Portland Scholars

Portland Scholars Admission Requirement

All incoming first year students whose cumulative unweighted high school GPA is below a 3.0 are required to successfully complete one of the options listed below applicable to their start term. The Scholars program project coordinator will check registration records to confirm all students who meet the criteria fulfill the relevant requirement for their start term. If you do not successfully complete the applicable requirement, your admission to PSU will be rescinded.

These programs are intended to prepare students for the rigors of college and are designed to introduce students to PSU, the resources that we offer, and support for exploring majors while completing credits that go toward their PSU degree. Holistic year-round support is provided through peer mentoring and dedicated advising and tutoring, and unique opportunities for customized personal development.

If you submit final transcripts that reflect a cumulative, unweighted GPA of a 3.0 or higher, you will not be required to complete the program.

Participants in one of the following retention programs must enroll in a Portland Scholars First Year Inquiry cohort, but are not required to complete either UNST 194 or the Portland Summer Scholars program: ACCESS, EMPOWER, GANAS, INSPIRE, NATIONS, or TRIO SSS (students must apply and be admitted to these programs to participate).

Notifications

If you are required to participate in the Portland Scholars program, you will be notified via email.

If you are required to participate in the program, the Portland Scholars event will be included on your Admitted Student Checklist on your Admitted Student Portal. Log in to view your portal and next steps for enrollment. Detailed information for participants will be shared via email leading up to the program.
 

Portland Summer Scholars

September 9-19, 2025

The Portland Summer Scholars program is a free two-course program September 9-19, 2025. Students earn four free credits upon completion of the program. Students who are admitted to PSU for fall term on or before June 15, 2025 will have the option to complete the free summer program to meet the condition of their admission to PSU. Students can participate in the two-week summer course on a first come, first serve basis until all spots are filled. On-campus housing will also be available on a limited basis.

• Portland Summer Scholars is a positive and engaging learning environment. Learning occurs in a learner-centered classroom, meaning YOU are the center of what we do. 
• Students who successfully complete the summer earn four free credits. Working with an advisor, you’ll enroll in courses designed to ensure a solid foundation for future studies.
• Each day will bring new and exciting activities, guest speakers, panels, projects, and ways to connect with the PSU campus. Students should be prepared to spend approximately 14-20 hours per week outside of class doing assignments.
• Classes will take place Monday-Friday, 9:30 am-3:30 pm. Lunch will be provided. We offer optional evening and weekend activities during Portland Scholars such as cosmic bowling and movie & game nights. 

Summer Coursework
You will be taking two college-level courses designed to introduce you to PSU, the resources that we offer, and begin exploring your major pathway. The first course that all Portland Scholars will take is an Academic Skills course, designed to ease the transition from high school to college. Your second course is intended to introduce you to what it means to be a scholar in your chosen field of study.

• UNST 199: Academic Success (2 credits)  9:30 AM-12:30 PM
• UNST 199: Exploring Pathways at PSU (2 credits) 1:30-3:30 PM