Pilots Prevent
September 21, 2021
You attend college to learn and get a degree, but you go to college to expand your world. That’s perhaps the biggest reason why in-person classes, events, experiences, and campus living are such important aspects of the college journey (and worth protecting by following COVID-safe protocols). So, now that you’re here on The Bluff, it’s time to make the most of the experience by getting involved in campus life beyond the books.
“Most people come to college to meet people and make friends,” says Jeromy Koffler, director of Student Activities. “What better way than to join a group you have an interest in and find your group of friends?”
Join a Club
Koffler says it’s never too late to join a club and thinks every student should do it. There are over 100 to choose from. Just log into Engage and start browsing. Don’t see one you like? Reach out to Student Activities and they’ll walk you through the process of starting your own.
“There is research that says when students commit to one activity outside the classroom, they're more likely to be successful academically and persist to graduation,” Koffler says. “It’s a direct correlation between student activities and student success.”
Maybe that’s because students feel more connected and part of the community, which has positive mental health benefits. “It's also a good stress reliever,” says Koffler. “Some think of it as taking something on, but I think of it as taking pressure off. Meeting people to watch Disney movies together, play board games, or whatever your club is about, it gives you a healthy outlet to relieve stress with people you’ll likely enjoy being around anyway.”
If you’re not sure a club is right for you, check out its social media pages before going to a meeting, so you can get a better idea of what it’s all about. You can see if it’s big or little, best for newbies or experts, time-intensive or relaxed.
Pilots After Dark
But student clubs are just one of the many ways to get involved and meet people on campus. In fact, twice a week, every single week, UP students have the chance to let loose and have fun at Pilots After Dark. Hosted by Student Activities, sometimes in conjunction with residence halls, the events happen every Friday and Saturday night from 9 to 11 p.m. at the Pilot House and they’re absolutely free.
“They’re really fun and lively,” says Koffler. “We've done karaoke, bingo night, Bob Ross paint night. We had over 200 students painting along with Bob Ross on a screen. We did Bowling for Socks. I set up a mini bowling lane and if they got a strike or spare they got a pair of fun socks from Sock It to Me, a local Portland company. On the video screen we had the pro bowlers tour going on, a disco ball and music.”
Upcoming events include trivia night, Price is Right night, casino night, and this weekend there will be a cover band playing classic rock.
“People can get involved, or they can just stop in and buy some chicken strips and watch,” Koffler says. “They’re not required to join in, but many do because it’s a fun way to participate in campus life.”
Just the Beginning
And, of course, there are activities in residence halls, home sports events, fitness classes at the Beauchamp rec center, not to mention Outdoor Pursuits excursions and intramural sports teams. “Some students sign up as a team from their hall, some sign up as a single person and they get placed on a team,” Koffler says.
UP’s radio station, KDUP, is always looking for students to host shows. And don’t forget that student jobs on campus are another great way to immerse yourself in the community.
“One of the things that student activities provide is opportunities to get out of your comfort zone and into your adventure zone, exploring something new,” says Koffler. “It may be a little uncomfortable at first to meet new people, but these are easy ways you can challenge yourself to grow. It's your college experience. You get to make what you want out of it.”
University of Portland
5000 N. Willamette Blvd.,
Portland, Oregon 97203-5798
503.943.8000
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