1. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
STEM Student Center:
Developing Talent, Promoting
Excellence
Portland State University

2. 5000 declared STEM majors
at PSU must figure out a way
to succeed in the face of
these challenges:
• Lack of assessment
• Inadequate advising
• High risk courses
• Lack of academic
support
• Lack of
interdepartmental
communication
• Lack of formal
mentoring system

3. How can a STEM Student Center
address these challenges?

4. Reduce obstacles to
STEM Student Success
Increase retention
and graduation rates

5.  Embraces a Culture that values Development
of TALENT, Promotion of EXCELLENCE
 Prioritizes STEM Student Success
 Implements Comprehensive and Integrated
STEM Resources, Services, and Experiences
 Employs High Impact Practices

6. Diversity
Student Success
Innovation
Excellence

7. A comprehensive and integrated set of
best practices to accelerate the retention
and graduation of STEM students

8. Academically Financially Culturally Socially Professionally
•Assessment •Scholarships •Unique needs of •Networking events •Career exploration
•Advising •Merit and Need- underrepresented •Students •Speaker series
•Tutoring based groups • Business/industry •Networking
•Supplemental •Grants •Positive role •Academia •Career development
•Research models
instruction •Grad school prep
•Peer study groups Opportunities •Professional
•Fundraising organizations
•Excel workshops
•Cultural events
•Mentoring
Data collection/improvement

9. Cultural
Social Financial
Student
Academic Professional
Success

10. • Engages faculty in practices that promote student
learning, development, and retention in STEM
• Rewards faculty whose work attracts student interest
and motivates them to persist and succeed
• Honors faculty whose research agenda addresses
improved teaching and learning in STEM

11. It’s a place where…….

12. Identify
Communicate
with STEM
majors
Provide Assess
opportunities academic level
Provide
Support STEM
specialized
students
STEM advising
Establish early
intervention
system

13.  Leadership development
 Peer tutoring and mentoring
 Clubs and professional organizations
 Retreats, workshops, social & cultural
events
 Business and industry networking
 Summer research
 Faculty mentorship
 Lab experience

14.  Workshops
• How to construct a scientific paper
• How to do effective information research
• How to create and present Posters
• How to get the most from peer-led Study Groups
• How to earn Summer Research Experiences
 Bridge programs
• Transfer and entering students
 Customized STEM classes
• Effective reading in STEM
• STEM Study Skills
• Chemistry Headstart, Headstart Calculus
• Math Excel, Chemistry Workshops

15.  Creating
a “professional development
map” that is monitored year to year
• Application skills
• Resume building, personal statements, CV, cover
letters
• Public speaking
• Interview skills
• Professional relationships
• Mentorships

16. A place where….
 Hospitable, welcoming environment is
provided
 Societalimpacts of scientific and
technological enterprise are showcased
 Interdisciplinary collaborations occur
• Ubiquitous opportunities for writing, research, and
connecting

17.  Returnon investment demonstrated
through:
• Higher retention, graduation rates
• Improved professional and post-bac preparation
• Enhanced economic development and growth in
Oregon
 Portland State University becomes:
• School of choice for STEM students
• Primary source for industry hires in Oregon