Portland State loves to brag about the plethora of opportunities and activities offered by the school and the city. Being on an urban campus certainly has its advantages, and many choices is definitely one. But as a new student, this can be overwhelming. If you’re new to the area and still trying to get your bearings, it’s hard to know where to start. Fortunately, PSU is home to at least a dozen resource centers that can help you do exactly that—from setting you up to succeed academically to meeting like-minded people and getting involved in campus cultural life. Here’s an overview to get you started.
Advising and Career Services is a one-stop-shop for all your academic and career questions and concerns. Located in the University Services Building, they can assist you with everything from choosing a major to finding an internship to applying for jobs.
-Offers an impressive selection of workshops and events, including career fairs
-Provides assistance with cover letters, resumes and preparing for an interview
-Created a Career Development and Job Readiness Guide module available on D2L
Contact: 503-725-4005, [email protected]
The Disability Resource Center is dedicated to assisting students with disabilities by working with them and faculty and staff in order to create an accessible, inclusive educational environment. They are centrally located in room 116 of the Smith Memorial Student Union.
-Holds drop-in hours with an accessibility specialist from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday and an adaptive technology specialist from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday
-Hosts events such as celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Intersections: An Evening of Storytelling about Identity, Culture, Community and Pride
-Offers online assistance, tutorials and guides
Contact: 503-725-4150, [email protected]
International Student Services offers support for the more than 2,000 students from over 100 different countries attending PSU. They are eager to assist students with specific questions, such as immigration status, as well as other resources for thriving at PSU.
-See their website for drop-in hours or make an appointment to ask questions about changing your status, filing for reinstatement, or for off-campus employment questions
-Includes an immigration advising team and international student life team
Contact: 503-725-4094, pdx.edu/international-students
La Casa Latina Student Center is a place for Latino/a students to create community, receive academic support services and celebrate their identity.
-Has a computer lab and space for students to meet or relax
-Hosts events such as Día de los Muertos, Sí Se Puede Week and Latino Heritage Month
Contact: 503-725-6710, [email protected]
The Multicultural Center is invested in exploring intersectional identities and seeks to foster cultural competency by engaging students and promoting meaningful dialogue.
-Offers programs and events focused on multiracial identity
-Offers a computer lab and study space
Contact: 503-725-5342, [email protected]
Native American Student and Community Center celebrates and empowers Native American/Alaskan Native/Pacific Islander students through programs and events, academic support, intergenerational engagement that preserves intertribal community and honors tradition, storytelling and ceremony.
-Includes student groups such as United Indigenous Students in Higher Education, American Indian Science & Engineering Society and the Pacific Islanders Club
-Website includes a tribal directory
Contact: 503-725-9695, [email protected]
The Queer Resource Center assists students all along the sexuality and gender spectra. They serve as advocates for students and offer one-on-one support, enlisting the aid of other on-campus organizations.
-Provide panels and training to faculty, staff, students and community members on issues of sexuality, gender and intersecting oppressions
-Their space includes a comfortable lounge, computer workstations, LGBTQ lending library and an overall welcoming atmosphere
-Check out their online events calendar for regular activities and opportunities
Contact: 503-725-9742, pdx.edu/queer
The Resource Center for Students with Children aids students with children in achieving a life-balance that allows them to pursue their academic ambitions.
-Provides child care subsidies, safe lactation spaces and a Family Resource Room
-Provide Bundle of Joy Bags and Welcome Bags for new parents and new students
-Offers individual consultations and a peer mentor program
Contact: 503-725-9878, pdx.edu/students-with-children
The Student Sustainability Center gives students the tools and opportunities to explore sustainability and create positive change on and off campus.
-Has an extensive volunteer program with multiple task forces that include gardening, beekeeping, cultural sustainability, media and marketing, and waste reduction
-The EcoReps program promotes environmental and social justice
-Offer opportunities to get involved in the Student Sustainability Leadership Council, go on field trips, attend other events and work on professional development
Contact: 503-725-5598, [email protected]
Women’s Resource Center is an advocate for all members of the PSU community, so they might have the best educational experience. They frequently collaborate with other organizations and centers on campus to sponsor events like Social Sustainability Month in November and Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April.
-Their Interpersonal Violence Program is invested in promoting healthy relationships and improving PSU’s response to, and prevention of, sexual and domestic violence
-The Leadership in Action program offers opportunities for students to participate and get involved at the WRC
-The Empowerment Program offers support for non-traditional students who often face increased obstacles when coming back to school to complete a degree
Contact: 503-725-5672, [email protected]
Veterans Resource Center supports veterans, service members and their families, and offers them a place to connect and create community. They advocate for these students and the unique difficulties they may face.
-Offers a student lounge and study space with four computers
-Offers information about other organizations who cater to the needs of veterans and military service members
-Other services include: VA vocational rehabilitation & education counselors (by appointment) and Multnomah County veterans service officer (service-connected disability claims)
Contact: 503-725-9807, [email protected]