Smith Memorial Student Union

Nov. 5, 2026

How can Portland State’s student union better serve the campus? Will the next iteration be bigger? Smaller? Would it have more services? Could it re-imagine student resources or how students study?

Work has begun on an initiative to revitalize Smith Memorial Student Union and the Student Fee Committee wants to hear from you.

At 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, join members of the Student Fee Committee (SFC) in the second floor study lounge to hear about the first steps being taken towards a revitalized Smith. It's the first in a series of discussions this academic year.

Snacks and drinks will be provided for those who attend.

Hear about the project, learn about the process that will take place in the coming months, and, most importantly, find out how YOU can get involved in discussions for the next phase of our student union.

Not sure you can attend? You can still help by filling out the SFC’s digital feedback survey in PSU Connect. The committee hopes to capture as many voices as possible as plans progress. Your voice matters!

Members of the Student Fee Committee want to discuss how students and staff can influence the future of the student union and Portland State!

PDX Burger & Wings owner Alec Linskiy offers a menu of sandwiches, wings, sauces and sides at the food court in Smith. They are also open weekdays for breakfast.

Do you know what's being served in Smith this fall? Welcome our new food vendor in the Smith’s Kitchen food court: PDX Burgers & Wings.

A variety of smash burgers leads the menu options. Or try the chicken wings. Both come with a range of sauces and sides.

Plus, PDX is open at 8 a.m. weekdays, serving breakfast in the food court. They feature a turkey bacon breakfast burrito and sandwich choices!

Before the month ends, PDX will be serving yogurt breakfast bowls, smoothies, parfaits and protein shakes in Smith's Place as well. 

PDX Burger & Wings joins ongoing favorites Kunniq’s grill and Ace Sushi. All vendors open for lunch at 11 a.m. weekdays in Smith. Everyone keeps cooking until 4 p.m. on M-Th and until 2 p.m. on Fridays. Smith vendors have Dining Dollar items and are open to the public (hint: Use the Broadway entrance!)

There is grab-and-go at the University Market and pizza on the menu at Smith's Place coffee shop in the lobby. The coffee shop has new items this fall including flatbread pizza.

Grab lunch (or breakfast) this week at your student union!

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 reminds student union stakeholders, those who have assigned space in Smith, to review the Events & Activities in Stakeholder Assigned Spaces guidelines.

This outline is to help everyone follow University procedures regarding event attendee safety, insurance risks, fees, scheduling limitations and event assistance, particularly when students or high-profile visitors are taking part.

Don’t forget that, events outside of the day-to-day office uses of stakeholder spaces need to be scheduled in the 25Live event system.

For questions regarding the guidelines, contact building manager Mercedes Youngston. 

The University Market has a wide selection of energy drinks, sodas and offers fresh coffee throughout the day.

Let the University Market be your beverage center! They know that finding the right fuel for a busy workday can be a challenge.

That’s why they offer exceptional value and convenience right on campus.

Located on the ground floor of the Smith Memorial Student Union, it’s the perfect pit stop between your morning tasks and afternoon meetings.

• Enjoy unbeatable value with $1 coffee refills. 

• Look for the “2 for $2” canned soda fridge. 

From hot teas to smoothies, energy drinks, and Gatorades, the University Market has something for everyone.

Hours this fall are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mon - Thurs; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays.

Stay fueled and ready for whatever the day brings.

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.

• 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.

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. 

Critical Maintenance work at Smith is nearing an end. Despite the inconvenience of having an elevator off-line this term, work on the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) and the roof of Smith is nearly complete. Yes, the roof is now white, capped with a slanted plastic membrane instead of the flat asphalt-and-tar substance previously on it. The critical maintenance project has upgraded a number of systems that were beyond their useful lifespan and should allow Smith to keep operating normally. Up next: Work on the cafeteria renovation will begin next summer.

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.

Smith Memorial Student Union at Portland State University is managed by the
Campus Events & Student Union office, located in Smith 119 (off the Broadway lobby). 

Smith Memorial Student Union
1825 SW Broadway
Portland OR 97201
503-725-2663
smsu@pdx.edu