Student Involvement & Employment Opportunities

Research and years of experience have shown us that students who are engaged with their campus are more likely to graduate and be academically successful. How can you help your students be connected to their campus community? You can encourage them to find work, internships, or volunteer opportunities on campus by visiting pdx.edu/connect, following PSU on Facebook and Twitter. You can encourage them to get involved in student leadership or student organizations. They can find out more resources there like Party in the Park, or searching student organization information at pdx.edu/connect and following PSU on facebook and on Twitter.

Campus Employment

There are over 2,000 student employment opportunities across campus. If you have a student who is looking to supplement their academics with real work experience, please encourage them to seek employment on campus.

Students can find on campus job opportunities by inquiring with campus departments or by visiting the Career Center’s website at www.pdx.edu/careers.

Campus Rec

Campus Rec offers a wide variety of opportunities for students to get involved on campus. Membership is included with tuition and fees and provides access to programming in aquatics, fitness and health promotion, inclusive rec, intramurals, rec clubs and the outdoor program. Additional services include outdoor equipment rental and personal training. The LEED Gold Certified Rec Center has a pool and spa, indoor track, cardio machines, weight machines, free weights, Olympic lifting, sport courts, fitness studios, a 32-foot climbing wall, locker rooms and all-gender restrooms. Campus Rec employees over 200 students. Visit www.pdx.edu/recreation for more information.

Cultural Resource Centers (CRC)

The Cultural Resource Centers (CRCs) at PSU create a student-centered inclusive environment that enriches the university experience. We value diversity, social justice, cultural traditions, student identities, success and leadership.

Students can engage with the Cultural Resource Centers in a variety of ways. Whether it be joining a program planning committee, sitting on our Advisory Council, or hanging out in our centers, we welcome all students to check out our five centers

The CRCs provide student leadership, employment, and volunteer opportunities; student resources such as computer labs, event, lounge and study spaces; and extensive programming. All PSU students are welcome in our spaces!

• La Casa Latina Student Center

• Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian (MENASA) Student Center

• Multicultural Student Center

• Native American Student & Community Center

• Pacific Islander, Asian, and Asian American Student Center

• Pan-African Commons

International Student Services

Campus Employment International students need prior authorization from an International Student Advisor before they may work on campus. The Office of International Student and Scholar Services provides the documentation necessary to obtain a social security number and guidance to help ensure they follow work regulations related to their visa status. Visit us at https://www.pdx.edu/international-students/working-on-campus

The ISSS International Student Life team plans events and workshops each term to facilitate student engagement at PSU, exploration of the city and the natural wonders Oregon has to offer. Find a calendar of events and subscribe to a newsletter for details on how to participate!

• Student Awards and Commencement

• International Student Mentoring Program 

• International Student Scholarships

For questions, please contact International Student Services at 503-725-4094 or email at oia@pdx.edu.

Queer Resource Center (QRC)

The Queer Resource Center, or QRC, offers a range of volunteer opportunities. Any currently enrolled Portland State student can volunteer. All sexual orientations and gender identities are welcome. Students can volunteer for a small project, doing outreach for the center, or staffing the front desk. Students can sign-up to volunteer by emailing the QRC Volunteer Coordinator at qrcvol@pdx.edu.

For more information, please stop by our office in Smith Memorial Student Union room 439. You can also reach us by phone at 503-725-9742, email us at qrc@pdx.edu, or visit the QRC website at https://www.pdx.edu/queer/ for more information.

Services for Students with Children (SSWC)

Services for Students with Children (SSWC) Students with children can join the SSWC Advisory Board, attend events held by RCSC, use the Family Resource Room with their children, and volunteer at Family Friendly Events. SSWC also has Student Support Specialists available to support student parents in a variety of ways.

We offer numerous opportunities for student employment. The RCSC offers employment opportunities to graduate students as student support specialists and employs a graphic designer, marketing assistant, office assistants, and receptionists. All positions will be posted through Handshake.

Services for Students with Children also offers a Family Friendly Commencement for students with children. It starts with a carnival and lunch for graduating student parents, their children and families to enjoy prior to crossing the stage together wearing caps and gowns to receive their certificate of graduation.

For more information on any of these opportunities, please stop by the Resource Center for Students with Children located in Smith Memorial Student Union, Suite 458, visit the SSWC website at www.pdx.edu/students-with-children, contact us by phone at 503-725-9878 or email us at sswc@pdx.edu.

Student Activities & Leadership Programs (SALP)

You can encourage them to get involved in Student Leadership or Student Organizations. They can find out more at resource fairs like, Party in the Park and by searching for student organization information at www.pdx.edu/student-leadership/connect-lead-volunteer.

Student Awards and Commencement

Every spring there are dozens of award ceremonies and recognition events for students. Be sure to nominate your outstanding students for university wide awards and as always we invite you to come to our commencement exercises.

Visit us at https://www.pdx.edu/commencement/  for more information.

Student Sustainability Center

Portland State University is one of the most engaging schools in the country for studying sustainability. During a student’s education, there are many ways to engage in creating socially, environmentally and economically viable community.

Students can participate in the Student Sustainability Center to practice their leadership skills, create tangible sustainability projects, learn in campus gardens, and visit community organizations through quarterly field trips. Students can also stop by the Center to ask general sustainability questions and find out about opportunities. Visit www.pdx.edu/sustainability/ to learn more.

Students can also join the Sustainability Internship Program, gain career counseling through Advising and Career Services, and apply to have a professional mentor. Opportunities are posted online at https://www.pdx.edu/sustainability/get-involved  and information about sustainability careers can be found at https://www.pdx.edu/careers/careers-sustainability 

Incoming freshman can also apply for the Sustainability First Year Experience, which focuses on sustainable living as a core experience of living and learning at PSU: www.pdx.edu/housing/fye-sustainability.

Finally, students can apply to join the Institute for Sustainable Solutions’ Student Fellows network to stay up to date on opportunities, find sustainability classes, learn about sustainability research and community engagement opportunities, and even receive a green cord at graduation. Learn more at www.pdx.edu/sustainability/student-fellows.

Veterans Resource Center

Portland State University (PSU) grew from the convergence of the WWII GI Bill and continues to grow with the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Today, PSU has significantly increased its services to accommodate the exponential number of registered military-connected students (veterans, active duty service members and dependents) on our campus.

The mission of the Veterans Resource Center (VRC) is to connect military-connected students with a variety of services, program and resources specific to their academic, holistic and career development needs. The VRC also provides service to PSU faculty and administrators who seek to better understand the unique cultural differences found in the student veteran community. The vision of the Veterans Resource Center is to cultivate an environment that is inclusive and engaging for student veterans, active duty members, dependents, women, non-veterans, LGBTQ, and people of various racial and ethnic backgrounds. For more information visit https://www.pdx.edu/veterans/vrc.

Women’s Resource Center (WRC)

The Women’s Resource Center is inclusive of students of all genders to get involved in feminism on campus. We have a wide range of opportunities to get engaged including a mentorship program, volunteer opportunities, and students of color-specific leadership programming. We offer events and interactive groups on a regular basis. Check out our website for more info - https://www.pdx.edu/wrc/ or visit us at Smith Memorial Student Union 439.

Another of our critical services is providing confidential support for students of all genders who have experienced Sexual & Relationship Violence, including stalking, sexual harassment, dating or domestic violence, and sexual assault. We help survivors navigate a wide range of on-campus and off-campus processes. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual or relationship violence or a student discloses an experience of sexual violence to you, help them connect to our confidential services by calling 503-725-5672 or assisting the student in booking an online appointment at psuwrc.youcanbook.me.