Category Archives: Campus Perspective

A Parent’s Perspective

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Four years ago, my husband and I dropped our daughter off at University of Portland to begin her first year of college. That weekend the campus was so beautiful, the people so friendly, and the orientation activities so fun that–as parents and alumni of The Bluff­–we wished we could stay. But it wasn’t that way for everyone. As the weekend drew to a close, we saw many first-year students, including our own daughter, clustered with their parents, sharing their fears and trepidations about starting this new chapter of their lives.

Tom and Tami dropping Mary off for her first day at UP

Our own parents had just dropped us off at our dorm and didn’t set foot on the campus again until graduation. However, UP in the 21st century is quite different! The hall directors meet with parents that first weekend, share their cell phone numbers, and invite families to come speak privately with them about any concerns. The Shepherd Center sends out monthly letters, which are always insightful and incredibly accurate, so that parents can understand the likely fears and feelings being experienced by their first-year students.

We had been worried after that initial parting at Orientation. We were anxious to offer advice to our daughter to make those first few weeks successful, but we discovered that she found her own way through the maze of academic, social, and dorm life. As fond as our own memories of campus were, she didn’t need to relive them. Our experiences as Pilots 40 years earlier belonged to us, and she had her own ideas about how to spend her time and make friends. We learned to trust and support the decisions she made.

Two years passed, and it was time for Junior Parents and Families Weekend. Students confidently escorted their parents around campus, introducing their friends and professors. We reconnected with the service and spiritual elements of the Pilot campus, and rediscovered why UP is a special place that shapes students in both subtle and dramatic ways.

Tami and Mary at Junior Parents & Families Weekend

Here we are four years later. Mary will be walking across the stage of the Chiles Center (a building that didn’t even exist when we roamed the campus in the 70’s), earning a degree far more difficult than our own. And while many aspects of UP have changed, the most important things remain the same. Life on The Bluff means making lifelong friends, receiving a quality education, exploring personal passions, and developing a commitment to serve the world around us.

Tom and Tami at a Seattle Chapter service event

Fortunately, our association with UP doesn’t have to end with Mary’s degree. As active members of the Seattle Chapter of the University of Portland, we can continue to gather with current and former students and parents to celebrate those aspects of UP that bind us forever. Once a Pilot, always a Pilot.

~Tom ’79 and Tami ’81 Martin

Tom is an active member of our Seattle Chapter leadership team, and Tami proudly serves the UP community through her role on the National Alumni Board. Just like Tom and Tami, you too can connect and stay involved with the Pilot community, even after your student crosses the stage at Commencement. You can learn more here, or email parents@up.edu to reach the Office of Alumni & Parent Relations.

Outdoor Pursuits Program

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The winter months in Portland can be challenging, and it is not uncommon for students to experience the “winter blues”. One of the best things students can do is to get outside and stay active. Luckily for UP students, the Outdoor Pursuits Program is here to help! Outdoor Pursuits offers the following opportunities and more. Encourage your student to visit them in the back of the Beauchamp Recreation and Wellness Center.

  • Outdoor Trips and Events: White water rafting, backpacking through the Wallowas, and kayaking Scappoose Bay are just a few of the upcoming adventures offered. Check out the full schedule of upcoming opportunities!
  • Outdoor Equipment Rental: Outdoor Pursuits offers an amazing selection of equipment that can be checked out for backpacking, climbing, mountaineering, camping, biking, and more. Recognizing that students may not have the resources for certain outdoor basics, they also offer clothing such as wool hats, fleece jackets, and snow gloves.

  • Ski Bus: Your student can go up Mount Hood for an afternoon/evening of ski and fun without having to worry about their own transportation!

  • Indoor Climbing/Bouldering Wall: Whether they’re a beginner or pro, your student can learn the ropes through orientations and special skills workshops.
  • Bike Shop: Whether your student needs to rent a bike or have some maintenance done on a bike they already own, the Bike Shop has your student covered.

The Outdoor Pursuits Program is just one of the many services and resources offered through Recreational Services in the Beauchamp Recreations & Wellness Center. Students can also take advantage of activities such as fitness classes, intramural sports, and much more! See more opportunities here.

Q & A with a Program Counselor

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Is your student maximizing their relationship with their Program Counselor, who can support them in planning for academic success? We asked Annie Popoff, Program Counselor for the School of Education, about academic advising, improving grades, and registering for classes.

What is your role as a Program Counselor?

As the Program Counselor for the School of Education, I provide academic planning and advising to all undergraduate Education majors, as well as to graduate students in the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Program. Program Counselors for each School (Business, Engineering, and Nursing) and the College of Arts and Sciences provide specific academic planning services for students enrolled in programs within that School or College. Students should visit a Program Counselor for 4-year planning, choosing courses for registration, planning for Study Abroad, discussing summer or transfer coursework, adding majors or minors, or exploring general career options related to specific programs. Program Counselors also assist with UP Orientation and Visitation, so they’re a great resource to answer first-year and transfer student questions!

What is your favorite part about being a Program Counselor?

I love welcoming new students into the campus community. Going to college can be exciting, scary, and overwhelming all at the same time. I like being able to provide a safe, supportive environment to students who may be having a hard time with the college transition. I also enjoy getting to know each student personally. The School of Education is one of the smaller Colleges on campus, and it gives me the unique opportunity to get to know my Education majors on a deeper level.

How can students make the most of their relationship with their Program Counselor?

Visit us often (once per semester is great) and come prepared with questions. Remember that Program Counselors are experts in academic planning, but we also know a lot about the University as a whole. If you’re looking for an on-campus job, wondering how that academic minor might help with your career pursuits, or want to talk about resources on campus, we’re a great place to start. Especially when you’re not sure who to talk to, reach out to your Program Counselor. We’re happy to help!

Click here to find out how your student can contact their Program Counselor.

If a student’s mid-term grades aren’t where they want them to be, what advice would you give someone who wants to finish off the semester strong?

Here are a few things for students to keep in mind:

  • Connect with resources on campus to get the support you need to succeed. Are you having trouble grasping the concepts in your math class? Visit the Math Resource Center in the Learning Commons. Is test anxiety causing you stress? Contact Brother Thomas Giumenta, Learning Assistance Counselor. Accessible Education Services (AES) offers testing and study accommodations to students who are eligible. Professors can review course concepts with you during office hours if you have additional questions after a lecture. Find a group of students to study with in your classes. There are lot of ways to work towards pulling your grade up!

  • Calculate your grade in the course. Using the course syllabus, make a list of the assignments that you’ve completed so far and the grades received. Next, look at the assignments left in the class and the points possible for each one. Note if participation points, or other points, can still be obtained for the class. Calculate the grades you would need to receive on the remaining assignments to get the overall grade you want. A professor or Program Counselor can help you do this calculation if you would like assistance.
  • Know your options moving forward. Once you’ve calculated your possible grade moving forward, you can make a choice on how to best proceed. Most of the time, this means putting together a plan for success (attending class, taking good notes, studying for a certain number of hours per week, etc.). However, if you know that the highest possible grade you can get for the course is a D, then you may consider withdrawing from the class and retaking it at another time. If the class is not required for the University Core or your major, you may consider changing the grade for that course to “Pass/No Pass.” You may also decide that a D is an acceptable grade for this course and that you will work toward obtaining that grade. Consider all of your options and choose the one that’s best for you.

Do you have any tips to share with students for alleviating concerns or stress regarding class registration?

It’s very normal for students to not get into all of the courses they want each semester. I experienced this myself as an undergraduate student, and I know that most freshman feel anxious during their first registration experience. However, keep in mind that you won’t be off track to graduate in four years! Make a ‘Plan A’ for registration (the courses you really want to register for), and then make a list of alternative courses that could be used for backup. If it comes time to register and you find that one of your preferred courses is closed or full, try registering for a course on your backup list. If you cannot get into a course that you believe is required for your major and must be taken during a specific semester, please reach out to your Program Counselor for assistance. There will always be a way to get you into the courses that are required to keep you on track.

What are the most important dates and deadlines for students to know for advising and spring class registration?

In general, students will want to make an appointment with their advisor between mid-October and early November to prepare for registration.

Students who are Athletes, Honors, or have AES priority registration will be contacted by the associated office with important registration deadlines. Registration forms will be due to these offices earlier than the regular registration period.

Students can register themselves for classes online through Self Serve at the time designated on the Registrar’s website. Student registration times are randomly selected each year by the Registrar’s office. The link to the registration schedule for Spring 2019 is available here. Registration takes place November 5-14, 2018.

Students can continue to register after their initial registration period. Registration stays open through the first week of the following semester (January 18, 2019).

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Annie Popoff, M.A., is an academic advisor in the School of Education at UP. Annie completed her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs. As a current doctoral student, her research interests include college student development and learning theory. Her vision is to see all students reach their fullest potential by engaging in campus programming, developing meaningful professional and personal relationships, and leaving college with the skills and passion to pursue lifelong dreams. When she’s not working, Annie enjoys cooking, hiking, and playing with her corgi Ellie.