Finals Week, Texbook Buyback, Final Grades, and More!
Finals Week, Texbook Buyback, Final Grades, and More!
four students walking in front of the Clark Library
SHEPARD ACADEMIC RESOURCE CENTER
FRESHMAN NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2017
Four students sitting arounda table with laptops working together

Time to Hit the Books

As finals loom on the horizon and race closer, things can become a bit tense, especially when it comes to studying. There is help, however, in this area. You just need to take the initiative. 
Study groups are one of many ways to prepare for an exam. Getting a group together (so long as it is small enough that people aren’t distracted), grabbing snacks, and hitting the books can prove very helpful for students in the final stretch of the semester. Quizzing each other on terms, clarifying concepts for people who are having trouble, or even just discussing different topics will often provide better review and understanding than studying on your own. Granted, people can get off topic, but as long as you eventually bring it back to serious study, a bit of a break from the subject can be refreshing. 
These study groups also help relieve some pressure that you or others might be feeling.  Having a few more people who are just as stressed as you might actually help set all of you at ease.  Encourage each other and soon you’ll feel much better. 
To set up a study group, just schedule a few hours with some friends in the same class.  Try inviting people who might not be included normally in a study group. They probably could use the help and may also provide a different perspective than you’ve thought of about the material. 

The Shepard Center is Hiring!

Do you like working with people? Are you interested in assisting fellow students? Come work in the Shepard Center! The SARC is hiring for the Student Ambassador position for Spring 2018. Student Ambassadors provide orientation and assistance to all visitors at the SARC offices. Apply to be a part of our team on the Student Job Board!
Two students petting a small puppy

Clark Library: Wrap Up Your Semester

Paws and relax! The library provides an opportunity to visit with a furry friend during Dead Week. A dog team from Pet Partners will be near the Clark Library Christmas tree from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Wednesday and Thursday of dead week. Watch the Library Instagram for more dog visit cuteness. If you post something, please tag us at #upclarklibrary.
Starting Friday evening, the library has extended hours (see Library Extended Hours) and we encourage you to find a zone that is conducive for finishing your work.

Your hard work will be rewarded with a Winter Break! Check our website for Library Intersession Hours  during the intersession. We wish you happy holidays!
Quiet Study Zone: Three areas are available for individuals to study quietly. 
  • Quiet Floor
  • Quiet Study Annex (Library Classroom)
  • Digital Lab
Collaborative Zone: There are also areas for groups who need to study together and finish projects.
  • Group Study Rooms
  • Main Floor computer lab and seating areas 
  • Upper Floor seating areas
Create Your Zone: Stop by the Service Desk to check out headphones, or grab a pair of free earplugs.

Bookstore Buyback Program - Selling Your Textbooks

Starting Monday December 11th, the bookstore will begin buying back textbooks, even if you didn’t originally purchase them there. To sell your books, you must bring your student ID card. Severely damaged books, such as water-damaged or books missing covers, will not be taken back. Marked or highlighted books will be accepted. The bookstore is open from 8:30am to 5:00pm Mon-Fri, and 11:00am-3:00pm on Sat. Bring books in early for a chance to get the most money for them. Rental books can be returned at any point in the semester.
Image of University of Portland dormintory
Dates to Remember
  • December 14: Meal plans end with the evening meal
  • December 15: Dorms close at noon
  • December 19:  Grades availble to see in Self-Serve
  • December 25: Merry Christmas!
  • January 1:  Welcome to 2018!
  • January 13: Dorms re-open at 9 a.m.
  • January 14: Meal plan begins
  • January 15: Spring semester classes begin.
  • January 19: The last day to add/drop classes for spring semester
Fall Semester Final Grades
Fall Semester final grades will be posted and available for you to view on online on December 19th. You can view your grades by logging into your PilotsUP Portal and clicking on SSB > Student > Student Records > Final Grades. If you have a question about a grade you received in a course, contact the instructor of that course. 
Repeating a Class
After checking your grades online, you may not be entirely satisfied with a grade on your record. However, there is good news: You may be able to change it.
Some majors require a certain grade in certain courses in order to move on to other courses in the major. If this is the case and you did not receive the grade necessary, you'll need to repeat the course to move on in the program. If you think you need a repeat a course next term, contact the Program Coordinator of your school:
College of Arts & Sciences: Aimee Davidse davidse@up.edu, Becca Van Drimmelen vandrimm@up.edu, and Katie Richardson richardk@up.edu. CAS Phone: 503-943-7221
Business: Molly Cullen cullenm@up.edu. Business Phone: 503-943-7224
Education: Annie Popoff  popoff@up.edu503-943-7135
Engineering: Lindsay Chelton chelton@up.edu. 503-943-7292
Nursing: Elisa Majors majorse@up.edu503-942-7211
If you received a C- or below or received no credit for a course, then you may repeat the class. By repeating the class, the new grade you receive will replace the previous grade in the calculation of your GPA, though both classes and grades will remain on your transcript. Warning: You can only repeat a class once!
Repeat Class forms are available in the Registrar’s Office in Waldschmidt. To get the grade changed, you must fill out one of these forms and register for the class again.
Leadership Courses for Spring Semester
Would you like to make a positive impact in your local, national, and global communities? Do you want to set yourself apart when applying for service opportunities, internships, and jobs? Would you like to develop leader habits such as being more courageous and motivational?
Consider enrolling in the Leader Certificate Program by registering for LDR 225 for the Spring Semester! Courses are only 1 hour per week and are a great opportunity to learn about leadership and develop the leadership skills that will help you make a difference! Please see more information below and consider enrolling in LDR 225 for the Spring Semester today! All majors are welcome! The Leader Certificate Program is designed to provide leaders with the tools, knowledge, and ability to impact and inspire their followers using the key leader habits. 
LDR 225 Spring Course Options: 
  • Monday 10:20am – David Lester
  • Tuesday 5:15pm – Chris Haug
  • Tuesday 7:10pm – Molly Cullen
  • Wednesday 9:15am – Dr. Stephanie Salomone 
  • Wednesday 1:35pm – Dr. Jennette Lovejoy
  • Thursday 4:30pm – Gina Loschiavo
If you are in need of financial assistance, please complete the LDR Scholarship Application. Scholarship applications are due by Friday, December 8th, 2017.
Here is what University of Portland students are saying about the Leader Certificate Program:
“The leadership course experience has been an important component of my education here as it's helped me see leadership in the little things. From my experiences in leadership positions on campus to the moments of leadership just sitting in class, I've learned how to reflect, use my strengths and grow as a human being to approach different aspects of life.”   –Samantha van den Berg, Class of 2016                      
“None of my major-oriented classes have been as beneficial as the Leader Certificate Program in relation to my education and my career. The Leader Certificate Program adds valuable life skills to any major - skills that are often overlooked within specific fields of study.” – Gabe Ablin, Class of 2017
Check out the following videos:
Christmastime At UP
As we all prepare to depart for the extended break full of rest, relaxation and no homework or papers, you should know a few things before taking off for home.  Before you leave:
  • Take part in UP Christmas activities, including giving trees, Christmas caroling and other service projects that might be dorm related or campus wide. 
  • Clean your room. It is mundane, but it really should be done before you go because coming back to a dirty room can be quite unpleasant. Residence halls may also have stipulations about what must be cleaned or removed from dorm rooms before break begins. You can ask your RA if you have any questions about the break or what you shouldn’t leave in your room.
  • Let anyone who might be sending you mail know that they need to send it to your permanent address. The Mail Center will only be handling on-campus mail during the break and all student mail will be held until classes resume in January.
  • Over the break, you cannot get into the dorms at all. Cards will not open the doors, so make sure you have everything you want before December 16 at noon when the doors close. For every half hour you stay past noon, you will be charged $25, so be sure that you are out by 12 p.m.
Image of a punch card hanging in christmas tree branches, surrounded by ornaments
Redeem your Career Center Punch Card!  

Remember the shiny silver “Punch-Your-Way-to-Success” Card from Freshman Workshop? If you have collected all four punches for Fall Semester, you are able to redeem your finals goodie bag from the Career Center!! Come pick up anytime during finals week, between 8:30am-4:30pm.
First Year Workshop Leader Flyer. Deadline to apply is January 19th. Email campbeco@up.edu with questions!
Information Services December Updates
COMING SOON: "MyApps" Access Portal
As part of an ongoing effort to improve ease of access and provide a more seamless sign on experience, Information Services will soon deploy 'MyApps' web application access portal. MyApps will be available starting December 15th and will provide quick access to all Office 365 and UP web apps. It will replace AppID single sign on services. To learn more about MyApps and how you can prepare for the change, please see our MyApps Getting Started page. If you have any questions or concerns about this change, please feel free to contact the help desk at help@up.edu
December Cybersecurity Focus: Online Shopping Safety
With the holidays right around the corner, many of us will choose to shop online. In this month's cybersecurity newsletter, learn simple steps you can take to shop safely. In addition, find a summary of the October Cybersecurity Quiz results, tips for those impacted by the Equifax breach and new guidance for strengthening your password. To learn more please see the Cybersecurity Newsletter
Image of a christmas tree with lights at night outside of Franz hall with the bell tower in the background SARC Drop-In Hours: Monday 1:30-3:30, Tuesday 9:30-11:30, Wednesday 9:30-11:30, Thursday 1:30-3:30 Image of students eating and working on laptops at various tables in the Pilot House
In case you missed it… view our past Freshman Newsletters.
sarc@up.edu | 503.943.7895 | 5000 N. Willamette Blvd., Portland, OR 97203
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