The Office of Student Affairs provides a variety of services to meet the diverse needs of Portland State students. Portland State is the most ethnically diverse institution in the Oregon University System and its student body represents a wide range of ages, experiences, and backgrounds. The wide range of services provided presents particular challenges to Student Affairs personnel, particularly in the context of continuing budget reductions and limitations in space and facilities.
Complementary copies of the Portland State Bulletin, which is the University's catalog, and the Schedule of Classes are now available at new-student orientation, and also are available online and at the University Bookstore. The Bulletin includes information on graduation requirements, course descriptions, university policies, student rights and responsibilities, and services. These materials, and the student conduct code, are also available on the University's website.
Enhanced use of information technology has helped the University to provide information to students in readily accessible formats. Students have online access to the Course Applicability System (CAS) for evaluating their transfer credits, and the Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS), for evaluating their progress toward fulfilling degree requirements. Co-admission programs facilitate transfer of credits to the University for community college students. An improved system for special admission appeals is now in place, and Financial Aid has added new positions and reorganized to better serve students.
It should be noted that in Fall 2004, Financial Aid was moved from the Office of Student Affairs to Finance and Administration to better coordinate the business functions of Financial Aid. Coordination with OSA is maintained through Admissions and Advising services.
Several new developments have occurred in academic advising and academic support. Through the Presidential Advising Initiative, the institution has provided additional resources to support new departmental advising models. The University also gives attention to the needs of special cohorts of students, such as out-of-state or international students. Services are continuing through the Educational Opportunity Program, which provides support to first-generation and low-income college students. In addition, a Skills Enhancement and Tutoring Center has been established, staffed by a full-time professional. The Disability Resource Center has added two positions, a new Multicultural Center has been developed and staffed, and the Educational Equity Programs department now offers a one-credit orientation course to support recipients of the Diversity Achievement Scholarship. In response to student feedback, the Office of Student Affairs has also established new positions in the Student Activities and Leadership Program.
New Student Week provides special events and opportunities to introduce students to campus services and opportunities. During Welcome Week, volunteers (including faculty, staff, and returning students) are available across the campus to answer questions. In 2003, 116 volunteers donated over 225 hours and answered more than 3,300 questions over a three-day period.
Following student requests, Student Affairs completed an assessment of the need for expanded health and counseling services, which resulted in the development of a new facility. An assessment of Campus Public Safety services will be conducted during 2005.
Students participate in University policy and decision-making either through the Associated Students of Portland State University, clubs and organizations, or campus wide committees. Student leadership positions are filled through student elections or by appointment through the Associated Students of Portland State University, or by faculty or administrators. Student also participate in institutional governance through student organizations and representation on University committees.
As part of on-going efforts to communicate student opportunities for involvement, student rights and responsibilities, and student services, Student Affairs is acting to establish mandatory e-mail contact with incoming students, develop an internet "portal" to individualize information for specific students and cohorts of students, and to develop methods to identify appropriate and adequate services for student and monitor their use and effectiveness.
Back To Top
Click the below links to access sub-sections.
Printer Friendly Format
