A New Way Forward for Students
PSU’s response to Oregon Gov. Kate Brown’s COVID-19 Freeze
Due to a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases, Gov. Kate Brown announced on Nov. 18 a statewide COVID-19 freeze, implementing new measures to limit gatherings and stop the rapid spread of COVID-19 across Oregon.
PSU meets or exceeds strict COVID-19 guidelines from the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, and with instructional activities exempt from the freeze, the new guidelines do not require changes to our academic operations. While very few classes currently meet in person at PSU, those that do can continue.
Portland State is implementing new measures affecting students that include:
- The Campus Rec Center is closed.
- The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at PSU is closed.
- Childcare operations are exempt from the governor’s freeze. Please check with your childcare center to learn more about their days and hours of operation.
- Students who travel out-of-state or out of the country will be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days upon their return. Students will not be penalized academically for in-person classes missed due to quarantine.
Because Portland State is located in Multnomah County where the COVID-19 freeze will last at least four weeks, these measures will last through at least Dec. 16.
Now is the time to put new ideas in action. It’s time to forget if and figure out how. It’s time to think bigger and bolder to create a new way forward, together.
Portland State is rising to the challenge of COVID-19 by developing new ways to learn, live and connect — on and off campus. To protect your health and well-being, nearly all our classes are remote, but our campus is open — with new safety measures — to provide student support.
That means you can participate in a variety of virtual class formats that best fit your work and family schedule, while getting the help you need to succeed. Together, we’ll adapt, recover, and stand up for tomorrow.
Campus formats
| Term | Format |
|---|---|
| Fall 2020 | Mostly remote |
| Winter 2021 | Mostly remote |
Support for remote learning
PSU faculty trained in summer 2020 with our Office of Academic Innovation to refine their remote teaching practices and help students thrive in a virtual environment. Students can also get one-on-one online support with virtual tutoring, academic coaching, writing help, and advising.
Resources on campus
Many student services are open on campus, including the library, study spaces, child care, housing, dining, and the Center for Student Health and Counseling (SHAC). Close to 900 students live on campus with a full slate of safeguards to address health and well being.
Your health and well-being come first
We’ve taken a number of steps to make campus spaces safer and to support your physical and mental health.
COVID-19 Testing at SHAC
- Two types of COVID-19 tests are available at the Center for Student Health and Counseling (SHAC) by appointment and after the appropriate screening by phone at 503-725-2800.
- The COVID-19 advice nurse provides free guidance on symptoms and testing to PSU students, faculty and staff at 503-725-2800.
Health Precautions on Campus
- Required self-check for COVID-19 symptoms before coming to campus.
- Physical distancing of at least 6 feet from others is required at PSU.
- Masks are required indoors and recommended outdoors. Disposable masks are available at many locations across campus for any person who may need one.
- Hand sanitizer and cleaning wipes are available throughout campus.
- Enhanced custodial services include more frequent cleaning of high-touch and high-traffic areas.
If you have symptoms
If you develop COVID-19 symptoms while on campus, you should immediately return home or isolate at The Center for Student Health and Counseling (SHAC) until you can return home or be transported to a healthcare facility.
Any PSU students, instructors of all types and staff may consult the COVID-19 advice nurse for free guidance on symptoms and for testing at 503-725-2800.
If you suspect you may have COVID-19, are awaiting test results or have been diagnosed, don’t come to campus. Complete the COVID-19 Reporting Form and a representative from SHAC Health Services will be in contact with you to initiate any campus-based contact tracing.
Student Health and Counseling (SHAC)
The Center for Student Health and Counseling (SHAC) is offering a mixture of telehealth and in-person office visits for counseling, dental and health services. All services are by appointment only.
Campus Rec
Stay active and manage stress with Campus Rec’s online fitness classes and virtual events. While the center is closed due to COVID-19 restrictions and Governor Kate Brown's statewide COVID-19 freeze, you can still access a variety of virtual recreation and wellbeing resources online!
Come to campus, safely
If you need a quiet place to study and better access to technology, you can come to campus to use study spaces and computer labs in Fariborz Maseeh Hall and the Library. Smith Memorial Student Union, Karl Miller Center and Cramer Hall will also be open with comprehensive health and safety precautions. You’ll need your PSU ID to access PSU buildings.
How to get your PSU ID
PSU ID cards are required to enter all buildings. If you need an ID card, come to Fariborz Maseeh Hall (FMH) from noon-2 p.m. on a Monday or Wednesday. If you’re not planning to be on campus during fall term, don’t sweat it. You can get your ID later.
Learning Environments
Learn about your course options
What is the difference between a remote class and an online class? Learn about the five course types available to Portland State students.
Get academic advice, virtually
Academic advisors can help you choose your classes and map your degree path. Book a phone or video appointment online 24/7 or at our virtual front desk at 503-725-3822, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Pass/No Pass grading option continues
Many courses are offered with a temporary Pass/No Pass (P/NP) grading option for fall term 2020 and winter term 2021. PSU expanded this option in spring and summer 2020 and continues it to give students more flexibility during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Learning Center Remote Resources
Academic Coaching
Free coaching can help you adjust to the remote environment and help with your academic goals, study strategies and motivation.
Writing Center
Schedule an appointment with a Writing Center consultant to receive assistance with your writing assignment.
Online & Remote Learning Support
Learn what it takes to be immersed in the remote learning environment. Enroll in a free self-paced course today.
Tutoring
Free remote drop-in hours and tutoring are available by appointment.
Campus Life
Library
PSU’s beautiful Millar Library is open with limited hours and access. Ask reference and research questions via online chat 24 hours a day and visit the library website to access robust databases, online articles and journals, and eBooks.
Housing and Residence Life
For those of you coming to live on campus, welcome! The staff at Housing & Residence Life is busy preparing for your safe arrival and for a rich living community when you arrive. Learn about safety protocols and how to get settled in once you arrive on campus.
Dining on campus
On-campus dining is open this fall with some limitations. Expect to-go meals, no self service and lots of reminders about common sense health and safety practices. PSU Eats has adjusted its procedures and cleaning protocols to ensure that students can eat well and stay safe this fall.
Smith Student Union
Your student union is open weekdays with physically distant study spaces, access to the PSU printer network, the University Market for snacks and supplies and reservable meeting spaces.
Technology & support
COMPUTER LABS & PRINTING
The PSU Library and Fariborz Maseeh Hall computer labs are open with adjusted schedules. Face coverings are required. Check the schedule before you plan your visit.
Equipment checkout
Get essential equipment for remote learning — including items such as laptops and Wi-Fi hotspots — with term-long checkouts available at the Circulation Desk in the PSU Library during open hours starting Sept. 14.
OIT Helpdesk
The Office of Information Technology online PSU Help Center can answer your technology questions 24/7. Our knowledgeable OIT Helpdesk is available seven days a week, 8 a.m. to midnight Pacific time, via phone, chat and remote appointment.
Student services
All of our campus resources are still here for you online and some are available on campus, although often with limited hours. Services are available by phone, chat, email, video, or in person. Please reach out to us. We’re happy to help.