Newsletter of Smith Memorial Student Union at Portland State University
Newsletter of Smith Memorial Student Union at Portland State University
Inclement Weather Reminders for Smith Folks
With the start of the winter season, the Smith Operations team at Portland State University 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. For example, if the alert says the day will start at 10 a.m., expect Smith to open around 9:30 a.m. The exact time might vary based on travel conditions for staff. 
  • In these specific 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 transporation and offer a little protection from the elements.
  • If the University announces it will be closed for the day due to extreme weather, Smith also will be closed.
  • 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.
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 Human Resources website. 
Student leaders from ASPSU prepare the Quiet Prayer & Meditation Lounge by setting out prayer rugs.
The Quiet Prayer & Meditation Lounge has opened in its new space in the Smith basement. Now in SMITH 010, just down the hall from the old location and next door to the Veterans Resource Center, the lounge is for everyone in the PSU community, regardless of religion or spirituality. If you have questions about the center, contact asksalp@pdx.edu.
The new DREAMer Center offers a comfortable place to gather and study as well as a view of southwest Broadway.
In the fourth-floor skybridge between Smith and Cramer, the DREAMer Center has opened. This new space on campus is for DREAMers and their Portland State allies. The center will be providing career readiness, educational assistance, resource navigation, community building and leadership opportunities. “Immigration status or experience should not be a barrier to education access or success,” the center’s website points out. 
Food Pantry in former Green Zebra store: While work continues on the remodeling of the Food Pantry in Smith's basement, the Pantry is operating out of the former grocery in Parking Structure 2, 1704 SW Broadway. It's just across the street and a block to the left. Review fall hours or volunteer to help on their website.
You can learn more about the Food Pantry's fall term efforts in this recent Vanguard article.
An ice skater does a handstand in a video showing in the Smith dining hall.
While Away the Time With Atmosphere TV

Smith is now showing content from 50 viral video channels on the big screen, right next to Smith’s Kitchen Food Court. The Atmosphere TV service features  entertainment and information clips throughout the day. Check out this great excuse to ignore your classwork (for a few minutes any) in the south end of the Dining Hall.

Smith Rules of Conduct: Review the student union's rules of conduct on the Smith website
Invitation image. NeuroHalloween Oct. 30, 6-9 pm Smith Ballroom Raffle. Free Food. Dancing. Costume Contenst. $25 Gift Card for Best Costume.
NeuroScience Club’s NeuroHalloween
6-9 pm Oct. 30 Smith Ballroom

Come join the NeuroScience Club for the annual Neuroscience Halloween Costume/Dance Party next Monday! Open to all PSU students. There will be free food and drinks, music, a raffle, and a costume contest with a grand prize of a $25 gift card for the winner.
Wild Arts Festival Returns to Viking Pavilion

Portland Audubon’s Wild Arts Festival will be back on campus Nov. 18 and 19, enchanting art and nature enthusiasts alike. This iconic event is held at the Viking Pavilion at the Peter W. Stott Center. (The Saturday session is a great excuse to visit the Portland Farmers Market too!)
Immerse yourself in the wonders of the natural world through the exquisite works of over 60 artists and authors from the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Several PSU alumni will be participating.
The Audubon fundraiser will also host a silent auction, for binoculars, beach getaways, spa packages, fine wines and more. Festival tickets are available now through pdx.edu/tickets. PSU students can get half-price admission.
Image of black bird and tall grass with text: Nov. 18 and 19, 2023, Viking Pavilion at Portland State
Versa Cafe Open in Viking Pavilion

Bashas Mediterranean is operating the Versa Cafe in the Viking Pavilion this term from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Their menu features rice bowls, sandwiches, fresh coffee and scrumptious smoothies. Drop by and see what Maggie and her crew are offering today.

Front counter at the Versa Cafe in Viking Pavilion
University Market Open Until 7 pm M-TH
The University Market in Smith is adjusting its fall term hours. You can still start your day at 7:30 a.m. M-F with fresh Boyd’s coffee (bring your own tumbler for inexpensive fill-ups), snacks, drinks, grab-and-go food, study supplies (you know you still need a pen!), dorm supplies and more. But get your shopping done early as the Market will be closing at 7 p.m. M-Th. Open until 5 p.m. on Fridays. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Don't forget to look over the Market’s ever-changing selection of official Portland State shirts, caps and gear. 

Who To Contact Regarding Building Issues


Call 911 immediately for any life-threatening health emergencies.
For most concerns related to the use of Smith, contact building manager Mercedes Youngston, 503-725-4334. These include custodial issues, non-emergency maintenance, space-related issues and access control needs. NOTE: If you submit a direct request to the Facilities Work Control Center for facility emergencies in Smith, please CC Mercedes. 
For safety concerns and after-hours building emergencies in Smith, contact Campus Public Safety Office at 503-725-5911. You can now review the weekly public safety blotter of campus report on their website.
Smith is managed by the Campus Events & Student Union office, located in Smith 119 (off the Broadway lobby). You can reach us at conferences@pdx.edu or during weekday office hours at 503-725-2663.

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