I had mixed emotions when I dropped my daughter, Taylor, off at UP at the beginning of her freshman year. I was excited for the new chapter that was beginning for her, yet also sad that a chapter was ending. Little did I know that we would share her college experience in fresh ways!

The University of Portland is unique in that the alumni association incorporates both parents and alumni in its programming; most colleges just focus on engaging with alumni. Because of this, I began attending events held by the local UP Bay Area Chapter.

Taylor and I also both began watching Pilots games – she attended them in person on campus, and I went to games when teams came to the Bay Area! We both got to know some of the players and coaches, which added to the fun.

Players and coaches put in countless hours at practice and in the classroom. Playing games on the road in hostile environments with no UP fans in the stands can be disheartening. They are so incredibly grateful when Pilot fans show up to cheer them on!

Taylor just graduated in May, but I will continue attending games and cheering for our Pilots! My involvement with UP, and being involved with the Bay Area Chapter, added a great deal to both of our University of Portland experiences! In addition, by attending the games with me, her younger sister Quinn felt more connected to Taylor while she was away at college.

If you are interested in getting a group of UP parents and alumni together for a UP game, a social gathering, or a community service project in your area, it’s easy! Reach out to UP’s Office of Alumni & Parent Relations at either parents@up.edu or alumni@up.edu for some outstanding support. We are truly creating something special!

Go Pilots!

What excites you most about starting the school year?

What things are you the most nervous or concerned about as you start the new school year?

Are there support resources that you anticipate needing this semester?

What organizations or clubs are you interested in joining?

New student move-in day, and the start of Orientation, is Thursday, August 22. Students may start moving in to their residence halls starting at 11:00 a.m. They will receive more details via their UP email account.

Move-in day is one of the most exciting days on campus for students, and possibly one of the most emotional ones for parents, so we plan on keeping you busy:

Stop by the the Pilot Family Hospitality tent by the Bookstore between 10:00 – 4:00 p.m., Thursday only, for snacks and cool UP swag; grab some props for a quick picture at our photo wall, and take a moment or two for our letter-writing activity. We’ll have tissues to share, as well; we’ve got your back!

Plan on attending the Parent Social on the 22nd after the residence hall parent meetings. We’ll be on the Bluff Lawn starting at 7:00 p.m. for some great appetizers and desserts. Chat with amazing fellow Pilot parents, faculty and staff, and take in the most incredible view on campus! This is a casual, come-as-you-are event for you to celebrate a successful move-in day! New students will have their own special activities going on at the same time.

Plan on staying for Orientation 2024 on Friday and Saturday to learn about important university services and resources along with several sessions just for parents/supporters.

Reminders: If you are shipping belongings to campus, remember you must pick them up at the Mail Center in Tyson Hall. Check this campus map to see if you can walk there from your student’s residence hall, or if you will need your car. The Mail Center has a limited number of hand carts to borrow if you don’t have a car.

The main floor lounge in Dundon-Berchtold Hall (the building directly across from the Bookstore) will be open on Thursday for students to get their Student ID card, and to drop off required paperwork for students hoping to get a campus job.

See you later this week!