President
Commencement
April 27, 2020
Though many key restrictions across the state of Oregon in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are currently still in place, the University of Portland is planning for an in-person start to the Fall 2020 term, according to University President Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C. In a video message distributed to faculty, staff and current students, Father Poorman also shared that UP is planning to hold an in-person graduation ceremony for the current senior class as soon as feasible on a future date. As previously announced, UP will still confer degrees from the 2019-2020 academic year this Sunday, May 3, with a virtual Commencement beginning online at 1 p.m. (PDT).
“As of today, our energies are focused on a return to in-person instruction this fall,” said Father Poorman in his video message. “Face-to-face interaction is critical to our mission at UP, and we’re going to do everything we can to safely bring our students, faculty and staff back onto campus. Doing so will require adaptability on the part of all community members.”
Specifically, to the graduating Class of 2020, Father Poorman asked that they keep their graduation caps and gowns for a future in-person ceremony, and added “We’re not ready to set the date yet for the ceremony. We’re awaiting guidance from public health authorities; and we want to find a date that will work for the highest-possible participation among community members.”
As the pandemic began to spread this spring, UP transitioned to online instruction by faculty to all students on March 18; and set its May 3 virtual Commencement in compliance with national and state restrictions on public gatherings. Other University facilities and administrative offices are still being managed by select personnel on site, with all other staff working remotely.
Information and updates about this Sunday’s virtual commencement ceremony are available at: http://www.up.edu/commencement.
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