Pacific is kicking off the academic year for new and returning students on the Stockton Campus with a robust schedule of engaging activities and events to connect with the campus community.

Pacific Welcome will take place Aug. 20-28 and includes move-in, orientation, convocation and Week of Welcome. The full schedule of events can be found here.

“It is the beginning of a lifelong relationship with an extraordinary community of scholars, leaders and peers, and we want to start them off on a strong foundation,” said Maria Blandizzi, vice president for Student Life. 

Traditionally focused on new students, this year’s program fully involves returning students to reconnect them with the campus, support services and each other. 

Families are encouraged to participate in new family orientation Saturday, Aug. 20 – Tuesday, Aug. 23 to learn about the transition students will experience and how to best support them. Parents and families can sign-up to receive ongoing communication through Pacific’s Parent and Family Network.

Signature Week of Welcome events

Following orientation events, Week of Welcome gives students the chance to explore the diverse activities and rich academic programming at Pacific. 

“Students can customize the experience to what they are looking for and really use that to set the tone for their first semester,” said Angel Zhong ’23, president of Associated Students of University of the Pacific (ASuop), the governing student body.

New Student Convocation, set for Aug. 24 at Faye Spanos Concert Hall, brings together faculty and university leaders to introduce students to academic life, followed by a traditional festive confetti parade and campus-wide lunch on historic Knoles Lawn.

Students who need last-minute essentials can take a complimentary ride to Target, just north of campus, Wednesday, Aug. 24. The store, which stocks Pacific-branded apparel and gear, will stay open an extra hour for students.

President Christopher Callahan and First Lady Jean Callahan will open their home near Grace Covell Hall Wednesday and Thursday for students to mingle and meet Pacific leaders.

Returning students can explore Miracle Mile, a popular Stockton neighborhood south of campus, to enjoy shopping, dining and entertainment. Complimentary rides will be available Thursday, and students who bring their Pacific ID card can get discounts from local businesses and restaurants.

The ASuop Block Party and concert Saturday, Aug. 27 is one of the biggest events to wrap up the week. 

“Going into Week of Welcome, I think there's a lot of anxiety for freshmen and new students because of this huge life transition,” said Zhong. “Block Party is the perfect place to let that out with people who are feeling the same way.”

Community socials, fitness classes, outdoor movies and other events are also planned throughout the week.

What’s new on campus

Returning students will notice a few changes to campus spaces and services intended to provide a better experience.

ASuop has moved its offices into the second floor of the DeRosa University Center. All of the university’s affinity groups will have one central location in the new Center for Identity and Inclusion in the McCaffrey Center. An open house is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 25 from 1-3 p.m. with a grand opening coming in September.

Students living in the Quad, a group of 10 small residential communities on campus, will have a new lounge space inside Elbert Covell Hall, which is centrally located in the area.

Librarians at the William Knox Holt Memorial Library and Learning Center are making improvements to PacificSearch and Interlibrary Loan to provide more user-friendly services. The changes take effect Aug. 15.

“The new version of PacificSearch will be called PacificScholar and will streamline student and faculty research by making it easier and more intuitive,” said Veronica Wells, assistant dean for user services and programs. “PacificScholar enhances the research experience. It includes features that allow users to create an account to manage projects and save items.” 

Pacific ILL, the Interlibrary Loan service, enables students, faculty and staff to request materials from other libraries around the country, typically at no charge. The new system will provide a better experience for users by making it easier to request items and download articles.

Pacific’s newly revamped food truck will be unveiled outside the DeRosa University Center during the Pacific Friday Tiger Fair Aug. 26. During the school year, it will be available Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the south campus and at athletic events.

Streamlined resources will make the start of the new year easier for students. Most services are available on the main floor of Knoles Hall, including enrollment, registration, housing, financial aid, billing and ID cards.