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President Porterfield’s first two years

SPU scores high in 2026 national rankings

ɬÀï·¬ has once again earned national recognition in several 2026 college rankings, placing ɬÀï·¬ Pacific among the best universities in the country. Read the full story here.

Annual drills help keep SPU’s campus prepared

Every Autumn Quarter, including in this past fall, students, faculty, and staff participate in an evacuation drill that begins with responding to a simulated earthquake by following the “drop, cover, and hold” alert — the first step in an actual earthquake response.

After completing the earthquake portion of the drill, students and employees evacuate campus buildings and gather in designated locations. Each classroom and office follows specific instructions and assigned evacuation routes.

This January as Winter Quarter gets underway, the campus community will also take part in a lockdown drill. In both drills, offices and residence halls have designated building emergency coordinators who communicate directly with the Office of Safety and Security.

“Each year, SPU conducts emergency preparedness drills to ensure our campus community is ready to respond effectively in a crisis,” said Cheryl Logsdon, assistant vice president for Safety and Security. “These drills are a key part of our commitment to student safety and help reinforce a culture of preparedness and care.”

Your Winter Quarter prayer prompts

As your student begins Winter Quarter, the SPU Parent Prayer Network invites you to join us in lifting up our students, faculty, and campus community. Your Winter Quarter prayer guide includes these seasonal prayer prompts to offer guidance and encouragement as you pray for your student and the SPU family.

Autumn Quarter Dean’s List announced

The Autumn Quarter 2025 Dean’s List is now available. The Dean’s List recognizes undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students who completed at least 12 credit hours. Congratulations to the students whose hard work earned this academic distinction— and thank you to the families who support their academic success!

By Katlin Barr, Assistant Director for Learning Support Services

As Winter Quarter gets underway, the Center for Student Success (CSS) is ready to help students stay organized, confident, and on top of their coursework. Whether it’s for extra help in a tough class, or simply for help adding more intention into their study habits, CSS offers free academic support and resources for all SPU students.

Study Tables provide drop-in peer tutoring for courses in math, chemistry, and biology. Led by faculty-recommended peer tutors, these sessions are a great space to review challenging concepts, complete homework and lab assignments, and prepare for exams.

• Math Study Tables: Otto Miller Hall, Room 138
• Chemistry and Biology Study Tables: Third Floor, Ames Library

Encourage your student to check out the full schedule and list of supported courses at spu.edu/studytables.

Does your student need a different option? SPU students can also schedule one-on-one academic-coaching appointments for personalized support in areas such as time management, reading and study strategies, note taking, test preparation, or managing test anxiety. Coaching is especially helpful for students who feel overwhelmed or want to improve their performance in a particular course. Have your student check out spu.edu/academic-coaching.

Finally, remind your student to keep an eye out for Night Against Procrastination, a fun Winter Quarter event co-hosted annually by CSS and the SPU Library. This popular event features learning activities and academic support, snacks, prizes, and more. Details to be announced later!

Flexible online master’s programs for working adults

Your student is preparing for a bright future at SPU — and you can, too! ɬÀï·¬ Pacific offers top graduate education programs that equip aspiring teachers to make a meaningful impact.

If you’ve ever considered a career in education, SPU provides flexible, fully online programs designed for busy adults who want to keep learning without putting life on pause. Explore options such as AMAT-Online, AMTMS-Online, and Teacher Leadership. All coursework is fully online for maximum flexibility and balance. Learn more here.

Find your student’s 2026–27 FAFSA deadline

The 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now open at ! Complete the 2026–27 FAFSA to help SPU determine your student’s need-based aid for next academic year. Visit Student Financial Services online for guidance and more. The is also available for Washington resident students who can’t submit a FAFSA.

2026–27 FAFSA and WASFA deadlines

Incoming first-time freshmen students

• Priority deadline for regular admission: April 1, 2026

Incoming, new transfer students

• Priority deadline for Early Action: April 1, 2026
• Priority deadline for regular admission: July 1, 2026

Continuing-students priority deadline

• April 1, 2026

Final day to file

• June 30, 2027

For more from Student Financial Services, check out this SFS Updates page for a FAFSA FAQ, payment information, and more.