Portland State University

Portland State University is Oregon's urban university, responding to the special needs and interests of the greater Portland area and the region. PSU is committed to offering graduate and undergraduate academic programs, extended studies, and public service. Portland State has won praise from scholars nationwide by replacing its general education requirements with University Studies, a program designed to help undergraduate students acquire a foundation for lifelong learning. Portland State University is one of the eight universities and colleges of the Oregon State System of Higher Education.

Portland State University is in the tree-lined South Park Blocks district of downtown Portland. The 36-acre campus is at the hub of the region's transportation network, putting PSU within easy reach of more than half of Oregon's population. Facilities for disabled students are located throughout most campus buildings. The University is within a few blocks of the Portland Art Museum, Oregon Historical Society, Civic Auditorium, Multnomah County Library, Willamette River, theaters, restaurants, and shopping.

The University was established as the Vanport Extension Center in 1946. In 1952 the Center moved to downtown Portland, and in 1955 became Portland State College, a four-year, degree-granting institution. Graduate work was added in 1961, doctoral programs began in 1968, and the institution was granted university status in 1969.
Over 16,000 students are now enrolled at Portland State, including more than 4,200 graduate students. In addition, 25,000 students are served each year through the School of Extended Studies. There are also more than 450 full-time and 172 part-time faculty members that teach and conduct research at the University.

Events
The Florestan Trio, Friends of Chamber Music, PSU Piano Recital Series, Guitar Series, and Contemporary Dance Season bring more than 15,000 patrons to PSU's Lincoln Performance Hall annually. The University also sponsors theater, films, guest speakers, art exhibits, and seminars. For ticket information, call (503) 725-3307.

Library

The Branford Price Millar Library holds more than 900,000 bound volumes and 10,000 serial subscriptions. The Library is a member of PORTALS (Portland Area Library System), which uses existing and new technologies to improve resource sharing, cooperative collection development, and other collaborative pursuits among academic libraries in the Portland area.

Directions to campus
The PSU campus is located in downtown Portland. It is bordered on the north by SW Market, on the east by SW 5th, on the south by I-405, and on the west by SW 13th.

From north: I-5 southbound parallels the east bank of the Willamette River through Portland. Move into the left lane as you approach the Marquam Bridge. Cross the bridge and merge with I-405. Move into the right lane and take the SW 6th Avenue exit.
From south: Move into the center lane of I-5 northbound as you approach the city and merge with I-405. Move into the right lane and take the SW 6th Avenue exit.
From east: Move into the left lane of I-84 westbound as you approach the I-5 interchange. Take I-5 southbound and move into the left lane as you cross the Marquam Bridge. Merge with I-405, move into the right lane, and take the SW 6th Avenue exit.
From west: Proceed east on Highway 26 to Portland. Follow the signs to Interstate 405. Follow 405 to the sixth avenue exit. Follow the signs north to PSU. The campus lies just off of the freeway between 4th and 12th avenues.
From Portland International Airport: Portland International Airport is about nine miles east of Portland. Take Airport Way to I-205 southbound, then exit onto I-84 westbound and follow "From east" directions above.

Guest parking
Visitors may park in the reserved guest parking spaces located at SW College and Broadway after obtaining a permit at the Campus Safety and Security Office/Visitor Information Center, which is adjacent to the lot. Campus contacts
General Information - (503) 725-3000
Portland State University
PO Box 751
Portland, OR 97207-0751