Students

Welcome to fall term

While the student experience will look and feel a bit different, together we can build a safer and healthier learning environment, and you can keep making progress toward your academic and personal goals. Oregon State will offer four types of courses this fall: remote learning, blended learning, in-person and online through Ecampus. Whether you feel safest taking courses online at home or you decide to live and pursue your studies on campus, you are welcome at OSU.

View a comprehensive overview of student resources that is searchable by campus on the OSU Experience website (visit department websites for details on service delivery and hours), and read below for information on how to create a successful fall term.

Ecampus Students Graduate Students International Students INTO OSU Students OSU-Cascades Students

Changes to the classroom

OSU will offer remote learning, blended learning, in-person and Ecampus classes this fall (view definitions of learning modalities). Students taking remote learning, blended learning or in-person classes should be prepared for required course activities on the days and time their class is scheduled.
Students can search for classes by learning modality. Students making changes to their schedule or who have concerns about their schedule for fall should contact their academic advisor as soon as possible.
We anticipate that nearly all fall term courses in Corvallis will occur remotely. Courses offered on-site will primarily be those that have a heavy experiential learning component, such as labs and field courses.
OSU-Cascades will offer about half of classes remotely and about half of classes in person or blended. All OSU-Cascades courses will have the option of being taken remotely.
All in-person classes will be taught in large rooms or broken into smaller sections to ensure students and instructors have space for physical distancing. If a seat has tape over it, do not sit there and do not remove the tape. Please follow any guidance provided by your instructor to increase safety in the classroom and ensure that you keep appropriate physical distance from your classmates and instructor.
Students can view teaching guidelines for fall 2020, including an expectation that all instructors must use Canvas for their courses in the 2020-2021 academic year.
All in-person instruction on the Corvallis campus will end at Thanksgiving break, and finals will be conducted remotely.

Navigating campus

Stay informed about modified transportation options such as the OSU Beaver Bus and the Corvallis Transit System.
Face coverings are required in common indoor spaces and areas outside where social distancing isn’t possible. Be sure to maintain 6 feet of distance from others, especially when waiting in line.
You may also notice signs identifying entrances and exits to buildings and other modifications to common spaces that have been made to help minimize contact.
Visit department websites for updates on service adjustments and Food @ OSU for restaurant hours and locations.
If you’re living on campus, visit the University Housing & Dining Services website for information on residence hall environments.

Your part in a successful fall term

It will take all of us working together to contribute to a healthy and safe Beaver Nation.
Remember that face coverings are required in common indoor spaces and areas outside where social distancing isn’t possible.
Continue to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance by maintaining physical distance, washing your hands often and cleaning high-touch surfaces frequently.
Know the symptoms of COVID-19 and monitor your own health with daily self-screenings. Isolate and contact Student Health Services or your medical provider if you observe symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
Identify study locations that will work for you. This fall, the Memorial Union and the Valley Library will provide regularly cleaned spaces with distanced seating, printers and Wi-Fi.
You can use this Academic Success Center tool to create a schedule for yourself and organize your term.
Contact Student Care if you need help resolving health, safety, technology, financial or accommodation challenges.

How to engage with advisors and faculty

Most advising services will be delivered online during the fall term. To learn about different ways to connect with your advisor, visit the Academic Advising website and navigate to the information for your college.
Instructors, teaching assistants and other faculty remain committed to providing access during office hours. Because office locations and environments impact the ability to maintain health and safety practices, you may notice differences in how you meet with faculty. During week 0, take note of whether your instructors can meet in person or remotely and their hours of availability.
To prepare for advising and office hours, make sure you are set up to use Zoom.

Communication updates and information

Oregon State uses multiple communication methods to update you about policies, available resources and other important information.
Be sure to read any emails from the president, provost, vice provosts, dean of students and registrar. You may also access a log of student emails sent by the Office of the Registrar. Try these strategies to manage and organize your email.
Class-based communication from instructors may be shared via email and Canvas. Set up your Canvas notifications to make sure you get the information you want as often as you want it.
The MyOregonState dashboard also provides personalized information and updates.

Connecting with community

While events will look different this fall, there are still many ways for you to connect with the Oregon State community. If you aren't sure where to start, visit the OSU Events Calendar or contact Student Experiences & Engagement. Almost all events — and all large-scale events — will be held remotely. Any in-person events will be modified to meet physical distancing and other public health requirements.

Still have questions?

View the frequently asked questions below, check out the full list of FAQs or contact the Office of the Dean of Students if you need assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exceptions are permitted in the face covering policy?

OSU policy requires the use of face coverings for community members and visitors when in enclosed common areas, enclosed areas when interacting with others or outdoor areas where physical distancing isn’t easily maintained.

Exceptions to this university policy include:

a. Use goes against documented industry best practices for a specific position, or by law or regulation, including the use of standard personal protective equipment (“PPE”) per Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards;

b. When working alone in an enclosed workspace;

c. When exercising and working outdoors as long as a distance of at least six (6) feet is maintained at all times;

d. When engaging in an activity that makes wearing a face covering not feasible, such as swimming, eating or drinking;

e. When an individual is under the age of five;

f. In situations where face coverings for minors are advised against and not required for participation in youth activities, as per OHA Guidance for School Aged Summertime Day Camps (PDF) or Specific Guidance for Child Care Sector (PDF); or,

g. Where space can be designed to provide for adequate barriers.

Exception requests based on accommodation for a disability may be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access for employees, and Disability Access Services for students.

Violation of university policy can lead to disciplinary action.

Last updated: September 3, 2020