Register for Family Weekend 2023
October 13 - 14
Family Weekend is designed to provide families with opportunities to connect with their students and make lasting memories. Join your students for family-friendly activities, engage in meaningful conversations, and take advantage of opportunities to experience all that PLNU has to offer!
Whether you live in San Diego or are traveling from afar, we encourage all PLNU families to attend this fun-filled weekend, and enjoy time with other parents, grandparents, and families.
Family Weekend Registration is now open! Scroll down for registration info, a tentative schedule of events and more. OR click the “Register Now” button to register the whole family!
Registration Information
Adults – $25.00
PLNU Staff or Faculty – FREE
PLNU Students – FREE Students MUST be registered and have a ticket for the President’s Breakfast on Saturday (if participating).
Teens – $25.00
Children (4-12) – $10.00
Please register all guests, including your PLNU student. Children 3 and under do not require registration.
Need to add guests to an existing registration? Please register your additional guests, then email familyweekend@pointloma.edu to have them linked to your existing registration.
Register here before October 6!
Check back often for the most up-to-date information and plan your weekend experience. Schedule is subject to change due to availability and unforeseen circumstances.
Schedule of Events
Friday, October 13
Family Weekend Check-In|10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Campus Mall | North (Between Sator and Rohr Science)
Check-in with the Parent & Family Connection team to grab your Family Weekend welcome packet that includes your name badge and President’s Breakfast tickets (if attending).Your badge will grant you access to our featured events and provide a special discount at the Bookstore!
Loma Block Party!|10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Campus Mall | North
After checking in, be sure to visit our Loma Block Party for some family fun including:
- Family Photo booth
Christmas card worthy, professional photos by photographer and alumnus, Bethany Endo. Photos are complimentary and will be shared via the November Parent and Family Connection newsletter. - Planting Seeds of Prayer
Plant your prayers for your student(s) and family and watch how they grow. Hosted by the Department of Sustainability. - Loma Scavenger Hunt
The hunt is on! Follow the guide, snap photos of your discoveries, then come back to share your adventure and claim your prize! - 50th Anniversary Tour: Pasadena to Point Loma
Take a walk down memory lane as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of PLNU’s move to Point Loma. Led by our Student Alumni Ambassadors. - Study Abroad & LoveWorks
Stop by to learn more about the Study Abroad program and LoveWorks short-term missions and grab a Mexican hot chocolate and snack. - Beach Volleyball
Meet our club Volleyball teams and join them for the opportunity to play a pick-up game on Saturday afternoon! - Escape Room Sign-Ups
Sign up your family for Saturday night’s Escape Room hosted by ASB. The famous PLNU Bell is missing! It’s up to your family to find it before time runs out! - Ryan Coffee Bar
Enjoy an iced coffee as you stroll through the block party and take in the ocean view. - … and so much more!
Bookstore Open House|10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Bookstore
Stop into the Bookstore for raffles, kid-friendly activities including games and coloring stations, and to leave your student a note on the Wall of Encouragement. Be sure to flash your Family Weekend name badge to get 10% off your purchase of any PLNU swag!
Classroom Visits*|10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Campus-wide
No need to take notes, there won’t be a quiz at the end. Join your student during one of their Friday classes. *To sit in on classes, please have your student request approval from their professor(s) ahead of your arrival.
Sage Serrano Exhibit: Don’t Worry, You’re Invited to the Party!|10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Keller Gallery
Keller Gallery hosts San Diego artist, Sage Serrano. This solo exhibition explores the concept of birthdays, birth dates, and identity. Happy Belated Birthday! features new drawings and sculptures created over the past year that have been inspired by birthdays past and to come. The celebration of birthdays is something that Serrano interprets as another way to recall, remember, and reflect on memories and experiences that celebrate life. Every day is someone's birthday or birth date, and age is just a number. And yes, cake will be served!
Campus Safety | 11:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Smee 100
We invite you to join us for this informative session on campus safety hosted by Jeff Bolster, Vice President for University Services and Mark Ryan, Director of Public Safety. PLNU is committed to the well-being of our students as well as our collective campus community. During this session you will learn more about the Department of Public Safety, our campus emergency preparedness plan, how to sign up for the RAVE emergency alert system, general safety statistics, and ways your student can be proactive in their own safety.
Faithful Families Luncheon* | 12 – 1:30 p.m.
Fermanian Conference Center
This special luncheon honors our PLNU Faithful Families who have supported PLNU students through their generosity. *This event is by invitation only.
Historical Walking Tour | 2 – 3 p.m.
President’s Dining Room
Enjoy a historical walking tour of the campus as you learn more about the interesting origin of PLNU's campus and its first occupants. Guided tour led by PLNU friend, former PLNU parent, and local resident, Beth Zedaker.
Welcome & Worship | 4 – 5 p.m.
Brown Chapel
Join the PLNU Worship Team for this family chapel experience and hear from Dean and Professor of Marketing, Jamie Hess, as she shares how students (and faculty) are encountering God in the classroom and beyond. We look forward to officially kicking off Family Weekend 2023 together in fellowship.
Dinner | 5 – 7 p.m.
Campus Dining or Off Campus
Join your student for dinner at one of our on campus dining locations or check out one of their favorite local spots off campus. Please see our Campus Dining info below for more details. Dinner is not included in price of registration.
Ice Cream Social | 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Ryan Plaza
After dinner, join us on our newly renovated Ryan Deck for an ice cream social and live music. Bring a cozy sweater or blanket, build your own ice cream sundae, and enjoy acoustic sets by our Commercial Music students.
Loma After Dark Trivia Night | 8 p.m.
Activities and Recreation Center (ARC)
Challenge accepted! Join Loma After Dark (LAD) for a fun night of trivia. Bring your family, friends, or hallmates and compete against other teams to win Loma swag and awesome prizes! We will have some snacks and host several rounds of trivia featuring topics like Loma, Disney, Family, and more.
Saturday, October 14
Saturday Check-In & Coffee | 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Greek Amphitheatre | North Entrance
Only joining us for Saturday’s activities? Grab coffee and check-in at the Parent & Family Connection booth to grab your Family Weekend welcome packet that includes your name badge and President’s Breakfast tickets (if attending). Your badge will grant you access to our featured events and provide a special discount at the Bookstore!
President’s Breakfast | 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Greek Amphitheatre
Join us for a picnic-style breakfast as we dive into PLNU’s rich history and learn how the PLNU community has encountered God through the decades. Hear from President Brower, PLNU parent, Dr. Ben Cherry, and student vocalist, Carly-Ann Taylor as we gather together for this special morning. Breakfast tickets are included in registration but are required for all guests including PLNU students. Please be sure to register your entire party. Gates open at 8:30 am with programming beginning at 9:00 am.
Prayer Walk | Immediately following the President’s Breakfast
Greek Amphitheatre | North Entrance
Join other PLNU parents, families, and students on this guided prayer walk led by former parent and PLNU friend, Connie Jackson. As you make your way across campus there will be opportunities to pray over our students, faculty, staff, and the university. Please meet at the north entrance to the Greek immediately following the conclusion of the President’s Breakfast.
Bookstore Open House | 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Bookstore
Stop into the Bookstore for raffles, kid-friendly activities including games and coloring stations, and to leave your student a note on the Wall of Encouragement. Be sure to flash your Family Weekend name badge to get 10% off your purchase of any PLNU swag!
Pickleball | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Tennis Courts
Join the PLNU Pickleball Club for a fun pickup game anytime between 11 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.! Come enjoy this wildly popular game that incorporates tennis, badminton, and ping pong as you get to know other students and families. All skill levels are welcome to join as we will have courts dedicated to lessons, fun play, and competitive play. A release of liability form must be completed by all participants and can be filled out here.
Surf Camp | 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
La Jolla Shores | 8200 Camino Del Oro La Jolla, 92037
Join PLNU parents Darren and Kelley Klassen and the Torrey Pines Church Surf Ministry down at the shores for an opportunity to learn to surf from skilled instructors. Equipment will be provided or you’re welcome to bring your own and join in the fun. Camp will be set up in the sand just south of lifeguard tower 33. A release of liability form must be completed by all participants and can be filled out here.
Beach Volleyball | 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Young Hall Beach Volleyball Court
Come enjoy the sunshine and coastal views as you compete in a friendly game of beach volleyball. Hosted by the Men’s and Women’s Volleyball Clubs. A release of liability form must be completed by all participants and can be filled out here.
Smash by the Sea | 5:30 p.m. (check-in) 6:30 p.m. (game time)
Activities and Recreation Center (ARC)
The eSports Club hosts Smash by the Sea, the official Super Mario Bros. Ultimate tournament at PLNU! This event is tailor-made for the whole family, whether you’re a long-time player or never picked up a controller. We offer time before the tournament to check-in, learn the controls, and make valuable connections in a welcoming community. Entry is included with your Family Weekend registration. Pizza and water will be available for $1 each.
Loma Escape Room | 6 – 9 p.m.
Cunningham A&B
The famous PLNU Bell is missing! It’s up to your team to find it before time runs out! Hosted by ASB, this exciting new event gives you the opportunity to put your skills to the test. Grab your family, your friends, or your roommates and register your team at the ASB booth at Friday's Block Party or Saturday's President's Breakfast. Maximum of 8 people per team. Last time slot will be 9 p.m.
Pre-Concert Reception for PLNU Military Families | 6:30 p.m.
Cooper Parlor
Hosted by PLNU’s Military Programs and Services and the Music Department, we invite our Military families, members, and dependents to be our guests for this special reception prior to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band Wind Ensemble Concert. Light desserts will be provided. No RSVP required.
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band Wind Ensemble Concert | 7:30 p.m.
Crill Performance Hall
PLNU Music Department is honored to host the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band Wind Ensemble. The Third Marine Aircraft Wing Band was established for service during World War II. Soon after the war ended, the band was deactivated and its members were sent to serve in Marine units in China and at Marine Corps Air Station Ewa, Hawaii. In 1952, the Third Marine Aircraft Wing Band was officially reactivated at Marine Corps Air Station Miami in support of the Korean Conflict, using Marine musicians returning from China and members of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing Band. The band’s most recent deployment was in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom when the band returned to Kuwait in February 2003, for duty as a perimeter security machine gun platoon at Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base. The band returned to the United States on June 5, 2003. All members of the Third Marine Aircraft Wing Band are combat trained Marines. With combat veterans in their ranks, they give full meaning to the term “Marine Musicians.”
Who can attend Family Weekend?
We define family as our students’ unit of support and this event is designed with that in mind. So, whether you’re a parent/guardian, sibling, grandparent, extended family member, friend, etc., you are welcome!
My student isn’t a freshman, can we still attend?
Yes! Students and their families are welcomed and encouraged to attend Family Weekend every year they are able to.
When can I register?
Online registration is open now – October 6. Day of registration will be available at the Info Booth during Check-in on Friday and Saturday’s.
Do I need to register my PLNU student?
Yes, please use the “PLNU student” ticket to register your student. This grants them complimentary access* to any Family Weekend events and activities.
*Unless otherwise stated.
How do I add a guest to my registration?
Please register your additional guests, then email familyweekend@pointloma.edu to have them linked to your existing registration.
How do I make other changes to my registration?
Please email familyweekend@pointloma.edu or call (619) 849-2512 and one of our team members will assist you with other changes.
Where should I stay for Family Weekend?
PLNU is pleased to offer a specially reduced rate at a variety of Bartell Hotels in the San Diego area. Rates are based on availability and all appropriate taxes and hotel fees apply. To guarantee a special rate, please book early and ask for the "PLNU rate" at the time the reservation is made. In return, Bartell will donate a percentage of the total room cost to PLNU's Loma Fund benefiting student scholarships. Book online and find additional information about PLNU's partnership with Bartell hotels.
Directions
3900 Lomaland Drive San Diego, CA 92106
Does PLNU provide off campus shuttle service for the event?
We currently do not have off campus shuttle service, but rather recommend taking advantage of San Diego’s many rideshare options.
Where do I find a campus map?
You can find a campus map here.
Where do I park?
Parking will be available across campus with complimentary parking attendants available in our Commuter and Fermanian parking structures during high traffic times.
Campus Dining Info
Friday, October 13
- Point Break Cafe | 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Bobby B’s Coffee Company | 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Nicholson Dining Room - Lunch | 10:45 am - 2:30 pm
- Nicholson Dining Room - Dinner | 4:45 - 8:00 pm
* Please check location for meal pricing and menu.
Saturday, October 14
- Point Break Cafe | Closed
- Bobby B’s Coffee Company | 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Nicholson Dining Room - Brunch | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
- Light Lunch | 2:00 - 4:30 pm
- Nicholson Dining Room - Dinner | 4:30 - 6:30 pm
* Please check location for meal pricing and menu.
Questions? Please contact us at familyweekend@pointloma.edu or (619) 849-2512.
Photographs taken at PLNU Family Weekend may also be used in various university publications or on the university website. Individuals who prefer that their photograph not be used must inform the Marketing Office of their request.