A fall update and launching the Student Recovery Corps

Jane Gordon stands next to a brick wall and a window.

Dear friends, colleagues and alumni,

2020. Need I say more? The rapid and surreal departure from our campus in March transitioned to the slow recognition over the summer that we would not be returning as usual this fall.

Thankfully in early August we decided that almost all classes would be delivered remotely, which allowed us to distribute student workspaces throughout the UO Portland campus. Many added protocols and precautions enabled us to welcome back students this fall for the hands-on aspects of their education, to work in a quiet study space, or use the library. It is good to have students back in our buildings – working hard, far from each other and always (other than in designated eating rooms) in masks.

There are “silver linings” to Zoom. One was the ease with which new students from all UO Portland programs could participate in UO-PDX Together, a shared equity and inclusion orientation before the start of classes. Their engagement, willingness to share with virtual strangers, and commitment to working in community was impactful and inspiring.

I am also thrilled to announce a new UO Portland internship initiative: The Student Recovery Corps. It has a triple bottom line: supporting the Portland region, providing undergraduate students with meaningful work experience, and helping small businesses and organizations especially hard hit by Covid-19. Read more about the program on Around the O.  

If you know of a small business, non-profit, educational, or civic agency who would benefit from internship assistance, or if you can support the effort to raise funds to support the interns, please reach out to me at jgordon@uoregon.edu.

We do not know what 2021 will bring, but I am proud of our students, faculty and employees for their ongoing commitment to education and taking care of each other. I miss the in-person connections with our alumni and community partners, and please know I am available for virtual meetings or phone calls.

All the best,

Jane Gordon