Term: Fall 2026 | Date: Oct. 15, 2026
Embedded Files
Many of you have likely heard about the shooting at an elementary school in the Bend area. Events like this are frightening, especially when they happen close to home.
Many of you have likely heard about the shooting at an elementary school in the Bend area. Events like this are frightening, especially when they happen close to home.
Please check in with one another, offer support, and lean into the community of care that makes our BSW cohort so special. This kind of violence affects us all in different ways. Please take care of yourselves and reach out to your support system, PSU resources, or our program if you need support.
Please check in with one another, offer support, and lean into the community of care that makes our BSW cohort so special. This kind of violence affects us all in different ways. Please take care of yourselves and reach out to your support system, PSU resources, or our program if you need support.
Free and confidential mental health resources are available:
Free and confidential mental health resources are available:
Youth Peace & Justice Foundation Crisis Support and Services (Can donate to support families in Bend, OR response)
24 hour online peer crisis counseling
Telephone: (254-499-8027)
Youthpeaceandjusticefoundation.com988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, confidential emotional support, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Spanish-language support is also available.
YouthLine: Call 877-968-8491 or text teen2teen to 839863 for support designed for teens and young adults.
211info: Dial 211 or visit 211info.org for information about community services and available support resources.
Local services:
Two drop-in events scheduled Friday to help community members grieve; from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Deschutes Public Library and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Larkspur Community Center. The events are free and open to students, families, staff, and the larger community.
How to talk to your kids, and care for yourself after the Silver Rail Tragedy Video
🎓 Welcome back!
As we welcome everyone back, 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
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
Fall Term Classes begin
09/28/2026 Add to Calendar
Course Recommendations:
Course Recommendations:
Register Online Now
Class Schedule
Academic Calendar
Fall CYFS courses
Fall Human Services Courses
Announcements
Announcements
October 12-16
Career Convos: Building Bridges Between Students and Employers, Wednesday, October 14 | 4:30-6:30pm | SMSU 101
Skills to Careers: Unlocking Your Social Science Degree, Thursday, October 15 | 11-11:50am | CH 401
Resume Refresh: Walk-In Reviews with Recruiters, Thursday, October 15 | 12:30-3pm | FMH 101
Monday, October 19 | 11am-3pm | PSU Viking Pavilion
SSW Jewish Community Gathering
Monday, October 26 | 12-1pm | ASRC 622
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)
Time to Experience Denmark & The Netherlands!
Time to Experience Denmark & The Netherlands!
Compare European approaches to criminal justice, sex work, human trafficking, and harm reduction across Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Meet scholars, advocates, NGOs, and justice professionals while examining human rights, public policy, and legal systems. Through field visits and expert discussions, you'll gain a global perspective on evidence-based approaches to justice and social policy.
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:
Community Events:
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.
A note to Jewish students, staff, and faculty-
A note to Jewish students, staff, and faculty-
You are invited to a SSW Jewish Community Gathering, Monday, October 26th from 12-1. You can join in person in ASRC 622, or by zoom (https://pdx.zoom.us/j/84149989880?jst=3). We’re gathering to help 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!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Amie Thurber at athurber@pdx.edu.
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.
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.
Opportunities (Job/Volunteer)
Opportunities (Job/Volunteer)
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: Culturally Responsive Child Welfare Education Program (CRCWEP) is recruiting both junior and senior BSW students! Join an upcoming Zoom Information & Q&A Session to learn more about the program and ask questions. Sessions are held 12–1 p.m. RSVP through the CRCWEP Information & Q&A Session form. Upcoming sessions include August 25, September 15, and October 1.
Impact Kincare, a program of Impact NW which supports custodial grandparents and other older adults raising relative children in Oregon, is pleased to announce dates for a seven-part educational series. Grand Connections is a curriculum created by Zero to Three, experts in the fields of infant and early childhood mental health, child welfare policy, and early development. The course presents information and guidance on parenting issues unique to the 2020s such as screen time and changes in sleep safety and also discusses managing behaviors and boosting brain growth through play. Classes begin September 8th and run every Tuesday until October 20th 2-3:30pm via Zoom. Interested clients may register at this link.
Dr. Miranda Mosier is working with a McNair/Honors student who is conducting a Photovoice project focused on the experiences of currently or formerly lactating students at PSU. We would appreciate your help sharing the attached flyer with others who may be interested in participating.
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.
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.
PSU Resources:
Available anytime
Walk-in hours M-F 10am to 5pm
Peer Recovery Support Specialist at SHAC, SMART Recovery meeting Wednesdays from 12:30-1:30 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 (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 & PlayServices 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
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/orStore Supervisor | Habitat for Humanity Portland Region | Portland, OR | link here
Program and Partnerships Manager | Greater Than | Hillsboro, OR | link here
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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