Student Development at Point Loma Nazarene University is dedicated to engaging students in the active and energizing process of learning.

Point Loma Nazarene University believes that the most complete education prepares a person to live a full life. This quality education 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 knowledge–even as they are attaining and processing it–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 the student’s life. These relationships are built and the learning is accomplished in both curricular and co-curricular settings.

Through their relationships with faculty, staff, and administration, students are motivated not only to acquire specific knowledge in an academic specialty but also to increase personal understanding and make meaning of their own lives emotionally, socially, physically, spiritually, and cognitively. Faculty and staff incorporate the students’ “meaning-making” into the learning process. They help students to work with others, to establish professional relationships, to manage change, to assess self, to clarify values, and to broaden the individual student’s perspective of life.

The total experience for students at Point Loma teaches and shapes individuals. In the experience, students integrate an understanding of themselves and their future. Stimulated by the positive influence of both the environment and people, students are prepared and sent from the University to have a positive and courageous impact on their world. 

Student involvement with every aspect of University life is designed to give students the following message: “Learn all you can, shape your life through quality relationships, and serve Christ, church, community, and the world.”

The Office of Student Development coordinates a multitude of co-curricular programs in the areas of Academic Support, Athletics, Nicholson Commons, Public Safety, Residential Life, Student Engagement and Retention, and the Wellness Center.

Academic Support

Academic Advising

The Office of Academic Advising enhances the quality of the educational experience of the student through responsible advising. This advising facilitates the development of an academic program by helping students identify their social, personal, and career goals and to plan an academic program to meet those goals.

Each student is assigned an advisor on the following basis: all students with a declared major are advised by a faculty academic advisor in their major; all undeclared majors are advised by the Director of Advising until a major is selected. After a major is selected, the student is advised by a faculty member in that department or school.

Special Needs. Students having special needs are required to produce documentation of a specific learning disability conducted within the last three years, to be placed on file in the Advising Office. A complete set of aptitude and achievement test results is required. Once this is done, a needs assessment is worked out with the student. Because the provision of all reasonable accommodations and services is based upon assessment of the current impact of the student’s disabilities on academic performance, it is in the student’s best interest to provide recent and appropriate documentation. Special physical accommodations must be addressed before the start of the semester. 

Special Academic Services

University Policy on Disabilities. PLNU is committed to providing reasonable services and accommodations to meet the needs of qualified students with disabilities to facilitate their academic goals, according to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Individuals who may be eligible for services include, but are not limited to, those with disabilities such as learning, functional, psychological, visual and/or hearing impairments. These conditions must be of a degree that they seriously impair a major life activity.

The Office of Special Academic Services at PLNU is located in the Bond Academic Center (619-849-2486) and is the first point of contact for students who have disabilities or special needs. All accommodations and services are based on assessing the impact of the disability on academic performance; therefore students are required to provide documentation from a licensed professional to the Director of Special Academic Services prior to receiving accommodations. 

Request for Accommodations. An Application for Services, which is available in the Academic Support Center, begins the process for accommodation. Students should contact the Director of Special Academic Services to request an application. After admittance, students should make their needs known to Special Academic Services as soon as possible so that arrangements for accommodations can be initiated. Students having special needs are required to submit a complete set of aptitude, achievement, and/or medical test results specifying disability that have been conducted within the last three years. Documentation should be recent, relevant, and comprehensive. If the original documentation is incomplete or inadequate to determine the extent of the disability or reasonable accommodations, the University has the discretion to require additional documentation. Special physical accommodations must be addressed before the start of the semester.

Once this process is complete, a needs assessment is developed with the student. Because the provision of all reasonable accommodations and services is based upon assessment of the current impact of the student’s disabilities on academic performance, it is in the student’s best interest to provide recent and appropriate documentation. 

Appeal Process. Any student has a right to appeal the decisions made regarding academic accommodations. The student must submit a written statement of the dispute to the Director of Academic Advising. The Director of Academic Advising (619-849-2481) will review the student’s statement and documentation to decide if the current plan or decision is appropriate. 

Tutorial Services

The Tutorial Center at PLNU provides a variety of free tutoring and academic enrichment services to assist students in managing course curriculum requirements, such as: 

• Academic counseling (time management, test-taking strategies)
• Class review sessions
• Computer programs (Read and Write, Dragon Naturally Speaking, ZoomText,  and OpenBook)
• One-on-one peer tutoring (over 100 subjects available)
• Study skills resource library (resources for test taking, note taking and time management)
• Writing assignment assistance

The Tutorial Center is staffed by students who have received comprehensive training and are faculty-approved. Students are encouraged to visit or call the Bond Academic Center (619-849-2593) to schedule an appointment. 

Athletics

Intercollegiate

Point Loma Nazarene University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and participates in intercollegiate competition in the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC). Through athletic competition, students who are skilled athletes have the opportunity to excel to the highest potential of their ability. Point Loma athletes share a heritage of winning. The concept of the Christian scholar-athlete is the guiding principle for participants. Students are expected to demonstrate physical fitness in lifestyle, fairness in competition, humility in winning, and dignity in defeat.

Opportunities are provided through Intercollegiate Athletics relative to the University’s commitment to the athlete’s spiritual dimension. Time is set aside by all teams on a monthly basis for fellowship, and an annual worship service and honors recognition luncheon is held in the fall exclusively for athletes and their families. 

The athletic program at PLNU espouses the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics-sponsored emphasis on Champions of Character. This means a commitment to the development of student athletes to become persons who value the qualities of respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership, and sportsmanship.

Intercollegiate sports for women include basketball, volleyball, cross-country, softball, soccer, tennis, and track and field. Intercollegiate sports for men include basketball, cross-country, soccer, tennis, baseball, golf, and track and field. These activities are under the guidance of the Director of Athletics and the Vice President for Student Development. 

Intramural

The intramural program is designed to enhance and extend the student's opportunities for wholesome and beneficial physical activities through recreational and competitive programs.

A vigorous intramural sports program is under the guidance of the intramural coordinator through the Department of Athletics. Competitive events are seasonally scheduled such as flag football, basketball, volleyball, softball, tennis, soccer, and others. Co-educational activities are available in several sports.

Nicholson Commons 

Nicholson Commons provides activities and programs that enrich the University community academically, socially, physically, emotionally and spiritually. This social center for the University supports faculty, staff, and students in their desire to stimulate learning through positive, informal, collegial contact. The facility houses an Information booth, study areas, lounges, the Recreation Room, Common Knowledge Bookstore, Express Store, dining rooms, conference rooms, MOSAIC Commuter Lounge, Commuter Student Services, Point Break Cafe, Outdoor Leadership and Recreation Program and offices for ASB, the Mane Event Office, Nicholson Commons staff, clubs, organizations, the offices of Spiritual Development and Student Development, KPLR radio station, and the Wellness Center.

Food Services

Meals are served regularly in the Dining Room of Nicholson Commons and conform to regulations of the City and County of San Diego and the State of California. Resident students are required to subscribe to a meal plan. Other students, faculty, staff, and guests may purchase meals on an individual basis. A snack bar, Point Break Cafe, is available for short orders as is Fast Break for grab and go items.

Outdoor Leadership and Recreation

Outdoor Leadership and Recreation, located on the first floor of Nicholson Commons, provides equipment and opportunities for engaging students in the enjoyment of the outdoors. Through four programs, University students establish relationships with friends, rent equipment for getaways, learn new activities while exploring God’s creation, and discover ways of working with peers through team-building programs. Programs include: the Recreation Room, the Outdoor Rental Center, Great Escapes Adventures, and the Guide Development Program. 

Student Employment

The mission of the Office of Student Employment is to help students discern and/or confirm their individual callings through their university employment experiences. Student Employment offers a variety of services including: online postings of both on- and off-campus jobs, support and advice for students who encounter challenges with their employment, and job search assistance. For more information, visit www.pointloma.edu/work.

Department of Public Safety

The Department of Public Safety strives to maintain a safe environment for the University community. To achieve this, the Department functions twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The University emergency telephone number is 619-849-2525.

Vehicular Regulations. Parking and driving on the main campus is a privilege. The owner/driver is referred to the Student Handbook and University Vehicle Code (www.pointloma.edu/studentdevelopment/publicsafety/community) for complete regulations. A parking permit must be obtained for motor vehicles. The University assumes no liability for damages or theft of vehicles. The parking permit and the privilege of driving on University property may be revoked if, in the judgment of the administration, the vehicle is misused or if the University Vehicle Code is persistently violated.

Vehicle Registration. Freshman residential students are not permitted to bring vehicles to the University. All vehicles operated by students must be registered. Registration is required within the first two weeks of each semester. To register a vehicle, a student must preregister on-line through the portal (student account access). Registration is not complete until the student picks up the permit at the Office of Public Safety. Students must present the vehicle and show a current driver’s license, Department of Motor Vehicles registration, and student identification card. Motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds must also be registered. A valid motorcycle driver’s license and approved helmet are required. Vehicle registration is an important part of the University safety plan, and therefore vehicles must be registered the first two weeks of the semester. Only registered vehicles are allowed to operate on the main campus. Non-California drivers must show proof of insurance.

Shuttle Services. The Department of Public Safety provides an on-campus transportation service to residential students. For additional information, students may refer to the Student Handbook.
 
Note: The University is not responsible for loss or damage to persons or their property.

 

Residential Life

Approximately two-thirds of undergraduates live in University residence halls. The primary goal of residential life is to foster an environment in which vital Christianity is encouraged, experienced, and modeled. Residential life is an integral part of the co-curricular experience and encourages the academic, spiritual, and social growth of students. In addition, residential living provides students with an opportunity to meet students from a variety of cultural backgrounds.

Application for admission to the University and application for on-campus housing are two separate steps. Students may refer to admission procedures for further information regarding housing. On-campus housing options include eight traditional residence halls and apartment living for single and married students without children. The University does not guarantee housing for all four years.

Off-Campus Housing

All single undergraduate students under the age of twenty-three (23) years of age are required to live in University housing. Exceptions to this policy are married students, students living with parents, or upper-classmen if University housing is full.

Students requesting to live off campus must file an off-campus petition within established deadlines, through the Office of Residential Life. Each petition is carefully verified. Students with discipline contracts from their previous two semesters at the University are not eligible to live off campus. Students with previous disciplinary violations may not be eligible to live off-campus; decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Any change of residence or phone number must be changed on the student portal immediately.

Community Standards

Responsibility, accountability, and disciplined living are a reflection of vital Christianity. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner which enhances the lifestyles and ideals of the University, both on and off the campus. Students who are granted admission and subsequent registration to the University must adhere to the following:

• to acknowledge that maturity entails both the experience of freedom and the acceptance of limits;
• to seek an understanding of those who come from different backgrounds;
• to exhibit a respect for other members of the community; and
• to receive and seek constructive feedback from other members of this community.

Residential Housing

Application for Housing. Students planning to live in a residence hall must file a Residence Hall Application and contract as well as a housing deposit. For returning students, once registration for the fall semester is completed (which constitutes a reservation for fall semester), the housing deposit is non-refundable. For new students, the deposit is refunded consistent with the dates published in admission materials. Refunds of board charges are made for any student who moves out of the residence hall during the course of a semester according to the schedule printed in the Catalog. Residence halls are officially closed during Christmas and Spring Break. The right of occupancy does not include these periods.

Residential Housing Assignments. Residential housing assignments for new students are made after the housing staff considers such factors as age and date of a paid housing contract. An attempt is made to make roommate assignments that are compatible and beneficial to all concerned. Specific roommate requests must be mutual and accompany the paid housing contract. New and transferring students receive their residence hall assignments as they become available. The University will not consider roommate change requests based upon actual or perceived race, ethnicity, national origin, age, or disability, or perceptions based on personal profiles and/or information found on the Internet.

Furnishings. Residence hall rooms are furnished with window coverings and each student is provided with extra-long single bed, dresser, study table and chair. Students must provide their own bed linens and towels. While most cooking appliances are prohibited, a compact refrigerator (maximum 4.4 cu. ft.) and a small microwave (maximum of 800 watts) are allowed. 

Student Lifestyle

A major purpose of the University is to assist students in their preparation for daily living. The totality of the University environment is intended to be a learning experience. Some of the most significant learning occurs in the context of everyday experiences.

Students are expected to exercise self-discipline and sound judgment and to manage their conduct both on and off the main campus consistent with agreements made upon application and with the University Catalog and he Student Handbook. In addition, an accepted application for admission and subsequent registration is considered an agreement between the University and the student for the following:

• to demonstrate responsible citizenship by showing concern and respect for the freedom and rights of others;
• to give thoughtful attention to the development of personal values as a basis for wholesome Christian conduct; and
• to abstain from the use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, illegal drugs, the use of profane language, gambling, pornography, and from entertainment which diminishes moral perceptivity and judgment.

Point Loma Nazarene University has a strict policy regarding any use of alcohol, illegal drugs, and tobacco or smoking products. Students using these substances will be put on a probationary contract which includes mentorship with a staff or faculty member for a ten-week period, a two-day suspension, and participation in an educational program at the expense of the student. The University reserves the right to require a test for drugs upon probable cause. The expense for tests with positive results is the student’s responsibility. Participation in such activities is cause for disciplinary probation and suspension, or termination from the University.

 

Student Engagement and Retention

The offices within Student Engagement and Retention strive to provide place, voice, and connection for each PLNU student. A PLACE…to belong, to grow; a place safe enough to take risks, try new ways of doing and being; a VOICE…to question and explore, to declare oneself; a voice for the present and the future; a CONNECTION…of faith, of reason, of friendship, of community. Student Engagement and Retention includes the following offices: Career Services, Community Life, Commuter Student Services, Diversity and International Student Services, Nicholson Commons, Outdoor Leadership and Recreation, and Student Employment, and Transfer Student Services. 

Career Services

It is the goal of the Career Services Office to assist students in the process of career selection and planning. The Career Services program provides the following:

Office of Career Services. The director furnishes one-on-one counseling in assessment, career planning, job search techniques, resume development, and arrangements for campus job interviews. In addition, the office offers seminars highlighting all aspects of employment readiness plus pertinent issues relating to future employment. An annual Career Fair in the spring aids the students in selecting a viable career as do other Job Fairs held throughout the year for Nursing, Teacher Education, and summer camps. Students are also able to attend a Graduate School Fair and a Seminary/Religious Studies Fair to help them choose an appropriate graduate experience.

Career Resource Center. The Center offers students a wide range of career-related materials including graduate school information, NACElink, MonsterTRAK.com—a daily update of job listings—access to the Internet, a mock interview video room, job search materials, and employer information.  More information is available at www.pointloma.edu/career.

Community Life

The Office of Community Life seeks to assist students in their personal growth and in leadership development. Experiential leadership opportunities are designed as a developmental offering from this department. Also, programs offered provide quality and affordable activities throughout the academic year.
 
In addition to the all-student outings and small group activities sponsored by Community Life, the Activities and Community Relations offices of the Associated Student Body (ASB) sponsor many events that provide opportunities for personal growth.

Student Government (ASB)

The Associated Student Body of Point Loma Nazarene University (ASB) is a constitutional organization of the entire student body created for the purpose of carrying on various student activities. The affairs of the ASB are managed by a student board of directors elected by the students. A member of the staff of the Student Development Office serves as advisor to the student government. 

Student Media

Student Newspaper. The official publication of the student body is The Point Weekly. The editor is appointed by the Media Board, subject to certain scholastic and residence requirements. The staff, recommended by the editor and approved by the Media Board, affords interested students an opportunity for practical training in journalism. The subscription price for the paper is included in the general fee.

Yearbook. The Mariner is the student body yearbook and is a pictorial record of University activities during the academic year. The editor is appointed by the Media Board. The staff is chosen by the editor. The publication is supported by student fees and advertising. An additional fee may be charged for its reservation.

Other Publications. The Student Handbook, containing general information, including policies and regulations, is published each year. It is also available on the PLNU website under the heading of Student Development. The Driftwood is the annual student literary magazine published by the Department of Literature, Journalism, and Modern Languages. Students from all majors, faculty, and staff are encouraged to submit features, photographs, designs, and business ideas. Students from all majors may join the staff.

Radio Station. KPLR, the University radio station, provides professional training for students developing a career in broadcasting. The station serves the main campus and Internet listeners with a contemporary Christian format.

Television Station. CCTV, the University’s cable broadcast medium, allows students to write and produce original programming that is aimed at educating and entertaining the on-campus community. CCTV strives to follow current industry standards in all areas of station operation. Staff positions are filled annually, and students from all majors are encouraged to participate.

Student Organizations

Students may join one or more of the organizations that provide direction for co-curricular activities.

• Asian Student Union (ASU), a club for Asian students or for any who are interested in Asian culture.
• Association of Latin American Students, a club for Latin American students or for any who are interested in Latin American culture.
• Board of Review, as the judicial branch of the ASB, Board of Review upholds the Associated Student Body Constitution and ensures students’ rights therein.
• Brothers and Sisters United (BSU), a club for African American students or for any who are interested in African American culture.
• Cheerleading, for students who support the sports program through organized cheering.
• Chi Delta Psi, for women interested in building strong Christian friendships on the main campus and throughout the community. 
• College Democrats, brings in guest speakers and plans events that promote their political views.
• College Republicans, a club for those who wish to actively support or are interested in the Republican Party.
• French Club, for students who wish to practice speaking French and learn about French culture.
• Hui O Hawaii, a club for Hawaiian students or for any who are interested in Hawaiian culture.
• International Club, a support for international students.
• Kappa Phi Kappa, for men interested in the professional study of education.
• Klub Deutsch, for students who wish to practice speaking German and learn about the diversity of German culture and traditions.
• Men’s and Women’s Volleyball, for students who wish to play volleyball on a club team.
• Mu Kappa, an international organization for students whose parents serve as missionaries.
• Phi Alpha Theta, the international Society in History.
• Pointless, an all-male a capella ensemble for students performing on campus.
• Phi Upsilon Omicron, a national honor society in Department of Family and Consumer Sciences.
• Pi Sigma Alpha, stimulates student scholarship and interest in government, public affairs, and political philosophy. 
• Psi Chi, a national honor society for students in the Department of Psychology.
• Rugby Club, for students interested in playing rugby competitively.
• Social Work Club, a professional organization designed to increase social awareness and serve the community.
• Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society, promotes the field of Chemistry. 
• Student Nurses Association of Point Loma, an organization for students planning to enter nursing as a career.
• Students for Social Justice, students who seek to promote the principles of social justice.
• Surf Club, for students who wish to surf competitively.
• Table Tennis Club, for aficionados of table tennis. 
• Tri Beta, a national honor society for students in Biology.

There is one scholastic organization: Phi Delta Lambda, the national honor society for all educational institutions of the Church of the Nazarene, for all undergraduate students who are academically ranked in the upper fifteen percent of the graduation class; these students are so recognized at Commencement.

Commuter Student Services

Commuter Student Services is committed to providing services and programs for students who do not live in University residential housing and is a point of contact and advocate for their unique needs. The Commuter office is located on the first floor of Nicholson Commons.

Diversity and International Student Services

This office seeks to build cross-cultural understanding, appreciation, and unity in the University community, accomplished by supporting students of diversity as individuals and as part of student organizations. Connections are built primarily under the banner of MOSAIC (Multi-Cultural Opportunities for Students Actively Involved in Community). This includes the Association of Latin American Students (ALAS), Brothers and Sisters United (BSU), Hui O' Hawaii, International Club, Asian Student Union (ASU), Mu Kappa International, Students for Social Justice (SSJ), Voices in Praise (VIP) gospel choir, and Team Barnabas. Voices in Praise gospel choir is a vibrant ministry opportunity as well.

International Student Services is dedicated to assisting international students with the goal of achieving a rich and productive experience at Point Loma Nazarene University.

Wellness Center

Wellness encompasses physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and social health. Point Loma Nazarene University offers programs that enable all students to participate in and be educated in these aspects of wellness. The Center’s mission is to assist students in maintaining a high level of wellness so they are able to achieve their academic goals.

The Wellness Center coordinates services in physical and emotional health and in outreach education. A team of nurse practitioners, counselors, and health educators work together to provide a comprehensive program. The staff has developed ties with a number of practitioners in the San Diego area including physicians, urgent care facilities, counselors, and dentists.

The Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and closes from 12:30 to 1:30 for lunch. Medical and counseling services are free to all registered students. Professional staff is on-call for emergencies after hours and can be accessed through the Department of Public Safety. Counseling appointments may be made by calling the department assistant at 619-849-2574. A nurse practitioner may be seen in the morning on a walk-in basis and in the afternoon by appointment. Students with emergencies after hours may be referred to a primary physician, Sharp Rees-Stealy Urgent Care (open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily), or the emergency room at Sharp Memorial Hospital (a 20-minute drive from the main campus).

Additional services include: a bimonthly physician clinic, immunizations, tuberculosis skin testing, travel medications, the Peer Educator Program, referrals, wellness speakers, support groups, and special presentations. For more information, students may visit the Wellness Center website at www.pointloma.edu/wellnesscenter. 

Student Insurance

Insurance is an important part of health care. The Wellness Center recommends that all parents and students review their private insurance, talk about how to access care in San Diego County, and plan ahead for possible future needs. All students must have insurance coverage for illness and injury. All undergraduate students regardless of units taken or study abroad status are charged for a student policy each year. They may waive those charges on a yearly basis via “Student Access” site. There is a deadline for this process after which charges cannot be removed from the student's account. There is no provision for student insurance for students who enter during the summer. The student insurance plan may be applied for graduate students, spouses and children through the Business Office during the first three weeks of fall and spring semesters.