Correction Note: A previous version of this story incorrectly called the event Welcome to the Bluff by the name Weekend on the Bluff. Updated at 12:45pm on April 12.
With the weather warming up, activities are taking place all around campus, both in-person and virtual, for current students and admitted students and their families.
Welcome to the Bluff
Tents have been set up around campus in preparation for Welcome to the Bluff. The first session occurred yesterday, April 10, and the next session is April 17. The event this year will look different from those in years past, with outdoor informational sessions only. The maximum number of people at these sessions will be 35 students with one guest each. Additionally, there will be no overnight stay for students and guests.
Social distancing under the tents between individuals will also be implemented and both students and guests will be required to wear masks on campus. They must also complete the same COVID-19 self-screening questionnaire that current students do as part of the Pilots Prevent measures prior to arrival on campus.
Presenters for the sessions will arrive five minutes before the session and will leave immediately following the conclusion of the sessions. Students and guests are encouraged to reach out to their counselor over email in the event that any questions arise. They will be given a card with their counselor’s contact information at the preliminary check-in.
16 informational sessions will occur over the course of the two weekends in order to reduce the number of people coming on to campus at a given time. Students will register for these events ahead of time.
Additional details for Welcome to the Bluff can be found on UP’s website.
Rock the Bluff
This year’s Rock the Bluff will take place virtually on April 17 at 6:30 p.m. The decision was made to keep members of the community safe, especially considering that Rock the Bluff has attracted large numbers of students under normal circumstances in past years. The theme will be, “summer beach party.”
This year’s Rock the Bluff will take place virtually on April 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Photo courtesy of @upcpb on Instagram
“It’s just a fun kind of vibe I think that we can have, that we’re all imagining we’re at some kind of summer party together even if we can’t really be,” Rock the Bluff coordinator Meredith McMurray said.
Details regarding performers and music have yet to be released, but it is expected there will be an announcement soon.
Details and updates for the show can be found at the University of Portland Campus Program Board (UPCPB) Instagram page.
Smash the Bluff
Smash the Bluff for 2021 will be a two day event on April 23-24 with a mixture of virtual and in-person events. On the first day, four bands will be performing on KDUP’s Instagram account. On the second day, which is in-person, four bands will be playing live on campus.
To account for safe distancing during the in-person events, two separate stages will be set up for the bands. Students may gather in pods of no more than six people with each pod spaced out. Additionally, there are plans for a couple of booths to be placed around the event where students can sell handmade crafts like earrings and candles.
Fields/Schoenfeldt Spring Formal
The Fields/Schoenfeldt residence halls will be having a Spring Formal on April 23 at 7 p.m. in front of the building. Due to COVID-19 protocols, this event is limited to just students living in Fields and Schoenfeldt.
Students must distance during the formal and they must sign up before April 14. They will check in at a separate table and will be assigned a time for eating to avoid too many people not wearing masks at a given time.
Students are encouraged to eat with roommates or suitemates, and hall staff within Fields and Schoenfeldt will be monitoring the event as well.
Mehling Prom
Mehling Hall will be hosting a semi-formal “secret garden” themed prom on April 24 at 7 p.m. This will occur in both the Mehling Hall Ballroom and outside. Mehling residents must fill out a survey prior to the event.
Dancing for the prom will occur outside on the west quad just next to Mehling Hall. Inside, there will be a photo booth and buffet. Tables will be provided for both indoor and outdoor dining. All activities will be done while following COVID-19 safety protocols.
Michael Lang is a reporter for The Beacon. He can be reached at langm24@up.edu.
