May 1st is the national commitment deadline, until May 1st the ATD is refundable.  The benefit of paying your ATD by May 1st is you will then be allowed to register for a START program.  START is where students will be able to register for their fall term classes, meet with their academic advisor, and many other events to help get them settled before the fall term.  There are several START sessions throughout the summer and below is a link with more information and dates.

START

We have an online guide to help guide students and families through the process which is included below.

Online Instructions

-GG

This summer orientation program aids in the transition process of OSU’s new students. A parent/family orientation program runs concurrently. So if you are a new student make sure you have registered for a START session, and for all those students already at OSU make sure to help welcome the newbies to campus!

-KT

Whether you are just starting your college search or are already admitted to OSU, our open house programs can accommodate your needs. We have several full-day programs during the year to provide you an in-depth look at OSU.

OSU Spring Visits are a great opportunity to learn the basics about Oregon State University. You’ll spend the day meeting with representatives from key academic and administrative areas, have a chance to tour the campus, and get some time to speak with current OSU students. Choose one of our three remaining spring visit opportunities and click the corresponding link to register for the event.

Spring Visit | Friday, March 30, 2012

Spring Visit | Friday, April 6, 2012

Spring Visit | Friday, April 13, 2012

When you take your tour of OSU, you’ll see the possibilities. Explore your many on-campus housing choices. Taste and see what students eat and where they socialize. Tour the buildings where your classes will be held. Scope out the recreational options open to you on or near campus. Find that spot that will inspire you to do something great or different.

Come visit. Come see if OSU fits you and your future.

-BM

Dad's and Family Weekend November 18th-20th

Dad’s weekend is just around the corner this event it a great opportunity for current OSU students to have their Dad or family member come to Oregon State University and participate in a wide variety of events this Friday November 18^th – Sunday November 20^th .  There will be a golf tournament, rafting trip, comedy show, back massages, bowling in the Memorial Union Basement, and much more.  There is also a St. Jude Children Research Hospital Pancake Breakfast on Sunday hosted by the Delta Delta Delta Sorority that will not only be delicious, but the proceeds will go to St. Jude’s Hospital. To check out the schedule of events click on the link below.

Dad’s Weekend Schedule

This Saturday is also Fan appreciation day if you plan on attending the football game against University of Washington.  Students have the opportunity to get their ticket and purchase up to 2 tickets so Dad or a Family member can join them in the student section and be a part of the orange mania.  Also for fan appreciation there will be discounts on select concessions, 25% off all football gear in all stadium locations, and all fans will have a chance to win 2 tickets from Hawaiian Air. If you would like to purchase tickets for the game you can do so by click on the link below.

Beaver Tickets

Go Beavs!

GG

OSU’s orientation program for new students, START, will begin its first session tomorrow! START is the beginning of a students experience at Oregon State University. START sessions are a time for students to get familiar with campus, register for fall term classes and experience OSU. Families are welcome to attend, however there is an extra fee for family participation. While at START make sure to meet new people, ask questions, enjoy your time and wear comfortable clothing and shoes!

If you have not yet registered for START, make sure to register soon because sessions are filling up. If you have any questions about START please contact New Student Programs and Family Outreach at newstudents@oregonstate.edu or call 541-737-7627.

Go Beavs!

-KT

Go Beavs!

Thanks for reading…CYN

DRC Main Entrance

What draws students and community members to Dixon Recreation Center (DRC) are the broad activities that are available.  Specifically getting into shape, places like the lower and upper courts are a host to pick up games such as; basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, pickle ball and anything else imaginable. If racquetball, squash or wallyball is more your style, there’s about nine courts dedicated to such sports!

DRC Weight Room 1

If bulking up is on the list of things to do this 2011, Dixon has not one but two weight rooms to achieve strength goals.  Weight Room 1 is a larger space that has selectorized weight equipment, plate-loaded weight equipment, a variety of free weights and benches. Equipment choices include Cybex, Magnum, Ivanko and Irongrip.  For a space that is a little more private, Weight Room 2 can also be an excellent spot to hit the free motion weight equipment.  Students looking for a little guidance on a weights routine have access to a personal partner training.  This program allows two students to go through a personal training session together. With partner training, the trainer can design a program that is both catered to the students’ goals while flexible enough to be continued in the future.

DRC Cardio Room 1

Similar to the weight rooms, Dixon has two cardio rooms and a running track to enjoy getting back in shape.  The cardio rooms are very unique and first of its kind.  Why you ask?  Here is an article from the Oregonian describing OSU’s cardio exercise equipment:

Oregon State University is harnessing the energy the machines can generate and converting it to electricity to feed back into the power grid.
It is among the first universities in the United States to do so.
With new technology developed by a Florida firm, Oregon State has retrofitted 22 elliptical exercise machines in its student fee-funded Dixon Recreation Center and already is collecting the power produced by students.

DRC Lap Pool in Steven’s Natatorium

For students looking to hit the pool, can swim or find sanctuary in Steven’s Natatorium (Dixon Pool).  Water in the lap swim pool, dive well and hot tub are all heated to perfection; 81.5 degrees, 83 degrees and 104 in the 16 person hot tub.  The lap pool is available during the duration of the day with lanes divided by, slow, medium all the way to fast.  Also, the Natatorium is home to the amazing Division I; Pac 10 Women’s Swimming team.

DRC Climbing Center

Another alluring amenity in Dixon is the breath taking climbing center.  It is the tallest college climbing facility in the Pacific Northwest, 42.5 ft tall and is highly used by our OSU community.  The multi pitched climbing surface caters to a broad spectrum of climbing abilities and variety of  functions; bouldering cave, hang boards, universally accessible rappel station, cracks, arêtes and overhangs.  Click here to take you to pictures from the 2009 Vertical Festival held in the lovely climbing center.

Lastly, Dixon Recreation (including Rec Sports) is the second largest student employer on OSU’s campus.  In fact, my first job at OSU was working at Dixon Café for two glorious years.  Click here to explore student employment at Dixon.

There is so much more Dixon Recreation Center provides anyone seeking to recharge, rejuvenate, revamp, get buff, or similarly to feel physically better!  Click here to check out Dixon for yourself or here to join there facebook page.

Thanks for reading,
CYN

OSU Social Media Page

Oregon State University has been named a Best Buy School in the upcoming edition of “The Fiske Guide to Colleges” for 2011.

The revised and updated 2011 edition features more than 300 colleges and universities, and names 45 institutions – 21 public and 24 private – as Best Buys. These institutions fall into the inexpensive or moderate price category with four- or five-star academic ratings.

Best Buy schools are named according to the quality of a

cademic offerings in relation to the cost of attendance.

“The Fiske Guide to College” accepts no consulting, advertising, or other fees from colleges and has no outside relationship with colleges working on its behalf.

Fiske Best Buy College 2011

Also, “The Fiske Guide to Colleges” named OSU as “Best Buy College” a few years ago.  Below is a brief look at the guide’s review of OSU in 2009.

“In the face of today’s skyrocketing tuition rates, students and families in all economic circumstances are looking for ways to get the best value for their education dollar,” read the guide. “Fortunately, there are some bargains to be found in higher education; it just takes a bit of shopping around with a little guidance along the way.”

In the guide’s lengthy entry on OSU, it notes that “OSU “is strong in many departments, including biotechnology, forestry and engineering. Says one satisfied freshman, ‘If you are looking for a college that is close-knit and has a friendly college town, OSU is the place to go!’”

As always…thanks for reading.
CYN

Artist's rendition of new outdoor facilities.

The Outdoor Recreation Complex project will take the place of the existing intramural playfield located between 26th and 30th Streets and between the Washington Way parking area and Intramural Way. In brief, the proposed scope of construction includes two synthetic turf fields with field lighting, the replacement of the existing tennis courts, new entries to the existing Tennis Pavilion structure, a central plaza area with a restroom/storage shelter, a running path, and areas for both active and passive park use. Highlights of the renovations to the McAlexander Fieldhouse are improved surfaces and equipment for turf and court sports, a second on campus rock climbing center and a skills-building course.

Artist's rendition of the McAlexander Fieldhouse renovations.

Together these projects will vastly improve the availability of outdoor recreational areas and create a casual park-like setting in the heart of campus for the OSU community to enjoy a variety of activities!

Construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of this summer and will be ready to welcome students this fall.

Dixon Recreational Expansion

-Mike O.