On Aug. 16, University of the Pacific will welcome a brand-new class of Tigers to campus as first-year students move in and kick off their college journey. To help make your Move-In Day easy and stress-free, we’ve put together everything you need to know, from arrival logistics to making your dorm feel like home.  

Before you get here, take a few minutes to review the campus map and check out the Orientation agenda so you know what to expect. Once you’re here, keep an eye out for Ask Me Tents stationed around campus for help with any last-minute questions.  

While you’re preparing, don’t forget to check out our dorm packing list for tips on what to bring (and what to leave behind).  

Where to park 

When you arrive, look for a parking spot near your assigned residence hall. You’ll be thankful for the short walk when you’re hauling your stuff later! You have an assigned move-in time, so don’t start unloading once you’ve parked. ! You’ll get a timetable when you check in.  

Staff from Pacific’s Department of Public Safety will direct traffic and can help you find a spot if these lots fill up. Pacific doesn’t enforce parking fees during Orientation.  

There is no after-hours or Sunday move-in, so it’s important to arrive during your assigned time. If you miss your scheduled move-in, you’ll need to check in with Pacific’s Residential Life and Housing office during the week to get next steps.  

The Quad Communities 

If you’re assigned to a Quad Community, there are parking lots directly to the north and south. Both are marked with red pins on the map below.  

To access either lot, enter campus from the west via North Pershing Avenue. Turn onto Larry Heller Drive at the traffic light and continue until you reach a four-way intersection.  

• To park south of the Quads, turn right at the intersection. 

• To park north of the Quads, continue straight onto Rudkin Way. The lot will be on your right at the end of the road.  

Grace Covell Hall or Greek Housing 

If you’re moving into Grace Covell Hall or a Greek house, head to the parking lot directly behind Greek housing. It’s marked with a red pin on the map below.  

While this area is tucked away, it’s easy to find. Start by heading to Pacific Avenue, which runs along the east side of campus. At the traffic light, turn onto campus and head right toward Burns Tower.  

From there, follow Chapel Lane as it curves into Atchley Way. When you reach the Greek housing area, turn left. The parking lot will be just ahead on your right.  

How to check in 

Once you’ve parked, head to the DeRosa University Center (DUC) Ballroom to check in. There, you’ll receive everything you need for New Student Orientation, such as your Pacific ID card, Orientation badge, room key and personalized schedule.  

• Pro tip: Keep your badge on at all times. You’ll need it to access Orientation sessions, meals and other activities.  

You should have received your assigned move-in time via email, and you’ll get a reminder when you check in. Depending on your residence hall, you may also receive specific unloading instructions at that time. 

Have some time before your move-in slot?  

• Stop by the Orientation Fair on the second floor of the DUC to connect with Pacific departments and campus resources.  

• Starting at 9 a.m., you can register or update your voter registration on the DUC lawn.  

Move into your room

Once you’ve checked in and it’s your scheduled move-in time, it’s time to settle in!  

For large items like furniture or TVs, take advantage of the limited 20-minute unloading zones near your residence hall. These are short-term only, so be ready with the items you want to unload before you park there.  

Need help? Pacific staff, resident assistants and area coordinators will be nearby to assist with finding unloading zones, answering questions or resolving access issues.  

Don’t haul the small stuff 

You can ship some smaller items to Pacific’s mail room, which will be open on Move-In Day. Mail your packages early so they arrive by Aug. 14 at the latest! Staff need a few days to log and sort everything before you move in.  

Use this mailing address to ship packages; replace the words in brackets with your personal information:  

3601 Pacific Ave. 

Stockton, CA 95211 

Don’t forget to bring your student ID! You’ll need it to retrieve your package from the mail room. Pacific Mail Services is north of the Calaveras River, marked with a pin on the map below. Cross the pedestrian bridge north of the Quads to get there. Please note, Pacific Mail Services will be closed on Sunday, Aug. 17. 

• Pro tip: Pacific has two Amazon lockers on campus that you can use as well, named Cacophony and Argenta. 

We’re so excited to welcome you to the Pacific community! See you Aug. 16! 

College students live pretty busy lives. When you’re not running to class or tackling assignments, you’ll want your room to be a comfortable place to recharge. To help you plan, here’s a guide on what’s already provided in your on-campus housing, what you should bring with you and what you should not bring.  

You can make your move easier by buying some of these items locally. Pacific’s Stockton Campus is just a few minutes’ drive away from Target and the Weberstown Mall.

Have more questions? Be sure to check Pacific’s Housing FAQ for details about campus living.  

What your dorm includes 

Rooms in Pacific’s residence halls, apartments and Greek housing come fully furnished. While room size vary, you can always count on these essentials:

• A twin XL mattress and bed frame
• Dressers
• A desk
• A desk chair
• A closet or armoire

Keep in mind: University-provided furniture cannot be removed or placed in storage, so plan your packing accordingly if you’re thinking about bringing additional furniture. 

What you should bring 

While your room comes with the basics, It’s up to you to make it feel like home. 

Along with the essentials listed below, you’re welcome to bring personal items like devices, chargers, books, small decorations and other entertainment, but try to keep it minimal. You’re sharing the space, so a little goes a long way.  

 Here are the must-haves for living in Pacific housing: 

• Twin XL bedding
  • Bed sheets
  • Pillows and pillowcases
  • Blanket(s)
  • Comforter
  • Mattress topper
• Bath towels
• Shower caddy and shower slippers
• Toiletries
  • Toothbruth and toothpaste
  • Floss
  • Brush/comb
  • Prescription and over-the-counter medications
  • Your bathroom essentials
• Laundry bag or basket
• Laundry detergent
• Under-the-bed storage bags or bins
• Hangers
• Desk lamp
• Cleaning supplies
• Extension cord or power strip
• Clothing

You can also bring larger appliances, depending on where you’re living. If you’re in a residence hall, you’re allowed to bring a TV, microwave (900 watts or less) and a mini fridge (up to 3.2 cubic feet). Don’t feel like hauling your own? You can also rent a microwave or minifridge instead.  

If you’re living in an apartment, bring kitchen essentials like pots and pans, utensils, plates and other cooking supplies. Here’s a complete list of recommendations.  

Pro tip: Reach out to your roommate before Move-In Day. You can find their email in the housing portal when viewing your housing assignment. For bigger or more expensive items, coordinate with them so you don’t bring doubles.  

Not sure how to reach out to your roommate for the first time? Here are some tips and an email template you can follow.  

What you should not bring 

Some things just don’t belong in a dorm room, especially if they’re hazardous, disruptive or against housing policies. Some items that are strictly prohibited:  

• Illegal or controlled substances
• Large holiday or string lights
• Water-filled furniture
• Exterior antennas
• Outdoor clotheslines
• Dead plants or trees
• Fireworks
• Any form of weapon, including air or bb guns

Pets aren’t allowed in campus housing, unless they are approved emotional support or service animals. The only exception is fish, as long as their tank is 5 gallons or smaller.  

Any appliance with an open heating element is a fire hazard and not allowed in residence halls. This includes:  

• Hot plates
• Sun lamps, lava lamps and halogen lamps
• Incense
• Candles and candle warmers
• Space heaters

Toasters and coffee pots are only permitted in apartment kitchen areas. If you’re unsure about a particular item, please contact Residential Life and Housing at IAmHome@Pacific.edu or209.946.2331.  

Pacific’s Center for Identity and Inclusion (CII) was created as part of the university’s ongoing DEI initiative to give all students a sense of belonging, especially students from overseas and the LGBTQ community. According to Mario Enriquez, director of the Center for Identity and Inclusion, it is a great place to learn about yourself as well as other communities. 

“The Center for Identity and Inclusion is a home away from home. It’s a place where students can come together with staff, faculty and alumni to really build coalitions, to understand our different identities, where we come from and really homing in on that and celebrate the rich diversity here at Pacific,” said Enriquez. 

The CII was created in 2022 and was originally called the multicultural center, CII’s leadership believed the space should be renamed to lean into student identity so that it can be a place for learning, not just about yourself but also your community. 

“I like coming because I get to learn many new things, and I like to make new connections,” said computer science major, Shounak Palnitkar ’25 

Students can bring creative ideas for activities, learn what’s happening outside of campus and become more involved in social justice and the Stockton community. Students can get involved or get help from staff any time they visit. 

“I enjoy coming here because it’s a welcoming place to study and just chill out and relax,” said health studies major, Lilamae Young ’25. “Team members that are part of it have given me great advice and they’ve helped support, like getting certain resources that I needed.” 

The CII is located on the lower floor of the McCaffrey Center and is home to El Centro, a space for Latinx students; the LGBTQ+ Resource Center; Asian, Pacific Islander and Desi Student Services; Black Student Services and a lactation lounge.  

The CII also offers a central lounge area for students to hang out and host meetings. A mural painted by local artist Alex Suelto, stretches across the main wall and serves as a visual representation of the center’s mission to foster an inclusive environment. The mural features a variety of birds from around the world symbolizing different cultures.  

“Whether you’re black, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American and/or LGBTQ, there is a place for you on this campus,” said Enriquez. “We offer the opportunity to start a club, study, hang out, build community and really be a good advocate as a campus leader.” Enriquez believes the student-led activities at the center foster a sense of independence for each student.   

“We want to expose our students to what’s happening beyond our campus because that’s how you become more civically engaged,” he said. “I think that’s something that we really pride ourselves as a space to really build that coalition together.”  

There is a range of programs students can engage in throughout the year such as the Brotherhood Exchange for Men of Color and the Women’s Collective Group.  

The center also holds history heritage months, including Women’s History month in March, Black History month in February and Latinx history month in September. Everyone on campus is invited to celebrate. 

Learn more about the Center for Identity and Inclusion 

One of the benefits of studying at University of the Pacific is being enmeshed in a vibrant art scene. Across Stockton you can find formal institutions like the Haggin Museum and community-oriented spaces like Hatch Workshop. There are plenty of options to both appreciate art and create your own.  

You can also engage with local art without even leaving campus. Pacific’s Reynolds Gallery hosts exhibitions featuring work from a diverse array of artists, including Pacific students and staff. Music students play concerts, the library puts on multimedia exhibitions and some departments even invite local artists to conduct workshops.  

One of those artists is Eli Eberhardt, pictured below, who came to Pacific’s Center for Identity and Inclusion mid-November to teach students how to make zines. Zines, pronounced like the end of magazine, encompass a wide variety of self-published work. They can take many forms, but the most common is a single piece of paper, folded into a booklet. Inside you may find poetry, writing, hand-drawn art, collages and more.  

Surrounded by art supplies, Eberhardt walked attendees through the form’s history, from the Harlem Renaissance’s “little magazines” to the fanzines circulated by Star Trek devotees in the pre-internet age.  

“Now,” they said, “we see people making zines about Nicholas Cage.”  

A zine can be anything: a diary, a political or educational tract, art, fiction or a mix of everything. The important thing is that they’re easy to make, photocopy and distribute. It’s a low-cost way for communities to stay connected and learn from each other.   

“I like trading them like Pokémon cards,” Eberhardt said, holding up examples to show attendees. Several of them had a picture of the author on the back, accompanied by a short biography or social media handles.  

Some of the examples were light-hearted, filled with comics and drawings. Others split the mood, combining poetry and self-reflective writings. A few tackled heavier issues like mental health and social justice. 

“One of these is about Furbies and the other is about depression,” Eberhardt joked, sorting through a pile of zines. “They’re both wholesome, though.” 

Eberhardt is a Stockton native whose work in poetry, zines and visual art touches on topics like childhood trauma, mental health stigma and community advocacy. They’re the founder of 209 Poets, dedicated to spreading the work of local artists. They also manage everything zine-related for the nonprofit Tuleberg Press, where they facilitate a class on the subject twice a month in downtown Stockton.  

Going forward, they hope to expand access to zines by setting up a way for the Central Valley community to mass-produce them. They also want to make an online archive of local zines to improve accessibility. 

“There are a lot of disabled people who can’t leave their homes,” Eberhardt said. “This way they can still read them.” 

After showing off example zines, Eberhardt began to walk attendees through making a simple zine. It’s a quick process, although it takes a little bit of practice to fold and cut a piece of paper correctly.  

Very quickly, each student took it in their own direction. Some drew, others cut up magazines to make collages. One pair even ended up engrossed in old copies of National Geographic. As they worked, students and staff had a wide-ranging conversation about the state of art in the Central Valley.  

By the end of the workshop, most students were only partly done. The CII staff and Eberhardt agreed: They needed to plan another one, angling to bring the workshop back in the spring.  

The center’s staff and student workers already run regular art events, inviting attendees to paint, craft and make pinch pots. On top of that, Program Specialists Yvette Quintana and Missy Rae Magdalera said the zine-making workshop is part of a broader effort to invite the local art community onto campus. Their hope is to help Pacific students build bridges with Stockton’s artists and the community as a whole.  

Pacific also has student-run clubs focusing on arts like poetry, weaving, calligraphy and ceramics. For the time being, there isn’t one focused on making zines. As Eberhardt points out, though, distributing your zines can be a great way to build that community as people find them. Ultimately, you get to decide why you want to make zines.  

“The cool thing is that you can share it or not,” Eberhardt said. “You decide what happens to it.” 

Since its construction, Pacific’s campus has stood out as a jewel of San Joaquin County. Red brick roads and manicured lawns, towering redwood trees and meticulously kept garden spaces adorn paths between each historical campus building. There is beauty around every corner and plenty of outdoor space to relax or study while enjoying the Northern California weather. 

2. Your favorite study spot is steps away from your favorite coffee spot

Pacific’s William Knox Holt Memorial Library provides three stories of sprawling study space, so you will always have access to a comfortable, productive environment to power through your schoolwork. Needing an energy boost? A full-menu Starbucks is on the library’s main floor, and across the street Trail Coffee offers specialty coffee in a trendy, just-off-campus environment. (You might even catch Trail’s dog, Indie, at the shop, too!) 

3. You’ll be a part of a robust community in on-campus housing

Pacific’s residence halls and apartments foster inclusive, high-quality communal living, helping you build lifelong friendships and lasting memories. Living in prime locations central to campus means you’ll be close to all your classes and just steps away from on-campus amenities, so you can make the most of your downtime.  

You can also be a part of Greek life on campus! Social and professional fraternities and sororities provide opportunities for students to join rich communities focused on values of leadership, community service and academic excellence. 

4. There’s a club or organization for whatever makes you you

Pacific has over 100 student-run clubs and organizations that connect students through outdoor activities, spirituality and religion, culture and other important non-academic areas of life. Whatever your interests or identity, there’s a club for you. 

5. Nutritious snacks and delicious meals are around every corner

There are nine dining options across our main campus, so your favorite snacks or a comforting meal are always within reach. Hanging out on north campus? You can enjoy pastries, coffee and snacks at the newly opened Cafe 1851 in Calaveras Hall. Rushing to class on south campus? Grab a delicious on-the-go meal at the Pacific Food Truck! Wanting to sit down for a good comfort meal? There’s plenty of variety among the several dining options available at the DeRosa University Center. 

6. You can stay in shape with a gym membership – on the house

As a Pacific student, you get free access to state-of-the-art gym facilities at Baun Fitness, including a 36-foot rock tower, and join a variety of group classes including Pilates, Zumba and HIIT classes.  

7. There’s always a chance to get outside and play your favorite sport 

Jump into your favorite sport by joining an intramural sport through Pacific Recreation. This year’s intramural options included soccer, table tennis, basketball, flag football and pickleball. If you’re looking to get outside on your own time, be sure to grab some friends and reserve time at Pacific’s brand-new pickleball and cricket facilities!  

8. Pacific’s campus is built and operated sustainably

Pacific’s commitment to sustainability is woven into courses, facilities and campus life. Over 1,000 pounds of produce is harvested from campus gardens annually, and Pacific was ranked a top 10 university in 2022 in sustainable food and dining. Students of any program can minor in sustainability to learn more about building a more sustainable future through global policy and engineering. 

9. You show your school spirit and cheer on our Tigers at exciting home games

From basketball to volleyball to water polo, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to cheer on the Tigers at games throughout the school year –– and with our athletic facilities located right on campus, you’ll be within walking distance from all the action.  

10. The day trip opportunities are limitless

Living on Pacific’s main campus means you’re within daytrip-distance of Northern California’s greatest sights and experiences, including San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe. Plus, endless trails of coastal redwood hiking are all within a three-hour drive. Pacific Recreation offers trips called Tiger Treks throughout the school year, including a spring break camping trip in Big Sur. You can also rent equipment like paddle boards and kayaks from Pacific Rec, so if you’re lake-bound, don’t forget to rent a vessel! 

Still trying to visualize your college home away from home? As a student living at Pacific, you’ll be at the center of campus life, making new friends and creating a college life for yourself.   

First-year residential communities 

At Pacific, all first-year students live together in what is called the Quad Communities, which consist of 10 residential halls on the west side of campus. Each house has single-gender halls separated by floors, except Farley House, which accommodates roommates of any gender. Each residential house has a laundry room in the basement and a spacious communal lounge. 

“Pacific is committed to providing students with the full Pacific experience including a variety of housing options and Living Learning Communities for first-year students,” said Charlotte Stackpole, assistant director of Housing Administration. “Residential students have the opportunity to live comfortably with their peers and build lifelong friendships.” 

What a real college room looks like

If you’ve been on a campus tour, you’ve seen the model rooms open for visitors, but you may wonder what a room looks like with students living in it. Pre-dental major Joshua Alexander ’26 and business major Ziony Webb ’27 opened their room for us and offered advice on how to make your living space your own. 

For example, Ziony and Joshua say they got creative when it came to entertainment. 

“If you don’t have a lot of space to put a TV, having a projector is something you definitely need to get so you can watch movies,” Ziony said. 

They also recommend getting a small refrigerator and making room for snacks. 

Campus Convenience 

Living on Pacific’s campus also means you have all the essentials close by. 

“Research shows that living on campus provides students with a tremendous amount of support, quickly connecting them to campus and allowing them to thrive academically, socially and emotionally,” Stackpole said.

Our beautiful Stockton campus is small enough that you can walk everywhere. Located right next to the Quad Communities are the Baun Fitness Center where you can work out, the Grove where you can shop for groceries and the DeRosa University Center where you can grab a bite to eat.  

The William Knox Holt Memorial Library is just minutes away from the residential halls. There, you can reserve study spaces, get tutoring, grab a cup of coffee or even make a 3D print of your own design.  

Four-Year Housing Guarantee 

Unlike many other universities in California, Pacific guarantees housing will be available all four years for first-year students. First and second-year students are required to live on campus.  

Pacific can accommodate more than 2,500 students on campus—1,089 in apartments, 1,277 in residence halls and 138 in sorority and fraternity houses. 

We hope you’re enjoying spring semester! This is a friendly reminder that student housing applications for 2024-2025 are now open. University of the Pacific is a residential campus with a two-year housing requirement for first- and second-year students.  In addition, the university has a four-year housing guarantee for any students who want to remain on campus throughout their undergraduate years and beyond! With newly renovated first- and second-year housing and planned renovations in the Townhouses and the university-owned Greek Houses, we know you will find yourself at home here!  

We reached out to Charlotte Stackpole, the Associate Director for Housing Administration at Pacific, for tips on how to ensure your housing process goes smoothly:

Register for housing

All current students should visit the new Housing Portal before February 29 to register for 2024-2025 Housing.  The registration process will include updating your emergency contact information, reviewing GradGuard renter insurance options, paying your non-refundable Housing Placement Fee and signing your housing agreement.

Remember, there is a two-year living requirement for all first- and second-year students. Pacific recognizes that extraordinary circumstances may exist and students who have registered for housing can complete a petition for the university to review. Completing your 2024-2025 FAFSA is recommended for a thorough review of your petition. Petitions must be filed before February 23 and are reviewed weekly to provide students with swift responses.

Registration closes on February 29 so do not delay!

Pick your roommates

Through the Housing Portal, current students will have the option to form roommate groups with other students. While first-year students must live with other first years, returning students can form roommate groups across classes, and the student with the most units will be the group leader.

While roommate groups are not required, students who are looking for roommates can follow @pacificrlh on social media for information and special events!

Choosing housing

Starting March 5, students who have completed their housing registration will begin to choose their spaces for the 2024-2025 year.  All current students will be able to choose from available spaces based on where they are currently living and their number of units. Charlotte recommends checking out the housing flyer in my.Pacific for specific details. 

Advice from a former residence hall student

Make the most of your dorm experience. Some of my best memories at Pacific were made in the residence halls. My friends and I would spend time in each other’s rooms chatting the night away and enjoying each other’s company. It is also such a unique experience to live with and share sleeping quarters with a stranger, and then become best friends with them a few weeks later. 

Most importantly, be open to new friendships and experiences. Befriend your neighbors down the hall, enjoy the convenience of having a meal plan and make lasting memories.

Where to find more information about housing

The Office of Residential Life and Housing can be contacted via email. You can also visit its physical location at the Calaveras Hall Lobby from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Charlotte and the rest of the team will be out at the DUC every Pacific Friday from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Stop by and say hello! 

Megan Nishimura

Megan Nishimura is a fourth-year marketing major from Honolulu, Hawai’i. You can find her in Burns Tower as Enrollment Marketing’s student copywriter, in the stands as an athletics event staff worker or on the court as a member of Pacific’s Division 1 volleyball team.

It’s almost the most wonderful time of the year. Just a few more weeks and you can enjoy freedom during winter break without all your responsibilities. But first you must get through finals week. With projects wrapping up and finals quickly approaching, you are likely experiencing some stress. Here are tips from an experienced finals-taker on how to manage your mental health and prevent burnout. 

Try different studying techniques

If you find yourself in a slump with your current studying method or you can’t find the motivation to get started, consider trying one of these new techniques to boost your productivity: 

The Pomodoro technique is an effective way of studying and works by diving your work into regular and short increments with breaks in between them. You study for 25 minutes and take a five-minute break four times, then take a 30-minute break and, finally, repeat the cycle. It is an effective and well-known technique and is especially helpful if you have a short attention span or procrastinate.  

The Animedoro (yes, anime) technique is another studying method that works similarly to Pomodoro. Instead of small five-minute breaks, you work for 40-60 minutes and then reward yourself with a 20-minute break that can be used to watch an episode of your favorite anime or other show. If you choose this method, be sure you have enough self-control to stop after one episode to continue studying! 

Go outside and get some sunlight

We’re lucky to be living in California where the sun is available to us all year round. Take advantage of this luxury and take a break from studying to go for a walk or watch the sunset. According to Stanford Professor of Neurobiology Andrew Huberman, “Exposure to sunlight can have a powerful effect on our health, improve mood and contribute to an overall sense of well-being.” 

If you notice you’re stressing more than usual, get some sunlight. Listen to a podcast or your top artist of the year while you take a stroll around Pacific’s beautiful campus. Just make sure you step outside before 5 p.m. —early sunsets are upon us! 

Spend time with your friends and yourself

As important as your studying seems, your relationships with your friends, family and self are more important. If you feel drained, take a break and recharge with friends or yourself.  

Are you an extrovert or an introvert? If you’re an extrovert, or someone who “recharges” by being around other people, then take study breaks to get coffee or dinner from a restaurant on Miracle Mile with your friends.  

If being around others sounds exhausting, take some time for yourself. Some of my favorite ways to regain energy as an introvert include reading a book, walking around campus with my headphones in or watching a Rom-Com from the comfort of my own bed. Your mental health will thank you for this one, and you’ll have newfound energy to continue being an academic weapon.  

Health is wealth

If your cycle is eat, sleep, study, repeat, make sure that you are prioritizing and doing the first two steps. If you find it difficult to squeeze in full meals between studying, bring a protein bar or nutritional shake to hold you over. While preparing for a long study session, pack a variety of snacks and liquids to keep you properly fueled throughout. 

Determine how many hours of sleep you need to perform and retain information at your best. According to The Sleep Foundation, most college-aged students need seven to nine hours of sleep. If you find yourself feeling sluggish or tired during the day, take a quick 20-minute power nap to reenergize.  

You’re almost at the end. Keep working hard, and good luck studying. You got this! 

Bonus tip: Check out Pacific’s Destress Fest!

Take a break from your studies on Thursday night and check out Pacific’s Destress Fest from 6-9 p.m. at the DeRosa University Center. Play video games, paint mugs, drink hot chocolate and more. Don’t forget to enter the raffle to win prizes like Beats headphones or a new TV! 

Stick around after Destress Fest for Late-Night Breakfast from 10 p.m. to midnight for pancakes, eggs and great company! The event is free to all Pacific students, so fuel up before heading back to your studying  

Megan Nishimura

Megan Nishimura is a fourth-year marketing major from Honolulu, Hawai’i. You can find her in Burns Tower as Enrollment Marketing’s student copywriter, in the stands as an athletics event staff worker or on the court as a member of Pacific’s Division 1 volleyball team.

It’s hard to believe it, but the Fall 2023 semester at Pacific is almost at an end! From volunteering in the community to celebrating Homecoming with the entire Pacific community, it’s definitely been a semester to remember.  

Here’s a look back at some of our favorite memories from the past few months.  

Pacific Welcome 

The Fall 2023 semester kicked off with Pacific Welcome from August 19-27, a jam-packed week of fun activities and Pacific traditions designed to welcome thousands of new and returning students to campus and the city of Stockton.  

The festivities began with a successful move-in and orientation, where new students and families learned the ropes of college life. Students also explored the nearby Miracle Mile shopping district at the Tiger Prowlin’ the Mile event and enjoyed an on-campus concert at Block Party.

The incoming class officially marked the start of their collegiate career with Convocation in historic Faye Spanos Concert Hall, where they were introduced to university leaders and heard advice on making the most of their time at Pacific. 

Day of Service 

One of the newest Pacific Welcome events was the Day of Service on August 26, where more than 350 students, staff and faculty members spent the day participating in a wide variety of community service projects throughout the city of Stockton.  

The busy day started bright and early on the Stockton Campus, where buses shuttled volunteers to 24 local non-profits and agencies, from animal shelters to community gardens to after-school programs. 

Homecoming and Family Weekend 

From October 13-15, Homecoming and Family Weekend rocked Pacific’s campus with three days of fun festivities, epic reunions and lots of Pacific pride.  

Nearly 3,400 Tigers of all generations came together to celebrate Pacific at a wide array of events, including wine tasting, a beer fest, a tailgate, athletic events and the annual Orange and Black Ball. We even got to welcome prospective students and their families to join the fun at our Fall Open House!  

Queer Cheer 

October is LGBTQ+ History Month, which highlights and celebrates the history and achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Pacific celebrated with the annual “Queer Cheer” event, where students gathered on the DeRosa University Lawn for performances, music, education and fun.  

Pacific Trick or Treat 

An estimated 5,000 witches, superheroes and monsters of all sizes enjoyed a frighteningly fun evening of candy, costumes and games at Pacific Trick or Treat on Wednesday, October 25 at the Stockton campus. 

At this annual event, Pacific invites local families to receive candy from student, faculty and staff volunteers and enjoy a safe Halloween on our beautiful campus.  

Diwali Celebration 

In celebration of Diwali, Pacific’s Indian Student Association hosted a special evening event with a DJ, dancers, dinner, activities and more at the DeRosa University Center Ballroom. Diwali, or “Festival of Lights,” is a five-day Indian holiday that symbolizes light conquering the darkness.

Autumn Campus Beauty  

As we close out the fall semester, we leave (or should I say, leaf) you with a few photos of Pacific students enjoying our beautiful brick and ivy campus in its full, autumnal glory. See you in the spring, Tigers!  

Congrats, Tiger, you made it through midterms! What better way to celebrate than with your family and friends at Homecoming! University of the Pacific will host various events and programs this weekend, from October 13-15, across campus for alumni, family members, students and members of the Pacific community to enjoy.

All events require registration, which can be accomplished in person on October 13 at the Welcome Center in the Alex and Jeri Vereshchagin Alumni House. Here you can also pick up a weekend schedule, name tags and event tickets. Their hours are 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of events you, as a current student, don’t want to miss! 

Movie night under the stars

Grab some pillows and blankets from your dorm room and set them up on the Don and Karen DeRosa University Center Lawn for an outdoor screening of “A Million Miles Away” (PG) on Friday, October 13 at 8 p.m. “A Million Miles Away” tells the inspiring story of Pacific alumnus José Hernández, the first migrant farmworker to travel to space. The event is free, and popcorn will be provided! 

Run, stride or walk around campus

Bright and early on Saturday morning is the Tiger Dash, a family-friendly race around our beautiful campus. There’s a half-mile Cub Run for kids, the timed and certified 5K Tiger Dash and a casual 5K Pack Walk for strollers and pets on leashes. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m., and the official start time is at 8 a.m.  

Breakfast with the president

If you prefer a later start to your Saturday morning, head over to President and First Lady Callahan’s home for a backyard breakfast with live music from Pacific student musicians at 9 a.m. 

Cheer on your Pacific athletics teams across campus

There are four opportunities for you to show school spirit and cheer on your Tigers on Saturday. But before heading over to the women’s volleyball match, stop by the Homecoming lunch and tailgate at 11:30 a.m. for some great barbeque, fun activities, beer/wine and giveaways. Then, head over to Alex G. Spanos Center to watch women’s volleyball take on the Gonzaga Bulldogs at 12:30 p.m. 

After the match, head over to Knoles Field to watch women’s soccer challenge Bay Area foe, Santa Clara Broncos, at 1:30 p.m.  

Next, take your Tiger spirit over to Chris Kjeldsen Pool, where your #13 Pacific men’s water polo team will take on #15 California Baptist at 3 p.m.  

Finally, end your night back on Knoles Field to watch a beautiful Stockton sunset AND men’s soccer match against California at 7 p.m. 

On Sunday, your nationally ranked men’s water polo team will be back in the pool to face #12 UC Santa Barbara. End your Homecoming weekend with a splash!  

Immersive experiences

On Saturday at 10:30 a.m., Pacific will be offering free academic experiences to allow alumni, students and families to explore the innovative learning spaces and connect with faculty, Deans and students. These interactive sessions will be led by Pacific faculty members, some of whom are Faculty Mentor Award recipients. 

The Homecoming headquarters is also a great resource for questions and offers device charging stations and light beverages. For more information about this weekend, check out this website. 

See you there, and happy Homecoming! 

Megan Nishimura

Megan Nishimura is a fourth-year marketing major from Honolulu, Hawai’i. You can find her in Burns Tower as Enrollment Marketing’s student copywriter, in the stands as an athletics event staff worker or on the court as a member of Pacific’s Division 1 volleyball team.