Frequently Asked Questions

Food

Who is the food service provider?

Campus Dining Services is operated by Aramark. Students are on a nine plus meal program. Nine plus means seven dinners and two brunches are prepaid on the students account. All other meals are on a declining balance system. Students have four options for their declining balance. All students begin on declining balance B.

If a student misses a meal, how will he/she be fed?

Dining Services has an option of ready-made sack breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Students need to fill out a form 24 hours prior and pick up the sack meal the day he/she will be missing the meal.

If a student misses a meal and does not opt for the sack meal, is the meal compensated?

No. If one of the nine plus meals is missed, it will not result in compensation.

How are athletes fed while traveling?

Coaches and Dining Services utilize the sack meal program. If the trips are out of town, the coaches provide missed meals out of their budget.

Can parents join their students for dinner?

Definitely. Dining Services accepts cash and credit cards for all meals. Students can also use their declining balance to pay for parents' meals.

How much money is spent on off campus food?

It really depends on the student. We have heard of students spending $2 - $100 for meals, groceries, or eating out.

Housing

What happens if a student does not get along with his/her roommate?

This happens on occassion. Some students decide to change rooms and other students may stay and figure out how to handle the situation by communicating with their roommates. Pacific asks that all students remain in their rooms for the first two weeks of the semester. This gives students the opportunity to learn to share a room with a stranger or to share a room for the first time. Most students enjoy the room sharing experience and their first year roommates become lifelong friends and they often stay roommates throughout their college experience.

Is there a curfew?

Pacific does not have a curfew rule. However, students are asked to observe quiet hours between 10pm and 7am on weeknights and 12am and 10am on weekends. Doors are locked at all times. Students must carry their keys and key cards to reenter the building. Students are not required to sign in and out.

Who has access to the Residence Halls?

Students who reside in the buildings have outside key cards and room keys to their particular buildings and rooms. Campus Public Safety (CPS) and the Resident Directors (RDs) have master keys to all residence halls. Resident Assistants (RAs) have master keys to all rooms in their buildings as a precaution.

Can students have outside guests?

Students may have outside guests in their rooms. These guests are permitted to stay up to three days provided the roommate agrees. It is encouraged that the resident assistant (RA) be notified just in case of an emergency.

Are microwaves allowed?

Microwaves, toasters, candles, and incense are not allowed in the rooms or halls due to fire hazards. Microwaves are located in each of the study lounges and kitchens and have 24-hour access. Toasters are located in the University Center (UC). Coffee pots, rice cookers, and hot pots are allowed.

What activities happen in the Residence Halls?

Each hall has its own individualized programs. RAs are asked to sponsor programs each month. These programs can include going to Blazer or hockey games, wall climbing, movies, etc. Residence Housing Association (RHA) our residence hall governing body, provides programs such as hall dances and Hall-O-Safe, our Halloween program for the community.

Are the bathrooms co-ed?

No. Same sex bathrooms are located on each floor and showers are located in these facilities. * Please consult the residence hall handbook for specific policies.

Weather

What is the weather like?

Oregon weather is often noted as being unpredictable. Here in The Grove, you can expect it to be very warm when you arrive in August (90's), cool from late September until Mid October (70's and cooler), Rainy from mid-October through April, with a little sun and snow in between.

May is a tricky month. It will be cool, then extremely warm, and often rain unpredictably.

What type of clothing should students bring?

For the summer months, shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, and swimwear are great. For the cooler months of the year pants, long sleeved shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts, a jacket, gloves, hats, and shoes that can handle the rain (although you will find most still wear sandals and flip flops a.k.a slippas.) Bring an umbrella! If you are into camping and snow activities, bring your gear and take an Outback trip to Mt. Hood. Outback is a group that provides discounted outdoor trips to our students.

Health

What services are provided for students?

Students can receive health care from the campus Health Center. Students pay for services and then send it to their insurance for a refund check. Counseling, lab work, immunizations, cold/flu, sex education, STD testing, etc are all available. Students can also have their vision checked at the College of Optometry free of charge.

Should students receive the meningitis vaccination?

Meningococcal disease is caused by 5 serogroups of bacteria. The vaccine that is available protects against 4 of the serogroups. Unfortunately, in Oregon, unlike the rest of the country, over 66% of the reported cases of meningococcal disease have been serotype B which is not covered by the current vaccine. For this reason, the Oregon State Health Division does not recommend routine vaccination in all college students. Their recommendation is to inform people and that vaccination is a personal decision.
The vaccine is available now at the Washington County Health Dept. for about $70. Appointments can be scheduled by calling (503) 846-8851.

KEY POINT: Meningococcal disease is treatable. It is necessary to recognize the symptoms and seek prompt healthcare. Symptoms include a high fever (101 or higher) combined with a severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea, lethargy and a smooth purplish rash.

If a student is sick and misses classes what should they do?

Students should email or phone their professors immediately and ask a friend to get homework for them. If they are severely ill (a week or longer), Eva Krebs, Dean of Students, should be contacted.