Be Known at Oregon's Christian University

2012-2013 Academic Catalog and Handbook

Off-Campus Programs

Tilikum Retreat Center

Christian camping is emphasized through the facilities of Tilikum, a center for retreats and outdoor ministries for the greater Portland area. Tilikum features year-round programs and facilities with a wide appeal to all ages and denominations. More than 2,500 children and youth enjoy the summer camping program. University students have opportunities for study, recreation, personal renewal, and employment.

Tilikum provides the following kinds of retreat and camp experiences: (1) relational - family groups, men, women, couples, youth, and single parents - with a goal of strengthening the entire family unit; (2) support to local churches - to make available a retreat setting that encourages opportunity for renewal, planning, and spiritual growth; (3) senior adult Elderhostels; and (4) a challenge ropes course for teamwork, personal challenge and growth, and fun through experiential learning.

Field Education

This program, commonly referred to as "field experience," "internship," or "cultural experience," usually takes place off campus, yet is an integral part of the student's academic experience. Its purpose is to promote personal and career development by integrating classroom study with planned and supervised practical experience in vocational, educational, or cultural activities outside the classroom.

Enrollment in field education is an elective option in certain majors and a requirement in others. Refer to each program to determine how it applies. The program is open to George Fox University students only.

Two types of off-campus experiences are available: career and cultural. The career-oriented field experience focuses on two levels, which are "exploratory" (275) and "preparatory" (475). These two levels provide opportunity for initial exposure to a career-interest area and for realistic preparation toward a chosen field.  The culture-oriented field experience (375) is designed to encourage a short-term residence in a different cultural setting, e.g., foreign country, inner city, rural community.

Academic credit may be earned through participation in an approved field education program. A full-time student may generate up to 12 hours during one semester. Part-time involvement can generate credit at the same rate as other methods of learning. Thirty to 45 clock hours per semester are required for one hour of credit. A maximum of 20 hours may be accumulated in field education between numbers 275, 375, and 475. Twelve hours are allowed between the career-oriented options, 275 and 475. Normally, the three alternatives are broken down as follows:

___ 275     1 to 3 hours
___ 375 2 to 12 hours
___ 475 2 to 12 hours

Applications for field experience should be requested through the registrar. Applications must be completed, approved by the department chairperson, and submitted to the registrar for enrollment. The vital link to a successful field experience is the faculty sponsor (supervisor) with whom the learning plan is developed and carried out. The program also necessitates a field supervisor at the location of service or employment with whom the faculty sponsor and student interrelate.

Evaluation of the field experience is based upon successful completion of the stated individualized objectives in the learning plan. Field experience is graded pass/no pass.

OICA Cross-Registration

A full-time student may take one course a semester for no additional tuition (if total credits do not exceed 18 semester hours) at one of the neighboring institutions in the Oregon Independent Colleges Association (OICA). Only courses not available on the home campus may be selected. Cross-registration is initiated by application through the George Fox University registrar.

ROTC Program

Through a cooperative agreement with the University of Portland, George Fox University students may participate in the Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps (AFROTC) Program offered on the University of Portland campus. For more information, see the University of Portland catalog or contact the professor of aerospace studies, University of Portland, Portland, OR 97203, 503-283-7216.

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