BEAVER FAMILY NEWSLETTER

OSU Campus in the spring

Dear OSU parents and family members,

As I write this, we’re still experiencing spring showers in western Oregon. The good news is that the seasonal vivid display of campus azaleas and rhododendrons can’t be far away!

Come spring, many students begin to feel like it’s time to explore a new group or area of interest. Included in this newsletter are more ways for your student(s) to get involved in OSU campus life. If you are joining us for Spring Family Weekend (and we hope you are!), please plan to attend OSUAA’s parent and family social on May 5, where you can connect with fellow Beaver families and meet and hear from Damoni Wright, the executive director of Student Experiences and Engagement here at OSU.

This edition of the Beaver family newsletter also contains important news regarding financial readiness and success, plus we’ve highlighted resources that can help make the college experience more affordable for students and families.

Have a wonderful spring and we hope to see you on campus during Spring Family Weekend! Until then, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, ideas or suggestions on how we can help YOU support your student throughout their OSU journey.

Warm regards and GO BEAVS!

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

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!  

OSU Parent and Family Social

Make plans to attend Spring Family Weekend | May 5 - 7

We hope you are planning to join your student(s) on campus to partake in the many activities being planned just for YOU! Along with campus tours, craft workshops, OSU Pet Day and All-University Sing, we encourage you to join OSUAA’s Parent and Family Social from 4:30 – 6 p.m. on May 5.

JOIN US AT THE SOCIAL

Have you joined the Parent and Family Advisory Council?

The Parent and Family Council is once again accepting applications. Spring is the perfect time to join this dedicated group of parents and family members who are working to:

  • Meet and build strong connections with OSU administrators, parents and families at special events for council members.
  • Become more knowledgeable about university resources and programs that support student success.
  • Deepen their connection to OSU by attending campus and regional events, volunteering and supporting initiatives that benefit current students.

Do you still have questions or want to learn more about why you should join? Head over to the Parent and Family webpage.

APPLY FOR THE PARENT AND FAMILY COUNCIL
Student in a classroom

Stock up your student’s college affordability toolkit

Approximately two million students transfer schools each year — and there are likely just as many reasons why they leave or transfer from their current university, but financial concerns are some of the most common.

The good news is that OSU offers solutions and resources designed to help our diverse student body get what they need to succeed and stay on course to graduate. This support includes programs to assist with the cost of college as well as to help address day-to-day living challenges. If costs are becoming a sticking point to their success, encourage your student to take advantage of the following OSU resources:

OSU Campus with soccer players.

Financial readiness and success: Support is on the way!

Important changes and benefits are coming your way in fall 2023 as the university launches its Financial Readiness and Success Initiative to help students and their families become well versed in financial planning and college affordability.

The new initiative will:

  • Support students anywhere within OSU to successfully complete a degree or credential at Oregon State while connecting them to resources to help manage costs.
  • Provide clear, transparent information to students about the costs of college, payment deadlines and strategies to approach budgeting.
  • Offer expanded support and educational resources surrounding financial literacy and well-being.

Ask your student if they recently received a more detailed update about the Financial Readiness and Success Initiative.

Is your Beaver ready to return to OSU?

We certainly hope so! However, it is a good idea for parents and families to check in with their students NOW to make sure they are planning for the fall term. Ask them the following questions:

  • Have you seen your advisor about registering for fall term courses?
  • Are your housing arrangements in place?
  • Do you have plans for a campus job? (Read on for job, internship and networking opportunities!)
EXPLORE MORE PARENT AND FAMILY FAQS
OSU networking

Beaver career networking

OSU is here to help your Beaver navigate their college-to-career journey! You can help, too, by making sure students are aware of networking resources and tools designed to help them connect with alumni and potential employers.

» OSU Connections
Surround yourself with inspiration — and find jobs, resources and mentors — when you join thousands of classmates and alumni on OSU Connections, the online hub for Beavers to grow their personal and professional networks.

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

Homecoming Court group

Beaver “bites” for parents and families

Our hand-picked roundup of events, activities and information for you and your student(s).

Applications open for 2023 Homecoming Court | Now – May 12
Students can share their Beaver passion and pride by applying to become a 2023 OSU Homecoming Court Ambassador. Those selected will get to represent OSU at campus events, mingle with alumni and university leaders and win a one-time $500 scholarship!

Now hiring students at the alumni center | Now - May 12
We currently have five part-time job openings for students at the CH2M HILL Alumni Center! Encourage your students to apply today to contribute to the day-to-day success of events and operations at the alumni center.

Getting a Dam Job career workshop series | Now – May 23
Is your student wondering what to put on their résumé, how to make the most of LinkedIn or how to do their best in a job interview? Encourage them to register for just one or all five of these sessions to gain job skills they'll use throughout their life.

Dam Proud Day | April 26
On OSU’s annual day of giving and connecting, Beavers around the world will come together to celebrate the accomplishments of the Oregon State community and support OSU students and programs. You can help make college more affordable for students by giving to the OSU Alumni Association Scholarship Fund or another of the 100+ funds highlighted across the university!

Ask Alumni Virtual Events | April 27, May 3
Three virtual panels provide a space for students to ask questions and learn from the experiences of recent OSU graduates. Explore topics including finding scientific careers with a bachelor’s degree, a Q&A with current teachers and a talk on succeeding in life after college.

Changemakers: Paying it Forward | May 2
Jarvez Hall, ’05, will share inspiring stories from his time on campus — including playing on the 2001 Fiesta Bowl football team — and lessons learned in his current role championing the needs of underrepresented youth in East Multnomah County.

Public Health Insider: A Breath of Fresh Air | May 9
College of Public Health and Human Sciences faculty discuss the top environmental risks that affect children (and adults!) where we live, work and play; the health outcomes associated with exposure; and how the new ASP3IRE Center is working to reduce harmful environmental exposures for kids.

Spring Career and Internship Fair | May 19
Does your student still need an internship or job this summer—or beyond? Hundreds of professionals gather at this event, giving students the chance to ask questions about fields and industries they’re interested in, build a professional network and even apply for jobs and internships on the spot. Bonus: Missed the nonprofit and public service fair? These OSU-vetted regional and national organizations also offer internships, work experience and jobs. Getting the opportunity to learn (and earn!) while doing important, impactful work can be life changing.

OSU Day of Service | May 20
OSU Days of Service is a celebration of our global Beaver community making positive changes. Join volunteer projects in Oregon, California or Hawaii — or log hours for an independent service project.

Travel with fellow OSU 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.

person reading a book outside

Beavs read: Share this book recommendation with your student!

“You Majored in What? Designing Your Path from College to Career” by Katharine Brooks

Is your student overly concerned about which major to pursue? This book will provide positive encouragement to help students leverage their strengths and skills to identify and pursue rewarding and successful careers.

BUY THE BOOK

Helpful links for parents and families

Stay connected: Get all the Beaver buzz!

» Sign up for Beaver Lodge communications
» 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

Manage your preferences | Update your information | View this message in a browser