Portland State University is a part of the Oregon University System. It improves recognition of the value of higher education by continually strengthening the metropolitan environment and utilizing that strength for its own growth toward standards of excellence in accessible high quality research, teaching and outreach programs. As a microcosm of the global society, the metropolitan environment becomes a laboratory for Portland State in this vision.

Our Vision
Our vision is an internationally recognized urban university known for excellence in student learning, innovative research, and community engagement that contributes to the economic vitality, environmental sustainability, and quality of life in the Portland region and beyond.

Our Mission
The mission of Portland State University is to enhance the intellectual, social, cultural and economic qualities of urban life by providing access throughout the life span to a quality liberal education for undergraduates and an appropriate array of professional and graduate programs especially relevant to metropolitan areas. Our University conducts research and community service that support a high quality educational environment and reflect issues important to the region. It actively promotes the development of a network of educational institutions to serve the community.

Values
The pursuit of our vision rests on our success in transforming undergraduate education, our growing research programs, our strong collaboration with the community, and the core values we hold. These values describe not only what PSU is now, but what it will be in the future.

PSU values intellectual inquiry in its undergraduate and graduate programs, provides leadership in the development of knowledge, and creates opportunities for the application of knowledge to real-world problems. We maintain a welcoming and stimulating environment that is conducive to success for students, faculty, and staff. We value tenure as an necessary component of this environment.

PSU is committed to providing access and opportunity to learners from regional, national, and international communities in their pursuit of lifelong learning and diverse educational goals.

PSU values diversity and fosters a climate of mutual respect and reflection that supports different beliefs and points of view and the open exchange of ideas.

Engagement describes Portland State's collaborative approach to the exchange of knowledge and resources with local, regional, national, and global partners for mutual benefit of students, faculty, and the community. Engagement among faculty, students, and the community contributes to learning and scholarship that is globally relevant and regionally focused.
Academic Priorities

The following three academic priorities guide our efforts and direct our resources:
    * IMPROVE student success through engaged learning experiences.
    * EXPAND innovative scholarship/creative activities that address regional issues and have global significance.
    * ENHANCE educational opportunity in the Portland Metropolitan Region

Accreditation
Portland State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges & Universities, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the Secretary of the US Department of Education, based on approved performance standards. Read more about the accreditation process at Portland State.