Empty Nest Newsletter - Fall 2024

Housing and Residence Life Updates

This fall Housing welcomed over 700 students to our residential facilities. It is wonderful to have Housing so full. The students this year are active and engaged in events and their studies. Prior to the arrival of the general student population, the Housing Student Staff were on campus for a couple weeks of training and to assist in preparing for the move-in day and the start of the term. Truly, Housing could not function without our amazing student staff members!

Construction continues the New Residential Building. The new building is slated to be completed and ready for occupation during the Winter Term or early Spring Term 2026. Those interested can keep track of the progress of the building by going to Housing & Residence Life | Oregon Tech (oit.edu) and clicking the link for the cameras at the construction site.

Housing hosted the annual Hall Crawl Event. At this event students go to various lobbies and public spaces in the Residence Hall to enjoy games and food and competitions. This year a spontaneous dance broke out in the Residence Hall Quad which might have been some people’s favorite part of the night! An evening of Halloween events also took place that included pumpkin painting, a Halloween movie, and Campus Ghost Tours given by Corporal Bowman from Campus Safety. The Resident Assistants have been hosting various small events for their communities throughout the term. The term is flying by and Thanksgiving and Winter Break will be here in the blink of an eye! Following is information about the breaks.

Thanksgiving Break Information—

• Students may stay in Housing over Thanksgiving Break at no extra charge. Students are required to complete the “Staying on Campus” form so we know which students are on campus during the break.
• Our Dining Services offers to-go meal options for students over break as Dining is closed. They offer three meals for $40. Housing pays ½ of the cost for residential student.
  • The last meal dining will serve prior to Thanksgiving Break is brunch, Tuesday, November 26. To-go meals also need to be picked up at that time.
• Shuttle Services—Housing will be running shuttles to the train/bus station in Klamath Falls prior to Thanksgiving Break. Shuttles will run Monday (11/25) & Tuesday (11/26) both morning and night. On Wednesday (11/27) shuttles will run only in the morning. To pick up students returning from Thanksgiving starting Saturday (11/30) in the evening and Sunday (12/1) morning and evening.

Winter Break Information—

• Students who are not returning for Winter Term or have not signed up for Winter Break housing must be checked out of the residential facilities by noon, Friday, December 13, 2024.
• All students must check out with their RA prior to departing to ensure they have left their rooms prepared for break and in good condition during the term. Students not returning Winter 2024 need to complete a Housing Cancellation Form and fully remove all items from their room, do a check out with their RA and submit their keys by the Friday, December 13, noon deadline.
• Students may stay in Housing over Winter Break with no additional charges and a form for signing up for staying over break will be released right after Thanksgiving break.
• Dining will not be open during Winter Break.
• Shuttle services will also be offered a couple days before Winter Break begins and the day before the first day of Winter Term. The schedule will be released after Thanksgiving Break.

Prior to Winter Break, we will be releasing the applications for Fall 2025 Resident Assistants (RAs), Student Success Mentors (SSMs), and Programming Assistants (PAs). The applications will not be due until after Winter Break, but this release date will give students the opportunity to begin working on the application during break without the pressure of classes. These positions are great opportunities for students to be part of the Housing team and grow as leaders. I’d encourage you to discuss these opportunities with your student if they show leadership skills, are coachable and want to broaden their influence on campus. Later in Winter Term we will also be releasing applications for Service Desk.

Please encourage your student to check their Oregon Tech email daily. Most Housing reminders and announcements are sent via email.

As we approach the holiday season and think about the past term, we are thankful that your student is here and that you have trusted us to provide housing and community for them. It is truly a joy to watch students engage in friendships and events, thrive in the classroom, and serve through their various roles on campus.

If you have questions, please reach out to Housing by emailing housing@oit.edu or calling 541-885-1094 during office hours M-F 8am-5pm (closed for lunch). 

Health Choices for College Students: A Guide for Parents and supporters

As your student embarks on the exciting and challenging journey of college life, one of the most significant transitions they face is taking responsibility for their health. While academic pressures and social experiences often take center stage, maintaining good physical and mental health is foundational to success during these years.  Supporting your college student in making informed health choices can set them up for a lifetime of wellness. Here’s a guide to understanding and fostering positive health habits for your student while they’re away at college.

1. Balanced Nutrition: The Foundation of Health

The temptation of fast food or convenience snacks can be overwhelming, especially with a busy academic schedule. A poor diet can lead to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and long-term health issues. Encourage your student to:

• Make healthy food choices: Advocate for meals that incorporate whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Many schools now offer healthier options or salad bars—encourage your student to explore these.
• Snack wisely: Keep easy, healthy snacks like nuts, fruit, yogurt, or granola bars on hand for those in-between class moments.
• Hydrate: Water is often overlooked, but staying hydrated is crucial for energy, mental clarity, and digestion. Encourage your student to carry a reusable water bottle and drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.

You can offer some support by sending care packages with healthier snacks or giving tips on how to prepare simple, nutritious meals in a res-hall kitchen or village apartment.

2. Exercise and Physical Activity

Regular exercise isn’t just for building muscles—it’s essential for maintaining both physical and mental health. Physical activity can help reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost mood, all of which are important during the demands of college life. Help your student stay active by:

• Encouraging a regular exercise routine: By utilizing the on-campus gym (TechRec or outdoor spaces ideal for exercise. Whether it’s yoga, weight training, running, or just taking a walk around campus, suggest they find something they enjoy and can commit to.
• Staying active with friends: Exercise doesn’t always need to be solitary. Your student can join intramural sports, a dance class, or participate in group fitness events, making it a social and fun activity.
• Finding a balance: While exercise is important, remind your student not to overdo it. Pushing too hard can lead to burnout or injuries, so finding balance is key.

3. Sleep: Quality Over Quantity

One of the biggest struggles for college students is getting enough sleep. Between late-night study sessions, socializing, and part-time jobs, many students fall into patterns of poor sleep. Unfortunately, lack of rest negatively impacts mental clarity, memory, mood, and overall physical health. Encourage healthy sleep habits by:

• Setting a routine: Advise your student to try and go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Consistency helps regulate their internal clock.
• Creating a restful environment: A cool, dark room with limited screen time before bed (ideally no screens 30 minutes before sleeping) promotes better sleep.
• Prioritizing sleep during stressful times: During exams or busy times, remind your student that pulling all-nighters or sacrificing sleep can have more negative consequences than taking time to rest.

Helping your student recognize the value of sleep will contribute significantly to their academic performance and overall well-being.

4. Mental Health: Support, Coping, and Stress Management

The pressures of college can take a toll on mental health, and it’s common for students to experience stress, anxiety, or even depression. As a supporter, fostering open communication and encouraging mental wellness is vital.

• Promote open communication: Let your student know that it’s okay to reach out when they’re struggling, whether emotionally or mentally. Keep in touch through regular check-ins and remind them that mental health is just as important as physical health.
• Suggest campus resources: The Integrated Student Health Center offers mental health counseling services and wellness programs. Encourage your student to take advantage of these resources before things become overwhelming.
• Teach stress management techniques: Help your student explore relaxation techniques like mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing, or journaling. Learning how to cope with stress in a healthy way is an essential skill that will benefit them throughout life.

Empowering Your Student to Make Healthy Choices

As a parent, your role in supporting your student’s health during college life is invaluable. While they may be learning how to navigate their independence, your guidance in promoting a balanced lifestyle, emotional well-being, and responsible decision-making can help lay the foundation for long-term health. Stay involved, be understanding, and keep the lines of communication open. By encouraging healthy habits and offering support when needed, you can help your college student make the most of their college years and emerge as a well-rounded, resilient adult.

Remind your student to keep an eye out for the Choose Well tent on campus that will host events through the academic year.

Our Integrated Student Health Center (ISHC) is a campus health center that offers a variety of free services to support all admitted students with their physical and mental health needs.  We offer a range of services, including primary medical care, mental health counseling, health education, STI screening, HIV testing, wart treatments, and women's health services.  We are a non-billable provider which means that a student can be seen at the ISHC no matter what insurance they have.  There may be minimal charges associated with the appointment, but we will only charge with the permission of the student.  If you have any questions, please feel free to call our office at 541-885-1800.

Food Insecurity

This fall term, my primary focus is on raising awareness of the Basic Needs Hub among incoming students. I kicked off the year by tabling outside the Hub, where I engaged with many new students who had questions about our services and my role. Since September 25th, I have met with approximately 15 students, helping them get set up with SNAP benefits and guiding them through our campus food pantry.

In October, awareness of the Basic Needs Hub was raised by hosting breakfast events every Monday this month. We launched the first event this week, attracting around 20 students. My goal is to increase attendance by advertising several days in advance and actively reminding students about the breakfast offerings.

This fall term promises to be filled with opportunities to connect with students at the Oregon Institute of Technology.

Next week, I’ll be heading to the Portland-Metro campus, where I have several exciting events planned that I look forward to sharing later in the year. My aim for the week I’m there, is to provide a meal for the Portland-Metro students and hold another tabling event to introduce myself to both new and returning students.

Books

During the first week of the fall term, I dedicated some time to organizing our free book exchange system. I cataloged the books in our collection, noting how many we had, and organized the bookcase by subject. This summer, we received numerous book donations, and I worked through the bins to add these new titles to our system.

In addition to cataloging, I labeled the subjects on the bookcase to make it easier for students to find what they need. The book exchange, which is one of the services offered in the Basic Needs Hub, attracts a lot of foot traffic, and I'm thrilled that students are aware of this resource and can check our inventory before making a purchase. I hope that these new improvements will make it even easier for students to locate the books they’re looking for.

New student Items

During summer, the Housing Office reached out to inquire if the Basic Needs Navigator would like to contribute any items for new students moving in. I decided to create laundry bags featuring the Basic Needs logo on the front, filled with essential items that students would find useful. Each bag includes Basic Needs cards, which provide information on available resources, as well as 4-ounce bottles of laundry detergent to help students get started.

I placed an order for these bags specifically for the Portland-Metro campus, and I’m excited to share that I’ll be tabling there next week. During this event, I will be distributing the bags to incoming students, ensuring they have the same essential items that other housing move-in students received.

Events that we have planned for winter term are:

• January 6: Welcome back breakfast. 9:30am-11am
• January 7: Open house for the returning students. Have hot cocoa and cookies for students to take. 12pm-3pm
• January 14: Healthy eating on a budget. 2-3pm
• January 22: Crock pot meal in-front of Basic Needs Hub. 12-1:30pm
• January 29: Tax assistance/ information post on TVs.

Winter Term 2024

Fall Term 2024

Winter Term 2025

Oregon Tech Career Services has been bustling this fall with exciting career events, providing students a range of opportunities to network, learn, and prepare for their professional futures. We’ve hosted three significant career fairs on our Klamath Falls campus, each with impressive turnout from both students and employers. Here’s a recap of these successful events:

• Civil Engineering Career Fair: Welcoming 100 students and 30 employers, this fair connected civil engineering majors with industry professionals, giving them a unique chance to explore career paths and learn about potential job openings.
• Engineering, Technology, and Management Fair: Attended by 180 students and 26 companies, this fair provided insight into a broad range of industries, allowing students to engage with employers seeking diverse skill sets.
• Healthcare Career Expo: This fair saw 181 students meet with representatives from 24 healthcare-focused organizations, giving students valuable exposure to a rapidly expanding field.

Our Portland-Metro campus also recently hosted an Engineering, Technology, and Management Career Fair, where 44 students connected with 24 companies in the area, showcasing the strength of our community partnerships across campuses.

In addition to these large-scale fairs, we hosted an On-Campus Employment Fair where 13 Oregon Tech departments were actively hiring for student positions. This event had an impressive turnout, with 130 students eager to explore roles that allow them to gain professional experience right here on campus.

As we move into the winter term, it’s prime time for students to secure internship opportunities. Handshake, our dedicated career services platform, is a vital resource where students can discover and apply for internships across various industries. Encouraging your student to log in to Handshake will give them access to job postings, employer connections, and the chance to schedule one-on-one meetings with career advisors. These personalized meetings help students prepare for internships, polish their LinkedIn profiles, refine their resumes, and sharpen their interviewing skills.

Winter break is an ideal time for students to focus on career development. They can work on their application materials, update online professional profiles, and set or review their career goals. A little preparation now can make a big difference as they pursue internships and job opportunities.

We’re excited about the possibilities ahead and look forward to continuing to support your student’s journey. Thank you for encouraging them to utilize these resources and take steps toward a successful future!

The Fall term is in full swing, and we’re thrilled to share some exciting updates from the Oregon Tech Library. Our ongoing mission is to support students with the tools, resources, and spaces they need to succeed, and in recent weeks we’ve taken steps toward that goal while prioritizing the student experience.

One way that we’ve done this is by installing nine new desktop computers in the library equipped with specialized software tailored to the unique needs of Oregon Tech students. These provide easy access to advanced programs for engineering, data analysis, and graphic design, enabling students to complete assignments and projects with the tools essential for their fields of study. We’re hopeful that these additions will help bridge any technology gaps and give students easy access to software that will help them develop critical skills for their future careers.

We’ve also just rolled out a new online booking system for our private study rooms, designed with ease of use in mind. With just a few clicks on our website, students can now reserve private spaces in our building for study sessions, group projects, and quiet work, which we know are invaluable as they tackle increasingly challenging assignments. If your student is in search of a private space, be sure to let them know that the library has several to offer!

Additionally, we’ve launched a survey aimed at gathering student input on how we can further enhance library services. This survey can be accessed via a QR code printed on signs throughout the library. The survey covers everything from resource availability to potential future programs, and we’re looking forward to hearing what students want to see next so that we can make it happen. Please encourage your student to take part—their feedback will guide our efforts to make the library a more valuable resource for all.

And finally, this term also marked the arrival of Oregon Tech’s new University Librarian, Cate Guenther. Cate comes to us with a wealth of experience in academic libraries and a strong commitment to advancing student learning, research, and access to resources that enrich the academic experience.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to sharing more updates as the year progresses!

The beginning of the school year in TOP is a time for students to reconnect with the campus and others, plug back into their studies, and find meaning in their day-to-day. OIT’s Tech Opportunities Program (TOP) is Oregon Tech’s TRIO SSS program designed to help students who are first-generation, Low-income, or experience a disability through holistic and wrap-around advising support. TOP Tuesday is a key event TOP puts on each week to create community within TOP students through tutoring assistance, interactive games, learning opportunities for personal and professional development, and more.  So far this term, TOP students have enjoyed several themed TOP Tuesdays focused on various topics, from preparing for career fairs to celebrating Mexican Heritage Month with Mexican Hot Chocolate to our spooky TOP Tuesday for Halloween. With TOP Tuesday, students can interact with fellow TOPper’s and build a sense of community within the program. Our TOP SSM’s (Student Success Mentors) and PM’s (Peer Mentors) have taken the responsibility this year of hosting TOP Tuesdays building professional skills of learning how to delegate and work with a budget, plan proactive and meaningful events, and a strong sense of responsibility.

TOP is also taking the time to partner with Student Involvement and Belonging to highlight and celebrate our first-gen students this November with activities all week long. November 4-8 marks First-Generation Celebration week here at Oregon Tech, where we take the time to celebrate all our students, faculty, and staff who are the first in their families to pursue a bachelor's degree or higher. This accomplishment is monumental as students often pave the way for their future children, siblings, or families to have a better tomorrow. Many of our TOPper’s are first-gen students themselves. With events open to all of campus to celebrate, such as a t-shirt handout, hike to the “O,” and our first-gen dinner, TOP hopes to encourage students to see the merit in their efforts and remember they have an army of people supporting them. 

Interested in what is happening at Portland-Metro? Check out the Stall Street Journal! 

Scholarship Night

Oregon Tech will be hosting Scholarship Night on December 4. We will have pizza at 5:30 p.m., and the presentation will begin at 6 p.m. in the Crater Lake Complex (upstairs in the College Union). Students can also join by Zoom:  https://oregontechonline.zoom.us/j/98445891879. This will be an opportunity to learn how to apply for scholarships and create a high-quality application. 

We will draw for ten Oregon Tech scholarships for $250 and one for $500 at the end of the presentation.  Both in-person and online attendees will have an equal chance to win a scholarship, but the student must attend the presentation.    

For Oregon residents- OSAC Scholarship Application, open now through March 3, 2025

Salem, OR -The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) encourages all Oregonians pursuing postsecondary education in 2025-26 to apply for grants and scholarships through the state website OregonStudentAid.gov. This month, the HECC  Office of Student Access and Completion (OSAC) officially opened the OSAC Scholarship Application for the next academic year. The State of Oregon has made accessing scholarships easy for Oregon students with its central site for more than 600 scholarships. Through the application, students can apply for many awards at one time.   

Mark your calendars! This year, Giving Tuesday will take place on Tuesday, December 3, and we invite you to join us in making a difference for Oregon Tech students.

Your donations enable students to access quality, hands-on education, enhance their experience through club and athletic participation, and receive support for basic needs and emergencies.

Some examples of funds that make a difference for students at Oregon Tech are:

• The Helping Owls Fund: Donate to an emergency fund for students, so that when they need it, they can apply for financial support from the university.
• Student Basic Needs Fund: Help connect students with local community-based support that can help meet their needs regarding financial instability, food-insecurity, and housing.
• The Bird Feeder: Provide access to free food on campus, so students don’t have to worry about their next meal.

Join us on December 3: https://give.oit.edu/giving-tuesday-2024

Portland-Metro Students Participate in S.O.A.R-ing for Success

Incoming Owls attended S.O.A.R Orientation in the days before the start of class. Led by the Student Involvement and Belonging department, S.O.A.R. stands for Find Support, Explore Opportunities, Achieve Academic Success, and Build Resiliency. The 4-hour interactive workshop included break-out sessions covering topics like “Time Management for the Commuter Student,” “How the Library Can Help You Succeed,” “Advice on Transitioning from High School to College,” and “Utilize Career Services to Land That Internship or Job.” Oregon Tech faculty led a session that included advice on achieving academic success, tips for communication with professors, and appropriate use of AI. The orientation event also included students working with the new academic planner practicing skill building, time management, resiliency, and goal setting. 

Campus Activities Welcome Students Back for Fall Term at Portland-Metro 

Student Involvement and Belonging coordinated multiple Week of Welcome activities (aptly nicknamed WOW because of the number of activities offered) to help students connect to peers, staff, and faculty. Highlights of the 10+ events offered included a Welcome Back lunch attended by all members of the campus community, the Get Involved, Get Connected Fair to learn about the clubs, staff, and resources on campus, and Pancakes and Planners, to encourage students to get organized and set goals for the term. Students also participated in the “Get To Know Our Campus Community Game,” which prompted students to navigate around the campus, checking in at 17 locations that offer students community-building opportunities and resources for their academic and career success. 

Student Involvement and Belonging Sponsors Students Attending the National oSTEM Conference

Students were excited to attend the 14^th Annual oSTEM Conference at the Oregon Convention Center, October 17-20, 2024. This year’s conference theme was “Cultivating Pride & Resiliency” in LGBTQ+ leaders in STEM fields. Workshop topics for the 1000+ participants ranged from introspective (e.g., safer spaces to talk about queer issues and career development) to technical (e.g., discussing the latest in research conducted by our members). The conference also included a Career and Graduate School Expo encouraging students to network with industry professionals. 

oSTEM – Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM0 is a professional association for LGBTQ+ people in the STEM Community. With over 150 collegiate and professional chapters, oSTEM is the largest chapter-based organization focused on LGBTQ+ people in STEM. 

The Portland-Metro campus hosted our second Family & Alumni Day on October 5, 2024. Over 35 guests participated in a day of fun. Alumni, students, employees, and guests began the day with a mini-golf campus tour with seven holes in the Portland-Metro building and two holes at the Canyon Creek facility. Congratulations to Zachary Kaneshiro who had the best golf score of the day! Then we enjoyed lunch and masquerade mask decorating. A chartered bus picked up the group and traveled to the Portland Expo Center where we were dazzled by the acrobats and entertained by the dancers, musicians, and clowns of Cirque du Soliel’s Kooza! 

Many guests shared that this was the first time they were able to experience an event and show like Kooza. Student Involvement & Belonging, funded through student Incidental Fees, sponsored the total cost of students to attend. Through this department, students can participate in on-campus events and community experiences like Kooza. 

One guest shared that as a new student at Oregon Tech, he feels very welcomed and supported by the community and is excited to participate in as many opportunities as he can. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69KJE-Cm6Hk  

SOCCER – Both the Oregon Tech men’s and women’s soccer teams qualified for the Cascade Conference Championships, each team making their eighth-straight playoff appearance. The Hustlin’ Owls are paced by senior Andrew Pasang, who established the all-time record for goals, assists and points scored in a career. The Lady Owls finished second in the CCC regular-season standings, recording the second-highest win total in program history – behind the tandem of midfielders Kiana Jacobson and Brianna Lewis, along with keeper Sydni Nakamura.

VOLLEYBALL – The Lady Owls have clinched their fourth Cascade Conference Tournament bid in the last five years and will begin play in the CCC Championships on Nov. 12. Tech began the season winning 7-of-8 games, with the club closing the regular-season winning 10-of-14. Outside hitter Molly Grace became the fifth OIT player to record 1,000 kills in a career, with Kaley Whalen becoming the ninth player to record 1,000 digs in a career.

CROSS COUNTRY – Both teams will compete Nov. 8 at the CCC Championships in Portland, led by sophomores Bryce Worrell and Charis Childers, who have been the top finishers throughout the regular-season.

BASKETBALL – Both OIT teams open the 2024-25 season ranked in the NAIA Top-25 – the Hustlin’ Owls at No. 16 and the Lady Owls at No. 20. Tech opens the conference home schedule on Dec. 14 against Southern Oregon.

HALL OF FAME – The fourth induction class of the Howard Morris Oregon Tech Athletic Hall of Fame was enshrined on Nov. 17 – as Mark Kane, Drew Schubert, Calvin “Doc” Earl, Mary Bradford and Bill Fagan were the latest additions.

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