Term: Spring 2026 | Date: May 29, 2026
Embedded Files
Today, Memorial Day, let us pause to honor and remember the fallen soldiers who gave their lives in service. Regardless of our opinions or political views, we can come together in gratitude for their ultimate sacrifice. They are more than troops — they are our loved ones, family members, friends, and members of our communities whose lives and service will never be forgotten.
PSU Veterans Resource Center supports Veterans and military-affiliated students with study spaces, a kitchen and food pantry, coffee, and resources to help students thrive on campus.
PSU Center for Student Health and Counseling is committed to affirming and supporting all students. SHAC provides inclusive healthcare, counseling services, wellness resources, and support to help students navigate challenges and prioritize their well-being.
Save the Date: June 2nd, 4:30 PM — don’t forget! Food on us and catered by Nicholas Lebanese.
Please be kind to yourselves and to one another. We recognize that the current political climate and ongoing news coverage is impacting many of you—many of us, all of us. Please remember to communicate with your instructors and with your program if current events are affecting your well-being or your ability to engage in coursework.
-Ms Shawe, SSW Undergraduate Admin /M.A. in Communication
Announcements
Announcements
PSU Commencement Ceremonies
PSU Commencement Ceremonies
Saturday, June 13, 5pm-6:30pm, Viking Pavilion at the Peter W. Stott Center, 930 SW Hall St, Portland, OR 97201.
Ceremonies will also be available to watch via live stream broadcast. A recording of each ceremony will be available online after the live ceremonies.
Summer Course Recommendations:
Summer Course Recommendations:
CFS 410: Global Displacement and Migration (CRN 80997)
Description: The Global Displacement and Migration course starts from a space of curiosity and inquiry into concepts of displacement and migration. Everyone has a migration story; some migration was through choice, while others were left with no choice but to be on the move. We will focus on the latter. The course includes an illustrated memoir, a short film, a collection of interviews, poetry, and books of short stories that describe displacement. There will also be academic articles that focus on displacement and interviews of people working in the field and/or have lived experiences. Your final project will focus on reflecting on your own migration story and applying what was learned throughout the course.
SW 301U: INTRO TO SOCIAL WORK (CRN 80767)
Description: This course introduces the student to the profession of social work and the field of social welfare through a historical lens. This course provides the student with the foundational language, principles of social work and introduces the student to the BSW Program. It will include introduction and overview of the knowledge, values, and skills of becoming a professional generalist social worker.
Summer Capstones
Summer Capstones
Design 4 Oregon/Eye Donor, CRN: 81098, UNST 421-571
Fully Online WEB
Instructor: Patrice Morris Ball, pjhudson@pdx.edu
Course Description: Students will design/edit/produce promotional documents or PSAs (digital, video, or for print), while integrating knowledge from their own field of study, familiarity with today's popular culture, and the community partner’s mission to increase registration of voluntary organ/cornea donors, and honor the brave individuals and their families who make the decision to donate. This course is fully online; no book purchase required. Students are required to attend one synchronous team meeting early in the term; either in person (face-to-face), or virtually (Skype, WebEx, Google Chat).
Mobilizing Hope, CRN: 80845, UNST 421- 544
M 1100-1240 (Synchronous online one day a week)
Instructor: Heather Petzold, petzoldh@pdx.edu
Course Description: Curious about what is possible? This course is designed for students to develop their own community projects and work in partnership with them to effect change. This project may be an existing relationship or one sought for the purposes of this class. A minimum of 30 working hours with the organization or project is required and can be flexibly designed by you and your community partner/project needs. During this course, students will be supported and challenged to develop skills in speaking, listening, building relationships and coordinating action. Please contact the instructor by email (petzoldh@pdx.edu) for more information. For more community partnership and project ideas please visit the class website (ecapdx.weebly.com) and view the Terms tab.
If you have questions about particular Capstone courses, please contact the instructor. With general questions, please contact the University Studies Office at 503-725-5890 or askunst@pdx.edu.
ASK: We're recruiting folks for a student-led AI task force on behalf of Dean Wong to provide recommendations to the SSW on how and where the impacts and potential benefits of artificial intelligence should show up in our Social Work curriculum, as well as what we believe the policy around AI usage should look like. If you're interested in helping to lead the effort or if you'd prefer just to participate, we'd love to have you.
You can use this link to a quick two question survey to join:
Program Updates
Program Updates
Stay connected—keep your peers informed when needed and reach out for support from your cohort or from us, your program team.
Quick Reminders:
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
Spring Final Exams:
06/08/2026 Add to Calendar
Classes end Summer Term:
06/22/2026 Add to Calendar
Fall Term Classes begin
09/28/2026 Add to Calendar
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.
Join PSU for a Healthcare Industry Day this Spring! Learn about the broad spectrum of career opportunities in healthcare!
Join PSU for a Healthcare Industry Day this Spring! Learn about the broad spectrum of career opportunities in healthcare!
Are you interested in exploring a career in healthcare? Whether you see yourself working directly with patients or behind the scenes in admin, HR, operations, advocacy or tech roles, Healthcare Industry Day is your chance to connect with the industry and get inspired!
Prep Like a Pro
Want to make the most of Industry Day?
Attend a free career workshop—like “Networking for Introverts” or “LinkedIn 101”
Book a 1:1 career counseling appointment to clarify your goals
[ Check the workshop calendar here]
Food will be provided, REGISTER TODAY!
Questions? Contact Giovanna DiFalco at gdifalco@pdx.edu.
Opportunities (Job/Volunteer)
Opportunities (Job/Volunteer)
NAMI Clackamas has another job opening, this time for a Spanish-community Outreach and Education Coordinator. The job description is attached and available on our website.
ASK: The Equity, Partnership, and Inclusion Committee (EPIC) is looking for BSW, CYFS, and FSHS students to join! EPIC is focused on advancing our School's commitment to racial justice. EPIC meet (virtually) on the first Tuesday of every month from 11 to 12. Please email Miranda Mosier-Puentes (miran2@pdx.edu) or (jesrodr@pdx.edu) if you're interested.
ASK: The Students of Color Collective is a peer-led, non-hierarchical student group founded on the mission of social justice, community building, and solidarity among Black, Indigenous, and Students of Color in the PSU School of Social Work. Our central goal is to help create and maintain spaces that nourish and uplift our voices and experiences as we work towards collective liberation in the SSW and the social work field. The Students of Color Collective is seeking students interested in outreach and recruitment support. Email us at mloggins@pdx.edu if that’s you
Other Information
Other Information
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
The Reuse Room is back open Mondays through Thursdays for the Winter Term. Make sure to share this email with your teams to let them know where they can donate office, kitchen, home supplies and more! As a reminder, everything in the Reuse Room is free for our PSU community- and helps keep our campus circular.
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)
Financial Wellness Center: New Updates & Student Opportunities
Scholarship Workshops
Our Scholarship workshops are now in full swing! These sessions cover scholarship fundamentals and introduce students to Scholarship Universe, the University’s platform that matches students with funding opportunities aligned with their background and goals. Students will learn how to set up their profiles, improve their chances, and stay organized throughout the application process.
Workshop Dates:
February 3 & 19 at 12:40 p.m.
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.
SSW Health Resources
SSW Health 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.
PSU 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
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
Employment/Volunteer Opportunities
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.
This winter, students have the opportunity to live on campus. To qualify, you must be enrolled in a least 8 undergraduate or 4 graduate courses.
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.
School-Wide Communication
School-Wide Communication
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
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. 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
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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