Cornerstones | Core Requirements

The cornerstone is the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure.

The Cornerstones provide the foundation for building an educational framework committed to the Pacific University Mission:

  • To promote a rich teaching and learning atmosphere of intellectual exchange
  • To provide opportunities to engage in scholarship and creative activities
  • To embrace sustainability, and use the university as a learning laboratory
  • To value diversity both in culture and opinion
  • To challenge campus members to involve themselves in civic engagement

Civic Engagement

This cornerstone prepares you to be an informed and active citizen. The key supporting program is the Center for Civic Engagement.

The minimum requirement is to complete a CE-designated course or project.

Consider these ways to build on you CE Cornerstone:

  • First-Year: be able to articulate what CE is, its value for you, and its value for the communities in which you participate.
  • Sophomore: complete the CE core requirement by the end of this year.
  • Junior: participate in a CE project; become a student CE leader; complete an advanced CE course.
  • Senior: participate in a CE project; include CE as an element of your senior project.

International and Diverse Perspectives

This cornerstone increases your awareness of and competency with diverse cultures.  Key supporting programs include the Office of International Programs, the Center for Languages and International Collaboration (The CLIC), and the Diversity Office.

The minimum requirement is to complete an IP- or DP-designated course or study abroad for a semester.

Consider these ways to build on you IDP Cornerstone:

  • First-Year: become more culturally diverse — join an organization, attend an event, or take a class that extends the horizon of your cultural awareness.
  • Sophomore: take an IP or DP course; consider majoring in International Studies; complete your language requirement and then take a 200-level language course.
  • Junior: study abroad for a semester; take advanced IP or DP courses; take upper-level language courses.
  • Senior: include IP or DP as an element of your senior project.

Research and Creative Achievement

This cornerstone prepares you for substantive scholarly achievement in the discipline of your major.  Key supporting programs include the Office for Undergraduate Research and the Fellowship Office.

The minimum requirement is to complete your senior capstone project.

Consider these ways to build on you RCA Cornerstone:

  • First-Year: focus on your coursework and development of academic skills.
  • Sophomore: choose a major and meet with your professors to discuss the methods and standards of scholarship in your discipline.
  • Junior: engage in a student/faculty research project; present scholarly or creative work at conferences, festivals, or shows.
  • Senior: do your capstone and present on Senior Project’s Day.       

Future Focus

This cornerstone supports your planning for after-graduation pursuits.  Key supporting programs include the Career Development Center, the Pathways Advising Office, the Fellowship Office, and the Alumni Office.

You will satisfy this requirement by active participation in the advisor-advisee relationship. We also strongly encourage you to visit and to use the resources of the Career Development Center

Consider these ways to build on you FF Cornerstone:

  • First-Year: visit and explore the Career Development Center.
  • Sophomore: link your major to career opportunities; visit the CDC.
  • Junior: investigate graduate schools or potential employers; do an internship; talk with your adviser about future plans; visit the CDC.
  • Senior: visit the CDC; apply to graduate school; contact employers.