Policies and Procedures

Assuring that SPU complies with state and federal regulations is important to our students and our community. Here are several policies and regulations you should know about.

Student Handbook

Whether you’re in or out of the classroom, Seattle Pacific is a place to explore, develop, and engage. And over the years, we’ve put together a handbook that provides guidelines to help us live out our unique community values. It’s an essential tool in our life together.

FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the rights of parents of dependent students, and students who are attending or have attended the University.

For a complete explanation of how FERPA protects you, visit SPU’s Office of the Registrar website.

For additional information about FERPA, including frequently asked questions, scope of the legislation, and links, visit the U.S. Department of Education website.

HIPAA

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) protects the privacy of your medical records. At SPU, HIPAA covers the Health Center in Watson Hall, as well as several other offices that may need to deal with your records (such as the Finance Office for billing).

Privacy Officer
Seattle Pacific University Health Center
3307 Third Ave. West, Suite 110
Seattle, WA 98119-1922
Phone: 206-281-2583
Email: privacyofficer@spu.edu

Complaint Officer
Dean’s Office
School of Health Sciences
3307 Third Ave. West, suite 110
Seattle, WA 98119-1922
Phone: 206-281-2583
Email: complaintofficer@spu.edu

Drug-Free Schools and Communities

SPU is subject to the requirements of the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989. We strongly support each act and consistently ensure compliance with them. We also annually distribute information regarding the restrictions and consequences of violations of each act.

Find out more about the act.

Crime Statistics

We report crime statistics to give a fuller picture of campus security. More information about crime statistics.

Also: Learn more about emergency procedures (including drills, personal or medical emergencies, campus lockdown policies, and what to do in case of an earthquake), resolving discrimination complaints, and community standards in the SPU Student Handbook.

Want to advertise your SPU event or program on campus?

Posters around campus are a popular way of increasing visibility about your event. As of October 2024, all posters must be approved by sending an editable version of the poster to PosterApproval@spu.edu. The poster will be reviewed and an approval stamp added. Here are the rules for displaying posters on campus.

Who can advertise on campus?

  • Only events sponsored by a recognized SPU class, club, organization, department, or group can be displayed on campus.
  • Only events or programs that have received planning approval from the appropriate department or area may be posted on campus.
  • If event and advertising are limited to one department or building, only the approval of that department or building liaison is required.
  • If event or advertising is targeted for all campus or multiple parts of campus, please follow the procedures below.
    • All posters should include the following information: date, time, location, sponsoring group, registration information (if needed), deadlines, cost, what is included (food/beverages), and contact information.
    • Posters should be removed within 72 hours of your event. Failure to remove posters could result in loss of posting privileges.
    • Posters may only be displayed in approved locations around campus. Posters may be hung with blue tape or tack depending on the location.
    • Approved posters will be marked in the lower right corner. Please leave space.
    • Posters submitted without adequate information will be returned for correction before they can be approved. This may delay your approval timeline.

To submit your flyer or poster

  • Email an editable version of your poster to PosterApproval@spu.edu as an attachment. Inability to edit (add approval stamp) could delay the approval process. If unsure, please attach as a .doc. No PDF should be submitted.
  • Posters will be reviewed on Mondays and Thursdays. All posters received by 8 a.m. will be considered. You will hear back by 5 p.m. on the review date. If approved, your poster will be returned to you as a PDF with the approval in the lower right corner. No edits allowed after approval. All printed and posted copies need to include the approval stamp.
  • Plan for about 75–80 posters for distribution around campus.

Complete List of Policies

Have a question about Academic Advising? Veteran’s Benefits? Academic Honors?  Or ...? The Undergraduate Catalog has the answer.