Fall 2025 | Oct. 31, 2025

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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. What does that mean? It means that student's safety and well-being come first. 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

PSU Panel on Free Speech and Education

Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 5:30-7pm
La Casa Latina- SMSU 228, 1825 SW Broadway

This panel will discuss the decline of academic free speech in U.S. education. With diverse academic backgrounds and academic positions, the panelists will discuss their experiences regarding the current erosion we are directly witnessing in this country. The panel will cover: defining issues and experiences; offering how individuals have met these challenges; and offering discussion on how to address what our country, educational systems, and those who work within them, are now facing. This is an important discussion in the era of proposed anticipatory obedience policies on “institutional speech” and the systematic silencing of perspectives that are a hallmark of a healthy academic environment through financial, political, and legal pressures. 

The organizers, Reza Antoszewska and Jessica Rodriguez-Jenkins, selected the following panelists to discuss a range of experiences and perspectives on free speech in academic settings: 

Joel Beinin, Tammy Carpenter,  Marlene Eid,  Suzanna Kassouf,  Jennifer Ruth   Moderated by Emma Lugo.

RSVP link: https://bit.ly/4mGxJMh?r=qr

This panel is co-sponsored by: PSU-AAUP, PSUFA, SEIU Local 503, Portland Area Jews of Conscience, American Council for Palestine, Rethinking Schools, Jewish Palestinian Alliance of Oregon and Portland DSA.

SSW Undergraduate Programs

PSU's Scholarship Application Opens November 1st

Students can apply for 2026-2027 scholarships starting November 1st. Applications will be due March 1st. PSU uses Scholarship Universe as its scholarship database and application portal.  You can see PSU scholarship information here, and tips for preparing your scholarship application here.

PSU has various scholarship deadlines between March 1 and May 15. Please check the scholarships for which you are applying for submission deadlines.

Dear PSU Students,

We’re excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program!

Funded by the U.S. Department of State, this fully funded summer opportunity invites U.S. students to spend eight weeks abroad learning a critical language, exploring new cultures, and earning academic credit—all while building lifelong connections.

What’s included:

Round-trip travel, housing, tuition, excursions

Academic credit granted by Bryn Mawr College

Instruction offered in nine languages across multiple proficiency levels

Languages offered: Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, and Swahili.

(No prior experience required for several languages!)
Explore all options here: https://clscholarship.org/languages

No matter your major—business, engineering, law, medicine, science, social sciences, arts, or humanities—you’re encouraged to apply.

If you’d like to learn more or discuss your eligibility, please contact me at sroulon@pdx.edu to set up an appointment. I’m happy to answer questions and help you navigate the application process. Learn more and apply: www.clscholarship.org

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.

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:

1. Students can book a one-on-one appointment with Financial Aid to complete the FAFSA. (in-person or virtual)

2. 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)

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

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

We post these opportunities on the SSW Employment and Volunteer pageas we hear of them. 

• 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)