PSU's role as an urban university has encouraged the development of innovations in the delivery of student services. While providing many services that may be found at more traditional institutions, student affairs professional at PSU have responded to the needs of the diversity of students enrolled in the university. From the coadmissions programs with metropolitan area community colleges to creative health and wellness programs, PSU provides an enriching and supportive environment for its students.

Here are some recent accomplishments:

The Office of Admissions, Records and Financial Aid has increased aid disbursement to more needy students by creating a scholarship handbook and a full time position to support a scholarship program. This scholarship handbook allows more than 20,000 students and community stakeholders the opportunity to explore more scholarship opportunities and to gain access to higher education at PSU. Prior to 1999 this resource opportunity was not available to current students or future students seeking financial support.

The Office of Information and Academic Support Center has developed several community college partnerships in academic and personal advising with all the Portland Metro community colleges. Minority students, single parents, veterans, returning students, students with disabilities and nontraditional students are given greater access to higher education. This program allows community college students with limited resources to seek information on transferring to PSU, gaining financial aid, gaining admissions, and choosing an academic major without leaving the local community college campus.

The Career Center has developed a website called CareerConnect that offers current PSU students and Alumni information on jobs, resume development, career fairs, graduate school opportunities, and nonprofit professional jobs. Students require less one-on-one contact with career counselors and can gather information from home or at work.

These new student services programs have allowed PSU students to develop a sense of belonging in a university community that is uniquely designed to serve diverse students inside and outside the classroom. This is fundamental to students' success at Portland State University.