Frequently Asked Questions
How can I navigate FERPA at PSU?
Who do I contact about paying tuition or accessing financial aid?
Can my student live on campus?
Are there off-campus housing options close to PSU?
What if my student needs medical services on campus?
How does my student get in touch with his or her academic adviser?
How does PSU address parking on campus?
Where can I find information about PSU Athletics?
What is FERPA?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a U.S. federal law that protects the privacy of your student's educational records. This protection blocks access to sensitive information and can often prevent you as parents and family members from completing University business on your student's behalf. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Education website. To learn more about how FERPA is applied at PSU, visit Registration and Records.
How can I navigate FERPA at PSU?
Now that you are familiar with FERPA, there are ways you can partner with your student and PSU. Most offices allow students to complete release forms that grant a designated individual access to their educational records. Below are links to these forms online:
Office of Student Financial Aid Release Form
Office of Admissions, Records, and Registration Release Form
Office of Business Affairs (including Tuition and Fees) Release Form
Information from University Housing
Who do I contact about paying tuition or accessing financial aid?
There are two primary offices at PSU that coordinate student's finances. Tuition and Fees assesses students with the cost of their education each quarter while the Office of Student Financial Aid assists students in locating funding for their education.
Can my student live on campus?
Yes, PSU has several options for student housing. Visit University Housing online.
Are there off-campus housing options close to PSU?
Yes, many PSU students choose to live in the downtown area around campus or in one of Portland's many unique neighborhoods. PSU's Student Legal Services (SLS) has created a very helpful list of frequently asked questions for students who plan to rent housing - visit SLS online.
What if my student needs medical services on campus?
PSU is fortunate to have a state of the art Center for Student Health and Counseling (SHAC). SHAC provides excellent services to eligible students. To learn if your student is eligible, visit SHAC online.
How does my student get in touch with his or her academic adviser?
Students at PSU are advised according to their major and/or department. For a list of academic departments, visit Undergraduate Programs A-Z. Students who have not selected a major or those who are considering a change in major should contact the Undergraduate Advising and Support Center (UASC) - visit UASC online.
How does PSU address parking on campus?
Since PSU is located in downtown Portland, we encourage students and visitors to travel to and from campus on public transportation. The Portland Metro Area is serviced by Tri-Met. If your student would like to purchase a parking permit or discounted transit pass, encourage him or her to visit Transportation and Parking Services online.
Where can I find information about PSU Athletics?
The official home of the PSU Vikings is GoViks.com. For information about intramural teams, club sports, or recreation, visit Campus Recreation.
