2. What exact supports can students expect to receive?

3. Does the school have affinity/cultural groups?

4. Are there any incoming freshman transition activities?

5. What student support programming is available to students? 

Lots, full list here: https://catalog.oregonstate.edu/tutoring-student-support-services/

Two programs to highlight: TRiO and EOP are both at OSU

EOP is proud to partner with University Housing & Dining Services and Diversity & Cultural Engagement to offer two living-learning communities that offer students the opportunity to form community and explore cultural identity. The munk-skukum Indigenous LLC connects students with a shared interest in centering Indigenous people and learning about the lands which they will reside. The Nia LLC connects students with a shared interest in centering Black people and people of the African diaspora and understanding what it means to be Black and African American in Oregon and at Oregon State University.

BEAVER CONNECT

Beaver Connect supports first-year and transfer students by connecting them to the OSU community for guidance and mentoring in their first year. The program primarily serves students who identify as first in their family to go to college, low income, students of color and of any underrepresented identity at OSU. New students who sign up are matched in teams with a peer mentor, faculty member and other new students to create connections and help students find success during their time at OSU.

Men’s Development & Engagement provides programming intended to support male-identified student success, develop healthy men and masculinities, explore identity development and examine societal norms while building community. The Distinguished Scholars Initiative (DSI), a component of Men's Development & Engagement, is a program for male students of color. DSI supports the continued development of self-efficacy, servant leadership, professional skills and academic excellence for OSU male students of color.

EOP is proud to partner with University Housing & Dining Services and Diversity & Cultural Engagement to offer two living-learning communities that offer students the opportunity to form community and explore cultural identity. The munk-skukum Indigenous LLC connects students with a shared interest in centering Indigenous people and learning about the lands which they will reside. The Nia LLC connects students with a shared interest in centering Black people and people of the African diaspora and understanding what it means to be Black and African American in Oregon and at Oregon State University.

We're dedicated to fostering an inclusive community at OSU that is committed to social justice and liberation for all people, regardless of racial/ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic class, age, and/or physical abilities. We also coordinate safe environments in which students can share their multiple identities and learn about issues of culture, heritage, history, identity, and self-expression in an atmosphere of positive engagement and mutual respect.

The centers provide support services to on-campus and online students, as well as opportunities for all members of the OSU community to learn about different cultures and communities in a safer environment. Events and activities at the centers include national history and heritage month programs, social justice workshops, cultural holiday celebrations, cooking demonstrations, craft nights, and many other programs.

Our Programs & Initiatives

Diversity & Cultural Engagement (DCE) is a hub for out-of-classroom engagement to build community and support students' abilities to change the world. Our programs and initiatives seek out to enhance the student experience through:

We bridge differences and build community through a variety of programs and initiatives.

Student Experiences and Engagement: At Oregon State University, there are many ways to get involved and find community. The first step is getting connected. There’s a community for every interest, from affinity specific community centers to over 400 student organizations on campus. And what doesn’t exist is easy to create.

Begin by checking out the social media guide for SEE programs and services. Explore the offerings by our departments and stay up to date with groups that pique your interest. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions, and complete the interest form below to get more information on activities and opportunities that align with your interests!

In addition to providing our own resources for our students, we connect students with other resources across campus that facilitate success:

The Educational Opportunities Program offers many resources to support our students, and we also partner with organizations around campus to ensure each student's success throughout their time at Oregon State University. Browse the resources listed, and reach out to an academic counselor if you are unsure of which resources will best

First Year Experience Courses

First-Year Experience courses are designed to help you have a successful transition to academic work and college life at OSU. All first-year experience courses are designed to help you identify the campus resources and opportunities that will enhance your time at OSU. They all offer you many opportunities to interact and work with both your instructor, peer leader, and other students in the course and create lasting connections on campus. Each course is also designed to guide you through the exploration of a real world problem or compelling question that interests you. You may even find that through this exploration your academic and career goals will become more clear.

Welcome to Oregon State University!

Whether you will be living in Corvallis or studying elsewhere for the fall term, there is something for everyone.

New Student Convocation
New Student Convocation is the official academic welcome to Oregon State University where you will hear from university leadership as they welcome new students and share their hopes as you begin your academic journey at OSU. 

Award Amount: $500
Renewal Period: Nonrenewable
Application opens November 1, 2020
Deadline: March 1, 2021

This scholarship is intended for incoming freshmen who have participated in their high school’s ASPIRE program. To be eligible for this award a student must receive a nomination from their high school’s ASPIRE coordinator.

To begin the nomination process students must complete the ASPIRE application on the WOU Scholarship Portal.

To find how-to guides about applying for the ASPIRE Scholarship click here. 

 Bilingual Teacher Scholars
Maria Dantas-Whitney
Bilingual Teacher Scholars Program Coordinator

Bringing bilingualism and multiculturalism into schools

The Bilingual Teacher Scholars Program aligns resources and opportunities for students to attend WOU. As part of this program, you’ll receive academic support, individualized advising, and professional development opportunities. Upon completion, you may receive preferred hiring in your home school district.

DIVERSITY COMMITMENT
Renewal period: 3 years for incoming freshmen/1 year for incoming transfers**
Award amount: $6,000 per year
Application opens November 1, 2020
Deadline: March 1, 2021

This scholarship is intended for incoming students who have promoted diversity within their community. At Western Oregon University we are committed to recognizing and supporting outstanding students from diverse cultural, educational, and economic backgrounds, with unique talents, interests, and life experiences.

https://www.thedream.us/
TheDream.US is the nation’s largest college access and success program for DREAMers. We believe that all that DREAMers need is an opportunity. And all we need to do is provide them with financial support to attend one of our Partner Colleges, committed to their college completion.

https://wou.edu/firstgen/

Includes: Admissions, Timelines, Paying for College, Living on Campus, Jobs on Campus, Student Life, FAQs (for students and for parents)

Get to Know Western Oregon University and How College Works

Welcome to the WOU site designed specifically for students who may be new to the college process! Some students choose to call themselves a “first-generation” student, or “first-gen” for short. We understand that college and university life can be difficult to navigate, no matter how much knowledge you might already have about the process. That’s why we created this resource!

On these pages, we will start from scratch for the students who are learning the ropes. The information might be too basic for some, but we’re betting it will be just right for many.

Let’s start by talking about why Western Oregon University could be the right college for you.

CAMP is a federally-funded program designed to support students from seasonal farmworker backgrounds during their first-year of college. The program provides personal, financial and academic support for students, as well as social and cultural enrichment activities. CAMP students also have an opportunity to participate in a summer orientation program. Students must meet federally mandated guidelines to qualify as being from a seasonal farmworker background. Visit the CAMP website for more information on eligibility and application information.

SOAR is Western Oregon University’s Summer Orientation, Advising and Registration program for admitted freshmen. At SOAR, freshmen will attend academic advising with faculty, complete the registration process for fall term courses, learn about valuable campus resources and receive their student ID cards.