Fall 2020 - Student FAQs | University of Portland

Fall 2020 - Student FAQs

First-Year Students

Hello School of Nursing First-Year Students – I hope you are all well! I wanted to send an email to hopefully address some of the questions that you may have after Fr. Poorman’s email. I want to be as transparent as possible since I recognize this is an incredibly stressful time for everyone. Below is an FAQ but please don’t hesitate to email me any additional questions that you have. I want to ensure all your questions are answered because I’m here to support you! We will continue to provide more information to students through the weekly UPSON Student Newsletter and we truly appreciate your patience!

Q: "Do I still need to fill out the Request for Online Learning form? "

A: Now that the University of Portland has phased to online learning, you no longer need to fill out the form. All your Fall 2020 classes will be offered in an online environment because your health and safety is our highest priority. Your schedule (courses, class times, instructors, etc.) will all remain the same even though they will now be held in an online environment.

Q: "How will online classes work? Will we still be on Teams or Zoom or a combo?"

A: The online class format will vary depending on the instructor. Some may opt to use Teams while others will prefer to use Zoom. Some instructors may even use a combination of the two. They will communicate with their classes exactly what the plan will be.

Q: "Will tuition be any less for now that classes are online only?"

A: The Back to the Bluff website states the following: “UP remains committed to providing a quality education informed by our Holy Cross tradition together with other essential services, whether delivered in-person or online. Even in ordinary years, tuition does not cover the full cost of education at UP, and the University’s costs will not diminish with online delivery. Thus, the University will continue to charge its published rates for tuition and fees in Fall 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic may be impacting some families in unexpected ways. If your family is experiencing financial hardship, please email the Office of Financial Aid (finaid@up.edu). While UP cannot guarantee changes in your financial aid package, there may be other options available for assistance.”

Q: “Now that classes are online, will class capacity be increased? I would like to register for some additional classes that are listed as full.”

A: All courses will continue to be taught to ensure that learning outcomes are met and students develop impactful relationships with faculty. We will continue to offer small class sizes and engaging discussion therefore we will not be increasing class capacity.

Q: “Will professors be accommodating when issues of technology arise due to the online classroom format?”

A: Yes. Please notify your instructor as soon as technology issues arise so that we can best support you.

Q: “How will faculty manage students that will be living in different time zones? Can students be offered attendance accommodations for synchronous classes?”

A: Students can work with their faculty to determine which class sessions are mandatory to be in attendance. All lectures will be recorded and students will receive support from their instructors to accommodate different time zones.

Q: "How can we do science labs from home? Will I get full credit?"

A: Yes, you will receive full credit for the science labs that you complete online and at home. I am currently waiting for more information from the Biology department on what to expect from online labs in Fall 2020 and will send that information out soon.

Q: “What is the academic calendar for Fall 2020 now that we are online?”

A: Our Fall Semester will begin on August 24 and conclude on December 10. Fall Break will be held from October 12 to October 16. More specific information on our academic calendar will be shared with you in the near future. 

Q: “Can I live on campus in residential housing for the Fall 2020 semester?”

A: Certain courses required in some accredited programs, such as those involving intensive clinical, lab, experiential, or similar work, may be held in-person. Students who need to enroll in such courses may apply to live in on-campus residence halls. Further information will be provided by individual programs/majors. Additionally, a limited number of students with compelling needs will be permitted to live in residence halls. Generally, students with academic technology needs, international students, and students experiencing housing insecurity and other hardships will be welcomed to live on the UP campus. The Office of Residence Life will be in touch with students shortly with further information. Leases for UP-owned rental homes will be honored. However, students who wish to opt out of their leases will be permitted to do so.

If you have additional questions please contact me or nursing@up.edu. Thank you!

Sophomore Students

Hello School of Nursing Sophomore Students – I hope you are all well! I wanted to send an email to hopefully address some of the questions that you may have after Fr. Poorman’s email. I want to be as transparent as possible since I recognize that this is an incredibly stressful time for everyone. Below is an FAQ but please don’t hesitate to email me any additional questions that you have. I want to ensure all your questions are answered because I’m here to support you! We will continue to provide more information to students through the weekly UPSON Student Newsletter. We truly appreciate your patience!

Q: "Do I still need to fill out the Request for Online Learning form? "

A: Now that the University of Portland has phased to online learning you no longer need to fill out the form. All your Fall 2020 classes will now be offered in an online environment because your health and safety is our highest priority. Your schedule (courses, class times, instructors, etc.) will all remain the same even though they will now be held in an online environment.

Q: "How will online classes work? Will we still be on Teams or Zoom or a combo?"

A: The online class format will vary depending on the instructor. Some may opt to use Teams while others will prefer to use Zoom. Some instructors may even use a combination of the two. They will communicate with their classes exactly what the plan will be.

Q: "Will tuition be any less for now that classes are online only?"

A: The Back to the Bluff website states the following: “UP remains committed to providing a quality education informed by our Holy Cross tradition together with other essential services, whether delivered in-person or online. Even in ordinary years, tuition does not cover the full cost of education at UP, and the University’s costs will not diminish with online delivery. Thus, the University will continue to charge its published rates for tuition and fees in Fall 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic may be impacting some families in unexpected ways. If your family is experiencing financial hardship, please email the Office of Financial Aid (finaid@up.edu). While UP cannot guarantee changes in your financial aid package, there may be other options available for assistance.”

Q: “Now that classes are online, will class capacity be increased? I would like to register for some additional classes that are listed as full.”

A: All courses will continue to be taught to ensure that learning outcomes are met and students develop impactful relationships with faculty. We will continue to offer small class sizes and engaging discussion therefore we will not be increasing class capacity.

Q: “How will online exams be proctored?”

A: Exams will be proctored in the same way they were proctored in Spring 2020. You will receive additional information on the first day of class from your instructors.

Q: “Will professors be accommodating when issues of technology arise due to the online classroom format?”

A: Yes. Please notify your instructor as soon as technology issues arise so that we can best support you.

Q: “How will faculty manage students that will be living in different time zones? Can students be offered attendance accommodations for synchronous classes?”

A: Students can work with their faculty to determine which class sessions are mandatory to be in attendance. All lectures will be recorded and students will receive support from their instructors to accommodate different time zones.

Q: "How can we do science labs from home? Will I get full credit?"

A: Yes, you will receive full credit for the science labs that you complete online and at home. I am currently waiting for more information from the Biology department on what to expect from online labs in Fall 2020 and will send that information out soon.

Q: “What is the academic calendar for Fall 2020 now that we are online?”

A: Our Fall Semester will begin on August 24 and conclude on December 10. Fall Break will be held from October 12 to October 16. More specific information on our academic calendar will be shared with you in the near future. 

Q: “Can I live on campus in residential housing for the Fall 2020 semester?”

A: Certain courses required in some accredited programs, such as those involving intensive clinical, lab, experiential, or similar work, may be held in-person. Students who need to enroll in such courses may apply to live in on-campus residence halls. Further information will be provided by individual programs/majors. Additionally, a limited number of students with compelling needs will be permitted to live in residence halls. Generally, students with academic technology needs, international students, and students experiencing housing insecurity and other hardships will be welcomed to live on the UP campus. The Office of Residence Life will be in touch with students shortly with further information. Leases for UP-owned rental homes will be honored. However, students who wish to opt out of their leases will be permitted to do so.

If you have additional questions please contact me or nursing@up.edu. Thank you!

Junior Students

Hello School of Nursing Junior Students – I hope you are all well! I wanted to send an email to hopefully address some of the questions that you may have after Fr. Poorman’s email. I want to be as transparent as possible since I recognize that this is an incredibly stressful time for everyone. Below is an FAQ but please don’t hesitate to email me any additional questions that you have. I want to ensure all your questions are answered because I’m here to support you! We will continue to provide more information to students through the weekly UPSON Student Newsletter. We truly appreciate your patience!

Q: "Do I still need to fill out the Request for Online Learning form? "

A: Now that the University of Portland has phased to online learning you no longer need to fill out the form. All your Fall 2020 classes will now be offered in an online environment because your health and safety is our highest priority. Your schedule (courses, class times, instructors, etc.) will all remain the same even though they will now be held in an online environment.

Q: “How will I stay safe in clinical practice and simulation?”

A: Students will be required to use PPE that matches the level required by the Oregon Health Authority guidelines. In addition, the SON will provide students with goggles for simulation.

Q: “Will there be supervision in clinical?”

A: Yes. Students attending clinical practice are sent in small groups, which are led by a clinical instructor on-site at the clinical agency.

Q: “What happens if clinical is cancelled?”

A: If clinical sites are lost during the semester due to emerging circumstances, faculty are prepared to pivot to simulation. Simulation has been approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing for replacement of clinical hours if circumstances for off-campus clinical placements are no longer available. Simulation includes high fidelity manikins and standardized patients who are actors that portray an array of real-life scenarios. Currently, all clinical placements are expected to take place as scheduled.

Q: "How will online classes work? Will we still be on Teams or Zoom or a combo?"

A: The online class format will vary depending on the instructor. Some may opt to use Teams while others will prefer to use Zoom. Some instructors may even use a combination of the two. They will communicate with their classes exactly what the plan will be.

Q: "Will tuition be any less for now that classes are online only?"

A: The Back to the Bluff website states the following: “UP remains committed to providing a quality education informed by our Holy Cross tradition together with other essential services, whether delivered in-person or online. Even in ordinary years, tuition does not cover the full cost of education at UP, and the University’s costs will not diminish with online delivery. Thus, the University will continue to charge its published rates for tuition and fees in Fall 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic may be impacting some families in unexpected ways. If your family is experiencing financial hardship, please email the Office of Financial Aid (finaid@up.edu). While UP cannot guarantee changes in your financial aid package, there may be other options available for assistance.”

Q: “Now that classes are online, will class capacity be increased? I would like to register for some additional classes that are listed as full.”

A: All courses will continue to be taught to ensure that learning outcomes are met and students develop impactful relationships with faculty. We will continue to offer small class sizes and engaging discussion therefore we will not be increasing class capacity.

Q: “How will online exams be proctored?”

A: Exams will be proctored in the same way they were proctored in Spring 2020. You will receive additional information on the first day of class from your instructors.

Q: “Will professors be accommodating when issues of technology arise due to the online classroom format?”

A: Yes. Please notify your instructor as soon as technology issues arise so that we can best support you.  

Q: “Will junior nursing students be required to stay an extra year to complete in person labs and clinical?”

A: Our current plan is for Junior nursing students to graduate on time using a combination of on- campus and off-campus clinical.

Q: “Should we proceed with all the immunizations required for clinical?”

A: Yes, please continue to complete all the clinical requirements.

Q: “What is the academic calendar for Fall 2020 now that we are online?”

A: Our Fall Semester will begin on August 24 and conclude on December 10. Fall Break will be held from October 12 to October 16. More specific information on our academic calendar will be shared with you in the near future. 

Q: “Can I live on campus in residential housing for the Fall 2020 semester?”

A: Certain courses required in some accredited programs, such as those involving intensive clinical, lab, experiential, or similar work, may be held in-person. Students who need to enroll in such courses may apply to live in on-campus residence halls. Further information will be provided by individual programs/majors. Additionally, a limited number of students with compelling needs will be permitted to live in residence halls. Generally, students with academic technology needs, international students, and students experiencing housing insecurity and other hardships will be welcomed to live on the UP campus. The Office of Residence Life will be in touch with students shortly with further information. Leases for UP-owned rental homes will be honored. However, students who wish to opt out of their leases will be permitted to do so.

If you have additional questions please contact me or nursing@up.edu. Thank you!

Senior Students

Hello School of Nursing Senior Students – I hope you are all well! I wanted to send an email to hopefully address some of the questions that you may have after Fr. Poorman’s email. I want to be as transparent as possible since I recognize that this is an incredibly stressful time for everyone. Below is an FAQ but please don’t hesitate to email me any additional questions that you have. I want to ensure all your questions are answered because I’m here to support you! We will continue to provide more information to students through the weekly UPSON Student Newsletter. Please know that your cohort is a top priority for us and we are committed to ensure that you are on track to graduate in August 2021.  We truly appreciate your patience!

Q: "Do I still need to fill out the Request for Online Learning form? "

A: Now that the University of Portland has phased to online learning you no longer need to fill out the form. All your Fall 2020 classes will now be offered in an online environment because your health and safety is our highest priority. Your schedule (courses, class times, instructors, etc.) will all remain the same even though they will now be held in an online environment.

Q: “How will I stay safe in clinical practice and simulation?”

A: Students will be required to use PPE that matches the level required by the Oregon Health Authority guidelines. In addition, the SON will provide students with goggles for simulation.

Q: “Will there be supervision in clinical?”

A: Yes. Students attending clinical practice are sent in small groups, which are led by a clinical instructor on-site at the clinical agency.

Q: “What happens if clinical is cancelled?”

A: If clinical sites are lost during the semester due to emerging circumstances, faculty are prepared to pivot to simulation. Simulation has been approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing for replacement of clinical hours if circumstances for off-campus clinical placements are no longer available. Simulation includes high fidelity manikins and standardized patients who are actors that portray an array of real-life scenarios. Currently, all clinical placements are expected to take place as scheduled.

Q: “Will I take care of COVID-19 patients?”

A: The majority of clinical partners have stated that students will not be assigned to care for COVID-19 patients. While care may not be assigned, there are no guarantees that students will not be caring for patients with the novel Coronavirus. As with all health care providers in practice today, students will follow all CDC guidelines for providing direct patient care, including the appropriate levels of PPE and universal precautions.

Q: "How will online classes work? Will we still be on Teams or Zoom or a combo?"

A: The online class format will vary depending on the instructor. Some may opt to use Teams while others will prefer to use Zoom. Some instructors may even use a combination of the two. They will communicate with their classes exactly what the plan will be.

Q: "Will tuition be any less for now that classes are online only?"

A: The Back to the Bluff website states the following: “UP remains committed to providing a quality education informed by our Holy Cross tradition together with other essential services, whether delivered in-person or online. Even in ordinary years, tuition does not cover the full cost of education at UP, and the University’s costs will not diminish with online delivery. Thus, the University will continue to charge its published rates for tuition and fees in Fall 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic may be impacting some families in unexpected ways. If your family is experiencing financial hardship, please email the Office of Financial Aid (finaid@up.edu). While UP cannot guarantee changes in your financial aid package, there may be other options available for assistance.”

Q: “Now that classes are online, will class capacity be increased? I would like to register for some additional classes that are listed as full.”

A: All courses will continue to be taught to ensure that learning outcomes are met and students develop impactful relationships with faculty. We will continue to offer small class sizes and engaging discussion therefore we will not be increasing class capacity.

Q: “Will professors be accommodating when issues of technology arise due to the online classroom format?”

A: Yes. Please notify your instructor as soon as technology issues arise so that we can best support you.

Q: “How will online exams be proctored?”

A: Exams will be proctored in the same way they were proctored in Spring 2020. You will receive additional information on the first day of class from your instructors.

Q: “Will my graduation date be pushed back?”

A: We are committed to ensuring you will graduate on time in August 2021.

Q: “How can I be assured I will be ready to graduate and pass NCLEX?”

A: Along with the excellent Bachelor of Science (BSN) curriculum, students in the new curriculum will be using a new test preparation product. With the use of Examsoft for classroom online examinations that are provided in the same format as NCLEX questions, and the new test preparation produce, students have multiple practice opportunities and dedicated time and programs to prepare for the NCLEX. We are also offering a 1 credit, no cost, P/NP course called Licensure Lab for students to be able to prepare for NCLEX.

Q: “What is the academic calendar for Fall 2020 now that we are online?”

A: Our Fall Semester will begin on August 24 and conclude on December 10. Fall Break will be held from October 12 to October 16. More specific information on our academic calendar will be shared with you in the near future.

Q: “Can I live on campus in residential housing for the Fall 2020 semester?”

A: Certain courses required in some accredited programs, such as those involving intensive clinical, lab, experiential, or similar work, may be held in-person. Students who need to enroll in such courses may apply to live in on-campus residence halls. Further information will be provided by individual programs/majors. Additionally, a limited number of students with compelling needs will be permitted to live in residence halls. Generally, students with academic technology needs, international students, and students experiencing housing insecurity and other hardships will be welcomed to live on the UP campus. The Office of Residence Life will be in touch with students shortly with further information. Leases for UP-owned rental homes will be honored. However, students who wish to opt out of their leases will be permitted to do so.

If you have additional questions please contact me or nursing@up.edu. Thank you!