The importance of keeping University of the Pacific students connected is essential during remote learning.

Pacific+ is a new online platform launched to encourage student connection and virtual community building through the university’s expanding event and activity offerings.

Led by Celia Castro, coordinator of student engagement and transition programs, Pacific+ serves as a forum for students to share and help develop the Pacific community.

“We are bringing awareness to the wide spectrum of student identities, traditions, cultures and experiences,” Castro said. “Pacific+ has become an important vehicle for the community to spend time together even as we are apart.”

Students can access the Pacific+ page through the course menu in Canvas, Pacific’s learning management system. Make sure to turn on notifications for Pacific+ to keep up to date on events.

Students also can stay updated on important messages from the university, get reminders about upcoming programs and show their school pride by participating in weekly and monthly “Paws Out” challenges for an opportunity to win prizes.

“I'm so excited for this because it is my first year here and we are going virtual, so I thought it would be difficult to meet new friends and hang out. But thanks to Pacific+, I have so many opportunities to do that,” said student Bibi Hajirah ’23.

Castro reminds students that Pacific+ will continue to add opportunities to incorporate student voices whenever possible. There are numerous student engagement challenges and competitions.

Student voices are featured in “The Roar,” a monthly interactive calendar. Castro encourages students to “share their fun moments, positive affirmations and Pacific journeys” by submitting ideas to pacificplus@pacific.edu.

Also, look for “The Peek of the Week,” a weekly Canvas email that showcases activities.

“Pacific+ will help me stay updated with activities around campus with the calendar feature and allow me to participate with more flexibility,” said Vanessa Muñoz ’20.

Along with connecting students, Pacific+ helps them find resources, with links to Student Life, Health and Wellness and Financial Aid under the modules tab.

“I'm really excited to still be able to be connected with what is happening on campus, even though we have switched to virtual learning. I am looking forward to having the resources easy to access and within my fingertips,” said Caitlyn King ’21.

Added Alex Van ’22, “Pacific+'s numerous modules and references to the resources that University of the Pacific offers will be incredibly helpful for me as I stay at home during this semester.”