Pacific University Campuses Closed to Visitors

Pacific University campuses are closed to the general public, due to guidelines around the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission’s requirements for college and university operations require that universities close their campuses in order to create healthier learning, working and living spaces for students and employees. Prospective students and families are still invited to participate in campus tours by contacting Admissions. 

Students in several health professions and optometry programs on the Hillsboro and Forest Grove campuses have already returned to campus, studying in a hybrid model of online classes and in-person labs and clinics.

Undergraduate students will return to the Forest Grove Campus in late August, where residence halls will reopen and classes will be offered in a mix of online and in-person formats. Several adjustments have been made to campus facilities and operations to encourage physical distancing and reduce spread of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

Among the changes: Pacific’s campus buildings are accessible only to students and employees. This includes facilities on the Forest Grove Campus that have traditionally been open to the public:

• The Stoller Center fitness center is available only to students on a reservation basis.
• The Tran Library is operating with reduced hours and requires a BoxerID for access.
• The University Center, including The Grove dining room and Starbucks, are available only to students and employees.

Hanson Stadium remains open for people to walk or run on the track, but physical distancing is required. The baseball and softball fields will remain closed. The rest of the Lincoln Park Athletic Complex, a joint venture between Pacific and the City of Forest Grove, is subject to the city’s guidelines for parks.

Several tents are being placed on Pacific’s campuses to provide sheltered outdoor space for students to eat, study and gather. These also are closed to the public.

Area residents are encouraged to limit their time on campus grounds, particularly high-traffic areas and times of day. Anyone who does visit campus grounds is required to comply with regulations, which include 6-foot physical distancing and wearing a face mask.

Pacific has canceled its traditional public events this fall, including the Performing Arts Series, which is taking a one-year hiatus. Homecoming will be offered to alumni through a virtual event model. The Northwest Conference has postponed all sports competition until after Jan. 1.

Pacific values its connections to its community and looks forward to resuming the athletic, cultural, and performance events it brings to Washington County, as soon as it is safe to do so. In the meantime, the university appreciates neighbors’ understanding and cooperation in helping keep campuses safe for students and employees.