Fall 2025 | Nov 4, 2025
Embedded Files
Update on Federal Troops and PSU’s Dedication to a Safe Campus
It’s a confusing and uncertain time in the world right now, and we want to remind you that Portland State University is a Sanctuary Campus. What does that mean? It means that student's safety and well-being come first. PSU is committed to protecting and supporting our community. Please stay in communication with your instructors and with your program (BSW, CYFS, HS). We encourage open conversation—ask questions, reach out, and let us know how we can assist you or connect you with resources. –Ms. Shawe, SSW Program Admin
Here is how PSU is preparing & communicating: "PSU remains a sanctuary campus, in a sanctuary city in a sanctuary state — our Campus Public Safety Officers will not collaborate with ICE officers. To learn more about what it means that PSU is a Sanctuary Campus, visit this information page. Please know there are resources available for students and employees who need help." – Ann Cudd, PSU President
The Equity, Partnership, and Inclusion Committee (EPIC) is looking for BSW, CYFS, and FSHS students to join us! EPIC is focused on advancing our School's commitment to racial justice. In our work, we aim to support the retention of BIPOC students, faculty, and staff, and to organize training and technical assistance supporting racial equity for faculty, staff, and students.
We meet (virtually) on the first Tuesday of every month from 11 to 12. Please email Miranda Mosier-Puentes (miran2@pdx.edu)
or Jessica Rodriguez (jesrodr@pdx.edu) if you're interested.
EVENTS
Thank you to everyone who came out for community time! We’re so grateful to share this space with you.
SSW Undergraduate Programs
SSW Undergraduate Programs
Quick Reminders:
Have you checked in with your Advisor? Society & Identity Pathway Advising
The Portland Resources here
Important Dates: Academic Calendar
School wide SSW Newsletter
Sign up to Student Legal Services newsletter
Make sure you click on the links below for the program's update (the green square button)
PSU's Scholarship Application Opens November 1st
Students can apply for 2026-2027 scholarships starting November 1st. Applications will be due March 1st. PSU uses Scholarship Universe as its scholarship database and application portal. You can see PSU scholarship information here, and tips for preparing your scholarship application here.
PSU has various scholarship deadlines between March 1 and May 15. Please check the scholarships for which you are applying for submission deadlines.
Dear PSU Students,
We’re excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program!
Funded by the U.S. Department of State, this fully funded summer opportunity invites U.S. students to spend eight weeks abroad learning a critical language, exploring new cultures, and earning academic credit—all while building lifelong connections.
What’s included:
Round-trip travel, housing, tuition, excursions
Academic credit granted by Bryn Mawr College
Instruction offered in nine languages across multiple proficiency levels
Languages offered: Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, and Swahili.
(No prior experience required for several languages!)
Explore all options here: https://clscholarship.org/languages
No matter your major—business, engineering, law, medicine, science, social sciences, arts, or humanities—you’re encouraged to apply.
If you’d like to learn more or discuss your eligibility, please contact me at sroulon@pdx.edu to set up an appointment. I’m happy to answer questions and help you navigate the application process. Learn more and apply: www.clscholarship.org
Check Handshake or the Career Week catalog for the full lineup, and make this the week you invest in your future.
Career Week is almost here — next week — a new quarterly series of events bringing together students, faculty, staff, and employers to highlight the many ways PSU prepares students for life after graduation. From career fairs and employer panels to resume reviews and networking opportunities, students will have multiple ways to connect their classroom learning to real-world pathways.
Fall Career Week runs Oct. 20–24, with the Fall Career Fair on Monday, Oct. 27. Explore the event catalog and share it with your students to ensure they don’t miss this opportunity to build skills and connections.
Looking for WINTER TERM Courses: check out these courses below
(course description available CYFS page)
CRN: 43775, CFS 301 Ways of Knowing
CRN: 40452, CFS 310 Critical Histories in CYFS
CRN: 40453, 40454, CFS 312U Families in Lifecourse Perspective
CRN: 43776, CFS 313 Mothers, Mothering, and Motherwork
CRN: 40455, CFS 320U ABCs of ECE
CRN: 40459, 40458, CFS 330U American Fam in Film & TV
CRN: 40458, CFS 350U Impact of DV on Children & Fam
CRN: 40460, CFS 360 Critical Disability and Impact on Fam
CRN: 40461, 40462, CFS 381U Families, Stress, and Change
CRN: 40463, CFS 382 Mental Health in Families
CRN: 40465, CFS 390 Sexuality & Family Systems
CRN: 40466, CFS 391 Family Theories
CRN: 40467, CFS 399 TOP: Breath & Movement for Self & Comm
CRN: 43781, CFS 410 TOP: Fostercare to Adoption
CRN: 40469, CFS 450 Youth Work Practice
CRN: 43777, CFS 475 Building Professional Development
CRN: 40472, CFS 487 Examining Bias and Belief (R)
CRN: 40473, CFS 488 Structural Oppression (R)
CRN: 40475, CFS 489 Activism for Social Change
CRN: 43778, CFS 492 Family Law and Policy
What is our plan?
We want to ensure that this is an open discussion where everyone feels heard. Student safety is our top priority. Please make sure to communicate any safety concerns with an instructor or administrator so we can keep the conversation open and address any issues together. Let's keep the conversation open. What does this mean? For example, letting us know why you can't attend class; family hardships, taking on extra responsibilities, mental health days, class attendance, virtual lessons, etc.
Let's be respectful and considerate of everyone involved in this “system”—colleagues, classmates, instructors, and others. How do we move forward? Not just the broader PSU plans, but our specific program plans... I want to be transparent—we're taking things day by day. We’re doing our best to gather resources and keep open communication with our students
SSW Resource page
It’s crucial to stay connected and reach out with any questions or concerns. We've included a growing list of local resources (above) in Portland and at PSU, and will add more as we learn of them. Below is a flyer explaining what it means for PSU to be a sanctuary campus.
-Undergraduate Admin
Immigration- Related Resources
When ICE is watching
QRC Resources
Health Resources for Students:
PSU CARES connects students with resources when they are experiencing distress or other concerns. Send a referral at this link, email askdos@pdx.edu, or call 503-725-4422
Center for Student Health & Counseling (SHAC): Counseling Services Staff are available to assist any student in need of support or faculty/staff needing support in working with a student. During SHAC hours of operation call 503-725-2800, walk in to SHAC at the corner of SW 6th & Hall or schedule online
Visit SHAC's Emergency & Crisis Resources for a comprehensive list of culturally specific crisis service options.
Culturally Responsive Child Welfare Education Program Application Due Date February 15, 2026 (Applications will be online mid-October.)
Interested in Promoting Child Safety with an Equity and Culturally Relevant Lens?
Do you have a passion for working with children and families? Are you looking for hands-on experience while receiving up to $6,000 in tuition remission as you complete your degree? If so, consider applying for the Culturally Responsive Child Welfare Education Program! BSW students apply during their junior year and participate in the program during their senior year. Students in the program are welcome to join our monthly Culturally Responsive Leaders Seminar.
Questions? We invite you to attend one of our upcoming Information and Q & A Sessions (please rsvp) to learn more about the program.
Contacts: Laurie Leasure, lleasure@pdx.edu and Radhika Niles, rniles@pdx.edu
Mental Health Resources:
Available anytime
Walk-in hours M-F 10am to 5pm
Peer Recovery Support Specialist at SHAC, SMART Recovery meeting every Tuesday from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Shac Suite 340E or virtually on Wednesdays during the same time at https://pdx.zoom.us/j/89898328009.
Connect & Chat: Reproductive Health Group, Wednesdays 5:30-6:30pm, UCB student well-being lounge
How PSU is becoming a home for Indigenous STEM by Cristina Rojas
BSW Student Rep:
Isabel Portillo (campus student rep; isaport@pdx.edu)
CYFS Student Rep:
Looking for a student representative
Charleen Kepner (ckepner@pdx.edu)
The Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available. Complete your form annually to be eligible for all financial aid opportunities, including federal or state grants, loans, and Work Study.
Navigating the FAFSA application process can be challenging, please know that the PSU Financial Aid Office is standing by to offer any support you may need:
Students can book a one-on-one appointment with Financial Aid to complete the FAFSA. (in-person or virtual)
We are offering Saturday drop-in sessions on April 6th and 13th from 10am to 1pm. Families are welcome to come. (in-person; basement of FMH building)
Worksystems launched a job placement program called "Here for Portland" with the goal is to quickly match students in need of part-time employment. WorkSystems have some time-limited job opportunities and grant-funded opportunities to work at various behavioral health agencies in Portland. If you are interested in either one of these possibilities, you can learn more about the requirements, positions, and application here: https://hereforportland.com/psu-behavioral-health-student-recruitment
Northwest Oregon Works, through their Oregon Behavioral Health Grant Program, has funding for Work-based Learning towards careers in Behavioral Health. They have up to $20,000 per person, for those enrolled in a bachelors or masters program which can eventually lead to clinical licensure. Funding can support candidates who are living, interning and/or working in the following Oregon counties: Benton, Linn, Lincoln, Tillamook, Clatsop, or Columbia. To learn more, please contact Adrienne Peters, Project Manager at adrienne@nworegonworks.org
OTHER PSU RESOURCES:
OTHER PSU RESOURCES:
Get FREE pantry staples, diapers, and activity kits delivered to you at home! The RCSC is partnering with PSU Eats to provide this free resource to students with children and their families. Spots are limited so sign up now!
SSW Student Emergency Fund
The SSW provides assistance through the SSW Student Emergency Fund, where students may access a $150 gift via direct deposit or check by filling out a google request form. The SSW Student Emergency Fund is open to all students enrolled in the SSW who are experiencing financial hardship.SSW Veterans Emergency Fund
The SSW provides assistance through the SSW Veterans Emergency Fund, where students may access a $500 gift via direct deposit or check by filling out a google request form. The SSW Veterans Emergency Fund is open to all students enrolled in the SSW who are veterans and are experiencing financial hardship.SHAC: there are a variety of events and activities, including a daily Health Promotion Open House
-SHAC highlights include: Free Food Market, Free Dental Screening, Acupuncture, WHAT Hut, Mental Health Recess & Play
The Portland State University School of Social Work is excited to announce that Kate Constable, LCSW, has been hired as our new Director of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management!
APSW Publishes Special Issue: “Thinking and Practicing Abolition Through Palestine” Dr. Stéphanie Wahab served as Guest Editor for this special issue of Abolitionist Perspectives in Social Work, with contributions from Assistant Professor Dr. Antonia R.G. Alvarez and Adjunct Faculty Member Paddy Farr.
Employment/Volunteer Opportunities
Employment/Volunteer Opportunities
We post these opportunities on the SSW Employment and Volunteer pageas we hear of them.
Give a SHOUT OUT!
Let’s share our words of appreciation and gratitude for each other. A SHOUT OUT is intended to identify and recognize individuals.
Student resources and/or policies to keep in mind:
Inclusive Guide: Meetings, Events, and Conferences: PSU Inclusive Events Guide Meetings Events and Conferences (pdx.edu)
Scheduling Campus Events: Welcome to the Portland State University Campus Events & Student Union Facility Use Request Form (FY24) (google.com)
Free Speech & Protest Information: Student Life Resources - Free Speech & Protest Information (google.com)
Chalking and Posting Policy: https://www.pdx.edu/facilities/resources
Signage Policy: https://www.pdx.edu/construction/sites/campusplanning.web.wdt.pdx.edu/files/2020-08/Signage-and-Wayfinding-standards_9-20-19.pdf
Student Conduct: https://www.pdx.edu/dean-student-life/student-conduct
Bias Review Team: https://www.pdx.edu/diversity/bias-review-team (bias reporting; discrimination report)
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