The Development of Students as Whole Persons

At Point Loma Nazarene University, we believe that the most complete education prepares a person to live a full life that incorporates intelligence and reason as well as character, integrity, commitment and faith.  With this in mind, PLNU strives to educate the “whole” student.  This holistic approach challenges students to integrate their pursuit of knowledge with their beliefs, values and actions.

The holistic way of thinking seeks to encompass multiple layers of meaning and experience.  Each relationship that a student develops with the university community serves to increase the “depth of learning” that occurs in his or her life.  These relationships are built and the learning is accomplished in both curricular and co-curricular settings.

Through their relationships with faculty, staff, and administrators, students are motivated to acquire specific knowledge in an academic specialty as well as increase personal understanding and make meaning of their own life.  Faculty and staff assist the students’ “meaning-making” in the learning process by helping them to work with others, establish professional relationships, manage change, assess self, clarify values, and broaden the student’s perspective on life.

In the co-curricular realm, students gain awareness of the university community and an understanding of their role within it.  They bring distinctive backgrounds, outlooks, and interests.  In a close and inclusive community, they learn to appreciate one another for their differences as well as similarities.  That is why diversity is so crucial to creating an environment in which understanding, respect, and support for others can evolve naturally.

The Point Loma experience teaches and shapes individuals.  Students integrate an understanding of themselves, an understanding of the university community, and an understanding of the world.  Through this process of integrative understanding, students are prepared and sent from the university to have a positive and courageous impact in their world.