UPbeat

News for and about University of Portland faculty and staff.

President's Office

A Message From Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C.

The following message was sent to the entire University of Portland community on Friday, March 20, by University president Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C.:

I pray that this message finds you safe, healthy, and weathering the current challenges as best you can.

I write today to make two difficult announcements. It was my fervent hope that making these announcements would not have been necessary. However, developments in the past days and hours necessitate my communication of these deeply disappointing decisions.

First, the University will not return to in-person instruction during the Spring 2020 semester. Online instruction will continue through the end of the semester.  In the coming days, the Office of the Provost will provide further details on the academic implications of this decision.  For students who reside on-campus, the Office of Residence Life will be in touch soon with additional information on move-out and the retrieval of belongings. Students who are currently residing in on-campus residence halls will be permitted to remain through the end of the semester if they so choose. Our Residence Life team will be flexible, understanding, and accommodating with all residential students in the weeks and months ahead.

Second, the University will not hold in-person Commencement Exercises this May. The Office of the Provost is developing plans for an online Commencement and will communicate those plans as they are developed. Traditional Commencement Weekend activities such as the ROTC Commissioning, Nurses’ Pinning, and Baccalaureate Mass will either be canceled or held in a virtual format.

Some may be wondering why the University has waited until today to make these decisions. Others may feel that the University is making these decisions too rapidly. I, personally, understand both of these perspectives. Throughout this process, the University has endeavored to make decisions that are data-informed and consistent with our mission. As we’ve coordinated with public health officials, communicated with students and faculty, and learned more about how the COVID-19 pandemic is progressing, we’ve determined that now is the prudent time to make the decisions I communicate today.

As I stated in my video message from this past Tuesday, I know that this pandemic has upended plans. We know how much you treasure being on The Bluff.  Your disappointment is our disappointment, and I’m truly heartbroken.  The tough decisions we’ve made are rooted in our desire to keep members of the UP community safe and do our part as an institution to stem the tide of this pandemic.

Please know that I am praying for you, your loved ones, and all who are being impacted by this pandemic.  May God bless you and keep you during these trying times.

Sincerely,

Fr. Mark

 

PLEASE NOTE: Coronavirus Message from Fr. Poorman, March 12

Dear University of Portland Students, Faculty, Staff, and Parents,

I write to provide you with an update on the University of Portland’s ongoing response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. I recognize that this communication is lengthy. However, it contains critically important information and I thank you in advance for reading it in its entirety.

The health and safety of UP community members remain our top priorities. Since the onset of the outbreak, leaders from across campus have continuously evaluated and implemented measures to promote the well-being of students, faculty, and staff. Their goals have been threefold: (1) reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure among community members; (2) assist community members who have been impacted by the outbreak; and, (3) promote continuity of our University’s academic programs and operations. Throughout our University’s decision-making process, we have considered guidance from public health authorities, members of our Health & Counseling Center team, and best practices in higher education. We have endeavored to make decisions that are data-informed and consistent with our mission. I want to thank all across campus for their tireless, timely, and transparent efforts in responding to this challenge.

In recent days, with the continued spread of COVID-19 in the United States (including in the Greater Portland area), we have determined that additional steps are now necessary to accomplish the three goals stated above. I note that no member of our University community has tested positive for COVID-19. Nevertheless, we believe that the following actions are prudent in light of recent local, state, national, and global developments.

Transition to Online Instruction: The University will initiate a transition to online instruction. This transition will occur as follows. Beginning Monday, March 16th, all face-to-face classroom instruction will be suspended. No classes will be held on Monday, March 16th, and Tuesday, March 17th, in order to allow for faculty online class preparations and student travel. Beginning Wednesday, March 18th, all courses will begin to be held online until further notice. Provost Thomas Greene will send guidance later today to all students, faculty, and staff concerning implementation of this transition. Additional academic updates, as well as information on the resumption of in-person instruction, will be provided as appropriate.

Student Room and Board: We encourage students to return to their permanent addresses while this virtual learning environment is in effect. We appreciate that, for many students, returning to their permanent addresses may present a significant hardship. Other student may have specific, compelling reasons to remain on the UP campus. Residence Halls will remain open and key services, including on-campus dining, will be available. Vice President for Student Affairs Father John Donato, C.S.C., will send guidance to students later today regarding further matters relevant to services and support.

Faculty/Staff: For now, the University campus remains open and will operate under a normal schedule for faculty and staff, including business functions and employee working hours. Vice President for Human Resources Sandy Chung will send additional information on flexible work options in the coming days, and Provost Thomas Greene will have further information for faculty members.

Large University Events: In accordance with recently-issued directives from state and local authorities, several signature University events which attract large crowds will be canceled. This includes, but is not limited to, Founders’ Day, the Scholarship Luncheon, Weekend on The Bluff, Rock The Bluff, the “We Are Portland” Student-Athlete Awards Dinner, and the Hawaiian Luau. Attendance at UP on-campus athletic events will generally be restricted to student-athletes, officials, essential staff, and credentialed media; however, all are encouraged to visit the University’s Athletics webpage for further details. Individuals with questions about whether a particular event has been canceled should contact event organizers for further information. At present, there are no plans to cancel the University’s Commencement Exercises in May.

Small Events, Gatherings, and Lectures Sponsored by Departments, Clubs, and Organizations: Smaller events, gatherings, and lectures sponsored by departments, clubs, and organizations will be canceled or postponed until further notice. Smaller events may be allowed to take place on an exceptional basis with advance written approval from the Provost and/or a University Vice President.

Travel: All University-sponsored and/or -reimbursed travel must either be canceled or postponed until further notice, unless a written exception is granted by the Provost and/or a University Vice President. This does not apply to community members who are currently abroad and are traveling back to the United States. Personal travel to international locations is strongly discouraged.

The above-referenced communications from Provost Thomas Greene, Vice President for Student Affairs Father John Donato, C.S.C., and Vice President for Human Resources Sandy Chung, as well as additional information concerning the University’s COVID-19 response, will be posted to the University’s coronavirus webpage as it becomes available. We appreciate your patience and flexibility as resources are added to this webpage over the course of the coming days.

These are difficult times, and I invite you to join me in praying for all who have been impacted around the world by the COVID-19 outbreak. I also ask that you join me in praying for our University of Portland community and for all who labor in support of the safety and well-being of our Pilot students, faculty, and staff. I am confident that through action, resilience, and God’s grace, we will emerge from these present challenges.

As a University guided by the Congregation of Holy Cross, we are called to be people “with hope to bring.” May we now unite in a spirit of hope and an abiding confidence in the value and indispensability of our sacred mission.

Sincerely,
Father Mark

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

 

President’s Biennial Address, Feb. 25

University president Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., will share the latest campus developments and showcase how UP continues to thrive in uncertain times for higher education at the President’s Biennial Address on Tuesday, February 25, at the Sentinel Hotel’s Governor Ballroom. Doors open at 11 a.m. and the program runs from noon to 1 p.m. Individual tickets are $25 and table sponsorships for eight are available for $200.

Please Register here prior to February 18. For questions, contact Celeste Robertson at robertso@up.edu or x7397.

Rowena Bramlette, You Are Missed

The University of Portland community lost one of its most treasured colleagues, Rowena Bramlette, former associate vice president for budgeting and a member of the UP class of 1988, the night of January 23, after an extended battle with cancer.

A service will be held for Rowena on Saturday, February 1, at 10 a.m., in the Chapel of Christ the Teacher. A reception will follow in the Pilot House.

In keeping with Rowena’s wishes, feel free to wear bright colors reflective of her smile.

According to a campus-wide message from University president Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., “Rowena was a person of extraordinary warmth, kindness, and generosity of spirit.  In the course of her work in our Budget Office, she had the opportunity to interact with every division and department across campus. She was a dear colleague and friend to so many at UP, and she will be deeply missed.” Rowena retired on March 1, 2019.

Please remember Rowena and her husband, Rod, and her family in your prayers.

Funeral Mass for Owen Klinger, Oct. 30

The funeral Mass for University of Portland student Owen Klinger will take place on Wednesday, October 30, at 10 a.m., in the Chiles Center. According to a campus-wide email from University president Fr. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., the Klinger family and the University invite all campus community members to attend.

For more information, contact Campus Ministry at x7131 or ministry@up.edu.

2020 Commencement Honorees: Nominations Welcome

The University of Portland invites nominations for the 2020 Commencement speaker(s), Christus Magister Medal recipient, and honorary degree recipients. All nominations should be emailed to greene@up.edu and leadem@up.edu and should contain the following information:

  • Name of nominee.
  • A paragraph or two answering the following questions:
  • If a nominee for Commencement speaker: Why would this nominee be an exceptional Commencement speaker? What sort of message would this nominee deliver to the graduates of the University and their families?
  • If a nominee for Christus Magister Medal: How has this nominee evinced a vigorous spiritual life and an accomplished professional career in service to others? How has this nominee been a source of inspiration and consolation to the world? How has this nominee illustrated and enhanced the mission of the University of Portland?
  • If a nominee for honorary degree: How has this nominee contributed to the University’s values of teaching and learning, faith and formation, and service and leadership? What impact has this person had on his/her local community and/or the world? Is this a person that the University would like for its students and faculty to imitate in their own lives?
  • Any contact information for the nominee (if possible).
  • Any connection between the nominee and the University of Portland (if applicable).

The deadline for nominations is Friday, October 25.

Thomas G. Greene, Thank You

University of Portland provost Thomas G. Greene will retire from his position effective June 30, 2020, according to University president Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C. According to Fr. Poorman, “In our University’s proud 118-year history, there are few individuals whose devotion and love for UP matches that of Dr. Greene’s.  He is the epitome of what a twenty-first century Provost should be.  Our institution’s sadness to be losing such an admired and transformational leader is surpassed only by our gratitude to have counted him as one of our own and our joy for the promise of his happy retirement spent alongside family and friends.”

Greene joined UP in 1983 as an adjunct instructor in the School of Education. Before joining the UP faculty full time in 2004, Green had a long and distinguished career in public education. Among many other posts, he served as principal of East Orient School in Gresham, superintendent of the Orient School District, and assistant superintendent of the Beaverton and Gresham-Barlow School Districts. At UP he held leadership positions as associate dean of the School of Education (2004–07), associate provost and dean of the Graduate School (2007–12), interim dean of the School of Education (2009–10), and interim provost (2012–13) before being named the University Provost in 2013. A brilliant and dedicated teacher who is devoted to his students, Greene has carried a credit hour load every fall and spring semester since 1983 in addition to his significant administrative leadership duties.

He has overseen approval of several new degree programs, guided the University’s sustained successes in undergraduate enrollment, supervised the University’s rise in graduation rate, established and revitalized centers and institutes, hired and mentored critical senior academic leaders, coordinated complex reaccreditation, compensation, and curriculum projects; and assisted with the development of various capital projects. In addition to his immense leadership talents and dedication to mission, many across our University community will miss his quick wit, his warm smile, and the sheer, unabashed joy he brought to his work on The Bluff.

Further details regarding the national search for Greene’s successor will be communicated in the months ahead. Please join the the University community in sending best wishes to Tom, his wife Shannon, and his family for a retirement filled with happiness.

For more information contact the president’s office at x7101 or president@up.edu.

Meet the Dundon-Berchtold Architects Panel, Sept. 27

Please join the University of Portland, Soderstrom Architects, and renowned Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA) for a celebration, lecture, panel discussion, and tour of Dundon-Berchtold Hall, the newest addition to the University of Portland campus, on Friday, September 27, beginning at 1:30 p.m., in the Brian Doyle Auditorium. RAMSA partner Gary Brewer will present a lecture and slide show on the scope of the project from conception to finished product, highlighting the body of knowledge and process required to design and build a new gothic revival building today.

The event is free but please RSVP at this link.

Dundon-Berchtold Hall was designed by Brewer in collaboration with Soderstrom Architects of Portland, Oregon. The panel discussion will include University president Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C.; Tom Greene, provost; Brewer, Dan Danielson, and others.

For more information contact the provost’s office at x7105 or staten@up.edu.

 

 

 

 

2019 Commencement Honorees: Nominations Welcome

The University of Portland invites nominations for the 2019 commencement speakers, Christus Magister Medal recipient, and honorary degree recipients. All nominations should be emailed to poorman@up.edu and greene@up.edu and should contain the following information:

  • Name of nominee.
  • A paragraph or two answering the following question(s):
    • If a nominee for Christus Magister Medal: How has this nominee evinced a vigorous spiritual life and an accomplished professional career in service to others?  How has this nominee been a source of inspiration and consolation to the world?  How has this nominee illustrated and enhanced the mission of the University of Portland?
    • If a nominee for Honorary Degree: How has this nominee contributed to the University’s values of teaching and learning, faith and formation, and service and leadership?  What impact has this person had on his/her local community and/or the world?  Is this a person that the University would like for its students and faculty to imitate in their own lives?
    • If a nominee for Commencement Speaker: Why would this nominee be an exceptional Commencement speaker?  What sort of message would this nominee deliver to the graduates of the University and their families?
  • Any contact name(s) for the nominee (if possible).
  • Any connection between the nominee and the University of Portland (if applicable).

The deadline for nominations is Friday, October 26.

Administration Promotions, President’s Leadership Cabinet Appointments Announced

University president Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., has announced that Andrea Barton, general counsel, and Sandy Chung, associate vice president for human resources and interim title IX coordinator, will be promoted to Vice President and General Counsel, and Vice President for Human Resources, respectively, effective July 1, 2018.

Barton joined the University of Portland in January 2017 as General Counsel and Special Assistant to the President. She oversees all legal matters on behalf of the University and advises the University and members of the campus community in connection with higher education issues.

Chung joined the University of Portland as Director of Human Resources in December 2015. In 2017 she was promoted to Associate Vice President for Human Resources and in May 2018 was named Interim Title IX Coordinator. She has extensive experience in human resources, and is also a member of the California and Oregon State Bars.

There are also four new appointments to the President’s Leadership Cabinet: Rowena Bramlette, who has been promoted to associate vice president for budgeting; Eduardo Contreras, assistant provost and studies abroad; Elise Moentmann, associate provost; and Matthew Rygg, associate vice president for student development.