Welcome to the Plunge Into Your Neighborhood Experience!
The Application for PIYN 2025 is now open!
The Plunge Into Your Neighborhood (PIYN) experience is a 3 day pre-orientation program for first year and transfer students at the University of Portland. This year's PIYN program will be taking place from August 19 - August 21, 2025.
During this experience, you will . . .
- Make new friends and connections before orientation
- Connect with local non-profits in UP's neighborhood communities
- Get acquainted with your new home on The Bluff before everyone arrives and drop your belongings off early
- Bond with your "small group" of new students and learn from returning student leaders as University mentors
- Engage the Core Commitments of the Moreau Center for Service and Justice and learn how University of Portland is the University of, for, and with Portland
- Make memories and have fun!
Payment
The Participation Fee for The Plunge is $80. This includes 3 days and 2 evenings; all meals and snacks; and all activities, community engagement activities, and excursions.
We believe ability to pay the participation fee should not be a barrier to experiencing this unique opportunity. Generous donors who believe in the power of community engagement have made financial aid scholarships available for those for whom the participation fee is a financial hardship.
Student Testimonials
"The Plunge was a great introduction to all the UP has to offer. Between the hours spent gardening, working with local nonprofits, and holding late night dance sessions with the SJCs, the few days spent on the Plunge were some of the most memorable of my first year of college. I met some of my great friends that week, and it got me motivated to be involved with the Moreau Center in the future, too." - Chloe Cobos, 2022 PIYN participant, Campus Volunteer Coordinator for L'Arche
“Embracing the plunge experience not only introduced me to new friendships that endured though my senior year, but also unveiled the vibrant tapestry of Portland’s offerings. As a first generation student, its a testament to the power of stepping out of one’s comfort zone to forge meaningful connections.” - Jimena Vicuna, 2022 PIYN Participant
Note:
Participation in the PIYN Experience is only available to first-year and transfer students.
Registration is on a first-come, first served basis.
If you require accommodations in order to participate fully in this experience, please contact Moreau Center at moreaucenter@up.edu or by phone at 503-943-7132.
