Join colleagues for a book club conversation grounded in the voices of Portland State’s New Majority students. Drawing on nearly 100 student interviews, this book invites us to listen closely to how students describe their learning experiences at PSU—the strengths they bring, the challenges they navigate, and the kinds of teaching and support that helped them succeed. Together, we’ll reflect on what their stories can teach us and explore the recommendations students and faculty share for creating learning environments where more PSU students can thrive.
About the book: “Culture Clash: New Majority Students at PSU”
At the heart of Culture Clash are nearly 100 interviews with Portland State University undergraduates, especially first-generation students from immigrant families. Through these conversations, students share the practical and emotional challenges of navigating college while balancing strong family commitments, cultural expectations, work responsibilities, and academic life.
The book offers a candid look at moments when the university feels intimidating or impersonal, as well as powerful examples of faculty and staff who helped students feel seen, supported, and capable of succeeding. Alongside these stories, the authors highlight students’ own ideas for how Portland State can continue evolving into a place where more students feel they truly belong.
Faculty from any discipline will find this book club valuable for reflecting on how classroom practices, institutional culture, and everyday interactions shape the student experience—particularly for first-generation and immigrant-background students.
Book club meeting schedule
The book club will meet remotely over the lunch hour 12:00PM – 1:00PM every two weeks throughout spring term, on April 17th, May 1st, May 15th, and May 29th. Once you have registered, you will receive a Google Calendar invite for all meetings with the Zoom link.
Free e-book available!
A free digital copy of the book is available through Portland State University Press:
https://pdx.pressbooks.pub/cultureclash/
Who should attend
PSU faculty from any discipline. Advisors and staff are welcome. No prior background is required—just curiosity about our students’ experiences and an interest in building learning environments where more students can thrive.
The Office of Academic Innovation is committed to making our events accessible to all Portland State University faculty and staff. If you require an accommodation or service to participate, please contact us at oai@pdx.edu.
Contact us with any questions!
If you need assistance getting into our event or have any questions, please contact the Office of Academic Innovation front desk at oai@pdx.edu.