Portland State's weekly student newsletter for the week of October 6, 2025

Ready for the beginning of term? Student Academic Support Services offers a wealth of resources to enhance your study strategies and create a successful plan. Tutoring appointments can be made through the Penji app. Meet with an Academic Coach by visiting the website and selecting the coach who is the best fit for your learning needs. Services are free and available to all students, so make your appointment today.

The Financial Wellness Center (FWC) is offering a series of in-person and virtual FAFSA workshops this week to help with the application process. Each session includes a short overview and a work session with staff from the FWC and Financial Aid Office who can assist you in submitting your FAFSA.

The Ronald E. McNair Scholar application is open to motivated and talented juniors and seniors who are first generation and low income. Students develop and complete research with the help of a faculty mentor and receive support creating competitive graduate school applications. Since 2003, the program has supported more than 600 students. This program is funded by the U.S. Dept. of Education and PSU institutional cost-share funds.

Monday, Oct. 6: Last day to pay account balance in full or enroll in the payment plan and pay 1st installment to avoid $100 late fee

Friday, Oct. 10: Last day to add with instructor approval

Sunday, Oct. 12: Last day to: 

Academic Calendar  | myPSU  | Registrar

Career Week is coming and you won’t want to miss it. A full week of events will help you explore careers, meet employers and build connections for what’s next. Career fairs, resume reviews, networking events and panels are all designed to help you turn what you’re learning at PSU into opportunities after graduation.

Fall Career Week runs Oct. 20 – 24, with the Career Fair on Monday, Oct. 27. Don’t miss out—check out the full event lineup and start planning which events you’ll join.

This week, the University Career Center is hosting workshops and employer sessions to help you prepare for what’s next:

Interested in international study, language learning or national security? The Boren Awards provide funding to study abroad in regions critical to U.S. interests, with a strong focus on language acquisition. Learn more in an info session with Boren Program Representative Michael Saffle.

Tuesday, Oct. 7
12:45 p.m.
Karl Miller Center 605

Attend an info session with PSU Ed Abroad and learn how to you can study overseas. Info sessions also include information about financial aid and scholarships!

Kick off the school year with friendly competition and new connections. Fall leagues include 5v5 Outdoor Soccer, Pickleball and Mixed Volleyball. Rookie hours and open gym times are great spaces to learn a new sport in a welcoming environment. Get your IM Pass for $20, then register individually or as a team.

Drop by the South Park Blocks on Wednesday, Oct. 8 from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. for Trash Can Pong with Campus Rec. It’s a fun way to meet people, try something new and get active. Staff will be there to facilitate the fun and answer any questions you may have. Drop by for a quick game or stay for the whole hour! (Note: Pop-Ups may be canceled or relocated due to weather.)

Love music? There’s still time to join the PSU University Band! Open to all woodwind, brass, and percussion players—no audition required. Meets Mondays & Wednesdays, 4 – 5:30 p.m. in Lincoln Hall room 37. Students earn 1 credit, and loaner instruments are available if needed.

Questions? Contact Dr. Ed Protzman at protzman@pdx.edu.

Looking to get involved, meet new people and contribute to on-campus initiatives? Join a Student Sustainability Center Volunteer Team. Students commit for one term and join groups of other students where they can develop skills, design initiatives for on-campus and build community! Open volunteer teams include the Garden Volunteer Team and Environmental Justice Volunteer Team. Applications close Thursday, Oct. 2 at 11:59 p.m.

The Mind Spa at the Center for Student Health & Counseling (SHAC) is open for booking. Students can reserve the space for 55 minutes, up to three times per term, and access the light therapy alcove, biofeedback software, or massage chair. Two nap rooms are also available for walk-ins.

Located in the University Center Building (UCB 310), Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Starbucks at Urban Center has permanently closed as part of a corporate restructuring plan. Coffee and tea options remain available across campus:

PSU provides free menstrual products in all student bathrooms across campus, in line with state requirements. Tampons and pads are available in men’s, women’s, and all-gender restrooms in common areas. Products are regularly restocked, but if a dispenser is empty or missing, email Facilities and Property Management at 2fix@pdx.edu with the building, floor, and restroom location.

The Pacific Northwest Transportation Consortium (PacTrans) invites you to the Region 10 Student Transportation Conference. The free event is open to all undergraduate and graduate students, with breakfast, lunch, and refreshments provided.

Saturday, Oct. 11
9 a.m.
SMSU 296/298

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.

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