Term: Spring 2026 | Date: Jun 11, 2026

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

Summer Course Recommendations:

PDX Summer Schedule

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.

[More CYFS Courses] [List]

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.

[FALL CYFS Courses] [List]

The certificate requires a minimum of four courses and 16 credits including the following:

Core/Required Courses (12-14 credits)

WS 362 - Critical Perspectives on 2SLGBTQ Health (4 credits) (New course proposal in process--previously taught as topic under WS375U Topics In Sexuality Studies)

PHE 452 Gender, Race, Class, and Health (4 credits) OR PHE 468 Transgender and Gender Minority Health (3 credits)

Practicum/Internship with 2SLGBTQ+ populations approved by advisor (4-5 credits) OR Senior Capstone from approved list [LGBT Seniors, Queer and Trans Youth, Trans Oral History] (6 credits)

Note: If students take PHE 468 they will need one additional credit of practicum or capstone.

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.

Community Events: 

May 25 | Travel Portland | Portland, OR 

May 27 | Say Hey! | Beaverton, OR

https://www.daywithoutanimmigrantor.com/events

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

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. 

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.

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

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.

Applications Open for Winter On-Campus Housing 

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.

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)

Accessibility Notice
Portland State University is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for all users. If you encounter any accessibility barriers on this site, please contact us so we can address the issue.

Report an Accessibility Barrier:
Email: quintem@pdx.edu