Example Breakout Sessions
Below, you'll find examples of Breakout Sessions offered in 2024.
An Exploration Mindset: As a student, you are universally expected to explore and learn new things! Take advantage of this unique time in your life to build connections and experiment with novel opportunities. We'll discuss and practice strategies for overcoming fear of the unknown and help you commit to trying new things and meeting new people.
Battle of the Business Beavs: College of Business: Join us for lunch & an engaging welcome event for new Business Beavs! In this session we will dive into friendly competition that'll spark your competitive spirit while discovering the diverse opportunities awaiting you in the world of business and design. All first year College of Business students are strongly encouraged to attend. Let's kickstart your journey with excitement, camaraderie, and a glimpse into the endless possibilities within the College of Business!
Beaver State of Mind: Navigating Mental Well-being in College: Excited about OSU but feeling a bit anxious? You're not alone! Join us for a dynamic session filled with engaging activities, Kahoot quizzes, and prizes. Discover resources and strategies to keep your mental well-being in check throughout your time at OSU. Engineering - Block C: Excited about OSU and Engineering but feeling a bit anxious? You're not alone! Join us for a dynamic session filled with engaging activities, Kahoot quizzes, and prizes. Discover resources and strategies to keep your mental well-being in check throughout your time at OSU.
College of Ag Facilities Tour: Know your Settings: College of Ag Sciences/students curious about CAS majors: Join us for an interactive tour of some College of Ag buildings and labs guided by faculty and students.
College of Science’s Walk & Talk: Join the College of Science (COS) for a tour of some common buildings that your classes will be in while we talk about resources in the college and beyond. As we go, we’ll make space for connecting with other students in the college.
Cookies & Conversation: All incoming undergraduate students new to the College of Health are invited to hear a faculty panel discussion about how to be successful in college classes. Get to know faculty who will be teaching your courses this year and learn about faculty expectations, classroom etiquette, and helpful tips. Then enjoy some cookies or fruit and mingle with faculty. You can also chat with continuing students who have been involved in various opportunities such as research, student clubs/organizations, and study abroad.
Cookies, Conversation & Community with CEOAS: Join the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences (CEOAS) for a welcoming session with our Student Services faculty and staff. As you embark on your academic journey at OSU, we invite you to engage in meaningful discussions about your transition into college life. Be part of the conversation, connect with your community, and enjoy a treat on us! We look forward to sharing our knowledge and helping you thrive in your first year.
Decoding the Code of Conduct: A Gameshow (with prizes!): Come learn about OSU's policies and win fun prizes through an interactive game show! We'll help demystify the rules and processes that govern student conduct at OSU, and provide you with resources for how to be successful as a student. This is also a judgment-free space to ask any questions about OSU policies or how conduct violations are addressed. Hosted by Student Conduct and Community Standards, the Office of Advocacy, and UHDS.
Embrace Your Campus Journey: Thriving with RHA and NRHH: Starting college is an exciting yet challenging transition. Personalize your campus experience by getting involved in the Residence Hall Association (RHA) and the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH). These organizations offer a supportive community and numerous opportunities for academic growth, leadership, and networking. Engaging with RHA and NRHH can enhance your college journey by helping you build lasting friendships, develop essential skills, and create a sense of belonging. Active participation in these groups not only enriches your college life but also supports your academic success by helping you develop critical thinking, time management, and public speaking skills. Dive in and make the most of your time on campus!
Engineering--Success in the First Year: In your first year, you will explore the ways engineers design and influence the world so you can develop an inclusive mindset through classes, events, clubs, and more. Your exploration will be guided by teams dedicated to your success and helping you maximize your education. During this session, we will introduce you to our strategies and ideas for building your success network.
Enhancing your Degree through Undergraduate Research: Research is for Everyone! At Oregon State University, undergraduate research opportunities are accessible to all students. Through programs like URSA Engage or by directly collaborating with faculty members in their projects, students can enhance their degrees and gain valuable skills with hands-on experiences beyond the classroom. Join us to learn more about how you can get involved in undergraduate research at OSU and the benefits it can bring to your academic and professional journey.
Finding A Community At The Basic Needs Center: Free textbooks? Food? Game nights? Coffee on your way to class? OSU's Basic Needs Center has all this and more. Come play a Kahoot and find out about the great community and resources we have to offer all students.
Flourishing in Forestry: Join us for a Q&A opportunity with College of Forestry Student Ambassadors about tips for getting connected within the college and your major to make the most of your first year.
Know thyself: preparing for learning at OSU: Consider your unique learning styles and needs. Now let's talk about what learning at OSU might look like. Spend some time engaging with the DAS office and leave with a deeper understanding of your learning needs.
Lead the Way! How Leadership Skills help during time at OSU: This engaging breakout session introduces transfer and first-year students to the core principles of leadership and how to apply them effectively in their academic journey. Participants will engage in various activities, including icebreakers, small group discussions, and live word clouds using Mentimeter.com, to explore different leadership styles, analyze real-life scenarios, and share personal experiences. The session aims to empower students with the skills and confidence needed to take on leadership roles during their journey at Oregon State University, fostering a supportive and dynamic learning environment.
Learn by Doing: Hear from students about their transformative experiences of doing undergraduate research, internships, community engagement and service, leadership activities and more! Students at Oregon State University learn by doing. Come get inspired by how they’ve been impacted by these experiences. You will have the opportunity to explore the poster presentations, as well as listen to short lightning talks. Get curious, ask questions and discover what’s possible at OSU.
Money Matters: Join Student Accounts Services, the Office of Financial Aid, and the Scholarship Office to hear about important timelines, tips, and resources related to student billing and payment plans, federal, state, and OSU financial aid and scholarships, and outside scholarships.
Navigating Transitions: During times of transition, people must navigate changes occurring in their life. Processing this is not always easy, and as humans we may project our feelings onto others. This session will discuss the stages of transition and how our actions may unintentionally impact those surrounding us and how to support/validate others while they are transitioning regardless of personal perspectives.
No Beaver succeeds alone. Build the team to achieve your dream: The Educational Opportunities Program’s (EOP) Student Success & Belonging office is designed to strengthen personal development and assist students in gaining academic skills as they adjust to OSU’s social and cultural environment. We want to highlight some great support services at OSU, and help you build the support system that is right for you. In this session, we’ll share about: • Dr. Lawrence Griggs Center of Black & Indigenous Student Success & LSAMP (academic support) • Beaver Connect Mentorship (community building) • EOP Academic counselors, and culturally relevant mental health support. Join us to learn more and build your team!
Skills Beyond the Degree: Growing a Career-Focused Mindset in College: As you transition into college, your future career might not be the first thing on your mind, and that’s OK! However, there’s some great skills you’re learning now that will help you in that future transition into career. In this session, we’ll talk about skill-building during the college transition, the importance of mindset, engaging on campus to build your resume, and take a few fun assessments to help you learn more about yourself.
Sleep Smarter, Study Stronger: Join Rec Sports and Student Health Services for an interactive workshop focused on improving your sleep habits to enhance academic success. Learn essential sleep hygiene tips and understand the role of movement and mindfulness in promoting better sleep quality. This session is designed to provide practical strategies that you can implement immediately to optimize your sleep and support your academic transition. Giveaways, raffle prizes, and snacks!
Succeeding in Online Courses: One in four students will take an online course during their time at OSU. Join this session, led by Ecampus Student Success Coaches, to learn more about the design of Ecampus courses and what you can do to be successful in this format. Be affirmed in choices you’re already making and leave with effective strategies to support your online learning success!
Success Sparks: Building Lasting Connections for Future Educators: Learn how to thrive as an aspiring teacher with advisors and fellow College of Education students. Through sharing your concerns and experiences, you will learn valuable tips and insights from your peers, create a personalized roadmap for your success, and build lasting connections to start your year off right.
Training tips to study like a Champion: Psychological science has a clear cut prescription for which study techniques best lead to long term learning. Unfortunately, research shows most students study the wrong way. In this session, I review three major habits to start and develop to succeed in college. Be prepared for some surprises as to what REALLY works best and start using them early.
Valley Library Tours: Curious about the Valley library, the only library on campus? It’s the largest building open the most hours, lends over 70 items and has a lot of various study spaces! Come for a tour to check out the spaces and services we offer so you can be ready to start your term off with the right tools and knowledge.
Volunteering to Enhance Your College Experience: Join us to learn about opportunities for volunteering and community engagement at OSU that can enrich your college experience! Volunteering is a great way to get involved, make friends, develop leadership and career skills, and get connected to the OSU and Corvallis community. During this session, you will participate in an activity and conversations to examine different types of service, consider what types are most important to you, and learn about how others think about service. This will be an interactive session where you’ll meet some people and identify opportunities to get involved. Plus you’ll leave with some free swag! We’re excited to meet you.
Welcome to OSU, now please GO: The Office of Global Opportunities (OSU GO) knows you’ve just arrived but it’s never too early to plan for how you’ll integrate an international experience into your time at OSU. Come hear from students who have made cross-cultural academic experiences part of their OSU journey through faculty-led, study abroad and international internship programs. We’ll provide you with information to get started on a path towards meeting your professional and academic goals all while exploring a new cultural context and adding a global perspective to your OSU degree.