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!
If you’ve never heard of College Days, it’s PUC’s special visitation event, held three times a year, and is two and a half action-packed days where you can experience what life at the college is like. It’s a great way to see if PUC is the right fit for you.
The next College Days event is scheduled for February 10-12, 2019, and we would love to have you here for it! Come experience everything PUC has to offer as you decide where to attend college. Sign up now!
Here are just five reasons why you should consider coming to College Days next month!
You will get to know more about PUC’s prime location
One of the best things about PUC is our location. Not only is it a beautiful place to live with many opportunities to get out in nature, but the campus is also blessed with a close proximity to incredible places like Napa, San Francisco, Mendocino, Tahoe, and lots more. You can visit a museum in the city or spend time on the coast. Your options are limitless.
During College Days you’ll get to experience both Napa and San Francisco in person! So be sure to have your camera handy to capture some really Instagram-worthy sights. We’ll take you downtown Napa for an afternoon and you’ll also get to spend time at Pier 39 in San Francisco.
You will gather insight into academic programs
During College Days students will discover more about college academics. Between dinner with faculty, sitting in on real college classes, and experiences showcasing many of PUC’s departments, hopefully, you’ll walk away with a better understanding of what program you want to join!
You get to attend a special financial aid workshop
Monday morning offers College Days participants a financial aid workshop allowing you to learn all about how to pay for college. From PUC specific scholarships to information on FAFSA, you’ll be able to speak with a knowledgeable financial aid counselor to learn how an Adventist education is possible at PUC.
You can hear about PUC directly from PUC students
While you’re visiting PUC for College Days, you’ll constantly be interacting with current students, which is the perfect way to really understand the heart and soul of the Pioneers community. You will stay in their rooms, join them for meals in the cafe, sit in on their classes, worship with them, and attend a panel where you can ask them any question you might have.
You will immerse yourself into college life
Come be a Pioneer, if only for a few days! One of the best things about visiting PUC for College Days is being on campus for several days and really getting to experience what it’s like to be a student here. As you walk around campus, try picturing yourself as a PUC student. Envision how great it will be to make this place your home for your college years. Make the most of your visit by asking questions and taking advantage of every opportunity to talk with current students and professors to see if PUC is the right fit for you.
We hope you will join us for our February College Days. Don’t forget to sign up! You can also email visit@puc.edu or call (800) 862-7080, option 2 to learn more and for information about our travel reimbursement policy.
Even here in sunny California, the winter months can seem a little long. With shorter days and cooler temperatures, it’s important to take some time for self-care. From one PUCite to another, here are some pro-tips and products to help you make it to spring!
Surround yourself with photos of friends and family.
Get yourself a desk plant. Succulents are very popular and don’t take a lot of upkeep.
Make your room comfortable with extra pillows and blankets. Grab a plush toy even!
Invest in blackout curtains or a sleep mask to make sure you get some real rest.
Hang some Christmas lights up. Don’t bother undecorating after the holidays either, just leave them up for a little ambiance!
Use a diffuser with different essential oils. My personal favorites are lavender and rose.
Make sure to have hot cocoa mix and throw in a festive mug or two. My personal favorite is this Star Wars porg mug.
Stock up on Airborne, Zicam, and Emergen-C to fight off any bugs.
Pick one show you can watch weekly (or nightly) for a much-needed break.
Pack your cupboard full of microwaveable popcorn for a healthy-ish late night snack.
Chamomile tea helps with sleep and improves cognitive functions during the day, so have some on hand.
For a little extra quiet, have earphones for your study music and earplugs to help you sleep. There are cheap versions of each at places like Target, but Flare Audio ones have some outstanding reviews.
Remember even in the most stressful times, there is always a friend, resident assistant, dean, chaplain, or a professor who would be happy to take a few minutes to talk and pray with and for you, so don’t hesitate to reach out to someone when you need some extra support.
These are just 15 simple ideas and products I personally find helpful. But don’t just take my word for it, ask friends and family and start your own list.
When I was in college here at PUC, my favorite place to study was at the Campus Center coffee shop, The Grind. I enjoyed having background sound and people milling around. (For more about how much I love the college’s Campus Center, read my blog post “PUC’s Campus Center Will Be There For You”!) But not everyone is like me, which is what is so great about being at PUC. The campus offers a variety of study spaces for both group and solo studying. From the library to individual department study spaces, you’ll never have far to go to find a great spot to crack open your books.
Below are photos of just a few places here on campus that are ideal for studying. There are also plenty of other spaces available to students, including lounges in the departments of music, English, and visual arts.
The student lounge for the department of history in Irwin Hall.
The student lounge for the department of world languages & cultures in Irwin Hall.
The library has a lot of study spaces for students.
More study spaces in the library.
Outside the library is a great place to hang out too!
The Campus Center is always packed full of students studying or enjoying a coffee break.
It’s a good idea to bring your headphones to the Campus Center if you’re trying to study!
There are plenty of places in Fisher Hall, home to the department of visual arts, for students to study, including the art studios, shown here.
Wednesday, September 20 brought the close of summer break as freshmen, along with their families, swarmed the seven residence halls turning empty rooms into their home away from home for the next nine months.
After New Student and Family Orientations were completed, the freshmen were whisked away for the FUSION retreat,which is a time where they can get to know each other in a casual setting off-campus.
The official Week of Welcome began on Monday with the start of classes AND the Welcome Back Party in the Campus Mall, where students could socialize with each other and rush campus clubs. The rest of the week was packed full of classes with fun activities mixed in, like a water balloon fight and color blast on the grass, Midnight Madness, Opening Convocation, vespers, and a visit from a food truck before a viewing of “Guardians of the Galaxy 2.”
Faculty, staff, and current students donned blue Student Association tees and helped the incoming freshmen and their families unload their cars and set up their dorm rooms on the first day of Orientation. Pictured: PUC President Bob Cushman, SA President Megan Weems, and CFO Brandon Parker who all lent a hand that afternoon.
The Tyner family helping their daughter move into her dorm room.
The PUC praise band leading out in group worship during FUSION.
Starting the school year off with a splash of color after a fun water balloon fight.
The woman’s volleyball team being introduced to the school during the annual Midnight Madness.
President Bob Cushman addresses the campus for the first time during Opening Convocation, the first Colloquy service of the year. He spoke of the need for love and unity, perfectly echoing the SA theme for the year, which is family.
The first week was so much fun it can only mean more wonderful things are in store for the rest of the year!
As students gear up for the fast approaching week of finals, most are excited to wave goodbye to school and head off to warmer weather, catching up on sleep, and days at the beach.
But there are some who have different plans, plans which include spending a portion of their break taking classes. Over the past few years, summer classes have become more and more popular, allowing students to remain academically productive during the summer months. PUC offers a limited number of classes which cover the same coursework as a typical class, only in a much shorter amount of time, and sessions range variously from June 13 – August 12.
Once you get past the idea of sitting in a classroom while your friends are off enjoying months of freedom, and once you realize the accelerated course work of one or two classes is completely manageable, we hope you recognize the benefits of taking a summer class at PUC.
While an accelerated class will likely mean a little extra work and studying, the lack of other classes and fewer distractions will allow you to devote much more time to your class, which will show in your final grade!
Summer classes tend to be smaller in size which at first glance may sound boring, however, this is actually extremely beneficial to you. Smaller class sizes mean a lot more one-on-one attention from your professors.This will not only provide you with extra help on your course material but also a unique learning experience.
Taking a class or two in the summer will also give you some freedom with your schedule. If you’re behind in your program this is an opportunity to catch up and if you’re right on schedule, this can allow you to lighten your regular course load.
If this sounds like something right up your alley, check out the list of classes PUC offers during the summer months and as always, tuition and housing are 50 percent off, making this both a smart academic and financial decision!
“So no one told you life was gonna be this way? Your job’s a joke, you’re broke, your love life’s DOA…”
I’m pretty sure there were times my freshman year when the beginning of the “Friends” theme song felt like my life. You don’t necessarily come to college knowing a lot of people and if you’re a little shy like me, it can be hard to not only meet new people but feel like you’ve found some really great, lifelong friends.
You and probably every other person on the planet have likely watched “Friends” (if you haven’t, it’s on Netflix, go binge watch it right now, I’ll wait) and you have dreamt of sitting on the infamous couch in Central Perk with your five very best friends, discussing things like shopping, dating, sports, food, etc. Now PUC may not have Central Perk but we do have our Campus Center. I know it’s not the quite same but hear me out!
Located in the heart of campus, the Campus Center is constantly full of students, faculty, and staff members. Aside from having TVs playing the news and big sports games, pool tables and couches to hang out on, it is also the college’s source for a quick beverage and snacks.
When I started college, I thought I would have a difficult time meeting new people and getting involved, so I made a point to spend time in the Campus Center. I will admit, I was shy and felt awkward at first but people are generally very friendly at PUC and soon I felt like I belonged here. I can honestly say to this day some of my closest friends were made at PUC and we spent countless hours watching sports, studying, playing games, and just hanging out in the Campus Center. A good 75 percent of my favorite memories took place there.
While I can’t guarantee this epic level of friendship, you never know…
Professor Cristian Pancorbo began teaching at PUC this past winter, and already has had an impact on our community. I was able to spend a day with Cristian and got to hear how passionate he is about language and the PUC student body. To help introduce him to the rest of campus as well as prospective students, I asked him 10 questions about his experience here so far and his vision for PUC.
1. As a new member of the PUC family, tell us a little bit about yourself.
I really don’t know how to answer these kinds of questions, and most of the time I just talk about my hobbies, but I guess that’s not who I am. Right? So let me tell you about the things I love.
I love traveling and discovering places and people – I like to think there’s a unique kind of knowledge and growth to this. I like serving others on my trips, but just getting lost is excuse enough to fly for me. I love my niece, who lives in Montreal, but I try to see her every time I have a chance. She is just the best. I enjoy sports, but mainly it is a reason to be with people, doing something fun. I used to think I was good at basketball until I moved here and realized I’m not even good enough for intramurals. I almost forgot! Teaching is something I love, it gives me a rush nothing else does, and I truly believe it makes real big changes, or it should.
Professor Pancorbo (bottom row, left) and his soccer intramurals team at PUC.
2. What made you decide to up and move to a new country?
I have been attached to the U.S. in many different ways since I was 16-years-old. I have been invited by some of my U.S. friends since 18. I also have been teaching students from here since I started working. I wasn’t looking for a job opportunity or a way to move to a different country, but I want to think God opened this path in for me, and I’m committed to go where he takes me. I have to say, although I have loved ones in Spain, I have always felt comfortable with the idea of moving around wherever I should go. Nobody was too surprised when I said I was moving to the U.S. Nonetheless, It wasn’t an easy decision, since I had a job and colleagues I simply loved. ACA Spain (ESDES), where I was working, has the most loving teachers one could find.
3. What was your first impression of PUC?
I came for the job interview around Christmas (2013) and that was my first time at PUC. I knew the west coast more or less and I had been to the south of California many times, but I never drove further north of Yosemite; I instantly liked it. It’s the most beautiful campus I have ever been to, but nothing new about that, right? This place is wonderful and the lifestyle you can have here is just great – full of knowledge, beauty, sports, arts, nature, great weather, great people and so much more.
4. So far, what is your favorite thing about PUC?
The best thing about PUC is the student body. You guys [students] are great and make me enjoy this place so much. I think I talk on behalf of all the teachers when I say you are the reason why we do this and love it. I also like other things we have here like the spiritual life, the idea of serving others visible almost everywhere.
5. Tell us your goals for the Modern Language Department.
I want students to open their minds to new horizons and perspectives – if possible by traveling overseas. I want the students to really engage in their challenge with a new language. I want my students to learn about making a big effort, loving it, or at least enjoying it. I want to find new ways for the students to practice Spanish in a fun way outside of formal classes. The goal has to be helping the students develop their skills with communication in a new language, critical thinking and serving others using Jesus as an example.
Professor Pancorbo and students on a recent trip to PUC’s Albion Retreat and Learning Center.
6. Out of all your classes, which is your favorite to teach and why?
This is like asking a parent who his favorite child is – it’s not fair. But I’ll be open to you; I love my Medical Spanish class. It’s very practical and I see a lot of motivation in my students. They realize it is something really important for their careers. It is really fun to role-play with them and use the knowledge they already have in their field of study for the class.
7. What are some benefits to taking Spanish classes?
You can communicate with the huge amount of Spanish speakers you will find in the U.S. Not only that, you will increase your number of friends, your future “clients” and your opportunities. You will understand your neighbors a lot better and you will be able to travel and discover with bigger empathy for what you encounter. It is like having another “self” with all the opportunities that come with it. In the world we live in, there needs to be more understanding and real communication among individuals and nations. But seriously, it does. Don’t just agree with me. Go learn a language and travel, go overseas through Adventist Colleges Abroad (ACA) for a year, or became a missionary. Do it. You can’t go wrong by learning Spanish, traveling or serving if you are holding to God.
8. How has knowing a second language benefited you personally?
Sometimes, I think learning English has impacted me wider and deeper in my life than having my degree or my master’s. I was blessed with the best friends who invited me to come visit them and thanks to that, I actually started to speak the language. You can study a language your whole life, but if you don’t practice, it is like reading books about basketball expecting to get good at it, just by that. After I learned, I started to be blessed with scholarships and opportunities to live and travel in different places all around the world. I lived a great positive experience after another and I can see now they were coming from God.
I lived and studied in Krakow (Poland) with a full scholarship. I also went to Sydney (Australia) with another scholarship to perfect my English and I had some of the most amazing working and serving experiences in developing countries like Morocco, Honduras, Ethiopia… I’m now learning French here at PUC and it’s a experience you all should try. Professor Jehanno is a great, experienced teacher from Paris and her classes are so much fun.
9. What are some interesting or less thought of careers students can get with a Modern Language degree?
A minor or a major in Spanish is a great match for any future career you might be looking at. It would be hard to think of a career that couldn’t have a good use of a second language. I think every social worker, lawyer, doctor, psychologist, physical therapist, speech pathology… or any other professional who needs to understand their client/patient and their reality as an essential part of their job needs to know their language as a basic tool. Remember you are preparing yourself to be useful with the knowledge and skills you are developing during your college years. Make sure you are getting ready for what’s coming – don’t just get a degree, try to get the tools you will use.
Professor Pancorbo and Modern Languages Department friends.
10. What fun and interesting things are happening within the Modern Language Department students might like to know about?
The most exciting thing is we’ll be offering Beginning Portuguese for the first time in Winter 2016. The Brazil mission trip to the Amazon and Manaus during Spring Break is part of the class, which will count for GE credit(s). We also have a new Japanese professor, John Inada. He has developed his career in the video game industry successfully, also finding the time to teach with us. We are planning on showing movies (original versions) at our beautiful student lounge, and also share resources and updates through our Modern Languages Facebook page. Finally, we want to develop our service learning implication as a department and continue to grow our language for specific purpose classes, like Spanish for medical personnel, which is a high-demand class.
There are other interesting things happening with Adventist Colleges Abroad. They are always trying to improve and challenge themselves with their awesome work. One of their newest features are the internships you can do overseas in places like the United Nations, architecture firms, schools, music and art and so many more. With these internships you improve your abroad experience, your language skills, and your résumé. This adds another huge reason why you have to go to ACA (and they will transfer all your credits back to PUC, including the internship ones).
Editor’s note: If you would like more information about studying a language at PUC, you can talk with an Enrollment Counselor by calling 800.862.7080 option 2 or emailing enroll@puc.edu.
Figuring out college finances is complicated. What loans or grants should you apply for? What scholarships do you qualify for? Luckily, PUC comes with a Student Finance department full of staff whose sole job is to help you out! If you haven’t talked with your personal Financial Counselor yet, go to http://www.puc.edu/admissions/finance to find out who you should talk with – Counselors are assigned based on last name. You can always call 800.862.7080 option 1 if you prefer as well.
College is an investment and you want to make sure you’re making a smart one, so spend a few minutes watching this short video to learn the basics of college financial aid and then give our Student Finance office a call with any questions you might have.
Editor’s note: This is dated material and does not necessarily reflect how the student financial services office at PUC and the financial process currently operates. Please contact your financial counselor for more information.
I hope you tossed a ton of confetti and jumped around your living room as you opened your acceptance packet because we are so thrilled that you’ve been accepted to PUC!
We can’t even express how excited we are for you to arrive on campus this September! But before you get here, there are a few things you need to do. Lucky for you, you’ve found our blog where we’ll break everything down into four simple steps.
1. Pay your enrollment fee
Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you need to pay your entire school bill or anything. The enrollment fee is only $150. The fee is completely refundable if you decide PUC isn’t right for you before September 1.This lets us know you’re committed to attending PUC and it reserves your spot in classes. You can pay the fee online or by calling PUC’s cashier at 707.965.7530.
2. Complete your housing form
Once you’ve paid your enrollment fee, you can fill out the housing information form. A great thing about PUC is unless you’re married or over the age of 22, you’ll be living in a residence hall which makes becoming part of the PUC family super easy!
3. Register for classes
Today is April 6th, which means class registration for the fall has officially begun! Once your fee has been paid you can get your class schedule set up for your first quarter in college. To do this you can contact your Enrollment Counselor and together you’ll make sure you have the perfect schedule.
4. Make financial arrangements Have you filled out FAFSA? Have you filled out a PUC Financial Aid Application? Finances are probably the scariest thing about college, which is why we have a great team of Financial Counselors ready to help! But first, take a few minutes to fill out FAFSA and the PUC Financial Aid Application so they have the most accurate information for you.
See? What did I tell you, four easy steps to becoming a PUC student! So hurry up and complete these so you can start doing the fun stuff, like planning how you want your dorm room to look!
