Community Travel Guide: by Chris Saucier

Community introduction:

Welcome to Portland State University located in Portland, Oregon that serves nearly 28,000 students. P.S.U. is committed to sustainability in education and in practice with many green buildings on the 49-arce downtown campus. Unique internships and field-based experiences provide students with a connection to the community. You will find a rich and diverse community and an ideal setting for the open exchange of ideas, thoughts, beliefs and perspectives. For residents coming from within Oregon the tuition costs are kept very low. Portland State University’s campus is open to all members of the community and all are welcome.

Portland State University Moto: “Let Knowledge Serve the City”

Community timeline and demographics:

Community gathering places:

Come visit the campus in beautiful downtown Portland at 1825 Southwest Broadway or plan a visit at http://www.pdx.edu/admissions/visit.

Make sure that you check out the Portland State University web site at www.pdx.edu. You can find all the information that you are looking for or get you in touch with someone who can help you.

Visit the many local shops and food vendors on and around the campus. Portland Farmers Market also visits the campus on a regular basis.

Click to enlarge

Social impacts and critical analysis:

One area the Portland State community is facing as well as other school communities across the US is the rising cost of tuition. Higher education is becoming more expensive as government cuts and inflation affect the schools costs and budgets. While in-state tuition costs have been kept relatively low the cost for some is still too great. More ways are needed to acquire funding and to cut costs. Investments in green energy and energy saving methods could help save money. Student campaigns and meetings with government officials may also provide an opportunity to advocate for government funding needs.  

The future of your community:

Portland State University will continue to grow with its “green” and sustainability ideology providing an example for the future generations and students. You can see many of these projects underway at this very moment. Transportation improvements to highways and the MAX will increase the ease of access to the downtown campus. Tuition costs will be hard to predict as there are many factors to consider, many of which are political in nature.