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Parents & Families

Saying goodbye to your children as they go off to college can be a scary proposition. Portland State University strives to educate parents regarding their children’s success and well-being during their time as an on-campus resident, in order to alleviate some of your fears, by providing as much information as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

What is FERPA and how does it affect me?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is intended to protect certain information of students over the age of 18. Types of protected information includes, but is not limited to, class schedules, grades, and housing information such as the student’s room number. The student may complete a FERPA waiver through the housing office if they choose to have their protected information shared with a parent or guardian.

FERPA Waiver Form »
Learn more about FERPA »

If my child is ill or injured, where on campus can they go for help?
The Center for Student Health and Counseling (SHAC) is a community-based health care organization that provides high quality, accessible mental health, physical health and testing services targeted to the needs of the PSU student population. They are located on campus at: 1880 SW 6th Ave., University Center Building, Suite 200 and can be reached by phone at 503-725-2800.

My child needs help with their classes, where can they go?
There are a variety of on-campus resources that your child can seek out in order to get help with their studies, including:

  • University Success: Ondine 204
  • Center for Academic Excellence: (503) 725-5642; 108 NW 9th Ave., Suite 201 
  • PSU Writing Center: (503) 725-3580; Located in Cramer Hall, 1721 SW Broadway 
  • Peer Tutoring and Learning Center: 503-725-4448; located in Smith Center - Room 439

My child needs a job or an internship opportunity, who can help them?
The PSU Career Center provides job listings for part time jobs, and internships, while your student is attending PSU. They also provide job listings and assistance for when your student is ready to pursue a job after graduating from PSU. They are located in the University Services Building, 617 SW Montgomery - Room 402 or by phone at (503)725-4613. Also, additional internship opportunities are usually available through the department of your child’s major.

My child needs help with their computer, ODIN log-in or the on-campus wireless internet, who can they turn to?
They can contact the OIT Help Desk, located in the basement level of Smith Center, by calling 503-725-HELP (4357).

What if my child needs to contact on-campus police?
PSU’s Campus Public Safety Office (CPSO) serves this function on campus and they are located in Shattuck Hall - Room 148. Important CPSO phone numbers that your student should have handy:

  • Emergencies: 503-725-4404 
  • Non-Emergency: 503-725-4407 
  • Lost & Found: 503-725-4435

How can I stay better informed with campus closures or with any campus emergency situations?
The PSU Alert emergency notification system enables the university to contact the PSU community in the event of an emergency by sending messages via your preferred electronic device.

Sign Up for the PSU Emergency Alert System »

What if I need a place to stay that is close to my child while they live on campus?
The Department of Housing & Residence Life has access to the University Place Hotel, located on the edge of PSU's campus at SW 4th and Lincoln. The University Place Hotel is a full-service hotel utilized for PSU events, conferences, and downtown visitors. Visit their webpage or give them a call at (503) 221-0140. Don't forget to mention that your child goes to PSU to receive an additional discount!

My student needs storage options for their belongings. What's the easiest way to do this?
The University Housing Office has a vendor relationship with Pearl Self Storage, located in the downtown area of Portland. They not only offer the best rates around, they also have a U-Haul for rent. That means that if your student makes arrangements with them, they can pick up a truck and transport it to their storage location. Stop by the Housing Office for a flier or more details. Fliers offer 50% off of your first month's rent, so don't miss out!