Leap Into New Knowledge :: Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions about the LINK Program. If you don't find an answer to your specific question, please contact us.

What is my status at PSU?
When you enroll through LINK at the University, you are a part-time Portland State University student.  You will have the privileges of any other part-time student on campus.  Upon completion of your coursework, your grade will become part of your permanent college record, verified by tan official Portland State University transcript.

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What is a PSU ID Number?
Once you are registered into the PSU system, you are assigned a number that identifies you as a PSU student. You use this number to establish a computer account, to look up your records and receive unofficial transcripts, to order official transcripts, to access the library, to use the gym. In other words, this number is essential for performing a variety of activities. The number will be printed on the “OneCard” and mailed to you (see next question).

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What is the OneCard?
The OneCard is the PSU ID card that is mailed to you in early October from the Registrar’s office. This card has your PSU ID number on it and resembles a credit card. Despite looking like a credit/debit card it does not have any financial function unless it is validated. Our recommendation is to NOT validate it because as a high school student you have little reason to use the financial functions of a validated card.

But we suggest you DO keep the card handy for quick access to your ID Number. If you lose your card, and do not remember your ID number, just contact our office and we can look it up for you.

If you want to replace a lost card ($21.00) or add your photo ($6.00), you may do so by going to Window #9 or 10 in the lobby of Neuberger Hall. But again, neither is necessary. What is necessary is your number.

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What is an Odin Account?
To access computer resources at PSU, including a PSU email account, dial-up internet access, use of the campus computer labs, and library databases, you will need to sign up for an Odin account.

If you attend one of our orientations, we will apply for this together.

To do this on your own, go to PSU Computer Account Management, click on “Create Your Odin Account” and follow the on-screen directions.

Once you’ve done this you will need to have it activated by going to one of these locations (with your PSU ID number and photo ID): the Help Desk in SMSU 18 (basement), the Computer lab in Cramer Hall 322, the library, and at the Instructional Computing Center in Neuberger Hall 437 and 439.

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How do I Find my Way Around?
You may join other new students in a campus tour, check with PSU Admissions Campus Visits for more information. A map of PSU campus can be found here.

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What about Transportation? 
The Transportation office is in the lobby of Neuberger Hall and provides a variety of services from bus passes and tickets to parking permits. For more information, visit Transportation & Parking Services, there is a section of the site devoted entirely to student services.

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How do I use the Library?
Visit the library's Web site or contact them by phone at 503.725.5874. There is also a section of the library's site exclusively for Challenge students. You are encouraged to visit the library and its vast resources. Bring your ID card or your number if you plan to check out books.

You are also eligible to access electronic resources online from remote locations. You do this by logging into the resources catalog. You will be prompted to enter your Odin login name and password.

In addition, the library offers a variety of classes and workshops to assist you in using its resources. Check the schedule for these drop-in classes. You may also contact a librarian in a specific area for personalized help. A roster of librarian names, subject area, and contact information is available here.

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How Do Grades Work?

As a LINK student you may obtain dual high school and college credit. Since your school counselor was part of your application process, you should know whether you are receiving high school credit as well as college credit. If unsure, check with your counselor.

PSU uses regular letter grades A, B, C, D, and F to indicate academic performance.  At the end of your course, your instructor will send the class grades to the Challenge Program Office at PSU where they will get recorded with the Registrar’s Office.

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How Do I see my Grades/Unofficial Transcript?
To check your records, go to the PSU Information System (Banweb), enter your PSU Student ID number (at the on the bottom of your OneCard) and your pin (if this is your first login to Banweb, your initial pin is your birthday using six digits, e.g., 011094 for Jan 10 1994—you should change this pin later).

Click on “Student Services & Financial Aid,” then on “Student Records” to display your grades/unofficial transcript. If you do not see your grades listed, it may be because it has not yet been recorded. Challenge instructors sometimes record grades at the end of the semester instead of the university quarter.

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How Do I Obtain Official Transcripts?
Requesting a transcript (an official record of courses you’ve taken at PSU) be sent to your college is the most important action in seeking recognition for your PSU University coursework.

Your transcript will not be sent automatically to your college or university as PSU has no idea where you go to school. Your request must go to the PSU Transcript Office and will cost $4.00.

Find out exactly where your college wants the transcript to be sent (the admissions office, the registrar’s office, etc.). You can get this information from your college application, the college catalog, or the college admissions office.

First, find out exactly where your college wants the transcript to be sent (the admissions office, the registrar’s office, etc.). You can get this information from your college application, the college catalog, or the college admissions office.

Wait until your instructor has submitted final grades to PSU before requesting a transcript so that all your coursework will be accounted for. (You can indicate, on your applications, that the PSU transcript will be forwarded once you’ve completed your course).

For complete information on how to place an order for an official transcript, go to PSU Registration & Records Transcript Requests. You may either order your transcript online (and pay the $4.00 by credit card) or you may download a form to fill out and return, with a check, to the Transcripts Office.

In either case you will need to know your PSU ID number (the number on the bottom of your OneCard; if you cannot find this number, call the Challenge Office and we can look it up for you).

You may indicate, on the transcript form, how many transcripts you require and to which universities they need to be sent. There are a variety of ways to have your transcripts sent, including a rush courier service, if you are trying to meet a deadline.

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