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08-03-2020

Fall Semester 2020 to Take Place Online: A Difficult Decision

July 31, 2020

University president Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., shared the following message with the UP community on Thursday, July 30:

Dear Members of the University of Portland Community,

I write to share a very important update with you regarding our Fall 2020 Semester. As you know, our goal has been to resume in-person instruction and on-campus residency when our semester begins this August. So many individuals across our campus have been working tirelessly to make the preparations necessary for us to begin the semester in this way, and I know how much our students, faculty, and staff desire a return to campus.

Over the past several days, we have consulted with the chairs of our COVID-19 Task Forces, the President’s Leadership Cabinet, the Academic Deans, and the Chair and Vice Chair of the University’s Board of Regents. We have also considered the significant concerns expressed by hundreds of faculty, staff, and students about the safety of resuming on-campus operations this fall.

As a result of these consultations and considerations, I am announcing today that the Fall 2020 Semester will begin on August 24 with nearly all classes held exclusively online. Residence halls will remain closed with some limited exceptions. Most faculty and staff will continue to work remotely. We are hopeful that a return to in-person instruction for the Spring 2021 Semester will be possible. Of course, we will continue to monitor conditions to determine if such a return is safe and feasible.

Our Fall Semester will begin on August 24 and conclude on December 10. Fall Break will be held from October 12 to October 16. More specific information on our academic calendar will be shared with you in the near future.

The Present Conditions

Our priority has been, and always will be, the safety of community members.

We are deeply concerned about recent trends in the course of the pandemic. In Oregon, infection rates and the number of deaths attributable to COVID-19 are at unacceptably high levels. Additionally, many of our students reside in states that have experienced significant spikes in COVID-19 cases and deaths over the past several weeks, including California and Washington. At this time, public health authorities are advising against unnecessary travel far from home, and it is possible that more stringent travel and quarantine restrictions could be implemented in the weeks ahead. Furthermore, slow turnaround times in COVID-19 testing are hampering the ability to properly contain the virus.

Additionally, earlier this week, Oregon Governor Kate Brown announced new restrictions on public K-12 education throughout the state. Public schools in the greater Portland area will not resume in-person instruction until November at the earliest. Many parochial and private K-12 schools are following suit. These developments will have an impact on our faculty and staff and their families. Additionally, if public health authorities have determined that in-person instruction in K-12 schools is unsafe at this time, we feel that it is unwise to resume operation of a residential campus that draws students from around the country.

We have now reached the point at which a final decision must be made. With only three weeks remaining before the majority of students return to campus, now is the time to make this difficult decision. Doing so will prevent the need for significant preparation for the arrival of students, and instead allow us to invest our time and energy into developing new plans.

Remote Learning and Tuition

In-person instruction is at the core of who we are as a Holy Cross institution. I know that many of our students, families, and faculty members will be disappointed that most courses this fall will take place remotely.

However, since March we have made tremendous strides in our remote learning capabilities and have invested significantly in technology to enhance the virtual learning experience. All courses will continue to be taught to ensure that learning outcomes are met and students develop impactful relationships with faculty. We will continue to offer small class sizes and engaging discussion. The same high academic standards that you have come to expect from the University of Portland will be met this fall.

We know that many students and their families are facing financial uncertainty at this time and will have questions about tuition rates. Even though UP is moving to a remote learning model, we will continue to put the academic experience of students first. It is important to remember that tuition pays for only 67% of the costs of a UP education. The University receives the remaining 33% through philanthropic support, endowment funding, and auxiliary revenue (e.g., room and board, rentals, events, etc.). We project that these sources of revenue will diminish significantly in the months ahead. We also note that many of the University’s costs will not decrease as we move to a remote learning model. The University is doing its absolute best to maximize the number of students who can take a full range of courses and remain on-schedule for graduation. For these reasons, and because we plan to provide the same excellent teaching that is a hallmark of the University of Portland experience, the published tuition rates for the 2020–21 academic year will remain the same.

Exceptions and Other Matters

Certain courses required in some accredited programs, such as those involving intensive clinical, lab, experiential, or similar work, may be held in-person. Students who need to enroll in such courses may apply to live in on-campus residence halls. Further information will be provided by individual programs/majors.

Additionally, a limited number of students with compelling needs will be permitted to live in residence halls. Generally, students with academic technology needs, international students, and students experiencing housing insecurity and other hardships will be welcomed to live on the UP campus. The Office of Residence Life will be in touch with students shortly with further information.

Leases for UP-owned rental homes will be honored. However, students who wish to opt out of their leases will be permitted to do so.

Finally, decisions regarding UP Athletics and the state of our fall sports will be determined by West Coast Conference and NCAA leadership in the coming days.

The Road Ahead

I emphasize that this decision is made due to circumstances entirely beyond our control. Hundreds of employees have dedicated thousands of hours of work and immense creativity to develop our plans for the fall. I feel confident that we did all that we could to prepare for a successful in-person Fall Semester.

Fortunately, our planning efforts of these past four months will not go to waste. As I have noted, we have made great strides in how our faculty provide remote instruction. Our plans for “hybrid” course delivery and a de-densified campus will likely be put to use as we look forward to a day in which students can return to campus. In many ways, our recent planning process has demonstrated the great resolve and innovation of our community members.

Today’s message is the first of many you will receive in the days and weeks ahead. I ask that you monitor your email closely for forthcoming communications from the Office of the Provost, the Office of Residence Life, and numerous other offices on campus. Additionally, in the coming days, up.edu/coronavirus will become a central hub of information and resources as we approach the Fall Semester. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to implement this new direction for the Fall Semester.

Conclusion

This time is a difficult one for the University of Portland community. However, we have been in similar circumstances before. We have weathered immense challenges in our 119-year history and we have always emerged stronger. I know that with God’s grace, the abiding dedication of students, faculty, and staff, and a University-wide commitment to our sacred mission, we will make it through our present troubles.

As an institution guided by the Congregation of Holy Cross, we are called to be “people with hope to bring.” May we all continue to seek the wisdom, guidance, and embrace of God as we hope and work for better days ahead.

Sincerely,

Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C.
University President

 

Filed Under: 08-03-2020, Academics, President's Office Tagged With: Fall 2020 Semester, Rev. Mark L. Poorman C.S.C.

New Updates Posted to UP “Coronavirus” Website for Fall 2020 Information

July 31, 2020

University of Portland announced on July 30 that most fall semester classes will be conducted remotely and residence halls will be closed to students unless they have an approved exemption.

All University of Portland faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to check regularly for updates on the UP Coronavirus webpage, according to Michael Lewellen, VP for marketing and communications. New content is being added as the University approaches the Fall Semester.

Filed Under: 08-03-2020, 08-10-2020, Academics Tagged With: Fall 2020 Semester, Michael Lewellen

Fall 2020: Setting Up Course Reserves and Library Instruction

July 31, 2020

Electronic course reserves can be made available through the Clark Library’s system which provides students with quick and direct access. For Fall 2020, only online resources will be provided (eBooks, streaming videos, online articles), as well as items that can be scanned and added (journal articles, chapters from books). To set up reserves for your class, use the Course Reserves Request Form or email a list of citations, along with the course name, course number, and number of students, to library@up.edu.
Librarians and the Digital Lab Coordinator are available to meet with your classes online, or through asynchronous videos, to cover information literacy and multimedia topics. Now is a great time to schedule us before our calendar fills up by emailing: reference@up.edu (information literacy) or velazco@up.edu (multimedia).

Filed Under: 08-03-2020, 08-10-2020, Academics, Library, Uncategorized Tagged With: Clark Library, Digital Lab

TIAA Counseling Sessions: Schedule Now

July 31, 2020

Rebecca Rohleder, our TIAA financial consultant, is currently scheduling online appointments through the link below, according to Laura Barnard, human resources.

Go to TIAA – Schedule Now or call TIAA at 877.842.2028, press 5 to schedule an appointment today.

Visit TIAA website and follow the simple instructions to sign up for access to your retirement accounts online. If you have any questions, please contact our benefits team at  benefits@up.edu.

Filed Under: 08-03-2020, 08-10-2020, Campus Services, Human Resources, Uncategorized Tagged With: Human Resources, Rebecca Rohleder, TIAA

“All Together” Project: Submit Your Creative Works

July 31, 2020

Share your experiences of these uncertain times. The Clark Library invites your images and stories, showing how your life and work have changed and continues to change during the COVID-19 pandemic. Your voices will be the record of this historic event. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni are welcome to submit photographs, drawings, poetry, films, and more through the All Together website.

Filed Under: 07-27-2020, 08-03-2020, 08-10-2020, Campus Services, Library Tagged With: All Together Website, Clark Library

Gwen Sandford: Good Luck & Bon Voyage

July 31, 2020

A note from international students services director Mike Pelley:

After 13 great years, a farewell to Gwen Sandford, program manager for the Office of International Student Services (ISS). Gwen has accepted a new position as director of international student services at Reed College, a well-deserved promotion and a very smart move by her new employer. Gwen started at UP as the ISS program assistant, and after a few years was promoted to program manager. During her time at UP, Gwen worked tirelessly on the behalf of international students, our international community, and for the greater UP community. Her knowledge and expertise of cross-cultural communication and global education systems made her an exceptional international student advisor and admissions counselor. Her last day was July 10. Best wishes to Gwen!

Filed Under: 08-03-2020, Campus Services, International Student Services, Uncategorized Tagged With: Gwen Sandford, International Student Services, Mike Pelley

Letterhead, Envelopes, Cards, Forms: Order Now

July 31, 2020

Now is the time to submit orders for letterhead, envelopes, business cards, and forms for the upcoming academic year. Please estimate usage for the next academic year and order accordingly. We ask that you use the online order form at this link.

For more information, contact Printing Services at x7200 or printjobs@up.edu.

Filed Under: 08-03-2020, 08-10-2020, Academics, Campus Services, Printing Services, Uncategorized Tagged With: Printing and Mailing Services

UP Museum: Battling Germs On The Bluff

July 31, 2020

 
The University Museum’s collection contains an assortment of medical supplies and equipment.  Items no longer in use, or renovated and adapted for safety and efficiency.  For students and visitors today these pieces provide a glimpse into medical history and pique the curious-minded.  As the University prepares for the return of students, focused on cleaning and sanitizing in these unprecedented times, we highlight this sanitization piece from the 1940’s. Follow this link for more.
For more information, contact Carolyn Connolly, museum coordinator, at piatz@up.edu.

Filed Under: 08-03-2020, University Museum

Olivia Bormann: “Let’s Get Together”

July 31, 2020

All University employees who identify as Black (adjunct, faculty, staff, administration, etc.) are invited to contact Olivia Bormann, associate director of development and DIP graduate intern. Bormann has created an informal affinity roup for Black identified employees to meet and greet. The group has an email list so members can all stay in contact, organize more events, and share trainings and resources. Overall, the mission is to gather and provide informal support to each other.

Please email bormann@up.edu to be part of the group at and if you have any questions/concerns or need ADA.

Filed Under: 07-06-2020, 08-03-2020, Academics, Campus Services, Development Tagged With: Development, Olivia Bormann

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Anita Gooding, social work, was selected as a 2020-2021 Field Research Scholar by the Transforming Field Education Landscape (TFEL) program at the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada. Scholars attend regular seminars and present their own research related to strengthening field education in social work.

Ösel Plante, development, has a debut collection of poetry titled Waveland set for publication by Black Lawrence Press in April 2021. Please use this link to learn more.

Aziz Inan, Shiley School of Engineering. recently shared some of his work on palindrome dates with the staff of Farmers’ Almanac which lead to an articled titled “2021: A Special Year For Palindrome Dates, Starting This Month!” See the article using this link.

Bob Butler, professor emeritus of environmental studies; Jenda Johnson, Earth Sciences Animated; and Nic Zentner, Central Washington University, published an animation titled “Ghost Forests: Evidence for a Giant Earthquake & Tsunami in the Pacific Northwest.” This animation explores how Native American oral history, geology of ghost forests in coastal Washington and Oregon, and written accounts of a tsunami that flooded Japanese Pacific Coast villages converge to document the most recent Cascadia subduction zone megathrust earthquake on January 26, 1700 at about 9 p.m. The Ghost Forest animation can be found on the IRIS website at: https://www.iris.edu/hq/inclass/animation/740 or on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xPbt8iiDRo&feature=youtu.be.

Steven Kolmes, environmental studies, wrote an editorial on “Sustainability and the Role of Higher Education” in Environment: Science and Policy for Sustainable Development, Vol. 62, , pp. 2-3. See the article at this link. He also contributed “On a ‘Just’ Transition, Environment” in Science and Policy for Sustainable Development, 63:1, 29-31, DOI: 10.1080/00139157.2021.1842715.. See the article using this link.

Amber Vermeesch, nursing, received an Opus Prize Foundation Grant Sabbatical Support, Opus Prize Foundation, $5,000, on November 12, 2020.

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UPbeat is a newsletter for University of Portland faculty and staff published through the marketing & communications office; submit information to Marc Covert, upbeat editor, at 8132 or upbeat@up.edu. Submission deadline is noon the Thursday prior to publication. Submissions may be edited for clarity, consistency, brevity, or style.

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