Term: Fall 2026 | Date: Sep 08, 2026

🎓 School starts: September 28, 2026

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

Fall Course Recommendations:

SW 416: Motivational Interviewing (CRN:12958)
Description: Hands on practice intensive course teaches the central theoretical and empirical tenets of Motivational Interviewing (MI), as well as the clinical skills necessary to deliver the intervention to a wide range of clients in diverse settings. Students will learn and practice both the spirit and techniques of motivational interviewing. Prerequisite: Upper division or Post-bac standing.

SW 301U: INTRO TO SOCIAL WORK (CRN 12939)
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.

CFS 310: CRIT HST CYFS: GEN/RACE/CLASS (CRN 10457)
Description:This course provides a space for critical reflection on the nature of power in professions serving children, youth, and families. Students will explore historical and contemporary patterns of feminization of these professions and the implications, including the social and economic de-valuation of this work and institutions as gendered settings. Students will also critically consider the racialized history of this work and resistance by communities served by these professions.

CFS 312U: FAMS IN LIFECOURSE PERSPECTIVE (CRN 10458)
This course offers a deeper understanding of family life and its intersection with individual development across the lifespan. Life Course Theory will provide the foundation for understanding the dynamic experiences of families as we explore physical, social/emotional, and cognitive development from birth to death. Students will have the opportunity to critically process developmental theories through lecture, discussion, videos, and assignments. There will be a focus on issues of diversity, anti-oppression, and social justice. 

CFS 382U: MENTAL HEALTH IN FAMILIES (CRN:10469)
Explores the etiology of mental and emotional disorders and the impact on individuals, their families and communities. The course emphasizes current social, cultural and political forces affecting individuals and families, and factors that contribute to resilience and recovery. The course includes a community-based learning component. Prerequisite: junior standing.

[FALL CYFS Courses] [List]

Community Events: 

Portland Neighborhoods Markets  | Travel Portland | Portland, OR 

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

Mentor a Young Writers: Girls Write Now Fall Cycle Applications are Open!

Looking for a meaningful mentorship opportunity? Girls Write Now is accepting applications for its Fall Collaboratory, a fully virtual program connecting mentors ages 25+ with young writers ages 14–24. No writing experience is required, and the commitment is just 3 hours per month from November 1–January 31. Applications are due August 31. Learn more and apply at Girls Write Now.

Part-Time Childcare Opportunity: A local Cedar Hills family is seeking a reliable, patient student to provide after-school care and companionship for their 1st-grade daughter. The role includes school pickup and spending time together until the end of the workday. This flexible opportunity may be a great fit for students in Child & Family Studies, Special Education, or Early Education looking for hands-on experience. Interested students can contact: cyfs@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 (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 & 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.

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)

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