The PIYN Experience FAQs

Where will the PIYN Experience take place?
Programming and community engagement opportunities will primarily occur at University of Portland, Holy Cross School, and in the neighborhoods including and around UP's campus. These include University Park, Portsmouth, and Cathedral Park.  Students will be living in community together and will be staying overnight in the gymnasium at Holy Cross School, which is nearby UP's campus.

When will the PIYN Experience happen?
The PIYN Experience consists of two nights and three days. This year's PIYN Experience will start at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, August 20th and end at 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 22nd.  Participants will have interactive programming during the entire duration of this period.  Right after the Plunge, you will be able to join the start of Orientation.  You will receive more detailed information about when and where to meet as the Plunge approaches.

When do I move in to my dorm room and will I have time to set it up?

You will move in the morning of August 20th. Check-in for the Plunge will begin at 9:00 AM and once you check-in, you will have time to drop off your belongings in your dorm room if you are living on campus.  You will not have time to fully set up your room, but will have time to drop all of your belongings off.  Check-in/bag drop off will officially end at 11:45 AM, so you will need to be checked-in and have all your belongings dropped off in your dorm by this time.

Can my parents/family/friends help me move in?

Absolutely!  You are welcome to have support people join you at check-in starting at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, August 20th. They can help you drop all of your belongings off at your dorm after and you will have until 11:45 AM to completely finish dropping your belongings off and meet back at the check-in point.

What if my roommate moves in later?

That is okay! Because you signed up for the PIYN Experience, you will move in early and they will move in on their later move in date. While you will have already dropped your belongings off in your room, there will be plenty of time for you to set your room up together.

What if Residence Life sent me a different move-in day or time?

If you signed up for the PIYN Experience and received a different move-in day, you may ignore that communication. You will be able to drop off your belongings on the morning of Tuesday, August 20th. 

What should I bring into the event?
As we get closer to the event, we will send participants more information on what to bring including a packing list.  Important items include closed-toe shoes, clothing for warmer weather, a towel, and a refillable water bottle. Portland averages a daily maximum temperature for August that's between 78 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit.  Since we will be staying in a gymnasium, students should bring a sleeping bag, pillow, sleeping pad if desired, or other blankets/materials they are comfortable with.  If you do not have a sleeping bag or bedding you are comfortable using, please reach out to theplunge@up.edu and we can discuss how we can accommodate.

What if I do not want to pay online?
If you prefer to pay by check, you may send either a personal check or a check via your financial institution's bill pay service to:

University of Portland
St. Mary's Student Center, MSC 162
5000 N. Willamette Blvd.
Portland OR 97203

Please note on the check "PIYN Experience 2024" + Name of Student. Payment should reach our office within 7 business days.

Do I have to bring a printed receipt to the event?
No, no printed ticket is necessary when you check-in.

What's the refund policy?
Refunds are available 30 days before the event. Our apologies that we cannot offer refunds after this date. If at any time University of Portland must cancel the event, you will be refunded in full.

What does the schedule look like?

On the first day of the Plunge, students will check-in and drop off their belongings in their dorm and join in a kickoff lunch.  They will then walk to one of our valued nonprofit partners close to campus, Our Village Gardens, to engage in outdoor gardening/work as a large group and learn about their organization and role in the community.  For the remainder of the evening we will have dinner, play games, and engage in reflection and various fun activities related to building community!

On the second day of the Plunge, students will have breakfast and engage in service and education at another one of our nonprofit community partners with their small group.  Students will then have lunch and attend a Continuing Engagement Panel, where student leaders and our community partners will share how they can get involved in the community after the Plunge!  Students will have free time, reflection time, dinner, and fun (surprise!) activities later that night.

The last morning of the Plunge, students will have breakfast, fun final activities together, small group reflection time, and get ready to start Orientation!

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?
Email theplunge@up.edu or phone Moreau Center at 503-943-8195 with any questions.