PSU Magazine Spring 1996

We want to know To all alumni, In the next few months, your Portland State Alumni Association will be conducting a survey to gather your opinions about the job we're doing for you. Your responses to the survey will help us design programs, events, and educational seminars that better suit your needs. But we need your help. The survey is random, so only a percentage of you will be contacted. If you receive a survey, we ask that you please take the time to help us by completing the information. Your cooperation is appreciated and is criti– cal to making a stronger Alumni Association and University. Leo Macleod '90 Communications Committee Chair PSU Alumni Association Board of Directors Join the voices for PSU PSU Advocates have been busy this year with a number of issues critical to higher education and Portland State. Advocates have actively partici– pated in the Oregon State System of Higher Education's planning process, have attended a candidates and advo– cates briefing on campus, and have worked to slow the rapid increase in tuition. This group of University friends and alumni has also given support to the University District Plan and addressed funding issues related to shortfalls in state lottery revenue. Advocates are kept informed about issues with regular newsletters and special briefings. According to Advocates Chair Joan Johnson '78, the more than 250 supporters are espe– cially effective as grassroots lobbyists. "The advocates can help in many ways," says Johnson. "From letters-to– the-editor to phoning friends and influential decision makers in their communities, the grassroots approach is very effective." 20 PSU MAGAZINE SPRING 1996 By giving only one hour a week, this mentor is making a positive impact in this child's life. The PSU Alumni Association supports the mentoring program sponsored by the Oregon Department of Human Resources and the Oregon National Guard. To become a mentor at a school near your business or home, call the Volunteer Program at 731-3208. Future plans for the Advocates include a training session, visits around Oregon, and regular newsletters and updates. "We need additional support, especially around the state," says Johnson. "As we approach a new legislative session, there will be a number of issues we'll be concerned about and we'd like to have a broad– based statewide advocacy network." For information about the PSU Advocates, call the Alumni Office at 725-4948. Career help for alums It's no secret that the world of work is changing dramatically. The press reports daily on the downsizing of America, the end of employer and employee loyalty, and the trend toward temporary and contract employment. Job security, now redefined as "employability," means employees must embrace change, adopt flexi– bility, develop and maintain networks, and constantly update skills, educa– tion, and training. To brush up on job search skills or evaluate personal employment and educational status, call or visit the PSU Career Center. Workshops and use of the Career and Employer Library are free to alumni. Some services (MBTI and Career Choice) require minimal fees. Workshop topics include career decision making, job search strategies, networking, interviewing, and resume preparation. Individual appointments with Career Center counselors and videotaped practice interviews are $30 each. Check the monthly workshop schedule on the Internet at http : 11 www.pdx. edu ls tudentserv i ces l or call the Career Center. The Career Center is located at 617 SW Montgomery, Room 402, and is open weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If these hours are inconvenient, call the Career Center at 725-4613 to register your time preference. If inter– est is strong, after-hours programming may be developed for PSU alumni. New to the Alumni office Jennifer Wheeler, a graduate of Idaho State University with degrees in busi– ness administration and mass commu– nications, joined the Alumni Office as ass istant director of Alumni Relations in January. Most recently a special events and public relations specialist for a health care foundation, Wheeler also worked for the Idaho State University Alumni Association. She designed and helped implement an alumni survey, -wrote and edited material for the alumni publication, and assisted with special events and activities. At PSU, Wheeler works on a number of activities and events, includ– ing the Association's Communications Committee, the Student Affairs Committee, and PSU Weekend. She can be reached at 725-5073 .