Hawaii students - welcome to beaver nation
People You Should Know
Heather Wofford
Heather.Wofford@oregonstate.edu
Schedule a Zoom appointment with Heather
Heather is the Admissions Advisor for Hawaii students. She’s a citizen of Cherokee Nation and a Bitterroot Salish descendent. She has 15 years of admissions experience and has worked at OSU since August 2014.
Her job is to help students connect with people and resources they will work with while at OSU. Set up a meeting with her if you have general OSU questions, need clarification on next steps, or have questions about Beaver Basecamp. Heather is not an Academic Advisor and cannot help students register for classes. Class registration is part of orientation.
Kameron Kadooka
Kameron “Pono” Kadooka is the Director of Equity, Access and Inclusion for the College of Science (COS). He works to lead the equity and access efforts for the college to ensure COS is a place that all can succeed. Kameron was a student at OSU, earning a BS in Fisheries and Wildlife and has worked at OSU for over a decade across student affairs, academic advising and STEM.
As a kanaka maoil from Kona, Hawaii he has a passion for helping students from Hawaii transition to Oregon and OSU. Drawing on personal and professional experience, Kameron can support students in finding community, connecting with resources and preparing for the changes and opportunities of Oregon and OSU.
Christy Jones
Christy is the Native American & Indigenous Student Success Coordinator at OSU. She also co-leads the kaku-ixt mana ina haws and serves a core leadership member on President’s Commission of Indigenous Affairs. In her work at the Griggs Office of Black and Indigenous Student Success she helps current OSU students navigate resources and opportunities at OSU.
Contact Christy if you have questions about student life, Indigenous student support, or the munk-skukum Indigenous Living Learning Community.
Rick DeBellis
Schedule a Zoom appointment with Rick
Rick has been at OSU since he was a grad student in 1998 and started working at OSU full-time in 2000 in the Office of Admission & Orientation as the Program Coordinator. Rick has worked in several offices at OSU including Summer Session, Ecampus, and Enrollment Management before returning to Admissions as the Associate Director for Transfer Admissions and Degree Partnership. Rick and the Transfer Services Managers work to assist students with the process of applying and transferring to OSU and using the Degree Partnership Program at OSU. Rick travels to Hawai’i to both recruit transfer students and work with OSU’s three partner DPP community colleges – Kapi’olani CC, Hawai’i CC and Maui College. Rick is a native Oregonian from Portland and enjoys travel, camping and motorcycling.
Rick can assist with understanding Transfer Admissions, the Degree Partnership Program, transferring credits to OSU and has many random facts about both OSU and Oregon in general. He is happy to answer random questions and can help you find the answers you need.
Emory Spence
Emory is the Student Success and Outreach Coordinator in the Office of Financial Aid. They have 5 years of experience in financial aid and have been at OSU since 2021. Their role is to help ensure students and families receive clear and accessible financial aid information. In addition to working at OSU, Emory is also pursuing a master’s degree in the College Student Services Administration program.
Emory is the “paying for college” expert with Launch and is able to help with questions related to financial aid, scholarships, and student billing. OSU does have several different offices with different roles related to college finances. They may not be able to provide detailed answers to every question, but they’ll at least help put you on the right track and connect you with folks who can. If you need help estimating your expenses, finding financial support, or any other college finance topics be sure to connect with Emory!
Important Places
Home away from home! Living on campus provides easy access to your classes, dining, and university support during your first year on campus. There a few steps students take before move-day, including completing the housing contract, selecting a roommate, and picking a dining plan. Here are a few sites that will help you learn about living in Beaver Nation! Questions? Contact UHDS for help or send them an email at [email protected]!
Do you have questions on a scholarship you received from Oregon State or about ScholarDollars? The Scholarship Office has people who can answer your questions. If you received an outside scholarship (non-OSU), you can find out how to send that information to OSU on the Student Account Service website.
Center for Advancing Financial Education (CAFE)
CAFE is a free service for all OSU students and provides resources and information on how to navigate your college financial decisions. Students can set up a one-on-one appointment and access presentations, workshops, and self-study modules.
What is FERPA? FERPA stands for the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. This federal legislation protects the privacy of your student records and regulates how information is used. Students can access a FERPA release form through Beaver Basecamp.
IMPORTANT: Without a FERPA release form, OSU offices will not be able to provide specific student information to anyone other than the student. We recommend families discuss FERPA early to avoid communication issues later. Ultimately, it is up to the student what information they want to be shared with others.
New Student Orientation and Onboarding
Office of New Student Onboarding
Previously known as START, onboarding provides a step-by-step process to help students be ready to begin their first term at OSU. Things look a little different than in the past, now there are few steps students need to complete online to prepare for academic advising (Activate) and their orientation day (Launch). The Prepare online modules utilize Canvas, an online learning platform that you’ll use frequently as an OSU student. You can go through the modules at your own pace but remember- all modules must be complete before you can meet with your Academic Advisor.
How to move through the New Student Onboarding Sequence
Students must complete the Prepare online modules before they move forward with the onboarding sequence. Prepare will open on May 4th for students who have committed to OSU and we recommend completing all parts of Prepare by June 1st. As part of Prepare, all students need to complete the ALEKS math assessment test. The ALEKS assessment is required for all incoming students even if they have AP, IB or college credit.
Once students complete the Prepare modules of new student onboarding, they will be eligible for academic advising (Activate). Academic Advisors help students determine what classes they need to register for while at OSU. During this first virtual meeting/session, students will discuss classes for fall term. After advising, students are able to register for classes and build their schedules. Yay! Students cannot register for classes prior to meeting with their Academic Advisor.
Hawaii Launch!
Oregon State University is bringing Launch to Hawaii! On August 15th, OSU staff from across campus will be on O‘ahu to meet with Hawaii students and families. You will get to meet other students from Hawaii who will be joining OSU and learn more helpful information about your transition to campus. OSU staff will be available to help you navigate your next steps. Students will register for Hawaii Launch as part of the onboarding sequence. If you would rather attend Launch on-campus or virtually, those options will also be available.
What's Academic Advising All About?
Your Academic Advisor is assigned to you based on your major and is a person who helps guide you through your time at OSU. They will help you determine what classes to take in order to graduate from your selected degree program, but they also provide mentorship and support to students. Conversations with an Academic Advisor could include discussing career pathways, navigating double majors/minors, program recommendations, and more. Students meet with their Academic Advisor each term.
Making Corvallis Home
Airport and Shuttle Information
- PDX – Portland International Airport is the main hub for Hawaii students. It’s about a 1.5 hour drive to Corvallis. Consider booking a seat on the Groome Shuttle to get you back and forth during school breaks. The Hilton Garden Inn stop is across from Reser Stadium.
- EUG- Eugene Regional Airport (Mahlon Sweet Field) is only 45 minutes from campus but there is no shuttle available. Students need to take an Uber or have a friend drive them to this airport.
How to Get Everything to Corvallis
- Instead of packing all of your residence hall items (shower gear, linens, decorations, etc.) you can plan to ship things in advance to campus. Details on how to do this will be posted in late-July! You can also plan to buy some basics in Oregon when you arrive- just know that stores are busy during move-in week, so planning ahead to ship or do pick up orders can be helpful!
- What to Bring & Leave Behind
Where to Get Local Kine Tings
- We recommend bringing some of your favorite local snacks from home but don’t worry, you can still get staples like Spam, rice, etc., in the Pacific Northwest.
- Located in Corvallis:
- Local Boys – Hawaii style plate lunches – located on Monroe St at the edge of campus, 2-minute walk from the main campus
- HK Market – Asian store with fresh produce and imported products from Asia and Hawaii, 0.9 miles or just a 6-minute drive from the main campus
- Fred Meyer – a large chain grocery store that sells rice, spam, and shoyu, just 0.8 miles or a 5-minute drive from the main campus
- Trader Joe's – featuring organic products, fresh produce, and all the favorite goodies our Hawaii families love, just 1.4 miles or a 7-minute drive from campus
- Located beyond of Corvallis:
- Costco Wholesale – bulk grocery and household items, located in the neighboring town of Albany, just 12 miles or a 25-minute drive from campus
- Uwajimaya Asian Market – Asian store with fresh produce, poke bar, fresh manapua, and various types of musubi as well as imported products from Asia and Hawaii, located in Beaverton which is about 70 miles or a 1.5-hour drive north from Corvallis
- Located in Corvallis:
What to Bring vs Buy
Oregon has no Sales tax! If you need to purchase some new items, consider buying them when you arrive in Oregon to save on packing. First stop - the Woodburn Outlet Mall!
Bring From Hawaii
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Your T&C water bottle and Aloha collection bags
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Li hing powder and snacks
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Furikake for your rice
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Arare for your popcorn
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Everyday slippahs and shower slippahs (they need to be a different pair)
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Pictures, perfumes, lei, your lauhala pāpale, and other personal items for your residence hall room that remind you of home
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Your aloha wear
Buy in Oregon
- Rain jacket(s) and winter layers
- Rain boots and cold weather gear (beanies, gloves, etc.)
- Scotchgard to protect your shoes from the rain
- Mattress topper for your residence hall bed
- Lotion and ChapStick- it's much drier in Oregon than Hawaii
- School materials and residence hall extras (bedding, towels, etc.)
Oregon Weather - What to Expect Each Season
Summer
- Average high: 80-85 degrees
- Average low: 50-55 degrees
- Things to do: Visit the farmer’s market, float the river (don't forget your slippahs!), hike part of the PCT in the Cascades
Fall
- Average high: 65-75 degrees
- Average low: 40-50 degrees
- Things to do: Start fall term classes, attend an OSU football game, go pumpkin picking, see the leaves change along the Coastal Mountain range
Winter
- Average high: 45-50 degrees
- Average low: 30-35 degrees
- Things to do: Find your favorite coffee shop, go skiing at Hoodoo or Mount Bachelor, catch a Trailblazers game in Portland, attend cultural events
Spring
- Average high: 55-60 degrees
- Average low: 35-40 degrees
- Things to do: Eat at the annual OSU salmon bake, perform at Hōʻike or Pasifika Fest, visit the Woodburn tulip festival, attend Dam Jam for spring term
Waterproof vs Water Resistant
Did you know there is a difference between waterproof vs water resistant materials?
- Water resistant jackets won’t keep you completely dry during the Oregon rainy season.
- When buying a rain jacket, consider the level of protection it provides.
- Winters are chilly here; students may want a heavier winter rain jacket that also has insulation and a light rain jacket that is good for fall and spring when the weather is warmer.
OSU Community and Support
OSU Community
We are excited to have you join the Beaver Nation community! The best way to combat homesickness is to get involved and find spaces and places of comfort. OSU has hundreds of student clubs and organizations that students can explore and join while they are getting their degree. Here are a few groups and places where students can find some island connections.
Hui O Hawaiʻi is a Hawai'i Club at Oregon State University. It was founded by students from Hawaiʻi over 55 years ago to share the aloha spirit and friendliness of Hawaiʻi with the Oregon State University community.
PIA promotes diversity, leadership and professional development through participation in community service, learning through outreach/programming, and providing a welcoming, social, and supportive atmosphere for present and future Pacific Islander students.
Ka ‘Ikena Hawai’i is a student-led group focusing on perpetuating Hawaiian cultural values and practices through language, educational programming, and community collaboration with Hawaiian cultural practitioners. The group welcomes all who are interested in native and indigenous practices.
The Griggs Offices creates clear pathways for Black, Native American, Pacific Islander and Alaskan Native students by connecting them with important services and programming, including academic support, co-curricular opportunities, career development, recruitment and outreach.
Oregon State’s seven Cultural Resource Centers provide support services to on-campus and online students, as well as opportunities for all members of the OSU community to learn about different cultures and communities in a safer environment. Events and activities at the centers include national history and heritage month programs, social justice workshops, cultural holiday celebrations, cooking demonstrations, craft nights, and many other programs.
The munk-skukum Indigenous Living Learning Community offers a residential space for students to find community, explore cultural identity and learn more about the lands on which they will be residing. This community offers connections to other students with a shared interest in centering Indigenous people, to cultural events on campus and to resources to help support students while they are at Oregon State University.
Oregon State University offers Indigenous and Pacific Island related courses such as ES 260: Intro to Pacific Islands Studies and ANTH 317: Peoples of the World- the Pacific. Students can work with their Academic Advisor to discuss their class schedule and elective courses.
OSU Support
There are many offices and programs designed to support students while they are at OSU. It’s okay to ask for help, that’s what they are there for! People in Beaver Nation want to see students succeed. This list won’t include every resource on campus, but they are good places to start as students adjust to college life.
As part of OSU’s Educational Opportunity Program, the office of Student Success and Belonging (SSB) supports multiple initiatives that help students develop skills and connect with important resources. The SSB Summer Bridge program allows selected students to move in early and build connections before the school year begins.
CAPS offers a diverse range of services to support students' mental health and well-being. If students aren’t sure which CAPS services would best fit their needs, they can get a consultation to receive guidance and support in the process.
Season Affective Disorder (SAD) can set in during the winter, causing people to feel sluggish and tired. The Mind Spa provides a private relaxation space to de-stress and includes an option to use the DayLight therapy lamp which can help students adjust to the Oregon rainy season.
DAS helps ensure that OSU provides equitable and accessible experiences for all students. This office is responsible for overseeing academic accommodations, building accessibility, assistive technology, and more. If a student needs disability accommodation while at OSU, they should connect directly with DAS for assistance.
Academic Advisors follow students through their OSU journey and that journey starts during orientation! Each term students meet with an Academic Advisor who helps them understand graduation requirements, class selection, double major/minor exploration, and more. Academic Advisors and Admissions Advisors have similar titles but different roles in a student’s OSU journey. Once students attend orientation they transition away from their Admissions Advisor and start working with their Academic Advisor.
The Basic Needs Center is available to all students and is designed to support those who are navigating tough economic times. The center’s focus is around housing, food, and living on a budget with limited resources. Students can access a food pantry as well as participate in workshops to build useful skills like cooking. BNC events help students connect and build confidence while at OSU.
Although students may not be regularly involved in the PCIA or PIAG, these groups work to create an inclusive and safe environment for Indigenous people at OSU while honoring Tribal sovereignty and traditional knowledge and culture. Each group is made up of Indigenous staff and allies from across campus.
Adjusting to campus can be overwhelming. All first-year freshmen are required to live in the residence halls to help them adjust to life as a college student. Resident Advisors live in the halls and check in with each resident throughout each term and can help with personal concerns, roommate issues, or academic challenges.
The Valley Library isn’t just a place to study, although it’s a great place to do that, it also offers multiple resources to students. OSU Libraries host free workshops throughout the year and Crafternoons where students can take a break and make a craft (Hui O Hawai’i hosted lei making in spring term)! Students can also check out laptops, headphones, calculators, and more tech from the library. When in doubt, ask a Librarian!
Advice from Your Fellow Hawaii Beavers
“You will feel homesick, you will feel the urge to quit and go home. But I promise you, don’t give up. It may be hard to transition, especially with the big culture shock, from growing up with the people you’ve known your whole life, to meeting new faces every day. You will get overwhelmed, and you will get scared about change. One thing that I had to teach myself was to become comfortable with being uncomfortable. You will find your community, you will find your “family” here, don't change yourself to "fit in" and be open to gain new experiences with your time here at OSU. I'm so lucky to call Oregon State my second home because I didn't give up when I wanted to.”
Lyzell C. | Big Island, HI
“Something that really helped me make that transition from Hawai'i was attending a bunch of different events with my friends. Right from the beginning I got involved with the Hui O Hawai’i Club and they quickly became my second family. There are so many opportunities for you to explore your different interests, academic interests or extracurricular, so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and see what the university has to offer! I think that I am very lucky to have had my mom support me in all of my endeavors throughout my college journey.
For all parents out there, I understand that it’s hard to let your child go and be so far away but trust in them because this college experience is what they make of it, and I promise that they will find their place at OSU. Over the past four years I have really gained independence and learned a lot about myself. I am grateful for my family and their love from across the Pacific and being away from home has given me the space to grow. So, for parents and families with a child going to college in Oregon, these four years will fly by so cherish these moments and when the breaks during the school year, it will make that time so much sweeter!"
Keoe H. | Kapahulu, HI