History
Dr. Bob Brower, PLNU’s current president, was inaugurated in 1998. In 1999, PLNU began graduate programs in education in Bakersfield and Mission Valley. A graduate program in education had remained in Pasadena since the move and in 2001, it moved to Arcadia. Also in 2001, an MBA program was added in Mission Valley.
Education
Our mission isn’t simply to prepare you for a career after you graduate — though that’s part of it — but to shape you into a thoughtful, service-minded, and engaged member of your community and world.
Career
The Offices of Strengths & Vocation (OSV) will provide you with the skills, experience, and relationships you need after you graduate. From helping you find internships and editing your resume to connecting you with professionals, OSV will help you uncover how you can live out your calling in everything you do and every aspect of your life.
Point Loma Nazarene University Scholarships
Below you will find scholarships related to Point Loma Nazarene University. Distinction can be made between scholarships provided by the University and those provided by independent providers.
Independent provider
Grant
100000 INR
Deadline
31 Aug 2025
GyanDhan Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
72000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2025
Belgian American Educational Foundation (BAEF)
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Dec 2025
Latin American Caribbean Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2025
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Stipendium Peregrinum
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Other Scholarships For Graduate Students
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
332500 USD
Deadline
31 May 2026
Study Abroad Graudate Scholarships Of SBS Foundation
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
300000 HKD
Deadline
30 Sep 2025
Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowships For Overseas Studies
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
76800 MXN
Deadline
Not specified
Becas CONACYT-FUNED
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
50000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Beca De Excelencia Rafael Del Pino
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 USD
Deadline
30 Sep 2025
Study Abroad Graduate Scholarships of Chungcheongnam-do
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 AUD
Deadline
30 Sep 2025
Veterans’ Fund Indigenous Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Becas Fulbright - Ampliación De Estudios
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
38000 GBP
Deadline
18 Sep 2025
Marshall Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
33600 USD
Deadline
01 Oct 2025
German Academic Exchange Service - Scholarships For Graduate Studies
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
30000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Baltic American Freedom Foundation Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
30000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
International Education Center's Study Abroad Programs
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
24000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Becas Fulbright - Realización De Master
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
20000 USD
Deadline
04 Mar 2026
Thanks To Scandinavia Grants To Danish Students
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
16800 USD
Deadline
01 Oct 2025
German Academic Exchange Service -Scholarships For Exchange Programs
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
100000 INR
Deadline
31 Aug 2025
GyanDhan Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
72000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2025
Belgian American Educational Foundation (BAEF)
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Dec 2025
Latin American Caribbean Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2025
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Stipendium Peregrinum
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Other Scholarships For Graduate Students
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
332500 USD
Deadline
31 May 2026
Study Abroad Graudate Scholarships Of SBS Foundation
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
300000 HKD
Deadline
30 Sep 2025
Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowships For Overseas Studies
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
76800 MXN
Deadline
Not specified
Becas CONACYT-FUNED
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
50000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Beca De Excelencia Rafael Del Pino
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 USD
Deadline
30 Sep 2025
Study Abroad Graduate Scholarships of Chungcheongnam-do
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 AUD
Deadline
30 Sep 2025
Veterans’ Fund Indigenous Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Becas Fulbright - Ampliación De Estudios
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
38000 GBP
Deadline
18 Sep 2025
Marshall Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
33600 USD
Deadline
01 Oct 2025
German Academic Exchange Service - Scholarships For Graduate Studies
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
30000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Baltic American Freedom Foundation Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
30000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
International Education Center's Study Abroad Programs
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
24000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Becas Fulbright - Realización De Master
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
20000 USD
Deadline
04 Mar 2026
Thanks To Scandinavia Grants To Danish Students
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
16800 USD
Deadline
01 Oct 2025
German Academic Exchange Service -Scholarships For Exchange Programs
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
100000 INR
Deadline
31 Aug 2025
GyanDhan Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
72000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2025
Belgian American Educational Foundation (BAEF)
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Dec 2025
Latin American Caribbean Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2025
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Stipendium Peregrinum
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Other Scholarships For Graduate Students
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
332500 USD
Deadline
31 May 2026
Study Abroad Graudate Scholarships Of SBS Foundation
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
300000 HKD
Deadline
30 Sep 2025
Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowships For Overseas Studies
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
76800 MXN
Deadline
Not specified
Becas CONACYT-FUNED
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
50000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Beca De Excelencia Rafael Del Pino
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 USD
Deadline
30 Sep 2025
Study Abroad Graduate Scholarships of Chungcheongnam-do
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 AUD
Deadline
30 Sep 2025
Veterans’ Fund Indigenous Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Becas Fulbright - Ampliación De Estudios
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
38000 GBP
Deadline
18 Sep 2025
Marshall Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
33600 USD
Deadline
01 Oct 2025
German Academic Exchange Service - Scholarships For Graduate Studies
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
30000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Baltic American Freedom Foundation Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
30000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
International Education Center's Study Abroad Programs
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
24000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Becas Fulbright - Realización De Master
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
20000 USD
Deadline
04 Mar 2026
Thanks To Scandinavia Grants To Danish Students
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
16800 USD
Deadline
01 Oct 2025
German Academic Exchange Service -Scholarships For Exchange Programs
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
100000 INR
Deadline
31 Aug 2025
GyanDhan Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
72000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2025
Belgian American Educational Foundation (BAEF)
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Dec 2025
Latin American Caribbean Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2025
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Stipendium Peregrinum
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Other Scholarships For Graduate Students
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
332500 USD
Deadline
31 May 2026
Study Abroad Graudate Scholarships Of SBS Foundation
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
300000 HKD
Deadline
30 Sep 2025
Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowships For Overseas Studies
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
76800 MXN
Deadline
Not specified
Becas CONACYT-FUNED
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
50000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Beca De Excelencia Rafael Del Pino
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 USD
Deadline
30 Sep 2025
Study Abroad Graduate Scholarships of Chungcheongnam-do
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 AUD
Deadline
30 Sep 2025
Veterans’ Fund Indigenous Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Becas Fulbright - Ampliación De Estudios
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
38000 GBP
Deadline
18 Sep 2025
Marshall Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
33600 USD
Deadline
01 Oct 2025
German Academic Exchange Service - Scholarships For Graduate Studies
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
30000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Baltic American Freedom Foundation Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
30000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
International Education Center's Study Abroad Programs
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
24000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Becas Fulbright - Realización De Master
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
20000 USD
Deadline
04 Mar 2026
Thanks To Scandinavia Grants To Danish Students
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
16800 USD
Deadline
01 Oct 2025
German Academic Exchange Service -Scholarships For Exchange Programs
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3200 USD
Deadline
Not specified
United Arab Emirates Government Scholarship Programs
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
100000 INR
Deadline
31 Aug 2025
GyanDhan Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
72000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2025
Belgian American Educational Foundation (BAEF)
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Dec 2025
Latin American Caribbean Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2025
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Stipendium Peregrinum
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Other Scholarships For Graduate Students
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
332500 USD
Deadline
31 May 2026
Study Abroad Graudate Scholarships Of SBS Foundation
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
300000 HKD
Deadline
30 Sep 2025
Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowships For Overseas Studies
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
76800 MXN
Deadline
Not specified
Becas CONACYT-FUNED
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
50000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Beca De Excelencia Rafael Del Pino
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 USD
Deadline
30 Sep 2025
Study Abroad Graduate Scholarships of Chungcheongnam-do
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 AUD
Deadline
30 Sep 2025
Veterans’ Fund Indigenous Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Becas Fulbright - Ampliación De Estudios
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
38000 GBP
Deadline
18 Sep 2025
Marshall Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
33600 USD
Deadline
01 Oct 2025
German Academic Exchange Service - Scholarships For Graduate Studies
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
30000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Baltic American Freedom Foundation Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
30000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
International Education Center's Study Abroad Programs
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
24000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Becas Fulbright - Realización De Master
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
20000 USD
Deadline
04 Mar 2026
Thanks To Scandinavia Grants To Danish Students
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
100000 INR
Deadline
31 Aug 2025
GyanDhan Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
72000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2025
Belgian American Educational Foundation (BAEF)
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Dec 2025
Latin American Caribbean Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2025
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Stipendium Peregrinum
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Other Scholarships For Graduate Students
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
332500 USD
Deadline
31 May 2026
Study Abroad Graudate Scholarships Of SBS Foundation
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
300000 HKD
Deadline
30 Sep 2025
Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowships For Overseas Studies
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
76800 MXN
Deadline
Not specified
Becas CONACYT-FUNED
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
50000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Beca De Excelencia Rafael Del Pino
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 USD
Deadline
30 Sep 2025
Study Abroad Graduate Scholarships of Chungcheongnam-do
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 AUD
Deadline
30 Sep 2025
Veterans’ Fund Indigenous Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Becas Fulbright - Ampliación De Estudios
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
38000 GBP
Deadline
18 Sep 2025
Marshall Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
33600 USD
Deadline
01 Oct 2025
German Academic Exchange Service - Scholarships For Graduate Studies
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
30000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Baltic American Freedom Foundation Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
30000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
International Education Center's Study Abroad Programs
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
24000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Becas Fulbright - Realización De Master
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
20000 USD
Deadline
04 Mar 2026
Thanks To Scandinavia Grants To Danish Students
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
16800 USD
Deadline
01 Oct 2025
German Academic Exchange Service -Scholarships For Exchange Programs
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Becas Fundación Ramón Areces Para Estudios De Postgrado
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
3200 USD
Deadline
Not specified
United Arab Emirates Government Scholarship Programs
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
100000 INR
Deadline
31 Aug 2025
GyanDhan Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
72000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2025
Belgian American Educational Foundation (BAEF)
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
10000 USD
Deadline
01 Dec 2025
Latin American Caribbean Scholarship
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
07 Oct 2025
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Stipendium Peregrinum
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Other Scholarships For Graduate Students
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
332500 USD
Deadline
31 May 2026
Study Abroad Graudate Scholarships Of SBS Foundation
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
300000 HKD
Deadline
30 Sep 2025
Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowships For Overseas Studies
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
76800 MXN
Deadline
Not specified
Becas CONACYT-FUNED
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
50000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Beca De Excelencia Rafael Del Pino
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 USD
Deadline
30 Sep 2025
Study Abroad Graduate Scholarships of Chungcheongnam-do
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 AUD
Deadline
30 Sep 2025
Veterans’ Fund Indigenous Scholarships
Merit-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
40000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Becas Fulbright - Ampliación De Estudios
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
38000 GBP
Deadline
18 Sep 2025
Marshall Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
33600 USD
Deadline
01 Oct 2025
German Academic Exchange Service - Scholarships For Graduate Studies
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
30000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Baltic American Freedom Foundation Scholarships
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
30000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
International Education Center's Study Abroad Programs
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Independent provider
Grant
24000 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Becas Fulbright - Realización De Master
Merit-based Need-based
Read more about eligibility
Housing services
PLNU is primarily a residential campus, meaning most of our students live on campus.
Living in a residence hall can be a significant part of your time at PLNU. We see it as a challenging, rewarding way to live out our commitment to being a Christian community.
Each of our residence halls has a resident director (RD), a full-time staff person who lives and works in the hall. We also have a committed team of student resident assistants (RAs) who live and work in the hall as well.
Library services
In the heart of campus sits the Ryan Library, where students go to study, research, have class,and get help for projects. PLNU patrons can use their PLNU ID card to access library services including: check out books, check out key to group study rooms, access online databases remotely, and request interlibrary loans.
Medical services
We are committed to making sure students at PLNU receive a safe, healthy, and overall meaningful experience. That’s why we offer several resources to ensure they are well taken care of, and thrive during their college experience.
Campus life
PLNU is primarily a residential campus, meaning most of our students live on campus.
Sports facilities
The balance of study and play is what makes for a great PLNU experience. That’s why we encourage you to engage your body as well as your mind.
Suit up and hit the turf (or surf) on an intramural or club team. Grab your bike, kayak, or hiking gear and take to the outdoors to satisfy your appetite for adventure. Or hone your competitive spirit and join fellow students in supporting your NCAA Division II Sea Lions as they compete against rival schools. Whether you enjoy competing on the field or cheering on the sideline, there are many ways to get involved in PLNU’s vibrant campus community.Student clubs
What you do outside the classroom is just as important as what you do inside — it’s an integral part of a rich, well-rounded PLNU experience. That’s why we offer a variety of campus opportunities for you to get involved in.
Hone your leadership skills. Foster relationships with fellow students. Cultivate your passions and interests. Or simply discover new ways to have some fun.
Accreditation
PLNU is numbered among those institutions of higher education that meet or exceed the rigorous standards of accrediting associations and commissions. PLNU is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), for which it periodically completes a self-study that addresses recognized standards and principles of excellence.