Student Activities
Jeromy Koffler, Ed.D., director
The University aims to enhance the educational experience of students by encouraging and supporting a wide range of student activities, interests and organizations, including student government, student media, multicultural programs, weekend/late night programming, and a rich variety of student run clubs. Students who take advantage of the activities and participate in organizations gain invaluable experience in leadership and organizational skills, technical and professional skills, political and social skills. The Office of Student Activities (OSA) serves the University's mission by promoting active participation, by creating fun and engaging opportunities for students to learn and practice decision-making as it relates to their core values and the benefits of the community, and by facilitating the formation of healthy and productive relationships.
Approximately 95 student-run organizations are recognized by the University, including social clubs, academic honors and professional societies, club sports, service groups, and groups organized for cultural, academic, or special interests. As student interests change, the list of clubs changes; the most recent list is updated regularly on the student activities website. Student media include an on-line student newspaper, The Beacon (http://www.upbeacon.com/); a yearbook, The Log; and a student radio station, KDUP.
The Associated Students of the University of Portland (ASUP), the student government of the undergraduate student body, allocates the student government fee, providing support for many of the student-run organizations, and gives voice to student concerns. Campus Program Board (CPB), under the auspices of ASUP, coordinates a multi-faceted menu of social, cultural, and educational programs including the large scale concert, Rock the Bluff. Other services provided by ASUP include ADvantage, a publicity service for campus events; Espresso UP, a free “latte break” on Wednesday evenings in St. Mary’s lounge; ASUP films, a service coordinating the screening of different films and documentaries on campus; the Pilot Express, a shuttle service to the airport and train station in conjunction with official University breaks; and Pilot Audio and Lighting (PAL), an event production service.
OSA provides programs that encourage the sharing of different cultural traditions and values and enrich the educational experience for all students. Diversity and inclusion programs include: UP Connections, the freshman pre-orientation and peer mentorship program for multicultural students; Diversity Dialogues, a campus wide series of events and campus conversations on relevant topics; and other campus programs and initiatives that celebrate cultural heritage.
The Office of Student Activities coordinates an orientation program for new undergraduates at the start of the fall and spring semesters, including events planned especially for transfer students and commuter freshmen. Each year, the department coordinates Parents and Families Weekend, an event which gives students and their families time to spend together on The Bluff. The department also sponsors Pilots After Dark, a menu of weekend and late night programs generally offered each Friday and Saturday night from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the Pilot House. The Office of Student Activities is located in St. Mary's Student Center and can be reached at (503) 943-7470 or at www.up.edu/activities.