Term: Fall 2026 | Date: Nov 2, 2026

Fall Term classes wrap up on December 6, with final exams beginning December 7. As you prepare for the end of the term, remember to take advantage of the free academic support resources available to PSU students.

We want to offer a simple reminder: be kind to yourselves and to one another. We recognize that the current political climate, the fire situation, and the ongoing news coverage are impacting many of you—many of us, all of us. If current events are affecting you, please remember that you don’t have to navigate it alone. Communicate with your instructors as early as possible, explore PSU resources, and reach out to staff for support and assistance. 

-Ms Shawe, SSW Undergraduate Admin /M.A. in Communication

Interested in studying abroad? Learn more about the program, explore available opportunities, and sign up for an upcoming information session through PSU Study Abroad.
Learn more: Info-sessions (Location: ASRC 625, Cost / Admission: free)

Get Ready to Register for Winter Courses!

• Berlin Study Abroad | CFS 410/510: Youth Social Work in Germany: Join an information session for next September’s Social Work Study Abroad trip to Berlin. [Learn more and register here.]

• Other options to consider:
  SW 301U (Intro to Social Work) CRN: 42796, 42795

• CFS 301, WAYS OF KNOWING, CRN:43593
  CFS 312U, FAMS IN LIFECOURSE PERSPECTIVE, Online: CRN:40444, In person: CRN:40445
  CFS: 313, MTHRS, MTHRNG & MTHRWRK, CRN:40446
  CFS318U, BLACK FAMILIES IN THE US, CRN:43630
  CFS 320U, ABCS OF EARLY CHILDHOOD ED, CRN:40447
  CFS 330U,  AMERICAN FAMILIES IN FILM & TV, CRN:40448
  350U,  INTRPERSNL VIOLENCE:CHLDN&FAMS, CRN:40450
  CYFS 410, TOP: MIXED-STATUS FAMILIES. CRN:43923
  CFS 450, YOUTH WORK PRACTICE, CRN:40460.
  CFS 462, CHILD LIFE HOSPITALIZED CHILD, CRN:43594
  CFS 489, ACTIVISM FOR SOCIAL CHANGE, CRN:40464

• HS 299, SPST: EXPLORING HUMAN SERVICES, CRN:43601
  HS 305, INTRO TO MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, CRN:41199
  HS 307, EVALUATING ORGANIZATION CHANGE, CRN:43600
  HS 410, TOP: COMMUNITY ORG & ACTIVISM, CRN:43599

Need Academic Help?

Student Academic Support Services, including Academic Coaching, Peer Tutoring and specialized workshops and study groups are available for free. (And check out their ROADS to Success presentation series for boosting student success in the classroom!)

Community Events: 

• PSU Event Calendar 

• This fall, Portland, Hillsboro, and Gresham are hosting a variety of community events, including cultural festivals, art walks, performances, and Día de los Muertos celebrations.

• In Portland, be sure to check out Milagro Theatre’s Central Eastside Muertos Celebration, including the Altares y Muertos Public Art Exhibition (Oct. 24–Nov. 6) and the Altares y Muertos Tour on Oct. 31, featuring community altars throughout the Central Eastside. 

Resource For Stressed Students: Peer Wellbeing Coaches

SHAC's Peer Wellbeing Coaches can help students who are stressed about academics. Trained coaches work with students individually to identify goals using the 8 Dimensions of Wellbeing and their personal strengths. This service is totally free for students and is offered in-person or online. Share the website so students can access help.

OSAC Scholarship Application

Dreamer Scholarship

Educational Leadership Service Award (ELSA) opportunities are designed to support undocumented, mixed-status, immigrant, and allied students at PSU while providing opportunities to develop professional and leadership skills. The Dreamer Center is looking for students (undergraduate or graduate) to join their ELSA team. This an opportunity for you to get hands-on experience, earn a scholarship stipend, and support the hosting resource center's mission/values.

Confidential Advocacy 

Confidential Advocacy provides trauma-informed support to student survivors of intimate partner violence, domestic violence, and gender-based violence. This support can include advocacy, insight on navigating reporting options and university policies, support accessing healthcare, court accompaniment or preparation, safety planning, or even just providing a safe space for confidential disclosure. Advocates are not mandated to report what you share to the university or Title IX Office. If you want to talk to an advocate about an experience of DVSA or ask questions about healthy relationships, make an  appointment at: https://psuca.youcanbook.me/

Boren Awards Information Session

Wednesday, October 14 | 12:40-1:30pm | KMC 605

Are you interested in studying a critical language or a region of the world that is less commonly represented in study abroad? The Boren Awards provide substantial funding for U.S. students to study languages and cultures in regions of the world important to U.S. interests. Up to $25 000 in funding.

CSWE Advocacy Update: (article link here): following the federal government reopening, key student aid and education programs have resumed. CSWE continues to advocate for access to affordable social work education, focusing on federal loan policies, public service loan forgiveness, and workforce funding.

NASW ARTICLE: What DOE’s Proposed Change Means for Social Work Degrees

The U.S. Department of Education has proposed removing MSW and DSW degrees from the "Professional Degree" category under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). We want to clarify what this means for our profession.

What does this mean for you?

Why does this matter? 

Sign the petition - Action Center - and ensure that the Department of Education hears from you! Also, we will notify all Florida social workers when the Department of Education opens public comments.
#SocialWorkIsProfessional #ProtectSocialWorkDegrees

OSAC Scholarship Application 

The Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) Scholarship Application is now open for the 2026-27 academic year! The OSAC Scholarship Application provides Oregon resident students one easy application to apply for multiple scholarships at one time. OSAC awards more than $10 million in scholarships to Oregon students annually through more than 600 scholarships funds.

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.

• Resource For Stressed Students: Peer Wellbeing Coaches: SHAC's Peer Wellbeing Coaches can help students who are stressed about academics. Trained coaches work with students individually to identify goals using the 8 Dimensions of Wellbeing and their personal strengths. This service is totally free for students and is offered in-person or online. 

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 (This form is now closed because all Summer term monies have been exhausted)
  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

• Services For Students with Children: Did you know that one out of four PSU student have children? Services For Students with Children (SFSC) has resources and opportunities for parents on campus and beyond.

Employment/Volunteer Opportunities

We post these opportunities on the SSW Employment and Volunteer pageas we hear of them. 

• • PSU Career Center has drop-in hours Monday-Fridays 1-2pm, in FMH 342 or via zoom.

  • Victim Advocate Coordinator (Bilingual English/Spanish) | Oregon Youth Authority | Salem, OR | Link here

  • Youth Programs Manager | Saturday Academy | Portland, OR |
    https://jobs.partnersindiversity.org/job/l95tgm/youth-programs-manager/portland/or

  • Store Supervisor | Habitat for Humanity Portland Region | Portland, OR | link here
    Program and Partnerships Manager | Greater Than | Hillsboro, OR  | link here

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. 

SSW Resource page 

Immigration- Related Resources
When ICE is watching
QRC Resources 

• 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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