The Seattle Times published an opinion piece by Sociology Professor Karen Snedker on the need for better local governance around homelessness.

Jan 9, 2024

"The U.S. is experiencing rising levels of homelessness, especially in West Coast cities. The most recent data from the Department of Housing and Urban Development on homelessness reported a 12% increase since last year. If we want to curb the trend toward rising homelessness, especially in West Coast cities, we must change our framing of the issue and demand accountability from our leaders to advance sound social policy."

Read more of an opinion piece by SPU Professor of Sociology Karen Snedker published in The Seattle Times on Jan. 7, 2024.

"Digital Discernment: Navigating Life, Faith, and Technology" is the theme of SPU's annual Day of Common Learning on Jan. 24 for students, faculty, and staff.

Jan 9, 2024

Now in its 22nd year, the Day of Common Learning at Seattle Pacific University is a campuswide event in which students, faculty, and staff have the opportunity to engage in deep thought and conversation around a topic of interest and concern. 

This year's theme is "Digital Discernment: Navigating Life, Faith, and Technology." The keynote speaker is Dr. Kate Ott, a highly respected scholar and nationally recognized expert in a number of ethical discourses. As a feminist and Christian ethicist, Dr. Ott specializes in technology, children and youth, sexuality, pedagogy, and professional ethics. She has authored several books, including Christian Ethics for a Digital Society and, most recently, Sex, Tech & Faith: Ethics for a Digital Age.

Several afternoon sessions will be held related to day's theme led by faculty from various disciplines, including "AI Tools in the Classroom – a Live Experiment," "Digital and Information Equity in Seattle," "Discerning Climate Change Information," and :AI, Faith, and the Future."

Learn more about the day's events here.