We know you have questions about Fall Start 2020 at PSU. This page will display your most frequently asked questions and will build over time. To propose a new FAQ for this list, please send your question to FallFlex@pdx.edu.
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STUDENT FAQs
Since new student orientation is online this fall, how do I get my Id card?
If you are an incoming new or transfer student starting in fall 2020, you can get your new student ID card once you are registered for fall term courses. ID Services is open Mondays and Wednesdays 12 PM - 2 PM. No appointment needed. To obtain your ID Card, bring valid government issued ID to the ID Services counter.
With Flexible fall, There are so many course options to choose from. Who do I talk to if I need help deciding which course option is best for me?
All students (non-disabled students, as well as those served by the DRC) can contact advising@pdx.edu for assistance in understanding course options. Another route is to make an appointment with your assigned academic advisor.
wILL sMITH BE OPENED TO STUDENTS/FACULTY/STAFF ONLY, OR WILL IT BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?
The SMSU building will be open, but with some restrictions and requirements such as wearing a mask indoors in public and shared spaces. Many of the student focused services and programs will still have ways to connect remotely with them. Campus buildings (Including Smith) will not be open to the general public.
wILL THE DINING HALL IN SMITH MEMORIAL STUDENT UNION BE OPEN FOR TO-GO FOOD FOR FALL?
Dining options will be available in SMSU for fall, but some modifications to operations will be necessary to follow public health regulations.
WILL THE REC CENTER BE OPEN?
At this time, Campus Recreation is planning to be open this fall following all public health guidelines for gyms. Please stay tuned to the Flexible Fall at PSU and the Campus Rec websites for specific information as the term approaches.
Who determines whether a class will be remote or in-person?
Faculty work with department chairs and deans in their schools and colleges to determine that, and each class format will be listed prior to registration in the class schedule that comes out in August.
Can I choose Pass/No Pass as an option for a course grade?
The Office of the Registrar has developed a comprehensive guide that will help you determine whether you want to pursue the Pass/No Pass option for a course grade. You can access the guide here.
Does remote mean that we need to be online at a certain time for class?
That will depend on the instructor. Some may set up synchronous course delivery (instructor and students connecting at the same time) or may set up asynchronous (not connecting at the same time), or a combination of the two. Please contact the instructor for their specific approach.
What is the difference between an online class and a remote class?
Online courses are intentionally designed for complete digital interaction, at a distance. These courses were designed and facilitated according to evidence-based practices for online teaching and learning. They were advertised in the PSU Schedule of Classes as being fully online, and they continue to be offered as planned without modification and will be charged the regular Online Fee. The online fee at PSU is used to support the purposeful design of online programs and courses, and the delivery of online student services including library, advising, learning center, and IT helpdesk.
Remote courses use a strategy of moving content designed for face-to-face instruction to a digital format for limited or one-time-only course instruction, as in our response to the COVID-19 disruption. No remote fees are added to these remote courses.
I don't have a laptop at home, what are my options?
PSU users can check out Windows laptops or Chromebooks at the Library Circulation Desk on the first floor. Additionally, some departments have their own laptop loaner programs, so check with your department. Visit the laptop lending program for more information.
I don't have wifi at home, but need to connect for classes. What are my options?
The Library first floor and computer labs will be available for students.
I understand OIT has developed a new Virtual Computer Lab for students. Where can I learn more and log on?
The Office of Information Technology has released the "Beta" version of a new virtual computer lab (VLAB) for students. By using VLAB, students can remotely access a selection of academic software applications with their own personal devices, including laptops.
With this new platform, we aim to:
- Provide a fun and easy-to-use virtual computer lab environment
- Increase access to academic software applications
- Help students successfully complete their courses by removing physical and financial barriers
Log in now at vlab.pdx.edu. For more information visit the Virtual Computer Lab Help Center article.
Will I be charged a fee for the classes that will be delivered remotely?
No. Classes that were designed and identified as online classes have an online fee. Classes that are having to make temporary modifications to deliver class material remotely due to the coronavirus will not have that fee.
I usually visit the Registrar / Financial Aid / Advising in person, but I cannot do that now. How can I access campus services?
Campus services are providing expanded offerings online and remote, like options to call and speak with someone over the phone, real time chat, virtual meetings, and have your questions answered over email. Many offices will still be available to meet in-person as necessary, but check their websites or call ahead as hours may change.
Check the Accessing Campus Resources website for updated information.
I feel that because of a disability or accessibility barrier, I may not do well in classes that are held remotely and not face-to-face. What are my options?
Contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) to discuss your concerns. They can be reached at 503-725-4150 or drc@pdx.edu. The DRC will work with you and/or your faculty to provide support.
Are resources still available if I am or someone I know is sexually assaulted, experience domestic/dating violence, stalking or sexual harassment?
Yes, Confidential advocates are working remotely and can assist students with safety planning, academic support and other measures. You can contact an advocate by calling 503-894-7982 or scheduling an appointment through psuwrc.youcanbook.me.
Additionally you may file a non-confidential report with either the Title IX Coordinator, the Dean of Student Life office-if it is against a student or the Office of Equity and Compliance -if it is against an employee. Staff in these offices are also working remotely.
FACULTY FAQs
I want to offer Pass/No Pass as a grading option for my course, what do I need to do?
The Office of the Registrar has developed a comprehensive guide to offering Pass/No Pass option in your class. You can access the guide here.
What resources are available to help with class instruction?
The Office of Academic Innovation has compiled resources for instructors and departments to use in their planning for academic continuity.
If you have teaching-with-technology questions, you can use this form to contact the Office of Academic Innovation directly.
The Disability Resource Center (DRC) can assist students with access and accommodations and work with instructors to develop an accessible and inclusive environment.
The Office of Information Technology offers support on a range of technology - including remote connection options.
Can I take my desktop computer home to use for remote teaching/work?
Due to the public health emergency, this is allowed. Before taking equipment home, check with your departmental technology support person to make sure that the machine will work off-campus. In some cases, departments may have alternate equipment available.
A student let me know they are concerned they might have been exposed to coronavirus, what should I do?
Students should contact SHAC's Line at 503.725.2800 or the 24/7 Nurse Advice Line (after hours) at 844.224.3145. Even students who do not have PSU health insurance can contact the nurse line to discuss their situation.
I have a Community Based Learning course / CO-OP / Experience Based / Field Teaching course, what are the options for adjusting to the social distancing requirements?
Remember this quick switch in teaching and learning is likely uncharted territory for us all, including your students and community partners. High quality community based learning isn't about logging a certain number of hours, it is about being responsive to community partner needs. Perhaps at this time, the ultimate way to be engaged in the community is in ways that are grass-roots and emerging as the situation unfolds. The Office of Academic Innovation has an evolving resource page to help.
What should I do if one of my students or colleagues expresses discomfort interacting with someone who is from China?
We want to remind everyone that a person’s ethnicity, language or association with a country or region is not a risk factor for this virus. Stigmatizing certain groups based on rumors, false information and discrimination creates unnecessary fear and anxiety, hurting the whole community. In times of fear, we urge common sense and respect. In times of unknowns, we urge people to spread facts, not fear.
Where do I go if I have questions about academic continuity?
Contact your department chair or dean's office.
Contact the OAI Faculty Support Desk with questions on the technical aspects.
Email questions about the PSU's coronavirus response.
With faculty and staff now teaching and working remotely, do we still have an obligations to report Title IX matters, such as sexual harassment, sexual assaults, dating/domestic violence, stalking or other forms of discrimination?
Yes, as required by PSU’s Prohibited Discrimination and Harassment Policy, all instructors must report any disclosure relating to Title IX or any form of discrimination. The report may be made to the Title IX Coordinator by emailing Julie Caron. Alternatively, you may submit a CARE team report if the concern is pertaining to students or you may inform Equity and Compliance if the conduct pertains to faculty and staff. Please note that a reportable Title IX matter, such as sexual harassment or stalking, may occur via electronic interactions such as email, D2L or conduct during a remote learning environment.
How can I prevent uninvited guests from "Zoom-bombing" my class meetings or enforce standards in my remote environments?
- Follow the step-by-step guide on changing your Zoom settings and configuring your meetings for added security.
- Attend a Zoom-In and learn more about specific techniques meeting facilitators can use to “crowd control”.
- Include a statement on digital citizenship in your syllabus requiring all participant to be respectful and not engage in conduct that is against PSU community standards, and reference the PSU’s Prohibited Discrimination and Harassment Policy, Student Code of Conduct and PSU Acceptable Use Policies in that statement.
- Immediately report any and all suspicious behavior that occurs in your Zoom meetings to the Office of Academic Innovation (OAI.)
- If any student or employee engages in offensive conduct that could be considered sexual harassment or discriminatory harassment report it to PSU’s Title IX Coordinator, the Dean of Student Life office or the Office of Equity and Compliance .
- If you need help setting up your meeting, or have questions about how to configure your settings, OAI is here to help!