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Dear Pilot parents and families,

Welcome to the new academic year! It is hard to believe that August is here already. While this semester will look different than we planned, we are excited to get back into the swing of the school year and focus on the education of our students.

In a special way, we want to welcome our incoming students and their families to the Pilot community. The Class of 2024 is made up of gifted, bright individuals coming from 25 states, 495 different high schools, and 11 countries. These students will be studying over 37 unique majors, and over 23% of the incoming class are first generation college students. Welcome!

Please see below for several updates and resources regarding the fall 2020 semester. We know that the semester ahead will be unlike any other and bring its own unique set of challenges. Our office will be here every step of the way. Always feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

Sincerely,

Katie Seccombe

Associate Director, Parent Engagement

parents@up.edu | 503.943.7328

FALL 2020 UPDATES

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In consultation with the chairs of University of Portland's COVID-19 Task Forces, the President’s Leadership Cabinet, the Academic Deans, and the Chair and Vice Chair of the University’s Board of Regents, the University has determined that classes will be held remotely for Fall 2020. Residence halls will remain closed with some limited exceptions. For the latest updates on Fall 2020, please visit up.edu/coronavirus and be sure to check out the FAQs page.

IMPORTANT DATES

Looking for important dates for the fall semester regarding Academics, Student Accounts, or Financial Aid? We’ve compiled several helpful calendars on our Parent website. Keep track of important dates and deadlines coming up, including:

August 24: Fall semester classes begin
August 28: Last day to drop courses with full tuition refund; Last day to register or change registration
September 7: Labor Day (classes in session)
October 12–16: Fall vacation (no classes)
December 7–10: Semester examinations

VIRTUAL ACADEMIC SUPPORT

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The Learning Commons invites students to connect with their trained writing assistants and peer tutors as an effective learning strategy for greater success in their college courses. Working with these assistants and tutors also makes the online learning experience at UP more socially connected. Tutoring works best when students use it proactively and consistently during the semester, so encourage your student to check out their options and explore strategies for online learning! Tutoring and other academic resource services will all be available remotely this semester.

THE CLARK LIBRARY IS READY FOR FALL

The Clark Library staff spent the summer preparing for the fall semester, making sure that both local and remote students can access the library services they need. All students will continue to have access to a vast catalogue of online information resources, plus excellent support from the library staff who can assist them in finding and using information. Local students will be able to request books and media from the library collection for pick up at the library during special hours. We invite new students and their families to visit the online Library Orientation to become familiar with how the library can support students no matter what is happening in the world. The best place to find the latest updates on library services is our Fall 2020 guide. If your student has questions, please encourage them to contact Xan Arch, Library Dean.

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

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Despite the challenges students will face this year, dedicated staff, faculty, and student leaders are working hard to ensure that students’ needs are met and that their school experience is a positive one. Active Minds is a UP student-run club dedicated to raising awareness of mental health and providing emotional support to the UP community. The student leaders of Active Minds have compiled a list of campus, local, and national resources that can assist students with self-care, mental health, and emotional support. We encourage you to share this information with your student!

TECHNOLOGY AT UP

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Technology is now more important than ever. We want to help ensure your student is aware of all the technology resources UP offers and has the devices they need to be successful this fall. Encourage your student to check out the helpful guides on the Online Learning Resources Page, read through laptop guidelines if they plan on purchasing a new laptop, or watch the Technology Resources Orientation webinar that was hosted for new families on August 6. Families may also find it helpful to know that their financial aid cost of attendance can be increased to include the cost of purchasing a computer or other technology necessary to participate in classes. Encourage your student to check out the Coronavirus FAQs site to learn more.

TEXTBOOKS FOR FALL

Are you wondering how your student can get their books for the fall 2020 semester? Read some Frequently Asked Questions (and answers) from the University of Portland Bookstore.

UPDATE YOUR INFO | UP PARENTS | FALL 2020 UPDATES

5000 N. Willamette Blvd.
Portland, Oregon 97203
up.edu/parents503.943.7328parents@up.edu

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