Mar 19, 2024  
2018-2019 Graziadio Academic Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Graziadio Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

General Information



Mission and Affirmation Statements

Pepperdine is a Christian university committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership.

As a Christian university, Pepperdine affirms:

That God is

That God is revealed uniquely in Christ

That the educational process may not, with impunity, be divorced from the divine process

That the student, as a person of infinite dignity, is the heart of the educational enterprise

That the quality of student life is a valid concern of the University

That truth, having nothing to fear from investigation, should be pursued relentlessly in every discipline

That spiritual commitment, tolerating no excuse for mediocrity, demands the highest standards of academic excellence

That freedom, whether spiritual, intellectual, or economic, is indivisible

That knowledge calls, ultimately, for a life of service

President’s Message

I would venture that the benefits of an excellent education are among the few constants in this century of change and challenge. And at Pepperdine University, I feel confident in asserting that the benefit of a faith-inspired education, one which affirms the importance of quality, student-centered teaching and the value of your own spiritual journey, will prepare you abundantly for the career and life to which you aspire.

Pepperdine has a glorious history and a founder who believed not just in the young people who arrived and enrolled in 1937 in South Los Angeles, but in you. Beyond our 7,400 students in five colleges, our community embraces nearly 100,000 alumni around the globe, international campuses that will transform your life and worldview in the course of a semester or academic year, national-championship athletics, and a heart for service that beats devotedly on six continents through selfless acts and helping hands.

As you consider the part you will play in society and the career you hope to pursue, weigh carefully your college choice and the investment a university like Pepperdine is determined to make in you. It is our responsibility to afford you every opportunity to master the skills of critical thinking and discover your calling, with access to faculty-distinguished in their disciplines and professions-in an environment that is equipped for learning; indeed, one that is enabling, nurturing, and safe.

Welcome to Pepperdine, a distinctively different university. We pledge to prepare you well for a life of purpose, service, and leadership, if you will let us.

Andrew K. Benton
President and Chief Executive Officer

Dean’s Message

Welcome to the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School. Our values-based education takes a holistic approach to developing students into Best for the World Leaders – professionals who apply educational, spiritual, and ethical approaches to positively impact the lives of their colleagues, customers, and community. I thank you for exploring our diverse and global community of students, faculty, and alumni, who share a pioneering spirit, who see barriers as new opportunities, and who are focused on creating a positive business impact in a dynamic world.

As you continue on your educational journey, it is important to remember that the path you travel is just as important as your final destination. While at Pepperdine Graziadio, we encourage students to make the most of their experience by engaging with peers; exploring their interests, both in California and abroad; developing new techniques and theories; and innovating around technology, consumer needs, and global opportunities. We ask our students to consider each new challenge they face as an opportunity to grow personally and professionally both inside and outside of the classroom, and to tackle these opportunities with integrity always, courage with compassion, and a pioneering spirit. We believe that our community and learning environment are curated by our students, and we value the contributions you bring to our learning community through your unique experiences, passions, and aspirations.

I invite you to engage with our dynamic learning community of more than 40,000+ students and alumni and cultivate your talents to make a difference in the world.

Deryck J. van Rensburg
Dean

History of the University

Pepperdine University is an independent, medium-sized university enrolling approximately 7,400 students in five colleges and schools. Seaver College, the School of Law, the Graduate School of Education and Psychology, the Graziadio Business School, and the School of Public Policy are located on the University’s 830-acre campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Malibu. Courses are taught in Malibu, at four graduate campuses in Southern California, and at international campuses in Germany, England, Italy, Argentina, Switzerland, and China.

The University was founded in 1937 by Mr. George Pepperdine, a Christian businessman who started the Western Auto Supply Company. For the first 30 years of its life, the institution was a small, mostly undergraduate college. University status was achieved in 1970 as the institution added graduate and professional schools. In 1972 the University opened its new campus at Malibu.

Pepperdine University is religiously affiliated with Churches of Christ, of which Mr. Pepperdine was a lifelong member. Faculty, administrators, and members of the Board of Regents represent many religious backgrounds, and students of all races and faiths are welcomed. It is the purpose of Pepperdine University to pursue the very highest academic standards within a context that celebrates and extends the spiritual and ethical ideals of the Christian faith.

Colleges and Schools of the University

Seaver College is the University’s residential college of letters, arts, and sciences, enrolling approximately 3,400 undergraduate and graduate students who are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic excellence and personal conduct. An interdisciplinary curriculum requires each student to develop as a broadly educated person. Seaver College offers 45 bachelor’s degrees, eight master’s degrees, and one post-baccalaureate certificate program in diverse fields of study.

The Graziadio Business School is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) and enrolls approximately 2,000 students in its full- and part-time programs. Founded in 1969, the school is named for its benefactor, the late cofounder, chair, and chief executive officer of Imperial Bancorp, George L. Graziadio. Degrees granted by the Graziadio School include the Doctor of Business Administration, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) for full-time students, working professionals, and high-level executives; Master of Science (MS) degrees across a variety of business disciplines; and the undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Management (BSM). Special programs joint degrees with Pepperdine University’s School of Law, School of Public Policy, and Seaver College as well as certificate executive education programs that can be customized to meet an organization’s specific learning needs. Degree programs are offered at the Graziadio School’s headquarters located at the West Los Angeles Graduate Campus; the Drescher Graduate Campus in Malibu; and additional graduate campuses located throughout Southern California including Calabasas, Encino, and Irvine. The Executive MBA program also is available at the Silicon Valley campus.

The School of Public Policy (SPP) enrolls approximately 60 students and offers its Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree built on a distinctive philosophy of nurturing leaders to use the tools of analysis and policy design to effect successful implementation and real change. This requires critical insights balanced with personal moral certainties that only a broad exposure to great ideas, courageous thinkers, and extraordinary leaders can encourage. It prepares graduates for careers as leaders and seeks also to strengthen the institutions that lie between the federal government and the individual, including the family, religious 14 General Information organizations, volunteer associations, local and regional government, and non-profit organizations. Joint degree programs include the MPP/JD degree and the MPP/MDR degree in conjunction with the School of Law and the MPP/MBA degree in conjunction with the Graziadio Business School. The Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership educates, researches, and promotes to current and future public leaders the engagement of the greater public in making crucial local policy decisions. Along with current students, the institute works outside the classroom, training current municipal and civic leaders through regional seminars in skills development on issues ranging from participatory budgeting to planning.

The School of Law provides an excellent legal education within a values-centered context. It has an enrollment of approximately 600 juris doctor students. Special programs include the acclaimed Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, the Parris Institute for Professional Formation, the Palmer Center for Entrepreneurship and the Law, the Nootbaar Institute on Law, Religion, and Ethics, and numerous clinical education offerings. The Global Justice Program and unique Preceptor Program contribute to the law school’s distinctive approach to legal education. Approved by the American Bar Association and holding membership in the Association of American Law Schools and the Order of the Coif, the School of Law attracts students from around the nation.

The Graduate School of Education and Psychology enrolls approximately 1,600 students. With its main headquarters located at the West Los Angeles Graduate Campus, the Graduate School also offers select programs at graduate campuses in Malibu, Irvine, Encino, and Calabasas, as well as online. The Graduate School of Education and Psychology offers master’s and doctoral programs in education and psychology, which are founded on the scholar-practitioner model. The education programs prepare teachers who are leaders in technological innovation and collaborative learning environments, as well as those who create vision and manage change in business, health, and other social service professions. Students in the psychology programs are educated in current and emerging human-service fields, including clinical psychology and marriage and family therapy. The focus is placed on the scholar-practitioner model of learning, with emphasis on discovery, scholarship, research, and clinical application. In conjunction with an excellent professional education, students are provided with personal attention in a Christian, values-centered context

University Code of Ethics

Introduction

Pepperdine University is a Christian university committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values. Members of the Pepperdine University community-faculty, staff, students, administrators, members of the Board of Regents, members of the University’s advisory boards, and volunteers-are responsible for maintaining the standards of the institution and of the various communities in which they live. We value integrity, honesty, and fairness and strive to integrate these values into our daily practices.

Our ethical expectations are found in Holy Scripture, the University Mission Statement, the founding vision of George Pepperdine, and the University Affirmation Statement. Holy Scripture provides the ultimate source for our ethical standards, including the two great commands taught by Jesus: the duty to love God and love one’s neighbor as one’s self (Matthew 22:37-40).

In this spirit, we commit ourselves to the highest standards of ethical conduct. We act with integrity, we treat others with respect and dignity, we carefully steward the University’s resources, we avoid conflicts of interest or commitment, we maintain confidentiality, and we comply with legal and professional obligations. We are individually accountable for our own actions, and we are collectively accountable for upholding these standards of behavior and complying with all applicable laws, policies, standards, and regulations. While human and therefore fallible, we constantly strive to meet our ethical expectations. Moreover, because the Pepperdine community is composed of many distinct constituencies, we understand that, beyond the general ethical principles outlined in this document, we may be subject to additional rules of conduct specific to our respective roles within the community.

Acting with Integrity

We seek to be people who are honorable, forthright, and upright at all times. Our commitment to integrity demands more than mere satisfaction of legal and ethical obligations, although we comply with the law and conform to the highest standards of ethical conduct. Our commitment to integrity means that we actively discern what is right from what is wrong, that what we do flows directly from who we are, that we seek consistency between our inner self and our outward conduct. We value people, we speak the truth, we have the courage of our convictions, and we keep our commitments. We do not condone any form of dishonesty-such as fraud, theft, cheating, or plagiarism-as described more specifically in student, faculty, and staff handbooks and policies.

Treating Others with Respect and Dignity

Members of the community are committed to principles of equality and fairness. We follow the profound truth found in the Golden Rule, “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12).

We do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal or state law. Consistent with our affiliation with Churches of Christ and our faith heritage, we do seek to hire and promote persons who support the goals and mission of the University, including, but not limited to, those who are members of Churches of Christ.

We respect the inherent worth of each member of the community. We do not engage in any forms of harassment of others. Those in positions of authority, including administrators, supervisors, faculty members, and student leaders, exercise their authority fairly and appropriately.

Other expectations about how we treat others with respect and dignity can be found in University policies and in each school’s faculty and student handbooks.

Stewarding the University’s Resources

We are good stewards of the University resources entrusted to us, and we prepare accurate and clear reports about those resources. University resources are reserved for business purposes on behalf of the University. We exercise reasonable judgment in the use of University resources, acting with care and prudence. We do not use University resources for personal gain.

We prepare correct and clear financial records and research reports. All entries in University books and accounts accurately reflect each transaction. In reporting on the University’s resources, we do not hide, conceal, or mislead; and we promptly report such misconduct when it is discovered.

Avoiding Conflicts of Interest and Commitment

We do not have direct or indirect interests or commitments, financial or otherwise, which conflict with the proper discharge of our duties to the University. The primary professional allegiance of all full-time employees lies with Pepperdine University and the advancement of its mission. We do not solicit or accept any gift, service, or favor that might reasonably influence the discharge of our duties or that we know or should know is being offered with the intent to influence our official conduct. We do not accept other employment or engage in business or professional activities outside of the University when such work might reasonably cause real or apparent conflicts of interest or conflicts of commitment. We do not transact business in our official capacity with any business entity of which we are an officer, agent, or member or in which we own a substantial interest without the explicit prior knowledge and approval of the appropriate senior University officer. We disclose potential conflicts of interest to the appropriate supervisor or officer as soon as possible after we realize that a conflict may have arisen. Additional information is located in the University conflicts of interest policy.

Maintaining Confidentiality

We observe and respect the confidentiality rights of all other members of the community, and this duty continues even after we are no longer affiliated with the University. This right of confidentiality applies to all academic, financial, health-related, personnel, or other non-public information protected either by law or by University policy. However, the right does not preclude the consensual release of information or the disclosure of information within the University when there is a legitimate need for its disclosure. E-mail or other uses of the University’s computers or computer network are for business purposes and are not presumed confidential. Additional information is located in the University’s Computer and Network Responsible Usage Policy.

Complying with Legal and Professional Obligations

We comply with all state and federal laws and conform to the highest standards of professional conduct. We transact University business in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and University policies and procedures. We do not misrepresent our status or authority in our dealings with others. To the extent that we belong to professions that are governed by standards specific to the profession (such as attorneys, psychologists, or certified public accountants), we adhere to such professional standards. We conduct ourselves in accordance with professional principles for scholarly work, including upholding academic codes of conduct and professional standards for research.

Reporting Violations of the Code

In order to maintain the integrity of the community, we report observed or suspected violations of this code of ethics with a spirit of fairness, honesty, and respect for the rights of others. Those who report alleged misconduct and those against whom allegations are reported are afforded all rights provided by University policies as well as all applicable state and federal laws. Those who are found to have violated this code will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion, termination of employment, or termination of relationship. Information about reporting violations of this code may be found in the University policy “How to Report a Violation of the Code of Ethics.”

Conclusion

We are governed by an ethos of care and respect, virtues that transcend the provisions of this code. We are called to something greater and nobler than mere compliance with the law or a written code of ethics. We are called “to live a life worthy of the calling [we] have received … , bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:1-2). We are called to “dedicate ourselves anew to the great cause of beautiful Christian living” (George Pepperdine’s Dedicatory Address). We are called, ultimately, to lives of service (University Affirmation Statement). As the University motto instructs us: “Freely ye received, freely give.”

The Graziadio Business School Mission Statement

The founder of Pepperdine University, George Pepperdine, was motivated by a desire to help men and women prepare themselves for a life of usefulness in a competitive world. He particularly advocated a business education, coupled with the development of Christian character. It is his outlook which serves to anchor the mission of the business school.

Our Mission

Inspired by our Christian values, we seek to:

Promote transformational learning, 
Create applied knowledge, and 
Equip our students to become Best for the World business leaders and entrepreneurs.

Our Vision

Global distinction in developing Best for the World leaders.

Our Values

Today - not tomorrow

George Graziadio was frequently heard saying this phrase and we believe it holds true for us. He reminds us in a world of constant opportunity and disruptive potential to hold an action bias (carpe diem) and to deliver on the good that is within our influence today and not to wait for more favorable or comfortable conditions.

Integrity always

We aspire to live and model lives that are guided by a deep integrity that holds strong even when forces that try to compromise good challenge us.

Courage with compassion

We believe that facing the challenges that lie before us will require deep courage, and we aspire to be models of fearlessness coupled with compassion that honor the dignity of each person.

Pioneering spirit

Embracing the changes that we face in our daily lives and in the future will tap the enduring spirit of adventure, curiosity, and openness that has guided us in each new chapter of our existence. We aspire to live boldly and lean into new adventures with hopefulness.

History of the Graziadio Business School

Established in 1969, the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School was one of the first schools in the nation to design business programs to meet the education needs of mid-career professionals and executives. Pepperdine Graziadio aims to provide a student-centric, holistic education anchored in the core values of integrity always, courage with compassion, a pioneering spirit, and action taken, “Today, not tomorrow.”

These core values are rooted in a strong entrepreneurial heritage begun by George Pepperdine, a successful businessman and Founder of Western Auto Supply, who established Pepperdine University in 1937. In 1969 faculty members committed to improving the practice of business and its impact on society formed the Pepperdine business school, and in 1996 the school was endowed by namesake George L. Graziadio, Jr., Co-Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Imperial Bancorp. The late Mr. Graziadio was a visionary entrepreneur, banker, and philanthropist who often said, “The money you earn feeds your family … the money you give away feeds your soul.” That emphasis on the greater good remains a core tenet of the Pepperdine Graziadio identity.

Today, the Graziadio School boasts an active alumni community of more than 40,000 business professionals worldwide. With an entrepreneurial spirit and global focus, Pepperdine Graziadio advances experiential learning in small classes that deepen connections and stimulate critical thinking. Through our extensive continuum of MBA, MS, bachelor’s degree completion, and executive degree programs, including a doctorate of business offered across six California campuses including Silicon Beach and Silicon Valley, Graziadio faculty inspire full-time students and working professionals to realize their greatest potential as Best for the World Leaders.

Accreditation

The Graziadio School is accredited by AACSB International-The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, 777 South Harbour Island Boulevard, Suite 750, Tampa, FL 33602-5730, (813) 769-6500. Additionally, Pepperdine University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, 985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, California 94501, (510) 748-9001.

Learning Objectives and Teaching Philosophy

The Graziadio School focuses on the professional and personal development of business professionals, managers, and senior executives. The school’s programs prepare individuals for leadership positions in a wide variety of industrial, educational, nonprofit, and other service organizations. The school views leadership as being applicable at all levels of the organization that require management and stewardship of resources toward the accomplishment of stated objectives.

Programs are organized from an integrated, interdisciplinary perspective. Individual courses emphasize themes of leadership, ethics, stewardship, entrepreneurship, globalization, and innovation. Teaching and learning methodologies include lectures, case analyses, group discussion and debate, simulation exercises, student presentations, role playing, guest speakers, applied research/consulting projects, critical analyses, and team projects. A high degree of active student participation is required. Success is contingent upon students’ competency in developing and practicing effective team skills.

Objectives include (1) familiarizing students with fundamental principles drawn from relevant theories that offer practical insights and solutions for solving business and managerial problems; (2) developing proficiency in identifying and analyzing problems and relating appropriate theory to practical situations; (3) promoting attitudes and competencies of intellectual curiosity and encouraging lifelong learning beyond completion of the degree program; and (4) aiding students in recognizing and developing the initiative, imagination, creativity, ethics, values, and judgment needed to function effectively as leaders and managers in complex organizational and business situations.

The fundamental teaching philosophy of the Graziadio School is to help students grow their knowledge base and learning abilities to become economically, socially, and environmentally responsible business leaders. In summary, the school’s objective is to provide the student with enhanced competencies and values in the following areas:

  • Knowledge of contemporary business theory and practice; management roles and responsibilities; legal, social, political, economic, technological, and other environmental systems; ethics in business; and organizations, information, behavior, and other subordinate systems.
  • Personal and professional self-awareness and attitudes toward peers, team members, subordinates, associates, and superiors.
  • Skills in problem solving, planning, decision making, and other management functions; initiating, implementing, and adapting to change; communicating, both orally and in writing; improving interpersonal relations; and achieving results.

Student and Academic Services

Academic and Administrative Counseling

The Program Office serves as a main contact for students. From acceptance through graduation, Program Office personnel are available to provide counseling and assistance in all administrative and academic matters. Students on academic probation or restricted admission status may request, through their Program Office, special counseling by faculty members.

In keeping with Pepperdine’s long-standing concern for students, Program Office representatives and faculty members make a concerted effort to be available at times convenient to students and to assist in answering questions and resolving problems connected with their course of study. Students are encouraged to call their Program Office or request a personal appointment whenever they have administrative or academic questions. For Program Office contact information, please visit the website.

Alcohol and Drug Counseling

Confidential counseling and treatment are available to students who have problems related to alcohol or drugs. Details are included in the “Student Assistance ” section of the “Substance Abuse Policy .”

Alumni Relations

All graduates of Pepperdine University automatically become members of the Pepperdine University Alumni Association and Graziadio Alumni Network (GAN). Both groups promote communication and interaction among the University community of alumni, students, faculty, and staff. Benefits include access to the alumni online directory, e-mail forwarding, professional development, events, and various discount programs. Library benefits include access to particular online research databases, borrowing privileges, and in-person consulting. Volunteer opportunities are available to alumni through the Graziadio Alumni Relations Office in the areas of Alumni Council leadership, student and alumni job/internship identification, student recruitment, advancement, and engagement. In addition, the Graziadio Alumni Relations Office hosts several networking, professional, and career-related forums around the world throughout the year. These events help to advance alumni and the school and connect alumni with each other, faculty, and their local business community members and leaders. The Graziadio Alumni Network promotes networking, lifelong learning, and engagement with the University. For more information, visit the website.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Pepperdine University is committed to complying with all mandates set forth in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Students with disabilities requesting accommodation should contact the Office of Student Accessibility (OSA) before their academic program begins to register with the office. Upon verification of the student’s disability, the OSA will work with each student on a case-by-case basis to determine appropriate accommodations while maintaining the academic integrity of the courses.

Students should expect a two-week time frame for registration in which the documentation and accommodation request will be reviewed. If the documentation is incomplete and/or does not meet the guidelines, students will be required to submit complete documentation before accommodations may be granted.

Students who have completed registration with the OSA will receive accommodation letters that they may provide to faculty to verify their accommodations. Registered students must request accommodations each term through a completed Semester Request.  Students are expected to be in close communication with professors and OSA regarding the implementation of accommodations.

Inquiries should be addressed to the Office of Student Accessibility at (310) 506-6500. Please visit the website for further information regarding documentation guidelines, office forms, and resources for students. 

Notice of Updated Privacy Practices

Pepperdine University respects that the privacy of your Personal Health Information (“PHI”) is important to you. Therefore, effective August 1, 2014, we have updated our Notice of Privacy Practices (“NPP”). This NPP describes the collection, maintenance, and use of your PHI in the course of our business operations.

Click here to view the updated NPP. You may also obtain a copy by contacting the Pepperdine University Department where you last received care.

Athletic Facilities

Students possessing valid Pepperdine student ID cards may use the fully equipped athletic facilities at the Malibu campus during specified times. These facilities include tennis courts, pool, track and field, and the gym, which contains an exercise room.

Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society

The Pepperdine University chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma encourages and honors academic achievement in the study of business and personal and professional excellence in the practice of business. Membership in Beta Gamma Sigma, the only business honor society recognized by AACSB International- The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, is the highest recognition a business student can receive in an undergraduate or master’s business program accredited by AACSB. Students achieving high academic excellence will be invited to join. The first national honor society in business, founded in 1913, Beta Gamma Sigma currently has more than 820,000 members worldwide. Information on membership is available through the Program Office.

Bookstores

Students enrolled in the Graziadio Business School may purchase all class textbooks and materials from the bookstores located at the West Los Angeles Graduate Campus or the Drescher Graduate Campus for students attending classes in Malibu. The West Los Angeles Graduate Campus bookstore provides a variety of services to ensure optimum convenience for students. Textbook orders can be placed online. The bookstores also offer a selection of office supplies, reference books, and other convenience items.

Career Services

Career and Professional Development provides students the skills and resources necessary to conduct strategic job searches and manage their careers. Services include access to online career videos, resource libraries, databases, career assessment, on-campus interviews, job postings, and individual and group career coaching. Students have opportunities to participate in networking events on- and off-campus and professional development webinars throughout the year. To utilize resources students must register on the online Career Portal.

eLearning

At the Graziadio School, e-learning methods and tools complement the rich, interactive, and personal teaching and learning environment. Communication and media technologies enable students to collaborate with each other, their instructors, and industry leaders in a learning community uninhibited by distance or time just as occurs in real-world business communities. Using the Courses learning management system, Google apps, Adobe Connect and VoiceThread, students and faculty share and track electronic documents, engage in synchronous and asynchronous online discussions as well as create and comment on digital learning assets.

Students, faculty, and invited guest speakers can access, learn and participate in a dynamic digital environment. Virtual teams form and collaborate, connecting learners, instructors and industry experts from across the globe. eLearning partners with faculty to design, develop and deliver additional interactive and multimedia learning objects, With an unaltered goal to enhance, engage, and provide real-world experience, e-learning at the Graziadio School increasingly provides students with new learning and networking opportunities beyond the benefits reaped from traditional classroom settings.

Financial Aid Office

The Graziadio Business School’s Financial Aid Office is located at the West Los Angeles Graduate Campus. The Financial Aid Office provides Graziadio School students with information on available financial aid and the appropriate type of aid for individual circumstances. The Financial Aid Office assists students with the required paperwork and processes financial aid applications for scholarships and grants as well as federal and private credit-based loans. Students are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office or request a personal appointment whenever they have financial assistance questions. For more information about financial aid, please visit the website online.

Student Health Insurance

In order to limit financial and academic stress related to illnesses during the academic year, the university requires students to have a U.S. based health insurance plan. A health insurance plan assists in meeting not only the costs of common illnesses treated at the Student Health Center or at a private physician’s office, but also the financial burden of illness and accidents involving more extensive care. The Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) provides the lowest premium for the student while providing the greatest benefit; however, a student may purchase any plan that has comparable coverage to SHIP.

All Graziadio students registered on the Malibu campus, including those studying abroad, are required to have a U.S. based health insurance plan. To meet this requirement, students may either provide proof of their own health insurance plan through the online waiver system or enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). Students must meet this requirement each academic year but an approved waiver does remain effective for the remainder of the academic year it is submitted.  It is highly recommended that any insurance plan purchased include care close to Malibu.

For more information and to view the insurance plan offered, please visit the website or call USI Insurance Services at 800.853.5899.

Information Technology

The Information Technology department provides a full range of technology services for Pepperdine University students. Each of the University’s campuses features modern classrooms with digital projection and wireless Internet access as well as general-use computer labs that provide wireless Internet connectivity, fee-based black-and-white and color printing, and photocopying.

Information Technology staff members are available to provide technology assistance. Students may visit the IT website and select “Student” for self-help guides and support information. In addition, students may contact the Pepperdine IT Service Desk for technology support at 310.506.HELP (4357) or 866.767.8623 (toll free in the USA), 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Students are required to abide by the ”Computer and Network Responsible Usage Policy .” Details are included in the “Legal Notices ” section of this catalog and are published on the Information Technology website. Information about all Information Technology services is available online.

Libraries

The Pepperdine University libraries provide a global gateway to knowledge for PGBS graduate students and faculty though well-appointed facilities located at each of Pepperdine’s graduate campuses and online. These locations include the Drescher Campus Graduate Library in Malibu, the West Los Angeles Campus Graduate Library, the Irvine Campus Graduate Library, and the newly renovated Encino Graduate Campus Library. Highly skilled research librarians are available at each of the graduate campus library locations and online to assist with students’ information needs.

Pepperdine’s graduate campus libraries provide students with access to a rich array of scholarly materials, including more than 180 electronic databases, 90 percent of which are full text, extensive collections of print monographs, government documents, e-books, and e-journals. All circulating items in the Pepperdine libraries are available to students, faculty, and alumni and may be requested through the libraries’ website for pickup at Malibu or at graduate campuses. To access these resources and for more information, please visit the Pepperdine University Libraries website.

Office of International Student Services

The Office of International Student Services (OISS) is located on the Malibu campus. The OISS issues the Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status, to international students who have been granted admission to Pepperdine University. International students registering at Pepperdine University for the first time must report to the OISS in Malibu and consult with the designated school official to ensure compliance with government regulations. The OISS provides information seminars, publications, and counseling on immigration, employment authorization, tax requirements, and all other matters related to the students’ nonimmigrant status in the United States. Health and accident insurance coverage is mandatory for international students. For more information, call the OISS at (310) 506-4246.

Psychological and Educational Clinic

The Pepperdine University Psychological and Educational Clinic is located at the West Los Angeles Graduate Campus. The clinic provides comprehensive psychological services to the general community as well as to Pepperdine University students and staff. Psychological services offered include psychological assessment and individual, couple, and family therapy. Services are provided by clinical psychology doctoral students, under the supervision of licensed psychologists, or other doctoral-level licensed therapists. Fees for services are based upon a sliding scale determined by yearly income and number of dependents. A special discounted fee of $15 per therapy session is available for Pepperdine students. All services are confidential, with extra measures taken to protect the privacy of Pepperdine students and staff members. For further information about clinic services or to make an initial appointment, call (310) 568-5752.

Student Health Center

The Student Health Center (SHC) is committed to providing high quality, low-cost health care to our diverse community of students.  The primary focus is to keep the students healthy by providing preventative care, timely treatment of disease, and by making appropriate referrals when necessary.  We emphasize health education and aim to provide care in a confidential, respectful, and safe environment.  We encourage honest, open communication and dedicate ourselves to perpetuating the wellness of the whole being-Mind, Body and Spirit.

The SHC functions similarly to a family practice office and provides a wide variety of services, which include care for illness and injury, respiratory problems, women’s and men’s health, dermatology, immunizations, labs, in-house testing, nutrition, and massage therapy. In addition, the SHC offers specialized clinics such as flu vaccination, travel medicine, allergy, and STI/HIV testing. All information reported at the SHC is confidential and protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which protects the disclosure of health information.

The SHC strives to keep costs at a minimum and insurance companies often reimburse a portion of these costs.  Students may make payment at the SHC with cash, personal check, or charge their student account.  At the conclusion of their appointment, they receive a super bill to submit to their insurance company for reimbursement.

Students seeking a referral to an off-campus medical provider are encouraged to contact their insurance company for referral information to receive the most benefit from their coverage. Students enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) must first be seen at the SHC to receive a referral to an outside specialist.

All registered students have access to the off-site Pep-RN Nurse Advice Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling (800) 413-0848.  Staffed with registered nurses, the nurse line can help students determine if they need to seek medical care, understand their medications or medical procedures, or learn ways to stay healthy.

The Health Center sees patients by appointment. While students may walk-in, scheduled appointments have priority, except in an emergency. The center is located on the Malibu campus at the northwest corner of Rho parking lot at Towers Road. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To make an appointment, (310) 506-4316, option 3 or visit the website for more information.

Tech Central

Tech Central is Pepperdine University’s student support center, offering hands-on technology support for all students. Tech Central is located on the Malibu campus. Tech Central may be contacted at (310) 506-4811 or by email at TechCentral@pepperdine.edu. For more details about services, hours of operation, and self-help information, please visit the website and select “Student.”

Travel Agency

The University has a full-service travel agency located at the Malibu campus. Any registered student may use the service and make travel arrangements in person or by telephone. The travel agency may be reached at (310) 506-4562, or e-mail corniche@pepperdine.edu for further information.

Veterans Services

Veterans are advised to consult the “Academic Policies ” section of this catalog under “Information for Veterans .”