Fresno Pacific University

Love fpu. This is a great school and work environment. It is super supportive and community oriented. All my instructors truly embody the love of god. So grateful for this school.

So far I have pleased with my interactions with FPU. My wife has been going there for two years and will graduate in two years.
Pluses. It’s Christian foundation. My wife (because we have a young daughter) had had to take online classes from other colleges, and it’s amazing how subtly one’s world view can creep into studies like psychology or anthropology. Having a truth-​based backdrop makes learning infinitely more profitable, especially in science classes.
The Psychology department had been good for my wife. Small and close-​knit. Jay Pope had been a strong advocate for our family.
I like the quiet campus atmosphere too.
What irks me? The tuition cost, of course. But it’s a quality education. I get that.
Also, the fact that, two years ago my wife was 7 months pregnant at the beginning of the semester (and had our daughter mid semester), and my wife was put on academic PROBATION?!? for failing two classes. My warrior wife had a baby and was back in class two weeks later! She scratched and clawed, and passed one of her three classes. Yes, that means she failed the other; but FPU has treated her like a fool ever since, forcing her to meet with her advisor to make sure she can do her work. It’s really patronizing. For such a small school, you’d think they would realize that my wife is not a pariah but a poster-​child for being a non-​traditional student.
I will end on a positive note, though. They have been awesome about helping her come up with a schedule that works for our young family. She has been introduced to a few colleges that provide online classes, and she’s been able to leverage that schedule flexibility well.
So…overall…Go Sunbirds!

Who wouldn’t want to be a Sunbird? Google it. It’s a fruity bird. Probably the gayest mascot… well not technically. My high school’s was the Lodi High Flames… yes, I am an ex-​flammer. I’m sure Pat Buchanan and Jerry Falwell would salute to that.
If you plan on studying Philosophy or Political Science (which is what I studied), you will not be disappointed. The class sizes are small and I actually took 4 independent study courses in Philosophy where I met with my professors at Starbucks or over dinner and discussed Socrates, Plato, etc. It was amazing. Where else can you get that? Take any class offered by Richard Rawls or Richard Wiebe.
The only bad thing about going to such a small college is that the classes offered can be limited and you don’t get much of that college feel. So, I dated a Fresno State guy and would just go over there for all of my social needs. Seriously, get student seats for the football games.
As to housing, LIVE OFF CAMPUS! I barely survived living in the dorms for 1 semester. Living near the campus is safe, although you may hear otherwise. I lived in 4 different apt. complexes or condos near the school by myself and I never had problems.
I personally had problems with some of the things that go with attending a private Christian college. The 1^st week I was there I heard at least 10 times, «Ring by Spring.» Um, wasn’t it the year 2000? I’m coming to college to learn and build my future career right? Nope. Stupid me. Three-​quarters of the girls I knew were there to get teaching or music degrees so that they could meet their future spouse. Gag me with a spoon!
To end it on a positive note, there are many opportunities to study abroad, whether it is through ministry or otherwise. I spent my last semester in DC in the American Studies Program. If you’re into government/​politics, it’s a must!