With over 1,000 remote courses available, summer is a great time to make progress toward a degree or try something new at Portland State University.
More than 9,700 new and returning students — 11 percent more than last summer — will be joining PSU for this year’s remote Summer Session. If you’re one of them: Welcome! Even if we can’t be together on campus this year, we’re still a strong Portland State community.
Here’s your guide to Summer Session 2020:
Remote learning
This year, all PSU summer courses will be taught remotely as part of our collective effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Courses include both classes that were originally designed to be taught online as well as courses that are traditionally offered face-to-face and have been redesigned to be taught remotely using a variety of online tools. During this evolutionary time, PSU faculty continue to innovate and discover new ways of teaching virtually.
To learn more about remote learning and how it works, visit myPSU. Be sure to check out the Student Guide to Learning Remotely while you’re there. The student guide contains information about how to access computers and the internet, how to use digital tools such as Zoom and Google Drive and how to get help if you run into problems.
Expanded pass/no pass grading options
Many academic units are expanding the pass/no pass (P/NP) option to many or most of their courses to create more flexibility for summer term. Learn more about P/NP policy changes.
Ways to connect
In a time of great uncertainty, one thing is certain: PSU has your back.
From academic advisors and writing consultants to cultural resource centers and financial services, PSU continues to offer students its wide range of support resources and services during Summer Session, and they’re all available from the comfort of your couch.
For example, many departments are using virtual appointments, chat and email.
Registration approvals can be done via email to departments or to registrar@pdx.edu, and you can book phone and Zoom appointments with academic advisors and with advisors from Financial Aid and the Financial Wellness Center.
Learn more about campus resources and how to access them.
Student groups have also found creative ways to connect virtually. Check out upcoming virtual campus events.
What’s open on campus?
While most campus services continue to operate remotely, some are available for in-person assistance. You can learn more about PSU’s response to the coronavirus and what it means for campus operations by checking out the Coronavirus Response website. There you will find a detailed list of campus services and how best to access them.
Now that Multnomah County is approved for a Phase 1 reopening, the PSU campus will also begin a gradual return. Please visit the Return to Campus website to learn more about what phased reopening will look like at Portland State.
Computer labs
The Millar Library and Fariborz Maseeh Hall (FMH) computer labs are open, with adjusted schedules. Before visiting, find available computers.
Masks are required to enter and use computer labs on campus. Disposable masks are available for visitors as needed.
Students can also use a personal laptop or desktop computer to connect to virtual computers that run a selection of academic software applications, at any time and from any location, using the Office of Information Technology (OIT)'s Virtual Computer Lab.
Facilities
The facilities front desk (located in suite 202 of the University Services Building) is now open Mondays and Wednesdays, 8am-11am.
Library
The Library’s Circulation Desk and 1st floor Computer Lab will be open limited hours to current students, faculty and staff. A PSU ID card is required to enter the building. All other library spaces are closed to promote social distancing.
The library is also offering term-long rentals of laptops and other equipment during summer term. Home delivery is available for books and equipment.
Learn more about the Library’s summer services.
PSU bookstore
Students can visit the PSU bookstore during posted service hours. Clerks can assist up to two students at one time in order to maintain proper social distancing.
Check online for up-to-date bookstore hours.
The PSU bookstore also accepts online orders, and orders over $65 receive free ground shipping.
PSU food pantry
The PSU food pantry has moved to the 5th Avenue Cinema and is available by appointment.
Student Health and Counseling (SHAC)
Phone evaluations and telehealth services are now available. In-person office visits for non-routine care are by appointment only. Telehealth counseling services are also available. Visit the SHAC website to learn more about current hours and services.
SHAC has also created a comprehensive webpage to help students navigate COVID-19. This page has a wide variety of mental health resources and information covering topics such as: managing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, surviving/resisting hate and more.
You may be familiar with SHAC’s Mind Spa, which is a room on campus where students can rest and relax at no charge. Since the physical space is currently not open, SHAC has created a virtual experience with all of the same benefits and unlimited access. Students can engage in guided mediation, breathing activities, coloring pages, mood trackers, guided yoga practices and more. Visit the Virtual Mind Spa.
Transportation and parking
The main transportation and parking services office (located on the SW 6th side of the Academic and Student Recreation Center) reopens June 22 and will be open Mondays through Thursdays, 10am-3pm.
The kiosk at parking structure one (PS1) reopens June 22 and will be open Mondays through Thursdays, 8am-1pm.
Photos by NashCo