Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take Pacific Seminars I, II and III?
All entering students who have completed fewer than 16 college or university units after their high school graduation must complete Pacific Seminars I, II, and III in order to graduate. Transfer students who have completed more than 16 units must only take Pacific Seminar III.
Students who place in WRIT 17 or who place into an ESL reading class are deferred from Pacific Seminars I and II until their sophomore year.
Students who place in WRIT 19 or higher must take Pacific Seminars I and II in their first year.
Can I drop Pacific Seminars I or II?
As stated in the University Catalog, students cannot drop Pacific Seminars I or II, even if they are transferring to another institution.
Do the units for Pacific Seminars I and II transfer to other universities or colleges?
Pacific Seminar I is equivalent to English Composition courses and so will transfer to other insitutions. Pacific Seminar II might transfer as a writing course but is typically transferable as an elective course. To obtain a letter to send to other institutions that describes the content and writing requirements of the Pacific Seminars, contact the Associate Dean of General Education.
What if I fail Pacific Seminar I or II?
Students who fail Pacific Seminar I must repeat it in the next academic year. Since Pacific Seminars I and II must be taken in sequence, students who fail Pacific Seminar I must wait until the next year to take Pacific Seminar II. If students do not pass Pacific Seminars I or II in their first four semesters, they are subject to disqualification. Students who fail Pacific Seminar II can take a different seminar in the next year.
The Pacific Seminars cannot be repeated if students earn a “D” or higher.
When should I take Pacific Seminar III?
Students must have senior standing (92 completed units or more) before taking Pacific Seminar III. There are exceptions for those in accelerated programs or those studying abroad in their senior year.
What are the breadth requirements for transfer students?
Transfer students from California who have completed either the IGETC general education requirements or the CSU general education pattern will have satisfied the breadth program requirements. Students who have not completed IGETC or the CSU pattern need to contact the admissions office.
When do I have to complete the foundational skills requirements in writing, math, and reading?
Students who do not satisfy the foundational skills requirements at entrance should complete them by exam or coursework (either at Pacific or elsewhere) no later than the end of summer school of their first year.
Can students receive general education credit for Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exams?
Students who receive a 4 or 5 on an Advanced Placement (AP) exam or a 5, 6, or 7 on the higher level International Baccalaureate (AB) exam can satisfy general education requirements in the breadth program. Consult the 'Advanced Placement Credit for General Education' link for information on the specific articulations.
What are the GE requirements if I am a double major in two different schools?
Students who are seeking a double major in two different schools (e.g., in COP and the School of Business) are only required to satisfy the GE requirements for their primary school; however, if students are seeking dual degrees, they must satisfy the GE requirements for both schools.
