Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens to my General Education credits if PSU eliminates University Studies?
Every class you have taken to date will count toward graduation. You will continue to have access to the required general education courses you need to graduate on your current timeline. Eliminating University Studies shifts the administration of General Education to the schools and colleges, it does not eliminate our holistic general education offerings or the requirements.
Will this impact the 2026-2027 schedule?
No. Any reduction in faculty or elimination of departments do not impact the 2026-2027 academic year. The schedule already exists for Fall 2026. Register now. Stay on your path.
Will my classes disappear or delay my graduation?
No. PSU will ensure that you get all of the courses you need to complete your degree on schedule. If adjustments are needed, your advisor or program director will work directly with you.
If my department is being reduced, will my degree requirements change?
It is possible. To ensure you can still graduate on time with a restructured department, you could see substitutions for certain course requirements or the merging of similar curriculum. While your specific pathway to graduation could look different than it does today, PSU guarantees that you will be able to earn your degree in your chosen field.
If my department is being eliminated, can I still graduate?
Yes. When a program is being eliminated, the university stops admitting new students to that program, and a degree completion, or “teach out” plan is created for every student currently enrolled. You will not be forced to change your major.
What is a completion plan?
If your degree program is eliminated or significantly restructured, the department will create a completion, or “teach out” plan for you. This is a formal roadmap that ensures you can still complete your degree — obtaining the skills you need for your career and the credits you need for graduation — without undue hardship. Your advisor or program director will support you through this plan. You will not be left to figure this out on your own.
Who can I talk to if I’m worried about these changes?
An undergraduate advisor or your graduate program director can help you understand what’s happening. You can also reach out to student services for emotional support.
Why is this happening now?
Like many universities, PSU is facing financial challenges due to changes in enrollment and rising costs. By making careful choices now, we can strengthen our departments and make sure PSU remains a strong, sustainable university for years to come.
How do faculty reductions help balance the budget?
Aligning the size of our academic departments with student enrollment helps the university focus its resources on the courses, services and support students want and need most. These alignments are one part of a much larger plan for the university that will ultimately strengthen the overall student experience and ensure PSU remains stable for current and future students.
In what other ways is the university addressing its budget shortfall?
Portland State University faces an estimated $35 million budget shortfall over two years (fiscal years 2026-2028) due to declining enrollment, rising costs, and flat support from the state. To address this shortfall and build a foundation for long-term financial sustainability, Portland State University established the Bridge to the Future 2.0 plan. In addition to changes to academic departments, the university is actively pursuing operational efficiencies.
What is PIVOT?
The Plan for Institutional Vitality and Organizational Transformation (PIVOT) is a multi-year initiative with the Office of Academic Affairs and Research & Graduate Studies to ensure PSU’s academic offerings, administrative structures and services align with its priorities in the context of our financial realities and PSU’s long-term financial sustainability goals.
PIVOT is organized into two tracks:
- Track 1 focuses on aligning PSU’s academic offerings with student demand, labor market needs, and institutional mission, while advancing student success, equity, and financial sustainability.
- Track 2 focuses on aligning resources allocated to academic support units, centers and institutes, and administrative structures within colleges, schools and central administrative areas. The goal is to reduce or eliminate redundancies, streamline operations, and enhance effectiveness.
If You Have Additional Questions
Your undergraduate academic advisor or graduate program director can help you understand what’s happening and reaffirm your pathway to a degree.