Program Overview

Portland Scholars Program

The Portland Scholars program is designed to prepare students for the rigors of college and introduce them to Portland State University (PSU), its resources, and support for exploring majors while completing credits toward their PSU degree.

Program Description

The program provides holistic year-round support through peer mentoring, dedicated advising, and tutoring, as well as unique opportunities for customized personal development.

Admission Requirements

All incoming first-year students whose cumulative unweighted high school GPA is below 3.0 are required to successfully meet the program requirements. If a student submits final transcripts that reflect a cumulative, unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher, they will not be required to complete the program.

Program Requirements

• Enroll in a maximum of 13 credits per term for the first three terms at PSU
• Complete the majority of coursework on campus
• Complete the Portland Scholars program associated with the term of admission:
  • For Fall and Summer Term:
    • Enroll in a First Year Inquiry cohort
    • Participate in the Portland Summer Scholars Summer program in September
  • For Winter and Spring Term:
    • Complete UNST 194: College Success (3 credits) during the first term at PSU

Exceptions

Participants in certain retention programs (ACCESS, EMPOWER, GANAS, INSPIRE, NATIONS, or TRIO SSS) must enroll in a Portland Scholars First Year Inquiry cohort but are not required to complete either UNST 194 or the Portland Summer Scholars program.

Notifications

Students required to participate in the Portland Scholars program will be notified via email. If a student submits final high school transcripts with an unweighted 3.0 GPA or higher or demonstrates eligibility for admission as a transfer applicant, they will not be required to participate in the program and will receive an email notification.