Pacific University (PU)

Pacific University is a rapidly growing liberal arts college “nestled in an extremely small and quiet town” in Oregon. Facilities are generally “new and up-to-date.” Classes are small. “The science programs are top notch” and “a very good optometry program also draws students.” Some arts and humanities programs are “lacking,” though. “It is frustrating being involved in a major that isn’t a science major,” admits a sophomore. “The adjunct professors seem to be a little more lost” but the “approachable, flexible” full-time faculty is “the number one strength of Pacific, hands down.” “I’ve had nothing but positive experiences with my professors,” reflects a biology major. “For the students who are committed and really want to learn, professors will bend over backwards to help them.” Some students tell us the administrators are “very student oriented.” Others gripe that getting into classes can be a challenge and call the administration “Pacific graduates who couldn’t get jobs elsewhere.”

The “laidback,” mostly “upper middle-class” students here tend to come “from Oregon and the surrounding states,” or from Hawaii. Some caution that “The two groups do not mix well at all.” In the cafeteria, “the left side is full of Hawaiian students and the right side is for the white students.” This unique divide notwithstanding, “Pacific is made up of a wide range of personality types.” “Everyone’s odd in an interesting way.” “There are some jocks.” There are “hippie-like students.” There is the contingent that is “studious and extremely busy” and “there are the slackers.” “There are people who don’t party at all and there are those who go to parties every weekend.” “You’ll never feel like a freak or an outcast,” promises a first-year student. “It doesn’t matter what your beliefs and opinions are; you are accepted as you are.” Politically, this campus tilts left, though students with “the chutzpah to attempt activism” contend that their peers “are very apathetic.” Students without self-professed chutzpah say they don’t see much point in “ineffective protests.”

The food at Pacific gets a lot of complaints. “Some dishes are done very well. Others look like something you’d plaster a wall with.” Also, though some of the athletic programs are pretty good, “school spirit is a little bit lacking” as well. Otherwise, students here rave about their “comfy and beautiful environment.” For fun, “there’s a lot of just hanging out.” The Hawaiian Club throws “an amazing luau each year” and “there generally is a party every weekend,” but “most social gatherings are small.” Forest Grove’s location “makes it hard to find things to do off campus,” says one student, “but forces me to find things to do within my residence halls with my friends—that can lead to some crazy nights with board games. Every once and awhile there’s a party, but it's usually busted.” “Portland is close, though, and so is the beach.” “Hiking, kayaking, climbing,” “snowboarding on Mount Hood,” and outdoor activities galore are within easy reach. “It’s best to bring a car,” advises a sophomore.