OSU started slowly scoring 48.850 in the opening rotation on the vault. But the Beavers never scored below 49-points in a rotation thereafter. Freshman Chelsea Tang, who has taken her vaulting up several notches in the past week according to associate head coach Michael Chaplin, tallied the Beavers’ highest score with a 9.825. Makayla Stambaugh followed with a 9.80 while Brittany Harris and Leslie Mak added scores of 9.75 and 9.725. Kelsi Blalock recovered from a balk on her first attempt to score 9.70 to round out the scoring for OSU.

To read more about the upset against Oklahoma click on the link below. We hope the team continue to bring some more wins throughout this season.

No. 7 Beavers beat No. 4 Oklahoma Sooners

Tickets for Winter Sporting Events

-GG

OSU Faculty

We are excited to share that this year OSU has hired 80 faculty members that are the best and brightest.   They are coming from all over the nation and internationally from notable institutions.  The new tenure track faculty members have experience at prestigious universities and big impact companies.  Here’s the full story:

 The rapid growth and development of Oregon State University has prompted the need for more classroom instruction and leadership in its labs, and OSU is meeting those needs this year through the hiring of 80 new faculty members from some of the world’s best-known institutions.

The new professors come from such campuses as Harvard, the London School of Economics, Yale, Brown, MIT, Cornell, London’s Imperial College, Stanford, Michigan, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Florida, Minnesota, UCLA, the University of California-Berkeley and the UC system and West Point.

Other new faculty members are from prestigious non-university settings, including NASA, Los Alamos National Laboratory, the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and more.

OSU leaders say the new hires, which were announced on campus yesterday, are essential for a growing land grant university committed to helping the state meet higher educational goals that many say are critical to Oregon’s future economic success.

“Oregon’s new 40-40-20 law seeks to ensure that 40 percent of the state’s adult population has earned a bachelor’s degree or more, 40 percent at least an associate’s degree, and 20 percent at least a high school diploma,” said Oregon State President Edward J. Ray. “To the degree that OSU and other campuses help achieve those goals, Oregon will be prepared to compete in the global marketplace of tomorrow, with a highly educated workforce supporting this state’s companies and industries.

“Our new faculty will enable OSU to make greater contributions in this area, and further extend OSU’s research and service missions,” Ray added, “and we’re very proud to have them all here.”

In service of those goals, Oregon State is already home to more Oregon freshmen than any other university, and its record enrollments totaling 25,500 for the main campus in Corvallis and OSU-Cascades in Bend trail only Portland State University in overall headcount.

OSU is also home to the lion’s share of Oregon’s “high achievers” – valedictorians, salutatorians and other top performers from state high schools – and is Oregon’s only university to hold the prestigious Carnegie Foundation’s top ranking for the nation’s most successful research universities and its designation for exemplary “community engagement.” The new faculty members come from institutions with similar claims to quality and success, and will make substantial contributions as teachers, researchers and scholars.

The faculty span 10 colleges and are further notable for their international diversity, with some originally from or having been recently employed in Korea, China, India, the Netherlands, Afghanistan, Great Britain, Ukraine, Poland, Spain, Chile, Switzerland, Romania and Puerto Rico. Twenty-five of the hires are women.

Click here to read the impressive bios of our new faculty.

Thanks for readnig…
cyn

OSU Global Formula Racing Team

The upcoming documentary, RELENTLESS, will be taking viewers through a year in the life of the Global Formula Racing Team as they “devote every waking moment to the relentless pursuit of an international championship bid in this feature documentary.”

Watch the official trailer here as well as view photos from the team’s adventures. Go Beavs!

-AG

Bill and Cathi on the Amazing Race.

The amazing race continues! Earlier this year we blogged about a couple who were set to compete in the amazing race Bill and Cathi, who is a professor at Oregon State University.  First Blog on Bill and Cathi. They have been all over the world at this point in the season starting at Taiwan and the latest episode ending with the teams in Germany.  The couple has been in the race dealing with challenges testing their ability to work under pressure and the unexpected.  In the latest episode they traveled through Germany and while they started out strong with memorizing a poem  and reciting in on the other side of town.  They fell behind when it came to finding Legoland and the bodybuilding competition. Their secret to making it this far is “no yelling or blaming” the other team member which has seemed to work out for them quite well.   According to a poll, Bill and Cathi have been voted to make the top 3! To see what happens next week and if Bill and Cathi were eliminated make sure you watch the next episode

GG

Memorial Union Quad

Seattle area seniors and their families are invited to our annual informational sessions in Bellevue, Washington.  Explore OSU will be held at the Bellevue Art Museum on Thursday, October 20th.  There will be two sessions held at 6pm and 7:30pm.  Students should choose only one session to attend.  Both evening receptions will introduce our guests to our university.  Information that will be presented during Explore OSU include our Academic Programs, Advanced Credit Opportunities for AP or IB, Financial Aid and Scholarships, Student Life and Extra Curricular Activities, Research Opportunities, International Programs and more.

Pre-registration for the event is strongly encouraged. Students may RSVP for the program as well as find directions and parking information by visiting the following website:  http://oregonstate.edu/exploreosu/.

Explore OSU Bellevue
Bellevue Art Museum
510 Bellevue Way NE
Bellevue, WA 98004
Event Date: Thursday, October 20th
Event Start Time: 6pm and 7:15pm

Information will be identical at both sessions so please choose one time that is most convenient.  Space is limited so please don’t forget to RSVP at http://oregonstate.edu/exploreosu.  We hope all students are settling into the school year well and gearing up for the opportunities that lie ahead!

Thanks for reading…
cyn

Fall Visit

Whether you are a senior trying to decide which college to attend or a junior just starting the college selection process, Preview OSU (Friday, October 14th) and Beaver Open House (Saturday, October 22nd) is a great way to discover more about Oregon State University. Select one of our fall visit programs and spend a day with representatives from key academic and administrative areas. You’ll also have a chance to tour the campus, learn about scholarships and financial aid opportunities and talk to OSU students about why they chose to be part of Beaver Nation.

Space is limited so please don’t forget to RSVP by clicking here.

If you cannot attend one of the fall visit programs, we invite you and your family to campus during a Monday through Friday tour. Please click hereto schedule a daily tour (Monday – Friday). If you have questions, please call the Office of Admissions at 1-800-291-4192 or email us at osuadmit@oregonstate.edu

Thanks for reading…
cyn

2011 PRIDE Week - Powered by Rainbow

It’s that fabulous time of the year again…PRIDE WEEK!  This year’s PRIDE theme, Powered by Rainbow, cleverly plays off of OSU’s Powered by Orange campaign.  OSU’s PRIDE is a celebration of our LGBTQQIA (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Questioning Intersex Ally) community.

PRIDE kicked off yesterday with a very delicious brunch that celebrated the beginning of this week long adventure.  There will be a record breaking amount of activities to participate in during this week.  Some of the program highlights will be: Dan Savage, co-creator of a campaign called “It Gets Better”, will be speaking tonight, Out on Greek Row presentation, Multi-Generational Queer Panel and my personal favorite, the all student Drag Show on Friday, May 13^th.  Please check out the full schedule below or click here for the list of events.

Powered by Rainbow – 2011 Pride Week Schedule of Events

Sunday, May 8
Pride Brunch 2011: Powered by Rainbow 10:30am-12:30pm Alumni Center Ballroom
Candlelight vigil 8:00pm-9:00pm MU Quad

Monday, May 9
Tabling in the MU Quad 10:00am-3:00pm MU Quad
Opening BBQ 10:00am-3:00pm MU Quad
Coming Out 101 3:00pm-4:00pm MU 206
Rainbow Continuum Meeting 5:00pm-6:00pm Women’s Center
Dan Savage 6:30pm-9:00pm La Sell’s Stewart Center

Tuesday, May 10
Tabling in the Quad 10:00am-3:00pm MU Quad
HIV Rapid Testing 10:00am-3:00pm Snell 536
Guess the Het 12:00pm-2:00pm MU 206
Make Your Own Sex Toys 12:00pm-2:00pm MU (TBA)
Queer YOUR Health! 12:00pm-2:00pm MU 206
The Astrology of Being Queer 5:00pm-7:00pm MU 208
Out on Greek Row 7:00pm-9:00pm Owen 102
The Genderfellator Film Screening: An Evening with Feminist Pornographer Tobi Hill-Meyer 7:00pm-9:00pm MU Council Room

Wednesday, May 11
Tabling in the Quad 10:00am-3:00pm MU Quad
Two Spirit People 12:00pm-2:00pm MU Quad
Against the Binary: Privilege & Gender Identity 3:00pm-4:00pm MU 208
Crossing the Border: Documentation, Immigrants, and LGBT People 4:00pm-5:00pm MU 206
LGBT/Faculty Staff Kneads Assessment 5:00pm-10:30pm Crop Science Building 026
Multi-Generational Queer Panel 5:30pm-7:00pm MU 206

Thursday, May 12
Tabling in the Quad 10:00am-3:00pm MU Quad
I Love my Queer Body! 11:00am-12:00pm MU 206
Live Homosexual Acts! 12:00pm-2:00pm MU Quad
Queer Abstinence! 2:00pm-3:30pm MU 206
PFLAG Panel 3:00pm-4:00pm MU 208
Don’t Be a Drag, Just Be a Queen/King! 4:00pm-6:00pm Women’s Center
All the Colors of the Rainbow: An Art Exhibition on Multiculturalism and Sexuality 6:00pm-9:00pm MU MLK Room

Friday, May 13
Tabling in the Quad10:00am-3:00pm MU Quad
Lube Event 12:00pm-2:00pm MU Quad
Drag Show 7:00pm-11:30pm MU Ballroom

Want to learn more about our marvelous LGBTQQIA community?  Click here to direct you to the Pride Center website.

Thanks to the Rainbow Continuum for all their hard work organizing yet another amazing PRIDE!

Thanks for reading…CYN

April 7th has been dedicated to nature’s engineer, the amazing BEAVER!  Today is a very special day here on campus because the beaver is OSU’s official fierce mascot.

April 7th was chosen as International Beaver Day because it is the birthday of the late Dorothy Richards of Little Falls, New York who studied beavers for 50 years.

Have you ever wondered about Benny the Beaver, OSU’s mascot?  Click here and here to learn more about Benny!

Please celebrate this super day and HAPPY INTERNATIONAL BEAVER DAY!

Thanks for reading…
cyn

Women's Building

Whether you are a senior trying to decide which college to attend or a junior just starting the college selection process, the Spring Visit program is a great way to learn more about Oregon State University.  There four program dates : Monday, February 21st, 2011, Friday, March 25th, 2011, Friday, April 1st, 2011 and Friday, April 8th, 2011.  Select one of our Spring Visits and spend an afternoon meeting with representatives from key academic and administrative areas. You’ll also have a chance to tour the campus and talk to OSU students about why they chose to be part of Beaver Nation.

Click here to sign up NOW!

Have questions?  Call the Office of Admissions at 1-800-291-4192 or email us at osuadmit@oregonstate.edu

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

Oregon State won, 84-74.

Check out the first family in their orange and black:

Obama's at Beavers Game

–mko

I came across this news story and thought that it was very exciting! As faithful blog readers know, OSU is hosting the International Baccalaureate World Student Conference next week! We learned that six participants of the IB World Conference are planning to bike to get to campus and will be joined by the OSU Cycling Team for the last 20 miles of the trek.

They turned their trip to Oregon State University into a fundraiser for the IB program global community service project. What a great idea! You can donate to their fund raising efforts by visiting their school’s website at: http://cottonwoodclassical.org/

Also, check out the news coverage of their adventure. We wish the cyclists a safe journey to campus and we cannot wait to host them and all attendees from twelve different countries August 9-13 at Oregon State University. Thanks to KRQE.com for the story.

–mko

“Our faculty raise the bar and set new records year after year as they relentlessly expand and deepen the impact of our university’s research program, competing and succeeding at the highest levels in academia,” said OSU President Edward J. Ray. “Our efforts in earth ecosystems, health and wellness and economic progress and throughout the arts and sciences provide a strategic focus for our research endeavors that contribute not only to our overall success, but toward growing recognition of the excellence of our faculty in these areas.”

Students coming to OSU can expect to find endless opportunities to engage in research, whether it is through paid internships, lab assistantships or class projects. Undergraduates and Graduate students play a pivotal role in the continued success of research on the OSU campus and is one of the exciting aspects of joining a major research institution.

Full Article on Research Funding

-Mike O.

OSU is filled with many great researchers who are consistently making contributions to both science and society. It is always fun to recognize these unique discoveries that are being made here on campus, so please check out the full article.

“OSU researchers discover new adhesive for tape, label industry”

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

Student Experience Center Logo

After years and years of students meeting, lobbying, blogging, discussing, proposing and campaigning for the Student Experience Center, the SEC officially passed late Thursday, May 27th.  The Student Experience Center was approved with a total of 2,056 “yes” votes which represents 69 percent of the total.  There has been much excitement bubbling around campus about the possibility of a Student Experience Center.  With the recent passing to increase student fees to fund the SEC, the future is bright for student involvement in the heart of campus.

For more information about the Student Experience Center and reactions around campus, please check out the Barometer article (see below), coverage from the Gazette Times and take a tour of the proposed building layout by clicking here.

Want to learn even more?  Click here to take you to the Memorial Union’s Student Experience Center site.

Student Experience Center

Beavers support the Student Experience Center

69 percent of students voted in favor of the new building, which is set to open in 2013

Michelle Ofelt-Issue date: 5/28/10

“The location will strengthen the program, encourage more drop-ins and get more people involved,” Walhowe said. “I think it’ll make a huge difference.”

The Student Experience Center Special Election closed last night, and the results give hope to students and student groups who are in desperate need of relocating.

“At first it was a shock,” said Tiffany Perkins, SEC co-project manager and a junior in housing studies. “This was years of effort, and lots of students put their heart and soul into it.”

A total of 2,964 students voted.

“History is remade,” ASOSU President-Elect Andrew Struthers said. “The MU was passed by student referendum, too. The SEC will be a great thing.”

According to the official instructions on blackboard, 75 percent of the number of voters who participated in April’s General Election had to vote in this special election for it to be valid.

“We needed 2,250 votes, and, as of Thursday, we had the numbers for the ballot to count,” Perkins said.

For the SEC to pass, it had to receive 51 percent “yes” votes. Students overwhelmingly supported the building with 2,056 votes in favor.

“Our main goal was reaching out to the 18,000 fee-paying students and having genuine support,” Perkins said. “It passed for everyone who saw the bigger picture rather than just the building.”

The student center will provide more visibility for student groups and offer them an opportunity to work together.

“Snell is condemned, and we need to find a place for every club and organization in it,” said Struthers, a senior in finance and business information systems. “It will give students a place to go, too.”

The passing of the SEC measure ensures a smooth transition for existing student organizations in Snell Hall and provides future student groups a modern, safe place they can call home.

“Since we provide facilities for student groups, passing the vote means we have resources to give them a modern building that will be safe and accessible to all,” said Michael Henthorne, director of the MU and educational activities. “It will be in the center of campus and have some public space. Right now, Snell has none, so students don’t have a reason to go there.”

Now that the measure passed, student leaders are looking forward to the future.

“The next step is hopefully to find places in the SEC for the existing programs in Snell Hall and reserve space for future programs,” said Kevin Schock, ASOSU vice president and a junior in political science and philosophy. “We need to utilize space in a way that best serves the students, because once the building goes up we can’t change it.”

Upperclassmen may never step foot in the SEC, but they can rest assured their votes made a difference for others.

“I’m really excited the student body decided to leave a legacy,” said Jorge Michel, MU president and a junior in construction engineering management. “This could potentially be our MU. The voter turnout is an accomplishment in itself.”

Some students were unhappy to pay more in student fees, which will go into effect in the fall of 2011, with construction beginning in 2012. But others see it as an opportunity worth paying for.

“I voted ‘yes’ Wednesday night,” said Kaitlin Coffey, a junior in nutrition. “I think the new SEC would be good for all the activities, and I don’t think the student fees are that much.”

The central location of the new building is a major attraction. The Community Service Project believes relocating to the SEC will increase visibility and collaboration.

“The SEC is the single best thing to happen to CSP right now,” said Jared Walhowe, an Americorp volunteer at the CSP. “The CSP will relocate to the SEC, and we will have a much more visible location. Just based on the design of the building, we’ll have a centralized location of involved activities where we can facilitate cooperation with different student organizations.”

The building plans are intended to familiarize the student body with student groups.

As always….thanks for reading!
CYN

 2010 Pride Week Poster

The Rainbow Continuum is excited to celebrate the LGBTQQIA (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender
 Queer Questioning Intersex Ally) community during the annual Pride Week.  Pride Week will begin on Sunday, May 9^th through Friday, May 14^th.  The entire week will include loads of events, speakers, food, music and many opportunities for anyone to learn more about the LGBTQQIA community in a welcoming environment.  The week concludes on Friday, May 14^th with the always entertaining Drag Show.   Please check out the full detailed  schedule of events by clicking here.

2010 Pride Week Schedule of Events

Sunday, May 9, 2010
8pm – 9pm Candle Light Vigil
Where: MU Steps

Monday, May 10, 2010
PRIDE WALL
Where: Memorial Union Quad
Tabling
Where: Memorial Union Quad
12pm – 1:30pm LGBTQQIAAPPO2S-BBQ: Queer in the Quad
Where: Memorial Union Quad
12pm – 2pm Lube Trifecta
Where: Memorial Union Quad
12pm – 2pm Music in the Quad
Where: Memorial Union Quad
2pm – 3pm Coming Out 101
Where: Memorial Union rm# 208
5pm – 6pm Queer Sex 101
Where: Pride Center
7pm – 8pm Weekly RC Meeting
Where: Women’s Center
8pm – 12am Pride Center Slumber Party
Where: Pride Center

Tuesday, May 11, 2010
PRIDE WALL
Where: Memorial Union Quad
Tabling
Where: Memorial Union Quad
1pm – 2pm Exploring the Biological Basis of Sexual Orientation
Where: Memorial Union rm# 206
3pm – 4pm LGBTQQIAAP…WTF
Where: Memorial Union rm#208
5:30pm – 7:30pm Families Alike
Where: Memorial Union rm# 206
7pm – 8pm SOL Ice Cream Social
Where: Memorial Union rm# 208

Wednesday, May 12, 2010
PRIDE WALL
Where: Memorial Union Quad
Tabling
Where: Memorial Union Quad
12pm – 1:30pm Dialogue on Sexuality Identity Development in the Queer Community
Where: Memorial Union rm# 206
2pm – 3pm Queer Astrology 101
Where: Memorial Union rm# 208
4pm – 5pm GI Corvaillis
Where: Memorial Union rm# 206
5:30pm – 7:30pm Drag ‘n Dine
Where: Arnold Gold Room
8pm – 9pm Out in the Halls
Where: Bloss Hall Lounge

Thursday, May 13, 2010
PRIDE WALL
Where: Memorial Union Quad
Tabling
Where: Memorial Union Quad
11:30am – 1pm Living in the Margins: Bisexuality in America
Where: Memorial Union rm# 206
2pm – 3pm Drag Racing
Where: Memorial Union Quad
2pm – 5pm First Annual Queer Mind Spa
Where: CAPS’ Mind Spa
5pm – 6:30pm Olympic Athletes: Competing with Gender
Where: Asian & Pacific Cultural Center
7pm – 9pm Trans Film Show
Where: Darkside Cinema

Friday, May 14, 2010
8pm – 10pm Spring Drag Show!
Where: Memorial Union Ballroom

What to learn more about our fabulous LGBTQQIA community?  Click here to direct you to the Pride Center website.

I’d like to end with a little fact…recently, The Advocate College Guide for LGBT Students ranked Oregon State University as one of the Top 100 LGBT friendly campus.

Hope to see you during Pride Week!

Thanks for reading…
CYN

2010 Spring Visit

This year’s Spring Visits have come to a close.  They were a huge success thanks to the hard work and diligent coordination from the folks in the Campus Visitor Center.

What is a Spring Visit you may ask?  The programs are offered multiple times during the spring and are a full one day event.  They are a wonderful opportunity for prospective students and their family members to learn the basics about Oregon State University.  Some of the highlights during the Spring Visit experience are:  Campus and housing tours, mini breakout sessions called, Beaver Briefings, Academic presentations, Financial Aid and Scholarship information, how to apply, an Engineering tour, Honors College presentation and much much more!

In fact, it was such a powerful program for prospective individuals; the Gazette Times did a piece about the visit experience.  Here is a snippet of the article:

Friday was the second of four planned spring campus visit programs at OSU. “We’re probably pushing just over 1,000 (parents and students). That’s normal,” said Carl Thomas, associate director of campus visits and programs. The majority of students and parents were from Oregon; others came from Arizona, Hawaii, Colorado, California, Kansas, Ohio, Illinois, Idaho and Washington.

According to a national survey, 76 percent of students say the campus visit is the number one decision-maker when they choose a school, Thomas said.

Many, like Jimmy, were just looking: looking at the campus, at housing and dining options, into financial aid and academic program offerings.

Tour ambassador DJ Zissen, a senior in human development and family sciences, gathered a group of 50 at the foot of the Memorial Union steps for a campus tour.

He led them under rain-soaked magnolia blossoms, past the Valley Library, pointing out the architecture and clock tower of Benton Hall, the oldest building on campus. “It once housed the entire college,” Zissen said.

Eiayas Bajracharya, 17, from Portland, traveled at the back of the pack. “My intention is to major in engineering.” He came with his parents and younger brother, Aeijan, 10.

“We like this college for engineering courses,” said his father, Ekamana. “He wants to start here.”

“Walk this way,” said Zissen, his voice at times competing with the noise of leaf blowers, a jackhammer and an idling 18-wheeler.

Taking notes, Bryan Beals, 16, from Eugene, wasn’t sure where he’ll attend college or what he wants to study.

“The biggest thing is the diversity of majors,” said Beals. “I’m kinda split between engineering and social sciences.”

Fit was his second-most-important criterion. “I haven’t found the perfect fit yet.”

“Where’s the nearest food?” Beals called out to Zissen when they stopped near Waldo Hall. He inquired about the payment system and made notes.

Food was a hot topic on both the campus and housing tours.

“If you keep food in the refrigerator, is it there later?” Nancy Kaste asked as she passed through a kitchen in Sackett Hall. “Moms wanna make sure their kids are well-fed.”

Her daughter, Kristen, 18, from Tillamook, didn’t have many questions. She was torn between Sackett and Wilson Halls for housing. Otherwise, she knew what she wanted.

“OSU is pretty much …” Kristen said. “Top of the list,” mom said, finishing the sentence. Kristen said, “I’m going to explore the field of agriculture and then decide what I like.”

“To me, college was the highlight of growing up,” her mother said. “I hope she has just as good a time.”

If you missed out on the Spring Visit programs this year that is ok.  You can schedule your campus visit online or by calling 800-291-4192 or 541-737-2626 and asking for the Student Visitor Center.   Campus tours are available Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Please check the site soon for summer tour hours.

As always….thanks for reading!
CYN

Additionally, sharing your OSU ID in conjunction with your GAP (General Access Pin) puts your online account at risk.

Notice to all Oregon State University Students:

Recently, a third-party computer program called “Regismart” has been offered for sale to OSU/Cascades students as an automated way for students to register for their classes as soon as their registration priority time arrives, and/or as a way to continue to check for openings once classes fill. Oregon State University does not endorse this program, nor any software program, either commercially or independently created, which automates registration processes in Student Online Services. This product has the real potential of locking a student out of registering for classes or altering their registration for classes for the entire term. Oregon State University and the Office of the Registrar strongly recommend that students not share their OSU ID and GAP with third party entities. Sharing this information opens students up to potential security and privacy risks. There is also no guarantee that information shared utilizing this software program will be kept confidential and/or not shared with other outside entities, or that the software’s database is secured against potential hackers.

For more information please review the following web page for more information on how this and other like products impact the registration process for students: http://oregonstate.edu/registrar/regismartnotice.html.

-JM

¡Sí Se Puede!
Woodburn High School
1785 N Front St, Woodburn, OR
martes, 8th de diciembre
6-8pm
Registración: http://sisepuede.oregonstate.edu/

***

OSU invites high school students and their family members to a special event for the Latino/a community. Come meet our bilingual representatives and discuss:
-How OSU can help you meet your career goals and interests
-Scholarships and how to apply to OSU
-How OSU supports its active Latino/a community
-How you can explore our academic degrees and your future.

¡Sí Se Puede!
Woodburn High School
1785 N Front St, Woodburn, OR
Tuesday, December 8th
6-8pm
RSVP: http://sisepuede.oregonstate.edu/

Si Se Puede

–mko

¡Sí Se Puede!
Woodburn High School
1785 N Front St, Woodburn, OR
martes, 8th de diciembre
6-8pm
Registración: http://sisepuede.oregonstate.edu/

***

OSU invites high school students and their family members to a special event for the Latino/a community. Come meet our bilingual representatives and discuss:
-How OSU can help you meet your career goals and interests
-Scholarships and how to apply to OSU
-How OSU supports its active Latino/a community
-How you can explore our academic degrees and your future.

¡Sí Se Puede!
Woodburn High School
1785 N Front St, Woodburn, OR
Tuesday, December 8th
6-8pm
RSVP: http://sisepuede.oregonstate.edu/

–mko

According to the Gazette Times, 638 dancers gathered at Reser Stadium at 6 p.m. Friday to recreate the iconic “Thriller” dance by Michael Jackson, shattering the college world record of 242 dancers held by William and Mary College in Virginia. Way to go Brianne! Impressive work!

Check out admissions staff member Carl Thomas at mark 0:50. (Yes, he’s the one with the glitter glove).

Oregon State University Shatters Thriller College Record!

Random Fact: Devotees may remember that Carl Thomas and other OSU Admissions Staff performed Thriller as part of an on campus student affairs talent show. (They won, BTW.)

–mko

Sadly, Jack Yoshihara who attended the ceremony to receive his honorary degree has passed away. On behalf of the the Oregon State University community, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to Jack’s friends and family. He will be greatly missed. Below you see Jack’s obituary from the Oregonian, a photo with former OSU Japanese American Student Association President Kristen Atebara from the Gazette Times, as well as a short video with footage from last year’s honorary degree commencement activities of former ASOSU President talking about Jack and the experience of the executive order internment announcement.

From The Oregonian:

Jack Yoshihara, a longtime Portland resident, passed away on April 20, 2009, in Seattle. He was born in Okayama, Japan on May 1, 1921, and emigrated with his parents from Japan.

A graduate of Benson High School, he attended Utah and Oregon State Universities. Jack received an honorary degree from OSU on June 14, 2008, due to his internment at Minidoka Relocation Center, Idaho, during his college years. He was a member of the 1942 Oregon State Rose Bowl team, but did not play due to wartime travel restrictions. Jack worked in refrigeration, and retired as a member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 235. He was an active participant in judo, kendo, sumo, fishing, mushroom hunting and excelled in football. Working in his garden, grooming his bonsai trees and wood carving also provided enjoyment. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elsie Masuda. Jack recently remarried and moved to Edmonds, Wash., where he is survived by his wife, Mary Arai; her daughter, Stephanie Ulstein of Bellevue, Wash.; sister, Misa Minagi of Portland; son, Jay Yoshihara of Portland; daughter, Lynn Kanaya of Gig Harbor, Wash.; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. There will be no service, as his spirit will be kept alive by many kind thoughts. Remembrances may be sent to the Oregon State Beaver Athletic Student Fund or the Ikoi No Kai Senior Hot Lunch Program in Portland.

[photo from The Gazette Times]

Former ASOSU President talks about Jack and the executive order announcement of the internment.

–mko

…and this just in! OSU is also number one in the PAC-10!

Way to go Beaver Nation!

See below for photos from the academic presentations and a video on various clips from the annual event including Scenes from OSU — an OSU talent show featuring OSU student clubs and organizations. Special thanks goes out to Carl Thomas, Claire Bennett, Alex Beck, Ana Flores, and Marleigh Luster from Visitations and Programs as well as Sandy Tsuneyoshi, Earlean Wilson Huey, Gustavo Martinez Padilla and Allison Davis-White Eyes from Intercultural Student Services; Janet Nishihara from the Educational Opportunities Program; Ellen Ford and Dana Beck from Precollege Programs, Wendy Alemán from the College Assistance Migrant Program; Jennifer Viña from University Housing and Dining Services; Eric Stoller from the College of Health and Human Sciences; and Lindsay Mitchell and Matt Ogawa from the Office of Admissions; as well as all of the departments and student organizations on campus who played a hand in making this a successful event.

–mko

More details here and here.

Well done, Miles Dodge, Michael Tasman, Joey Jenkins and Ben Misley!!!

A lot can happen when you give current OSU student Kourtney Goya a video camera and tell her “go shoot some stuff.” The Office of Admissions did just that, allowing her to ask some people around campus about their favorite thing about OSU. Take a look at Kourtney’s blog posting and watch her video to see some current students, faculty and staff members letting us know the things they love about OSU. Thanks for the report, Kourtney! –mko

Hi! My name is Kourtney Goya and I am one of the TOUR Coordinators in the Office of Admissions. I am currently a senior majoring in History and also working on a French minor. You may remember me from a previous blog post last year about the annual Hui O Hawaii Lu’au (which is on April 25th this year so mark your calendars!).

Last Friday I walked around campus asking students, faculty, and staff about their favorite thing at Oregon State University. There was a variety of answers and I hope you enjoy watching the video!

-kg

Applications are now available for the 2009-20010 MECOP/CECOP Internship Program.

Applications are DUE BY APRIL 10.

http://mecop.oregonstate.edu/apps/index.html

If you have specific questions about the MECOP/CECOP program you may contact them directly at:

MECOP Office
118 Covell Hall
Oregon State University
Corvallis, OR 97331-2409
(541) 737-9595
mecop@engr.orst.edu

Best of luck to all applicants!
-bv

You might have read BV’s previous news posting on how President-elect Barack Obama selected Oregon State University Professor Dr. Jane Lubchenco today to chair the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This is big news. I’ve read many articles on Dr. Lubchenco – she’s a distinguished professor and one the world’s leading researchers in science. She teaches Marine Biology and Zoology courses and we’ve even had some previous postings about her here on the blog.

Dr. Lubchenco will be the the first woman to head the agency, and she is internationally known for her work on marine and coastal issues. Her new role will be leading government research on global warming and overseeing ocean and atmospheric research and the National Weather Service. She’s been here at Oregon State University since 1978.

Over the weekend, I spoke with current OSU Marine Biology student Megan Cook who works as a TOUR Student in the Visitor’s Center. Megan ecstatically told me “Obama for sure made a great pick! I have had some interaction with Jane in my program. She is a brilliant scientist and a very active and successful advocate for science’s role in the decision making of this country!”

Megan also referred me to Christine Lastovica — a recent OSU graduate who worked directly with Jane this past summer. Christine told me “Jane is such an amazing woman! The thing I liked most about Jane was that she had time for everyone (which kept her very busy!). It didn’t matter if you were the president of OSU or a student with a question, Jane treated everyone equally. What I admire most about her is her confidence. After a meeting with Jane I would walk away in awe. Her knowledge, enthusiasm, and energy for what she did was astounding. She deserves every award she has received and I am pleased to see her newest appointment- head of NOAA. I take pride knowing much of our countries decisions will be in her hands!”

Thanks to Megan and Christine for allowing me to put their comments here on the blog.

I’ve posted President-elect Obama’s announcement of his science team below. Watch for Dr. Lubchenco at mark 3:57:

Congratulations to Dr. Lubchenco! Please join me in wishing her much success in her new role!

–mko

Corvallis, Oregon State University, and the rest of the northwest have had some interesting weather these past few days. Late starts, delays, icy roads, snow tires, and school closures for the day have been the norm around here this week, but that usually isn’t the case. I spoke with Alex in the visitor’s center who has lived here for 28 years and she said that this has been the most snow she’s seen in Corvallis since she can remember! I was snapping some photos of campus and met with some current international students from Thailand who were outside the Valley Library enjoying the snow! Thanks to Lindsay and Beth (two members of the Office of Admissions team) and Rick from OSU’s Ecampus for sending some of the other photos my way. Check ‘em out!

For Corvallis, this is a lot of snow, but OSU has remained open for business for the most part. You can view the campus alert status by visiting this website or calling 541-737-8000.

To our prospective students: please note that the members of the office of admissions are working hard to respond to your inquiries! We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we continue to battle mother nature!

To everyone: please drive safely during this holiday season!

–mko