President
May 19, 2020
As part of its response plan to the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Portland (UP) is targeting Monday, August 17 as the opening of its Fall 2020 term and a return to in-person instruction. University President Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., shared the plan in a memo today to faculty, staff, current students and their parents. After a full week of campus move-ins, mandatory orientation sessions, coursework introductions and other training, classroom instruction will begin on Monday, August 24.
Other modifications for the fall semester include the elimination of the traditional Fall Break in October; and the conclusion of all in-person instruction by Wednesday, November 25 in advance of the Thanksgiving Holidays. Students would then leave campus and not return for the remainder of the semester. Beginning Monday, November 30 and concluding on Thursday, December 3, UP will administer final examinations online.
“There are many variables still beyond our control, including directives from local, state, and national health authorities that could potentially cause us to reconsider our plans,” said Father Poorman to the UP community. “But we shall proceed in a spirit of hope that, with current positive trends around testing and treatment, as well as the ingenuity and determination of many across campus, we will be able to safely resume University operations.”
Father Poorman made it clear that the COVID-19 pandemic and the many guidelines from health authorities will mean a vastly different on-campus environment than in past years. “In addition to these changes to the academic calendar, we will also have to make modifications to the campus experience. We will adhere to strict health and safety protocols, including social distancing; de-densification of residence halls, academic buildings, and other campus spaces; testing; contact tracing; frequent cleaning; and the wearing of face masks,” he said. “We will prepare for the potential need to isolate or quarantine residential students who test positive or may have been exposed to COVID-19. Health and safety protocols for faculty and staff will also be implemented.”
Three inter-divisional task forces have been formed to devise and execute UP’s full plan to resume campus operations. They will work with internal stakeholders over the coming months to identify and deploy all necessary resources and staffing. UP faculty, staff, students and their families will be kept apprised of key developments and necessary steps throughout the summer via direct communications and social media.
University of Portland
5000 N. Willamette Blvd.,
Portland, Oregon 97203-5798
503.943.8000
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