most important aspects of staying organized is to build in time for the things you genuinely enjoy. It is much easier to complete a task if it means you can do something you love afterward. Whether it’s working out, grabbing a coffee with friends, or driving into San Francisco for the afternoon, give yourself something to look forward to!
  6. Ask for help. Everyone needs a hand sometimes. Learning to recognize when you need a little help and being willing to ask for it is one of the best ways to keep on top of the demands of busy schedules. Friends, professors, and family are always willing to lend a hand, and reaching out to them when you are feeling pressured can help prevent a downward spiral before it even begins. 

Start the new year with confidence that staying organized is easy to do. Keeping these tips in mind will not only help you transition from summer to school, but they will keep you working smarter, not harder, all quarter long. 

 

Imparting Bits of Wisdom

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Last week I was scrolling through Twitter and came across an interesting post thread. A woman, a wife and mother, decided to go back to school and get her college degree and was asking for advice for an incoming college freshman. After spending nearly ten minutes reading through the replies, some great, (actually attend your classes) and some a little less great, (don’t date the first attractive person you meet), I realized the faculty and staff at PUC have dedicated their careers to helping students reach their full potential and would likely love to impart some wisdom on this year’s incoming class! 

So here it is! Have some free advice from college professionals! 

“1) Talk to a teacher or staff member. Even if it is just a few words before or after class. Make contact more than once. We think you are interesting and want to get to know you! That is why we choose to work at PUC. 2) Get involved in something outside your department. Join a club, participate in a music ensemble, show up at SA events, make time to cheer for the Pioneers at home games, volunteer to help out with dorm worship, homeless ministries, vespers, The Twelve, Sabbath school, etc.” – Rachelle Davis, professor of music

“If you are interested in someday being a leader, find opportunities to serve today. Come see me and I can help!” – Kent Rufo, chaplain 

“My advice is to ask students! Other students are more than happy to help you out, so just ask! Who knows, you might even make some new friends.” – Jenn Tyner, vice president for student life

“I wish I had taken the time to learn about how the brain stores complex information. If Google had existed, I’d have researched “sleep and learning” and then proceeded to get way more guilt-free sleep than I did. You may also be surprised to find that time spent zoning out in PUC’s Back 40 (without a phone!) also helps your brain to solidify information that you have been studying.” – Maria Rankin-Brown, associate academic dean 

“Don’t let finances be a roadblock! Mark the finance deadlines on your calendar: Sep 15, 2019, for Fall, Dec 15, 2019, for Winter and Mar 15, 2020, for Spring. Plan ahead and don’t wait until the last minute to make sure you are financially cleared.” – Brandon Parker, vice president of financial administration (Of course the school’s CFO would give advice about finances!)

“Technology is an important resource but it’s not always easy to know how to use it most effectively for your studies. Talk to your professor about what they recommend. Practice unplugging from your phone and social media while you study until you can sustain 30 or 40 minutes of undistracted work followed by a 5 or a 10-minute break.” – Chantel Blackburn, professor of mathematics 

“It’s a fresh start. Reach outside your comfort zone to say hi to someone and meet new friends.” – J.R. Rogers, associate vice president of student life

 “Get Organized! In college, your success is up to you (not your parents or teachers any longer). This means you need to develop a study plan, be aware of homework/paper/finals deadlines, and communicate effectively/timely with your professor. Knowing, Who, What, When, Where, and How is invaluable!!!” – Stacy Nelson, associate vice president of human resources 

“It’s helpful to get into a mindset of being excited or at least curiously inquisitive about learning new material from every course you take.” – Elaine Neudeck, assistant professor of physical science 

“Your college years are when you are the freest you will ever be. Take advantage of this! Try new hobbies. Travel. Visit museums and attend events while you can still get student discounts. Ask lots of questions. Study abroad. Explore different ways of doing things. Take elective courses just to learn something new and fun. Be a student missionary. Say yes when new friends invite you out, or when your professor has a student dinner at their home. Whatever it looks like for you, don’t miss the plethora of opportunities to explore new aspects of life during college; it sets the tone for the rest of your life.” – Becky St. Clair, department of music office manager, PR writer

Keep these tips in mind as you begin your first quarter of college and remember, great advice is just a question away, so ask! 

 

10 People at PUC You Should Be Sure to Meet

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The new school year is a few days away and you’ll be moving into your new digs this week! We are so excited to meet and welcome you into the Pioneers family and to jump into this new year together. While you’re getting acclimated to life at PUC, here are 10 people you should make sure to meet! 

Doug Wislon

 

 

 

 

 

“The beginning of the year is probably my favorite time of year. Meeting all the new students and planning exciting events for our campus is the best part of my job! I can’t wait to see everyone!” – Doug Wilson, director of engagement and leadership

 

Kent

 

 

 

 

 

“I realize that you have many concerns as you transition to PUC. As for me, I really only have one concern: creating opportunities for you to encounter Jesus Christ.” – Kent Rufo, chaplain

 

Bob Wilson

“Here at the Copy Center and Mailroom, we are excited to meet all of our new students and look forward to seeing our returning frequent flyer students also.” – Bob Wilson, Copy Center/Mail Services Manager

 

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“I got into teaching for my love of students and the energy they bring to each class, the intramural recreation program, and to my life in general. I think the phrase on this year’s intramural championship shirt says it all—Enthusiasm Inspires Greatness. I am excited to fire it up for another great year at PUC.”– Bob Paulson, Professor of Exercise Science/Intramurals Director

 

Nancy Jacobo

“Welcome to PUC! The start of the new school year is one of my favorite times of the year (yes, it’s right up there with Christmas). It puts an end to the quiet campus and opens new life—a chance for new acquaintances, successes, and discoveries. Inspiration and opportunities are everywhere. As director of the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) I have the opportunity to partner with you for your success. You’re not alone. Many students have found connecting with the TLC was vital for their academic success. Many mentioned they’ve wished to have connected with the TLC sooner. The TLC staff are here to be on your team. Best wishes for a great school year!” – Nancy Jacobo, TLC

 

Bob Cushman

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Welcome to all of our new students! I am glad you are here. I am looking forward to meeting each of you. I wish you God’s blessings as you learn and grow here at PUC.” – Bob Cushman, president

 

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“School is stressful enough without getting sick or injured! Health Services is not only a place to be treated but a safe place where you can confidentially go, knowing you will not only be cared for but listened to. All services offered in the clinic (MD visits, diagnostics, medications, supplies) are free to you. Stop by and say HI, welcome to PUC, and as always … play safe!”– Sandy Sargent, director of health services 

 

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“Hello, new students! Welcome to the PUC family. I cannot wait to meet you all and enjoy this school year together. We have some exciting upcoming events and I hope you join in on the fun!!”– Megan Belz, SA president 

 

Gena

“I love the excitement and newness of another year.  A chance to get to know new students, and a chance to continually improve our programs and events to better meet their needs.  I love the energy and fresh ideas that inspire us as well.” – Gena Philpott, Director of Residential Life

 

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“Pioneers, both new and returning, I can’t wait until you are on campus. Summer on the Hill has been lonely without you! Once your suitcases are unpacked and you’ve purchased a year’s worth of paper towels from Target, you can focus on the things that really matter—making friends, finding your way around campus, and getting ready for your amazing journey ahead. I am counting on you to make this your best year yet at PUC. 

I encourage you to get involved and to take part in the array of opportunities and initiatives hosted by Student Life. During the year, you can also join me for a “Chat and Chew” session–an opportunity for me to learn more about you, your plans for your future, and to answer your questions. Looking forward to seeing you on Move-In Day!” -Jennifer Tyner, vice president for student life

Mark your calendars to arrive on Wednesday, September 18. Move-in begins at 9:00 a.m. In the meantime keep up-to-date on pre-arrival information: Visit the New Student Orientation website.

 

PUC in Pictures: Summer 2019

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Even though summer is fun and filled with adventures, we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome everyone back to campus for another exciting year! Before the new year get’s underway, let’s take a look at some of our favorite moments over the past few months.

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Summertime, and the livin’ is easy

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“Home sweet home” -@hgranados4

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👀 check out those moves!

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Give us a follow on Instagram (@PUCNow) and browse through some of our hashtags for a closer look at student life at PUC. #PUCAdventures is a great place to start!

New Student Orientation is Next Week! 

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We are so excited for you and your family to be joining our Pioneers Family! The beauty of the NSO program is that it is specifically planned to help your transition into our college community. 

Here are a couple of things to do while you are eagerly (or anxiously) awaiting the start of your new adventure:

Join the Class of 2023 Facebook Group: If you haven’t already, join the Class of 2023 Facebook group and start meeting your future classmates!

Start Packing: Don’t become overwhelmed thinking about all the things you will need to have in your dorm room throughout the year. To help you out, we’ve put together “Your College Packing List”  on our blog, so you can refer to as you start getting ready to move in. If you need some inspiration for how you can help make your dorm room look and feel more like home, check out our “Dorm Decorating on a Budget” and “Tips for an Organized Dorm Room” blog posts for some ideas to help get you started!

Mark your calendars to arrive on Wednesday, September 18. Move-in begins at 9:00 a.m. In the meantime:

Have questions? Our team of counselors can answer any you have. Call (800) 862-7080, option 2 or email admissions@puc.edu to get connected with a counselor now.

Set some reminders for these important dates! 

  • New Student Orientation: Wednesday, September 18 — Sunday, September 22
  • Classes Begin: Monday, September 23
  • Week of Welcome: Monday, September 23 — Saturday, September 28

Hey transfer students, we didn’t forget about you! We have a special site with information regarding transfer student move-in time and Orientation. Visit the Transfer Student Orientation page.

ATTENTION PARENTS! We know this is a big adjustment, not just for your student but also for you, and we know you probably have questions. Well, we have a site for you too!

We are so excited to meet all of you, see you soon!

10 Ways to Make Your Dorm Room Feel Like Home

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When I walked into my freshman dorm room with my arms full of my very favorite and prized possessions, I was a little apprehensive. I remember taking a moment to look around the room and noticing the horrible wallpaper covering every available surface. (Do not place wallpaper all over your dorm room. Just don’t do it!) My wonderful mother immediately jumped into action, forming a plan to remove it all. I remember feeling unsettled until that wallpaper was gone and my things were neatly placed where they would forever reside, my room started to feel more like home. 

So before you get here, before you even start packing, here is a list of 10 ways to make your dorm room feel more like home, and guess what? You can find all these things at Target, which happens to be just a short ride from campus, just in case you forget something! *praise hands* 

Photographs

The best and fastest way to make your room feel more like home is to put up photos of your family and friends. Seeing familiar faces every day can give you the boost you need to make your day great. Frame them, hang them, display them however you’d like! 

Throw pillows and blankets! 

Not only are throw pillows and blankets incredibly comfortable, since they come in so many different shapes, colors, and fabrics, they will also help make your dorm room look better. Toss them on your chair, over the bed, everywhere! You’re about to start college, you know how great pillows and blankets are, I don’t need to convince you! 

Succulents 

Succulents are all the rage, partially because they are cute and partially because they are so low maintenance. In fact, my trusty succulent Rufus is sitting next to me as I type. Basically, all you need is some sunshine and a little water from time to time and you’re set! 

Floor rugs

Some dorm rooms have tile floors. Who wants to get up in the middle of the night and walk on the cold tile? Not only are rugs cozy, they also will help make your room look nicer. 

Lighting

There’s nothing worse than harsh overhead lighting to cause a headache during an important study session or ruin a great selfie situation. Take your lighting into your own hands by bringing lamps for your desk or maybe a hanging lantern. A string or two of Christmas lights are also a popular addition to a lot of dorm rooms. 

Essential oils

People use essential oils to help with all sorts of things from sleep to anxiety, if I’m being honest, I just like my room smelling nice. Diffusers come in various sizes and designs and don’t cost a lot plus you can get essential oils in a huge variety of scents. My go-tos are rose and lavender. 

Favorite snack foods

What are your favorite snack foods? Candy? Chips? I personally love them all lol. Be sure to stock up on snacks! Always have your favorites handy! 

Floor cushions/ottomans  

You can never have too much extra seating in your room. For study groups or movie nights, it will always be helpful. What’s fantastic about many of them is that they open up for built-in storage, perfect for all those throw blankets you’re going to end up buying!

Organizers 

It’s important to keep organized. There are tons of options from ways to keep your desk in order to bathroom and closet organizers. My favorite thing to have were hanging shoe racks cause you can never have too many shoes! 

Your favorite movie and some microwavable popcorn

Nothing screams relaxation like a good movie and some popcorn. Bring a stack of your favorite Blu-rays with you. Pop some popcorn and enjoy. 

What’s great about your dorm room is … it’s yours! While these ten things seem like great additions to anyone’s room, they might not be for you, so make your own list! Did you know right now Target has a great College Checklist you can use to help you track the things you need! Check it out and get packing! 

 

Finish In Four: Stay On Track

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Getting accepted into college is a great accomplishment! Now, you will want to have a plan to stay on track and graduate in four years. While that’s not always possible (lots of people take five!), here are some things you can do to ensure you stay on track.

 Meet Regularly With Your Academic Advisor

Your academic advisor is one of the most important individuals on your academic journey. They will help you plan your schedule each quarter and can walk you through your curriculum guidesheet and track your academic progress using the Student Planning tool to assure you’re registered for the right classes at the right time.

 Complete An Average of 16 Credits Per Quarter

To earn a baccalaureate degree in four years, you need to complete at least 192 college-level credits, which is about 48 credits per year, and an average of 16 credits per quarter. That means you should plan for 16 credits a quarter. If you get behind, don’t worry; your advisor can assist you in figuring out how to fit in some extra credits or apply for summer classes! 

 Follow Your Curriculum Guidesheets

Every program has what’s called a curriculum guidesheet, which lists the classes needed to complete the program and contains a sample four-year schedule you can refer to when planning your schedule each quarter. Visit puc.edu/academics/degrees-programs for a complete list of programs and the accompanying guidesheet. 

Note: Undeclared students can still plan to finish in four years if they take an average of 16 well-chosen credits per quarter! You may refer to the “Information for Undeclared Majors” guidesheet for a sample first-year schedule for deciding students.

Track Your Progress with the Student Planning Tool

This helpful tool (available through WebAdvisor) shows you which courses you will need to take to complete your degree. If you’re considering changing your major, you can also run a comparison for a new degree to see which requirements you have already met and how many credits you still need to complete. The Student Planning tool is available through your WebAdvisor account in the Academic Profile section (click on “Student Planning” and select “My Progress”).

 Avoid Transferring Schools

Don’t leave! Since different schools offer varying degrees and requirements, earning a chosen degree on time means committing to a school’s program and tenaciously working toward completing requirements. Plus, we’d miss you.

 Take Your Classes Seriously 

Attend your classes and take them seriously. Did you know if your cumulative GPA falls below a 2.0, you will be placed on academic probation? That could seriously slow you down. But not to worry, if you are struggling, we encourage you to seek help from your academic advisor and the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC). There are multiple resources available to you helping establish academic success. 

Just remember, while stressful at times, your years in college are going to be some of the greatest! By keeping the above steps in mind and accepting the support your Pioneers family offers, you’re setting yourself up for a successful and meaningful scholastic quest. 

 

Five Great Things About SF

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By: Dana Negro

There’s a reason why over 25 million people visit San Francisco each year! On top of the beautiful ocean views, you also have so much excitement to choose from. Whether you’re active and want to hike or kayak, or more interested in listening to great music or seeing a fabulous theatrical production, you will never have the same experience twice. Since it’s only 78 miles away from campus, you’ll be able to go over and over. 

Shopping, Shopping, Shopping

The city has some great shopping so grab a friend and head on out for a whole new wardrobe! Ok, maybe don’t overdo it. Whether you’re looking for a specific new item for your closet or just window shopping, you’re sure to have a great time.

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The Golden Gate Bridge is … Orange?

You may be disappointed to learn the Golden Gate Bridge is actually an orange vermilion officially known as international orange. While the bridge itself may not be golden, the view sure is! Take a walk across it or a selfie in front of it. 

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Let’s Go, Giants! 

One of the best things about SF is how diverse it is. You can find anything you want from food, art, and music, to any kind of sporting event you can imagine. One of the best spots in the whole city is the newly renamed Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants! Whether you bleed orange and black or you’re just there for food and the McCovey Cove view, you’ll have a classic Bay Area experience. Don’t forget your foam finger! 

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Inspiration all Around

The city is jam-packed with creative minds, from the latest tech moguls to incredible artists, you’re bound to be inspired every time you turn around. Did you know there are 55 museums in SF alone? Two of our favorites are the Museum of Modern Art where you can see exhibits from Warhol to Monet and the Academy of Science with an aquarium, planetarium, and a natural history museum all under one roof. 

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Eat and Eat and Eat Some More

Is there anything better than food? The Bay Area is known for amazing cuisine. From food trucks to five-star restaurants, there’s always something new to try. Did you know the city hosts multiple food truck festivals each year? If that doesn’t sell you on visiting the city, we don’t know what will! 

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These are just five things we think are pretty great about living near San Francisco, but what’s even more fantastic is you get to come up with your own list!