Orientation
FAQs
Where can I find more information on arriving?
Where can I access the detailed orientation schedule?
How do I access Canvas?
Follow the instructions contained in the e-mail when you receive your login credentials after receiving your visa.
What if I arrive late or miss orientation?
Orientation is an important and mandatory part of your preparation to attend Pacific. Late arrivals are not acceptable as missing one day could result in you missing important information about your classes and delay your registration. If you know in advance that you will arrive late, please contact studentservices@uopinternational.org
When do I get my class schedule?
How do I see my class schedule?
You will be able to view your schedule online on MyPacific. Detailed instructions on how to locate your schedule will be available during orientation.
If I have trouble setting up my Pacific accounts, what do I do?
To start, follow the instructions received in the e-mail with your login credentials. If you have not received your login credentials, we will assist you with setting up your Pacific accounts during orientation. If you have your login credentials but are experiencing difficulties accessing your tools after receiving your visa, please email helpdesk@pacific.edu.
Campus Move-in and Orientation begins on August 17, 2024.
Academics
FAQs
How do I calculate my GPA?
Where do I buy textbooks?
Can I take summer off?
Please email academics@uopinternational.org to consult with a UOPI Academics team member.
Academic advising helps you to plan your studies and to make decisions about which courses to take when.
Academic advising is conducted by the UOPI Academic Team and Faculty Advisors in your major.
You will have your first academic advising meeting during orientation.
Additionally, the UOPI Academic Team will meet with you regularly during your program to keep you informed about about program completion requirements, to connect you to Pacific services, and to support you with longterm planning for your studies.
Academic Advising Questions? Please contact academics@uopinternational.org.
When placement testing is complete, the UOPI Academic Team can prepare for your registration. Registration is completed during orientation.
For English language tutoring, enrolled UOPI students may visit the Tutoring Module on the UOPI Canvas page.
For support with writing and research assignments or peer tutoring in any Pacific course, such as Biology, Math, Economics and so on, please visit: https:// www.pacific.edu/university-libraries/services/student-academic-support-services-hub
Academic Advising Questions? Please contact academics@uopinternational.org.
Health & COVID-19
FAQs
Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine?
All Pacific non-health professionals and employees are not required to have COVID-19 vaccinations. Enrolled Health Sciences professionals are required to have COVID-19 Vaccine and Booster. For the most up-to-date information on vaccine requirements, please visit: www.pacific.edu/covid-19-update/students
Individuals with F-1 student visa status are required to show proof of COVID vaccination in order to enter the US. Vaccinations must align with the US’s approved list of COVID-19 vaccines. Only two exceptions apply:
- Student is from a country with limited COVID-19 vaccine availability (see list here ).
- Student is under 18 at the time of travel.
Effective December 06, 2021 – all international travelers (regardless of vaccination status) must show results of a negative coronavirus test taken one day prior to their flight’s departure from a foreign country traveling to the United States.
If neither vaccine exceptions apply to you and you remain unvaccinated, you may not be able to enter the US on the date of your scheduled travel.
For those passengers traveling under one of the above exceptions they must complete and present the Combined Covered Attestation Form to the airline at the time of departure. Passengers must be prepared to answer questions regarding Section 4 of the form and should have a clear understanding of their school’s COVID policies.
For more detail please visit:
www.pacific.edu/student-life/safety-wellness/student-health-services
www.pacific.edu/student-life/safety-wellness/counseling-and-psychological-services
Immigration
FAQs
Do I need a COVID-19 vaccine?
For immigration advising and policy guidance, please contact IPS:
www.pacific.edu/academics/international-programs-and-services
International students are required to submit proof of sufficient funds to cover educational expenses in the U.S. in order to obtain a SEVS I-20. Having obtained an I-20, signing it and either entering the U.S. or filing a change of status to F-1 you agree to have funds available for the duration of your studies. It is important, therefore, that you responsibly plan and manage your finances.
For more information, review the info provided by the IPS Website: https://students.pulse.pacific.edu/documents/ips/ISSS/ISSS%20WYNTK%20Taxes.pdf
Disclaimer
Remember! UOPI and IPS advisors are NOT experts in income taxes and thus, cannot advise or assist you in filing your returns. The information on this webpage is provided as a service to enrolled international students. The information does not constitute tax advice and staff cannot assist with the preparation or completion of individual tax return forms.
Job & Career Support
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get a Social Security Number (SSN)?
You may apply for a social security number ONLY if you have been offered a job on-campus or if you have been granted practical training (CPT or OPT) employment authorization (keep in mind that practical training options are generally not available to new students). An SSN will be given to you for employment purposes only, NOT for purposes such as applying for credit cards, renting an apartment, etc.
If you do have a job offer and need an SSN, you must apply for a social security number through your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. If the SSN is for an on-campus job you must first bring your offer letter to ISSS because an ISSS advisor must sign off on the letter from your hiring department. For the SSA location nearest you, please visit the Office of Social Security and type in your zip code. You may also call 1-800-772-1213 or visit International Students and Social Security. You may download the social security application (Form SS-5) online.
Can I work full-time on campus?
How do I schedule an appointment with a career advisor?
Contact Career Services for an appointment at careerservices@pacific.edu.
For up-to-date information, please visit: https://www.pacific.edu/academics/international-programs-and-services
On-campus employment refers to any employment that is paid by Pacific with the physical work site located on the campus the F-1 student is authorized to attend or for a company that holds a contract with Pacific to offer services directly to Pacific students on the Pacific campus the F-1 student is authorized to attend. F-1 students should meet with the International Student Advisor before beginning any work with a non-Pacific company to verify whether the position will be considered on-campus.
F-1 students can work up to 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters. During the summer semester and other university breaks, F-1 students can work up to 40 hours per week provided they will enroll in the upcoming fall semester.
F-1 students who are employed need a Social Security Number (SSN). Once a student receives a job offer, the student should request an Social Security Letter (and attach a copy of the job offer letter) from IPS. Once the student has all necessary documents, the student must go to the Social Security Administration office.
The Career Accelerator program—an exclusive service for students enrolled in UOP International–helps you develop your professional skills, get an internship, and launch your career. With opportunities in one of the most vibrant U.S. cities at your fingertips, your career path starts here. For more information, please contact Brittany Chill at brittany.chill@shorelight.com.
Students and alumni can use Handshake to find full-time, part-time, internship, co-op, and on-campus job opportunities. On Handshake, you can schedule advising appointments, connect with employers, register for events, and more! Visit pacific.joinhandshake.com to explore job openings.
Virtual Internships + Professional Certificates
Master the in-demand skills global employers seek that you won’t learn in the classroom. Boost your portfolio — and save money — with certifications and projects that demonstrate your new qualifications and make you a competitive candidate in today’s job market.
Enroll today for an incredible value: Many bootcamps and courses can range up to $14,000 per course* — but with UOP International you can upskill in as many available courses as you like during your studies, all included in your enrollment fee!
Professional Certificates
Designed for computer science, engineering, and business students, each certificate program was inspired by elite university preparatory programs tailored for growing careers. Student internship projects have included software development, website design, virtual reality, digital content creation, project management, AI, and more at leading employers.
Certification 1 : Design Thinking – develop effective approaches to problem-solving
Designed for business/MBA, computer science, data science, engineering, information systems, and marketing majors
Certification 2 : Social Entrepreneurship** – foster widespread positive change
Designed for business/MBA, engineering, entrepreneurship, finance, and marketing majors
Certification 3 : Global Citizenship** – thrive in diverse environments
Designed for business/MBA, computer science, engineering, finance, and international business majors
Completed internships include
Credentials + certification prep offered include
- Agile
- Scrum
- PMP
- Java, Python, PHP, C++ , Ruby
- AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure
- DP-203 Microsoft Exam dp-203
- Site Reliability Engineering
- Security Operations
- Reverse, Social, Chaos and Network Engineering
- Consulting
- Project Management
- Marketing
- Software Developer
- UX Designer
- Mobile App Developer
- Information Security Analyst
- Systems Architect
- Video Game Developer
- AI Engineer
- Engineering Manager
- Product Engineer
- Data Engineering
- Mechanical Engineer
- Civil Engineer
*Stanford Executive Education Design Thinking Bootcamp
**Endorsed by the University of Peace – UN Charter
Scholarships & Finances
FAQs
How do I pay my tuition and fees?
Embarking on your educational journey in the United States shouldn’t come with the roadblock of finding a co-signer for financial aid. Shorelight recognizes this hurdle and has proactively partnered with premier financing organizations such as MPower Financing, and Prodigy Finance. This strategic collaboration eliminates the traditional barriers international students face, such as the need for a co-signer, collateral, or an established US credit history, streamlining your path to securing educational funding.
Find the right loan organization for you on Shorelight.com.
Completion
- EAP Program
EAP students must pass both UOPI English language courses in EAP Term 1 and EAP Term 2 with 73%. If a student receives less than 73% in a UOPI English language course, they may repeat it once. If students do not pass both English language courses, they may have to repeat both. A second failure of an English language course will result in dismissal from the accelerator program/UOP.Students must earn a cumulative GPA = 2.0 for Pacific courses and for UOPI courses (separately, not a combined GPA) to successfully complete the program and progress to full Pacific student status. Students in the Schoole of Engineering and Computer Science must earn a minimum GPA of 2.5 in their Pacific courses to enter their programs. - AAP Program
AAP students must pass both UOPI English language courses in AAP Term 1 with minimum 73%. If a student receives less than 73% in a UOPI English language course, they may repeat it once. If you repeat a course, it means you finish the AAP program with fewer Pacific units. A second failure of an English language course will result in dismissal from the accelerator program/UOP. Students must earn a cumulative GPA = 2.0 for Pacific courses and for UOPI courses (separately, not a combined GPA) to successfully complete the program and progress to full Pacific student status. Students in the Schoole of Engineering and Computer Science must earn a minimum GPA of 2.5 in their Pacific courses to enter their programs. - ID Program
ID students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.0 to stay in good standing with University of the Pacific and continue their program of study. An ID student with a GPA less than 2.0 may be subject to probation or disqualification by the university. - AMAP
AMAP students must earn a minimum GPA of 3.0 to progress to direct graduate studies. - Graduate Pre-Sessional English to Accelerator Programs
Graduate students in the Pre-Sessional English programs (full-time English study) must earn a minimum GPA of 3.0 to progress into the MAP, AMAP or Graduate Direct programs.
Housing & Dining
On-Campus Housing – Stockton Campus
Spark Guide
Permit parking is enforced by the Department of Public Safety weekdays between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Stockton Campus and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Sacramento Campus. All other enforcement is done 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Faculty, staff and students parking on campus require a permit. Permits are sold at the beginning of each academic year, semester and month. Hourly and daily permits are also available through the Passport Parking app. For more detail about visitor parking or campus parking permits, please visit: https://www.pacific.edu/student-life/safety-wellness/public-safety/campus-parking
Clubs + Organizations
For more detail, please visit: www.pacific.edu/student-life/activities-programs
Center for Academic Success
A website with access to virtual tutors, career advisors, and online resources to help you throughout your university studies
Do you need help adjusting to your new life or just have a question about the courses you are enrolled in? Maybe you need to improve your academic skills or study habits or need help preparing for an exam or presentation? Perhaps you are you confused about CPT/OPT options or are confused about your major or career field?
Shorelight’s Center for Academic Success (CAS) has many free resources for you! For example, you can use the Live Chat button to reach one of our highly-trained support staff, or you can schedule a Zoom session with one of our friendly Student Success Coaches, Professional Tutors, or Career Services staff—all of whom are experts at helping international students with anything from pre-arrival support and campus life to academic subject areas and career guidance.
Maybe you would also enjoy completing a short eLearning course at your own pace? Those are available, too, on topics ranging from Citation Basics to Preparing for an Interview—and everything in between! If you’re short on time, try one of our live or recorded academic, social, or career skills webinars.
Give your learning journey the support it needs by activating your free CAS account today!
How to register:
- Click here or scan the QR code to find our Home page.
- Click the orange “Sign up now” button to request access.
- On the signup form, type your given name and family name as you are registered at your university.
- Type any email address that your university has on file for you (it can be a personal or university email).
- Create a password with at least one special character and 6-50 characters total.
- Type your password again. Write it down or save it in your browser.
- Type the full name of your university, not the abbreviation. Your status must be checked.
- Check the first box to accept the Terms & Conditions (feel free to read those first).
- Check the last box if you wish to receive emails from us.
- Click the large orange button that says, “Start your learning journey.”
After you register:
- After self-registering, you’ll receive an email within two business days to let you know that your account is approved (or if not, how to fix the problem). Just follow the link to log in!
- Check your spam folder if you don’t see our email within two days—or just return to the Home page linked above to try logging in with your email and password. If you encounter any trouble, just use the Live Chat button at the bottom of our Home page.
If you were pre-registered:
- Some students may be admin-registered at the request of their university to save you the trouble of signing up.
- If you get an email from Shorelight’s Center for Academic Success saying that your account has been created, just follow the link to complete your registration. You only need to create your password and check the boxes (Steps 5-10 above).
- If you are told that you were admin-registered, but you can’t find our welcome email, just go to our Home page, click “Sign up now” and complete Steps 3-10. If you can’t guess the right email or how your name was entered, use our LiveChat to get help.
Transfer Students
As you prepare for your arrival, it is important to plan early so that you have access to accurate coursework planning and registration guidance prior to the start of the semester.
How to prepare for arrival as a transfer student:
- Submit your official transcripts and/or credit-by-exam results no later than four weeks prior to arrival for final and official review of your transfer credits. Importantly, you should submit official transcripts as early as possible to ensure your final transfer credits are posted prior to arrival. Transcripts can be submitted through the contact information listed below.
Office of Undergraduate/Transfer Admissions
3601 Pacific Ave.
Stockton, CA 95211
~Must be in a secured, sealed envelop
~Must be sent directly from sending institution with an authorized email address or through a secure third-party transcript processing organization
If you have completed credit from International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge A Levels, and/or Advanced Placement (AP), students are highly advised to submit their official exam transcriptions as soon as the official score(s) are available. Below, you can find important ordering and submission information for each of the accepted exams. Please note exam scores must be officially reviewed/approved by the university for credit to be granted.
For more information on credit-by-exam policies and requirements for granting exam credit at Pacific, please visit the Advanced Credit webpage.
- Collect course descriptions and/or course syllabi. These are required in evaluating international transfer credit course equivalencies.
- Confirm that all official transcripts have been received by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions prior to arrival. Allow for ample delivery time for mailed transcripts.
- Once completed, your transfer credit evaluation will be visible on the Placement/Transfer Articulation Evaluation page in the University of the Pacific student portal. Review the results with a member of the UOP International team to see how your degree and major requirements are affected.
- Upon arrival, attend your required academic orientation. The UOP International team will be present for additional support. We are excited to welcome you — please introduce yourself and say hi! Be sure to let us know you’re a transfer student, too!
- Register for classes. With your transfer credits in mind, the UOP International team will offer support in course selection to ensure accurate coursework planning.
- Follow up and ensure all materials have been received. Official transcripts are required to register for a future term and for accurate coursework planning.
We look forward to welcoming you to campus!