UP Parent Newsletter: December 2020

A REFLECTION ON LIGHT "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who lived in a land of gloom a light has shone." Isaiah 9:1 Light plays a prominent role in decorations and imagery meant to build anticipation for the Christmas celebrations. It helps to stir up in our hearts the longing that we have for peace and goodwill; for the way to appear which leads out from hardship and into joy. There have been many difficulties which have surfaced in this past year. We have experienced a great deal of waiting for relief from the pressures of the pandemic. The coming of the child Jesus as a response to the longing of the Hebrew people is a powerful reminder that our waiting and longing can find fulfillment. May the many lights that you encounter be an encouragement at this time. May this time between semesters be for you and your family a space of rest, refreshment, and peace. Reflection provided by: Fr. Jim Gallagher, C.S.C. Director, Campus Ministry  25 DAYS 'TIL CHRISTMAS This month, the UP community is celebrating the Advent Season with our 25 Days ’til Christmas online calendar. So far, we’ve shared Advent prayers, gourmet baking tips from Fr. Dan Parrish, Christmas playlists, and more. Join us in counting down to Christmas with a new surprise each day. HELPING PILOTS PREVENT On December 2, UP launched the weekly newsletter, “Helping Pilots Prevent,” which will share the University’s COVID-19 response and information to help keep our community safe and healthy. Continue to look for this newsletter in your inbox and stay up to date on the Pilots Prevent Dashboard and helpful articles such as What If I Test Positive for COVID-19. 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! The winter break is a great time for your student to spend some time connecting with the Pilot network. HELPFUL SPRING SEMESTER COURSES We want to be sure our Pilots families are aware of the following 1-credit courses available next semester. Encourage your student to explore these great options in the pursuit of their growth and development both inside and outside of “the classroom.” CAS 291 - Career Planning + Life Design ED 102 - University Success LDR 225 - Foundations of Leadership FIRST YEAR FOCUS To our first-year families: your student has successfully made it through their first semester of college! From managing project deadlines to registering for the spring semester, students are developing important skills and habits. After the busy and challenging semester your student has had, the last thing they may want to talk about is school, but this break is a good time to check in with your student about how they’re doing academically. COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES The fifteen departments of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) represent the depth and breadth of the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. Collectively, they provide all UP students with a liberal arts education — either through the University Core or with a CAS degree. The College of Arts and Sciences welcomes you to explore the opportunities they offer and the stories of their students, which eloquently testify to the liberal arts advantage. IMPORTANT DATES & REMINDERS Make sure that you're up to date on deadlines, events, and campus resources! If your student will be joining us on campus in the spring, we also encourage you to review special housing information for Spring 2021. Private rooms are still available at no additional charge. WHAT WE'RE READING We love reading the inspiring, challenging, and deeply human stories featured in the Portland Magazine. We encourage you to check out the Fall 2020 issue which includes an introduction of UP’s new Provost, Herbert Medina, and a spotlight on the Intersectional Hope and Healing Fund started by two current students in an attempt to provide relief funding to fellow UP students in need. We hope you enjoy these stories and more! A VIEW OF CAMPUS The Bluff is a special place, and we can’t wait to see you and your family back on campus soon! In the meantime, enjoy these beautiful photos of campus and the Portland area taken by Bradley Fischer ’21 of Menlo Park who is currently studying Marketing and Entrepreneurship. While photography has been a passion of his for the last 10 years, he recently decided to turn his favorite pastime into a business. We wish him the best of luck! Image courtesy of Bradley Fischer ’21   UPDATE YOUR INFO  |  UP PARENTS  |  PILOTS PREVENT 5000 N. Willamette Blvd. Portland, Oregon 97203 up.edu/parents | 503.943.7328 | parents@up.edu

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