Portland State's weekly student newsletter for the week of November 3, 2025

No student should ever go hungry. All PSU students have access to food assistance (emergency meal vouchers, food pantry and more) through the Basic Needs Hub.

PSU’s General Scholarship Application is now open through March 1, 2026. Use Scholarship Universe, PSU’s online portal, to apply for millions of dollars in scholarships—including PSU-specific awards and vetted external opportunities.

The Financial Wellness Center is also hosting scholarship workshops to help you set up your account, find scholarships, and write strong essays.

Award notifications go out by May 1 for General Scholarships and June 1 for others.

Thursday, Nov. 6:
Last day to pay 2nd payment plan installment to avoid $100 late fee

Tuesday, Nov. 11:
Veterans Day (University Closed - No Classes)

Academic Calendar  | myPSU  | Registrar

Homecoming is just two weeks away. PSU"s Student Work wants you to get energized. Find them all week during community hour at one of the locations below. Sign up for a homecoming ticket and you can grab a free energy drink, enter a raffle for some incredible prizes and walk away with a custom homecoming t-shirt.

Drop by between 12:40 - 1:30 p.m:

Cheer on the Vikings vs. Montana Griz on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. at Providence Park—for free!

How to claim your ticket:

1. Visit the student ticket page

2. Log in with your PSU account and submit the form

3. Create a SeatGeek account with your pdx.edu email

4. Watch for your ticket via email

Celebrate at Vikings Fan Fest presented by Ferguson Wellman—a street fair–style rally with free games, local food, and a cash bar for students 21+. Be there at noon when the drumline leads the team into the stadium!

The event is free and open to all; registration encouraged.

Location: SW Morrison St. outside Providence Park
12 - 2 p.m.
Game Day!

Celebrate National First-Generation Week at PSU! Global Diversity & Inclusion will host a First-Gen Symposium featuring conversations and connections for first-generation students, staff and faculty.

Tuesday, Nov. 4
10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Smith Memorial Student Union (SMSU) 338-Vanport Room
Space limited to 50 participants.

Kick off your entrepreneurial journey with a fun, two-day immersive workshop hosted by the Center for Entrepreneurship. Explore how to build community on a commuter campus with a special focus on Human Centered Design, the Lean Startup Canvas, and Storytelling.

Participants will be working with a team of fellow students, paired with mentors from the Portland startup community, including PSU faculty and staff, to experience innovation in action, and grow your entrepreneurial acumen.

Orientation: Friday, Nov. 7, 1-4 p.m.
Day 1: Saturday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Day 2 + Reception: Sunday, Nov. 9, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Location: Science & Education Center (SEC) 140

Oregon’s public universities, including Portland State University, are the state’s economic engine. Legislators will likely have to make tough budget decisions this February, and we must remind them that higher education is an investment in our future, not a cost to contain. 

We need you to contact legislators today to urge them to protect the investments they’ve made to the Public University Support Fund, the primary state investment that keeps college affordable and opportunity within reach for Oregon students and families. Cutting contributions to higher education will only shift the burden onto students and weaken the state’s ability to grow its economy.

The PSU Advocates have made it easy to do — just click below to send your message!

Striving for success can feel impossible because of self-doubt, fear of failure and worries about inadequacy. These patterns can interfere with your ability to be confident, stay motivated and acknowledge your accomplishments. The Imposter Syndrom workshop series, presented by SHAC, is designed to help students deconstruct the patterns and processes that impact academic success and personal well-being. Participants will discuss the stigma associated with imposter syndrome as well as shift their thinking to recognize the impact of cultural, societal and institutional factors.

Friday, Nov. 14
12:30 p.m.
SHAC: 1880 SW 6th Ave. Suite 340, Health Promotion Lounge

Join the SHAC Peer Recovery Center for a recovery event focused on creating art, specifically designed for the vibrant Trans Community at PSU! Immerse yourself in the therapeutic process of making art within a supportive community. Click below to choose your favorite art project. Let’s unleash our imaginations and foster a supportive recovery space for Trans people.

Nov. 5 & Dec. 3
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
SHAC: 1880 SW 6th Ave. Suite 340E

Join Campus Rec for a fun and inclusive community hour designed for women, non-binary, and trans folks! Each Monday from 5:15 - 6:15pm, a different sport will be featured in a welcoming drop-in environment. Come play volleyball, basketball, indoor soccer, or pickleball. This is a nonbinary and trans-inclusive space, and everyone is welcome. It's free for all PSU students and Rec Center members, with a $9 fee for guests, faculty, and staff.

Mondays
5:15 - 6:15 p.m.
Campus Rec

To honor our veteran students, Campus Rec's Outdoor Program is offering a special on Veterans Day! Current PSU students who are registered with the Veteran's Resource Center (VRC) can rent one of each type of gear item for personal use completely free for reservations that fall over Veterans Day. This is a fantastic opportunity for our veteran students to get out and explore the Pacific Northwest with quality gear, supporting their wellbeing and connection to the outdoors.

Connect with Rogue Farm Corps (RFC) and learn how you can help shape the future of farming, food systems and land stewardship!

Tuesday, Nov. 4
11 a.m.–2 p.m.
SMSU

Internship Overview (In Person)
Tues, Nov. 4, 3:30–5 p.m., FMH 342H
Register

Internship Overview (Virtual)
Wed, Nov. 5, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Join on Zoom

Launching Your Job Search (Mini Workshop)
Wed, Nov. 5, 12:50–1:20 p.m., FMH 342H
Register

Applying to Graduate School (Virtual)
Sat, Nov. 8, 12–1:30 p.m.
Join on Zoom

Attend an info session with PSU Ed Abroad and learn how you can study overseas. Info sessions also include information about financial aid and scholarships!

Finding Your Study Abroad Story
Tues, Nov. 4, 12-1 p.m.
Join on Zoom

INFO SESSION PSU Faculty-Led: France: Exploring Paris as a Pedestrian City
Thursday, Nov. 6, 12:45-1:45 p.m.
Join on Zoom

INFO SESSION PSU Faculty-Led: Spain: The Business of Sports in Barcelona: Marketing, Management & Game-Day Strategy
Thurs., Nov. 6, 5-6 p.m.
Join on Zoom

INFO SESSION PSU Faculty-Led: Spain: Discovering Spain: A Sense of Place
Friday, Nov. 7, 1-2 p.m.
Karl Miller Center (KMC), 610C

Experience a powerful film about identity, loss, and healing through Samoan music traditions. Free tickets and popcorn provided!

Friday, Nov. 7
6–10 p.m.
5th Avenue Cinema
Seating limited to 100 attendees

Beaded Earrings Workshop

Live @ Lunch: My Goal

FMA Board Game Night

Transmasculine Support Group

Wednesday Run Meet

Mahjong Night

Volleyball v. N. Colorado

Music @ Midday: PSU Chamber Choir

Volunteer with the SSC Garden Team!

Post Halloween Pumpkin Carving

5th Avenue Cinema Presents: Black Mother

Football v. Sacramento State

Volleyball v. N. Arizona

5th Avenue Cinema Presents: Black Mother

Virtual Viking is Portland State University's student newsletter, published weekly by University Communications. To submit a news item or event, email virtualv@pdx.edu.

Visit Virtual Viking for submission guidelines and deadlines.