Current Reps
You can reach the student reps via the Google Group: usp-studentreps-group@pdx.edu
Undergraduate Executive Committee
Brandon Barnhart
Ryan Backer
Erin White
Urban Studies Executive Committee
Vacant
MURP Executive Committee
Maura Paxton
Jesse Tapie
Faculty Meeting Liaisons
Silas Carr
Gabriel Quiñones - Zambrana
Ryan Backer
What do the student reps do?
As part of the “shared governance” process at PSU, each school/department of the university has its own faculty decision-making bodies that complement the Faculty Senate, student government, Board of Trustees etc. According to the bylaws of the School of Urban Studies and Planning, students are invited to serve alongside faculty on some of our committees, and to sit in on faculty meetings. Descriptions of the individual committees are below.
Student representatives are the link between students and the faculty, serving as a sounding board for peers, representing student experiences in committee meetings, reporting to students on committee activities, and elevating student concerns to the relevant decision-making body.
Executive Committees provide governance and oversight of academy programs and are deemed the committee of origination for all matters pertaining to curriculum development, curriculum review, and administration. There are three executive committees:
- Urban Studies (MUS and PhD)
- Master of Urban and Regional Planning
- Undergraduate (major and minor in Community Development, minor in Sustainable Urban Development, minor in Real Estate, cluster and undergraduate elective course)
The Belonging, Dignity, and Justice Committee works to make the School and its academic programs more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. These activities may relate, but are not limited, to: student recruitment and admissions procedures, curriculum design and content, and student climate
Faculty meeting liaisons attend faculty meetings and report back to students about the deliberations.
Annual Selection Process
Each Spring term, TSUSP sends out an email requesting nominations or self-nominations for student rep positions.
Following nominations, all TSUSP current students will be invited to vote for student reps in their specific program. Students within 12 credits of graduating are not eligible to vote.
Why serve?
Serving on a school committee is a great leadership and professional development opportunity because it lets you learn more about university governance and work with faculty and students in new ways. Committee service is an especially valuable experience for people who are interested in graduate school, policy issues, and/or increasing access to higher education. Students from underrepresented racial/ethnic/national, socioeconomic, gender/sexuality, age, and disability backgrounds are especially encouraged to participate. There is no monetary compensation for this service, but most student members find it a valuable component of their academic program.
Who’s eligible?
Student committee members must meet the following criteria:
- Enrolled in the relevant program in the School of Urban Studies and Planning
- Able to do ~5-8 hours of committee activity per month in a combination of group meetings and independent work
- Be available for meetings during standard working hours: have ~8-10 hours open on their typical weekly schedule from Monday-Friday 8.30am-5.30pm.
- Meetings will be scheduled based on committee member availability and part-time students and people with work and caregiving responsibilities are welcome to serve. However, if you have limited daytime availability, other leadership opportunities will be a better fit for you.
- Able to conduct outreach to fellow students and represent the diversity of student perspectives in committee meetings.
- Willing to employ a racial equity lens for decision-making in the School.
The best committee members are open-minded and dedicated to creating a more inclusive School for all students, staff, and faculty. Being organized, communicative, and curious about the experiences of your fellow students are essential capacities for this role.