BEAVER FAMILY NEWSLETTER

Image of the Memorial Union at OSU Corvallis campus

Dear OSU Parents and Family members,

Winter term is in full swing at Oregon State University and we hope your student(s) are thriving. Winter can be a difficult time, with colder/darker days and the tendency to “hibernate” and retreat. This edition of the Beaver Family Newsletter has resources and articles that may be helpful should your student(s) be feeling a little low. Keep in mind that winter can also provide the opportunity for deep study and reflection – and spring is just around the corner in our part of the Pacific Northwest!

Speaking of warmer weather, Spring Family Weekend is May 3-5. We hope to see many of you on the Corvallis campus for student/parent activities including a much beloved, long-standing OSU tradition, All University Sing.

We continue to welcome new members to OSUAA’s Parent and Family Council. If you would like to join this growing group of current parents and family members from around the country, I’d be happy to tell you more or you can simply apply online. (Participation on the council requires OSUAA membership, which gives you access to an array of benefits.)

Thank you for reading and sharing this newsletter and for supporting student success at Oregon State University.

GO BEAVS!

Julie Schwartz
Senior Director, Parent and Family Engagement Program
OSU Alumni Association

Student meeting with advisor for guidance

CAREER RESOURCES FOR ALUMNI AND CURRENT STUDENTS 

Meet with a career advisor for 1:1 guidance
It’s never too early to start looking for an amazing internship or preparing for that first job out of college. Remind your student(s) to make an appointment with their career advisor (based in their college of study) if they haven’t done so already.

Students can use Beaver Hub to schedule appointments with their career advisor (look for the assigned advisor under the Success Team tab). Both virtual and in-person appointments are available.

If students need assistance or do not see a career advisor listed, they can contact career@oregonstate.edu or drop by Kerr A110 and staff will help them make an appointment.

As acclaimed author of “The Next Great Step,” Beth Handler Grunt, reminds us, getting that first job (or almost any job) is relational. “People like hiring people they’ve met or have something in common.” Check out the article: Six Ways Parents Can Help Guide a New Grad to Find a Job.

SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT

 

Lifelong career assistance is available through the OSU Alumni Association:
OSU Connections
: Surround yourself with inspiration when you join OSU Connections, the online hub for Beavers to grow their personal and professional networks. Hundreds of Oregon Staters are already using OSU Connections to be introduced to like-minded Beavers, reconnect with former classmates, find or post jobs, gain career resources and so much more.

CONNECT WITH BEAVERS

 

Beavers Careers Group on LinkedIn: Beavs help Beavs get jobs. Connect with Oregon State alumni, faculty and staff for career advice, discussions and networking.

GO PRO ON LINKEDIN

And don’t forget to check out our informative career videos.

 

Tips from students: How to impress a campus recruiter
Once at the career fair, how can students best make an impression that might lead to an internship or job? This timely Grown & Flown article could be invaluable to breaking through the field and securing that first career opportunity. 

SHARE THE ARTICLE WITH STUDENTS

 

Dam Good Connections regional events

Dam Good Connections Regional Events
OSUAA regional events are back! As a parent or family member of a current student, you’re invited to join alumni and friends from your area to network and socialize at these informal, fun gatherings. You’ll meet new people while learning more about OSUAA’s lifelong career resources, regional volunteer opportunities and much more. Save the dates and registration links are below.

» San Jose – March 6

» San Francisco – March 7

» Sacramento – March 8

» Bend – March 14

» Tacoma – April 3

» Bellevue – April 4

» Beaverton – April 11

» San Diego – April 18

» Orange County – April 19 

» LA Metro – April 20

PRAx Steinway piano

BEAVER "BITES" FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES 

PRAx Grand Opening!
Get to know the new Patricia Valian Center for the Creative Arts (PRAx) at the April 6 Open House from noon to 7 p.m. Explore the venues, look behind the scenes of the building, and enjoy live music, tours, art installations, the opening gallery exhibition, activities for children and more. Some events during the inaugural season are already selling out, so don’t wait to buy your tickets! And here’s a bonus: child care is available while you enjoy a performance, thanks to OSU’s KidSpirit program.

In addition to events held at the center, PRAx will serve as the hub of an arts and humanities network at OSU – promoting arts-based approaches to all kinds of knowledge through unique initiatives and a wide array of artist residencies and fellowships in research labs, field stations and other environments.

Therapy services and consultations
OSU Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers multiple counseling services to students, as well as consultations to parents seeking guidance in supporting their students’ well-being. Learn more or schedule an appointment.  

Is your student looking for housing?
There are some great reasons for students in their second year and above to consider living on campus – from saving money to expanded dining options. Campus housing is convenient, safe and provides a built-in community. Learn more about housing options.

Academic Success Center can help
Located in Waldo Hall, the Academic Success Center (ASC) provides academic support services for all students at OSU. If your student is struggling to master good study habits or would like to talk through difficult course concepts with fellow students, ASC has a wealth of resources to help.

First-generation students
“Leap Out of Winter Blues”: Feb. 29, 3-5 p.m., Griggs Center at the Memorial Union. Join fellow students for a 45-minute workshop on mindfulness and wellness presented by Marigold, the OSU Center for Contemplative Practice. Students will leave with tools they can use to help manage their busy lives.

Rec Sports Fitness Courtyard

NEW! Fitness Courtyard increases options
Oregon State University's Recreational Sports staff have been busy Beavers implementing several construction projects that will better serve students, members and the OSU community.

This summer Student Legacy Park athletic fields received a new synthetic turf, and the basketball courts, tennis courts and track were resurfaced. Some of the most exciting improvements await warmer weather. A new space called the Fitness Courtyard located at Dixon's exterior south end will allow for outdoor workouts, and the sand volleyball courts received extensive updates. 

Stay alert: Safety on campus
Crimes are committed when motive, means and opportunity exist. Taking action to limit opportunities for crime, such as locking doors, traveling in groups or using one of several free OSU escort options may increase prevention. If alone, only use headphones in one ear or speak with someone on the phone while walking to your destination. The free OSU Guardian App provides further options for safety.

Basic Needs Center is here to help
The Basic Needs Center has recently been approved to offer Mealbux awards to over 700 students. Mealbux, a program designed to provide financial assistance for on-campus food purchases, has proven to be a vital resource in ensuring that students have access to meals while they’re working toward their education goals. If support is needed around groceries and meals, students can also access the OSU Food Pantry or OSU Beaver Bags, consisting of themed recipe kits.

OSU Fraternity and Sorority Life
OSU’s Center for Fraternity and Sorority Life (CFSL) offers a vibrant community for students. By participating in a fraternity or sorority, students not only create lasting connections but also gain the tools and experiences needed to thrive academically, personally and professionally which sets a solid foundation for their future endeavors. Students involved have access to hundreds of leadership roles throughout various organizations, allowing them to develop crucial skills in communication and teamwork. Check out all that fraternity and sorority life has to offer at the CFSL website.

OSU-Cascades campus

JUST FOR OSU-CASCADES PARENTS AND FAMILIES

The university will soon launch SnoPlanks Academy, where students can learn firsthand what it means to run a business, from product design to production and from marketing to management. OSU Cascades will collaborate with Oregon State University’s College of Business on the project.

Stay informed as a parent/family member supporting an OSU-Cascade student: The Office of Student Life at OSU-Cascades will be developing Parent & Family information and programs on an annual basis, and always welcomes new ideas. Sign up to receive emails and news.

Coming March 19th - the next Science Pub!
Science Pubs takes science out of the laboratory and bring it to you-- with food and drinks. The largest dam removal in U.S. history is underway on Oregon’s Klamath River. Come hear from OSU’s biological and ecological engineer Desiree Tullos and anthropologist Bryan Tilt about the complex issues involved in the project including the hopeful impacts for ecosystems and Native peoples. Register now as this will sell out fast. 

Man taking photos during winter

KEEP LEARNING AND STAY INFORMED

Photo tips we can all use
OSUAA Alumni Group Travel can’t keep your vacations from ending (unfortunately). 😉 But they can show you how to capture your best memories! Associate Professor Julia Bradshaw from the School of Visual, Performing and Design Arts shares simple tips for taking great travel photos at the next Travel Talk webcast at 5:30 p.m. PT on Tuesday, March 12. Learn how to use your camera and discover what makes a compelling, eye-catching image. Register for this free event.

OSU news and points of pride
To address the growing problem of wildfire smoke tainting the flavor of wine grapes, Oregon State researchers are developing a product that vineyard managers could spray onto their grapes to protect them. The cellulose-based, edible coating allows the grapes to continue to mature and doesn’t need to be washed off, saving growers time, money and water. Watch a video about the innovative research.

Chia seeds pack a nutritional punch, and OSU scientists have sequenced the chia genome, identifying genes associated with sought-after properties for pharmaceuticals that could be used to treat everything from cancer to high blood pressure. In addition to possible benefits for human health, researchers are hopeful that the findings will spur interest in growing chia in Oregon. 

heart-shaped pages

BEAVS READ: BOOK RECOMMENDATION FOR OSU PARENTS AND FAMILIES

“Secrets to Surviving Your Children’s Love Relationships: A Guide for Parents”
Terri Orbuch, Ph.D., “The Love Doctor”

“Dr. Terri Orbuch is the real deal. She brings the best of scientific knowledge to the challenge of preparing your children for present and future relationships. I can’t think of a parent who couldn’t use her practical quizzes and advice.”
Pepper Schwartz, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology, University of Washington

Helpful links for parents and families

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Oregon State University Alumni Association
204 CH2M Hill Alumni Center, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA

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