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Hello,
We want to remind you about upcoming construction work impacts, ask stakeholders to review departmental event guidelines, welcome LIAKA film to the student union and give you a peek at a brighter second-floor lounge ... among other things. Thank you for reading the Smith Scoop!
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Mezzanine elevator shut down begins Monday, Feb. 9
Upgrades to the elevator systems in Smith begin on Monday, Jan. 12, as work commences on a upgraded Mezzanine elevator.
Instead of just buffing the interior, the Mezzanine shaft, in operation since the early 1960s, will get a new car. So, you only have a few days to say good-bye to that funky purple carpet interior (pictured above)!
A crane lift for elevator parts needed on the roof will be coming in late February. We'll provide more information as that gets closer.
Between now and October, all three public elevators in Smith, the freight elevator and kitchen support elevator will get updated control systems, mechanical modernizations and new (or refurbished) interiors. Only one elevator will be offline at a time during the work.
The new Mezzanine elevator is scheduled to be ready for use by mid-April. In the meantime, you can visit the Campus Events office, SMSU 119, if you need a lift to the Mezzanines. CESU staff and departments based in the Mezzanines will be able to provide access via a service elevator.
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Smith Will Glow for the Winter Lights Festival
A LAIKA film-themed display will light the Park Blocks from the windows of Smith during the Portland Winter Lights Festival.
On Feb. 6 and 7, and Feb. 13 and 14 (Fridays and Saturdays), an installation by media artist Andrew Wade Smith will feature "the hand of the artist at work." The installation will include colors, textures and behind-the-scenes footage from Portland-based LAIKA’s films.
In order to accommodate the infrastructure necessary for the display, the Second Floor Study Lounge in Smith will be closed from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the 6th and 13th and closed all day on the Saturdays, 7th and 14th.
Read more about the Winter Lights Festival on campus and PSU’s partnership with LAIKA — it extends beyond the festival — in the PSU news release.
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In other Second Floor Study Lounge news, installation of new lighting was completed during the winter break by the PSU Facilities department. The more efficient LED system serves a brighter study space using fewer panels.
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Review the Departmental Events Space Guidelines
In order to ensure equitable scheduling and use of student union spaces — particularly stakeholder assigned spaces such as resource centers, cultural centers and departments — the Campus Events & Student Union office put expanded departmental space guidelines into effect beginning Jan. 5, 2026.
We encourage student union stakeholders, those who have assigned space in Smith, to review the document.
This outline of the scheduling and event use process for the student union, will assist everyone in University policies regarding attendee safety, insurance risks, fees, scheduling limitations and event assistance, particularly when high-profile visitors are taking part in activities.
Under these guidelines, events outside of the day-to-day office uses held in stakeholder spaces in SMSU will need to be scheduled in the 25Live event system.
- For more information on how to book events in PSU’s 25Live scheduling system, contact Matt Berger in the Campus Events & Student Union office.
- If you have questions regarding the content of the guidelines, contact building venue manager Mercedes Youngston.
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Construction: QPML relocating to fourth floor
The Quiet Prayer & Meditation Lounge will be relocating to SMSU 401 on the fourth floor of Smith. This temporary move is necessitated by construction work impacts in the basement where the QPML is located.
The QPML and the SMSU 401 study space will be closed Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, to allow for the change.
Once materials are moved, the QPML will be on the fourth floor for several weeks as one of Smith’s 10 heating, ventilation and air conditions systems (HVAC) is removed and the northeast corner of the basement is linked to a larger system.
The Veterans Resource Center will continue to operate from SMSU 18 in the basement of Smith.
The VRC will be remote only on Jan. 29, 30 and Feb. 2 for construction then open again in person. Follow their Instagram account, @psu_vrc, for additional updates.
The Quiet Prayer & Mediation Lounge is a place for all PSU students, staff and faculty to pray, meditate and reflect. In SMSU 401, it will be open during building hours seven days a week to anyone with an active PSU ID.
Students and staff also can reserve a private study room in the Millar Library for prayer. Check the library’s website for more info.
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Upcoming in Smith
Veterans in law — 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, Veterans Resource Center (SMSU 018, in the basement) — A special panel discussion featuring attorneys who are also Veterans. They will share their journeys from military service to law school and legal careers. This event is open to Veterans, military affiliated students and anyone interested in learning more about pursuing law school after service. Light refreshments will be provided. You can RSVP today.
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Follow Viking Gameroom on Instagram
The Viking Gameroom — your bowling, billiards and gaming center in the basement of Smith! — now has its own Instagram account. Follow the Gameroom @viking_gameroom_bowling_pdx for glimpses into the life of one of Portland State University’s favorite recreation spots!
It's a must have for those PSU completists already following the other 7.4 million campus social media accounts!
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PSU Eats has a special offer for staff, faculty
PSU Eats is ready to make grabbing lunch on campus easier than ever. On days when packing a meal just isn’t happening, Victor’s Dining Center offers you fresh, convenient, all‑you‑care‑to‑eat options in the Ondine dining hall
Faculty/Staff Meal Plans are built with busy schedules in mind — a flexible, great value, and perfect for a quick bite between meetings or a relaxing mid‑day break. These specials are for dine-in or to-go meals.
The plans offer:
- Convenient access to meals on campus at Victor's Dining Center
- Savings made just for faculty and staff
- A welcoming space to recharge and refuel
- Dining Dollars for use in Smith as well.
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Smith Open Early, Late During Inclement Weather
The student union operations team would like to remind you of Smith Memorial Student Union’s inclement weather practices:
- When Portland State University delays the start of the academic day due to weather concerns, Smith Operations will attempt to open the building 30 minutes before the start of classes to accommodate students and staff.
- In these circumstances Smith will also remain open 30 minutes past the end of the University closure time. We hope this can provide some time to wait for transportation and offer a little protection from the elements.
- However, if the University announces it will be closed for the day due to extreme weather, Smith will be closed also.
If you have a meeting or event scheduled in Smith on a day impacted by inclement weather, the Campus Events & Student Union staff will reach out to your event contact person to determine the event’s status or to help reschedule.
Contact Smith building manager Mercedes Youngston or the Campus Events staff with questions or to report building issues during extreme weather.
Don’t forget to set up your PSU Alert notifications to get weather updates from the University
Remember: If PSU does not delay the start of a workday or close due to inclement weather, but you are concerned about your personal safety, you should make the right decision for yourself.
You can review PSU's weather closure information on the Finance and Administration website.
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Thanks for taking the time to read the Smith Scoop.
To let us know about an upcoming event of general interest or changes in your department or Smith-based group, drop us a line via our Scoop Content Submission Form.
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