If you’re new at Portland State, finding the right advising and academic support services may be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are many places on campus where students can go for help.
Writing Center
188F Cramer Hall
503-725-3570
www.writingcenter.pdx.edu
PSU’s Writing Center offers assistance with writing in any discipline. According to its website, it is available to PSU students, faculty and staff, as well as members of the community. The Writing Center can help with a variety of projects, including class assignments, application essays and creative writing. The staff members at the center are faculty and graduate students who also teach in PSU’s English Department, or are trained volunteers who have completed ENG 413/513 Teaching and Tutoring Writing.
Career Center
402 University Services 503-725-4613
www.pdx.edu/careers
The PSU Career Center has career counselors and graduate assistants, according to its website. The Career Center can provide students and alumni with help in with choosing a major, general career counseling, job search strategies, finding internships and volunteer opportunities and much more. In addition, the center offers several career-planning workshops.
Peer Learning and Tutoring Center
439 SMSU
503-725-4448
www.pdx.edu/tutoring
The Peer Learning and Tutoring Center offers free one-on-one and group tutoring sessions for courses that are required for a bachelor’s of arts or a bachelor’s of science degree, Barham said. In addition, the PLTC offers various workshops and can help students with study strategies. Tutors within the PLTC are undergraduate and graduate PSU students—all of whom have been recommended by faculty—who have knowledge in their subject areas and are familiar with the various programs and departments on campus.
Undergraduate Advising and Support Center
425 Smith Memorial Student Union
503-725-4005
www.pdx.edu/uasc
The UASC is helpful for new students, international students and those who are still exploring a major program. According to UASC Director Mary Ann Barham, this department provides general academic advising about university requirements, major requirements and career planning. Furthermore, its Academic Support Program provides additional help for students who are struggling academically.
Additional Advising:
For students that need help with a specific major, all academic departments on campus provide advising. Students should contact their academic department for more information about its advising services. Those in pre-professional programs, such as nursing, dentistry and education, should meet with an adviser in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Advising Center, located in 387 Cramer Hall. For more information about CLAS advising, call 503-725-3822.
Currently, the university is in the process of hiring 14 more professional advisers. As these positions are filled this fall, students will be able to receive more help in their academic departments, Barham said. In order to prepare for an advising appointment, students need to bring in a copy of their degree audit report [DARS], which they can access at www.banweb.pdx.edu. In addition, students should bring any academic transcripts, advising worksheets, letters of correspondence with the university, copies of any petition forms and any other helpful materials. Above all, students should prepare questions before going into an advising appointment.