Academic Advising
First-year students are assigned an academic advisor and a faculty mentor. Each student will be set up for a registration meeting with their academic advisor. Upon declaration of a major, students will also be assigned to an academic faculty mentor who helps the student in career planning/networking within the major. Academic advisors carry the primary responsibility for academic advising. Their role is critical in helping students navigate their academic journey as they will discuss and approve academic schedules. Advisors are assigned to specific programs in order to have more specific knowledge related to the major. The advisors are a safe place for students to seek guidance on classes, networking and community connections.
The Academic advisor will assist students in degree selection and completion of program requirements, in collaboration with the faculty mentor. The advisor will work with students each semester to evaluate academic progress and guide students through institutional policies. The academic advisor is a unique role in the student’s journey in that advisors will seek out the best interest of the student, while enforcing university policy. Although advisors and mentors review student schedules, final responsibility in meeting all graduation requirements rests with students. Students should periodically check with their advisor to make sure that their programming is proceeding as scheduled. Exceptions to the catalog or faculty rules governing graduation requirements can be granted only through review and recommendation of the academic appeals committee.
FPU is committed to providing opportunities for strong intellectual growth, which includes more than just mastering course content. The university challenges students to improve their abilities to think clearly and to communicate ideas accurately and effectively. Students are encouraged to express personal values openly and to challenge and evaluate competing ideas with fairness and insight. The advisor will work with students to understand their resources outside of the classroom, including career resources, disabilities services, academic success (tutoring/coaching), student development, student financial services, etc.
Academic Success Center
The Academic Success Center’s mission is to boost student achievement through a variety of services. All ASC staff and student workers are professionally trained through the College Reading and Learning Association to develop the knowledge and skills needed to confidently, independently, and actively strengthen the learning community.
Our goal is student success! We strive to support all students to reach their full academic potential as a student and to succeed in their endeavors at FPU. We provide academic coaching, tutoring in writing and most general education subjects, and access to resources to help students during their time in college.
The ASC is located in Marpeck 105 on the main FPU campus.
Phone: 559-453-5585
E-Mail: academic.success@fresno.edu
Academic Coaching
Academic coaching offers students space to ask questions about all aspects of life as a college student, how to navigate the university, and college success strategies. Students are welcome to engage with an academic coach on a drop-in basis or in ongoing one-on-one appointments. Academic coaches offer accountability, feedback, and encouragement to help achieve higher levels of academic performance.
Study Hall
The ASC on the main campus offers space for group and individual study. We have a reservable quiet space for individual or group study, and we offer coffee, tea, and snacks/microwaveable meals courtesy of the Sunbird Pantry. There are also study spaces at the Visalia and North Fresno campuses.
Tutoring
One-on-one tutoring is available to students for writing assignments across all disciplines and for help with general education subjects. Sessions are 30-50 minutes long and are available by appointment and through drop-in service. Writing tutoring is offered both online and in-person. Subject tutoring and academic coaching appointments are offered primarily in-person but can be requested to be conducted via Zoom.
Writing
Our writing tutors are trained to work with students at any stage in their writing process, though we encourage students to come in before any writing is done and plan and organize their essays with our writing tutors. Tutors offer help with development of ideas and theses, organization, formatting, and clarity. We welcome students of all language acquisition and will help our international students with English grammar rules. However, please note that the Academic Success Center does not provide proofreading services.
General Education Subject
Tutoring is available for STEM, biblical, and Spanish general education courses. The tutoring emphasizes collaborative and alternative methods of learning to help process classroom lectures and activities as well as work through expectations and game plans for homework assignments. Please note that our tutors do not offer homework help and will use practice sets to help guide through certain principals and ideas instead of working on the homework assignment itself.
Care Reports
Occasionally, staff, faculty, and coaches will submit student care reports, to the Student Care Team, when they believe a student may need extra support from the campus community. The Student Care Team will follow-up with the appropriate support services area, such as but not limited to Academic Advising, Campus Chaplain, Disability Access & Education, Pacific Counseling Center or Residence Life, who then may contact the student to offer support. A Student Care Team member may also reach out directly to the student to provide support and referrals. This support is recommended for the success of the student but is not required. This information is kept confidential under FERPA, and is only shared with appropriate, need to know, university employees. This supportive process is not related to the university’s Behavioral Values & Expectations Restorative Discipline process or Title IX Supportive Measures processes. To receive Supportive Measures under Title IX, please contact the Title IX Coordinator or submit a report on-line here: Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct (DHSM), and Title IX (TIX), DHSM and TIX Reports.
Career Services
The Career Service Center (CSC) provides a variety of career-related services to all students and alumni of the university. The CSC staff assists with career selection and job searches. Every student is encouraged to meet with the CSC career counselors to develop a career plan. Services include:
- Career Counseling
- Career planning and career testing
- Career Services Library
- Eureka – the most widely uses computerized career program
- Critique Resumes and cover letters
- Job Interviewing for internships, part-time and full-time work
- Employer information
- "What can I do with a major in...?"
- Graduate schools and Seminary application assistance
- Internships
- Job search strategies for today’s competitive job market
- Excellent and well informed workshops
- Job listings for full-time & part-time jobs, ministries, summer jobs and internships
- Scholarship and grant information
Location: Steinert Campus Center, Room 126.
Phone: (559) 453-2220 Fax: (559) 453-7147
E-mail: careerservices@fresno.edu
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Visit the Career Services Center website for extensive information at: www.fresno.edu/careerservices
Employment Services
The Career Service Center assists students in locating employment by providing information on available Jobs for on-campus and off-campus (part-time and full-time positions, summer employment, ministries and internships) are located in the Career Services Center’s Library, in Steinert, Room 129.
Note
Current job listings may also be viewed by visiting College Central Network accessible from the Career Services Center Website at www.fresno.edu/careerservices. Go to the job listings section from our website and click on College Central Network and then register.
To apply for on-campus positions students need to complete and submit an “Application for Student Employment” form located in the Career Services Center.
For questions regarding student employment contact
Director of Career Services
Steinert Campus Center, Room 132
(559) 453-2220
Commuter Life
Commuter Life exists to enhance the commuter students’ educational experience at FPU. The Director of Commuter Services (DCS) is as a professional staff member who supports and advocates for all nonresidential students. Students may seek seek assistance of the DCS regarding information, academic, or personal concerns. Commuter Assistants are a team of five commuter students hired to serve the broader population of commuter students at FPU . The Commuter Coordinator is an elected member of Student Government whose primary job is to represent the needs of commuter students to university staff, administration, and student government.
Counseling
The Pacific Counseling Center promotes the psychological health and well-being of the FPU community. Students are viewed as dynamic individuals who are in the process of becoming the people God created them to be. Academic success is facilitated by psychological health, and counseling services are available for enrichment, growth, and healing.
Psychological Services
Counseling services are provided by through the Pacific Counseling Center. The services include individual and couple’s counseling and group therapy. Both licensed and master’s prepared clinicians (interns/trainees) provide clinical counseling/psychotherapy and have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Clinical counseling enhances psychological well-being by exploring unhealthy patterns of relationship, challenging distortions and defenses in the personality structure, and exploring more effective ways to live. In turn, this psychological work facilitates the development of a more mature, richer relationship with God. Counseling services are available to all currently enrolled FPU students.
Potential reasons to seek counseling may include personal enrichment and growth, adjustment issues, self-esteem, abuse and trauma, young adult identity, suicidal thoughts, substance use and abuse, eating disorders or disordered eating, premarital and marital issues, cross cultural issues, depression and anxiety separation, grief and loss, relationships, and sexuality issues.
Confidentiality and Cost
All information disclosed within the therapy session is held in confidence by the counselor (trainee or intern) and the clinical supervisor, a licensed clinician. No information may be released unless the student gives written permission, except as required by law. Confidentiality may be broken when the court orders testimony or the release of records, with reasonable suspicion of child or elder abuse or with probable danger to self or others (i.e. when the student is suicidal, expresses homicidal intent or is gravely disabled).
The initial Intake phone call is free. The purpose of the first session is to discuss concerns and decide if counseling, on- or off-campus, would be beneficial. On-Site offers direct, confidential and professional counseling services at no cost for the first 12 sessions. Students are welcomed and encouraged to continue beyond 12 sessions at an increase in rate. The first 12 sessions are free to TUG, GRAD, and DC students. Starting at session 13, fees increase to $80 per session. The 12 free sessions restarts every calendar year. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment call the Pacific Counseling Center at 559-453-8050 or email us at onsite@fresno.edu.
Disability Access & Education
In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended in 2008 (ADA), FPU does not discriminate against students or employees with disabilities.
Fresno Pacific University values the diversity of students with disabilities and is committed to providing equal access and opportunity for all students. Students with documented disabilities can expect to have their privacy protected while being assured of reasonable and appropriate accommodations for all educational experiences. The office of Disability Access and Education serves as the liaison between faculty and students in the coordination of academic accommodations and services.
Disability Access and Education coordinates reasonable academic accommodations in classes and works with Residence Life and Facilities offices to make sure that housing and other campus services are accessible. Some examples of reasonable accommodations are listed below (examples only, not a complete list). In all cases Disability Access and Education strives to meet the unique needs of students while maintaining the integrity of academic programs and other services.
- Test-taking accommodations
- Alternate-format text for student with print disabilities
- Provision of ergonomic chairs
- Accommodations in meeting class assignments
- Housing related accommodations:
- Handicap accessible rooms
- Meal plan exemptions or reductions
- Emotional support animals
In order to receive assistance, the student with a disability must provide documentation which describes the specific disability. The documentation must be from a qualified professional in the area of the disability (i.e. psychologist, physician or educational diagnostician). We encourage students with disabilities to contact the office of Disability Access and Education before the beginning of their first semester or as soon as they are diagnosed with a disability. Once documentation is on file, arrangements for reasonable accommodations can be made.
Director of Disability Access & Education
Marpeck 104
Phone: (559) 453-7130
Fax: (559) 453-7210
disability.services@fresno.edu
www.fresno.edu/students/academic-support/services-students-disabilities
Service and Emotional Support Animals Policy
Financial Services
The Student Financial Services Office is devoted to efficiently servicing the financial needs of the students at Fresno Pacific University. The staff members are caring, accomplished professionals dedicated to providing excellent service. The Student Financial Services Office offers resources that will guide students through the processes of financing an education, applying for financial aid and maintaining their student account. Our goal is to guide students through all aspects of the financial processes, equip students with helpful resources and encourage Christian stewardship. For more information go to: www.fresno.edu/student-accounts
The university reserves the right at any time to change its student charges and policies if the board of trustees deems it necessary to do so.
The following financial information can be found in university catalog: Tuition costs, Room & board costs, University service fees, Deadlines for payment, Methods/means of payment, Financial Plans, Refund schedules, Appeals and petitions, Financial aid application procedures, Financial aid deadlines, Satisfactory Academic Progress, Scholarships & Grants, Student loan information, and other aid programs. http://www.fresno.edu/students/registrars-office/academic-catalogs
Helpful information can also be found on the Student Financial Services website at http://www.fresno.edu/students/student-financial-services
Food Services
Provider Contract Food Services is the food and catering services provider for Fresno Pacific University.
Provider brings together a staff of professionally trained chefs from diverse culinary backgrounds and hospitality managers with decades of retail dining experience to elevate the art of breaking bread. They enjoy taking a fresh new slant on food preparation and presentation to achieve up-to-date and flavorful menu selections. Their chef-driven strategy allows a stronger focus on customer satisfaction, premier food quality, and artful presentation.
Dining Locations and Service Hours
The dining hall is located in the Larry A. Shehadey dining room inside the Steinert Campus Center.
DeliCraft is also located in the Larry A. Shehadey dining room, with a separate entrance located on the east side of the building next to the patio seating area.
Charlotte’s Coffee Corner is located in Alumni Hall.
Current hours of operation for each location can be found on the FPU Dining Services page Dining Services | Fresno Pacific University.
Meal Plans
Fresno Pacific University (FPU) offers a variety of meal plans for all students. Residential and commuter students can choose from the meal plans on the FPU Dining Services page Dining Services | Fresno Pacific University. Meal plans and Bird Bucks (the extra dollars included with meal plans) can be used in the Caf, DeliCraft, or Charlotte’s Coffee Corner.
These meal plans and Bird Bucks can only be used in the semester they were purchased. Unused meal plan swipes or Bird Bucks expire after the last scheduled meal of the semester, they do not roll over from semester to semester. Unused meal plan swipes or Bird Bucks cannot be reimbursed for cash or credit.
Flex dollars are also available for purchase in $50 increments at any point throughout the semester. These dollars do not expire at the end of the semester and can be used at any location that accepts meal plan swipes or Bird Bucks.
Walk-In Rates
See the Provider cashier in the Caf for current walk-in rates.
Payment Options
The following forms of payment are accepted at all dining locations:
- Meal Plan Swipes
- Bird Bucks
- Flex Dollars
- Credit Cards
- ApplePay
- Cash
Board/Meal Plan Reduction or Exemption Requests
Exemptions from or reductions of the meal plan are rare and only in the case of documented health conditions that require special diets which cannot be accommodated by the food service provider. Students can apply for an exemption or reduction by submitting an Application for Services/Accommodations Request Form and the Verification of Disability Form with sufficiently detailed documentation from a recognized professional medical doctor (M.D.) with expertise related to the condition to the Disabilities Access and Education office. The request forms are available in Student Life or the Disability Access and Education office.
To be considered for a meal plan exemption or reduction you must register with the Disability Access and Education office prior to the second Friday of the semester for which you are applying for an exemption. Requests submitted after that day will be considered for future terms. Requests for exemptions must be submitted annually and are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Financial difficulty does not qualify for a meal plan exemption or reduction. Requests for exemptions for reasons such as a vegetarian diet, work or class schedule, access to a kitchen, or personal preferences are not considered.
In the case of food allergies, sensitivities, and/or other dietary restrictions, the food service provider will make every attempt to meet your specific needs as long as the appropriate medical verification has been submitted to the Disability Access and Education office.
Dining Hall Hours
Meals for students are served daily in the Larry A. Shehadey Dining Room during the following hours:
Monday to Friday
Breakfast 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Lunch 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Dinner 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday
Weekend Cafe: 11:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Charlotte's Hours
Monday to Thursday
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday
7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday
Closed
Deli Craft
Monday to Thursday
11:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday
11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday
Closed
Notary Public
A notary public is available on campus. Please call ahead to make an appointment.
Gary Estes
Location: McDonald Hall 204
Phone: (559) 453-2250
E-Mail: gary.estes@fresno.edu
Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8 am – 5 pm
Veterans’ Services
Fresno Pacific University is approved by the Bureau of Private Post-secondary Education as a degree-granting institution for the attendance of veterans (chapters 30, 31, 1606) and their dependents (chapter 35) under United States Code to be eligible for veteran benefits. Veterans and/or their dependents who plan to enroll in the university are encouraged to contact the veterans’ certifying official in the Registrar’s Office to file the appropriate paperwork with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. For more information about veteran benefits contact the Department of Veterans’ Affairs at www.gibill.va.gov.