BEAVER FAMILY NEWSLETTER—FALL 2023

Dear OSU parents and family members,

I hope this fall term has been productive and transformative for your student(s) here at Oregon State University. Although the word “transformative” may seem a strong word to use, college truly can and should be an experience that creates an environment for change around both personal and academic growth — not always a smooth journey, of course. This edition of the Beaver Family Newsletter addresses some of the challenges your student may be encountering so you can help support and guide them as they continue their journey to graduation.

We also want to recognize and celebrate the joy of being part of the OSU community! It was an absolute pleasure meeting so many of you during Homecoming/Fall Family Weekend — and what a football game! Whether we’ve met in person or via email or phone, I continue to be impressed with the advice, smart questions, enthusiasm and sincere interest you’ve shown in being part of the OSU community. Your ongoing support not only makes a difference to your student(s) but impacts all student success efforts.

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

What's up with OSUAA’s Parent and Family Council?
The fall meeting of the Parent and Family Council took place on Oct. 24 via Zoom. OSUAA provided an overview of the program and a look at the year ahead, including a variety of in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities, such as:

» Orange & Black Days – February, March, April
» Dam Proud Day – April 24
» OSU Days of Service – May
» Spring Family Weekend – May 3 – 5
» Regional ambassadors – Year-round
» Social media ambassadors– Year-round

Director of Regional Programs Mamta Chowdhury and Director of Alumni Engagement Programs Piper Geniza talked about their areas of responsibility and how the council — and current students — can take part in regional events and student leadership opportunities. The group is excited to collaborate on some key projects this academic year and welcomes new members. Apply today or contact Julie Schwartz for more information.

UPCOMING EVENT

Tailgate at the Beavs, Brews and BBQs cookoff | Nov. 11
Let's tailgate! Join fellows Beavs at the CH2M Hill Alumni Center on campus for a fun-filled tailgating event honoring our veterans before the Beavs char the Stanford Cardinal in Reser Stadium.

Savor barbecue bites from professional Pacific Northwest pitmasters, sip craft beer in partnership with Oregon Agricultural Trust’s Cheers to the Land series featuring Block 15 Brewing, 10 Barrel Brewing and Crux Fermentation Project, and grab a scoop of ice cream from the Beaver Classic Food Truck. Dance along to Party of 4's live music, then cast your favorite bite of the day vote for the Beaver’s Choice BBQ.

CAREER RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS AND OSU ALUMNI TOO 

Career events and workshops
OSU’s Career Development Center just hosted their annual fall career fair on Oct. 18. Close to 300 employers were represented with over 1,000 OSU students attending this jam-packed day. There are many more career events and workshops scheduled this fall that are open to students, postdocs, alumni and staff.

Beaver networking opportunities
As part of the OSU community, your student is a part of a family of 205,000+ Beaver alumni who support them during each stage of their academic and professional development! We highly encourage you to remind your student to join the Beavers Careers Group on LinkedIn and OSU Connections, the online hub for Beavers to grow their personal and professional networks. If you are an Oregon State graduate, you are encouraged to sign up as a mentor by completing your profile on the site to indicate the ways that you wish to support students and other alumni, as well as highlight areas for personal connection with others through your self-selected identities and campus involvement.

Hear from early career experts
OSU’s Ask Alumni interactive virtual events are another way we connect students with alumni for career advice and networking opportunities. Students can hear from a panel of graduates who have recently been in their place and engage in Q&A about classes, internships, careers, advising and more. These events are an ideal forum for students to gain insights and mentoring opportunities.  

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. 

BEAVER "BITES" FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES 

Student resources
From academic advising and tutoring to health care and help paying the rent, OSU Experience maintains an extensive listing of services and organizations. Whether it’s to find a connection or simply to speak to someone who cares, it’s all here, in one place for your student to explore. 

Anytime Anywhere: Mental health support
Students at OSU now have access to free and confidential mental health and wellness counseling at any time of day, from anywhere in the world, 365 days a year. Students can connect with counselors in real time by calling or using the chat function. Help is available 24/7 and in multiple languages. The app is ADA compliant and TTY accessible. Download the app titled “TELUS Health Student Support” from Google Play or the Apple App Store and learn more at Telus Health. 

Disability Access Services
DAS provides accommodations, education, consultation and advocacy for qualified students with disabilities and temporary illness or injury at OSU, along with resources for families concerned about their students’ needs for accommodations and support. Find more information on the DAS website. 

Transfer students
One third of our undergraduates are transfer students. If your student falls in this category, there are many resources, events and specialized advising services designed to help them feel welcome and supported at OSU on the Transfer Student website.

First-generation students
Those who are the first generation in their family to earn a four-year college degree can find faculty, staff, students and alumni to support and amplify their voices on the First! website. Plus, join students, faculty and staff from the College of Liberal Arts from noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 8 in Bexell Hall for National First-Generation College Student Celebration.

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.

Work study at OSU
Work study is more than a type of financial aid — it can become a way for students to gain relevant career experience. On-campus postings can be found here. There are also off-campus jobs to explore in partnership with Handshake.

Writing Center support
This is a great time to remind students about the support available through the Writing Center. Students and project groups can arrange consultations in-person or via Zoom or can get written feedback via email.

JUST FOR OSU-CASCADES PARENT AND FAMILIES

Cascades Edge launches
New this fall, this signature career development program offers career development every term, which means students will be ahead of the curve with internships, research, career networking and résumé development, giving them an advantage when they enter their careers or graduate school.

Joel Tranby Memorial Scholarship
The family of Joel Tranby, a business student whose life was tragically lost this summer while he was climbing in the Cascades mountains, has established a scholarship fund in his honor. The scholarship is for students in Central Oregon with financial need. To date, more than $52,000 has been raised. To learn more, contact Olivia Townsend or 904-556-2136.

Interested in a graduate program at OSU-Cascades? Attend an open house
The Master of Counseling and Master of Arts in Teaching programs will host virtual and in-person open houses in November. Participants will learn about their program’s curriculum, opportunities for career-preparing placements in their field, the application and admission process, and financial aid. Applications for 2024 are now open. Register today.

KEEP LEARNING AND STAY INFORMED

Enriching and memorable travel for the whole family
OSUAA has curated some amazing trips for families, extended families and small groups. For example, you can experience Colorado’s historic trains next September on this truly unique trip through the Rockies. Learn more about this opportunity by watching OSUAA’s recorded Travel Talk. 

OSU Board of Trustees approves strategic plan and president’s goals
Oregon State University put the final touches on a visionary new strategic plan going into effect on Jan. 1, 2024. The plan, titled “Prosperity Widely Shared: The Oregon State Plan,” identifies five target areas for change: increasing research expenditures to $600 million; increasing the six-year graduation rate to 80%; equalizing the six-year graduation rate across gender, ethnic group and financial need; more than doubling online-only enrollment to 30,000; and increasing enrollment at OSU-Cascades in Bend to 2,200.

New Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts Center opens on campus this spring
Check out the amazing line-up of events. The expansive mission of the Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts, nicknamed PRAx, is to activate the power of the arts and humanities across disciplines and in multiple settings — from the concert hall and theater to research labs and field sites.

Our Health& webcast explores your questions 
Health is at the center of our lives. Find answers to your questions and interact with experts from the OSU College of Health in a new webcast series beginning this fall. The first episode, Our Health& the Cost of Water, is Tuesday, Nov. 14. Hear how you can help retain this valuable resource with changes in your daily activities and prepare for when water resources dwindle. This series is presented by the OSU Alumni Association and the OSU College of Health, which are committed to serving communities by addressing challenges that improve health.  

BEAVS READ: BOOK RECOMMENDATION FOR OSU PARENTS AND FAMILIES

“The Stressed Years of Their Lives: Helping Your Kid Survive and Thrive During Their College Years”
Dr. B. Janet Hibbs and Dr. Anthony Rostain

Why are college students more stressed and anxious than ever before and how can parents and family members help? This book may provide some answers, and more importantly, can help start the conversation.

You can also listen to this NPR podcast featuring the authors.  

Helpful links for parents and families

• Annual Calendar
• Upcoming OSUAA Programs & Events
• Parent and Family Council
• Parent Handbook/FAQ
• Upcoming Family/Student Events
• Student Health Services
• Office of Student Orientation
• Become an OSUAA member
• Subscribe to OSU Today daily newsletter
• Honors College parent and families webpage

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