If you're interested in participating in an immersion, first read the Moreau Center Core Commitments to understand what our programs are all about. The below description will give you a sense of what the immersion process looks like from first being selected to participate through returning from your immersion experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Applications for our immersions are posted on our website at the start of the academic year. The applications for Fall Break immersions are usually due at the end of September. Applications for Winter Break, Spring Break and Summer immersions are usually due in October. Applicants will complete the application on Qualtrics.
Immersions have a selection process, including an individual or group interview, conducted by the student coordinators. Participants are selected to achieve a balanced, diverse range of ages, interests, personalities, and experiences. Your background will not necessarily make you "more qualified" for an immersion, though we do seek participants who work and travel well with others and who will embrace the values of our programs (solidarity, social justice, community, reflection).
Can I go on an immersion with my friend?
Our immersions are community-oriented from our first gathering through our return to campus and beyond. No special preference will be given to arrange for friends to participate in immersions together, as we've found that participants can experience immersions more fully and bond with the group more deeply when they are open to building new relationships.
Of course, there's nothing wrong with knowing other people on your immersion beforehand, but one of the most rewarding aspects is coming home with a whole new group of friends! If you are selected to participate on the same immersion as a close friend, you will be encouraged to spend most of your time branching out to others in the group.
Each immersion has its own requirements.
The fall break immersions have one 2.5 hour seminar and may have one additional meeting before the immersion.
The Urban Immersion will participate in at least two 2-hour group seminars, as well as possible additional educational seminars and group bonding opportunities that relate specifically to the Urban Immersion.
The spring break and summer immersions will all have four 2-hour group seminars. Each immersion will have approximately 1-5 additional group meetings, bonding activities and/or service opportunities as an additional part of their preparation. These immersions will also have some fundraising requirements such as assisting with an auction, helping clean up the Chiles Center or conducting a used bike sale.
Each immersion will also be strongly encouraged to have at least one post-immersion activity. This could be a service outing, educational presentation, reunion meal or other ideas the group can come up with.
The Moreau Center works hard to create access to each of its programs for all University of Portland students. Immersion costs are paid through participant fees and fundraisers. Financial assistance is available through a short application and we encourage students to utilize this assistance. We do our best so that cost does not present a barrier to participation.
The student fee is paid by making deposits throughout the year, and flexible payment plans can be established for those who need them.
Any fundraiser is conducted for the benefit of the group, reflecting the community-oriented nature of our immersions; all participants are expected to share the workload regardless of personal financial situations.
The student fee to participate in each immersion varies each year. This list reflects the fees for immersions that will took place during the 2022-23 school year.
Urban Immersion: $70
Rural Immersion: $150
Environmental Justice: $250 (+ fundraising)
Border Immersion: $900 (+ fundraising)
Students will have the opportunity to request financial assistance at the time they apply for an immersion. Participants who wish to discuss payment options or have questions regarding financial assistance should schedule a meeting with Jo Cecilio, Director of the Moreau Center at cecilio@up.edu.
Above photo: Participants on the North Portland Civil Rights Immersion meet with farmers from Mudbone Grown
Above photo: Participants on the Civil Rights Immersion cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama