BEAVER FAMILY NEWSLETTER

Photo of Corvallis OSU Campus

Dear OSU parents and family members,

We recognize that winter quarter can be a challenging time for both you and your student. An OSU colleague recently noted that this is typically the time of year when “the shiny” has worn off. In other words, the excitement that accompanies the start of a new school year has faded and there is a period of adjustment following the return to campus after winter break. Keeping up with challenging classwork, managing social needs and dealing with colder weather may also impact how some students are coping.

That’s why OSUAA’s Parent and Family Program is constantly identifying ways to link parents, family members and students with tips, opportunities and resources that ease and enhance each phase of the college journey. We get it! Every student has different interests and needs. So our goal is to continue to highlight and share the many ways that OSU supports its diverse student population. We’re here for you and your student — please read on for the latest news, updates and events on the horizon.

Also, be sure to get involved (in any capacity you can!) and reach out to 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

student at the doctors office

Parent and Family Council update

The first Parent and Family Council meeting of 2023 took place in January via Zoom featuring an informative panel discussion with Maxwell Fry, student leader; Kelly Hower, executive director of student health services and Melissa Morgan, director of the office of student orientation. Here’s a recap of some of the valuable Q&A covered during the meeting:

What advice do you have to get your student to text you back?

  • Max: Honestly there is no real answer. Try to have patience, flexibility and understanding. It’s something we could be better at, for sure. We are just learning how to juggle many things that are all new, among other things, and connecting with loved ones may fall through the cracks a bit.

How does my student get their COVID and flu shot?

  • Kelly: By calling Student Health Services and making an appointment. This is the fastest way to get in. Students can also drop by the Student Health Center.

How do you guide your student to use Student Health Services if it’s the weekend and they are closed?

How can I find out about OSU news and things that impact my student?

If you haven’t already signed up, please consider joining the Parent and Family Council, as we hope to grow this group to support our parents and family members with relevant programming, services and outreach.

JOIN TODAY
OSU student reading a book

Beavs Read: Share this book recommendation with your student!

“The Next Great Step: The Parent’s Guide to Launching Your New Grad Into a Career” by Beth Hendler-Grunt

Help students and grads launch their careers and land the job they deserve with practical tips and advice that include the power of networking with alumni — a strategy that we at OSUAA couldn’t agree with more! Hint: Be sure to keep scrolling through this newsletter to learn more about how Beavers can make the most of networking opportunities through tools like OSU Connections.

BUY THE BOOK
OSU campus with grass and student walking

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.

VIEW TIPS
Person on a computer.

Beaver Career Development

Help your Beaver navigate their college-to-career journey by making sure they are aware of the networking resources OSU has in place to help them succeed. These online tools offer a great way for students to click and connect with alumni and potential employers:

  • 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.
  • Beavers Career Group on LinkedIn
    Beavs help Beavs get jobs. Connect with Oregon State alumni, faculty and staff for career advice, discussions and networking.
Students talking to eachother

Helping Beavers branch out

If your student is looking to make new friends, try something different and fun, or get more involved in campus life (beyond the classroom), it’s all here on OSU’s Student Experiences and Engagement page. Encourage your student to check back often for the latest campus events and experiences. There’s a community for every interest, from affinity-specific community centers to over 400 student organizations on campus. And what doesn’t exist, can be created! Beavers can also find a comprehensive listing of student clubs and organizations here.

CHECK IT OUT
Collaborative Innovative Complex

Coming in 2025: The Collaborative Innovation Complex

Thanks in large part to $100 million in gifts from donors, a $200 million education and research center is being constructed at OSU to help accelerate innovation, solve global challenges and educate the problem solvers of tomorrow. The center will be named the Jen-Hsun and Lori Huang Collaborative Innovation Complex in recognition of a gift of $50 million to the OSU Foundation from Jen-Hsun Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA, and his wife Lori, both of whom are Oregon State University graduates. The new center will house a NVIDIA supercomputer and will serve as a hub for education and research focusing on AI, robotics, materials science, marine science, biomedical engineering and more.

Two people looking at one computer

Beaver “bites” for parents and families

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

» OSU Day of Service
For one inspiring day, thousands of Beavers will unite for in-person and digital service opportunities in Oregon and around the world. If you're interested in getting to know parents/families in your area as well as local alumni, consider participating in the OSU Day of Service, May 20. You can lead a project or join one in your area!

» Provost’s Lecture Series
Register for “The Science of Happiness,” the second (free!) lecture in the 2022-23 series, featuring Laurie Santos: Psychologist and Yale Professor of Psychology

» Beaver’s Digest
Stay in the know with Oregon State University’s student-run lifestyle magazine.

» Basic Needs Center
Staffed and run by a dedicated team of student leaders, the BNC helps provide students with food resources, emergency housing, textbook lending and even laundry needs! Students who visit the center can get involved with a variety of projects, including cooking classes and resourcing for basic needs.

» 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 Student Care?
Student Care is designed to help students problem-solve within the university and community through one-on-one support, access referrals for personal matters/emergencies, and learn and understand Oregon State University policies and procedures.

» 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.

» OSU’s New Normal?
Check out this recent OPB article “…Oregon State Weighs Academic Expectations and Compassion on Campus”

person and a planner

Mark your calendar: Important upcoming dates and deadlines

Feb. 24 | Withdraw from a course/no refunds

March 17 | Winter term ends

April 26 | Dam Proud Day

May 5-7 | Spring Family Weekend

May 20 | OSU Day of Service

Helpful links for parents and families

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

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

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