Our Academic Profile

What distinguishes us?

Portland State University is a nationally recognized urban university, where the community is more than just where you live, it’s where you learn. With a student body of 25,000, Portland State is selected by more students than any other Oregon university. Our location in Portland, “America’s Best Big City,” truly puts students and faculty in the middle of it all. Home to forward-thinking people who cherish the city for its culture, surrounding natural beauty, and livability, Portland is the heart of the Pacific Northwest. The University’s urban setting and many community partnerships act as a “living laboratory” that provides diverse opportunities to live, learn, and gain the real world experience that students need to succeed.

Portland State is a leader in engagement

• What do we mean by engagement?
• National rankings in community engagement
  

Portland State is globally relevant and regionally focused on five themes

• What are the themes?

Portland State advances research that benefits society

• Selected research activities

Portland State contributes to a sustainable future

• Green--It's more than our school color

Portland State is committed: priorities, goals, and initiatives

• Overview of 2007-09 Priorities, goals and initiatives
• Investing in our priorities and sustainability
• Provost's memo to Council of Academic Deans on investments
  
• Priority setting activities 2006-07

Other academic efforts that distinguish us

• Internationalization
• Diversity
• Assessment