I will be turning 65 in a few months, can I audit?
Auditing is open to Oregon residents 65 years of age and older. These requirements were set by the Oregon Legislature to allow seniors to audit classes at public universities. If you are turning 65 in the term you wish to audit you can apply and audit that term. For example, if you are turning 65 in February you can audit a winter term class even though you will only be 64 when classes start.
I live in Vancouver, and would like to audit courses at PSU.
Unfortunately, Washington residents are not permitted to audit at PSU, as Oregon House Bill 2011 only applies to Oregon residents. The Washington State Legislature passed a similar law, which their residents can take advantage of. Below are some websites for programs for seniors in Washington.
WSU - Vancouver campus
UW (ACCESS Program)
Washington State Law
Why do I have a hold on my account?
SALC Hold
This hold is applied to all senior auditors' accounts, and it prevents PSU from charging you tuition. It will remain on your account as long as you are an auditor. The hold is also a reminder that you cannot register yourself online for classes, but that you need to follow the SALC registration process. The hold may seem alarming, but it is a "good hold". Disregard this hold as it will always be there and will never go away.
Measles Hold
You may have a measles hold if you have not met the measles vaccination requirement that all students born on or after 1/1/1957 need to complete. This hold needs to be satisfied with the Student Health and Counseling Center (SHAC). More information and instructions can be found on the SHAC website or by emailing them.
https://www.pdx.edu/health-counseling/measles
Contact: vaccines@pdx.edu
How do I pay my account balance?
You can pay your balance online on your my.pdx.edu dashboard, pay in person, or pay by mail. More information and instructions can be found on the PSU student finances webpage.
Why am I being charged fees?
Auditors do not need to pay tuition but they are responsible for any additional fee for the class. Many labs, language, art history, and online classes have additional fees you are responsible for. Online classes have a $22/credit hour additional fee (4 credit classes=$88 fee).
How do I know if I am registered?
You can check your course registration by logging into your myPSU account. (Note: your registration may take up to 24 hours to process after sending your instructor's approval to SALC.)
Checking Registration via myPSU
- Go to my.pdx.edu
- Log in with your ODIN credentials
- On the left hand side choose Academics
- From the drop down menu next to weekly schedule choose the term you are interested in
- This should show your upcoming term enrollments.
I am registered, but I don’t see anything in Canvas.
Once you are registered for your course, you will be added to the Canvas class, however you may not see the content right away. Instructors generally do not release their course content until the first week of the term. (Please be patient, as each instructor does it differently.) Wait until the first week of classes, and if you are still not seeing the course content, let the instructor know.
Learn more about Canvas.
When/where do I get my ID card?
You CANNOT obtain an ID card unless you are registered for a class. Once you are registered you can get your ID card in the Fairborz Maseeh Hall (FMH). Please bring a government ID with you.
More information including hours can be found on ID services website
How do I update my contact information with PSU?
You can update personal information on myPSU:
- Log into My PDX (my.pdx.edu)
- In the right corner, click on your name next to your initials
- In the second box, click on the information you want to update
- Enter your new contact information or necessary information
- Click verify or submit
When can I sign up for classes next term?
We update our front page with registration information each term.
You can also check out the PSU academic calendar. Look for registration dates for "non degree students". Auditors are considered non degree students.
I've written to my professor but haven't heard back?
Generally, allow professors a few days to respond to your initial request to audit, especially during school breaks and holidays. If you don't hear anything, you can email them again. If you still don't hear back, you can email SALC and ask us about it. Sometimes you will not get a response at all, or the instructor will not be able to accept auditors, and it will be necessary to move on to your second or third choice class.
What perks are available to me as a senior auditor?
These perks are available to auditors that are currently registered for at least 1 credit.
- Use of the Millar Library
- Use of general-access computer labs at several campus locations (see PSU's Computer Lab Overview). An ODIN account is required to use campus computers.
- Use of the Campus Recreation Center- including gym, pool, and group exercise classes- for a $35/ month fee. Sign up at the Rec Center, 1800 SW 6th Ave, second floor.
- Discounts on PSU events, theater, and concerts. Event information and tickets are available online or at the box office located in the Smith Memorial Student Union, 1825 SW Broadway, Room 120.
- Discounts on PSU sports events. Auditors are required to show a current class registration confirmation or student ID card for ticketed events.
- A PSU gmail account (available through your ODIN computer account).
- Student parking permit rates at campus lots. However, permits are expensive, and auditors must have proof of current class enrollment at the time of application. A permit does not guarantee a parking space.
- Discounts and programs offered through PSU's Alumni Association.
How can I learn about events happening around campus?
- Join the SALC emailing list, we offer SALC specific events for auditors. Email us (salc@pdx.edu) if you would like to be added to the list.
- PSU events calendar. This has all PSU events, there are great events happening every day!
How do I join SALC? How do I register for classes?
If I don't take classes for a term will I still have access to campus buildings?
No, your ID card will deactivate when the term ends and you will not be able to access locked campus buildings. Once you register for a class your ID card will automatically reactivate (allow 24 hours for reactivation). You need to be registered for at least 1 credit to have building access.
Why isn't my PSU Gmail working?
PSU deactivates student accounts 1 year after your last class was taken. If you register for a class, your email will be reactivated. Additionally, new auditors will not get a PSU Gmail until they register for a class.
What is an ODIN account?
Your PSU online account is known as your ODIN account. All admitted students, faculty, and staff receive an ODIN account which is used to access most online PSU services (such as WI-FI, myPSU, Google Workspace, Canvas, and computer labs). Your ODIN username is generally a combination of your first and last name, and the password is a unique password of your choosing.
Instructions for setting up your ODIN account
Please note, on the instructions it encourages you to set up Duo 2 step authentication. If you are unsure how to use Duo you can skip this step when setting up your account.
What is myPSU?
MyPSU is the student services online dashboard. You can pay fees online, look at the class schedule, see what classes you have taken before, update your contact information, and find PSU events and resources. Additionally, this dashboard links you to all PSU student resources you will need, such as Canvas, the Library, and myPSU. Use your ODIN log in to sign in to myPSU.
Website: my.pdx.edu
What is Canvas?
Canvas is the online learning platform that professors use to upload their course materials. Most professor use Canvas in their classes. Instructors will upload their syllabus, weekly readings, videos, resources, and other information. Additionally, many professors solely communication with students via Canvas announcements, this includes posting about possible classroom location changes and canceled classes. It's important to check Canvas regularly to make sure you aren't missing any important announcements.
Canvas Website
Canvas help instructions from PSU.