UHDS News

Below is information that was shared with current and future cooperative house residents via email and a public meeting at the end of Spring Term 2013:

Oregon State University leaders, including administrators within Housing & Dining Services (UHDS), recognize that the university’s cooperative houses provide a unique and valuable living option.

Based on a recent comprehensive review of the cooperative living program and facilities, which included OSU staff and student cooperative members, UHDS has determined that Avery, Azalea, Dixon and Oxford houses will continue as co-ops for the 2013-14 academic year, but will not be used in support of the existing cooperative living program after June 2014.

The cooperative houses have reached a point of requiring significant program revision to ensure the cooperative living program is in alignment with the values, initiatives, and operations of OSU’s on-campus residence program. We also anticipate that the current co-op houses will require significant renovation to maintain the current living standards beyond this next academic year. Throughout the next academic year, UHDS is committed to sustaining the current houses and delivering a high-quality of service to residents.

UHDS is in the process of organizing a workgroup that will begin to meet this summer and fall to explore how cooperative-style living options may be a viable program beyond June 2014. However, these options may not be located in the existing facilities. This workgroup will be led by senior UHDS staff members, and will include opportunities for student and alumni participation. The workgroup process will feature a variety of ways for ideas and input to be provided.

• For questions or comments regarding the future of the cooperatives, please contact me at 541-737-5622 or tom.schuermann@oregonstate.edu.
• For questions regarding the creation of the UHDS workgroup on co-op programming, please contact UHDS Associate Director of Residential Education Ann Marie Klotz at 541-737-3612 or annmarie.klotz@oregonstate.edu.

Tom Scheuermann, director
University Housing & Dining Services