Value Proposition Work Group

Shaping Futures, Building Community: The Portland State Promise

The following is a draft profile of PSU and a list of the distinctive benefits we provide our students, staff, faculty, and community. 

Please submit any questions or comments about this part of the Strategic Planning process via this feedback form.

Profile of PSU

As an urban research university in the heart of Portland, Portland State University (PSU) offers a one-of-a-kind educational experience that seamlessly integrates academic excellence with the vibrant, dynamic city we call home. Our unique approach to education bridges the gap between academic pursuits and real-world application, leveraging Portland's rich and diverse ecosystem of employers, community organizations, and cultural institutions. PSU is committed to making high-quality education accessible to a diverse student body, including transfer students, mid-career professionals, and traditional learners. Our curriculum is designed to consider students' unique needs, backgrounds, and experiences while maintaining the integrity and rigor of their education. Enriched by hands-on research, internships, and community-engaged projects, our programs prepare students for successful careers and ensure they can meet the challenges of today's job market with practical skills and lower debt.

At PSU, diversity, equity, and inclusion are more than just ideals; they are integral to our campus culture, fostering a vibrant community where every student feels valued, welcomed, and supported. "Let knowledge serve the city" is our motto and mission, driving us to engage students in applied research, service learning, and civic engagement projects that address fundamental societal issues and challenges. Through these experiences, students contribute to the community, build professional networks, and develop a deep sense of civic responsibility. As a hub of arts and culture, PSU also offers students opportunities to explore their creativity and connect with the professional arts scene, enriching their educational journey and personal growth. In this way, PSU educates and inspires students to lead, create, and innovate, making a lasting impact on Portland and beyond.

Student Value Propositions

Diversity and Economic Mobility in Action (DEI)

At PSU, we embrace diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic background, and abilities. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion positions us as a leader in the Pacific Northwest. We foster a vibrant community where every student's unique perspective is valued. We prioritize an inclusive environment that acknowledges and supports students' realities, offering culturally responsive academic and career guidance. Our approach includes designing course schedules and degree programs that consider students’ family, work, and life commitments without compromising the integrity and rigor of their education. By strategically aligning our curricula to address the complex demands of our students' lives, PSU creates meaningful pathways to social and economic mobility, preparing students to develop sustainable solutions for today's global challenges. 

Short version: At PSU, we embrace diversity of thought, culture, and orientation because it is foundational to education. We foster an inclusive community where every voice is valued, providing culturally responsive support and considering students' life commitments in our course and program designs. Our commitment extends beyond campus, preparing students for global challenges and promoting social and economic mobility with a focus on sustainable solutions.

Possible Proof Point: Our commitment is measured by year-over-year increased diversity in student and faculty populations, enhanced participation in culturally responsive programs, and increased graduation rates among underrepresented groups, reflecting our drive toward inclusive excellence and social mobility.

Affordable Career-Forward Excellence (Affordability, Adaptability, and Career Outcomes)

Our unique programs, including our four-year free education initiative, make higher education more accessible. Our degrees are designed to launch students into successful careers, informed by the latest industry trends and insights from Portland's diverse employer landscape. We prioritize employer-engaged education, offering students hands-on projects and internships that expose them to real-world challenges, sharpening their job market readiness. Our approach bridges classroom learning with practical application, facilitated by strong employer partnerships that translate into employment opportunities. This hands-on approach prepares our students to enter the job market with higher earnings and lower debt than their peers. 

Short version: Our affordable excellence model combines quality education with practical, hands-on learning experiences, including research, internships, and community projects. This approach ensures students face fewer financial barriers, remain engaged, and gain the skills necessary for successful careers, leading to higher earnings and lower debt. Our graduates' high employment rates and employer satisfaction are a testament to the effectiveness of our approach and strategy.

Possible Proof Point:  Our commitment to affordable career-forward excellence is demonstrated by our consistently high rankings for social mobility, the success of our graduates in securing well-paying jobs within their first year, and the positive feedback from employers regarding our alumni's job readiness and adaptability in the workplace.

Community-Integrated Learning (Place and Community and Civic Engagement)

At PSU, Portland and the Pacific Northwest serve as vibrant extensions of our campus. We deeply embed education within the urban and cultural fabric of the region. Recognizing the importance of community, especially for our BIPOC students who often maintain close ties with family and cultural groups, we ensure our education is not only accessible but also deeply connected to these essential support networks and communities. Our approach enables students to tackle societal challenges through partnerships with nonprofits, government entities, and businesses while engaging with the rich arts and culture scenes. This immersive learning experience, supported by expert faculty, enriches students' academic paths and strengthens their ties to professional and cultural communities. PSU prepares students to lead with a profound understanding of and commitment to the diverse communities of the Pacific Northwest, fostering urban innovation and sustainability.

Short version: Our urban campus immerses students in Portland's diverse fabric, transforming the city into a dynamic, living classroom. This immersive experience, coupled with close collaboration with expert faculty, prepares students to tackle real-world challenges, lead with a deep understanding of and commitment to diverse communities, enhance their career readiness, and build civic leadership skills.

Possible Proof Point: Our impact is evidenced by the increasing number and diversity of community-based projects completed by our students, the depth of their engagement with local organizations, and the growing recognition of their measurable contributions to urban innovation and sustainability in the Pacific Northwest. The success stories of civic leadership among our graduates further validate the impact.

Empowerment Through Support and Connection (Support and Connection and Belonging)

We empower our students with integrated and culturally responsive academic support and career preparation that is adaptable to their unique starting points and provides them with the tools for a smooth path to degree completion and skill development. We offer learning communities, streamlined transfer credit processes, academic roadmaps, and culturally responsive student services. We acknowledge our students' diverse challenges and experiences and foster an environment for thriving, which includes opportunities to work closely with faculty, engage in peer mentorship programs, join diverse student clubs, participate in inclusive events, contribute to community service projects, and access culturally specific support services. We ensure every student has the support they need to succeed academically and professionally.

Short version: At PSU, we empower students to navigate their academic journey successfully while celebrating their diversity. We offer adaptable and culturally responsive support services, streamlined transfer processes, and comprehensive advising. We ensure every student is connected from start to finish, feels part of our vibrant community, celebrates diversity as our strength, and paves the way for academic and professional success.

Possible Proof Point: Our commitment to student empowerment is evidenced by the utilization rates of our support services, success rates in degree completion, and feedback on the effectiveness of our culturally responsive programs. Additionally, student involvement in clubs, mentorship programs, and community service reflects the strength of our supportive and inclusive campus environment.

Creative Synergy (place, community engagement, and Career Outcomes)

At PSU, we're at the forefront of arts and culture, reflecting Portland's dynamic and diverse creative energy. Our campus is alive with contemporary artistic activities, from immersive gallery exhibitions showcasing underrepresented artists to cutting-edge film screenings exploring diverse perspectives, integrating seamlessly with Portland's vibrant cultural landscape. We offer inclusive platforms for student and faculty creativity, fostering collaborations with local artists and innovators from various backgrounds. These interactions cultivate a deep appreciation for the rich tapestry of modern arts and equip students with valuable creative production and arts management skills, enhancing their academic journey and personal development while preparing them to contribute to a more equitable and inclusive creative economy.

Short version: PSU, reflecting Portland's diverse creative vibrancy, immerses students in inclusive arts and culture experiences through exhibitions, screenings, and collaborations with artists and performers from various backgrounds. This enriches education and personal growth by honing creative and managerial skills while fostering a more equitable creative workforce and economy.

Possible Proof Point: Our impact is measured by the diversity of our arts and culture programming, the engagement levels in student-faculty collaborations with the local arts community, and the success of our graduates in entering and influencing the creative economy. Feedback from students and community partners further validates our role in promoting an inclusive and vibrant arts culture.

Faculty and Staff Value Propositions

Innovative Teaching and Research Opportunities

At PSU, faculty members thrive in an environment that values and supports the development of innovative teaching and groundbreaking research at the Pacific Northwest’s premiere minority-serving university. With our emphasis on engaged research and interdisciplinary collaboration, faculty have unique opportunities to apply their research to real-world challenges, directly impacting the city of Portland and to effect meaningful change. PSU supports faculty with resources and flexibility to explore new teaching methods, engage in meaningful and impactful research, and contribute significantly to their disciplines.

Community Impact and Engagement

As part of the PSU community, faculty and staff members can engage with and make a tangible difference in the Portland area. Whether supporting student services, participating in community projects, engaging in institutional committees that inform policy, or contributing to the university's sustainability initiatives, our staff and faculty are integral to PSU's role as a community leader and innovator.

Community/ City Value Propositions

A Catalyst for Economic Development and Social Mobility

PSU is a key creator of diverse talent, driving economic development and enhancing social mobility across Portland and the Pacific Northwest. Our commitment to fostering a varied and inclusive talent pool propels the city's growth and aids local organizations in diversifying their workforce, enriching the community's economic and cultural fabric. By equipping students with the skills needed in the region’s workforce, we help local companies thrive and open doors for individuals to reskill and upskill, adapting to the evolving job market. Our commitment to education and innovation fosters a prosperous community where opportunity and growth go hand in hand.

Partnering for Prosperity

As Portland's premier educational and research institution, PSU engages with local businesses and organizations to spur economic growth and advance workforce development. Our curricula, crafted alongside the city’s leading employers, generate skilled graduates ready to bolster the local economy. With focused initiatives, we champion upskilling and reskilling, empowering our community to meet future challenges and seize opportunities confidently.

A Partner in Urban Innovation

PSU is more than an educational institution; we partner in urban innovation and sustainability. Through collaborative research projects, service learning, convening, and community engagement initiatives, PSU works hand-in-hand with local organizations, businesses, and government agencies to address critical urban challenges and enhance the well-being of the Portland community.

Cultural and Economic Contributor

PSU contributes to Portland's cultural vibrancy and economic vitality by hosting arts and cultural events, driving industry-inspired research and innovation, and preparing a skilled workforce adept at addressing complex questions faced by regional employers. Our commitment to applied, use-inspired research ensures that we contribute to the city's growth and solve real-world industry challenges. Our commitment to public service and community engagement makes PSU a key partner in driving the city's progress and prosperity.

Members

Resources

 PSU Value Proposition Work Group - Creating Value Propositions