Bikes for rent PSU will host up to five bike pod stations next year.

Bike-sharing pods landing at PSU

Portland looks ahead with Bike Share program

By this time next year, Portlanders should see a new flock of bicycles settle in the Rose City. Part of the new Portland Bike Share program currently making its bureaucratic rounds, the 740-strong bicycle fleet would find homes at various pods across the city, including Portland State.

A twilight ride with CPSO

Vanguard reporter tags along with Sergeant Michael Anderson

Sergeant Michael Anderson pulled up in front of Smith Memorial Student Union and hopped out of his cruiser. Going inside, he snaked through the building, on the lookout for violators or trespassers. He stopped in front of a restroom, a location specifically targeted by Campus Public Safety because it’s frequented by heroin users. Anderson laughed and said, “I didn’t know this would be my life, waiting outside of restrooms.”

PSU Model U.N. members (left to right) Victor Mena, Anna Ceniceros, Jennalyn Burke, Cole Simko, Ellen Coughlin, Ann Coughlin and Adam Stein pose for a photo outside of Shattuck Hall.

PSU Model United Nations receives national recognition, awards

Student organization members debate global issues, international affairs

Globally minded Portland State students take part in the changing global perspective by participating as PSU delegates in the collegiate Model United Nations. Together, they examine world issues, and meet with students from other universities at MUN summits to debate issues.

Capstone controversy

PSU senior capstone requirement draws student criticism, questions

The Portland State 2012 spring term course catalog has more than 70 listings for UNST 421, better known as the senior capstone. These six-credit courses cover a vast array of topics, like tutoring adult English language learners, writing grants for wildlife preservations in Africa, meditation for personal growth and social responsibility and mentoring Native American youth. Most capstones take one term to complete and are required for nearly all undergraduate degrees at PSU.

Portland mayoral candidates charge into pre-primary push

Campaigns seek greater visibility of platforms

As of Tuesday, March 6, a total of 23 candidates had filed to run in the 2012 mayoral election. With the May 15 primary elections fast approaching, the Portland mayoral race moves into a critical period of voter outreach, and candidates are redoubling efforts to raise awareness of their platforms. The top candidates—Jefferson Smith, Eileen Brady and Charlie Hales—and alternative candidates like Cameron Whitten are seeking endorsements and knocking on as many doors as possible, hoping to gain momentum going into the primary.

PSU students travel to Panama this summer to provide humanitarian aid

Global Brigades Medical group gives students and community members opportunity to make social change

While many students might spend their summer soaking up the sun and relaxing, a group of Portland State students will spend part of their summer in humanitarian efforts. The Global Brigades, a nonprofit organization headquartered in the United States, focuses on helping to create viable and sustainable community services, including basic infrastructure. The Brigades will be sending PSU students and community members to Panama this July in order to provide essential services to those in need.

University facing $23 million budget deficit in 2014–15

Reducing costs and increasing revenue key to balanced budget

The Portland State Budget and Planning Office forecasts a deficit of just over $23 million in the 2014–15 fiscal year if nothing is done to reduce expenses and increase revenue. In a budget forum on Feb. 29, Monica Rimai, vice president of finance and administration, and Kevin Reynolds, vice provost for academic fiscal strategies and planning, gave a presentation that detailed PSU’s financial position and ways to tackle the upcoming budget shortfall.

Under construction Mayor Adams’ urban–renewal plan aims to encourage economic investment through physical expansion.

City of Portland unveils grand goals for PSU growth

Proposed urban-renewal area could boost university development by $100 million

Earlier this month, Portland Mayor Sam Adams announced a proposed collaboration between the City of Portland, Multnomah County and Portland State that could result in more than $100 million worth of development for the area surrounding the PSU campus. The suggested Education Urban Renewal Area is a long-term funding plan which aims to help PSU achieve its goals of physical expansion while simultaneously spurring economic investment, creating new jobs and revitalizing a portion of the city.

Report shows troubling numbers for Asian and Pacific Islanders

Findings indicate significant differences in academics, health and poverty

Language barriers and institutional racism appear to be the largest forces creating academic and socioeconomic disparities between Asian and Pacific Islanders and caucasians, according to a recent report released by the Coalition of Communities of Color. The report on the API community was five years in the making and is the third report in a series of seven that seeks to highlight inequities of minority groups in Oregon. Through its research, the coalition seeks to ultimately unite communities to achieve social justice.

Student government prepares for 2012–13 elections

ASPSU seeks to increase voter participation through electronic ballots, raising awareness of candidates

As Portland State students shift into spring term with new courses and new textbooks, the student government prepares for a new election cycle. With 2012–13 student elections soon underway, Associated Students of Portland State University is getting ready to promote the election with aggressive student outreach and enthusiastic outlooks. Kicking off the election cycle will be a referendum of restructuring ASPSU on April 9. Presidential, senatorial and fee committee elections will follow, beginning May 7 and ending around May 21.