On the President’s blog: Budget Update |
The university is currently navigating budget planning for the upcoming fiscal year alongside ongoing strategic planning efforts. While striving for financial sustainability, in the short term the university faces a $30 million budget deficit. PSU is once again seeking a reduction in reserves and anticipates budget cuts for FY2025. As part of this process, the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) will be discontinued effective July 1. This decision, made in consultation with PSU-AAUP, was deemed necessary due to declining enrollment and financial viability concerns. While closures are always challenging, the university is committed to supporting affected faculty and staff through this transition. More details on this decision and budget planning, can be found on President Ann Cudd’s blog.
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Presidential Speaker Series focuses on Tribal student success |
PSU students are invited to attend the next in the Presidential Speaker Series, on Tuesday, Mar. 5 at 4 p.m. in the Smith Memorial Student Union Ballroom. The featured speaker is Dr. Frank Arpan, the president of Haskell Indian Nations University in Kansas. Hear how he is leading his institution in expanding opportunities for Tribal students to develop professionally and personally in a student-centered environment. The Presidential Speaker Series features conversations with university presidents of Minority Serving Institutions from around the country, aimed at helping PSU explore critical ideas, paradigms and practices to support our increasingly diverse community.
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Global Diversity and Inclusion names new Assistant Vice Presidents |
PSU’s Global Diversity and Inclusion unit has added two new Assistant Vice President positions to provide leadership and expertise, and to ensure that Portland State is living up to its values of equity and racial justice for all students and employees.
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Araceli Cruz, Asst. Vice President for Global Diversity and Inclusion, oversees the Native American and Student Community Center, Veterans Resource Center, and Student Legal Services.
- Albert Roberson, Asst. Vice President for Equity and Compliance, leads equity and compliance efforts, including ADA and Title IX compliance and bias claim investigations.
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Proposals welcome for Jason Washington memorial event |
The Jason Washington Art Committee is calling for proposals for "Beyond Bystander", a day of remembrance and reflection scheduled for June 6, to honor the memory of Jason Washington, tragically killed by campus police in 2018. Proposals are invited for panels, speakers, presentations, poster talks, artistic performances, and multimedia displays that resonate with Washington’s life and the issues surrounding his death. The committee seeks to create a gentle and respectful space for the campus community to engage in learning, healing, and service. Proposals are due April 15.
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Everyone can help students submit their FAFSA |
The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is offering additional support to help students complete their federal financial aid (FAFSA) applications amid changes that are causing significant delays. FAFSA data is expected by mid-March, enabling financial aid offers in mid-April. To aid students, remind them to submit the FAFSA early and attend our support sessions on Fridays and Saturdays. Volunteers are needed for Saturday drop-ins to help direct students to computer labs, check in for the session, and log in to the FAFSA. Financial Aid staff will be available to answer specific and personal questions about the FAFSA.
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UCOMM seeks 2024 grads with great stories to tell |
University Communications is looking for 2024 graduates to profile, pitch to the media, include in marketing campaigns and hold up as examples of excellence in commencement speeches. We are looking for a diverse group of undergraduate and graduate students with great stories to tell. Deadline for submissions is Mar. 19.
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Commencement ceremonies details for 2024 |
Specific ceremony dates and times are now available for this year’s PSU commencement ceremonies in June 2024.
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OIT launches initiatives to improve the student experience |
As a continuation of the Digital Ecosystem Initiative that the Office of Information Technology (OIT) facilitated in 2023, two projects will kick off this year that will improve student communications and support: Virtual First Stop (VFS) and Slate Student Success. OIT plans to launch foundational iterations of VFS and Slate this year and grow the use of these tools over time.
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The Summer Scholars Program is hiring current students and recent graduates as peer mentors to guide new students through their transition to college. Enthusiastic, empathetic and responsible individuals should apply by April 1.
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Encourage students to build down time into their study schedule for finals. They can attend Studypalooza, hosted by the Learning Center in the Millar Library on Tuesday, Mar. 12 from 4 - 8 p.m. There will be therapy dogs, pizza, giveaways, massages and acupuncture, plus tutors and academic coaches. The event is free — students should register to attend.
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Undergraduate and graduate students from many disciplines are encouraged to showcase their research and creative works at the PSU Student Research Symposium on May 8, as part of Research Week. Proposals are due Mar. 24. The PSU Center for Internship, Mentoring, and Research (CIMR) is hosting a series of workshops to help students prepare their presentations.
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Library food carts to close by July 1 |
The food carts near Millar Library must relocate by July 1 due to a lack of wastewater infrastructure. Portland State University's Facilities and Property Management department made the decision after efforts to meet new regulations failed. Cart owners were notified on Feb. 15 and thanked for their service.
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Smith's coffee + eats: What do you think? |
The Smith's coffee + eats shop in the Smith Memorial Student Union has been offering Portland-roasted coffee, house-baked pastries and biscuits, vegan and gluten-free options since becoming part of the Bowery Bagels family last fall. Do you enjoy the new menu? Is the coffee strong enough? Too strong? Now is your chance to let us know what you think. Fill out a short coffee + eats survey with your thoughts and you can get $1 off your next purchase at Smith's in the Broadway lobby or our library location.
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News Briefs and Announcements: |
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PSU researchers contributed to a study showing widening disparities in elite college admissions for Black and Latino students over the last 40 years. Read the full story at PSU News.
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Check out the latest in the series spotlighting PSU’s Cultural Resource Centers on the Inside Portland State Blog: Pan-African Commons.
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The PSU Government Affairs team has an update on its blog from the current legislative session and the bills that are priorities for Oregon public universities.
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Research into wildfire smoke from Associate Professor in Mechanical and Materials Engineering Elliott Gall’s research was featured on OPB’s All Science, No Fiction; Megan Horst, associate professor of Urban Studies and Planning, talked with Associated Press about urban growth boundaries and housing shortages; and Viking Athletics’ Strength and Conditioning Coach Alec Olson spoke with KOIN about building confidence and strength.
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People
J.J.P. Veerman
Presented
Eva Thanheiser, Tom Gillpatrick, Evan Green, Anita Bright, Kevin Kecskes, Yasin Tunc, Daria Aleeva
Published/Exhibited
Carmen Ripollés, Ingrid Mari Anderson.
Grants
Jennifer Dill, Nathan McNeil, Sirisha Kothuri, Direlle Calica, Serene Fast Horse
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CURRENTLY is a weekly newsletter for the employees of Portland State University, published by University Communications. News items, events and accolades should be sent to currently@pdx.edu. Deadline is noon, the Tuesday before publication. See the Currently website for submission guidelines and schedule.
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