Navigating Winter Break, Christmas on Campus, and more!
UP Parent Newsletter: December 2018
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:14
This is the song of thanksgiving offered by the angels as they announced to the shepherds the good news of the birth of Jesus. It could also be the hymn of thanksgiving echoed by the UP campus community now that the flurry of work at the end of the semester is concluded. We are blessed with these few weeks of rest between semesters. While the holiday season can contain its own flurry of activity, we hope that it is for you and your family an opportunity to enjoy some intentional time together as well as a space in which to rejoice in the many gifts given by God. May this season be for you one of rest, reflection, and rejoicing.
In the light of God’s love,
Fr. Jim Gallagher, C.S.C.
Director, Campus Ministry
A Window into Campus Life
Even as students focused on wrapping up their studies for the semester, they also found time to celebrate the holidays! Check out these photos from this year's outdoor Christmas tree lighting ceremony and festivities in the Pilot House. Special thanks to Paula Ortiz Cazaubon and The Beacon for use of their photos!
Having Your Pilot Home Again
As students arrive home, you may be experiencing your student's mountains of laundry, exhaustion from finals, and testing of house rules. Even though this is a time of adjustment for both the family and the college student, it’s also a time of joy, quality family time, and valuable conversations. Here are some things to consider while your Pilot is back home!
First Year Focus
New students often arrive on The Bluff with a clear plan in mind, but some find that the first semester brings with it the realization that they want to change the path ahead. Craig Swinyard '98, mathematics professor and Director of Alumni & Parent Relations, shares his personal experience as a Pilot and suggests ways for parents to navigate these difficult conversations. Read his reflection here.
Connecting with the Pilot Network
As they progress through their college years, some students start to feel apprehension about the future once they leave The Bluff. The good news is that there is a vast network of Pilot alumni and parents ready to assist students and new graduates! Your student can start connecting with the Pilot network while they are home on break. Read more here.
Faculty Spotlight
Across the University of Portland's various colleges and schools, there are incredible faculty members working with your student. Click here to read about our newest faculty members!
Junior Parents and Families Weekend
Join us for Junior Parents & Families Weekend February 15-17! Celebrate the accomplishments of your student’s junior year, meet the University president, faculty, and administrators, learn about campus life, and spend time together as a family.
Need to know upcoming financial, academic, and residence life deadlines for students? Click here.
Curious about upcoming fun and educational events available to your student? Learn more here.
Looking for UP events that you can participate in? Check out these upcoming local and regional events open to parents.
Survival Kit Recap
Thank you to everyone who ordered a survival kit to help their students through the fall semester finals! Our Student Alumni Association spent a Saturday putting together about 450 of these care packages! Survival kits were delivered to students living in the residence halls, while students living off-campus stopped by the Alumni Center to get their box.
Students will probably be catching up on sleep during the Christmas break. Getting enough sleep is important year-round, especially during the busy semester! Collegiate Parent shares some tips for how you can advise your student on implementing better sleep habits upon returning to campus for the spring semester.
