Fall 2025 | Sept 26th, 2025
Embedded Files
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)
Welcome Undergraduate Students:
Dr. Lakindra Mitchell Dove, the new BSW Program Director and longtime member of PSU’s School of Social Work, encourages students to build connections with faculty, staff, and community partners and to review the updated BSW student handbook, particularly the revised academic and professional behavior policies. She wishes everyone a strong start to the year. Read the BSW Director's Note
Welcome back, CYFS/HS students! Jana Pursley is excited to begin another year with returning and new students. This fall, the CYFS Program will kick off activities and meet-and-greets during the new University “Community Time”—more details soon. This year marks Jana's 22nd year at PSU and her third year as CYFS Program Director. She looks forward to another great academic year. Read CYFS/HS Director's Note
Looking for FALL TERM Courses: check out these courses below
(course description available CYFS page)
CFS 494, CRN: 10490; WIC PROF SELF: CRITICAL THINKING
CFS 489, CRN: 10487; ACTIVISM FOR SOCIAL CHANGE
CFS 410, CRN: 13810; TOP: FOSTER CARE TO ADOPTION
CFS 440, CRN: 10482; CRITICAL YOUTH STUDIES
CFS 496, CRN: 10491; WIC: PROF SELF: INTEGRATION
CFS 492, CRN: 10488, FAMILY LAW AND POLICY
CFS386U, CRN: 10477 YOUTH SEXUAL HEALTH EDUCATION
CFS310, CRN: 10466; CRIT HISTORY CYFS: GEN/RACE/CLASS
WS/PIAA 302U, CRN: 14056/14289; Asian American Studies
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.
A note to Jewish students, staff, and faculty-
You are invited to a SSW Jewish Community Gathering, Monday, October 27th from 12-1 on zoom (https://pdx.zoom.us/j/83078240506). Since 2019, we've been gathering to foster connections among Jewish folks in the School of Social Work, to consider ways to support one another, and to be in greater solidarity with struggles for justice in our communities. If you are wondering if your kind of Jewishness fits in here...it does! Whether you are religious, spiritual, secular, curious, agnostic, or atheist; whether you have a strong Jewish cultural identity, a conflicted identity, or most days don't feel Jewish at all...all ya'll are welcome! Even if you can’t join us in October, please take a moment to complete this survey about your interest in future gatherings.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Ericka at ekimball@pdx.edu.
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)
Sunshine O’Connor (online student rep; sunshio@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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