April 7, 2025

Updates on PSU’s efforts in the legislature, federal actions and commencement are among the topics that will be discussed at the Administrative Briefing this Wednesday, April 9. The briefing is in a hybrid format, with the in-person part of the meeting held at ASRC 515. In addition to updates on key topics, there will also be time for Q&A.

A recording of this briefing will be available and the link will be shared in the next edition of Currently.

Portland State University is actively monitoring federal actions that impact higher education. There are currently four PSU leadership groups that meet regularly to evaluate executive orders, impacts on other universities and talk through hypothetical situations. These groups are focusing on impacts to civil rights, research funding, immigration enforcement, financial aid and enrollment — all reporting their updates to a core group that meets bi-weekly. Updates are frequently posted on PSU’s Federal Actions webpage and more engagement opportunities for the campus community are being developed in the coming weeks.

This week, the Federal Actions webpage has new information about how a change to federal funding for the TRIO program does not affect PSU's program.

Oregon’s Attorney General Dan Rayfield is hosting a series of town hall meetings throughout the state called “Safeguarding Oregon: Federal Oversight Forums”. This Thursday, AG Rayfield will be hosting a forum at PSU’s University Place Hotel and will be joined by Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes. These forums will provide opportunities for direct engagement with state and national leaders, focusing on federal accountability and how the Attorney General’s office is working to protect Oregonians’ rights.

Date: Thursday, April 10
Time: 6 - 8 p.m.
Location: University Place Hotel, 310 SW Lincoln St., Columbia Falls Ballroom

The Mark O. Hatfield School of Government invites you to a very special webinar, “Challenges and Transformation in Democratic Governance: How to Build Democratic Resilience,” a public lecture by Professor Theda Skocpol of Harvard University. In this webinar, Professor Skocpol will share her insights and observations on what is happening with democratic governance in light of the anticipated changes under the federal government with the current administration, and her advice on how to build democratic resilience. This will be a meaningful learning experience that not only stimulates thought but also inspires action. Please note that recording of this webinar will not be available.

The Center for Student Health & Counseling (SHAC) and Campus Rec present: Spring into Wellbeing! This week is dedicated to improving the personal health and wellbeing of the campus community with activities to support your overall health. Each day this week, there are a variety of free events and activities for you to participate in. Some highlighted examples include: PSU Wellbeing Resource Fair, Yoga at the Museum and Faculty & Staff Friday with dedicated activities available only to you! Come enjoy the SHAC Mind Spa, Nap Rooms, Wellbeing Lounge and/or see what Campus Rec has to offer with a free all-day access pass.

Come one, come all! This Friday, April 11, Campus Rec is opening their facilities to all non-member faculty and staff to enjoy a free day pass! Participate in a group fitness class, enjoy the weight room, take a swim in the pool, play some drop-in sports and more! If you're interested in participating in dedicated programming, please check the full schedule.

As part of National Public Health Week (NPHW), the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health (SPH) will be hosting events all this week, April 7-11, to raise awareness about public health and the positive impact our field has on the health and vibrancy of communities throughout Oregon. Public health isn’t just for a single person — it’s for you, your friends, your family and everyone in your community. Public health affects how we all live, work and play— it’s an invisible force that protects our safety and well-being.

Do you know a currently enrolled student leader who has made a significant impact at Portland State University or in the community? The General Student Affairs Committee and Office of Student Affairs are seeking nominations for the Presidential Awards through Friday, April 18 at 5 p.m. To learn more about the awards and submit a nomination, please visit the Presidential Awards website. President Cudd will present awards to winners at the annual Leadership Awards Luncheon on May 21.

Though we all know what makes Portland State special, it's always helpful to see it on paper. University Communications has collected PSU's most impressive distinctions and accolades into a new Points of Pride fact sheet. They encourage you to review these points of pride and use them as a reference any time you're representing PSU, whether you're preparing for a speaking gig, a media interview or an industry conference.

Celebrate Earth month with Portland’s first zero-waste Boba kit! Responsibly designed, all packing materials are compostable, recyclable or biodegradable — and the glasses are reusable. BBTEA is a woman-owned, AAPI, Portland-based business with a mission to reduce single use plastics.

Pick one up at their Pop-Up location in the Karl Miller Center this week!

Dates: April 7 - 10
Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Karl Miller Center (KMC) Atrium

Chris Shortell, associate professor of politics, talked with the La Grande Observer about the impacts of federal cuts to rural Oregon and Paul Manson, research assistant professor with the Center for Public Services, discussed public understanding of government services with the Oregonian.

All week

Spring into Wellbeing

Just Playin’ Around

Arlene Schnitzer Visual Arts Prize Exhibition

Monday, April 7

Weight Room Orientation

Biology Seminar Series: The Evolution of Ecosystem and Earth System Engineering

Two-Spirit & LGBTQ+ Health Speaker Series: PSU/OHSU Faculty Expert Panel

Contemporary Perspectives on Italian Identity: From Cultural Anxieties to Exclusionary Policies

Tuesday, April 8

Women’s+ Pickup Basketball

Wednesday, April 9

Dean Bull Listening Session

Administrative Briefing

Challenges and Transformation in Democratic Governance: How to Build Democratic Resilience

Hannah Brooks-Motl and David Seung Reading

Thursday, April 10

Noon Concert Series: Woodwind Area Recital

Microplastics in Oregon’s Aquatic Ecosystems

Storytelling, Perspective, and the Politics of Fiction

Friday, April 11

AISES North Regional Conference

Faculty Book Club: Relationship-Rich Education (also at 12 p.m.)

Fridays@1 - Poetic and Perverse: A Documentary Journey Through the Tokyo Toilet Project

Maseeh Mathematics + Statistics Colloquium Series Presents: Modular Functions and the Monstrous Exponents

Italian Film Festival 2025 (Day 4: Liliana and Gloria! Double Feature)

Saturday, April 12

AISES North Regional Conference

Vikings Softball v. Montana

Italian Film Festival 2025 (Day 5: My Place is Here)

Find more events at: PSU Events, OAI Events, Viks Athletics

Presented

Mirian Abelson, Heejun Chang, Andrés Holz, Mary Marshall, Theresa Robbins Dudeck, Teresa Roberts

People

Heejun Chang, Courtney Hermann

Published/Exhibited

Elise Granek, Madhu Narayanan, Max Nielsen-Pincus, Theresa Robbins Dudeck

Grants

David Burnett, Samantha Hartzell, Sirisha Kothuri, Chris Monsere, James Pankow

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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.