April 2021 | University of Portland

News - April 2021

Safe Can Still Be Fun: Ways to Celebrate Commencement This Spring

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Commencement

April 27, 2021

In-person gatherings may be restricted this year, unfortunately precluding UP from holding a traditional in-person Commencement ceremony, but there are still plenty of ways to celebrate the monumental achievement of a college graduation.

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University of Portland to Require COVID-19 Vaccinations of All Students, Faculty, and Staff By Start of Fall 2021 Term

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President

April 27, 2021

The University of Portland (UP) has announced that it will require proof of COVID-19 vaccinations for all students, faculty and staff when the Fall 2021 semester begins. Employees must provide proof of vaccination by August 1, and all students will be required to show their proof of vaccination by September 1. As with all other vaccination requirements, religious and/or health-related exemptions from this policy may be requested.

Amy Abugo Ongiri

University of Portland Names Dr. Amy Abugo Ongiri as New Director of Ethnic Studies

College of Arts and Sciences

April 26, 2021

The University of Portland has appointed Dr. Amy Abugo Ongiri as Director and Professor of Ethnic Studies, effective July 15. Dr. Ongiri joins UP from Lawrence University, where they were an Associate Professor and the Jill Beck Director of Film Studies. Dr. Ongiri will be the first Director of the newly formed Ethnic Studies program at the University of Portland.

Movin’ Out: Tips for a Quick, Easy, and COVID-Safe Exit to Residence Halls

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Residence Life

April 20, 2021

Residence halls close Friday, May 7, and residence life has advice for on-campus students to make their move-out process quick, easy, and COVID safe.

Preparing for Finals Week? Don’t Forget to Relax

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April 20, 2021

For a lot of UP students, studying for finals is the easy part. What’s harder is giving yourself permission to take breaks, unplug, and have fun. But relieving stress and anxiety is just as important as all that hard work.

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University of Portland to host 2021 Public Research Fellows Showcase, April 29

College of Arts and Sciences

April 20, 2021

The University of Portland’s Public Research Fellows program will host the 2021 Public Research Fellows Showcase on Thursday, April 29 from 7 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. on Zoom. Students and faculty fellows will unveil their projects and be on hand to guide attendees through a variety of lenses for thinking about the theme, Displacement and Justice.

Celebrating Commencement COVID-Style

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Commencement

April 20, 2021

Commencement 2021 is almost here, and while it won’t look like the Commencement most students were expecting when they began their studies at UP, the University is doing its best to make the Class of 2021 feel celebrated while following the state of Oregon’s COVID safety guidelines for in-person events.

Online Learning Tools Help Faculty Make Education More Equitable

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April 20, 2021

Faculty and staff have partnered to provide a network of support to make sure that education and ongoing training are available to faculty to teaching in an online environment.

Plans Underway for “Normal” Fall in Residence Life

Residence Life

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April 13, 2021

De-densified halls and move-in appointments will remain, but otherwise residence life is aiming for a "normal" fall semester in the halls, with special attention given to sophomores who will be living on campus for the first time.

Wellness Day 2: The Succulent-Filled Sequel

Residence Life

Pilots Prevent

April 13, 2021

Residence Life is bringing back its popular student event just in time to de-stress before finals. Therapy dogs, succulent plants, massages, contests, food, and prizes will be part of the Wellness Day events, April 21, 1-4 p.m. on West Quad.

Admissions Team Takes Extra Precautions in Hosting Prospective Students on Campus

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April 6, 2021

Welcome to The Bluff will replace Weekend on The Bluff as the preview event for admitted students this year. The admissions office will host 16 outdoor information sessions over two weekends to reduce the number of visitors on campus at any one time and in any single location.

The Learning Commons Expands Online Tutoring Offerings to Reach More Students

Shepard Academic Resource Center

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April 6, 2021

The pandemic and remote learning has been an opportunity for the Learning Commons to create new programs online for peer tutoring, collaborative learning sessions, and more.

Working Through Grief: Campus Ministry Offers Advice for Coping with Feelings after a Year of Loss

Campus Ministry

Pilots Prevent

April 6, 2021

Because of COVID, people are experiencing loss of loved ones as well as loss of opportunities and experiences. Fr. Jim Gallagher, director of Campus Ministry, says, “If you find yourself stuck in those feelings of grief or loss, or the emotions that come with it, be patient with yourself and seek out help.”