Student Academic Support Services

Portland Scholars

Portland Scholars Admission Requirement

All incoming first year students whose cumulative unweighted high school GPA is below a 3.0 are required to successfully complete one of the options listed below applicable to their start term. The Scholars program project coordinator will check registration records to confirm all students who meet the criteria fulfill the relevant requirement for their start term. If you do not successfully complete the applicable requirement, your admission to PSU will be rescinded.

These programs are intended to prepare students for the rigors of college and are designed to introduce students to PSU, the resources that we offer, and support for exploring majors while completing credits that go toward their PSU degree. Holistic year-round support is provided through peer mentoring and dedicated advising and tutoring, and unique opportunities for customized personal development.

If you submit final transcripts that reflect a cumulative, unweighted GPA of a 3.0 or higher, you will not be required to complete the program.

If you are required to participate in the program, Portland Scholars details will be provided via email and in your Admitted Student Portal. Log in to view your portal and next steps for enrollment.

Fall & Summer Term Admits

Enroll in a Portland Scholars First Year Inquiry cohort AND complete one of the following:

  • Participate in the Portland Summer Scholars program in September 2026. This free program is available to students admitted for summer or fall term on or before June 15 but space is limited, so confirm your participation as soon as possible.

    OR
     
  • Complete UNST 194: College Success (3 credits) during your first term at PSU.

You will receive more information via email when it becomes available.

Winter Term Admits

  • Enroll in the condensed First Year Inquiry cohort AND
  • Complete UNST 194: College Success (3 credits) during your first term at PSU.

Spring Term Admits

  • Complete UNST 194: College Success (3 credits) during your first term at PSU.

PSU will pre-register you for these courses prior to the first day of the term. No action is required on your part.

Participants in one of the following retention programs must enroll in a Portland Scholars First Year Inquiry cohort, but are not required to complete either UNST 194 or the Portland Summer Scholars program: ACCESS, EMPOWER, GANAS, INSPIRE, NATIONS, or TRIO SSS  (Only students admitted for the fall term who have applied and been admitted to these programs to participate).

Notifications

If you are required to participate in the Portland Scholars program, you will be notified via email. If you submit final high school transcripts with an unweighted 3.0 GPA or higher or demonstrate that you are eligible for admission as a transfer applicant, you will not be required to participate in the program and will receive an email notification.

Portland Scholars College Success Course

We are excited to welcome you to our community. The Portland Scholars program was intentionally designed to provide perks, benefits, and enhancements to your first year at PSU.

  • Embedded resources to make it easier for you to learn how to navigate campus
  • An assigned Scholars Academic Support Specialist to help you with any questions or concerns
  • Pre-registration preferred FRINQ topic, aligning with the availability you provided
  • Pre-registration for your preferred section of the College Success course
  • Tailored outreach throughout the term to connect you to resources
  • Invitations to events and other opportunities around campus throughout the academic year

Contact

If you have questions or would like to connect about your participation in the program contact the Portland Scholars team at portlandscholars@pdx.edu.

Admissions or Next Steps Questions? Email admissions@pdx.edu.

Housing Questions? Email housing@pdx.edu.