PORTLAND STATE VANGUARD
VOLUME 71 • ISSUE 6 • AUGUST 2, 2016
ORIENTATION ORIENTATION
GUIDE 2016
Swimming in homework? No worries, we got you, boo. The Vanguard will also be here all freaking summer.
psuvanguard.com @psuvanguard
ORIENTATION + CALENDAR CAMPUS NAVIGATION + RESOURCE CENTERS ENTERTAINMENT ACADEMIC RESOURCES Q+A WITH THE PRESIDENT
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MISSION STATEMENT: The Vanguard’s mission is to serve the Portland State community with timely, accurate, comprehensive and critical content while upholding high journalistic standards. In the process, we aim to enrich our staff with a quality, hands-on journalism education and a number of skills that are highly valued in today’s job market. EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jeoffry Ray editor@psuvanguard.com
MANAGING EDITOR Molly Ozier managingeditor@psuvanguard.com
ASSOCIATE NEWS EDITOR Jon Raby associatenews@psuvanguard.com
MULTIMEDIA MANAGER Andy Ngo multimedia@psuvanguard
NEWS EDITOR Jessica Pollard news@psuvanguard.com
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Hunter Sharp production@psuvanguard.com
ADVERTISING MANAGER Stuart Neuberger neub@pdx.edu
ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Daniel Finnegan arts@psuvanguard.com
PHOTO EDITOR Silvia Cardullo photo@psuvanguard.com
ADVERTISING DESIGNER Sam Hicks
OPINION EDITOR Brie Barbee opinion@psuvanguard.com INTERNATIONAL EDITOR Serina Hersey international@psuvanguard.com
ONLINE EDITOR Tim Sullivan online@psuvanguard.com COPY CHIEF Chelsea Lobey copy@psuvanguard.com
DESIGNERS Lauren Chapluk Terra Dehart Elise Furlan Rachel Goldstein Aaron Osborn CONTRIBUTORS Emily Barnes
Gray Bouchat Joan Brown Alex-Jon Earl Shelby Hemphill Catherine Johnson Alanna Madden Molly Simas Thomas Spoelhof Nicholas Tool CONTRIBUTORS Joan Brown Jamon Sin Roosevelt Sowka ADVERTISING SALES Cody Layton ADVISER Reaz Mahmood
ADVERTISING ADVISER Ann Roman The Vanguard is published weekly as an independent student newspaper governed by the PSU Student Media Board. Views and editorial content expressed herein are those of the staff, contributors and readers and do not necessarily represent those of the PSU student body, faculty, staff or administration.
Editor’s note: “Sexual assault ‘vastly underreported,’ say 30 U.S. Senators” — Julie Caron is the associate vice president of Global Diversity & Inclusion, not the vice president.
ORIENTATION & CALENDAR
WELCOME NEW FRIENDS, TO PORTLAND STATE’S STUDENT RUN PUBLICATION, THE VANGUARD— You’re probably nervous as hell right now–palms sweating, trying to look like you’re busy on your phone when you’re really just a lost puppy, trying to remember where the hell your class is (sidebar: you gotta walk 15 minutes or take the streetcar to get to CLSB—sorry, homie). We get it, we’ve all been there. Don’t you worry bout a thing, sweet thang. We’re here to explain what the heck all those weird acronyms stand for (CLSB: Collaborative Life Sciences Building, CPSO: Campus Public Safety Officers, ASPSU: Associated Students of Portland State University), where to eat when you’re broke, and how to get around this glorious city. This is your Orientation Guide. Inside you will find a map that includes where your classes are, how to navigate financial aid, where to go when you have a boo boo (Student Health and Counseling, or SHAC), and where to get some free goodies! Stick around, we’ll be here all year. Vanguard out (drops mic)! MOLLY OZIER –Managing editor
SPREAD YOUR WINGS YOUNG FLEDGLINGS ARE YOU THE OUTDOORSY TYPE? Do you enjoy doing homework accompanied by mother nature? If you answered yes to these questions, or your interest was just piqued, the Portland State Outdoor Orientation is the one for you. Unlike your standard orientation, this one will take you through the forest and into the woods, to help you fresh men and women meet a community of people with similar interests. For the first time ever, this four-day orientation begins on Wednesday, September 21 and continues until Saturday, September 24. After touring what our campus has to offer you (resource centers, sustainability initiatives), you’re gonna venture off the beaten campus paths and onto the 4T trails within our city limits to gain a sense of your
MEET YOUR CAMPUS AND MOTHER NATURE ON THIS FOUR DAY ORIENATION MOLLY OZIER
surroundings that you wouldn’t get on any old standard tour. But that’s not all, folks! We still have three days to fill (or have you not been paying attention?). Thursday through Saturday, you will be submerged in the great Oregon greenery and learn about all the essentials to backpacking from experienced veterans. You will learn to feel at ease in the wilderness while carrying all your essentials on your back. Get to know about the natural environment while
learning tips and tricks to survive in our natural habitat. Even though you may be noobs, the purpose of this orientation is to make you less of a noob. And who wouldn’t want that? Get to know your city way better than any other frosh. Find out things from seniors who’ve been here far longer than you.
PHOTOS BY SERINA HERSEY/PSU VANGUARD
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PSU Vanguard • AUGUST 2, 2016 • psuvanguard.com
TO ENROLL CONTACT: CHRIS BULLARD,
OUTDOOR PROGRAM ASSISTANT COORDINATOR
BULLARD@PDX.EDU 503-725-2957 SIGNUP DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 7 COST: $250 (INCLUDES ALL FOOD, EQUIPMENT, TRANSPORTATION)
ORIENTATION & CALENDAR
FALL EVENT SCHEDULE
FUN FALL EVENT SCHEDULE SEPTEMBER 15 BACK TO SCHOOL SOCIAL
Schedule of Classes available online 4.25.2016
SMSU 338 4–6 p.m.
Open to all PSU student parents and international students, participants can shop for free clothing, school supplies and other essentials to jump back into fall term, and enjoy a fun evening of socializing. A light supper is also included.
SEPTEMBER 19 VIKING DAYS BEGINS
Pre-term priority registration begins 5.09.2016
There is a very special sweet spot of time at PSU, before the academic part of university begins, and just as many incoming freshmen move into the dorms. It is a week of free food, informational events, and some unaffiliated recreational partying dubbed “Viking Week” after our school’s mascot, running September 19–25.
SEPTEMBER 20 “NIGHT AT THE REC” VIKING DAY
Classes begin 9.26.2016
Rec Center Courts (3rd floor Rec Center) 7:30–9:30 p.m.
Get to know the Rec Center under the pretenses of free food and some music. There will be raffles and rock-climbing and possibly some cute muscular boys.
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Incoming students can participate in an in-depth tour of campus, hike about Portland and go on a three-day backpacking trip. Cost of attendance is $250 and registration deadline is September 7.
OCTOBER 8–DECEMBER 1 ANDY WARHOL: PRINTS FROM THE COLLECTIONS OF JORDAN D. SCHNITZER AND HIS FAMILY FOUNDATION Portland Art Museum 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday–Sunday
OCTOBER 10
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PSU OUTDOOR ORIENTATION
The Portland Art Museum will present a major exhibition of pop art master Andy Warhol’s work. The museum is free the first Thursday of every month, and any college student can buy an annual pass for $20.
Classes end 12.02.2016
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PSU and the Oregon Food Bank have teamed up to provide students with FREE fruits and vegetables on the second Monday of every month. One of the few things that everyone on campus can agree is really super rad.
OCTOBER 13 SUSAN MURRELL: RESIDENT ARTIST OPEN STUDIO Art Building room 225 12–2 p.m.
Susan Murrell will be showcasing her work alongside MFA studio artists. Murrell is a mix media artist, “Assigning purpose and structure to otherwise chaotic or mysterious systems.”
OCTOBER 13 PORTLAND STATE OF MIND KICKS OFF
Final Exams 12.5.2016
Last day to clear academic deficiencies for graduation 12.9.2016 Grades available online 12.14.2016
Portland State of Mind runs until October 22, and is a series of events revolving around PSU including speakers and bands. They print real cool t-shirts for the whole thing, too. Check the Vanguard in October for more information on specific events!
NOVEMBER 18 PSU FOOTBALL VS. EASTERN WASHINGTON Providence Park, time TBD
Go support your Vikings in the last home football game of the season. Show up in your best PSU gear and cheer for your team!
INFOGRAPHIC BY RACHEL GOLDSTEIN
PSU Vanguard •AUGUST 2, 2016 • psuvanguard.com
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YOU AND YOUR STUDENT GOVERNMENT JOAN BROWN
The Associated Students of Portland State Senate operates on a formal structure, and is an integral force in PSU politics. PSU consists of a 16-Student Senate overseen by an executive and judicial branch, along with a Student Fee Committee. ASPSU President Liela Forbes made it clear in a recent interview that she wants students to be heard in every aspect of the campus community. From student fee spending to representing the student voice at the state capitol, students’ time at PSU and beyond is influenced by the politics of ASPSU. President Forbes and Vice President Kaitlyn Verret, who took office this summer, were elected on seven key initiatives. “We ran on a platform that primarily centers on student safety and interests on campus,” Forbes said and urged student involvement in ASPSU. CAMPUS SAFETY REFORM During the year ASPSU will lobby and argue against the deputization of Campus Public Safety Officers, and for a public safety unit.
Currently the on-campus food service contract is awarded to Aramark. When it expires those opportunities will be up for bid. “Is the food going to be too expensive? Is it going to be a decent enough quality?” Forbes asked. ASPSU has an influence in the bidding process and award outcome. COST OF TUITION “ASPSU plans to take students to Salem where they can explain to legislators that the price of higher education is too much, and that it’s a burden to their constituency,” Forbes said. “We run one of the biggest voter campaigns in the state. The student association voter registration campaign set a record in 2012 with 50,000 voter registrations.” “We go in and say, ‘Yes we’re students and we’re your constituency and we have voting power now,’” Forbes added. “If you really are not going to focus on this issue, we’re not going to vote for you.’”
CAMPUS SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION Forbes pointed out that campus sexual assault is much more common than most people think, and there’s a long history of not putting the narratives and voices of those affected at the forefront. “That’s a way that people become comfortable with rape culture,” Forbes said. “We tend to do things at events to bring problems to light, but we’re looking this year for more creative ways to work on this problem.”
EQUITABLE REPRESENTATION One of the roles of ASPSU is to appoint students to the 26 different University Affairs Committees, which help the university run and are facilitated by administrators. “Committees help make decisions for some of the stuff that happens on campus,” Forbes said. “For instance, if a student has a conduct violation they will go in front of that committee. We appoint the students who are on that committee.” She said it’s a self-balancing system where everyone participates. ASPSU wants to make sure that students on those committees can understand and represent the highest stakeholders. STUDENT FEE AUTONOMY “As a principal [student fee autonomy] means students should have direct control of student fees,” Forbes said. “That’s actually in compliance with the law.” PSU, like many universities, charges students an incidental fee. That money goes in front of the Student Fee Committee, and they approve allocations. Resources funded in full or in part by Student Incidental Fees include the Student Health Center, athletics, the student resource centers and Student Activities and Leadership Programs, which includes both Student Media and ASPSU. There are legal protections in place to protect students in their level of control over that money. “The idea is that students should have a direct say on where that money goes,” Forbes said. “The [SFC] allocates somewhere near $14.5 million annually. They’re students, too. This is some awesome stuff.” During the school year ASPSU holds regular Senate meetings. “They’re usually every other Monday 5–8 p.m., and you can come for as long as you like,” Forbes said. “A lot of our students actually come. They are the first to know if we have internships or other positions available.” And they are the ones who help influence PSU student politics. The ASPSU office is located at Smith Memorial Student Union, room 117.
FOOD SECURITY According to Forbes, research has shown that 40 percent of PSU students experience food insecurity sometime during their enrollment. “As tuition rises, students are priced out of education, but they have nowhere else to go,” Forbes said. “There’s a certain point where you’re committed, for some that means lack of food.” Forbes invited students who have food insecurity to come to the ASPSU office and obtain information on options and resources. “We want to look into creative funding,” Forbes said. “We want to help fund the on-campus food pantry. We want to address the fact that we have a new contract coming up with food service providers.” ASPSU PRESIDENT LIELA FORBES.
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CAMPUS MINIMUM WAGE OF $15 AN HOUR Students make up a significant portion of PSU workers. The PSU Student Union and other organizations on campus are actively researching what it would take to raise the current minimum wage. There are a lot of factors involved, but one of Forbes’ goals is to get policy in print in the next year or two for a campus minimum wage of $15 an hour.
PSU Vanguard • AUGUST 2, 2016 • psuvanguard.com
JOAN BROWN/PSU VANGUARD
ENTERTAINMENT CAMPUS
OH WOAH! CPSO AND OTHER IMPORTANT SAFETY ACRONYMS
JESSICA POLLARD
PORTLAND’S CRIME RATES WERE IN decline earlier this year, according to the Oregonian. Some people even move here because they hear that bike theft is one of the top-most crimes, and the least of most people’s worries. But shit happens, and as an incoming student, it’s important to know where Portland State stands in terms of safety. PSU has its own police force available for emergency response, safety escorts and patrol services around campus 24/7. They can arrest anyone involved in illegal activity on campus. Some of them drive, some of them walk, and one of them has a cool European accent. The team is lead by Chief Public Safety Officer Phil “The Zerz” Zerzan. What’s all the buzz about? If you’re new here, you’re going to hear some buzz about CPSO. That’s because up until last year, PSU was the only public university with more than 15,000 students that didn’t have an armed police presence. PSU gave the go-ahead to deputize CPSO last June, and bring in a team of armed officers, despite a lot of outrage on behalf of the student body. Deputization gives CPSO certain authority to respond to riskier situations, and the deputization has also helped quicken response time to assaults on campus. Alternatively, in the wake of so many national police-violence tragedies, a good amount of PSU’s increasingly diverse population don’t feel safe about the decision. Since 2014, the PSU Student Union has been organizing actions against the decision. “Right now we’ve got the largest, most diverse incoming freshman class in PSU’s history, and suddenly the cops have guns,” one student told the Vanguard last year. “And for those of us in [PSUSU, we] don’t see those as disconnected.” KEEP IN MIND: •• CPSO are “responsible employees” and must take action if you inform them of any crimes like assault that you may experience. If you become the victim of a sexual assault and wish to talk to a confidential advocate, head to the Women’s Resource Center in Montgomery. •• If you’re on campus and find yourself in an emergency situation, you can use one of the Emergency Blue Light phones on campus to alert CPSO at the push of a button (locations are listed on our map, pg.14). •• CPSO officers wear body cameras, and not all are sworn and armed. OTHER SAFETY RESOURCES: Check out pg. 16 for more information! Women’s Resource Center: Located outside Montgomery, the WRC has resources and confidential advocates for victims of sexual assault or domestic and dating violence. CONTACT: 1802 SW 10th Ave., 503-725-5672, wrc@pdx.edu
CAMPUS PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICE PHONE – 503-725-4407 ADDRESS – 633 SW Montgomery St. EMERGENCY – 503-725-4404
STUDENT HEALTH AND COUNSELING: Located on Southwest Sixth Avenue next to McDonalds, SHAC has counselors available for mental health crisis and students have free access “to a 24/7 nurse advice line dedicated to PSU and staffed by registered nurses who can also assist students in determining what their best course of medical attention should be,” according to their website. CONTACT: 1880 SW Sixth Ave., University Center Building, 503.725.2800 for general questions, 1-844-224-3145 for 24/7 advice. OTHER CONTACT INFORMATION DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER: 503-725-4150 QUEER RESOURCE CENTER: 503-725-9742 VETERANS RESOURCE CENTER: PDX.EDU/VETERANS/VRC OFFICE OF THE DEAN OF STUDENT LIFE: 503-725-4422 C.A.R.E. TEAM: PDX.EDU/DOS/CARE-TEAM STUDENT LEGAL SERVICES: 503-725-4556
PSU VANGUARD CRIME BLOTTER: Who was that eye-patched man shouting in Russian outside Smith last week? How many people got popped for doing heroin in your favorite PSU parking garage?! You need to know, and we have answers. Weekly, we publish a crime blotter that details reported crimes that occurred on campus throughout the last week. GET INVOLVED On-campus groups like Student Alliance for Sexual Safety and Disarm PSU have conversations about safety on campus. In years past, Chief Zerzan has held Coffee With the Chief, where he brings students free coffee and snacks to discuss safety. The WRC has plenty of volunteer opportunities as well.
ONE OF THE EMERGENCY BLUE LIGHT PHONES ON CAMPUS THAT ALERT CPSO WHEN PRESSED. PHOTO BY ROOSEVELT SOWKA/PSU VANGUARD | ILLUSTRATION BY AARON OSBORN ILLUSTRATION BY AARON OSBORN
PSU Vanguard •AUGUST 2, 2016 • psuvanguard.com
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GET A
JOB, YOU
HIPPIE! EMILY BARNES FOR MANY PORTLAND STATE STUDENTS, working is not a choice but a necessity. Others may not feel this same weight on their chests but may stress before each term waiting for loan disbursements. If that’s you, take a second to imagine your future-self kicking your current-self for not subsidizing those loans with a job.
A PART-TIME JOB MAY NOT BE THE GOLDEN TICKET TO A LOAN-FREE FUTURE, BUT IT DOES HAVE LONGTERM BENEFITS Beyond monetary value, balancing school and work will strengthen your resume by painting a picture of a multitasking, organized, responsible and well-rounded individual for potential employers post-graduation. It’s another tool in the tool belt. If you are interested in discarding your slacker ways and becoming a member of the workforce, here are a few resources for finding on- and off-campus jobs for the upcoming fall. GO TO PSU’S CAREERCONNECT TO FIND WORKSTUDY JOBS AND MORE CareerConnect is the university’s expansive employment database with job opportunities, paid and unpaid internships, and even volunteering gigs. As a PSU student or alumni, you can log in with your student account and have access to over 1,000 job applications. If you do the advanced search option, you can narrow down your pickings by industry, major, federal work-study, level of experience, type of position and location. This website also provides an employer directory with over 10,000 employers listed with their contact information and if they are presently hiring, a resume-building template, and information about upcoming career events and workshops. CHECK OUT INDEED.COM TO FIND OFF-CAMPUS JOBS IN YOUR AREA Whether you are searching Indeed’s database on CareerConnect’s website or on Indeed’s, this wonderful resource will help you find jobs based on the position and location that you’re looking for.
The more you tinker with the website, the more it can cater to your specific needs by recommendations that match your searching pattern. Like CareerConnect, you can narrow down your search. After creating a free account, you can upload your resume directly and allow employers to seek you out simultaneously while you continue your active search for employment. JOIN A STUDENT ORGANIZATION THAT PAYS Our student government, the Associated Students of PSU, sometimes has open positions that pay you in student scholarships called Educational Leadership Service Awards, which you can learn about by checking your student email or scoping out the bulletin board in Smith Memorial Student Union. And if you have a creative niche you’d like to capitalize on, then let us shamelessly promote to you! You should check out the different student media organizations at pdx.edu/student-media. Between the Vanguard newspaper, KPSU radio station, PSU.TV and the Pacific Sentinel magazine, the opportunities range in compensation and commitment. It’s generally not a lot, but money is money! Getting involved with a student media organization is a prime opportunity to build your portfolio, hone leadership skills and dial into what is going on at the university. We guarantee 100 percent of all your co-workers here are really cool, and some have even described participating in student media as a “godly, life-changing enlightenment” and that they had “[no] regrets.” CHECK OUT CAREER SERVICES ON CAMPUS Take advantage of the resources on campus and visit ACS online at pdx.edu/careers or in room 402 of the University Services Building at Southwest Montgomery Street and Sixth Avenue. ACS directs students to CareerConnect but also has a lot to offer, including a schedule of upcoming career workshops such as Introduction to Interviewing on August 17 from 10:30 a.m. to noon and Writing Resumes and Cover Letters on August 24 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. You can also meet with a career advisor personally to discuss resources and opportunities. Their normal drop-in schedule is 1–3 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you have any further questions or would like to schedule an appointment, you can reach them at (503) 725-4005. NEXT STEP: GET OFF YOUR GLUTEUS MAXIMUS AND LOOK FOR A JOB There is no denying that the resources to find work not only exist, but are abounding for university students. Nevertheless, free-time does sing its siren song. When you are basking in the sun this summer debating whether to work or not to work, keep your future-self in mind. And then go find a job. Harder work today can make those debt payments a little easier in the future, and help you be better equipped to find that ultimate dream job.
ILLUSTRATION BY TERRA DEHART
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PSU Vanguard • AUGUST 2, 2016 • psuvanguard.com
CAMPUS
BECAUSE THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE IS NO FUN JON RABY
WHAT IT DO NEWBIES AND oldies. The first semester of the academic year is approaching and that means there are some monetary challenges you need to get taken care of. Money is possibly the worst part of higher education, right? You may be going horribly in debt, or working three jobs to pay for school; either way, here is a quick guide of what you need to get straightened before the school year starts. FAFSA FAFSA applications needed to be completed by August 1, so if you have been procrastinating past this time…you’re basically fucked. Nah, just kidding, but there is a chance they won’t get you your money by the time classes start. This can be a scary time, leaving you stuck wondering if you will need to drop all your classes and postpone school one more term. You are also ineligible for the Oregon Opportunity Grant if you didn’t apply before March 1. Use fafsa.ed.gov to fill out the initial application and to make changes. Go to Banweb under the Financial Aid tab and check the status of your application. The Outstanding Requirements tab will let you know if more information is still needed. Sometimes they randomly ask you to retrieve IRS data from the government, it’s pretty easy though. Stop by the financial aid office in Neuberger Hall, they have little printed out guides to doing this. It does take 7–10 business days to process, so no more procrastination. You can accept or decline funds from the Financial Aid tab on Banweb as well.
ILLUSTRATION BY TERRA DEHART
PSU SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION The PSU Foundation makes scholarships pretty easy for students. One application covers a whole gamut of them. You can fill it out and have your application sent to all you are eligible for. Scholarship applications are a very boring process. There is no definitive best way to increase your chances of being chosen, but do it when you are having a good day. Make that positivity present in your writing. Scholarship applications become available August 1 for incoming freshmen, October 1 for everyone else. GOODBYE HIGHER ONE This term marks the first in 12 years without all financial aid money going through college banking giant Higher One. Over that 12 years there has been on-again off-again bitter fighting by the student body to get rid these required bank accounts and credit card IDs. Higher One has also had its share of legal tangles, including a case brought against them by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in 2015 for deceptive practices such as lack of a complete fee schedule and lack of transparency, issues PSU Student Financial Services said were important considerations—so, maybe that’s a happy parting. Happy about it or not, you need to do two things: 1. Cancel you Higher One card if you do not want them as a personal bank. They sent out an email notifying current users that fees for the card will begin fall term. There is a special phone to reach Higher One in Neuberger Hall by student services. There is also an 800 number on the back of your credit/ID card, call it and tell them to shut down your account and mail any remaining funds. 2. Set up how you now wish to receive funds. Go to your Banweb account, click the Student Services tab and the second option is direct deposit refund setup. From here you can give your bank routing and account number (both on a personal check if you have one, or contact your bank for the routing number). You can also choose to receive a mailed check. My favorite option! MANDATORY INSURANCE Health insurance is required to be a PSU student. Your account will be charged for it automatically. PSU insurance is through PacificSource and is a fairly good option from what I have heard, but it is $827 per term. More information about it is available at the Center for Student Health and Counseling. If you have your own insurance, fill out a Health Insurance Waiver found at pdx.edu/shac toward the bottom of the page. Call the PSU insurance team at 503.725.2495 with questions, or email insurancehelp@pdx.edu. OK, are you good to go? Now you can get back to sampling Oregon’s finest green, playing Pokemon or whatever you kids are doing these days.
PSU Vanguard •AUGUST 2, 2016 • psuvanguard.com
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FIVE TIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ALANNA MADDEN
PORTLAND STATE HAS MADE ITS mark upon collegiatelevel international curriculum and diversity among the numerous educational facilities available along the West Coast. What makes our school so great is how resources are gladly given to students studying abroad in Portland and that everyone within the Park Blocks is part of this plan to help create an environment of learning, community outreach and social interaction. The best plan for success in any college environment involves heavy planning, the willingness to reach out and the strength to follow through with one’s dedication to their own academic standard of achievement. In order to best plan for your next school year as an international student, we advise you to reach out to the many resources listed and to keep these mantras in mind. 1. BE IN IT TO WIN IT What you see in television or movies is not reality when it comes to understanding the difficulty of trying to master a skill you are passionate about. There will always be somebody who is seemingly better than you, more well-prepared and emotionally mature. Despite how overwhelming this may seem, there are always ways to overcome this obstacle—by deciding to do the best job you can in the moment and to take advantage of the support freely given by the environment you are studying in. 2. DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP PSU offers many different facilities that help with a smooth transition for students transferring from abroad, such as the Learning Center within the Millar Library, the Writing Center in Cramer Hall and the University Success nook located in Ondine 204. Free tutoring, mentorship and community support is a key advantage to all students, but especially international students who would like to get ahead and ensure they are as well prepared as possible.
3. THE LIBRARY IS YOUR BEST FRIEND! Located within our PSU library there are many resources to help foster an environment for successful studying practices that will help enable international students to thrive. There is the student-run coffee shop located on the first floor, the computer labs stationed on the first two floors and free access to textbooks for your specific courses at the information desk located on the left hand side of the main lobby. If you’re more introverted, the top two floors of the library allow for a quiet environment in order to focus. So long as we can keep our Pokémon Go! apps away, the library will always be a place of solitude and intellect while allowing for inspiration and guidance along the way. 4. REACH OUT TO OTHER INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS The Multicultural Center, located on the second floor of the Smith Memorial Student Union, offers a relaxed, furnished environment for all students looking to connect, focus or find a productive means for inspiring their educational prospects. What makes this environment so great is that opportunity is never far from reach. Even on the walls of the building, there are flyers that allow you to seek out other students, join clubs, or plan events. You may even stumble upon someone looking to hire somebody…like you! 5. ADVISING IS KEY Meeting up with your assigned advisor every term is fundamental to long term success in any institution, and especially as an international student looking to be successful! Whether you have questions about exploring goals, preparing for future interviews, or trying to understand the curriculum to best suit your degree focus, your advisor will help you. No matter what major you declare, it’s always best to schedule your term-to-term advising appointments as soon as the quarter begins to ensure that you will have an opportunity to discuss options and to plan ahead! CHECK ONLINE FOR MORE ADVICE FROM INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS!
JAMON SIN/PSU VANGUARD
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PSU Vanguard • AUGUST 2, 2016 • psuvanguard.com
CAMPUS
HOUSING: THOUGHTS FROM STUDENTS PORTLAND STATE’S URBAN CAMPUS CAMOUFLAGES historic and modern buildings, disguised in the city landscape. PSU is not your typical college campus; a majority of the community is commuter students who may know little about on-campus living. Located across the 30-plus city blocks that PSU touches, university housing offers spaces for incoming freshman, transfer students, graduate students, international students and students with children in 10 buildings: Blackstone, King Albert, Montgomery, Parkway, St. Helens Court, Stratford, Blumel, Broadway, Ondine and Stephen Epler. Each building offers a unique experience for students living on campus. Here are two sudents’ thoughts on PSU dorm living.
Katie Zurbick
I lived in Ondine during my freshman year at PSU. The best thing about living in Ondine was definitely the sense of community— being surrounded by other students who also live here. It was very easy to make friends and to get involved on campus. The worst for me was the fact that Ondine was pretty old, there was a risk of bed bugs and also the expense. But I would still absolutely have lived
SHELBY HEMPHILL
in the dorms. If you’re the kind of student who wants the “college experience,” living in a community with other students is perfect, it can be really hard to get connected otherwise. It seemed like Ondine had a lot more community than the other dorms, in Broadway nobody ever hung out in community areas or left their doors open—in Ondine, that was kind of part of the culture. I would love to have that a second time.
Bronte Lowen-thomas
I lived in the Broadway my freshman and sophomore year and then Blumel Hall my junior and senior year. The best thing about living on campus was probably the convenience. It’s easier to get to class and it’s easier to access the university resources. The worst thing was that I was always at school. It’s nice to be able to leave once class is over and be in a different environment. The best thing about living off campus is having more freedom. In the dorms, there are resident assistants and rules made by the university. Living off campus, you start to feel like an actual adult and are given a bigger taste of the real word, which is great, if you’re ready. But commuting was really inconvenient. I used to
SERINA HERSEY 1. STEPHEN EPLER This is one of the four “modern” dorms. It is also known for the integration of sustainability. Honors students have a separate living quarters from the other students on the top two floors. Part of the Urban Honors Living Learning Community creates a center for likeminded people who can motivate themselves and each other. Amenities: large windows, built-in appliances, bike storage, laundry facilities, carpeted floors, ethernet and high-speed internet access and parking. All utilities are included. 2. BROADWAY One of two freshman dorms, this modern housing choice includes a kitchenette and shared bathroom with one roommate. Common areas allow for students to participate in activities, study or make new friends. Amenities: laundry facilities, dedicated high speed wireless internet, stovetop (no oven), small refrigerator, 24-hour computer lab onsite and lounge areas. All utilities including internet included.
3. ONDINE Also one of the modern dorms, Ondine gives a close-knit community atmosphere for both freshman and upperclass students and is conveniently located by the MAX line. Amenities: laundry facilities, range/oven, small refrigerator in suite units, community rooms with a television and parking for an additional fee. All utilities including internet included. 4. BLUMEL HALL This is another one of the moderns, and includes one bedrooms with a full private kitchen and bath. This is also a choice for graduate students who choose to remain on campus. Amenities: Furnished rooms, laundry facilities, carpeted floors, range/ oven, refrigerator and parking. All utilities including internet included.
5. MONTGOMERY COURT One of the many historical beauties Portland State has to offer, Montgomery stands out with top to bottom ivy-covered walls. This is also where students can pick up their mail and packages. Amenities: laundry facilities, carpeted floors, furnished units (bed, dresser, desk and chair), community kitchen in the first floor lounge area and shared bathrooms separated by gender. All utilities including internet included.
live in southeast so getting to class was a struggle. Now, I live downtown and my classes are literally a block away. I guess it all depends on how close you live to campus. I think that living in the dorms was a good idea for me. When you’re first starting college, there are things you really shouldn’t be worrying about like food, rent and transportation. When you live on campus, you are given help with all of these things and it makes it that much easier to do well in your classes and become adjusted to college life. I loved living in Blumel Hall because it felt like an apartment. The units are about 570 square feet with a full kitchen, bedroom and living room. It was a good mix of both worlds. I would’ve loved to have lived in one of the historic buildings on campus.
INTRODUCTION
TO THE PSU
DORMS
6. BLACKSTONE Historical Blackstone, with its unique Egyptian architecture, is said to be the “heart of campus,” according to the housing website. Right outside the doors students are greeted with the lush trees of the Park Blocks. This is also an option for students with children, and some units are eligible for one cat. Amenities: laundry facilities, hardwood floors, range/oven and refrigerator. All utilities including internet included.
7. PARKWAY Right by the Streetcar line, this historical dorm is ideal for students on the go. Studios include a private bath but no shower, while the community bathrooms include both. Amenities: laundry facilities, hardwood floors, range/oven, refrigerator, parking (for an additional fee). All utilities including internet included.
8. STRATFORD Built in 1927, this vintage beauty has easy access to both grocery stores and the Streetcar. The bathrooms, although private, only include a tub. Amenities: laundry facilities, hardwood floors, range/oven, refrigerator. All utilities including internet included.
9. KING ALBERT With hardwood floors and a University-owned cafe, this historical gem is ideal for students looking for a building with charm. Residents may have one cat allowed in their unit. Amenities: laundry facilities, hardwood floors, range/oven and refrigerator. All utilities including internet included.
10. ST. HELENS The studio and one-bedroom units at St. Helens give students a unique space for their on-campus experience. Amenities: laundry facilities, hardwood floors, range/oven, refrigerator and nearby parking (for an additional fee). All utilities including internet included.
ALL PHOTOS BY ROOSEVELT SOWKA/PSU VANGUARD
PSU Vanguard •AUGUST 2, 2016 • psuvanguard.com
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NAVIGATION
TRANSPORTATION PORTLAND’S MANYGUIDE: HEADED BEAST MOLLY SIMAS
PORTLAND STATE IS WIDELY KNOWN as a commuter campus, and for many incoming students, the question of how to get to school each day will be more complicated than throwing on a hoodie and staggering half-awake out of the dorms. Luckily, Portland is rife with wheeled options to get you to class on time. MEET TRIMET Portland’s streets boast high-speed rail transit, multiple bus lines and a streetcar through TriMet, the region’s public transit agency. Most adult TriMet passes give access to all transit and are $2.50 for two hours or $5.00 for a whole day. TriMet bus line numbers 1, 8, 9, 12, 17, 19, 44 and 94, as well as the MAX green and yellow line trains and the Portland Streetcar, all stop on the PSU campus.
PRO TIPS:
Overwhelmed by dense color-coded transit charts full of numbers? The Google Maps smartphone app has a transit feature with all of TriMet’s info on lock. Simply put in your destination, and voila! (What can’t you Google?!) If you’ll be riding often, buying a term-long PSU FlexPass can save you about 40 percent on daily fare. Plus, you can ride the OHSU skytram for freesies. (Random? Yes. Super fun? Like, at least pretty fun, and you’ll get some sweet vista pics.) *Note: The FlexPass is only sold for two weeks before and two weeks after the term’s start date, and must be purchased in person at the Transportation & Parking Services office. Bring your PSU photo ID and get one while the gettin’s good. For long distance commuters, it is worth it to ride the closest MAX train, even if you have to drive or bike to the stop, as MAX lines travel on separate tracks and aren’t ensnared in Portland’s
ever-worsening traffic. Reasons to choose public transit as your to-campus chariot: Someone else is navigating, which frees up your attention to nap/listen to music/finish that reading before class. (MAX trains also run smooth enough to write by hand while riding… just saying’.) The whole “it rains 9 months out of the year in Portland” situation. The Portland Streetcar is free for all PSU students, all the time—just flash your student ID.
ON THE OTHER HAND...
It may take (way) longer than driving. You run the risk of someone embroiled in a domestic dispute holding up the MAX train by obstructing the automatically closing doors while all his belongings are piled on the platform and his jilted wife, still on the train, refuses to give him his cell phone. You’ll feel super-sly once you realize you can slip onto the MAX without paying. But watch out for a $175 fare evasion ticket, given at random times by Trimet employee ticket-checkers on the prowl. It feels a lot less cool taking a $175 train ride home, so choose your super-sly moments wisely. Got a license and strong masochistic tendencies?
THERE’S ALWAYS DRIVING
Let’s be real—driving downtown is the worst. But for many it’s convenient and/or necessary. Pros: One thing PSU has going for it, car-wise, is an aggressive number of parking structures, right in the heart of campus. Cons: The streets are a tangled mess of one-ways laced with bus lanes and speeding bikers, there’s never available parking,
the crosswalks are bursting with oblivious tourists, and now that Pokemon Go is a thing, it’s really only a matter of time before someone wanders in front of your car.
PRO-TIPS:
Parking on a per-day basis is spendy, $2.50 to $4 per hour, so as with anything, buying in bulk is a solid choice. If driving is your main mode of transport. Term parking passes run between $300 and $400, and can be bought online. However, if doing so, factor in enough time for the pass to be mailed to you before you need to use it. Note: “Carpool” passes are cheaper, but come with a large amount of caveats, including the need for at least one reliable carpool buddy—potentially a hard ask for incoming students yet to make all their new friends. If you want to share costs, one reliable way to find a co-pilot is the Drive Less Connect tool, a free ridesharing website. Signing up with your PSU email confers the added benefit of access to a PSU-only rideshare community. You don’t even need your own car to drive to campus. Car2Go is pretty dang popular all over Portland, and has a one-time registration fee of $35. After that, you just pay for the time spent driving. Once you’ve downloaded the app, you can hop in a tiny, bubble-sized electric car and zip wherever you need to go. If you can find a parking spot with more than a 1-hour time limit, you can leave your li’l go-cart there, guilt free. It seems like it should be against the rules, but somehow isn’t. “If you don’t know, now you know.“ – Notorious BIG
ILLUSTRATION BY LAUREN CHAPLUK
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NAVIGATION
GUIDE TO PSU PRINTERS PORTLAND STATE HOSTS A WEB-CONNECTED student printing program that can save any student from the expense of purchasing a home printer—if they know how to use it. This guide contains all the specifics, locations and needto-know info on PSU’s student printer program. Printing at PSU is possible at any network-connected computer on campus. Sending a document to the print queue does not tie a student to the nearest printer. Prints can be released at any university printer within a 24-hour period. Printed items waiting in your queue will expire after the 24 hours is up.
LOCATIONS: – Cramer Hall has a total of three printers on the first and second floors. The Freshman Inquiry area on the first floor has two. The Sophomore Inquiry area has one. – Neuberger Hall has two printers on the fourth floor. – The Library has four printers on the first floor in the area to the right of the entrance. – The Broadway Building has at least two student printers. – The Collaborative Life Sciences Building, which is adjacent to the Tilikum Crossing, also has printers available. Computers are available near all printers. Login using an Odin account.
AVAILABILITY: All printers are available while the buildings that house them are open. For Cramer, Neuberger, the CLSB and the library, this means printers are available during regular operating hours. The printers in the Broadway Building are available 24 hours a day with the exception of holidays. PRINTING BASICS: Every student gets 500 pages of printing per term. A “page” is a print in black and white. A double sided document in black and white counts as two pages. Color printing counts for double. Double sided color prints count as four pages. You cannot accrue a higher page balance, and the 500 page limit resets every term. Printing in color is selected on the print menu. After clicking print, select “Lab_Color” from the list of available printers for color prints. Black and white printing is selected by default.
Overages are charged directly to your student account. The balance on a student print account can be checked at print.pdx.edu at any time from any web-connected device or computer. Printing is limited to 100 pages per job. When printing in color, that limit can be reached with just 25 doublesided pages. Break up large print jobs into appropriately sized chunks to avoid missing pages. Students can print to a PSU printer from their home computers or any web connected device. In order to print from a home computer, a tablet or a personal laptop, go to print.pdx.edu and login with the same student account used for PSU e-mail, D2L and Banweb. After logging in, select “web print” from the column on the left side and click “submit a job.” In the following menu, select a printer. All student printers include “lab” in their name. Select any lab printer based on the type of printing required (“BW” for black and white, color, and prints per side are listed in the printer’s name), select the number of copies on the next screen, and upload a file to be printed. The 24-hour expiration applies to web prints as well.
ILLUSTRATIONS BY ELISE FURLAN
PSU’S BUILDING BREAKDOWN 4 3 2 1
4
English World Languages & Literatures Center for Public Humanities
3
Philosopy Publishing & Ooligan Press Mathematics and Statistics
2
Arts Autzen Gallery Foreign Languages
Administration/Financial Aid Student Financial Services
1
NEUBERGER HALL
SMITH MEMORIAL STUDENT UNION
NICHOLAS TOOL
INFOGRAPHIC BY ELISE FURLAN
Diversity & Multicultural Student Services Queer Resource Center Dean of Student Life Veterans Resource Center
4
Smith Ballroom
3
SALP Lounge Multicultural Center Littman+White Galleries Asian American/Asian/Pacific Islander Student Center
2
ASPSU Viking Food Court Student Store Box Office Disability Resource Center SALP Office Parkway North
1
Geography History Pacific Historical Review George C. Hoffman Library
Psychology Vice President of EMSA Dean of College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Sociology Economics Center for Health & Social Inequality Research
University Studies Writing Center ReUse Room Anthropology
CRAMER HALL PSU Vanguard •AUGUST 2, 2016 • psuvanguard.com
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NAVIGATION
SW MARKET STREET
land State? We’ve all been there, kiddo. The Vanguard’s design team busted out another campus map for you to tear out of your
Parking Three
Science One
O-Guide and tuck away for a rainy day.
Science Research Teaching Center
Blumel Hall
We’ve tried to focus on some of the things
SW 10TH AVENUE
this brick-and-concrete maze we call Port-
SW 12TH AVENUE
FEELING A LITTLE CONFUSED? LOST in
Helen Gordon Child Development Center
we’ve found people might need in a pinch: You know, the food, the beer, printers and
housing. Just remember, Smith Memorial Stu-
dent Union is a pretty useful anchor that often gets overlooked. Take a tour and learn what
St. Helens Building
Ap
Montgom Court King Albert Building
Epler Hall
you can get out of your campus experience. After all, we ain’t just paying for a piece
of paper.
Hall
M Lib
Community Recreation Field
KEY
Stott Cente
BEER
FOOD
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HOUSING
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MAX LINE STREET CAR MAP BY RACHEL GOLDSTEIN
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FR
EE
PRINTING
A
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St. Mary’s Academy
SW 4TH AVENUE
Lincoln Hall
SW 5TH AVENUE
SW 6TH AVENUE
SW BROADWAY
XSB
SW PARK AVENUE
NAVIGATION
Market Center Building
SW MILL STREET
Urban Center
Parking Two Cramer Hall
Vue partments
mery t
PSU Bookstore
Koinonia House
University Services
SW MONTGOMERY STREET
Blackstone
Millar brary
Smith Memorial Student Union
School of Business Administration Graduate School of Education
5th Avenue Parking
Academic & Student Rec Center
SW HARRISON STREET
US Bank Neuberger Hall
Parking One
Fourth Avenue Building
University Center Motel
SW HALL STREET
Shattuck Hall
East Hall
er
City Development Center
Ondine Residence
Simon Benson House
St. Michael’s Church
Urban Center Plaza
Wells Fargo Bank Fire Station
SW COLLEGE STREET
Visitor Parking
Engineering Building University Pointe
The Broadway SW JACKSON STREET
Art Building
Native American Student Community Center
SW
LIN
CO
STR LN
EET
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NAVIGATION
GET HELP AND GET INVOLVED WITH UNIVERSITY RESOURCES REAP THE BENEFITS OF ESTABLISHING EARLY CONNECTIONS CATHERINE JOHNSON PORTLAND STATE LOVES TO BRAG about the plethora of opportunities and activities offered by the school and the city. Being on an urban campus certainly has its advantages, and many choices is definitely one. But as a new student, this can be overwhelming. If you’re new to the area and still trying to get your bearings, it’s hard to know where to start. Fortunately, PSU is home to at least a dozen resource centers that can help you do exactly that—from setting you up to succeed academically to meeting like-minded people and getting involved in campus cultural life. Here’s an overview to get you started.
ADVISING AND CAREER SERVICES Is a one-stop-shop for all your academic and career questions and concerns. Located in the University Services Building, they can assist you with everything from choosing a major to finding an internship to applying for jobs.
LA CASA LATINA STUDENT CENTER
SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH CHILDREN
Is a place for Latino/a students to create community, receive academic support services and celebrate their identity.
Aids students with children in achieving a life-balance that allows them to pursue their academic ambitions.
• Has a computer lab and space for students to meet or relax • Hosts events such as Día de los Muertos, Sí Se Puede Week and Latino Heritage Month 503-725-6710, cultures@pdx.edu
THE MULTICULTURAL CENTER Is invested in exploring intersectional identities and seeks to foster cultural competency by engaging students and promoting meaningful dialogue. • Offers programs and events focused on multiracial identity • Offers a computer lab and study space 503-725-5342, cultures@pdx.edu
• Offers an impressive selection of workshops and events, including career fairs • Provides assistance with cover letters, resumes and preparing for an interview • Created a Career Development and Job Readiness Guide module available on D2L 503-725-4005, askacs@pdx.edu
THE DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER Is dedicated to assisting students with disabilities by working with them and faculty and staff in order to create an accessible, inclusive educational environment. They are centrally located in room 116 of the Smith Memorial Student Union. • Holds drop-in hours with an accessibility specialist from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday and an adaptive technology specialist from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday
THE QUEER RESOURCE CENTER Assists students all along the sexuality and gender spectra. They serve as advocates for students and offer one-on-one support, enlisting the aid of other on-campus organizations. • Provide panels and training to faculty, staff, students and community members on issues of sexuality, gender and intersecting oppressions • Their space includes a comfortable lounge, computer workstations, LGBTQ lending library and an overall welcoming atmosphere • Check out their online events calendar for regular activities and opportunities 503-725-9742, pdx.edu/queer
• Hosts events such as celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Intersections: An Evening of Storytelling about Identity, Culture, Community and Pride • Offers online assistance, tutorials and guides 503-725-4150, drc@pdx.edu NATIVE AMERICAN STUDENT AND COMMUNITY CENTER Celebrates and empowers Native American/Alaskan Native/ Pacific Islander students through programs and events, academic support, intergenerational engagement that preserves intertribal community and honors tradition, storytelling and ceremony. • Includes student groups such as United Indigenous Students in Higher Education, American Indian Science & Engineering Society and the Pacific Islanders Club • Website includes a tribal directory
WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER Is an advocate for all members of the PSU community, so they might have the best educational experience. They frequently collaborate with other organizations and centers on campus to sponsor events like Social Sustainability Month in November and Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April. • Their Interpersonal Violence Program is invested in promoting healthy relationships and improving PSU’s response to, and prevention of, sexual and domestic violence • The Leadership in Action program offers opportunities for students to participate and get involved at the WRC • The Empowerment Program offers support for nontraditional students who often face increased obstacles when coming back to school to complete a degree
503-725-9695, nascc@pdx.edu
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503-725-5672, wrc@pdx.edu
• Provides child care subsidies, safe lactation spaces and a Family Resource Room • Provide Bundle of Joy Bags and Welcome Bags for new parents and new students • Offers individual consultations and a peer mentor program •
503-725-9878, pdx.edu/students-with-children
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES Offers support for the more than 2,000 students from over 100 different countries attending PSU. They are eager to assist students with specific questions, such as immigration status, as well as other resources for thriving at PSU. • See their website for drop-in hours or make an appointment to ask questions about changing your status, filing for reinstatement, or for off-campus employment questions • Includes an immigration advising team and international student life team 503-725-4094, pdx.edu/international-students
THE STUDENT SUSTAINABILITY CENTER Gives students the tools and opportunities to explore sustainability and create positive change on and off campus. • Has an extensive volunteer program with multiple task forces that include gardening, beekeeping, cultural sustainability, media and marketing, and waste reduction • The EcoReps program promotes environmental and social justice • Offer opportunities to get involved in the Student Sustainability Leadership Council, go on field trips, attend other events and work on professional development 503-725-5598, psussc@pdx.edu
VETERANS RESOURCE CENTER Supports veterans, service members and their families, and offers them a place to connect and create community. They advocate for these students and the unique difficulties they may face. • Offers a student lounge and study space with four computers • Offers information about other organizations who cater to the needs of veterans and military service members • Other services include: VA vocational rehabilitation & education counselors (by appointment) and Multnomah County veterans service officer (service-connected disability claims) 503-725-9807, psuvrc@pdx.edu
NAVIGATION
NASCC: ‘A PHYSICAL MANIFESTATION OF US SURVIVING’
ALEX-JON EARL
FACE IT, LIFE AS AN Indigenous student on any non-tribal college campus can be pretty tough. Even the most urban of urban Indigenous students will face their fair share of challenges, from learning to navigating social situations, new faces from new places and a whole host of other situations we never anticipated before. But fear not, cousins! The Native American Student and Community Center is here for you. The Native American Student and Community Center is located at 710 SW Jackson St., on the south end of campus. Services available there include meeting spaces, a computer lab, study spaces and even a place for kids to play. Art fills the area, and the main hall includes flags of various Indigenous nations, including several that helped fund the center.
NASCC is a hub for Indigenous students that offers the kind of place a lot of Indigenous students need to succeed. This can range from a space for studying to a place to craft with other Indigenous students, but it can also be a place to center and refocus yourself. The meaning of having such a space on campus is not lost on the staff of the NASCC. Alina Begay (Navajo) is a Portland State student and the manager of the NASCC and described the space as “like a home away from home for Native American, Alaska Native and Pacific Islander students.” “It’s really a space for our students to feel safe and [to] recognize that these lands were originally Indigenous lands,” Begay said. “Some of the students come from reservations that are in a rural small town area and everyone knows everybody and everyone’s Native. And then they come to school here and it’s the first time that they’ve ever been away from home, which is hard in the first place but also it’s the culture shock of not living on a reservation anymore and people not understanding your cultural differences.”
THE NATIVE AMERICAN STUDENT AND COMMUNITY CENTER, LOCATED AT 710 SOUTHWEST JACKSON STREET.
Begay listed events at the NASCC, including a quarterly potluck and a daily smudge. Ginger McCormick (Double-Headed Raven/Dog Salmon Clan), a staffer at NASCC and currently a PSU student pursuing a biochemistry major, cited Honor Day as the most meaningful event to her. “Watching all the Natives from everywhere, seeing them graduate, and seeing the leaders of this building that work this building all year around be able to hand them their [gifts], it lets you know that at the end of your goals and the achievement of getting your education, you really just leave peacefully and get recognized personally. It’s really motivating to me,” McCormick said. McCormick cited the influence of the Indigenous Nations Studies faculty as very important. NASCC “[helped] me become a better leader and the correct way to do it, and Dr. [Cornel] Pewewardy is definitely a person, a good mentor, in that specific role to help you speak out properly and get your message across,” McCormick said. “Judy Bluehorse [-Skelton] was definitely there from the beginning to ensure patience within.” NASCC truly is, as Begay described it, “a physical manifestation of us surviving.” NASCC is located at 710 SW Jackson St., and is open year-round.
JAMON SIN/PSU VANGUARD
PSU Vanguard •AUGUST 2, 2016 • psuvanguard.com
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ENTERTAINMENT
WHERE THE HEF IS THE JEOFFRY RAY
BEER?
SO YOU’VE MADE YOUR FIRST trip to campus. You’ve done all the obligatory “welcome to campus” shit, and had a quick and dirty meal with the help of our own Foodmaestro, Tim Sullivan. Given there’s a decent likelihood that you’re one of the 54.1 percentage of nontraditional students—i.e. the old farts—and you’re in Portland, we’re guessing it’s about time you’re on the hunt for a few beers. Not to worry, sweet freshman n3wbs! As always, the Vanguard’s got you covered.
CHEAPSKATES Where everybody goes: Seriously, the notorious Cheerful Tortoise must have found its way onto the campus tours, or some shit—it seems like literally everybody ends up here for their Dollar Beer Thursdays. It makes sense at first glance; in what world does a $1 beer sound like a bad idea? Well, let’s start with the $3 cover to get in the door, and follow up with the atrocious crowds you will have to navigate for every drink. Compound that with the fact that all the staff is understandably very irritated, what with having to deal with a horde whose collective intellect has fallen to critical lows for the night. Round it out with the inevitable stop by police or sloppy wanna-be brawl, and you have yourself a generally shitty night. Where you should actually go: Really, fuck the late night game. It’s all at the Schmizza happy hour. There are two very simple reasons for this: 1. Schmizza serves PBR and Old Crow, arguably the two mainstays of cheap drinking, and 2. during their 2–6 p.m. happy hour, a massive Mighty Mug of that PBR is $3.50. $3.50! And look at how big these sons of bitches are: If you’re not into the PBR/Old Crow dynamic duo, no prob. Schmizza’s also got some ridiculous deals on their equally ridiculous Island drinks, the Long/Schlong/Thong/Wrong Island varieties, and their arguably sexist Manmosa, an unholy mimosa-vodka hybrid that comes in one of those! SPECIALTY SELECTION Where everyone goes: There really isn’t a place that everyone goes for the quality beer, but the closest to a specialty bar you’ll find on campus is the ubiquitous Rogue Hall on the Park Blocks. Nobody is going to fault you for choosing Rogue—if you can afford it. They do have a wide selection of house-created brews and a bit of a presence here in Portland. The same would go for McMenamin’s. The problem is, the bar is onerous in its pricing. The beer is just not strapped-student friendly, and the food is even more of an offender. You can mitigate this slightly by becoming a card-carrying member of their Rogue Nation, but then again, who really wants to carry around another goddamn card? Where you should actually go: As much as I just smacked up the Tortoise, I have to say, they’ve made some strides recently in their tap offerings. I would never recommend this place for a cheap drink—a real problem for them, because they are resistant to anything more than a cheap-drink atmosphere—but the Tortoise has a pretty large tap list with multiple options across a few decent breweries (and some formerly decent breweries), such as Green Flash, Bridgeport, Worthy and Breakside. Or, well, I hate to keep banging on the Schmizza drum, but these guys always have a rather extensive tap list that is often subject to a tap takeover, which features often-local brewers that bring in samples, tastings and often raffle swag.
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PSU Vanguard • AUGUST 2, 2016 • psuvanguard.com
COURTSEY OF USER USIEN THROUGH WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
EARLY DRINKIN’ Fortunately, not everyone on our green campus is a total day-boozer. Early drinking options are fairly sparse; the Tortoise opens its doors at 9 a.m. with a notoriously cheap breakfast option (and many that aren’t). Suki’s, on Southwest Fourth Avenue, is a hidden gem that opens between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. with perhaps the only honest brunch option on/near campus from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends. This lovely little near-dive also offers pool and a schedule jam-packed with events, some of which are noted below. EVENTS! KARAOKE, TRIVIA, ALL THAT RAGE Monday: Suki’s live trivia (9 p.m.) Tuesday: Cheerful Tortoise trivia (9 p.m.) Wednesday: Cheerful Tortoise karaoke, Suki’s karaoke (9 p.m.) Thursday: Suki’s karaoke (9 p.m.), Cheerful Tortoise Dollar Beer (6–11 p.m.) Friday: Cheerful Tortoise karaoke, Suki’s karaoke (9 p.m.) Saturday: Cheerful Tortoise karaoke (9 p.m.), Suki’s brunch (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) Sunday: Pizza Schmizza trivia (8 p.m.), Suki’s brunch (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
ENTERTAINMENT
SO, WHATCHA WHATCHA WHATCHA WANT…TO EAT?! TIM SULLIVAN
LOOK AT YOU—BRIGHT-FACED, FULL-OF-LIFE NEWBIE to the university campus lifestyle. Everything around you looks tantalizing and you want to try out all of your eating options, up until you remember the crippling student debt hanging over your head. Well, don’t worry; you’re in good hands. You won’t have to survive on ramen and frozen burritos (though we do have a few good recipes to tart those up) to get by on the lack of money in your wallet. I’ve curated for you a small list of places that won’t break the bank (no more than $7 per meal) but will fill your belly.
LOCO LOCOS: A veritable Portland State institution. Hit up this cart during its lunch special and you can get a whole range of different burritos, with a size that matches that of Chipotle, at prices ranging from $5.50 to $7.00.
••BURGERS
Though you won’t find a quaint little eccentric burger joint à la Bob’s Burgers, you can still grab that American staple of food here on campus. JOE’S BURGERS •• 540 SW College St. Joe’s Burgers: The best deal at Joe’s Burgers is the $5 Burger Basket during their happy hour, which is from 3 to 7 p.m. Nearly everything on Joe’s menu is less than $7, so if you miss happy hour, don’t fret, you can still eat like a king without overdrawing your bank account.
PIZZA
There are three options to choose from on campus to get your greasy, cheesy, crusty fix. Just don’t scarf it down too fast or everything will taste like cardboard for the next few days. HOT LIPS PIZZA •• 415 SW Montgomery St. From 2 to 5 p.m. Hot Lips Pizza offers a slice of pizza for $2.50 when you show your student ID. You can also double up and get a slice and a pint for $5 if you’re so inclined.
MCDONALD’S •• 1850 SW Sixth Ave. The golden arched juggernaut. I won’t go into too much detail about what you can get, because everyone knows from cultural osmosis what they serve. Just know that this fast food joint is oddly situated in the Student Health & Counseling building and is there to sate your burger needs in the shortest time possible. Bababababaa…I’m not above it.
PIZZICATO PIZZA •• 1909 SW Sixth Ave. Though there is no student special, from 3 p.m. to close you can grab a slice and pint for $6.99. Not a terrible way to go. PIZZA SCHMIZZA PUB & GRUB •• 1708 SW Sixth Ave. Every day from 3 to 6 p.m., Pizza Schmizza’s happy hour brings in hordes of hungry students, professionals and locals to dine on cheap eats and cheaper drinks. Get there early to procure yourself a seat, because it will get packed.
NEW TASTE OF INDIA: You want massive portions, then you will get massive portions. From 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. this food cart will give you two lunch special options, meat or vegetarian, for $7. You can easily make two meals out of these portions— everybody’s got time for that. THAI PASTA: To tell the truth, I haven’t eaten here…yet. But I know enough people who go here for lunch that I’m willing to recommend it. Lunch specials change often and are $7 a pop.
OTHER
If you were so inclined to venture further up Southwest Broadway, there are two honorable mentions hidden on the Broadway-facing side of the Broadway housing building. Both cheap and filling to boot. PANDA CAFE: •• 1988 SW Broadway At $5.95 for the lunch special, this cheap food option will give you enough food for two meals, so it’s a win-win even though it’s your typical food-court style Chinese food.
FOOD CARTS
There is a plethora of options to choose from here on campus for your food cart needs. Not only are there carts in the Park Blocks, there’s a dedicated cart pod on Southwest Fourth Avenue with a range of cultural cuisine options to choose from. Everything on the following list is located on Fourth Avenue.
BLUEFIN SUSHI •• 1968 SW Broadway It’s cheap, filling and sushi comes at you on an automated track. All day every plate is $1.95, so what’s not to like? Plus it’s right next to Panda Kitchen if you want to have a cheap-food crawl.
ILLUSTRATIONS BY TERRA DEHART
PSU Vanguard •AUGUST 2, 2016 • psuvanguard.com
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ENTERTAINMENT
TIME TO GET REC’D! MOLLY OZIER
IT’S THERE, IT’S A SQUARE, WHAT’S IT DOING HERE?
EVERY TERM STUDENTS PAY A fee of nearly $50, included on top of their tuition, to use the Academic & Student Rec Center. It’s easy to be intimidated by a room of sweaty, hulked-out people, but the time for excuses is over, my friend. The rec center has more to offer you than you know. Before you do anything at the rec center, you must sign the release form in order to enter the facility. You can either do it there, or get a head start and follow this nifty URL to do it online: pdx.edu/recreation/webtrac Whether you’re an established athlete or you’re looking to try something new, the rec center offers both intramural and club sports. Before you shake your head in confusion, here’s the 411 on the differences between the two. Intramural sports are run by intramural staff and compete only on campus with other leagues. Although intramural is competitive, leagues offered change quarterly and run between six and eight weeks. Club sports are a yearly commitment and cost an extra fee depending on the sport. They are more competitive and travel to other schools to compete in competitions. Sure you can play the typical sports offered (basketball, soccer, volleyball, etc.), but why not hop in a canoe and play some IRL Battleship!? Yep, it’s a thing. Grab a group of your friends or ride solo and make new ones. The rec center is offering a new club league this fall called Unified Sports. The league offers a chance for students with intellectual disabilities and those without to participate on the same team. The ideology behind it is based on the simple knowledge that playing together brings people together for friendship, fun and a mutual understanding.
Due to the Stott Center renovation (that big building under construction in the Park Blocks to the left of the library), some sports like tennis or the batting cages are no longer offered on campus. But that doesn’t mean you can’t participate, you just may have to venture to other parts of Portland. Isn’t that almost better, though? That means you get to get out of your cozy dorm bubble and see what this city really has to offer. Broke like the rest of us? No need to worry! Get inspired to pump some iron by being a lifeguard, referee, personal trainer or student coordinator at the rec center. Hone those leadership and camaraderie skills and apply
THE PORTLAND STATE REC CENTER, LOCATED ON SOUTHWEST 6TH AVENUE.
MOLLY OZIER
HEY, WESTSIDERS! BREAK OUT of your bubble and cross the damn river. The Portland Streetcar is free for students. This form of transportation can get you to some of the coolest parts of town. From campus hop on the B Loop, get off at Southeast Grand Avenue and Stark Street, walk about 10 minutes and you’ll find yourself at Base Camp Brewery. Bam. Easy as pie. Explore the endless destinations you can get to for free here: portlandstreetcar.org/schedules NEED SOME NEW FUNKY-FRESH BEATS to boogie to class to, but too broke to afford Spotify preems? No need to fear! If you’ve been living under a rock then you haven’t heard about Spotify’s 50-percent-off student discount.
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To find out more about club and intramural sports or to see a list of leagues offered, go to pdx.edu/recreation/rec-clubs for club sports or pdx.edu/recreation/ intramurals#currentleague for intramural sports.
“PLAYING TOGETHER BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER”
FO FREE, FOO! BECAUSE YOU’RE A STUDENT, HERE’S A LIST OF FREE (AND DISCOUNTED) SHIT YOU CAN GET.
for a number of their available positions here: pdx.edu/ recreation/employment Get all the information you need in person on the Tuesday before the quarter begins at Night at the Rec. Or if you can’t make it to that, check out Party in the Park on the first Thursday of school.
CHRISTOPHER SOHLER/VANGUARD ARCHIVES
THE PORTLAND STREET CAR, ONE OF THE MANY THINGS STUDENT CAN ACCESS FOR FREE. SILVIA CARDULLO/PSU VANGUARD
Get Spotify Premium for a mere $4.99 per month. You’re welcome. WE COULD ALL STAND to be a bit more cultured—don’t deny it. We all know the last time you really read through an entire book (Barnes & Noble called, they want their bookmark back) was far too long ago to remember. So until the day comes when you can actually read for pleasure again, head on down to the Portland Art Museum for their student discounted fee of $20…for the entire year! THERE IS A MAGICAL PLACE on campus called the PSU Food Pantry where you can get FREE food. Yep, that’s right, your eyes are not deceiving you. All the produce and bread you want. Although canned goods and perishables are limited to five items per student, you can go as often as you want throughout the week. Their hours are Monday through Friday 12:30–2:30 p.m. in the basement of Smith Memorial Student Union, to the right of the bowling alley. Be sure to bring your own bags and get in line early!
PSU Vanguard • AUGUST 2, 2016 • psuvanguard.com
YOU STAY CLASSY, FASHIONISTAS and grab your 10 percent discount from ASOS.com. The online store, whose name I will never be certain how to pronounce (do you only say the letters or is it pronounced ace-os?), has some amazing sale days where you can stock up on all your fashion needs. And gentlemen, no need to worry—their men’s clothing is on point. RAIN OR SHINE THE HARVEST SHARE comes to campus every second Monday of the month. Located just outside Shattuck Hall (you’ll see the long-ass line), stock up on all your fruits and veggies. You are limited to one of each kind of vegetable or fruit per person and you gots to bring your own bags, but hey, it’s free! Partnered with the Oregon Food Bank, Portland State is trying to increase healthy food choices among students, so thanks PSU! These are only a few of the wonderful things Portland has to offer its students. Go spend a day in Powell’s, take a hike through Forest Park—whatever you do, do it with style.
ENTERTAINMENT
EMBRACE THE NEW
STUDENT BLUES WITH
PSU MUSIC
THE GREEN NOTE, PORTLAND STATE’S A CAPELLA GROUP.
GRAY BOUCHAT
COURTESY OF THE GREEN NOTE
IT’S ALWAYS A LITTLE SCARY to be the new kid somewhere—especially at one of the biggest universities in Oregon. New professors, new people and a new living space can really take a toll on someone, but luckily, music is there to quell these worries. Portland State offers an abundance of musical activities such as the Green Note a cappella group, Lincoln Hall, the Live at Lunch series, and a variety of all-inclusive ensembles. The Green Note a capella group is the only a capella group on campus! There are always auditions, so keep checking PSU’s event page to see when they occur. If you have a competitive nature, and love singing, this is the perfect group for you. And much like PSU, the group is diverse, ranging in many different voices and backgrounds. And as a plus, the group even recorded their own album. If you’re interested in learning more or joining, find the group’s contact information, which is on their Facebook page: thegreennote. They rehearse three times a week, perform concerts on campus and accept many outside gigs to help promote their talent. Another outstanding musical and creative aspect of PSU is the Lincoln Recital Hall. There are plays and perfor-
mances conducted here constantly. Previous highlights include the opera program’s Die Fledermaus and PSU Stage’s Arms and the Man. Lincoln Hall is home to the School of Music. As a freshman, you may be taking a music or acting class, and if this is the case, you will more than likely visit Lincoln Hall. It’s the beautiful white building that looks more like a landmark than a functional school building. If you are ever interested in seeing a show at Lincoln Hall, their box office is located inside and you can reserve tickets online or call. To wrap this up, there are also a variety of ensembles around campus of many diverse musical aspects: 1) There is the PSU University Choir which requires no audition and is open to all students of any major (so there’s no pressure!). 2) The PSU orchestra is open to any major with an audition. If you do get in, not only can you play many different symphonies, but you can also associate with opera and ballet, as the orchestra sometimes performs alongside these programs. If you are fairly confident in your instrument playing, this would be a great opportunity as the orchestra has won three
awards from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. 3) The Live at Lunch concert series by Portland State Professional Sound hosts live performances every Tuesday and Thursday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. from fall through spring term. Bands usually play in the Park Blocks, or in the Parkway North room of the Smith Memorial Student Union during poor weather. 4) As we discussed before, opera is a huge part of PSU, and a very difficult major. But if this tickles your fancy, there is an opera workshop that you can audition for to study the art of opera. The PSU School of Music hosts many events during the school year. As a new student, attending these events can help you meet friends and become better acquainted with the large PSU campus. If you’re ever interested, these events promote themselves with fliers throughout campus, or they are listed on the School of Music’s website at pdx. edu/music. The School of Music’s goal is to provide the education and commitment required in many different musical fields such as jazz, opera and music composition.
PSU Vanguard •AUGUST 2, 2016 • psuvanguard.com
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ENTERTAINMENT
BEGIN OR PERFECT YOUR CRAFT CATHERINE JOHNSON
IN A THRIVING ARTS SCENE
THE LITTMAN GALLERY, LOCATED ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE SMITH STUDENT UNION.
IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A thriving art scene, Portland State delivers. From on-campus organizations and events, to a city bursting with creative energy, you’re sure to be artistically stimulated and satisfied. GALLERIES Start with the College of the Arts’ School of Art + Design, which has galleries all over campus, two of which, the Sugar Cube Gallery on Southwest Fifth Avenue and the Garage Projects on Lovejoy Court, are viewable from the sidewalk. The Littman + White Gallery is another favorite at the heart of the Smith Memorial Student Union on the second floor. It’s a completely student-run exhibition space that features conceptually and visually challenging contemporary art. They display work by emerging and mid-career artists in order to present new art trends that fit with their goal of creating educational and timely exhibitions. PERFORMANCE Then there’s the School of Theater + Film, which provides ample opportunities for students to participate in theater, dance and film productions, some of which are also completely student-run. In fact, the Fifth Avenue Cinema is
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ROOSEVELT SOWKA/PSU VANGUARD
Oregon’s only student-run movie theater. They show a constantly changing program of new and old films in 35 mm. Admission is always free for students, as is the popcorn! If there isn’t a student production going on, chances are something else is sure to entertain at the Lincoln Performance Hall, which is one of the busiest venues in Portland and hosts over 200 events each year. And one of the best advantages of being a PSU student is its partnerships and connections to art in the greater Portland community. EXPLORE DOWNTOWN ART The Portland Art Museum is just a five minute walk down the Park Blocks, with rotating exhibitions featuring ancient to modern art. The NW Film Center also plays movies in their downstairs theater. PAM offers discounted tickets for students and free admission on the first Thursday of every month, as do most of the art galleries in town who participate in the popular First Thursday Gallery Walk in the Pearl District. Check out the comprehensive list and map of spaces online and make a night of it! And that’s just scratching the surface. Portland Center Stage is a fantastic theater company that performs in the very cool Gerding Theater at the Armory. Portland’s Center for the Arts brings talent from all over the country into their five
PSU Vanguard • AUGUST 2, 2016 • psuvanguard.com
theaters. Literary Arts hosts readings and brings bestselling authors to town as part of their Portland Arts & Lectures series. They also organize the biggest literary event of the year: Wordstock. GET INVOLVED AND DIY Portland has it all—traditional outlets as well as alternative spaces. You can even download an app on your phone, Public Art PDX, that will lead you to all the art on display around the city. But perhaps what it’s best known for is a thriving do-it-yourself arts culture. If you feel like getting crafty, check out Crafty Wonderland, Portland’s Art + Craft Extravaganza. If you want to get your hands dirty, visit ADX, Portland’s maker space where you can share tools, knowledge and space with other artists in order to create your own stuff. Finally, don’t forget about all the clubs and campus organizations available to you. The Student Activities & Leadership Program has a club directory online, or you can attend their fun Party in the Park on September 29, where you can peruse the various organizations that PSU has to offer.
ENTERTAINMENT
PARADIGM SHIFT: PSU BIKE HUB BOASTS FREE MEMBERSHIP IN 2016 THOMAS SPOELHOF
WELCOME TO PORTLAND STATE, and whatever the most recent arbitrary national rankings claim, the most bicyclefriendly city in the nation. As you peddle your way over bridges crossing the mighty Willamette on your commute to the PSU campus, you might occasionally run into mechanical problems—a broken spoke, a slipping chain, or ineffective brake pads. When bicycle maladies befuddle the PSU commuter, the Bike Hub is there to respond. BIKE HUB The PSU Bike Hub, at 1818 SW Sixth Ave., offers courses in basic bicycle maintenance that are free to all PSU students, faculty and staff. The Hub also boasts benches of intricate toolery fabricated for every minute ache and pain your pedal-powered pony could possibly encounter, available to you just because you’re a member. Couple the bicycle maintenance classes offered on multiple occasions with the arsenal of tools and technicians available, and you might just incidentally acquire a degree in bicycle maintenance alongside that bachelor’s in psychology. Fortunately for you, incoming PSU Viking, sweet amendments mark the opening of this year’s Bike Hub amenities. “Beginning this fall there will be no annual fee to make use of our services,” said Bicycle Program Coordinator Clint Culpepper. “All currently enrolled students will be able to attend any of our classes, come in for one-on-one instruction and receive a discount on everything in the store.” Membership holds real value to the seriously greenminded scholar. There are six secure, dry indoor parking locations throughout campus offering safety and convenience for all kinds of weather and special occasions, with none of the stress or expense of public parking. BIKETOWN For many students who rely on Trimet, bicycle commuting might not be the most efficient means of getting from home to class. Enter Biketown, Nike’s new city-wide bicycle rental membership program that offers quick commutes without clogging up the world with one more car and without walking the distance between your bus stop and your destination. PSU students receive a hearty discount on Biketown monthly bike rental memberships, and Clint Culpepper is enthusiastic about the advent for PSU students. “We are close to confirming what the price will be for students,” Culpepper said, acknowledging that the student price will ultimately be a great discount compared to present consumer membership fees. Biketown, the new system of orange two-wheeled leviathans parked at 100 locations throughout the city offers monthly bike rental memberships at discounted rates for students. For ease and convenience, nothing presently compares. For those who would walk from Goose Hollow or Northwest, a Biketown membership could be a major time saver.
PHOTO BY JAMON SIN/PSU VANGUARD | ILLUSTRATION BY LAUREN CHAPLUK
PSU Vanguard •AUGUST 2, 2016 • psuvanguard.com
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ACADEMICS
STUDY YOUR PANTS OFF AT THE LIBRARY BRIE BARBEE
PHOTO CAPTION. PHOTOGRAPHER/PSU VANGUARD JAMON SIN/PSU VANGUARD
THE MILLAR LIBRARY, LOCATED AT 1875 SW Park Ave., is one of the largest buildings on campus and perhaps one of the most underutilized by new students. Besides renting books, students can also: GET COFFEE: Branford Bean is a popular spot to get coffee on campus and it’s located on the first floor of the library. They serve Stumptown coffee and espresso as well as snacks and other beverages to help make your long-term study session a little bit more bearable. Since it’s a part of the school, you can use your PSU meal plans to fuel your study sessions.
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PSU Vanguard • JULY 19, 2016 • psuvanguard.com
ACCESS FREE ARTICLES AND DATABASES: There are dozens of free databases and thousands of articles available through the library’s website. You can reference them generally or by specific subject. As a PSU student, you also have access to Academic Search Premier, Google Scholar, JSTOR and Web of Science, which all provide crucial starting points when you first begin researching a project or essay. Most services offer free PDF versions of academic articles or you can rent or access them through other participating universities through Interlibrary Loan & Article Delivery.
RESERVE A STUDY ROOM: If you need a quiet place to study or need a space to work on a group project with your classmates, renting a room at the library is the way to go. You are only allowed to rent study rooms for a total of 15 hours per week, but you have access to large rooms, TVs, projectors and other technology to help you study. Just make sure to return your room key in time so you don’t get fined! Talk to people who know what they’re talking about: When you first start a project, you may not know exactly what you should be looking for. A book? An article? Another resource? Chances are a librarian will be able to help you find exactly what you’re looking for without having to find the exact keyword, or they can at least point you in the right direction. The library also offers workshops and tours to help you familiarize yourself with the resources available. You can also visit the Writing Center to get help on your latest rough draft. Just make sure to give yourself and everyone else involved enough time to help you find what you’re looking for. RENT THINGS: Besides access to a desktop computer, students can rent laptops, tablets or DVDs to help them reach their educational goals. With an active Banweb account, you can also print, copy, scan or print in the library without having to leave campus. ACCESS TO LATE-NIGHT STUDY SESSIONS DURING FINALS: The Millar Library is open late or, in the case of finals week, 24 hours a day, to give you as much access to constructive researching and studying as possible. With dozens of computers, tables and quiet floors, you can find a space and the access to pull those last-minute all-nighters and not have to worry about moving as it gets later or trying to ignore your noisy roommates. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH OTHER STUDENTS: Perhaps one of the most overlooked features of the Millar Library is the ability to surround yourself with other students who are busy working toward their own educational goals. While working at a café or coffee shop is great sometimes, it can be loud and often distracting, especially when the majority of customers are not in the midst of cramming for finals or trying to push through the last few pages of their midterm. That’s not to say that you have to use everything the library has to offer or that you have to spend every moment you’re not in class studying. However, having the resources available and knowing what your options are, is a crucial part to the college going experience. Happy studying!
ACADEMICS
WHAT THE ¡UNST! IS UNST?
BRIE BARBEE
SERINA HERSEY/PSU VANGUARD SO YOU’RE NEW TO CAMPUS, you’ve just registered for classes and you’ve already bought your textbooks? Good job so far! But what the heck is this University Studies thing you keep hearing about? Does it even apply to you? University Studies (UNST) is a four-year 45-credit general education program that is required of all undergraduate PSU students, with the exception of those enrolled in Liberal Studies or the Honors Program. The program is designed to provide interdisciplinary learning opportunities for students pursuing degrees at PSU. It can be an annoying requirement for sure, especially if you are not aware of it when you first begin at PSU. However, if you plan accordingly, you can take one or two University Studies courses a term and finish the require-
ment pretty easily and, who knows, you might even have fun taking classes outside of your major. FRESHMAN INQUIRY (15 CREDITS): Freshman Inquiry courses are interactive and theme-based and explore a variety of disciplinary perspectives. Each student creates an electronic portfolio that allows them to reflect on the material they learn during their first year of college. FRINQ is made up of a year-long 100-level class with two mentored inquies. Most classes start in fall quarter, but some also start in winter. SOPHOMORE INQUIRY & JUNIOR CLUSTER (24 CREDITS): Your Sophomore Inquiry is linked to your Junior Cluster.
You’ll take classes that are thematically linked, and they act as a gateway for the corresponding cluster. There are 15 groups to choose from. You will chose three as a sophomore and narrow it down to one as a junior. You will only be able to get credit for your Junior Cluster if all the classes are taken from the same cluster. SINQ is three 4-credit 200-level classes with one mentored inquiry. There are three 4-credit 300-level cluster courses that will fit a single theme. SENIOR CAPSTONE (6 CREDITS): The senior capstone is designed to take students out of the classroom to learn through community involvement. You will still be required to attend class (although times and lengths will vary). You will work closely with students from various majors and backgrounds to find solutions to important issues and become engaged in your community. The senior capstone is one 6-credit 421-level class that combines class time with community involvement. TRANSFER STUDENTS: If you are new to PSU but transferring from another 4-year university or community college, it is important to talk to your advisor because you may be exempt from one (or more) of the UNST requirements depending on how many credits you are transferring with. More information can be found here: www.pdx.edu/unst/ home
PSU Vanguard •AUGUST 2, 2016 • psuvanguard.com
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Q+A
FARE-WIEWEL MR. PRESIDENT A GOODBYE INTERVIEW WITH WIM WIEWEL BACK IN 2008, WIM WIEWEL cruised to campus on his bike for his first day as president at Portland State. He had come from University of Baltimore, Maryland and had ambitions of creating symbiotic relationships between all PSU community members. His new position was then valued at roughly $350,000 a year. He told the Oregonian that Portland felt like Amsterdam, his original home. He was ready to help people abandon the notion of PSU as a “neglected stepchild.” This month, roughly eight years after his arrival, Wiewel announced his resignation for after the 2016–17 school year. He described the decision as having been made a year and a half ago, connected more to age and not at all to the strained relationship he shares with parts of the student body. But PSU is sitting at “the big kids’” table now, with fellow state schools University of Oregon and Oregon State University, according to the president. And there is no denying, everything is bigger now. Under Wiewel, a third of campus has been or will be renovated. Tuition has ballooned and the student body has grown from 27,000 to 29,000. Wiewel won’t be gone for good. After a year-long sabbatical, which pays the same $401,700 salary as a typical year in office, he plans on returning to PSU to teach in a tenured part-time position for the College of Urban Planning and Affairs. Additionally, Wiewel will keep his cochair position with the College Affordability Coalition. Vanguard: How do you feel now that the news has been broken? Are you a little relaxed, a burden
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off your shoulders, a little bummed? Wim Wiewel: (Displays himself as very relaxed, laughing) A nonverbal response. I’m not sure I’ve ever come to work in a polo shirt before. VG: What sort of role will you serve in [PSU] when you return as a CUPA professor? What sort of classes are you thinking of teaching? WW: I hope that it will be some mixture of teaching, as you may know I taught a higher education policy class this spring. So I would like to teach that class again. But I also would love to do some fundraising for the Institute for Sustainable Solutions. That’s sort of an uncompleted task, and I have some research ideas—maybe do some work with junior faculty or with students. So a mixture of activity. VG: Could you tell us a little bit about the factors leading to your resignation? WW: It’s what I would summarize as the inexorable march of time. You know when I came I pretty much figured that somewhere between eight and 10 years was the right time…[And] by that time I’ll be 67, and I’m still, thank God, in very good health. But one becomes aware that life is not eternal…I would like to do especially some traveling and some athletic stuff while I’m still healthy…I love to work, it’s a great job, but I don’t want to die in office. VG: According to an article published in the Oregonian last spring, your contract was through 2018, so have the terms of your contract changed or is the sabbatical included in that? WW: No, people got very confused about that…I could leave anytime as long
PSU Vanguard • JULY 19, 2016 • psuvanguard.com
JON RABY & JESSICA POLLARD
PRESIDENT WIM WIEWEL DURING A PRESS CONFERENCE IN MAY 2016. BRAD BOURGEOIS/VANGUARD ARCHIVES as I gave three months notice. They just couldn’t fire me without without having to pay me, but I could leave any time. So that’s where there’s no breach of a contract or anything. VG: On that note, could you tell us a little about your sabbatical? Where are you going? WW: My wife and I are interested in living abroad. We’re looking [at] Spain and Greece and Italy. Countries I love but have never been able to spend enough time in…I love the idea of being in a place and not being a tourist. As you may know I grew up in the Netherlands. I first came to the United States when I was 18 and had a chance to actually live here for a year, then I went back
to the Netherlands. It’s so different living somewhere than being a tourist, where you’re just busy looking at the museums and the churches and the landscapes or whatever. During the rest of the sabbatical year I will be getting ready for my new academic life. One of the things that I’m interested in doing is writing the histories of some of the big decisions that happened during my tenure. The big one of course is the dissolution of the Oregon University System and the creation of our own board. That’s a history that needs to be written, so I want to do that. And the second one is the business payroll tax effort of this last year. While that one didn’t succeed as
quite planned, there is now a different part to it, I think that one is worth recording for posterity. There are maybe two other smaller historical projects where, while I’m not a historian, I do have unique information and access to information about those things and I think it’s worth, for the institution’s sake, to write that down. VG: In terms of writing these histories, are those going to be published as academic papers? WW: Yeah, they might be. Even just to have them in the library as historical documents about the institution is valuable, and maybe they are interesting as academic articles as well. While I’m not a historian, I have done a lot of writing
on the relationship of a university to its city, that has been my main topic. How do universities contribute to making cities better places to live, work and play? Both of these topics are relevant to that; it fits into that history, into that line of work. VG: In the past your salary has been attacked by faculty and students. Do you think there will be any backlash against the sabbatical, or do you think it’s pretty typical after as long as you have been a president or a teacher to take a sabbatical? WW: Sabbaticals are very typical and very normal, right? So, you know, it’s done. Its contracts is kind of moot. VG: Could we ask you
Q+A
some questions about the College Affordability Coalition? How will the co-chair role change or evolve? WW: Not at all, I’m still a president for a whole year. The reason to announce now is that academic searches take typically a year, so this gives the board ample time to gear up for a search. But I’ll be here, be working, doing whatever I’ve been doing for the past eight years; that includes in this case co-chairing that coalition with Greg Ness… That coalition really better get a lot of its work done this coming year. This is when we really have to put everything in place. VG: We were wondering about any regrets you have or things you wish you had been able to complete in your time here, or things that you’re going to try to get done in this last year? WW: That’s a great question. You saw the list of what I consider to be main accomplishments. There’s a lot there that I’m really pleased with. I would’ve liked to have seen the Business Bureau Tax done. This process that we’re in with the College Affordability Success Coalition is going to take a long time…I regret that, but you know, we did the best we could. We got the best compromise out of it that we could and we got a heck of a lot more than we had a year ago today. The second one is the fundraising campaign that the [PSU] Foundation is doing. I wish we had been able to get that off the ground a little bit quicker… We had the leadership changes there last year, with Vice President [Françoise] Aylmer leaving, so that kind of made us lose some time. [Those are] two key things related to money. We made huge progress on state funding. I hope that in whichever way, there will be more revenue, so the legislature will be able to continue what they started in 2015, which is to really restore the funding levels that we had in ’07 and ’08. Before the reces-
sion started, that would allow us to continue to have very moderate tuition increases while improving the quality by hiring more advisers, more faculty and so on. Associate Vice President of University Communications Chris Broderick: The other part of that question, I think, was a good one. In these next 12 months, what are your priorities? WW: So in these next 12 months I’m going to focus on the College Affordability and Success Coalition, on the 2017 legislative session, on the comprehensive fundraising campaign. More broadly, I’m going to make sure that the strategic plan gets implemented. My role there is sort of oversight, because most of the pieces of that fit in the domain of specific vice presidents. The final part is to work with the board on whatever help they may want on the search for a replacement. Typically, that is handled by the Board of Trustees itself and by the search committee. Often, sitting presidents really do not have a lot of involvement in that. So that’s just, if and when I’m asked, I’m available for advice. I have no formal role in that whatsoever. VG: What kind of qualities do you hope for in PSU’s next university president? WW: I think you want a president who strongly supports the notion of community engagement, who strongly [supports] the notion of sustainability. Somebody who can be an inspiring leader. As a president it’s not so much what you do—the piece of paper that you move around—but whether you can inspire people to do their best to make this place work better. But also somebody who understands finances well enough. That’s going to continue to be a challenge, no matter what happens on revenue. You know, universities are hard-pressed financially, and that’s not going to change—a fine balance between quality on
the one hand and price on the other. All students, all faculty, want more of everything except tuition…Tuition is such a large part of our revenue that it’s always going to be very important. So how do we contain the rise in tuition while still providing a quality education and good working and salary conditions for our faculty and staff? It’s a balancing act. You’re always going to make somebody mad, obviously. A final characteristic is communication. You relearn that lesson every time, that you can’t ever communicate too much about what is going on, what the challenges are, what you’re doing about them, [as well as] listening to people about how they see the world and about what they want and what they’re worried about…When you don’t communicate enough, especially in this era of distrust of institutions and leadership, people get very angry very quickly. VG: Do you have any real life examples where you were able to communicate and a challenge was [resolved]? WW: I think an example of that is [from] two and a half years ago, when we had that negotiation with our faculty unit…We had made the mistake of not having enough communication channels so that we tried to do some things in those negotiations that were misunderstood and misinterpreted. People [said] that the provost and the president wanted to get rid of tenure; I mean, nothing could be further from the truth. But the fact that somebody could even say that…just shows that there hadn’t been enough communication. [After that] we started a very deliberate communication effort to reach out in all variety of ways: office hours, meetings with
departments, faculty breakfast, Provost [Sona] Andrews’ blog, my tweeting—a whole bunch of things. All very intentional, and I think those things made a difference. The fact that our last round of negotiations with the union went very smoothly, using a different process, to me proves that that whole effort works. VG: How do you think the role of the university, in general, has changed over the last eight years? WW: Well, in a couple of ways that are important. One metaphor I’ve used is that eight years ago, when I came, if you thought about higher education in Oregon, there was [University of Oregon] and [Oregon State University] up there. There was Western, Southern, Eastern and [the Oregon Institute of Technology] down there, and PSU was sort of in the middle. Nobody quite knew. We were too big for the kids’ table and too small for the adults’ table. Now, we are very much at the adults’ table. We are one of the three bigs… If you look at the surveys we’ve done, [PSU] is recognized much more broadly in the metropolitan area than it was eight years ago… And that’s partly based on our increased size,
increased quality. But some of it is simply communication. Telling more people about us. You know, the number of press exposures that we’ve had in the last, let’s say, eight years, was vastly greater than, on an annual basis, the period before that. That didn’t just happen, that was work. VG: So what direction do you hope PSU will move in after you leave? We are hoping to discuss hopes and fears and what you have for the future. WW: I hope that PSU will continue to grow as a research institution. When I came, we did $40 million in externally funded research. This past year was $65 million…It will be good for our students, it will be good for the region to have more research that improves quality of life…I hope we will continue to increase our attractiveness to nonresident students. For the reasons that I’ve always cited, having nonresident students increases simply the diversity of the student body…Secondly, to attract nonresident students, you have to be good and have qualities or else people aren’t going to come. VG: So it’s an indicator. WW: Exactly, that’s precisely what it is. And thirdly, because they do help our bottom line because they pay more tuition. If you look at U of O, more than 50 percent of their student body is nonresident, and while they have fewer students than we do, they have about $100 million more in tuition. We have $200 million in tuition per year, and they have about $300 million. With a smaller number of students! Can you just imagine what we’d
be able to do with $100 million? Now that would be huge. VG: That would change this place. WW: I want to do that without reducing, in any way, the number of resident students. Or changing the admissions requirements for students in any way. For us, it’s always been, we let in everybody who fits our admissions criteria. We don’t have a set class, so you’ve got the qualifications. We let you in and if we have more nonresident students, fine, we just grow in size. VG: Is there anything else you’d like to say about your feelings at this time, leaving this job? WW: As I have reflected on these last eight years, and on just being here, Alice and I were talking about this, it truly has been a tremendous honor and privilege. And I’m not just saying that because being able to lead an institution that is so wonderful, as wonderful as PSU is, you know, I really mean that there is no place anywhere else that I know of that is as committed to this idea of let knowledge serve the city, to being engaged. I mean, is everything always wonderful? Of course not. There’s all kinds of difficulty and there isn’t enough money but I can’t think of a better place, as a university or as a city, that I would rather have been. And I’ve gotten inquiries during the years…It’s always nice and flattering to be asked, but I’ve never even been tempted, frankly. Secondly, everything that we’ve accomplished is because of a lot of great work by my predecessors as president. They did a lot of the ground work. And through my eight years, of course, I’ve been working with the faculty…my leadership team. I probably haven’t said enough about this but right now I think my executive committee is the strongest team I’ve had in my eight years.
PHOTO CAPTION. PRESIDENT WIM WIEWEL PHOTOGRAPHER/PSU DURING A GUEST VANGUARD LECTURE AT THE SMITH MEMORIAL STUDENT UNION IN 2015. CHAVELIN GONZALEZ/VANGUARD ARCHIVES
PSU Vanguard •AUGUST 2, 2016 • psuvanguard.com
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