This year’s Fall Break is October 14–18. Students might use the time to relax at home or on campus after a busy midterm period, immerse themselves in diverse communities through one of the Moreau Center’s Immersions, attend Campus Ministry’s Called to Joy Retreat, or venture off to another city for some fun. No matter what your student’s plan is, here is some helpful information to know.

The basics:

There are no classes from Monday, October 14 through Friday, October 18. Some students use this time to catch up on studies or projects due later in the semester. Hopefully they also take time to rest!

If they’re staying on campus:

Unlike Winter Break, students can stay in the Residence Halls over Fall Break. Here are some of the adjusted hours for certain campus resources.

• Beauchamp Recreation & Wellness Center
  • The Beauchamp Recreation and Wellness Center will likely have adjusted fall break hours. Updated hours will be posted on their website closer to fall break.
• Bon Appetit Dining
  • Our on-campus dining services will have modified or limited hours during Fall Break. See below for the hours.
    • Pilot House:
      • Friday, October 11 from 7:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
      • Saturday, October 12 – Closed
      • Sunday, October 13 – Closed
      • Monday, October 14 through Friday, October 18 – Open from 7:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
      • Saturday, October 19 – Closed
      • Sunday, October 20 – Closed
    • Bauccio Commons
      • Friday, October 11 from 7:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
      • Saturday, October 12 from 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
      • Sunday, October 13 from 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
      • Monday, October 14 through Friday, October 18 – Closed
      • Saturday, October 19 from 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
      • Sunday, October 20 from 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.

If your student is staying on campus, there is plenty to explore and do nearby!

• They can sign up for a trip planned by UP’s Outdoor Pursuits! Trips include transportation and all necessary equipment. Overnight trips include meals.
  • Smith Rock Fall Break Climbing Trip from Saturday, October 12 to Wednesday, October 16. Cost is $120.
  • South Sister Summit and Backpacking Trip from Saturday, October 12 to Wednesday, October 16. Cost is $70.
• Students can get off The Bluff and explore Portland! No matter what your student likes, there is something fun to do for everyone!

If your student is coming home:

There is always some adjusting when students come home for breaks. Keeping the following things in mind may be helpful!

• If they’ve just wrapped up a busy first half of the semester, they’re probably exhausted- so don’t be surprised if they sleep a lot!
• Give them some space when they get home, but don’t be afraid to re-establish “house rules.” They’ve gotten used to their independence and living with a roommate, so they may need a reminder from you of what living under your roof means.
• Carve out some quality time to spend with them, but include them in any activity planning, since they might be making plans of their own with friends from home.
• Don’t be afraid to use this time as a chance to check in about how the semester is going. You’ll be able to get a better sense of how they are by speaking face to face as opposed to texting and phone calls. If they seem to be facing any challenges, this is a great time to remind them of the resources available to them on campus and encourage them to ask for help.
• Breaks are the perfect time to make career or internship connections back home! Encourage your student to sign up for UP Switchboard to start making connections with alumni, parents, and other UP community members who might have experience in their field of interest. Here is a great success story as an example of the type of connections that can happen on UP Switchboard.