Category Archives: First Year Focus

Spring 2021 Textbooks

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How do I get my books for the Spring 2021 Semester?

The UP Bookstore is here and working to get students their Spring books.  Simply place an order at our website. Students can also find out what course materials they need by looking at their schedule in Self Serve Banner and then entering their courses here. Shipping is free with a $49 order minimum. We are shipping daily! Please keep in mind that UPS does not deliver to a PO Box, so make sure you enter a valid street address.

When should I order my books?

Students should order their books as soon as possible. Even though we are shipping daily, transit times will vary based on your location. Ordering early will also help with any unexpected shipping delays or inclement weather.

What if I have already placed a pick-up order for my books?

If you have already placed an order to be picked up, and you do not live locally, simply call or email the Bookstore and someone will assist you in updating your order.

I live locally.  Do I still have to have my books shipped to me?

No.  The Bookstore will be opening on January 11. Please verify our hours on our website before you visit. You will be able to pick up your order once you receive the final confirmation email. Please be aware that your email account may automatically filter emails from the UP Bookstore. Be sure to set your account to accept emails from the Bookstore and check your spam file for any missed emails.  

We are requesting all customers wear a mask, practice social distancing while inside the Bookstore, and observe occupancy limits.

Can I still get used books and rental books?

Yes, used and rental books are available. Please order early for your best chance at used books.

More questions?

Please contact us directly at 503.943.7125 or via email at sm796@bncollege.com.

Success at UP

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Soon your student will begin writing papers and taking their first UP exams. It’s not uncommon for students to experience stress when navigating new study habits, time management, test anxiety, and making new friends. It will be important to remember that your student is not alone in what they’re feeling and experiencing – and that many, many UP staff and faculty are eager to support them and want them to succeed. Learn what academic and social resources are available to your student as they progress further into the semester and their studies.

Writing at the College Level

  • Writing takes time and practice. In the Writing Center, students can work with trained peer Writing Assistants to develop their writing assignments and learn how to communicate more effectively. Writing Assistants can even help your student in developing the ideas and structure of a paper, so when tackling a large project, it’s never too early to make an appointment!

Learning New Study Habits

  • New students quickly realize that they can’t study the way they did in high school and expect to be as successful. Students should be studying 2 to 3 hours outside of class for every hour that they’re in class. For many, this is a big change from high school. Encourage your student to connect with one of the Peer Tutors in the Learning Commons or to check out the Academic Toolkit for topic-specific resources on developing effective study habits and skills. You may also enjoy learning about The Study and PAL groups which were developed this past year.

Managing Time and Test Anxiety

  • Frustration can sometimes build as students work to find an equitable balance between academic, social, and family commitments. Test anxiety can also build as students prepare to take their first college exams. Encourage your student to contact UP’s Learning Assistance Counselor, Brother Thomas Giumenta, for help with time management, test anxiety, and test-taking and studying strategies.

Need academic help, but not sure where to start?

  • If your student has academic questions of any kind, please encourage them to contact the Shepard Academic Resource Center (SARC). The SARC team wants to meet with them to help answer questions or point them to the right resources to find answers. The SARC offers a number of resources to students, including a “Your First Year in College” page where students can find advising and various relevant articles amongst other things to support their new UP journey. They can be reached at sarc@up.edu or 503.943.7895.

Meeting New Friends

Whether through classes, official school-sponsored events, or informal interactions around campus, there are many ways to connect with peers during college. While this list is not comprehensive, below are a few ways your student can take the initiative to connect with peers:

  • Check out what types of student-led activities, both in-person and virtual, are being planned for the Spring, including movie nights, outdoor workout classes, and virtual escape rooms.
  • Students can practice and apply concepts they’re learning in class why also creating connection with peers by forming study groups.
  • If your student is living on campus this Spring, encourage them to engage with their hall community, which each have their own identity and unique traditions.
  • Encourage your student to attend the Spring Activities Fair, a virtual fair that allows students to browse clubs and organizations and ask questions of current members. Students can keep an eye on the Office of Student Activities Instagram for upcoming announcements regarding this event and more.
  • Through the semester, students can check out clubs, organizations, and upcoming events on the Engage platform. 

First Year Focus: Semester’s End

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Your student has successfully made it through their first semester of college, and one unlike any other – congratulations! From managing their own class schedule, to meeting project deadlines, to registering for the spring semester, students are developing important skills and habits. We can only imagine how proud you are of their many accomplishments. Now is the perfect time to celebrate the progress they have made! This is also a good time to check in with your student about their sleeping habits, grades, the content of their classes, and their majors (or majors they’re considering).

While it is not unusual for most students to not get a lot of sleep during “reading week” and finals, you and your student should discuss how much sleep they are getting. Most first-year students are not sleeping enough because they save all their studying until late nights and early mornings. You may wish to re-emphasize that it is important to use time between classes to do homework, and not catch up on sleep. Most students are studying a lot, but not studying wisely.

One person who can help your student with their studying habits is Brother Thomas Giumenta, C.S.C., the Learning Assistance Counselor for the Shepard Center. He can assist with time management, test taking, note taking, reading strategies, test anxiety, learning and memory strategies, and individual academic counseling. Brother Tom is also offering a course next semester for students who experience difficulties and challenges with academic work. All interested students can register for this 1 credit course, University Success – ED 102, through Self-Serve.

Another helpful resource which you should encourage your student to explore is the Learning Commons. The Learning Commons provides assistance that supplements classroom work. Students can connect with peer tutors in a variety of disciplines, including math, writing, speech, and international languages. If you missed our article last month, check out the new programs they have developed to support all UP students.

Grades will be posted for classes and be available to students on the Tuesday after Finals Week. As a reminder, grades are not “sent home,” so talk to your student and ask them about their grades. If your student has added you as a Proxy through Self-Serve for the student information view, you have permission to view their grades online via the Banner Self Serve Proxy system. After checking in with your student, you may notice a difference in the grades your student got in high school compared to the grades they are getting in college. Many students struggle in classes such as calculus, chemistry, biology, philosophy, physics, and macroeconomics. Never fear – as highlighted above, there is help available for students who need to learn how to better manage their time and get outside assistance to pass their courses. Remember that many first-year students struggle in their first semester, but do very well in the following semesters. It is all part of the learning process!