Frequently Asked Questions

SALC is a program of “lifelong learning” or “learning in retirement” offered at PSU. It has two components: tuition-free auditing of classes and a membership organization called RAPSU. Please refer to the SALC brochure for more information on both of these. SALC is a non-profit organization and maintains a 501c-3 status.

Who is eligible to register for a class at the SALC?

You have to be an Oregon resident and at least 65 years of age when you register for a class as a senior auditor. We will also enroll you if you are 64, and your 65^th birthday is during the term for which you are registering. Unfortunately, residents of Washington State are not eligible; you must have an Oregon mailing address. We also can not offer our services to people on disability if they do not meet the age and residency eligibility requirements above.

How do I register for a class at the SALC?

If you are registering as a senior auditor for the first time, you need to check in at the SALC Office (room 470H in the Urban Center building) during our hours of operation. Please have a registration form filled out listing the classes you want to sign up for. If you are a returning senior registering for a PSU class, you can fill out a SALC registration slip, and drop it off in the black box next to the SALC Office. You can also register by mail, or online. You will be able to pick up your registration form within 5 days, or you can have it mailed to your home address.

Where can I find information about classes?

Please refer to class descriptions in the PSU Bulletin, and the schedule published in the PSU Schedule of Classes. You can buy both publications from the PSU Bookstore (503-226-2631), which is located on the ground floor of the Urban Center . The information from the schedule of classes can also be found online.

What are the limitations on taking classes?

- Classes are on an audit basis, meaning that participants do not get any credits towards a degree, and there is no grade posted by the class instructors.

- Tuition is waived, but if there is a fee listed in the Schedule of Classes, the auditor is still required to pay for it. These are normally materials fees or lab fees.

- Classes are tuition-free only if you register through the SALC office. If you go through other University admission and registration procedures, you will end up with a hefty bill just like regular paying students, and the SALC will not be able to help you have this bill waived.

- You can register for as many classes as you wish during the academic year.

Please understand that auditing classes is allowed only on a space-available basis, i.e., you may find that the instructor of a class you registered for rejects you because it is full. The SALC does not have access to enrollment information, so you may occasionally find yourself enrolled in a class that is full. Please talk to the instructor, and if you are rejected, return to the SALC, so we can find you a different class.

How do I contact the SALC?

The phone number for the Program Coordinator of the SALC Office is 503-725-4739.

Where is SALC located?

We are located on the fourth floor of the Urban Center building (URBN) in room 470H at the Institute on Aging. The URBN building is just above the PSU Bookstore or the PSU Urban Plaza, where the streetcar makes a stop. The physical address is:

506 SW Mill Street

Portland, Oregon

97207

What is the SALC mailing address?

Senior Adult Learning Center (SALC)

Portland State University

P.O. Box 751

Portland , Oregon 97207-0751

What is my proof that I am an official senior auditor?

Once you have registered for classes at the SALC, you will be provided with a registration conformation form, printed on a canary-colored sheet of paper. This basically serves as your ID card on campus during the term that you are taking classes. We ask that you carry it with you when you are on campus. With this form you are entitled to all the benefits listed in the SALC brochure, including library use, access to computer labs, use of the PSU gym, discounted PSU movie passes, and discounts to PSU athletic games.

How soon should I register in order to guarantee a space in a class for myself?

Please remember that classes for seniors are on a space-available basis. No matter how early you register for a class at the SALC, there is no guarantee to get into that class until you speak with the class instructor at the beginning of the term. Only the class instructors and professors have the discretion of whether a class has available space for senior auditors.

How soon can I register for classes next term?

SALC sets a registration start date each term, usually at least a month before classes begin. The registration date will be announced in the SALC newsletter, or you can call the office to find out.

How come my name is not on the instructor’s roster?

The auditors will never appear on the instructor’s roster, which only lists the names of the “paying” students. An auditor’s only proof that they are officially registered is the canary-colored registration conformation that the SALC provides.

I registered for a class, and was told by the instructor that they have no space available for auditors. What do I do?

Remember, auditors can take classes only on a space available basis. We ask that you check with the class professors on the first day of class whether they have room for auditors or not. Space availability is normally not a problem, but sometimes a class may be full with “paying” students. If this is the case, the SALC staff will help you find another class that might be of interest to you.

Why are you not open more hours?

The SALC is a self-support program and is funded by donations. We receive no support form PSU (apart from the office space), so unfortunately, we cannot afford full-time staff. Thank you for your understanding and patience!

Where can I park my car?

There are metered parking spots on the streets, and several parking lots are nearby. You can also buy a PSU parking permit, but it is quite costly ($260 per term), and it is does not guarantee a parking spot. For parking questions, please contact the Transportation and Parking Office at 503-725-3442. PSU is accessible by streetcar, bus, and MAX, and most of our auditors try to take public transport to campus.

How is the SALC funded?

The SALC is supported from contributions from program auditors and friends of the program. There is no direct funding from the State or the University to run the program. We are entirely dependent on donations.

How do I make a contribution to the SALC?

The SALC will gladly take your contribution checks. Please ask for a contribution envelope, and make your checks payable to the SALC. You may also leave a lasting legacy by remembering SALC in your estate plans.

Web Classes

A growing number of PSU classes are offered online or partially online. These classes offer particular challenges for auditors, and signing up is quite complicated and frustrating, so we recommend against taking these classes. If you do decide to sign up for a web class, please follow these steps: First, register with SALC. Second, contact the instructor to obtain permission to join the class. Third, contact the Help Desk to be added to the class. You may also have to apply for a PSU computer/email account, and an ID number. Please note that SALC can not assist you with these extra steps.

Where do I pay class fees?

Please go to the cashier window at Neuberger Hall (503-725-3670). Please pay fees after the first week, once you have confirmed that the instructor will admit you to the class. You are responsible for the payment of all fees listed for your class, and instructors or department staff may ask you for proof of payment, so please make sure to retain your receipts throughout the term.

Where do I find out about textbooks and readings?

Textbooks and readings are listed in the class syllabus, which is typically distributed by instructors during the first meeting. Textbooks and reading materials can be purchased at the PSU Bookstore (503-226-2631). You are not required to buy textbooks, but most auditors find that learning is greatly enhanced by doing the readings.

Do I qualify for Lockers, Library Access, and Computer Accounts?

SALC Auditors qualify for access to the PSU gym facilities, the library, and a computer/ email account. To rent a locker, check out a book, or get an ODIN account, please go to the respective department (Gym: 503-725-4000, Library: 503-725-4617, Computer Help Desk: 503-725-4357) and tell them that you are a SALC auditor. Please bring your yellow SALC registration printout. The clerk may ask you for your student ID number; if this occurs, please state that SALC auditors do not receive such a number, and/or ask for a supervisor, who will be familiar with registering SALC auditors.

What are PSU’s Inclement Weather Policies?

In the event of severe winter weather, PSU classes may be start late, end early, or PSU may be closed for the entire day. Please check the PSU website and/or local TV and radio programs for information.

What is RAPSU?

RAPSU (Retired Associates of PSU) is a membership association in conjunction with the SALC, since one of the missions of the SALC is to sponsor organizations for elders. RAPSU is open to people who are 50 years or older. It offers interesting and enriching programs and lectures twice a month. Meetings are on the first and second Thursday of each month, only during the academic year. Meeting/presentation times are from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. , with a social time starting at 12:30 where coffee and refreshments are served. RAPSU invites you to attend some meetings before deciding to become a member. Detailed information can be found on their website.

SALC Home