September 25, 2023

News

President Cudd outlines her vision for the upcoming year

Portland State University’s President Ann Cudd welcomed faculty and staff to the 2023-24 academic year during a speech at Convocation on Wednesday, Sept. 20. One of the priorities outlined by President Cudd is a Return to Campus initiative, which includes bringing workers and classes back to campus, investing in cleanup and enhancement efforts, and doubling the number of paid Student Safety Ambassadors on campus. Other priorities include strategic planning and filling all open dean positions. You can read the transcript or view President Cudd’s message in its entirety on her webpage.

NEW REQUIREMENT: Tracking Initiation of Attendance

Beginning Fall 2023, instructors are required to record initiation of attendance for each student registered in their classes in order to comply with federal Title IV regulations. Initiation of attendance must be recorded in the Class List & Initiation of Attendance link in Banweb by the end of the second week of the term. Students you have not reported as initiating attendance in the first two weeks may be required to return a portion of their financial aid. Review the Faculty Guide to Initiation of Attendance to learn what constitutes initiation of attendance and how to satisfy the requirement.

New COVID Guidance for 2023-24 at PSU

In alignment with the decisions made by both the state of Oregon and the federal government, the PSU Incident Management Team concluded its COVID response efforts over the summer. This signifies another significant step towards a return to normalcy on our campus. Moving forward, all COVID-related guidance and information will be provided by the Center for Student Health and Counseling (SHAC). They have compiled a comprehensive COVID FAQ that outlines the most up-to-date guidance on testing, exposure, and illness management.

Popular PSU professor passes away over the summer

A celebration of life was held over the weekend for Herr Professor Doktor Thomas Kindermann, Psychology. A German national and newly naturalized U.S. citizen, Kindermann died unexpectedly on June 19 — one day short of his retirement — at the age of 69. In his obituary, his family writes: “With his German accent, big head of curly hair, giant moustache, and clogs, Thomas was an outspoken, charming, and unforgettable figure. His wisdom, insight, caring, enthusiasm, and honesty will be sorely missed.”

Artists paints mural on side of building

PSU appoints artist-in-residence for Jason Erik Washington Memorial

Portland State University's President Ann Cudd appointed artist Kyra Watkins as an artist-in-residence for the 2023-24 academic year. Watkins, recommended by the Jason Erik Washington committee, will create a Biographical Remembrance of Washington, who was killed by campus police officers in 2018. This artwork will be installed on the Smith Memorial Student Union mezzanine to honor Washington's legacy and PSU's commitment to remembering him. Read more about Watkins at PSU News.

Send students on the pathway to success

This week, get your students connected to academic resources including Advising & Career Services, the Office of Student Success, the Learning Center and others. We will be tabling in various locations throughout campus including Fariborz Maseeh Hall (FMH), Urban Plaza, and surrounding areas to help students navigate PSU. Academic Advising will also be open for drop-ins all week long from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for guidance on each Pathway.

News briefs & announcements:

The Office of Information Technology (OIT) has added outdoor WiFi coverage from Peter Stott Center to Lincoln Hall in the Park Blocks, as well as coverage in Urban Plaza! [Campus Map]
The first PSU Faculty Senate meeting of the 2023-24 academic year is Monday, Oct. 2.
PSU employees can get up to 50% off at the Adidas Employee Store at 2701 NW Vaughn St. in Portland. Now through Oct. 1 — just show your PSU ID at the door.
Portland Winterhawks hockey tickets are 30-40% off for PSU employees.

PSU in the News

PSU President Ann Cudd spoke with the Portland Business Journal about revitalizing downtown Portland; Brian Renauer, director of PSU’s Criminal Justice Policy Research Institute, helped KOIN understand the impacts of Measure 110; and Deborah Arthur, director of PSU’s Higher Education in Prison Program, talked with PBS News Hour about the career limitations facing people with criminal records.

Accolades

People

Elizabeth Almer, Deborah Arthur, Sarah Dougher, Theresa Robbins Dudeck, Berrin Erdogan, Todd Ferry, Shirley A. Jackson, Kimberly Kahn, Bob Liebman, John Nimmo, Jennifer Ruth, Emily Shafer, Marta Stelmaszak Rosa, Sonja Taylor, Hyeyoung Woo

Presented

Talya Bauer, Berrin Erdogan, John Hall, Shirley A. Jackson, Isabel Jaén Portillo, Lihong Qian, Pronoy Roy, Anousha Sedighi, Emily Shafer, Gerry Sussman, Erica Wagner, Suwako Watanabe, Hyeyoung Woo

Published/Exhibited

Rowanna Carpenter, Riëtte Carstens, Heejun Chang, David Ervin, Julia Freybote, Jon Holt, Seanna Kerrigan, Hannah Kravitz, Talitha May, Zapoura Newton-Calvert, Vicki Reitenauer, Dara Shifrer, J.J.P. Veerman

Grants

Christopher Carey, Dacian Daescu, Kevin Kecskes

Events

Additional Links

Currently is Portland State University's weekly faculty and staff newsletter. It is published online every Monday during the academic year. News items should be emailed by noon the Tuesday before publication. See the Currently website for submission guidelines and schedule.