Austin De Dios
Articles
Oregon wildfires fueled by eastern winds force thousands of evacuations
More than 300,000 acres are burning due to rapidly spreading wildfires across the state of Oregon as of Wednesday, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate their homes and killing at least two people. Nine counties have been evacuated so far, according to Statesman Journal. Oregon is not alone; unprecedented numbers of wildfires are burning across California and Washington.
High wind and critical fire warnings issued in Greater Portland Area
High wind and critical fire warnings have been issued in Northern Oregon and Southern Washington from 5 p.m. Monday until 1 p.m. Tuesday. Members of the UP community located in these areas should be aware of “potentially historic” wind speeds, with gusts ranging 40-55 mph according to the National Weather Service (NWS) Storm Prediction Center.
Computers get Zoom fatigue too
The reality is our computers are being used a lot more now than ever before. They have to run classes, write papers, display textbooks, host digital hangouts with friends and the list goes on. Suddenly they have to sprint the marathon of a lifetime, and not every computer (or internet connection) can keep up with the pace. So let’s break down some easy ways to help your computer make it to the finish line, and keep you from being late to class.
University temporarily cuts salaries, furloughs staff as COVID-19 takes financial toll
The University of Portland is temporarily cutting the pay of faculty and staff, and has furloughed some staff effective Sept. 1. Employees who were furloughed got the news from their supervisors last week. Their work schedule and commensurate pay were cut anywhere from 10% to 100% (meaning their job was temporarily eliminated). The additional pay cuts range from 3% to 20%, depending on salary level and, in some cases, position. Adjuncts and employees with an annual salary under $35,568 are exempt from the paycut.
Fall semester to be almost exclusively online
University President Fr. Mark Poorman announced in an email Thursday night that "nearly all classes" in University of Portland’s fall semester will be exclusively online, citing the rise in COVID-19 infections in Oregon and around the country as the cause. The email also mentioned Oregon Governor Kate Brown’s announcement of new coronavirus-related metrics for reopening schools, which have led to school districts to delay in-person instruction.
UP faculty and staff petition for transparency from outside investigation
A petition with 289 signatures from faculty and staff was sent to University President Fr. Mark Poorman and the Board of Regents in an email July 7. The petition was supporting the allegations in the opinion piece written by Vice President for Human Resources and Director of Title IX Sandy Chung, which recounted instances of racism and sexism amongst University of Portland administration.
