Student Autonomy

Expression and individualism at the University of Puget Sound are invited, encouraged, and supported, and we value and promote autonomy and independence. Because of this philosophy, you'll find a wide range of opportunities to express yourself and develop your interests--from athletics and the arts to campus issues and community service. You'll also find limitless opportunities for leadership and involvement--you can start clubs and theme houses, and propose research projects for the summer. Our Summer Research Grant Program, for example, allowed 52 students to conduct independent research last year.

Fostering the Individual

We are committed to supporting our students and offer a wide-ranging program of grants and stipends during the academic year, including travel funds for attending professional conferences. Many students have the opportunity to present alongside their professors at these conferences and to co-author scholarly articles with them.

Students may also choose to pursue individual research in independent studies or in preparation for a senior thesis or project. Our interdisciplinary programs, such as Asian Studies and International Political Economy, and self-designed courses and contract majors allow you to create targeted programs and courses in line with your interests, all with faculty guidance.