While some students take a break from classes this summer, there are many ways they can use the time to their advantage to not only prepare for a successful year head and plan for the future, but also to take a mental break and re-charge. Check out our “summer checklist” of things to consider and discuss with your student over the next few months.

• Reflect. Summer is a great time to reflect on the past academic year. Ask your student what class they enjoyed the most (or least) and why. What accomplishments are they most proud of from the past year? If certain things didn’t go as they had hoped, how could they have approached them differently? How can they get involved within the UP community to take full advantage of their time on The Bluff while developing their heart, hands, and mind?

• Explore majors. Has your student yet to choose a major or are they considering changing a major? Summer is a good time for students to explore their options. If your student is considering a new major or career path, you can encourage them to check out these great resources provided by the Career Education Center.

• Explore careers. The Career Education Center is here to help if your student needs assistance searching for a job, networking, navigating LinkedIn, preparing for an interview, or negotiating a job offer. They are available virtually by phone or video chat. Students can continue to schedule their appointments throughout the summer via Handshake or by calling the Career Education Center.

• Make a 4-year plan. Students can work with their advisor or on their own to think about what they can do over their remaining time at UP to graduate on time and set themselves up for success after graduation. A great place to start is the Career Education Center’s Pilot Map resource. It is not merely a “To Do” list of items to check off – rather it is a customizable plan that enables your student to tailor their plan and engage with resources (people, places, activities, etc.) that will support their goals. 

• Prepare to manage health care. Before heading back to campus, it will be important for your student to be prepared and equipped with the information they need should any health issues arise. Do they have a copy or picture of their up to date health insurance card? Are their vaccinations complete and up to date? Do they know how to look up in-network care with their health insurance in the event they need care in the Portland area? A great first step is creating a list of wellness resource contacts so they have them on hand when they may need them. This could include their mental health provider, primary care office, UP Health & Counseling Center phone number, as well as parent or other support person information.

• Prioritize self-care. Self-care means something different for everyone, but before your student jumps into another busy academic year, it is important that they take time to reset and re-charge, whether that is setting aside time each day to read for fun, do something active outside, or work on arts and crafts.

• Expand your network. No matter where students live, they can connect to Pilots through UP’s online community, Switchboard. Many students reach out to alumni for advice on graduate school, finding a place to live, or advice in a particular field of work.

• Build employable skill sets online. Although in-person internships and jobs are returning, your student can still utilize free or low-cost online resources to build employable skills!

• Coronavirus Updates
  • Please note that updates surrounding Coronavirus and UP’s actions will continue to be posted here.

• Important Dates and Deadlines
  • Financial Aid and Student Accounts
    • Summer Session 2020 Financial Aid Deadlines
    • Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 Financial Aid Deadlines
    • June 11: Late fee assessed on all unpaid balances for Summer term.
    • August 28: The deadline to complete the health insurance waiver for Fall 2020 is 2:00 p.m. (PDT) on August 28, 2020. The waiver form for 2020–2021 will be available in mid-July.
    • August 28: Last day to withdraw from fall courses with 100% tuition refund.
  • Academics
    • May 18: Summer session classes begin.
    • August 6: Summer session ends.
    • August 24: Fall classes begin.
    • August 24: Last day to register or change registration (drop/add).

• Talking to Your Student About Anti-Racism
  • If you are having conversations with your student about topics such as racism and diversity, this list of resources is a good starting place.

• Virtual Writing Assistance Available All Summer
  • While the in-person Writing Center will remain closed until further notice, virtual writing assistance is available for all students taking courses at UP this summer. To make an appointment, students can simply email writing@up.edu and a writing assistant will get back to them within 24 hours.

• Returning Rented Textbooks
  • If your student rented their textbooks through UP’s Bookstore, please read through the detailed steps listed in the Bookstore FAQ section on how to obtain a shipping label and return the books.

• Reduced Tuition for Summer Internship Courses
  • Students who complete summer internships have the option to complete their internships for credit. Tuition for the College of Arts & Sciences summer internship courses will be $333 per 1 credit, which is one-third the rate of regular summer session tuition. This applies to CAS courses numbered 297, 397, 497, and 597. Most internship courses count for upper division electives toward the major. Internships for credit are not limited to the Portland area. Students are welcome to complete internships virtually, in their hometown, or even another country during the summer and still register for credit. Students who want to complete their internship for credit this summer should contact Elizabeth Jones, CAS Academic Internship Coordinator, at jonesel@up.edu. 

• Campus Ministry Summer Resources:
  • Stream Mass Online: Mass will continue to be live-streamed on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and Monday through Friday at 12:05 p.m. (Pacific Time) while public Masses remain suspended. All are invited into virtual participation.
  • Contact Campus Ministry: The Campus Ministry office will remain open virtually as we enter the summer months. If your student is seeking resources or would like to reach a Campus Minister, they can contact ministry@up.edu or leave a voicemail at 503.943.7131.

• UP’s Virtual Activities and Programming
  • Is your student looking for something to do from the comfort of home? The Office of Student Activities has compiled various ideas and resources to keep your student entertained.
  • Pilots After Dark has been and will continue to host virtual programming for students throughout the summer, including Bingo and Kahoot! Trivia Challenge.
  • Your student can also follow Pilots After Dark on Instagram (@up.pad) and like them on Facebook to stay up to date with the latest virtual programming.

• Stay Connected Remotely
  • Now is the perfect time to make sure your contact information is up-to-date with UP. Please update your information with our office!
  • Follow UP on social media!
    • Follow UP on Facebook
    • Follow UP on Instagram
    • Follow UP on Twitter
  • Utilize UP’s various faith resources.
  • Sign up for Switchboard!
  • Sign up for our faith newsletter.
  • Connect with one of our Regional Chapters. Parents are always welcome!