What makes Loma Linda University unique?
Loma Linda University has always combined a devotion to academic excellence with a concern for spiritual values and a high sense of mission. The motto of the University, "to make man whole," illustrates the sense of destiny felt in the University community to act its part in God's on-going plan for healing and restoring human beings to live with Him in wholeness, both now and in eternity.
While Loma Linda University has changed in many ways since its beginning in 1905, the Biblical principles which provide its foundation have remained unchanged.
Seventh-day Adventist heritage
Loma Linda University is owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church and has a deep commitment to respecting the rich diversity of its student body. It views respect and sensitivity for all people, regardless of their culture and ethnicity, as a part of true Christianity. We recognize that students come from many different faiths. This University has a tradition of religious liberty, and it highly respects students' religious values that differ from ours. We look upon the various perspectives of each spiritually committed student as enriching to our campus and educational environment.
Our unique features
Two distinctive features of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, which are part of the Loma Linda experience, become evident to first-time students. The first is the concept of Sabbath rest which reminds us of God as Creator. Adventists realize this in part by celebrating Saturday as the Sabbath from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. During these hours you will find that University offices, laboratories, libraries, study halls, and recreation facilities are closed to give time for physical and spiritual renewal and worship.
A second distinctive feature worth noting is an emphasis on health and wholeness. As a student you will be able to exercise in our newly completed recreation and wellness center, a health and fitness complex which received a national award for excellence in utility and design. The cafeterias on campus feature well-prepared vegetarian meals. You should also note that the University holds that a drug, alcohol, and tobacco-free lifestyle is essential for achieving the goal of "wholeness." This means that all students agree to refrain from the use of tobacco, alcohol, and other "recreational" drugs while enrolled at the University.
Spiritual life
Worship experiences represent a critical dimension of the educational experience at Loma Linda University and are available to the student many times throughout the week. Besides regular Friday evening and Saturday services, you will find that many class, school, club, and University activities include a component of worship and praise to God.
Chapel services
In keeping with the commitment of our mission, LLU students have special requirements, such as chapel service attendance each Wednesday morning in the University Church. The chapel programs provide a variety of opportunities to integrate faith and learning. Undergraduates who reside in the residence halls are also expected to attend worships in the residence halls each week.
Religion classes
Classes in religion are part of the core curriculum in each of the University's schools and programs. These classes deal with the study of the Bible, ethics, clinical ministry (which concentrates on ways to understand and meet the spiritual needs of patients in a manner that is non-invasive and individually appropriate), and a variety of other issues related to the student's field of study and personal spiritual journey.
All students who choose Loma Linda as their university make a commitment to conduct their lives in a manner which reflects their sense of responsibility for the honor and integrity of the University and themselves as members of its community.
[Top]