Frequently Asked Questions about PSU Resources and Policies
What support services and resources are available for students concerned about safety?
If you experience discrimination, please contact the Office of Global Diversity and Inclusion at 503-725-5919. If it involves another student, please contact the Dean of Student Life at 503-725-4422. In cases of threats or harassment, contact the Campus Public Safety Office at 503-725-4404 for emergencies, 503-725-4407 for non-emergencies.
What about resources for faculty and staff?
Faculty and staff also can access the Office of Global Diversity and Inclusion in cases of possible discrimination. Other resources include the Employee Assistance Program, a free resource for employees and their family members experiencing personal problems, and the employee relations team in Human Resources, which deals with labor-management issues.
What services are available to students in crisis?
The Center for Student Health and Counseling (SHAC) provides mental and physical health services to PSU students and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The CARE Team is a multi-disciplinary team of professionals at PSU who help students in distress or crisis by connecting them to campus and community support services.
What cultural support is available on campus for Muslim students?
The Muslim Student Association (MSAPSU) promotes Islamic awareness and creates an environment where Muslims can feel comfortable practicing their faith. For more information, contact the group at msapsu@pdx.edu or find them on Facebook. Also visit the Multicultural Student Center.
All PSU students, regardless of religion, can access the Quiet Prayer and Meditation Lounge in room O47 in Smith Memorial Student Union. It’s open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
What cultural support is available for students of color?
Diversity and Multicultural Student Services oversees support programs across campus, including the Multicultural Student Center, the campus hub for cultural and social student support. Other centers include La Casa Latina, the Native American Student & Community Center and the new Pan-African Commons and Pacific Islander/Asian/Asian-American Center
What support is available for LGBTQ students?
The Queer Resource Center provides education, outreach, resources, support and regular events.
What cultural support is available for international students?
The Office of International Student and Scholar Services provides immigration advice, information on religious and cultural resources in metro Portland and the services of an international student life team, which offers advice on housing, finances and other issues.
What services are available to students who have experienced sexual harassment or sexual assault?
Interpersonal Violence (IPV) Advocates at 503-725-5652 are confidential and can help students make a safety plan, receive assistance with their academic and housing, make a report or connect students to on or off campus resources.
What about other student support?
In addition to the health, crisis and cultural centers listed above, students can get support at Women’s Resource Center, Veterans Resource Center, Disability Resource Center and Services for Students with Children.
What rules apply to student behavior and what are the consequences of violations?
PSU students are governed by the Student Code of Conduct, which details the policies and procedures of behavior and discipline steps. It prohibits harassment or discrimination of any kind. If you think you have been targeted because of your ethnicity, religion or have experienced other discrimination, please contact the Office of Global Diversity and Inclusion. If you have questions or concerns about student conduct, contact the Dean of Student Life.
What is the policy of PSU toward free speech if it is offensive?
Political speech itself is generally protected by the First Amendment. We must respect the rights of all members of our university community to voice viewpoints that are different from our own, even when we find such views to be offensive. PSU fosters an environment that encourages free expression and robust debate. However, the right to free speech does not provide anyone with permission to act in a way contrary to the law or to university policies. Harassment, intimidation, discrimination, threats or similar actions will not be tolerated and should be reported to the appropriate campus office as detailed earlier in this FAQ. Individuals responsible for such behaviors can and will be held accountable for their actions.