February 2021 | University of Portland

News - February 2021

Franz Hall

University of Portland Ranks #1 in the Nation as Top Producer of Fulbright U.S. Students Among Master's Level Institutions

Awards and Rankings

February 25, 2021

The University of Portland is the top producer of Fulbright U.S. Students in the nation among master’s level institutions, according to an annual study just released by the Chronicle of Higher Education. UP ranks first nationally in Fulbright U.S. awardees for academic year 2020-2021, with 10 students receiving the prestigious grants to study, conduct research, and/or teach English abroad.

campus aerial view

First-Year Students Find Community on ‘Discord’

Pilots Prevent

February 23, 2021

On Discord, University of Portland students have found an innovative way to ensure that social connections are still flourishing.

campus aerial view

Worth the Hurdles: In-Person Classes Successfully Resume

Pilots Prevent

February 23, 2021

Some 990 individual students are taking in-person classes at University of Portland this spring. Clearing the logistical hurdles has been worth it, say students and professors.

Students in caps and gowns

University of Portland Plans Virtual Commencement for Graduating Class of 2021; Announces Commencement Speaker, Honorees

Commencement

February 22, 2021

The University of Portland (UP) has announced plans for a virtual commencement ceremony honoring the graduating Class of 2021 on Sunday, May 9 at 1:00 p.m. Schedules for a virtual Baccalaureate Mass that weekend along with details for the commissioning of graduates from UP’s Air Force and Army ROTC programs will be announced soon. Commencement honorees include Sr. Marilyn Lacey, RSM; Fr. Greg Boyle, SJ; Carlos Kalmar; Carol Ann Mooney; and Gil Muñoz.

campus aerial view

Pilots Play: Wellness Day Offers Opportunities for Student Self-Care

Residence Life

Pilots Prevent

February 22, 2021

The Wellness Education & Prevention Program is launching “Pilots Play: Wellness Day” during the mini-break on February 24. To lure students away from their books and computers, they’ve organized four hours of sometimes silly, sometimes soothing R&R at the Pilot House.

Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., to Finish Tenure as University of Portland President in June After Nearly a Decade on Campus; Rev. James M. Lies, C.S.C., Named Interim President Effective July 1

February 18, 2021

After 10 years with the University of Portland (UP), including the last seven as its 20th president, Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., is stepping away from the presidency on June 30, 2021. Poorman made the announcement today in a message to UP community members. It was also announced by the UP Board of Regents that Rev. James (Jim) M. Lies, C.S.C., (pronounced LEASE) will serve as interim president effective July 1, 2021.

Chelsea Cassens

Healer, Hunter, Mentor, Mom

Nursing

Portland Magazine

February 17, 2021

Chelsea Cassens ’08 wants her eastern Oregon community to stay healthy. She works toward that goal as a nurse and as an advocate for the protection of public lands.

Studying Abroad from Portland

International Student Services

Portland Magazine

February 17, 2021

Three Cambodian UP students reflect on distance learning in the COVID-19 era.

Illustration

The World Is the Classroom

Portland Magazine

College of Arts and Sciences

February 17, 2021

Four University of Portland professors create a massive online interdisciplinary course with nearly two dozen faculty from four of UP's five schools with rave reviews from students and faculty.

Andrew Lafrenz

COVID Investigator, Columbia County

Nursing

Portland Magazine

Alumni

February 17, 2021

UP’s resident epidemiologist—Andrew Lafrenz ’02—has been working seven days a week since April. Not only is he directing the School of Nursing’s newest major in integrative health and wellness studies, but he has also been offering his expertise to local entities during the pandemic.

University of Portland campus from above

The Cleanup

Portland Magazine

February 17, 2021

By purchasing land along Portland Harbor—known for its legacy of industrial pollution—University of Portland committed to a new level of environmental stewardship. The neighborhood is taking notice.

campus aerial view

Bonding on The Bluff: How On-Campus Roommates are Beating Pandemic Blues

Residence Life

Pilots Prevent

February 16, 2021

On-campus students are finding fun and meaningful ways to connect with roommates during COVID times.

campus aerial view

Care Beyond COVID: How the Health and Counseling Center Serves the UP Community

Pilots Prevent

Health Center

February 16, 2021

University of Portland's Health and Counseling Center staff are dedicated to providing care for students with physical health concerns, COVID-related or not, and connecting them to mental health resources.

Inclement Weather Alert February 16: Classes Canceled, Campus Closed

February 15, 2021

All University operations are canceled on Tuesday, February 16 – including in-person and online classes and all remote work – until campus reopens at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, February 17.

Inclement Weather Alert February 13-15

February 13, 2021

Due to inclement weather, University of Portland's shutdown day protocols will remain in effect until 7 a.m. on Monday, February 15. Bauccio Commons remains open for student meal pick-up. Clark Library will remain closed through Sunday with online resources available. Staff and student employees scheduled to work on Sunday, February 14 should contact their supervisors for further instruction.

Inclement Weather Alert for February 11-14

February 11, 2021

University of Portland will pivot to online instruction at 4 p.m. February 11 in response to inclement weather for the Portland area. Staff should work remotely on February 12. Clark Library will close at 4 p.m. Thursday. The Commons will remain open for student meals. Operations are expected to return to normal by Sunday, February 14.

Stephanie Salomone

Mathematics Professor Stephanie Salomone Selected as Associate Director of Project NExT (New Experiences in Teaching)

Mathematics

February 10, 2021

Mathematics professor Stephanie Salomone was selected as an associate director of Project NExT (New Experiences in Teaching), a national program of the Mathematics Association of America that provides professional development for new faculty in mathematics. Salomone was a NExT fellow in 2005 and was offered the opportunity to apply for the associate director position last fall.

campus aerial view

What’s Open at Rec Services

Pilots Prevent

Recreational Services

February 9, 2021

COVID may have hamstrung our usual workout routines, but University of Portland’s recreation staff are hard at work coming up with ways to keep the UP community active this spring with an outdoor workout space, virtual classes, and outdoor equipment rentals.

campus aerial view

Special Precautions Around COVID-19 Modify Operations of UP Printing/Mailing Center

Pilots Prevent

February 9, 2021

Daily operation in printing and mailing services have changed in the COVID era. Among the changes: the center is now closed through the noon hour to allow for sanitizing; only one customer at a time is allowed in the building; and, like all public spaces on campus, masks are required at all times.

campus aerial view

Your Questions Answered: Asymptomatic Surveillance Testing and Symptomatic Testing on Campus

Health Center

Pilots Prevent

February 8, 2021

Asymptomatic surveillance testing is an important part of UP’s ongoing Comprehensive Prevention Strategy to keep the community safe and healthy. We know some folks have questions about the process, and we’re here to provide you with answers and resources.

campus aerial view

How to Participate in Campus Ministry This Semester

Campus Ministry

Pilots Prevent

February 8, 2021

Although social distancing is still the order of the day, that doesn’t mean we have to be socially isolated. In fact, Campus Ministry is doing all it can to bring people together—safely—right when we need it most.

campus aerial view

UP's Travel Policy Encourages Community to Stay Local; Spring Break Replaced by Two Mini-Breaks This Year

Pilots Prevent

February 2, 2021

The University strongly discourages anyone, employees and students, from doing any non-emergency travel during Spring Semester. As such, the week-long Spring Break has been replaced with two mini-breaks--long enough to give students and faculty a breather from classes but short enough to make local excursions preferable to a big trip.

campus aerial view

Go Pilots! How to Stay Safe and Engaged with Pilots Athletics

Pilots Prevent

Athletics

February 2, 2021

In person fans aren't allowed at athletics venues in the State of Oregon, but you can still cheer on your favorite Pilot teams by watching livestreams and engaging with social media.

aerial view of campus

Residence Life Welcomes Students and Builds Community

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.

campus aerial view

Off-Campus Student and Visitor Access for Spring Semester Explained

Pilots Prevent

February 2, 2021

Even with campus re-opening for classes, study, and some recreation activities, UP essentially remains a closed campus this semester.

University of Portland campus from above

University of Portland Sets Plans for Fall Semester; Will Continue Momentum from Spring Term with In-Person Classes, Students On Campus

Pilots Prevent

President

February 2, 2021

The University of Portland is setting its sights on a Fall 2021 semester with primarily in-person classes; more students living in the residence halls; and a return to regular campus activities. UP President Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., made the announcement today as a continuance of momentum from the current spring term that has 800-plus students living on campus and a hybrid curriculum of virtual and select in-person instruction. It was also announced that tuition and fees for the 2021-22 academic year would be frozen at current levels.