Portland State's weekly student newsletter for the week of January 12, 2026
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Commencement ceremony dates have dropped! |
Each graduate will celebrate with their academic school or college in a more intimate, personal and customized ceremony. All commencement ceremonies will take place in the Viking Pavilion at the Peter W. Stott Center. Mark your calendars for the date of the ceremony for your (or your friends’!) school or college!
Friday, June 12
College of the Arts
College of Urban & Public Affairs
OHSU-PSU School of Public Health
College of Education
Saturday, June 13
The School of Business
School of Social Work
Sunday, June 14
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science
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Wednesday, Jan. 14: Last day to pay account balance in full or enroll in the payment plan and pay 1st installment to avoid $100 late fee
Friday, Jan. 16: Last day to add with instructor approval
Sunday, Jan. 18: Last day to adjust enrollment for financial aid purposes; Last day to drop with 70% refund; Last day to drop without a "W" withdraw on academic record; Last day to waive student health insurance
Monday, Jan. 19: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (University Closed)
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🏫 Prepare and participate |
Upcoming PSU Alert Test – Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 12:50 p.m. |
Heads up, we are testing PSU Alerts, our campus emergency notification system on Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 12:50 p.m. While no action is required during the test, this is an opportunity to take small steps for a more resilient community. Don’t get scared, get prepared! Visit PSU Emergency Management’s new preparedness landing page for tools and resources to weather the unexpected.
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Have your say on proposed cuts to TriMet service |
TriMet is proposing significant service cuts in the coming year that may affect the PSU community, including the MAX Green Line no longer running to downtown/PSU and the elimination of several bus lines (19, 32, 39, and 82, among others). TriMet will host an on-campus open house this Thursday, to discuss the proposal and gather feedback. Community members can also review the full proposal and submit comments online through Jan. 31, 2026, at https://trimet.org/servicecuts/
Tri-Met Open House
Thursday, Jan. 15
Noon – 2 p.m.
Smith Memorial Student Union (SMSU), Rooms 296–298
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Campus Rec: Explore wellness and outdoor opportunities |
Have a blast at Winter Rec Fest |
Curious about Campus Recreation but not sure where to start? Winter Rec Fest is your chance to explore the Rec Center, try activities like archery tag, pickleball log rolling and more, and enter to win exclusive prizes. The first 100 attendees get free SWAG! Bring a friend and stay for a few minutes or the full two hours.
Wednesday, Jan. 14
4 - 6 p.m.
Campus Rec
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Get outside with Winter Outdoor Trips |
Campus Rec's Outdoor Program is hosting weekend trips this winter, including hikes, ski trips, camping and snowshoeing. All gear and transportation included.
| Try something new with Small Group Courses |
Campus Rec is offering small group courses including Foundations of Pilates, Women on Weights and Womens+ Learn to Climb. Four sessions: $40.
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📚Be proactive about your education: explore PSU resources for school and beyond |
University Career Center workshops: |
From career prep to financial planning to academic advising, PSU has resources to support your success. Here are some upcoming opportunities:
Cover Letter Basics Tuesday, Jan. 13, 12:50 - 1:20 p.m.
Fariborz Maseeh Hall (FMH) 342H
Job Search 101 (virtual)
Saturday, Jan. 17
12 - 1:30 p.m.
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Financial Wellness Center workshops |
With the March 1 priority deadline approaching for FAFSA and PSU scholarships, the FWC is offering workshops throughout January and February to help you complete applications and maximize your financial aid. New this term: Financial Starter Pack workshops covering budgeting, saving, credit and student loan repayment.
View FAFSA workshops
View Financial Starter Pack workshops
View all FWC workshops
All workshops are during the community hour from 12:40 - 1:30 p.m.
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New scheduling hub for student success services |
Planning to meet with your Academic Advisor, Athletics Advisor, Academic Coach, Career Counselor, or Progression Team? All these services are now available in one spot through the new scheduling hub.
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More than a dorm: Find your community on campus this winter |
It's not too late to live on campus this academic year! When you live on campus, you’re just steps away from student resources, great food and a community of students looking to connect. Skip the commute and dive into the full student experience at PSU. To live on campus this winter, submit a housing contract by Jan. 30 at 5 p.m.
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Help Portland children succeed |
PSU's Student Community Engagement Center needs volunteers to help sort and organize gently used, community-donated school supplies, which will later be distributed to under-resourced students and classrooms in the Portland Public School district. A typical volunteer session includes a welcome, introductions, an overview of our task, sorting donated supplies, and a closing reflection.
Thursday, Jan. 15
10 a.m.
4916 Northeast 122nd Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97230
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Connect with other neurodivergent folks |
Calling all neurodivergent individuals who enjoy creating art! The Peer Recovery Advocate invites you to a special meetup at the SHAC Peer Recovery Center. Unleash your creativity with provided art supplies in a calm, softly lit space designed to reduce sensory overload.
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Want to study cascading hazards? RECHARGE NRT is recruiting |
The Research and Education for Cascading Hazards And Resilient Group Engagement (RECHARGE) National Research Traineeship (NRT) program is recruiting five in-state, incoming PhD or Master's students. Students admitted to a PSU graduate program and then accepted to the NRT Program receive funding, mentoring and community-engaged public impact research. If you're interested in multidisciplinary research related to climate change, community resilience and cascading hazards, learn more and apply at the NRT website. Applications are due Jan. 15.
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Turn your degree into a global experience |
Curious about studying abroad? This week, PSU Education Abroad is hosting multiple info sessions each day highlighting programs in Europe, Africa and Asia. These sessions are a great way to learn how international experiences can complement your academic goals, build global perspectives, and add real-world context to your studies. Whether you’re just starting to explore or narrowing down options, there’s something for everyone. Attend one—or several—to find the program that fits your interests, schedule, and major. Not sure where to start? Drop-in advising is also available.
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Find more events at MyPSU! |
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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.
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