BEAVER FAMILY NEWSLETTER

Dear OSU parents and family members,

Welcome to a new academic year at Oregon State University! It’s a very exciting time for both you and your student as they settle into Beaver life and embrace all that OSU has to offer.

We also recognize that there is A LOT of news and information coming your way. OSUAA’s Parent and Family Program is here to help by keeping you informed, engaged and connected to other OSU parents and families during each step of your student’s journey. We strongly believe that your support and involvement (from near and far) helps your student learn, live and thrive during their time at OSU!

Be sure to mark your calendars for Fall Family Weekend, Nov. 11-13, 2022 (Sign up for our parent and family social Nov. 12! Full schedule coming soon). Register to attend the first Parent and Family Social and Parent and Family Council meeting (in-person and streaming option) of the year. And while you’re on campus, be sure to check out these “hidden gems” of Oregon State.

If you haven’t already signed up to be on the Parent and Family Council, it’s not too late. Become a member of the council this fall and join fellow proud Beaver parents/family members in promoting and supporting OSU resources and activities that drive student success. I encourage you to visit the Parent and Family webpage to learn more.

OSUAA’s Parent and Family Program team is invested in partnering with you to help your student(s) thrive and succeed during their time at OSU. We’re here for you — please scroll down for the latest news and resources and be sure to reach out and let us know if there’s something you’d like to learn more about as the year progresses.

Warm regards and GO BEAVS!

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

OSU launched its second university-wide campaign

What you heard on the grapevine is true! On Oct. 14, OSU publicly launched its second comprehensive fundraising and engagement campaign. What’s that all about?

Believe It: The Campaign for Oregon State University was publicly announced at a dinner on the historic MU Quad, having already raised over $1 billion in five years toward a $1.75 billion goal. Donor support in this campaign will advance student access and success across all OSU campuses and Ecampus, and support faculty excellence, research and discovery that serve Oregon and the world. The Believe It campaign also focuses on inspiring our worldwide community of alumni, parents and friends to connect and engage with OSU.

President Jayathi Y. Murthy said, “At OSU, we believe fervently that we are better together.” To know that it’s true, just look at the incredible milestones of the campaign so far, achieved by over 56,000 donors, plus countless active volunteers and community members.

Beavs Read: Share this book recommendation with your student!

"The 5-Ingredient College Cookbook: Easy, Healthy Recipes for the Next Four Years & Beyond” by Pamela Ellgen

College students don’t typically have a ton of time, money or kitchen space to get fancy with their meals, which means good and cheap is the name of the game. This college cookbook makes it easy for students to prepare fresh, tasty, healthy meals for themselves on a budget, with more than 100 recipes that only take 30 minutes to throw together, and only require 5 main ingredients.

What readers are saying About The 5-Ingredient College Cookbook:

"The recipes are super easy and fast, and they taste amazing. As a college student with depression who never learned how to cook, this book has helped me tremendously in feeling like I can accomplish cooking a real meal. And they're healthy and affordable, too!"―Victoria

"Not only does this book include recipes for every kind of dish and even some that are vegan or vegetarian, it also includes some extremely helpful tips for college students about nutrition, saving money while grocery shopping, and kitchen tools. The information packed in this excellent cookbook is so helpful for a beginner who maybe doesn't know much about techniques used for preparing food."―Kathryn

Helping students live their best (res hall) life

This bears repeating: Open doors make for a healthier, happier residence hall environment. This simple door stop can make a big difference, as an open door encourages socializing and the forging of new friendships. Bonus: An open door also helps ensure that your student doesn’t get locked out while hitting the vending machine! Find more residence hall life tips and advice, including how to help your student navigate roommate problems, by visiting the popular parenting website Grown & Flown.

Words of wisdom for our newest Beaver parents and families

One of the main goals of OSUAA’s Parent and Family Program is to keep Beaver families connected to each other. We found that our “veteran” parents have so much valuable wisdom to pass onto parents of incoming students that we have created a special section of the Parent and Family webpage dedicated to sharing their firsthand tips and advice. Check it out — and submit your own words of wisdom as well.

Beaver Career Development

It’s never too early for students to start making connections with alumni and other professionals. They can find inspiration by joining 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.

Guaranteed to have a gourd time

Carve out some time for creativity with the OSU Alumni Association’s free pumpkin carving stencil! Bring some Beaver spirit to your front porch this autumn, snap a picture and tag us on Instagram (@oregonstatealumni) for a chance to have your masterpiece shared.

You can get more member-exclusive seasonal downloads when you join the OSUAA.

Beaver “bites” for parents and families

A round-up of events, activities and information you and your student(s) may find of interest

» OSU welcomes Dr. Jayathi Murthy as its 16th president
Listen to Dr. Murthy’s welcome message.

» Stay in-the-know by bookmarking oregonstate.edu
Visit the page and encourage your student to check here daily for campus news, tools and resources.

» Take advantage of mindfulness and wellness resources
Starting a new school year can feel overwhelming. Help your student find their footing (and their inner zen) by encouraging them to partake in campus mindfulness activities and resources offered through OSU Counseling & Psychological Services.

» Get familiar with OSU Student Health Services
OSU offers comprehensive health services that meet the needs of our diverse student population, including their physical, mental, emotional, social and academic well-being.

» Have you heard about OSU Assist?
OSU just launched an enhanced approach to campus crisis response called OSU Assist. It brings together new personnel and existing university services to expand student mental health support. Students also have access to Anytime Anywhere: MySSP @ OSU — a free 24/7 counseling service — and the Center for Advocacy, Prevention, and Education.

» Tune into Modifying Metabolism: Small Choices, Big Results |Oct. 25 at 5:30 p.m. PST Register for the next Public Health Insider webcast led by faculty from OSU’s College of Public Health and Human Sciences.

» Travel with fellow OSU parents and families
OSUAA has curated some amazing trips for Beaver families, small groups and “empty nesters.” Our experienced staff can help plan the perfect trip—from advising on destinations to coordinating dates and customized experiences. You do not have to be an OSU graduate to join our passionate travel community.

» adidas Shopping Pass for OSUAA members!
Reap BIG Beaver savings by using the adidas Shopping Pass for OSUAA members Oct. 7 – Nov. 10 at the adidas Employee Store in Portland. Get your holiday shopping done early and support OSUAA programs at the same time. Not a member? Join today.

» OSU students have the power to shape their community, campus and world. Volunteering is a proven way to get connected and meet like-minded classmates who want to make a difference. Future employers also value volunteerism.

Mark your calendar: Important upcoming dates and deadlines

Nov. 11-13 | Fall Family Weekend

• Parent and Family Council fall meeting (Nov. 12-more details to come)
• Parent and Family Social (Nov. 12-pregame gathering)

Nov. 11 | Veterans Day holiday

Nov. 24-25 | Thanksgiving break

Dec. 1 | “Lighting of the Alumni Center” pop-up event

Dec. 9 | Fall term ends

Helpful links for parents and families

• Annual Calendar
• Upcoming OSUAA Programs & Events
• OSUAA Beaver Family Newsletter
• Parent & Family Council
• Parent Handbook/FAQ
• Upcoming Family/Student Events
• Student Health Services
• Office of Student Orientation
• Beaver Ready/Latest COVID Guidelines
• Become an OSUAA member
• Subscribe to OSU Today daily newsletter
• Honors College Parent and Families Webpage  

Stay connected: Get all the Beaver buzz!

» Sign up for Beaver Lodge communications
» Read OSU's Parent and Family newsletter
» Check out MORE ways to get involved
» Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter