Looking Back, Looking Forward
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Dear Colleagues,
This is the time of year when many of us pause to consider the calendar year that is almost over, even though the academic year still feels relatively new. This term, and indeed this year, has been filled with opportunities, challenges, and change. As an institution, we are collectively committed to creating an inclusive and vibrant environment that celebrates diversity, promotes academic excellence, and supports the well-being of all our members. In this last newsletter of the calendar year, you will read about a variety of timely news and updates that reflect this shared commitment.
I hope that you find reasons to relax, reflect, and recharge during the upcoming holidays. I am grateful to each of you for your continued support, for the true meaning of the present, and for the promise of a bright and more compassionate tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Shelly Chabon, Ph.D.
Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
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Academic Affairs News & Resources
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Free Speech & Academic Freedom Resources
PSU values inclusion, academic freedom, robust academic discourse, and free speech. These values can seem to be in tension with one another, particularly during times of increased violence, discrimination, and war. Many among us may feel upset or excluded by protests, events, and discussions inside and outside the classroom. PSU has options for students who wish to share their experiences, seek assistance, or request a review of any incident or concern. We encourage consultation, help-seeking, referrals, and reporting. PSU will not tolerate violence or violations of the Portland State Prohibited Discrimination and Harassment Policy. Please review the Portland State Free Speech Guide, engage in healthy discourse, and consider the referral options and resources listed below.
Winter Term Textbook Reminder
Instructors recently received an email about winter term textbooks. State law requires that information on all classes, even those that do not require a textbook, is posted online so that students can determine the costs for classes. Read More.
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Personnel Updates
We have five searches for dean positions taking place this academic year.
- The University Library dean search committee chaired by Dean Leroy Bynum, Jr. selected four finalists who will visit campus in January.
- The School of Business Dean search committee, chaired by Dean Joe Bull, has been formed.
- A search firm has been hired to facilitate the searches for the deans of College of Education, College of Urban and Public Affairs, and School of Social Work.
In the Office of Academic Affairs, Hannah Miller has been promoted to Associate Vice Provost & Special Advisor to the Provost, and a number of new folks have joined the team:
- Katherine Barich - Course Enrollment Analyst
- Jenny Carron - Executive Assistant to the Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
- Kara Lise Miller - Executive Assistant to the Interim Vice Provost for Faculty Success
- Delaney Ybarra - Special Assistant to the Vice Provost of Student Success. Read more.
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School and College News & Resources
PSU's Counselor Education Department, housed within the College of Education, and School of Social Work have been awarded a $1.8M Oregon Health Authority (OHA) grant to support the training of future counselors and social workers. Our priority will be to identify students who 1) are interested in serving underserved communities and 2) who share the identities and lived experiences of those communities. Read more.
PSU was the third college in the nation, and first in the Northwest, to submit the Federal Department of Education Prison Education Program application, positioning PSU as a national leader in the field of Higher Education in Prison. Read more.
Oregon Libraries Take 2023 Federal Depository Library of the Year Honors - The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) names the State Library of Oregon and Portland State University Library as the Federal Depository libraries of the year for increasing access to Government information throughout the Pacific Northwest. Read more.
EPA has awarded PSU, Willamette Partnership, and partners a $10 million grant to establish a Northwest Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center (TCTAC) that will serve to provide communities with vital resources and support to work toward climate justice. They will soon be announcing 3 undergrad student positions, 1 academic professional position, and 2 graduate assistant positions.
During the month of October, PSU’s Center for Public Service hosted the YSEALI Fellows.20 young leaders from the ASEAN countries took a custom program at PSU specially developed for them. This educational and cultural exchange program aims to build the leadership capabilities of young professionals in the region, strengthen ties between the U.S. and Southeast Asia and promote collaboration in the ASEAN community. PSU’s Center for Public Service (CPS) began hosting this program in 2022. The YSEALI program by CPS centers its attention on Civic Engagement as its core theme, granting fellows the chance to acquire valuable tools and abilities for actively involving themselves with local community members.
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New Year Persistence
We have increased our Full-Time First-Time (FTFT) to 75%. This rate is 3.3% higher than last year and returns us to pre-pandemic trends. Our 6-year strategic goal (2029) is 80% and we are 5 points away from achieving this goal.
Transfer Persistence
Our full-time transfer retention rate for the Fall 2022 cohort is currently 85%. This rate is 2.9% higher than last year's rate and is the highest our full-time transfer retention rate has ever been.
Math Pilot
In response to overwhelming data indicating that PSU’s full-time, first-year students who test into pre-college math persist at a rate 15% lower than their peers, the Learning Center and Office of Student Success, in collaboration with the Math Department and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences have created the Math Start Initiative. Course design for the Math 111z corequisite course has begun and will be completed by December in order to launch the course for the winter term. Read more.
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Student Health & Counseling Resources
SHAC's Health Promotion department has made some updates to how folks can request our services. Health Promotion consists of 4 programs that are centered in various elements of student wellbeing. If you are looking for us to deliver an educational workshop at a team meeting, attend a larger event you're planning, or tabling opportunities; all you need to do is complete the Health Promotion Request Form.
Wellness & Health Action Team (WHAT): A team of peer health educators who educate, discuss, and interact with their peers about health and wellness topics that directly influence their academic and personal success.
Illuminate: Uses the power of prevention education to promote healthy relationships and sexuality by addressing the underlying social determinants of violence and to create equal and respectful relationships.
Peer Recovery & Peer Harm Reduction: Increases access to support, community, resources, and education for students who are impacted by alcohol and other drug use, whatever that looks like for them. Students can connect via support groups, events, 1:1 check-ins with a peer who has lived experience, as well as via educational workshops around harm reduction, safer substance use, and recovery allyship.
Wellbeing Coaching: A collaborative strengths-based peer coaching service that supports students through their process and journey of behavior changes. Students can connect with coaches one on one both in-person or virtually to build plans towards reaching their personal wellbeing goals.
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Become a Campus Advocate for Suicide Prevention
Care. Ask. Connect. is a one-hour asynchronous training course created by SHAC, the School of Social Work, PSU students, and Aedin Powell Media to increase awareness around suicide prevention and mental health — and cultivate a culture of compassion at PSU. Consider including the course in your syllabus as extra credit or an alternative assignment. Additional supplemental models will come soon, with support focused on military-affiliated students, autistic students, LGBTQIA2S+ students, and international students.
New Graduate Student Teaching Certificate
The Office of Academic Innovation has launched a graduate student College Teaching Certificate this fall, offering graduate students at PSU a coordinated and supportive process for building their teaching skills. The certificate fosters inclusive teaching practices through self-guided learning, reflection, and support from education experts in the Office of Academic Innovation. The program is designed to help graduate students articulate their teaching identities and support their career development, both in education and beyond. Departments are encouraged to share this course with their new GTA's. Students can self-enroll and will be connected with teaching support staff immediately to get started.
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Upcoming Exhibition: Labor of Love
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The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at PSU is pleased to present Labor of Love, featuring the work of Tania Candiani, Tannaz Farsi, Jay Lynn Gomez, Midori Hirose, Charlene Liu, Alberto Lule, Narsiso Martinez, and Patrick Martinez. Working across a wide variety of media, and explore using a range of conceptual approaches, these eight artists explore what is often hidden under the surface: the physical, emotional, and intellectual labor vital to the smooth and ongoing function of innumerable aspects of our everyday lives. The exhibition is on view from January 16 through April 27, 2024, with a panel discussion and reception on Thursday, January 18. For more information, please visit the exhibition website. To schedule a class, PSU community group, or staff tour, please email jsma@pdx.edu. Read more.
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Connect With Us
If you have submissions for this newsletter, please send them to: oaarecep@pdx.edu
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