UHDS News

In an effort to encourage bike and pedestrian safety on campus and around Corvallis, Oregon State University and the City of Corvallis are inviting the public to the Memorial Union Quad on Thursday, Jan. 17, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., for a special  “Be Bright!” event

Benny Beaver will be on hand as participants spin the wheel and win a variety of great and illuminating prizes aimed at making the commute safer for everyone. Bike lights, reflective gear and even some coveted illuminated umbrellas will be given away during the event.

According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, every year in Oregon, the majority of pedestrian fatalities occur at night or in low-light hours. More than half of the pedestrians killed were wearing dark clothing and were not visible. In October 2012, ODOT reported that pedestrian fatalities in Oregon were up 23 percent from the same period the previous year.

“The Be Bright! effort is an attempt to get commuters to think about visibility issues during dark, rainy Oregon winters, and during the rest of the year after nightfall,” said Steve Clark, vice president of university relations and marketing at Oregon State. “Drivers need to pay more attention to bikers and pedestrians, and walkers and bikers need to make themselves as visible as possible during low-light situations.”

“We are very pleased that community interest in promoting safety and increased visibility among motorists, pedestrians, joggers and bicyclists is growing in the Corvallis community and on the Oregon State campus,” Clark said. “The last thing anyone wants is to have serious accidents or injuries occur. So we are simply promoting improved safety by being bright and being seen.

The Be Bright! Be Seen public safety campaign is sponsored by Oregon State University, the city of Corvallis, the Corvallis Gazette-Times, the OSU Beaver Store and the OSU Daily Barometer.

For more information, see http://poweredbyorange.com/be-bright.

Tags: be bright, be seen, bike, oregon state, osu, pedestrians, reflective, safety, share
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[The Daily Barometer, Jan. 10, 2013] — The average college student produces 640 pounds of solid waste each year, including 500 pounds of disposable cups and 320 pounds of paper according to a recent study conducted by the University of Richmond.
As Oregon State students greet the new year, they are also greeted by the grim reality of excessive waste, a reality the Student Sustainability Initiative and Campus Recycling is trying to tackle.

Composting organic waste produced by OSU dorm residents is one solution proposed by the SSI waste reduction center in an effort to minimize waste. Composting allows organic waste, like food, to decompose into a rich soil that can then be reused.

“We wanted to create a program that would reduce the waste generated by Oregon State University,” said Cauthorn Hall eco-representative Jan Ulrich Bartels.

The SSI has plans to begin to implement composting bins in four resident halls: Cauthorn, West, Wilson and Halsell.

“The goal is to create greener people and encourage sustainable behaviors in college and for life,” Bartels said.
After conducting a pilot composting program in Halsell Hall last year, the SSI plans to have the seemingly successful project continue into this year.

Read the full story.

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UHDS is hiring immediately for a temporary Food Service Worker with a start date as soon as Jan. 11, 2013. The wage range is $8.80 to $13.66 depending on experience.

The purpose of this position is to perform routine food service tasks in the cold and hot food production kitchen in support of a retail food service operation. UHDS is looking for someone with at least a year of experience in a commercial food service facility.

Learn more on the position description page.

UPDATE: Jan. 14, 2013 — POSITION FILLED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST.

Posted in Dining | Comments Off on Now hiring: Temporary Food Service Worker

Over Winter Break, one of the first visible phases of a new campus construction project along Jefferson Way occurred with the removal of a row of trees along the north side of Jefferson Way between Fairbanks Hall and Sackett Hall (across from Hawley-Buxton).

The trees were removed to make way for construction of several new campus buildings, including the new hall for the College of Business named Austin Hall, and a new Asian & Pacific Cultural Center. Over the next two years, this area will be abuzz with activity to construct these two new campus centers and parking in the area will be limited at times.

Austin Hall

In the fall of 2014, the newest building on campus will be a home for Oregon’s future business leaders and embody the authentic character of Oregon State that inspires students and faculty. Located on Jefferson Way near the Women’s Building and across the street from Weatherford, the new home for the College of Business will be the anchor of a developing quad on campus.

Austin Hall, named to reflect the $10 million commitment from alumni Ken and Joan Austin, will be an expansive 100,000 square feet that will include ten classrooms, a 250-seat auditorium, collaborative team rooms, more than 70 faculty offices, staff and program offices, a café and event space. Ground-breaking for the estimated $50 million project is scheduled for Spring 2013.

Artistic renderings: Austin Hall.

Asian & Pacific Cultural Center

In 2002, Oregon State University made a commitment to cultural centers on campus to honor diversity and enrichment of student life. At present, the APCC is inadequately housed in a small house on the corner of Northwest Jackson Avenue and Arnold Way, at the far northern edge of campus. The students of the APCC needed a larger facility able to accommodate all of their needs and activities, including areas for quiet study, dance performances, and community feasts. A location closer to the campus core was requested that better supports the APCC’s goal of educating the greater OSU community about the Asian and Pacific Islander cultures.

The new APCC will provide a learning and gathering place for Asian, Pacific Islander, Indian, and Middle Eastern students to celebrate and share their cultures and heritage. It will serve as a supportive and welcoming educational environment where knowledge and traditions can be shared among each other and with the greater OSU community. The proposed Asian & Pacific Cultural Center (APCC) will be constructed on the north side of Jefferson Way within the OSU National Historic District. Presently, this location is the southeast corner of the Women’s Building Field, a recreation field. The center is still in the design phase and a groundbreaking and completion date have not been set.

Artistic rendering: Asian Pacific Cultural Center.

Learn more about these projects at the following links:

• Austin Hall project
• APCC project
• OSU Campus Master Plan
• Video: Tour the changing landscape of OSU

Tags: Asian Pacific, Austin Hall, campus, center, College of Business, construction, corvallis, cultural center, Jefferson Way, oregon state, osu, parking
Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Jefferson Way construction update: New cultural center, College of Business buildings

Please help spread the word: UHDS is hiring a student web assistant. Encourage promising students to apply.  Applications due by Monday, Jan. 14. Pay $10.38/hour. Direct link to application: http://bit.ly/webasst

The web assistant works directly with University Housing & Dining Services’ online marketing specialist in order to update the UHDS website, create digital communications, and maintain social networks.

The web assistant position is a student position in the Marketing, Assessment and Communications unit for UHDS. The MAC is a supportive creative team environment, where the web assistant will have the opportunity to participate in and contribute to multiple marketing projects for UHDS throughout the year.

Typical hours: 10-15 per week through the end of spring term with possibility of extension. Pay: $10.38 per hour (Student Computer Operator 2 on OSU pay scale).

Read the position description.

Apply online.

Timeline

• Application Opens: Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012
• Application Closes: Monday, Jan. 14, 2013
• Interviews: Jan. 18-24, 2013
• Notification: Week of the Jan. 28

For questions, please contact the online marketing specialist, Nancy Raskauskas.

Posted in Dining, Education, Housing | Comments Off on Now hiring: Student web assistant

OSU Catering (part of  University Housing and Dining Services) is filling one full-time professional faculty position for a banquet director. Salary is commensurate with education and experience. The salary range is $38,000 – $43,000 (based on 12-month appointment) and includes a comprehensive benefits package. To review posting and apply on-line, go to http://oregonstate.edu/jobs Posting #0010092. Closing date is 01/18/2013. OSU is an AA/EOE. Direct link: http://bit.ly/UbJZHm

Posted in Dining | Comments Off on Now hiring: OSU Catering Banquet Director

Want to start the New Year off right with healthy eating?? Cooking for yourself for the first time? Need help eating healthy on a budget?

Help is here! Sign up for a free class, Healthy Cooking and Meals 101, taught by Oregon State dietetic students and get hands-on experience, cooking tips and advice on nutrition and health, food safety and making meal prep easy and inexpensive. No cooking experience necessary and you get to taste 12 different recipes each class! (That also means free healthy meals for you to eat and bring home too!).  After each class you will also receive a free starter kit of ingredients for some of the recipes you made!

Classes are free and will fill up fast, so reserve your spot today! You may sign up for one class or all three.  If classes fill, don’t worry! You can be put on a wait list for Spring quarter classes too. Go to http://health.oregonstate.edu/moore-center/healthy-student-cooking to claim your seat today!

Classes are sponsored by the Moore Family Center for Whole Grain Foods, Nutrition and Preventive Health and the Nutrition & Dietetics Club, all part of the College of Public Health and Human Sciences.

Winter Term Classes

Get colors on your plate! Fruits & Vegetables

4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan 23, Milam 203

It will be easy to get your 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables with these great tips, featuring

smoothies, easy desserts, side-dishes and dinner ideas.

Whole Grains For Every Meal – Healthy and Delicious!

4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb 13, Milam 203

Impress your sweetheart for Valentines with a healthy & delicious home cooked meal.  Learn how to cook quick and healthy dishes with whole grains for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Recipes include healthy muffins, gluten-free options, easy pasta and whole-grain main dishes.

What’s for dinner?  Main dishes & proteins

4-6 p.m. Thursday, Feb 27, Milam 203

Fabulous and easy protein-rich meals for everyone’s taste. Healthy vegetarian, fish and meat dishes such as easy frittatas, black bean or salmon burgers, and easy chicken dishes.

Sign up! 

You will receive an email to confirm registration and you will need to give a $5 deposit to secure your spot in the class.  Once you come to class you will get your deposit back, as well as close to $10 worth of ingredients to bring home.

For additional information call 541-737-5205 or email moorefamilycenter@oregonstate.edu. A grant from the Women’s Giving Circle also supports these classes.

Posted in Dining | Comments Off on Join in cooking classes Winter Term

Dear Residents,

A friendly reminder of important dates and information as Fall Term comes to a close:

End of Term and Check-out:

• 5 pm on Friday, December 7^th – All halls and cooperatives will close, with the exception of Bloss, Finley, Halsell, Buxton, Cauthorn, Hawley, Poling, Sackett, the International Living-Learning Center and West. Students should plan to vacate their residence Hall or cooperative House within 24 hours of their last exam.
• Students with late Friday final exams or travel circumstances are allowed to extend their stay to no later than noon the following day, Saturday, December 8^th.  Students needing to stay over Friday night due to these reasons will need to make arrangements on their MyUHDS account by selecting “Late Stay”.
• UHDS will be doing health and safety checks of every room to make sure there are no health or safety issues – such as waste in the trash, windows left open, or appliances plugged in (curling irons, extension cords, etc.).  To be most prepared for these please see the checklist below. If you want to be present for your room check, please schedule an appointment with your Resident Director, Cooperative Director or Resident Assistant.

Break Housing:   Residents assigned to open halls (ones listed above) may remain in their rooms during the break, at a weekly rate of $126.

• The deadline to sign up for winter break housing is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5 and can be done on your MyUHDS account (https://myuhds.oregonstate.edu/ and select “Break Housing”). If you are an INTO OSU student, this charge is already included in your housing rate but you must still sign up.

Checklist – Before you leave for Winter Break:

1. 24 hours before you leave – Remove all perishable items and unplug your refrigerator.  Be sure to place a towel or two under your fridge to catch the water while it defrosts.
2. Securely close and LOCK all windows
3. Pull all blinds/drapes into a closed position
4. Open heater valve (valve should be turned to the left)
5. Unplug all electrical devices (including computers, hair dryers, curling irons/straighteners, holiday lights)
6. Remove all garbage and recycling and dispose of it in the outside bins. Residents will be charged a fee of $45 if staff have to remove garbage.
7. Remove any fire hazards and take down any paper holiday decorations
8. Turn off clock radios/alarms
9. Take trays, dishes, etc. back to the dining centers
10. Return any lounge furniture or other room’s furniture to the place of origin. Failure to do so will result in a charge and possible conduct action.
11. Turn off all lights
12. Lock your door behind you as you leave
13. Take your keys/student ID card home with you and remember to bring them back so you can get into your room

After Winter Break: Residence Halls and Cooperative Houses Reopen on Sunday, January 6 at 9 a.m.

Please have a safe and enjoyable Winter Break!

UHDS Staff

Posted in Housing | Comments Off on End-of-term, check out and breakhousing

This fall, University Housing & Dining Services brings you the chance to win plasma TV for your room and to be featured in photos for upcoming UHDS publications.

How to enter: Submit a photo of your room, your name, and short description of what makes your room unique via oregonstate.edu/uhds/photocontest. Photo submissions will also be added to Facebook album on the UHDS Facebook page.

Tags: cooperative, dorm, Housing, living, oregon state, photo, photo contest, prizes, residence hall, room, UHDS
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[The Daily Barometer, Oct. 17, 2012] — Halloween is two weeks away, and many students will don makeup and costumes in the spirit of the holiday. According to Community Relation Facilitators and members of cultural centers on campus, the choice of costume should be planned in a way that is considerate of other cultures.

“Halloween gives people the power to pretend they are something they are not,” said Agustin Vega-Peters, ASOSUdirector of multicultural affairs. “What people sometimes forget is that others might see their costume as mocking their cultural heritage.”

Vega-Peters noted, as an example of inconsiderateness, that costumes resembling mariachi members are often oversimplified and portrayed in a way that mocks the Mexican pastime and cultural staple.

Community Relation Facilitators released a video on Monday on their Facebook page titled, “Think before you costume.” The video took an upbeat approach to the issue, embracing the holiday while remaining informative. Community Relation Facilitator Justin McDaniels hosted the video, pointing out appropriate and inappropriate costumes as a way to supply a distinction for the viewer.

Examples of universally acceptable costumes included a gamer, a Beaver fan and a college student. Inappropriate costume ideas included dressing up in stereotypical costumes including a Geisha, an illegal alien, dressing in derivative Native American regalia and wearing blackface.

“These costumes are doing something wrong,” McDaniels said. “[They are] identifying a certain culture or heritage and they are doing it in the wrong way.”

The video included representatives from the Black Cultural Center, Asian and Pacific Cultural Center, Native American Cultural Center and Centro Cultural Cesar Chavez. Each group showed examples of offensive costumes, further explaining how they feel about the costumes and the undertones attached to them.

“The way we dress up matters,” McDaniels concluded. “The way that we can costume ourselves can affect others in a negative way. We want this Halloween and harvest time to be equitable for everyone.”

As mentioned in both the video and by those involved, many people see Halloween and costuming without having any limitations, and while they are able to wear what they like, others may feel offended by culturally insensitive costumes.

“We want to focus and educate about the unspoken oppression that Halloween costumes portray in cultures around the world,” said Tomomi Kurosaki, graduate assistant from the Asian and Pacific Cultural Center. “The purpose of this event is to let others know that sometimes dressing up in clothing representing a culture can be offensive and an inaccurate representation, and we also want to explain what [that] clothing means to us.”

The campaign will feature an event today, sponsored by the Asian Pacific Cultural Center and Community Relation Facilitators titled, “My Culture is NOT a costume.” Alongside educational segments, the event will include festive traditions including caramel apples and mask decorating.

“We want students to have fun this Halloween,” said Teresita Alvarez, University Housing and Dining multicultural resource coordinator. “At the same time, we want them to take a look at some of the costumes that are out there and [see] why they are problematic.”

Read the full article by reporter Jack Lammers.

Tags: Community Relations Facilitators, costumes, cultural centers, Halloween, Justin McDaniels, Teresita Alvarez
Posted in Education | Comments Off on Daily Barometer: Student leaders raise awareness about culturally insensitive Halloween costumes