Portland Community College
PA-11: Health, Safety and Wellbeing

https://www.pcc.edu/counseling/about/

PCC provides individual counseling in the form of short-term counseling and single-visit solution sessions. The college also has addiction and crisis resources. The college provides ongoing group counseling around a variety of topics as well as workshops on topics such as stress management, time management, navigating ADHD, climate anxiety, social media and technology, gambling addiction, sleep management and more. The counseling office also provides trauma-informed training or consultation upon request.

PCC’s campus-based Women’s Resource Centers (WRCs) apply the principles of intersectional, multicultural feminism to resist and dismantle sexism, racism, and other forms of oppression in order to support the success of all women and gender minority students.

The WRCs offer

• personalized help entering, staying enrolled in, and/or exiting college
• support navigating campus and community resources
• events, workshops, clubs, and projects related to social and gender justice and student success (stress relief, healthier relationships, safer sex, etc.)
• connection with other students and staff/faculty
• menstrual products and safer sex supplies
• coffee/tea and various snacks
• a comfortable space for folks of all genders to exist
• a friendly space for student-parents and their children
• and more!

The Portland Community College Queer Resource Centers also provides advocacy, education, leadership development, programming, and retention services for students with marginalized genders and sexualities to create an inclusive and intersectional campus climate promoting gender justice, sexual liberation, and equity for all people. Each campus (Cascade, Rock Creek, Southeast and Sylvania) has a centrally located safe space.

https://www.pcc.edu/emergency-funds

https://www.pcc.edu/foundation/wp-content/uploads/sites/114/2023/08/Foundation-Emergency-Grant-Application-Packet.pdf - get in touch with foundation@pcc.edu

https://www.pcc.edu/student-leadership/bnsl/programs/

PCC has multiple programs that address students basic neeeds driven by student leadersihp. Students in the leadership program help drive the work of the program in their roles as student ambassadors. This program takes a holistic approach to food insecurity and advanced the interconnected issues of basic needs support including food and housing security, transportation access, legal aid, food and housing security, transportation acess and the climate crisis. Ambassadors represent three arms of the program, including the Panther Pantry, the PCC Legal Resource Center, and Environmental Justice Work.

The programs that specifically address student food insecurity are the Panther Pantry, the Peer Resource Navigator Program, the Food Insecurity Programs/anther Pantries, the Free Food Markets, Panther Packs and Panther Snacks, Emergency Food Vouchers and the Seasonal Assistance Programs.

PCC's learning gardens also support the panther pantry by providing fresh produce for the pantry. https://www.pcc.edu/sustainability/initiatives/learning-gardens/

Student Leadership Program

Students help drive the work of the program in their roles as student ambassadors. Ambassadors represent three arms of the program, including the Panther Pantry, the PCC Legal Resource Center, and Environmental Justice Work.

The goals of the program are to:

• Engage student leaders in developing an inclusive, equitable basic needs framework built on mutual aid and trust.
• Integrate Equity and Basic Needs Programs into Student Life and Leadership Sustainability Initiatives.
• Develop programming focusing on sustainability, food and housing security, legal aid and environmental racism, including Free Food Markets, Panther Packs, Earth Week Programming and Climate Anxiety Workshops.
• Increase access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable transportation, housing, legal aid and food.
• Enhance institutional awareness of and support for existing sustainability and climate justice co-curricular offerings.
• Work towards achieving the goals of PCCs Climate Action Plan.
• Provide support and promote PCC Sustainability programs, including events, activities and campus Learning Gardens.

Peer Resource Navigator Program

BNSL Peer Resource Navigators (PRN) are PCC students from PCC’s Family and Human Services program who provide PCC students with information and referrals to basic needs resources like food, housing, transportation, and healthcare so they can focus on their personal, academic and career goals.

PRN’s implement a Peer-to-Peer service model rooted in best practices and mutual aid theory to help PCC students with navigating basic needs resources and systems using a trauma-informed and asset-based approach.  PRN’s possess foundational knowledge and experience, including coursework in Mental Health First Aid, suicide intervention skills, multicultural practices, and case management. PRNs are committed to social justice and equity in their work and often have lived experiences navigating complex systems.

Based in our Basic Needs Hubs, Peer Resource Navigators help guide and assist PCC students with:

• SNAP eligibility screening and applications
• Oregon Health Plan information and applications
• Accessing community free food resources
• Navigating housing resources and referrals
• Mental health provider search
• TriMet Reduced Fare Program applications
• Connection and referrals to on-campus and community resources to address their basic needs

Peer Resource Navigators are also responsible for:

• Staffing PCC Basic Needs Hubs
• Outreach and Advocacy
• Supporting BNSL Programming

Food Insecurity Programs/Panther Pantries

The Panther Pantry is a free resource to all PCC students (current student ID is needed). Our pantries are stocked with fresh food, canned food, hygiene supplies and more. Panther Pantries are intended as a stop-gap to help students in periods of high need while they coordinate access to other food assistance resources.

Pantries are located on each of the four PCC campuses. Hours of operation are determined by a combination of factors including college operational hours, student traffic, food deliveries and stock, staffing, and budget. For current hours and additional information, please visit the Panther Pantries website.  For additional information, see our FAQ page.

Free Food Markets

Free Food Markets are community events that center fresh produce provided by the Oregon Food Bank (OFB). We get large orders of produce from OFB and add in backstock of non-perishable items to distribute to community members. Free Food Market is a one-off event that is scheduled around our campus delivery schedule from the OFB. This event is open to all and there are no limits. No ID is needed to attend, we only ask how many are in their household. We ask that participants bring their own bag or box to transport the food.

Panther Packs

Panther Packs are grocery bag meal kits that are intended to provide students with a meal or two prior to long closure breaks throughout the academic year. Panther Packs are distributed in the Panther Pantries during operating hours as an additional food resource for the week.

Panther Snacks Program

An extension of the Panther Pantries, the Panther Snacks Program helps to alleviate basic needs barriers by placing snacks throughout the campuses or at PCC sites with no pantry.  In partnership with a variety of PCC departments, the Panther Snacks Program increases access by providing students a food resource in spaces where they are already comfortable seeking support. Panther Snack Programs are run by the departments in which they reside, so hours of operation and eligibility may vary.

Emergency Food Vouchers

Emergency Meal Vouchers are intended as a stop-gap to help students in periods of high need while they coordinate access to other food assistance resources, such as the PCC Food Pantry or applying for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This program is funded by generous donations from the PCC community.

Emergency Meal Vouchers are distributed by PCC professional staff in their respective departments to students in need of food resources.  Students must be currently registered in credit classes and supplies are limited. Emergency Meal Vouchers can be used to purchase food items at CA, RC, SE, and SYL cafeteria spaces.   Eligible students may receive two emergency meal vouchers to be used during the term.

School Supplies

Many of our students struggle to obtain some of the basic educational materials needed to be successful due to insufficient access to resources. When this occurs, students need to make tough decisions for themselves or their family, in this case between food and education. This Panther Pantry initiative supports our mission by eliminating the need to choose by providing tools to help students obtain the basic school supplies they need to be successful.

Seasonal Assistance Programs

The Seasonal Assistance Program helps PCC students and their families with basic needs support during the fall/winter holiday season via a $25 grocery gift card. This program is supported by the Panther Pantries.  To be eligible, students must be currently enrolled in PCC credit classes and complete an application form. Funding and supplies are limited, if we receive more applications than gift cards, students will be entered into a drawing and chosen at random.

Additionally, many of our students face housing, heating, or clothing insecurity due to insufficient access to resources. When this occurs, students need to make tough decisions for themselves or their family, in this case between food and warmth. This seasonal initiative supports our mission by eliminating the need to choose by providing tools to help students stay warm. Items include hats, socks, gloves, ponchos, hand warmers, thermal blankets and coats when available.

PCC Basic Needs Hubs

Learn more about PCC Basic Needs Hubs.

Transportation solutions

Learn more about Transportation solutions.

Eco-Social Justice Grants

Learn more about Eco-Social Justice Grants.

PCC Legal Resource Center

Learn more about the PCC Legal Resource Center.

https://www.pcc.edu/hr/benefits/eap/

PCC’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is administered by Canopy. The EAP provides services to help people privately resolve problems that may interfere with work, family, and other important areas of life. The EAP provides free and confidential services to eligible employees, their spouses or domestic partners, family members living in the household, and dependents up to 26 years old regardless of location.

• Confidential counseling: Up to eight face-to-face or virtual counseling sessions for each new issue, including relationship, family, stress, anxiety, alcohol or substance misuse, grief and loss, and other common challenges. Able to match based on diversity criteria and health plan participation (8 sessions per incident).
• 24-hour crisis help: Toll-free access for you or a family member experiencing a crisis.
• Behavioral coaching: Coaching to support personal goals (8 sessions per incident).
• 24/7/365 virtual peer support: Moderated anonymous online peer support and resources.
• Member site and digital tools
  • Virtual Care Navigator
  • Direct-to-care scheduling portal
  • Self-care courses, tips, forms, videos, and dCBT

All four of the campus gymnasiums have fitness rooms that are open to PCC staff, faculty and students with drop-in hours at low-or no cost. See hours and details below.

Cascade: https://www.pcc.edu/programs/physical-education/cascade/schedule/

Drop-in fitness hours

Sylvania: https://www.pcc.edu/programs/physical-education/sylvania/schedule/

Offers open weight room hours for currently enrolled PCC students, faculty and staff. Students not enrolled in PE classes must pay the current PE facility use fee ($12).

Rock Creek: https://www.pcc.edu/programs/physical-education/rock-creek/schedule/

Fees

All students must either be currently enrolled in a PE class or pay the $12 gym user fee.

Gymnasiums are open to currently-enrolled students and PCC employees. Upon entry to the Fitness Center, a PCC ID and signing in on the open rec sign-in sheet are required. A PCC activity waiver form is needed prior to participating in open recreation. These forms are available at the front desk.

Southeast

https://www.pcc.edu/programs/physical-education/southeast/

The fitness room is available to students, staff, and faculty for personal workouts during open gym hours.

PCC has dedicated Safety Committees for each campus as well as several service centers across the college. These committees are a campus (or center) work group that consists of PCC management representatives (or delegates) and employees (all classifications and grades), that meet regularly to reviwe and discuss district-wide and/or local safety issues at PCC.

Safety committees meet regularly to: review accident investigations and hazardous condition reports;
discuss and resolve safety concerns, procedures and training; conduct workplace safety inspections
and review and resolve findings from such inspections. 

• Cascade Safety Committee
• CLIMB Safety Committee
• Columbia County Center (OMIC) Safety Committee
• Downtown Center Safety Committee
• Newberg Center Safety Committee
• Opportunity Center at 42nd Avenue Safety Committee
• Rock Creek Safety Committee
• Southeast Safety Committee
• Sylvania Safety Committee
• Swan Island Trades Center Safety Committee
• Willow Creek Opportunity Center Safety Committee
• Vanport Safety Committee

https://www.pcc.edu/facilities-management/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2023/04/Safety-Committee-FAQ-ENG.pdf

Tobacco-Free College – B 709
Facilities owned by Portland Community College will be tobacco-free, effective September 9, 2009.
https://www.pcc.edu/policy/tobacco/rules-procedures/. In addition, all PCC leased spaces are tobacco free. The college does not allow tenants to smoke on PCC property (except in designated outdoor spaces as negotiated in good neighbor agreements). There is no smoking inside PCC spaces that we lease from others.

Rules

• The use, distribution, or sale of tobacco, including any smoking device or e-cigarette, or carrying of any lighted smoking instrument, in PCC buildings or on PCC premises is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to all PCC sidewalks, parking lots, landscaped areas, recreational areas, and buildings on any PCC property and in PCC owned, rented, or leased vehicles, and at events on PCC premises. Campuses will have the option to introduce locations on the exterior perimeter of our property – called designated smoking areas – where smokers can gather to smoke and will not be issued citations.
• The inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying of any lighted smoking material, including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, is prohibited on college property excluding designated smoking areas. The use of other tobacco products, such as smokeless or chewing tobacco and use of devices that simulate tobacco smoking, is also prohibited on college property excluding designated smoking areas. This does not include FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapy products for the purpose of cessation.
• Smoking materials must be extinguished before entering any PCC property without exception. All tobacco products in use must be disposed of appropriately before entering upon any PCC property, which includes exiting a vehicle. Improper disposal includes:
  • Spitting smokeless tobacco products.
  • Littering (i.e. discarded cigarette butts, throwing or disposing of cigarette butts out of windows, leaving spit container).
  • Anything that creates fire hazards.
• The tobacco-free policy may not apply to specific activities used in connection with the practice of cultural activities by American Indians that are in accordance with the American Indian Religious Freedom Act. All ceremonial use exceptions must be approved in advance by the President of Portland Community College or the designee.

Compliance procedures

• The enforcement of these rules and regulations is the responsibility of Public Safety personnel with the voluntary assistance of members of the College community. Assistive acts include providing informational materials on smoking policies and verbal warnings.
• Continued failure by students to comply with the directions of College Officials to abide by these rules may be reported to the Dean of Student Development as a violation of Section 12.9 of the PCC Code of Student Conduct. Further sanctions may be imposed, including suspension, restitution, or probation. Others in violation of the tobacco policy can be reported to Public Safety.
• Public Safety officers will use their discretion when enforcing this policy. Based upon the circumstances, Public Safety may issue a verbal warning or citation. Public Safety officers are authorized to issue warnings to first-time violators and control and regulate facilities use as prescribed in these rules and regulations.
• If a violation of these rules is committed by PCC students or staff members, a citation and $50 fine may be issued ($75 in fire hazard zones) and posted to the offender’s student or employee account in Student Account Services. Unless fines are paid within 21 calendar days of receipt of the citation, appropriate steps will be taken, consistent with Board Policy B504 on Past Due Debts, for example, withholding of services, use of collection agencies, and refusal of registration. Officers will use discretion and take into consideration the totality of the circumstances when applying this policy.
• Compliance with Portland Community College rules and regulations is considered a standard part of job performance for all employees. Repeated failure by faculty or staff of Portland Community College to abide by these rules and procedures may be addressed through informal discussions between the employee and their immediate supervisor (e.g., clarifying the PCC tobacco-free policy, outlining available resources, and helping the employee to develop a strategy for compliance with the tobacco-free policy).

Appeals

• Persons cited for violations of these rules may respond either by filing a written appeal with the Director of Public Safety or by paying a fine within 21 calendar days of receipt of the citation at the campus Student Account Services. All fines are payable to Portland Community College. Fines that are mailed must be received within 21 calendar days of receipt of the citation.
• Alleged violators may appeal to the Director of Public Safety, or designee, for a brief adjudicative procedure within 21 calendar days of the date of the citation. The Director of Public Safety may dismiss, suspend, or impose any lesser fine.

Advertising and sponsorships

• No advertising or sponsorship promoting the use of tobacco shall be permitted on Portland Community College property, at Portland Community College-sponsored events, or in publications produced by Portland Community College, except for advertising in a newspaper or magazine that is not produced by the Portland Community College and which is lawfully sold, bought or distributed on campus property.
• Portland Community College shall neither solicit nor accept any grant, gift, or anything else of value from a manufacturer, distributor, or retailer whose principal business is tobacco products.
• The free distribution (sampling) of tobacco products and associated products is prohibited on Portland Community College property.