October 6, 2025

Since opening last year, the Vernier Science Center (VSC) has transformed how students and faculty connect at PSU. Light-filled classrooms, flexible labs and welcoming lounges make it easy to collaborate, spark ideas and build community across programs. Student support spaces like LSAMP and ITECK provide inclusive areas for study, socializing and hands-on learning—bringing the campus together in new and meaningful ways.

Last month, Provost Chabon announced PIVOT at the campus wide Financial Town hall and to PSU’s Board of Trustees. You can now read the full plan, which details guiding principles, engagement methods, and the process that will be carried out to ensure PSU's academic portfolio, administrative structures and services align with the university’s priorities in the context of our financial realities and long-term financial sustainability goals. Watch for more opportunities to engage around this plan in the coming weeks. 

The next PSU Administrative Briefing will be held Tuesday, Oct. 15, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in ASRC 515 (Board Room) and on Zoom. Faculty and staff will hear high-level updates from university leadership with time for Q&A. Questions may be submitted by Tuesday, Oct. 8. The agenda will be shared in the Oct. 13 edition of Currently.

Faculty and staff can use Facilities & Property Management’s online resources to stay informed and make requests:

The inaugural InnovAIte Symposium will take place Friday, Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Smith Memorial Student Union (SMSU) Ballroom. InnovAIte Academy participants will showcase their AI projects through poster sessions, lightning presentations and table demonstrations. The event will also feature a panel discussion, guest speakers and networking with campus and community stakeholders.

Details on applying to the fall InnovAIte Academy cohort will be announced at the Symposium. Questions may be directed to innovaite@pdx.edu.

The Office of Academic Innovation invites faculty to join this fall’s book club, a space to read, reflect, and connect with colleagues on timely issues in higher education. Three book discussion groups are available:

Faculty can register now through OAI’s faculty events page. Spots are limited; early registration ensures a reserved book and place in the discussion.

Celebrate the rich legacy of Colegio César Chávez, the first accredited Chicano college in the U.S., with two exciting events this month! First, explore the traveling exhibit Colegio César Chávez: 50 Años de Historia at La Casa Latina Student Center, a powerful multimedia display honoring the nation’s first fully-accredited Chicano/Latino college. Open weekdays through Oct. 10.

Then, attend a special screening of The Living Legacy of Colegio César Chávez, a documentary by OPB. The film delves into the lasting impact of the college, featuring personal stories and reflections from community leaders. Stay for a panel discussion on the ongoing fight for educational equity.

The Starbucks at Urban Center has permanently closed as part of a corporate restructuring plan. But, fear not! Locally owned coffee and tea options remain available across campus:

Who says games are just for students? Faculty and staff can take a break from the routine and join Campus Rec for Trash Can Pong on Wednesday, Oct. 8, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the South Park Blocks. Swing by for a quick toss, show off your aim, or stay the full hour for some friendly competition. Staff will run the games and cheer you on. (Rain may move or cancel the event.)

Step up your stride this Walktober! Campus Rec invites faculty and staff to explore Portland with the Walktober Sticker Scavenger Hunt. Seventeen stickers are hidden at PSU landmarks and city hotspots—scan the QR code at each stop to win prizes and discover fun facts about the city. Walk, learn, and maybe even brag a little when you check off each location. Follow @campusrec on Instagram for clues, hints, and playful updates along the route.

Faculty and staff are invited to celebrate Homecoming with the PSU community on Friday, Nov. 15. Kick off game day at Vikings Fan Fest, a family-friendly street fair outside Providence Park, featuring games, food and a cash bar. Then cheer on the Vikings at the Homecoming football game. The event is free and open to all; registration is encouraged.

🏈 Have you purchased your discounted Homecoming game tickets yet? In case you hadn't heard the Viks are returning to Providence Park Portland to face off against the University of Montana Grizzles at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15.

Use code PSUSTAFF to receive discounted tickets. Get groups together from your office or school and GET LOUD for the Viks!

 

On Friday, Oct. 10 (no-school day for public schools), local high school students in grades 9–12 can explore PSU’s research labs, meet staff, and learn about opportunities in teaching, research and social work. Activities include a stress-management session in recognition of World Mental Health Day. Lunch is provided, scholarship support is available, and programming runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Presented in partnership with Saturday Academy.

The 2026–27 FAFSA is now available at www.studentaid.gov. The Financial Wellness Center is offering in-person and virtual workshops this week to help students complete their applications. Sessions include a short overview and guided work session with staff from FWC and Financial Aid. Please share the Sign Up Link with students.

APID Connect welcomes Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi (APID) students to PSU at the start of the school year. This week's event highlights campus resources, student organizations, and community partners. Tuesday, Oct. 7, from 12–2 p.m. on the Park Blocks outside SMSU.

Yumei Wang, affiliate faculty in Civil & Environmental Engineering and senior advisor on Infrastructure Resilience and Risk, provided context for a four-part series in the Oregonian exploring the potential risks and impacts facing Portland schools in the wake of the Cascadia earthquake; Professor of Political Science Chris Shortell talked with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation about the history of protest in Portland and how the city may respond to National Guard troops being deployed; and Arash Khosravifar and Diane Moug, associate professors in Civil and Environmental Engineering, shared their research into mitigating soil liquefaction during an earthquake with the Oregonian. 

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All week

Deinum Prize Showcase Exhibition: Missing Everglades of the West

PTXM Sustainable Legacies | Oxana Ake: Meadow in Flower

Storywork: The Prints of Marie Watt, from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation

Make Your Mark: Help Finish Maseeh's New Public Artwork

Monday, Oct. 6

Biology Seminar Series: Biodiversity of Pocket Gophers Revealed by Integrative Studies

Tuesday, Oct. 7

5V5V5 Softball Tournament

Wednesday, Oct. 8

Talking Community-Engage Learning

CPID Talks: Design for Community: Eli Spevak

Documentary Screening: The Living Legacy of Colegio César Chávez

Thursday, Oct. 9

Oregon's Economy: Where We Stand and Where We're Headed

Friday, Oct. 10

Music @ Midday: Echoes of Spain — Music for Violin and Piano

Making Bonds with the Chemistry & Physics Departments

Faculty Book Club: The Promises and Perils of an AI Education

Faculty Book Club: Teaching STEM to First-Generation College Students

Saturday, Oct. 11

Pactrans Student Transportation Conference

Portland Taiko: Gaman: Past & Present

Sunday, Oct. 12

Portland Taiko: Gaman: Past & Present

Find more events at: PSU Events, OAI Events, Viks Athletics

Presented

John Hall, Courtney Hermann

People

Rhiannon M. Cates, Tomás Cotik, John Hall, Vicki L. Reitenauer

Published/Exhibited

Bennett Gilbert

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CURRENTLY is a weekly newsletter for the employees of Portland State University, published by University Communications. News items, events and accolades should be sent to currently@pdx.edu. Deadline is noon, the Tuesday before publication. See the Currently website for submission guidelines and schedule.