Navigating the Academic Year at Portland State University: A Guide to Dates, Deadlines, and Resources

Portland State University (PSU), founded in 1946, is a public institution located in the heart of Portland, Oregon. Known for its urban setting and commitment to social mobility, PSU offers a wide range of academic programs and resources to its diverse student body. Understanding the academic calendar is crucial for students to effectively plan their academic journey. This guide provides an overview of PSU's academic calendar, important dates and deadlines, and available resources to support student success.

Understanding PSU's Academic Calendar

Portland State University operates on a quarter-based academic calendar. This means the academic year is divided into four terms: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. Each term typically lasts for 10-12 weeks, offering a focused and intensive learning environment. The quarter system allows students to take a variety of courses throughout the year and potentially accelerate their degree progress.

Key Components of the Academic Calendar

The academic calendar outlines important dates and deadlines related to registration, tuition, add/drop periods, holidays, final exams, and commencement. Students should consult the official PSU academic calendar for the most up-to-date information.

Important Dates and Deadlines

Staying on top of deadlines is essential for academic success. Here's a breakdown of some critical dates and deadlines throughout the academic year:

Add/Drop Deadlines

Adding or dropping courses is a common part of the registration process. PSU provides specific deadlines for these actions, which vary depending on the length of the course. It's important to understand the implications of adding or dropping a course, including potential tuition refunds and how the course will be recorded on your transcript.

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The following outlines the add/drop deadlines based on course length:

2-Week Courses:
- Add Deadline (online): 1st Day
- Add Deadline (with instructor signature): 2nd Day
- Drop with 100% Refund Deadline, course is not recorded: 2nd Day
- Drop Deadline, no refund issued, course is not recorded: 4th Day
- Withdraw Deadline, no refund issued, course recorded: 6th Day
- Grade Option Change Period: 6th Day
3-Week Courses:
- Add Deadline (online): 1st Week
- Add Deadline (with instructor signature): n/a
- Drop with 100% Refund Deadline, course is not recorded: 1st Week
- Drop Deadline, no refund issued, course is not recorded: 2nd Week
- Withdraw Deadline, no refund issued, course recorded: 2nd Week
4-Week Courses:
- Add Deadline (online): 1st Week
- Add Deadline (with instructor signature): n/a
- Drop with 100% Refund Deadline, course is not recorded: 1st Week
- Drop Deadline, no refund issued, course is not recorded: 2nd Week
- Withdraw Deadline, no refund issued, course recorded: 3rd Week
5-Week Courses:
- Add Deadline (online): 1st Week
- Add Deadline (with instructor signature): 2nd Week
- Drop with 100% Refund Deadline, course is not recorded: 1st Week
- Drop Deadline, no refund issued, course is not recorded: 2nd Week
- Withdraw Deadline, no refund issued, course recorded: 4th Week
8-Week Courses:
- Add Deadline (online): 1st Week
- Add Deadline (with instructor signature): 2nd Week
- Drop with 100% Refund Deadline, course is not recorded: 1st Week
- Drop Deadline, no refund issued, course is not recorded: 2nd Week
- Withdraw Deadline, no refund issued, course recorded: 5th Week
10-Week Courses:
- Add Deadline (online): 1st Week
- Add Deadline (with instructor signature): 2nd Week
- Drop with 100% Refund Deadline, course is not recorded: 1st Week
- Drop Deadline, no refund issued, course is not recorded: 2nd Week
- Withdraw Deadline, no refund issued, course recorded: 7th Week
12-Week Courses:
- Add Deadline (online): 1st Week
- Add Deadline (with instructor signature): 2nd Week
- Drop with 100% Refund Deadline, course is not recorded: 1st Week
- Drop Deadline, no refund issued, course is not recorded: 2nd Week
- Withdraw Deadline, no refund issued, course recorded: 8th Week

1st Week, 2nd Week, etc. refers to Mon-Sun, regardless of the day of the week your course begins. You have until Sunday at 11:59pm for online changes and Friday at 5:00pm to make in-person changes.

Partial-week courses are rounded up. 1-4 day courses are treated as one week courses. A 1 1/2 week course is treated as two week, and so on.

Grade option changes are not available online during the summer term.

Important Considerations:

Online vs. In-Person Changes: Deadlines for online changes typically extend to Sunday at 11:59 pm, while in-person changes require an instructor's signature and must be completed by Friday at 5:00 pm.
Partial-Week Courses: For courses that run for only a few days, deadlines are typically rounded up to the nearest week.
Summer Term: Grade option changes during the summer term may have specific restrictions.

Tuition and Financial Aid Deadlines

Paying tuition and managing financial aid are critical aspects of attending PSU. Be aware of deadlines for tuition payments, financial aid applications (FAFSA), and scholarship applications. Missing these deadlines can result in late fees or loss of financial aid eligibility. Sixty-eight percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $16,281.

Holiday Closures

PSU observes various holidays throughout the academic year, during which classes are not held and university offices are closed. Notable holidays include Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Be sure to note these closures when planning your study schedule.

Final Exam Schedules

Final exams are typically held during the last week of each term. The final exam schedule is usually published several weeks before the end of the term, allowing students to prepare accordingly.

Deadline for Submitting Final Grades

Instructors must submit final grades by a specific deadline after the end of each term. These deadlines depend on the length of the course.

5-8 Week Courses: Deadline for submitting final grades.
9-10 Week Courses: Deadline for submitting final grades.
11-13 Week Courses: Deadline for submitting final grades.
Summer Session: Course start and end dates vary throughout the summer session. Refer to your specific course information to confirm start and end dates for each of your classes.

Academic Resources and Support

PSU offers a comprehensive network of academic resources and support services to help students succeed.

Academic Advising

Academic and career advisors help you bring together your personal, professional and academic interests to create a degree plan and stay on track.

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University Studies

University Studies is PSU’s innovative four-year pathway to undergraduate success. We integrate all your general education requirements, such as writing and math, into a series of engaging courses that help you launch a rewarding career.

University Honors College

Explore a rigorous curriculum through the lens of the culturally rich, ever-evolving city of Portland in the University Honors College. Honors gives you built-in academic support, research opportunities, and a tight-knit community.

PSU Library

The Portland State University Library offers research tools, help from librarians, student services, faculty support, computer labs and study spaces.

The Bulletin

The Bulletin is your academic guide. Plan your academic schedule by browsing class times, locations and instructors for each term.

Office of the Registrar

Sign up for classes, declare or change your major, apply for a degree, order transcripts and access other student records in the Office of the Registrar.

Writing and Learning Centers

PSU’s Writing Center, Learning Center, tutoring services, coaching and other resources to help you reach your goals. Our support services can help you master your coursework and develop effective learning strategies.

Campus Life and Opportunities

Beyond academics, PSU offers a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for students to get involved.

Urban Campus

Live and learn in one of the best college locations in America.

Research Opportunities

PSU Assistant Professor Banafsheh Rekabdar is developing a NASA-funded AI system to monitor astronaut health.

Arts and Culture

PSU Theater Arts presents the Tony Award-winning rock musical "Spring Awakening" from Feb. 27 to March 7. The production features a student cast and a live seven-piece band performing a powerful coming-of-age story at Lincoln Performance Hall.

Honoring Legacies

Portland State honors the legacy of Avel Gordly, the first Black woman elected to the Oregon State Senate. A proud alumna, former professor, and honorary degree recipient, Gordly was a champion for mental health and criminal justice reform.

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