We are committed to free and open inquiry in matters concerning the advancement of knowledge. In order to carry out our mission, we encourage all community members to speak, write, listen, challenge, and learn through a full, open, and civil discussion of ideas. Freedom of expression is vital to our shared pursuit of knowledge. This document covers academic freedom; civility within the university and classroom; equity, diversity and inclusion; the student code of conduct; the students' academic...

Pacific University admits* students based on their demonstrated preparedness to succeed in the course of study leading to the given degree and, where relevant, in the professions that the degree serves. Within established university protocols respecting requirements by the Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities and, where applicable, specialized accreditation requirements, each academic program defines the specific qualifications required for admission and has the authority to make...

Pacific University’s educational mission relies on the ethical behavior and professionalism of the members of its community, including faculty and staff. Every person should have the freedom to pursue academic, training, research, and professional interests in an environment without preferential or unfair treatment, discrimination, harassment, bias, or coercion. Romantic or sexual relationships between faculty/staff members or others in positions of authority over students can jeopardize the...

Pacific University campus animal policies shall be in conformity with state, county, and city ordinances and regulations. In conformity with Oregon Health regulations relative to food services, no animals are allowed in the University Center. The President, or her/his designee, shall duly assign administrative responsibility to implement these policies. Violations of this animal policy may result in calling the appropriate authority requesting removal of the animal. See other applicable Pet...

Committed to the highest standards of moral and ethical behavior, employees are expected to report known or suspected fraudulent or dishonest conduct. Employees reporting known or suspected fraudulent or dishonest conduct in good faith must feel safe and protected from retaliation. Employees found to have been making frivolous claims under this policy will be subject to disciplinary action. The purpose of this policy statement is to provide a formal protocol for communication among relevant...

It is the responsibility of staff members to update relevant information such as address, telephone number or tax status, in applicable systems and if unable, the staff member shall notify the Human Resource Office of changes.

This policy applies to anyone seeking to conduct a charitable gaming activity to raise money to benefit any part of Pacific University. Definitions: Charitable gaming: consists of bingo, raffle and Monte Carlo events in which the proceeds are used to fund the activities of tax-exempt nonprofit organizations. Regulated by the Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ). Sponsoring party: organization within the university intending to offer a charitable gaming activity, may include employees, parents...

In any organization, misunderstandings and problems can develop which require clarification and attention. These disagreements may involve peers or an employee and a supervisor. Each person involved in a disagreement should be treated with respect and a grievance should not be discussed with anyone other than the person(s) involved in its resolution. Pacific University provides each employee with this process for resolving a work-related complaint. This policy does not apply to complaints...

A conflict of interest is considered to exist if an employee’s actions, activities or practices on behalf of the University result in preferential treatment or an improper gain or advantage to the employee, the individual’s family or business associates, or conversely, has a detrimental effect on the University’s interests. It can include an instance in which an employee fails to exercise due care, skills and judgment on behalf of the University on the performance of the individual’s duties...

For purposes of this policy, a consensual relationship is a mutually acceptable intimate, romantic and/or sexual relationship between a University employee with supervisory, teaching, evaluation or advisory authority and an employee or student who is supervised, taught or advised by that employee. This policy was retired on April 8, 2025. Other Related Policies: Amorous Relationships Policy

This policy's purpose is to ensure that academic programs defined as distance education or including distance education components have processes through which the program, 1) establishes that the student who registers in a distance education course or program is the same student who participates in and completes the course or program and receives the academic credit, 2) protects the privacy of student information in these processes, 3) informs students of these processes and any related costs...

Pacific University will make every attempt to keep offices and services operating inclement weather. However, there are occasions when severe inclement weather may necessitate closure of the university. In that event, the procedures within this policy will be observed. In the event of emergency closure, the University’s web site ( www.pacificu.edu) will be updated with information about closures and /or late openings at the Forest Grove, Hillsboro and Portland campuses. In addition, the...

In the event of an emergency the Pacific University Emergency Plan provides the guidelines to minimize the threat to life, health, and property due to natural disasters, medical emergencies, fires, and utility failures. The Pacific University General Emergency Plan is known to the campus community and is distributed to managers, supervisors, and student representatives. Training sessions are provided for all employees and students. If, in the view of the University President or his/her designee...

The University will not prohibit the employment of relatives provided that the employment does not create a conflict of interest and has been based on merit principles and that a member of the employee’s family does not influence the selection process.

Pacific University will verify employment and respond to reference requests regarding current and former faculty and staff to outside organizations who request such information for credit or employment purposes.

The Equal Opportunity Policy provides the framework for upholding inclusion, diversity and equity at Pacific University in all academic and employment practices.

This policy describes the tuition assistance available to benefit eligible employees for graduate/professional programs at Pacific University. For selected Pacific programs of study that are not already covered by the University employee tuition remission policy, and that are designed for working professionals, such as those with hybrid or distance- based curricula and/or a part time schedule, benefit eligible employees may receive tuition assistance not to exceed the value set annually by the...

Committed to the highest standards of moral and ethical behavior, employees are expected to report known or suspected financial irregularities. Employees reporting known or suspected financial irregularities in good faith must feel safe and protected from retaliation. Employees found to have been making frivolous claims under the policy will be subject to disciplinary action. The purpose of this policy statement is to provide a formal protocol for communication among relevant parties.

Pacific University has adopted a Floating Holiday Award for Commencement Event Staff to recognize the additional duties and contributions for exempt staff when assisting with the May and August commencement ceremonies. Floating Holiday Award for Commencement - HR Procedures Document

Pacific University reaffirms the principle that its students, faculty, and staff have a right to be free from harassment in workplace and academic settings and activities. Harassment is inconsistent with the nature of an academic community and in some circumstances can be a violation of federal and state law. Updated July 2024