As new and returning students arrive on campus for a new academic year, University of the Pacific is welcoming them back to the Stockton Campus with several upgrades and improvements designed to enhance the student experience. 

The most noticeable change appears at the front entrance of the Don and Karen DeRosa University Center, where a large digital screen is now permanently installed over the front doors. The screen has multi-functional technology designed to promote campus events as well as stream movies, athletic games and other special events. 

On Saturday, students enjoyed their first night on campus by watching “Hopper” on the jumbo screen after a busy day of moving into their residence halls.

Lining the walkways to the DeRosa Center, along Knoles Lawn and in front of the Edward and Alice Long Memorial Hall, new light pole banners have been installed to bring new vibrancy to campus. 

Student feedback also identified internet speed and reliability as priorities. Over the summer, Pacific increased internet capacity on the Stockton Campus from 7 Gbps to 10 Gbps, providing students with more bandwidth and helping the campus network remain fast and reliable when large numbers of users are online.

The newly constructed Southwest Hall, which celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony Aug. 11, includes special features designed to meet student needs, including 18 electrical outlets per room and control of the lights on each side of the room.

Building on renovations to Grace Covell Hall and the Quad Residence Halls, which modernized more than 500 student rooms and transformed the living experience for more than 1,000 students, Southwest Hall represents the next chapter in Pacific’s commitment to providing student-centered living spaces. 

“Pacific's commitment to residential life is an investment in outcomes, not simply infrastructure,” Leticia Robles, chair of the Board of Regents, said at the ribbon cutting ceremony. “As more students choose to live on campus, it is essential that we continue providing high-quality residential communities that foster learning, belonging and personal growth.”

A new sustainability initiative, Tiger Thrift, is located in Raymond Lodge. It will function as a no-cost thrift store that is supplied, managed and used by students. 

"Tiger Thrift is a fantastic opportunity for students to gain management experience, connect with each other—especially their ASUOP representatives—reduce textile waste and save money,” Senior Director of Sustainability Jessica Bilecki said. “We hope it will become a hub for giving and getting items throughout the year." 

Students will also have additional seating options during Tigers athletics games inside the Alex G. Spanos Center. In addition to existing student seating, there is now  additional student seating in section K. 

These updates and more will be on full display as Pacific kicks off the new academic year with its upcoming lineup of events. Learn more about Pacific’s Week of Welcome.