Pilots Prevent
December 22, 2020
With the return of students to campus this Spring 2021 semester comes an exciting array of student-led activities, supported by the Associated Students of University of Portland (ASUP) and Campus Program Board (CPB). Both in-person and virtual events will engage students and provide space for community. In addition to prioritizing students’ mental well-being, a primary focus will be keeping these activities safe for everyone.
Jessica Cramm ’22, director of CPB, is thrilled about the lineup for spring. “We want to partner with UP student businesses, as well as Portland and BIPOC businesses, to host a farmer’s market,” Cramm says. There are plans for movie nights, outdoor workout classes, and the return of popular virtual activities from Fall 2020, like the escape rooms. “We’re trying to reach as many students as possible,” says Cramm.
Even with hope of a vaccine on the horizon, COVID-19 concerns are still ever-present. Programming for in-person events will be limited at first while the University’s COVID testing procedures get underway. “We’ll be following all the rules the school puts into place,” assures Cramm. There will be plenty of PPE and sanitizer, and signage to remind students to social distance. “Event coordinators and student leaders serve as examples for what is to be done,” says Cramm. “No one wants to get sent home again, so a motivating factor is to stay safe and protect others. And we want students who aren’t here to know we still want them to be a part of this. All in-person events will have options for off-campus students to participate.”
Events are centered around giving back to students and fostering a vibrant sense of community. Sage Taylor ’21, ASUP president, emphasizes that our current reality shouldn’t limit the opportunities for students to engage. “Yes, we’re online; yes, we’re in a pandemic,” he says. “But that’s no reason to falter. We need to be stronger and more connected than ever. Student programming is how we do that.” Event planning is a challenge, but for Cramm and Taylor, that can be exciting. “I came in with the goal for the emphasis to be on community,” says Cramm, “because that’s what matters right now. I’m proud of being able to create a space through meetings and events where students are able to connect.”
Students might see different programming than pre-COVID times, but not less of it. Cramm is grateful to the 10 coordinators on her team who plan and execute the events. Taylor also acknowledges that the events are a result of student groups coming together to support each other. “I’m proud of all the work that goes into the events and planning to make sure we’re reaching the widest student population, and that it’s safe,” says Taylor. “We could have taken the easy route for programming and planning, but the drive from these people has been amazing.” Both Taylor and Cramm are most excited for a return of Rock the Bluff, which will be a hybrid virtual/in-person experience. “We have an amazing artist in the works!” says Cramm. She can’t reveal who it is quite yet, but stay tuned for exciting announcements this spring.
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