OSU Alert is the name of Oregon State University’s campus-wide emergency notification system. This system allows public safety officials to create emergency alerts that contain a recorded voice message, an email message, and a text message and send them to the current database of contact information for all employees and students. In crisis situations, the system will try all means of contacting each person in the database, and uses sophisticated means to verify contact so that we know we have reached everyone we could.
In order to receive these messages you will need to opt in and identify the methods in which you want to be notified (voice message, email and/or text message). You may also enter additional numbers or emails such as parents, family or partners that might be interested in received emergency information.
Are you debating if you should bring your car to campus or not? There are some benefits to bringing a car, but you don’t need a car if you’re staying in Corvallis. You’ll be saving money not bringing your car! If you bring your car you’ll have to get a parking pass which will cost you $ and will not guarantee you a spot close to your residence hall or class. So why don’t you try going without a car for the first term and see if you really need it.
The Beaver Bus is a shuttle that runs frequently throughout campus and can help get you from one place to another if you have mobility or just don’t want to walk in the rain.
The Corvallis Transit System (CTS) is FREE and it’s very easy to get around on the bus. Also this city is bike friendly, and it’s easy to get around anywhere on a bike if you don’t want to ride the CTS. The bus system also includes a Linn Benton Loop that will take to to Albany to the Linn Benton Community College campus.
There are lots of options for if you’re traveling out of the city as well! If you’re heading to the airport there is the HUT (Portland Airport) leaving every 2 hours from campus, or the OmniShuttle (Eugene Airport) by reservation. There’s also a Greyhound bus stop in Corvallis which you can get to easily using the CTS. Or if flying and going on the bus isn’t your thing, the Amtrak station is in Albany which is also easy getting to using public transportation, or ask a friend who has a car to take you there 😉
Coming September 2014, all enrolled OSU students will have access to the latest full version of Office 365 Pro Plus on up to 3 devices (Windows, Mac, iPad, Android) at no cost via the Microsoft Student Advantage Program! You will use the office suite a ton during your time at OSU with papers, reports, presentations, etc. This is really a great partnership to get this product for free.
http://oregonstate.edu/main/online-services/office365
If you aren’t from the northwest you might be wondering about the “rainy season” in Oregon. The rain here in the valley tends to be a constant mist and thunderstorms and downpours are a rarity. Pretty much from October to mi-April is when most of our rainy days happen, with the occasional brisk overcast (but no rain) days in between. We recommend a good rain coat, which may required spending a little more than usual, but keep in mind you will wear it often. Some students like to get rain boots, which does help with the puddles that form around campus on sidewalks. Umbrellas usually mean you are a guest on campus and not from around here. Make sure your backpack is durable, some backpacks are rain/water resistant, however you can also get sprays that won’t damage your fabric but can help protect it and make it water resistant.
The biggest piece of advice is rain doesn’t stop Oregonians. We hike, we bike, we play in the rain, it doesn’t slow us down at all!
