Residence Life
Pilots Prevent
February 2, 2021
With students safely and successfully moved in to the dorms and settling in, University of Portland’s Residence Life team is thriving and working to provide them with the best on-campus experience possible. From virtual activities, to safe in-person group events, to one-on-one meetings, Mehling Hall director Shaylene Smith fills us in on everything that her team has been doing to foster community.
Leaning into the challenges, residence life has been adapting to an uncertain reality that changes by the minute. “We have been really mindful and intentional with the events we’re planning,” says Smith, “and we’re giving ourselves grace, and our students grace. We’ve had to get really creative in our planning, but that has been a good thing.” There have been almost daily events for students to tune into, virtually or safely in-person, to help students get to know their hall mates and meet one another.
One particular success story was a “Speed Friending” event. More than 70 students tuned into a schedule Zoom call, and Residence Life staff broke students out into small groups with discussion prompts. After a few minutes, students returned to the group and then went into different break out rooms, to ensure that the introductions and the conversation were mixed. “It was so great to see students after the event, meeting up on campus for dinner or writing on each others’ white boards outside their doors, exchanging phone numbers and really connecting outside of Zoom,” says Smith.
There have also been arts and crafts nights, and student activities held the Virtual Activities Fair last week to give students the opportunity to find all the different ways to get involved on campus. There are ongoing opportunities for Campus Ministry engagement as well as hall Masses one weeknight each week in each hall. Plus there are plenty of plans for future events including Villa Maria Hall's upcoming meet-and-greet virtual event with hall alumni. “We’re also thinking of maybe a movie night, where we can space students out safely and comfortably and all watch a movie together,” says Smith.
In addition to group events, UP residence life staff support students on an individual level. Smith says they’re particularly mindful of student needs during uncertain times, recognizing the importance of building both community and individual relationships. “During the semester, residence assistants (RAs) will meet individually with students to check in, get to know them, answer any questions, and address concerns. It’s helpful to talk with another student who’s been there before, and can relate.”
Smith and her staff have plenty of other ideas in the works, but want to ensure the health and safety of students first. Their goal is to be adaptive and responsive to student needs as the term progresses. “We’re taking it day by day,” she says, “like most people are.”
University of Portland
5000 N. Willamette Blvd.,
Portland, Oregon 97203-5798
503.943.8000
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