Spring 2026 | April 9, 2026
Embedded Files
"It takes courage to be kind." — Maya Angelou
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. All of us are affected in different ways.
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. We care about our students and are committed to supporting them in any way possible.
-Ms Shawe, SSW Undergraduate Admin
M.A. in Communication
Announcements
Announcements
You could speak at SSW commencement: Represent your graduating class as a student speaker at the SSW commencement on Saturday, June 13. Applications are open to graduating students and are due Wednesday, April 15. If you’re interested, learn more about the process on the Student Speakers page.
You could speak at SSW commencement: Represent your graduating class as a student speaker at the SSW commencement on Saturday, June 13. Applications are open to graduating students and are due Wednesday, April 15. If you’re interested, learn more about the process on the Student Speakers page.
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
Classes end Spring Term:
03/15/2026 Add to Calendar
Final Exams Begin:
03/16/2026 Add to Calendar
Spring Term Classes begin
03/30/2026 Add to Calendar
Spring Registration -
02/03/26 - 03/09/26
Community Events:
Apr 14 | Urban League of Portland Job Fair | Portland, OR
April 15/16 | Dr. Roberta Hunte - PUSH: Black Mamas Changing the Culture of Birth
April 21 | 6:30 to 8:00 PM | Step One: Knowing & Understanding | Chinook Elder, Sam Robinson| Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church | Vancouver, WA
May 1, 2026 | May Day | Oregon State Capitol, Salem, Oregon
May 21 | OSU - State of Black Affairs Summit 2026 | Portland, OR
May 27 | Say Hey! | Beaverton, OR
Dr. Roberta Hunte - PUSH: Black Mamas Changing the Culture of Birth
Dr. Roberta Hunte - PUSH: Black Mamas Changing the Culture of Birth
Join us on April 15th and 16th for 2 performances of Dr. Roberta Hunte’s play, PUSH: Black Mamas Changing the Culture of Birth.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA), in partnership with Black Futures for Perinatal Health and Beirut Wedding: World Theatre Project, is proud to present a special theatrical event in recognition of Black Maternal Health Week (April 11–17, 2026).
Black Maternal Health Week was founded by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA) to raise awareness, build community power, and advocate for policies and solutions that address the Black maternal health crisis. In alignment with the 2026 Black Maternal Health Week theme, this event centers the importance of uplifting Black mothers, amplifying community-driven solutions, and advancing birth justice and equity in maternal health care.
Reserve your tickets today at: https://PUSH-Portland.eventbrite.com
April 15th Event Details:
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Alberta Abbey Theater | 126 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211
Performance and Q&A with performers and creators of the production
April 16th Event Details:
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Special Guest Panel from 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Alberta Abbey Theater | 126 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211
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!
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!
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, April 21st 2025
Time: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Smith Memorial Student Union, Room 338
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
Planning to graduate in June 2026?
Planning to graduate in June 2026?
To participate in commencement ceremonies, you must apply for a degree or certificate online and indicate your interest in participation in commencement on the Graduation Application.
Undergraduate students must apply for a degree or certificate online by Sunday, March 8, 2026. Visit the Applying for a Degree webpage to learn more.
Save the date: Saturday, June 13, 5pm-6:30pm, Viking Pavilion at the Peter W. Stott Center, 930 SW Hall St, Portland, OR 97201.
Tickets will be made available beginning in May. Ceremonies will also be available to watch via live stream broadcast. A recording of each ceremony will be available online after the live ceremonies.
School of Social Work is offering a limited number of caps and gowns for students experiencing financial challenges. Availability is first come, first served. Form here.
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.
2026 Unitus Scholarships are Now Open
Applications will be accepted January 1, 2026 – March 31, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. PST. Click on the link for more information
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
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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