News - August 2021

Adjusting to the New Normal of Life on Campus

Pilots Prevent

August 31, 2021

The whole world is weathering the COVID-19 pandemic at the same time, and yet the experience is different from continent to continent, country to country, even person to person. It affects us all, but it affects each individual differently. That’s why, as we adjust to life together on The Bluff, it helps to remember we’re all in this together, but our journeys aren’t the same. We all need to give ourselves and each other the space to get our feet under us during this transitional time, and the grace to do so without judgement.

Quarantine and Isolation Dos and Don’ts

Pilots Prevent

August 31, 2021

A lot has changed since the last time UP welcomed students back to campus. Namely, nearly everyone is vaccinated. As a result, the quarantine and isolation protocols for those exposed to COVID-19 have changed too.

Best Places to Study on Campus

Pilots Prevent

August 24, 2021

Whether you’re brand-new to campus, or it’s just been a while, you can probably use a refresher on all the comfy, quiet, power-outlet-bedecked spaces around campus tailor-made for studying. We gathered them all up in a handy list so you can find your favorite spot (and a few backups in case someone got there first).

Scenes and Stories from Fall Orientation and Move-in Festivities

Pilots Prevent

August 24, 2021

Last week was a big one on the UP campus. Sophomores moved in on Tuesday, August 17, and spent the following day enjoying their own special Orientation do-over complete with scavenger hunts and food carts. Then new students (and a lot of parents) arrived on Thursday, August 19, filling dumpsters with moving boxes and loudspeakers with the sweet sounds of Brittney and Tay-Tay.

The Best Masks to Express Your Back-to-School Style

Pilots Prevent

August 17, 2021

At this point, we all have masks. They’re stuffed in our bags, peeking out of our pockets, dangling from our rear-view mirrors. They’ve become a fact of life. But your early pandemic purchases might be looking a bit tired — and you’re probably tired of looking at them. Why not embrace the low-germ lifestyle and add a new set of masks to the back-to-school shopping list?

What a Self-Administered COVID Test is Like

Pilots Prevent

August 17, 2021

In mid-August, UP sophomore Murphy Bradshaw was planning to take a trip to Seattle to celebrate her mom’s milestone birthday with family and friends. That’s when it hit her: Maybe she should take a COVID test.

Back to Campus and Back Together Again

Pilots Prevent

August 10, 2021

On Monday, August 2, University of Portland’s campus offices were once again thrumming with activity as staff returned to work on campus. After well over a year working remotely through the height of the pandemic, the return to The Bluff was like a homecoming for many employees.

What Vaccinated People Should Do if a Close Contact Tests Positive for COVID-19

Pilots Prevent

August 10, 2021

Getting vaccinated and wearing a mask are still everyone’s best defenses against contracting and spreading COVID-19, especially as the highly contagious Delta variant has caused a spike among unvaccinated individuals. Although breakthrough cases are relatively rare, they can happen. So, as reports of vaccinated people contracting COVID circulate, you may be wondering what to do if you find out one of your close friends, family, or colleagues test positive, even though you’re all vaccinated.

Image of Connor Eifler.

Back to UP's Stage

Portland Magazine

August 10, 2021

Conor Eifler ’11, recipient of the Angus Bowmer Award for Drama from the 2021 Oregon Book Awards, speaks to Portland magazine about the genesis of his play You Cannot Undo This Action, which will receive a fully produced reading at University of Portland from September 22 to 26, 2021.