A decade ago, the Center for Student Health and Counseling at Portland State decided to merge its medical and counseling centers into one, a decision that was uncommon among universities at the time.
With the passing of its 10-year anniversary in fall 2013, SHAC is taking a look back at its changes and accomplishments over the years and will be celebrating during the month of April.
“The anniversary is both showing our services, but also illustrating how SHAC has continuously expanded its services to better meet the needs and wants of the PSU student body throughout the past 10 years,” said Angela Abel, marketing and communication coordinator for SHAC.
One of the most recent changes the center has undergone is its remodeling. Now that renovations are complete, SHAC is wanting to celebrate with the PSU community.
“We have waited to officially do a celebration because we are also finishing up a remodel,” Abel said.
The new remodel focuses on creating separate spaces for all of the services SHAC offers.
The administrative offices will be moved to the third floor, which will make more rooms available on the second floor for clinical space, and the third floor will have a new Mind Spa, which can be reserved by students to use as a relaxation room. The dental and testing services will expand as well. SHAC has also created a Health Promotion and Education Suite, which is where the new student peer educator team will be held. Part of the reason for expanding these services is to better accommodate the growth of the PSU community.
“Our testing center fills up really fast during midterms and finals,” Abel said.
The larger testing center was created to make it easier for students to take tests during these busy times. According to Dr. Dana Tasson, executive director for SHAC, the center has known they’ve wanted to expand for a while.
“Through creating efficiencies in our operating budget, we were able to set money aside over the last five years,” Tasson said.
During the week of April 21–25, SHAC will be holding events to welcome the PSU community through its doors. Each day SHAC will showcase a specific service by allowing students to consult with dietitians and acupuncturists, learn about the dental services, Mind Spa and more.
Unless otherwise noted, the events will be held under the front entrance of SHAC from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Monday, April 21
Health Services will be discussing hand washing and will have blacklight equipment so attendees can see how clean their hands are.
Tuesday, April 22
Students can learn about counseling services at SHAC, along with information about the new Mind Spa.
Wednesday, April 23
Staff from Dental Services will be telling students about the services they offer at the PSU dental clinic and giving out free items.
There will also be a speaking engagement where Marcy Hunt, the director of counseling and psychological services for SHAC, and Will Meek, the associate director of counseling and training at the University of Portland, will discuss student mental health wellness. The event will be held from 1-2 p.m. in the Parson’s Gallery.
Thursday, April 24
SHAC’s acupuncturist, Joshua Green, will be giving students free acupuncture consultations.
SHAC will also be hosting an open house where students, faculty and staff can learn about the history of health services at PSU and take a tour of the building. This event will be held in SHAC from 3–5 p.m.
Friday, April 25
Nutrition Services will also be holding an event, but the details are yet to be determined.