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University of Portland cancels Spring 2020 Commencement; continues Online Instruction though end of Spring Term

March 20, 2020

As further response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, the University of Portland has announced cancellation of the Spring 2020 Commencement ceremony originally planned for Sunday, May 3, and will develop plans for a virtual format.  Online instruction, which began on March 18 to replace all in-person classes, will continue through the end of the spring term.  University President Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C., made the announcements this afternoon in accordance with mandates from local, state, and national health authorities.   

The UP Office of the Provost is developing plans for how Commencement will be celebrated online and will communicate those plans when finalized.  Other traditional Commencement Weekend activities such as the Army and Air Force ROTC Commissioning, School of Nursing Pinning Ceremony, and Baccalaureate Mass will either be canceled or held in a virtual format.

“All of us at UP had hoped to avoid making these difficult announcements,” said Father Poorman.  “However, the decisions I share today are rooted in a desire to keep members of the UP community safe, do our part as an institution to stem the tide of the pandemic, and offer members of our community ample time to make plans for the weeks and months ahead.”

Residence halls on the UP campus were closed beginning March 14, with only a few students remaining due to special circumstances preventing returns to their homes or permanent residences.  Dining halls, the Health and Counseling Center and other campus resources are still operational on a limited basis.  Other University facilities and administrative offices are being managed by select personnel on site and other staff working remotely.

Updates and more information are available at http://www.up.edu/coronavirus.