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Hello,
With a couple of recent changes to the construction work in Smith, we are sending out one more Scoop this term to help you plan for the winter break.
Plus a clarification: The Smith's Kitchen and Smith's Place food amenities will be closed for the break starting Monday, Dec. 15, until Jan. 5. This week they will be closing an hour earlier than normal. We apologize for any confusion.
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Construction closures will impact Smith on Dec. 23 and Dec. 24
During the break between terms, contractors will need to conduct two system shutdowns buildingwide. We are recommending you consider workflow changes to accommodate one.
On Tuesday, Dec. 23, and Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025, heat will be turned off throughout the building to allow new HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system hookups to PSU’s steam network. Yes, we are part of a loop of hot water pipes serving buildings around campus. While the hookups are in the sub-basement, HVAC throughout the building has to be turned off for this work.
Since it will likely reduce comfort in public spaces of the building, Smith will be turning off general PSU ID access on those dates. The building will be open for those with 24 hour and extended ID access, but we recommend remote work on these days. Temperatures in the building will depend on the weather.
This will not impact power to computers, lights and refrigerators.
Chilled water offline: Before that, on Thursday, Dec. 18, and Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, the chilled water system will be turned off as contractors prepare for the steam shutdown. Water will still be in the building, restrooms and water stations will still be accessible. However, “cold” water will be at room temperature. We are told most building users won’t notice the impact so we plan to maintain our regular winter break hours on those dates.
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Materials, tools and safety gear in Mezzanine 4 on Smith, where Supply Fan 4 is being replaced.
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Workers Updating HVAC Controls in Mezzanine Areas
During the break, contractors will be accessing a number of Mezzanine office spaces and mechanical areas to update thermostats and wiring for the new HVAC system, SF-4.
Areas most likely to see activity include SALP on Mezzanine 1, the west portion of the DRC, ASPSU, Box Office, Mezzanine 3 and the Campus Events offices. Most of this work will be done after hours and should not require long visits, however, we are letting everyone know in case you are curious about seeing folks in your area.
The current schedule is:
- Week of Dec. 8 — Remove wall thermostats and replace
- Week of Dec. 15 — Remove and replace wires and cabling in the ceiling (most of this work is expected to take place in mechanical closets, but access might be needed)
- Week of Dec. 22 — Possible visits in spaces that require extra attention or where work was delayed.
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Beginning this term, the Campus Events & Student Union office welcomes Sarah Schab as CESU’s Event Operations and Logistics Coordinator. Schab will help prepare venues for the thousands of events held each year on campus and serve as an on-site manager for events in Smith and Viking Pavilion. She’s also a key factor in supporting CESU’s Smith Operations Team of student employees.
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Basement Construction: Plan Your Access to VRC, QPML
In the basement, work is underway on changes to the ducts that transfer HVAC between SF-1 and SF-4. Occasionally, there will be obstructions and closures in the hallway between the Cramer tunnel area and where the Veterans Resource Center and Quiet Prayer & Meditation Lounge are located. We will have more on dates impacted after the break.
The lobby stairway and Mezzanine elevator will provide access to the VRC and QPML during possible closures.
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Elite High School Basketball Back on Campus Dec. 26-30
The 29th Les Schwab Invitational Tournament returns to the Viking Pavilion during winter break.
From Dec. 26 to 30, 2025, the tournament promises an electrifying week of elite competition, future NCAA and NBA stars, and unmatched community energy. Not to mention, the Oregon field is loaded with the state’s top players in each class.
A great holiday gift for hoops fans in your life!
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Winter Break Hours Reminder
On dates that align with PSU's announced closures and the construction work, Smith will be closed to students and those with PSU IDs, but still open for 24 hour and extended access users on these dates
- Construction Impact closed: Dec. 23 and Dec. 24, 202
- Winter Holidays closed: Dec. 25 and Dec. 26, 2025; Jan. 1 and Jan 2, 2026
- Possible SW Broadway entrance closure for crane lift: Friday, Dec. 19, 2025
Building hours during the rest of the brea
- Dec. 8-12, 2025 (Finals week) — Regular building hours
- Dec. 15-19, 2025 — PSU ID general badge access 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. No public hours
- Dec. 22, 2025 - Jan. 4, 2026 (except closures) — PSU ID general badge access 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. No public hour
- University Market — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. M-Th; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays. Closed on University closure days. Staffing might cause some variance in hours
- Smith’s Kitchen and Smith’s Place — The food court vendors and coffee shop will be closed Dec. 15 to Jan. 4. The week of Dec. 8, both locations will close an hour early. Some vendors may choose to reduce hours
- Viking Gameroom — No open hours during break. Reservations only.
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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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