Pilots Prevent
June 29, 2021
Last fall, UP’s traditional move-in days and Orientation had to play out far differently than in years past due to COVID-19. But now that vaccination rates are on the rise in Oregon, COVID-19 cases are on the decline and things are thankfully starting to return to normal. However, the pivots of last year have had a ripple effect on plans this fall.
Case in point: the term “transfer student” got a little confusing. Due to COVID-19, the Admissions department allowed first-years taking a deferment for the 2020/2021 school year to enroll in a few courses at another institution (such as a community college) and transfer their credit hours to UP. But this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re considered transfer students when it comes to Orientation and move-in days this fall. Confused? Don’t worry. Residence Life will be emailing all new students this week (both first-years and transfer students), letting them know what their classification is.
Sophomore Orientation is another new development this year. Before the pandemic hit, students returning for their second year wouldn’t need to be “oriented” to campus. They would have received all the guidance and support they needed the year prior when they entered as first-years. However, last year’s incoming class missed out on attending on-campus Orientation events. So, they’re getting a do-over — and it’s going to be fun.
"We recognize that our sophomores were unable to fully engage with the campus last year, and for many students the year was stressful,” says Jeromy Koffler, director of Student Activities. “We are inviting sophomores to move-in early and participate in some fun orientation activities to help them connect with their peers and to our campus resources."
This fall, UP’s sophomores will get to move onto campus first, on Tuesday, August 17, so they and their families will have the campus mostly to themselves. Parents can enjoy meet-and-greets in the hospitality tents, and later that night students can participate in activities in their halls. The next day, Wednesday, August 18, the offices of Student Activities and Residence Life have a series of fun events planned just for sophomores, from wellness fairs to a photo scavenger hunt to help them get familiar with campus in a fun and interactive way.
As for Thursday, Friday, and the rest of the weekend? While new students attend their Orientation and juniors and seniors move in, Sophomores will have plenty of downtime to settle in and even take some day trips around Portland — a perfect way to experience a bit more summer fun before classes begin Monday, August 23.University of Portland
5000 N. Willamette Blvd.,
Portland, Oregon 97203-5798
503.943.8000
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