September 16, 2024

With so many events in the next two weeks, here is a special edition of Currently!

Currently is the weekly newsletter for PSU employees, published by University Communications every Monday during Fall, Winter and Spring terms. Please see our submission guidelines and publication deadlines for future editions.

Retiring Congressman Earl Blumenauer will join PSU as Senior Fellow and Special Advisor to the President, and Presidential Fellow at the Institute for Portland Metropolitan Studies. In these roles, he will focus on addressing Portland’s key challenges, including downtown revitalization and regional tax reform. As a special advisor to President Cudd, Congressman Blumenauer will assist the president in connecting PSU’s faculty, students, research and graduates with the region’s leaders and policymakers. The Congressman joins PSU on January 3, 2025.

A new online resource for PSU students, faculty and staff explains the importance of free speech at Portland State. It centralizes various policies, procedures, tools and resources in one, easy-to-navigate place. Learn about the history of protest at PSU, what rules and policies should guide us when we exercise our right to free speech, and where to find support within our community when speech may be harmful or when one feels their speech has been restricted.

In her latest blog post "Taking care of our campus climate - together", PSU President Ann Cudd talks about promoting a safe and equitable campus environment, in what has been a difficult year for many. She includes an update on the university's efforts to bolster peace on campus.

The Student Success team will be hosting an event to showcase key highlights of their work, offering valuable insights for university employees. The event will feature results from the 2024 Student Experience Survey, which was distributed to all undergraduate students, as well as presentations from the Student Success Fellows. Gain a deeper understanding of student needs and success strategies that can inform your own work. The event will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 1-4 p.m. in-person in Academic & Student Recreation Center (ASRC) 515. Employees interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP. For those unable to attend, the event will be recorded and shared. Additionally, a two-page summary of the survey results is available online.

Convocation & Employee Resource Fair
3 - 5 p.m.

***New Location***

Smith Memorial Student Union Ballroom

It’s time to kick off the 2024-25 academic year! Join President Ann Cudd as she unveils PSU’s strategic plan: Future in Focus. Connect with colleagues at the catered reception and learn about employee services at the Employee Resource Fair. Due to rain in the forecast, this event has been moved indoors to the Smith Ballroom.

Give the Library Some Love!
3 - 5 p.m.
Millar Library

PSU employees are invited to the Millar library to celebrate its reopening for the 2024 fall term. Our library and Learning Center colleagues welcome everyone to drop by — write welcome back messages for students, donate a plant, help with a few last-minute tasks or simply show up to support our colleagues as they reopen the library.

Program Revitalization Data Open House
10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m.
Cramer Hall

Space is limited so sign up now to learn about the data being used this fall to revitalize PSU’s academic portfolio. Three 60 minute sessions are available. Sessions will include an informational presentation about the Gray DI software, data, and assumptions being used to evaluate programs. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and to look at program-specific dashboards.

Embracing Our Majority BIPOC Future Symposium
Part 1
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Via Zoom

Lean into the responsibility and opportunity presented to us by our majority BIPOC future — a future we embrace, welcome and seek to lead. With a rich agenda featuring insightful discussions, engaging performances, and collaborative workshops, this two-day symposium will be filled with learning and dialogue as we delve into shaping the future of our university and community. RSVP to attend one or both days. The second day of the symposium is Oct. 24.

Financial Sustainability Town Hall
2 - 4:30 p.m.
Smith Ballroom

Portland State faculty and staff are invited to a presentation and discussion about the university’s path to implementing its strategic plan and the actions it will take this year toward achieving financial sustainability. Hosted by PSU President Ann Cudd, Vice President for Public Affairs & Chief of Staff Sheila Martin, Vice President for Finance & Administration Andria Johnson and Interim Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs Shelly Chabon. An invitation with an opportunity to RSVP will be sent via email this week.

Viking Days
Various locations on the PSU Campus

PSU’s annual Viking Days is a series of events and activities welcoming everyone to our urban campus in fall 2024. All events are free and open to all PSU students and employees. Highlights include the annual Drag Show (Sept. 28) and Party in the Park (Oct. 2). Runs through Thursday, Oct. 5. Check out the full schedule.

All Month
Color Outside the Lines
Deinum Prize Showcase Exhibition: Thúóng

Friday, Sept. 20-Tuesday, Sept. 24
Staff training rental special - Outdoor Program

Saturday, Sept. 21
Passionate Romances: The Schumanns' Legacy

Friday, Sept. 27
Weight Room Orientation
Graduate School Welcome

Find more events at: PSU Events

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.