Oxford House
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Oxford House Information
Background
Oxford House is a University owned cooperative. The house is located on Ninth and Jefferson. It was built many years ago and has alot of historical charm. Forty girls usually live in Oxford over the school year. The house has four floors and sixteen individual study rooms.
Oxford Politics
Every aspect of the house is run by elected members. Elected jobs include:
- President- In charge of meetings and overall house policies.
- Vice President- Assist President in duties and keep member accounts.
- Secretary- Write minutes for meetings and keep attendance information.
- Financial Manager- Make budget and equally divide costs to members.
- House Manager- Maintain supply levels in house.
- Job Manager- Organize jobs and duties for members.
- Food Manager- Make monthly menu with cook and stock pantry.
Other positions are added over the term in areas like sports and community events. In addition to University policy, Oxford members have created a constitution.
Daily Living
The Sleeping Porch
All members sleep in the sleeping porch. The sleeping porch has twenty bunk beds and members are free to choose their own. The sleeping porch is a twenty-four hour quiet area and alarm clocks are not allowed before 8:00am. The wake-up person is required to get members up prior to 8:00am Monday through Friday.
Meals
Oxford hires a cook Monday through Friday so members can expect three home-cooked meals. This is a blessing for college students who cannot find time to make healthy meals. Breakfast is usually "On-your-own", but they provide the essentials. Lunch is served at 11:30am and Dinner is served at 5:30pm. Members do not have cooked meals on the weekends, but can make food on their own. Since the Scheduled meal times are difficult to make, Oxford has a safe-plate for any member who cannot attend a meal. One is saved and put in the refrigerator for later.
Jobs
It is required that all members have jobs in order to keep Oxford clean and a comfortable place to live. Members have to have one crew (Doing dishes after meals) and two jobs (cleaning). Many options are available and work with any school schedule. Crews are usually done four times a day. It is bested to get breakfast or night crew since most of the girls in the house do not eat at these times. The jobs that are available are meal set-ups, wake-up, bathrooms, vaccum, and general cleaning. Jobs and crew have to be completed or a fine will be issued.
Fines
Fines are issued as a penalty. Oxford fines start at five dollars for the first offense and increase thereafter. The house may choose to revoke your member status if unchanged.
Rooms
There are sixteen study rooms at Oxford. All are different and have a unique atmosphere. It is also important to know that there are eleven two-person study rooms, two three-person study rooms, two four-person study room and two five-person study rooms. The third floor of the house is the "quiet floor". There is no policy in the constitution that enforces this fact, but members usually move to the third floor if they want a quiet atmosphere. The third floor only has ten members maximum. The second floor has the remaining thirty members and has more activity. Besides the study rooms there are multiple locations in the house to study, watch television or hangout with friends.
Points
Points are accumulated every term a member lives in Oxford House. A member earns points by good behavior and number of roommates. These points allow a member to change rooms from term to term. If a member wants another member's room they bid on a point basis. Whoever has the most points receives the room.
Cost
Oxford House is a very affordable option when living on-campus. Expect to pay around eight hundred dollars per term for University fees and another Five Hundred for food and house suppliesper term. This amount may seem really expensive but it is about half the price of living in the dorms.
Events
Dances
The house usually votes on three dances per year. All members are invited and allowed to bring friends and dates. Many dances have themes such as "Midnight in Paris" and are put together by the event committee.
Community Helpers
Members choose a community event or cause and volunteer. Previously, the Women of Oxford have chosen to participate in "The Race for the Cure". Members also help Humane Society by raising money or by donating time. Other community involvement may not occur with all members; rather individuals have their own interests and are encouraged to participate. Many members find new ways to help such as for Hurricane Katrina. Members donated time volunteering at Red Cross and organizing food/supply shipments.
Sports
Oxford actively participates in Dixon intramural sports teams. Members are encouraged to participate but it is not required. In previous terms the sports coordinator signs up for competitive and non-competitive teams. This allows all members with different skill levels to play. House members can also invite friends to play on the team. Team sign-ups are usually the beginning of every term, but members will always allow extra players to get involved.
Weddings
Oxford carries its own traditions and one is weddings. When a member of the house gets engaged a party is thrown for her and her future spouse. If you live or are thinking about living at Oxford be prepared for this tradition. The party has lots of food, fun and laughs.
Odds'n Ends
Oxford House is a great place to get to know lots of unique people. Oregon State University is not just a place one goes to get a degree, but to make lifetime memories. If a Co-op is not the choice make sure to check out other University options.
