Welcome

This is the final issue of Connections 2012. There is a lot of information for your review, so scroll to the end. The campus is too quiet without you and we look forward to seeing you in September!

Past issues of Connections 2012 can be found here.

CAMPUS NEWS

Inauguration Festivities

As we begin the 123rd academic year of PLU, please join us on Tuesday, Sept. 4th for the inauguration of PLU's 13th President, Dr. Thomas W. Krise.

PLU Construction Updates

Work continues around campus in preparation for your return in Fall! Check out what we've been working on and the updates we've made so far.

‘I will vote’ (And we can help!)

Fall semester is a busy time of year – but that’s no excuse for not voting. Student Involvement & Leadership has put together a one-stop shop for making sure all students participate in civic engagement – from registering to vote and getting an absentee ballot, to knowing exactly what your rights are as a student. It is all here!

START OF FALL SEMESTER

Student Orientation / Welcome Weekend

Each year, new students tell us that Orientation helped make PLU feel like home. Be officially welcomed to the university by faculty, administrators and current students. For this fall's orientation events for First-Year Students, Transfer Students, International Students, On the Road and Parent Information, click here.

Opening Day - (Inauguration/Convocation/Involvement Fair)

Opening Day (Tuesday, Sept. 4) begins with a special Inauguration Ceremony and Convocation, followed by the Involvement Fair on Foss Field - an annual tradition of opening the academic year by welcoming new students and faculty to PLU. Click here for the Opening Day schedule!

2012-2013 Daily Planner

The Daily Planner and Student Handbook is pre-printed with important PLU information. Residential students will receive their planners during move-in. New off-campus students will receive a planner during Orientation. Students can also pick one up at the Student Involvement & Leadership Office, Student Services Center, or the Student Life Office beginning September 4.

Opening Athletics Schedule

Cheer on the Lutes at opening home events! On Friday, Sept. 7, Women’s Soccer hosts Trinity Lutheran, and the first football home game is Saturday, Sept. 8 at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup. Click here to see the full schedule!

Commuter Lounges

Commuter Student lounges are available at several campus locations, including Hinderlie Hall (staffed with student workers), the Rieke Science Center Lobby, and the Kreidler Hall Lounge. The University Center Commons (main floor) is also a great lounge area with close access to food and a microwave. Lockers are also available around campus. Click here for more details.

DON'T FORGET!

Medical Withdrawal Insurance

Students are offered an optional insurance plan through Dewar Insurance Company that covers tuition, room and meals should they need to withdraw from PLU for medical reasons. The deadline to submit the application is Tuesday, September 4. For coverage, cost and enrollment information, click here.

Student Code of Conduct

PLU strives to create and maintain a positive educational environment. Each student is expected to be familiar with, and uphold, all university policies. Ignorance of these policies is not an excuse for violating it! Updates to the Student Handbook (which includes the Code of Conduct and Conduct Procedures) will be posted on August 23.

Athletics: Required Pre-participation Medical Examinations

New students planning to participate in a PLU sport must undergo a medical examination at the PLU Health Center. This service is provided at no charge, is mandatory, and must be completed at the PLU Health Center. New students who live within driving distance of PLU should come in during the month August. Students who live outside of driving distance should call to schedule an appointment (253-535-7337) before athletic practice begins.

Campus Emergencies

Get a Kit. Make a Plan. Be Informed.

PLAN AHEAD

Students with Disabilities

If you have a disability and have not yet requested accommodations, please contact Disability Support Services as soon as possible. Requests typically should be submitted six weeks prior to the start of classes. Guidelines for required documentation and relevant policies are available here.

Academic Calendar

Mid Semester Break is when? What week are final exams taking place? Answer your questions here.

Textbooks - New. Used. Rental. Digital.

Save at Garfield Book Company with used textbooks. Creating a great selection of used books is a top priority for our staff, and we've got it down to a science. Great selection. Great accuracy. Great Customer Service. Click here to order your books today!

Dining Dollars

Dining dollars are used to buy food items, tax free, at any campus restaurant and can be used to supplement a meal plan. Dining Dollars can be purchased throughout the academic year, carry over from term to term, and do not expire until the last day of the spring term.

Garfield Book Company

Your store for PLU Lute apparel, study aids and supplies, residence hall accessories, and much, much more!

STUDENT LIFE

Chapel in Lagerquist

Ecumenical chapel services begin Wednesday, September 5, at 10:30 a.m. in Lagerquist Concert Hall. All are invited. Chapels take place M-W-F all year.

LuteBites

Visit our blog, LuteBites, and tell us what home cooked meal you will miss the most when you arrive in September. Have an awesome recipe from home? Enter it in our contest and we might feature it at our LuteBites Dinner in The Commons September 12, 2012.

Student Employment

The Student Employment Office works with current degree-seeking students to assist with their employment endeavors, as well as to help develop skills in resume writing, interview prep, job search strategies and career planning.

If you want a snack or full-blown meal...

There's a place for you to eat at PLU. From late-night goodies to early morning breakfasts, we have food for you!

An easy - and inexpensive - way to get around town

Don’t have a car on campus? PLU and Zipcar have made it easy to get around! Two fuel-efficient cars are available on campus for your convenience, following membership into the Zipcar program. To learn more and to sign up, click here.

Pacific Lutheran University: 12180 Park Avenue South Tacoma, WA 98447-0003

Office of Student Life | 253-535-7191