Vision, Mission and Values
Our Purpose
Let knowledge Serve the City
Portland State University, Oregon’s most diverse and only urban public research university, was founded in 1946 to serve veterans returning from World War II.
PSU provides access to a top-tier education as a key driver of economic and social mobility, a source of growth for the diverse communities in the region, and a catalyst for social progress. And this isn't just what we do – it’s who we are.
Much has changed in our world since 1946, and our communities face profound challenges. With Our Future in Focus, we express our unwavering purpose: to support learners to follow their dreams and achieve their goals for a better life for their families and communities.
As we remember our institutional founding with pride, we embrace our future as an urban minority-serving research institution, inspiring each other to create new opportunities for our region and our world.
Guiding Commitments
Welcoming and Supporting All Learners
We commit to nurturing and championing a diverse and dynamic community of learners seeking to make a difference in their own lives and the lives of their families and communities through excellent, responsive teaching and comprehensive, culturally-affirming student services.
Providing Equitable Access to Quality Education
We commit to offering students accessible pathways to high-impact learning experiences, degrees, and credentials for meaningful careers, social and economic mobility, and thriving into the future.
Building a Community Ethos of Care and Well-Being
We commit to establishing, nourishing, and maintaining an ethos of connection, care, and well-being for and among our campus community, including students, staff, faculty, administrators, alumni, and trustees.
Co-creating the Future of Our Region
We commit to working collaboratively through trust-based, reciprocal, equitable partnerships to make life better for the individuals and communities in our region through community-engaged learning, teaching, research, and service.
Modeling Responsible Stewardship
We commit to carefully managing our financial, natural, and cultural resources to achieve our aspirations and continue our important work for our students and communities long into the future.