Student Activities

Jeromy Koffler, M.A., director

The University aims to enhance the educational experience of students by encouraging and supporting a wide range of student interests and organizations, including student government, student media, multicultural programs, and a rich variety of 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 active participation, by creating opportunities for students to learn and practice decision-making as it relates to their core values and the benefits of the community, and by forming productive relationships.

Approximately 70 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 published in the Student Handbook each year and updated regularly on the student activities website (www.up.edu/activities). Student media include a weekly student newspaper, The Beacon; a yearbook, The Log; and a student radio station, KDUP, found at http://kdup.up.edu.

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 program of social, cultural, and educational programs. 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; 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.

The University celebrates cultural differences among students and values multicultural programs that enrich the educational experience for all students. OSA provides programs that encourage the sharing of different cultural traditions and values. Multicultural programs include: Ohana, the freshman pre-orientation program for multicultural students; UP Connections, a peer mentorship program; the Diversity Committee, a campus wide group who plan events and campus conversations on relevant topics; and other campus programs and initiatives that celebrate cultural heritage. OSA also serves as a resource to students over 25 years old who may have different needs and concerns than traditional college students.

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. The department coordinates events for sophomores and Junior Parents and Families Weekend each spring, an event which gives juniors and their families time to spend together on The Bluff. Student activities staff coordinate the publication of the Life On The Bluff, which is an on-line resource including the Code of Student Conduct and other important policies and information.

The Office of Student Activities is located in St. Mary's Student Center and can be reached at (503) 943-7470. The student activities website is located at www.up.edu/activities/.