OSU-Cascades

OSU-Cascades is a branch campus of Oregon State University located in Bend, Oregon, offering a range of academic programs, including Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees, in collaboration with Central Oregon Community College and University of Oregon. The campus is situated near the Deschutes River and is close to several major Oregon cities, including Portland and Eugene. OSU-Cascades has partnerships with various organizations, such as Bend Research, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and Oregon Institute of Technology, to provide students with hands-on learning experiences. The campus is also near several popular outdoor recreation areas, including Smith Rock State Park and Mount Bachelor.

● History

The history of OSU-Cascades dates back to 2001, when Oregon State University and Central Oregon Community College formed a partnership to offer higher education programs in the region, with support from Oregon State Legislature and Oregon University System. The campus has since grown to include a range of academic programs, including those in Computer Science, Engineering, and Environmental Science, with faculty from Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and University of California, Berkeley. OSU-Cascades has also established relationships with local businesses, such as Deschutes Brewery and Columbia Sportswear, to provide students with internship and job opportunities. The campus has received funding from organizations like National Science Foundation, NASA, and United States Department of Education to support its academic and research programs.

● Campus

The OSU-Cascades campus is located on a 128-acre site in Bend, Oregon, near the Deschutes River and Les Schwab Amphitheater. The campus features a range of facilities, including the Tykeson Hall, Dining Hall, and Student Recreation Center, which offer students a range of amenities, including a fitness center, library, and bookstore. The campus is also home to several research centers, including the Bend Research Institute and Central Oregon Agricultural Research and Extension Center, which partner with organizations like Oregon State University Extension Service, United States Department of Agriculture, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. OSU-Cascades is close to several popular outdoor recreation areas, including Smith Rock State Park, Mount Bachelor, and Waldo Lake, which offer students opportunities for hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities.

● Academics

OSU-Cascades offers a range of academic programs, including Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees, in fields such as Computer Science, Engineering, and Environmental Science, with courses taught by faculty from Harvard University, University of Oxford, and California Institute of Technology. The campus has a strong focus on STEM education, with programs in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, and partnerships with organizations like NASA, National Science Foundation, and European Organization for Nuclear Research. OSU-Cascades also offers a range of online and hybrid courses, allowing students to complete their degrees in a flexible and convenient manner, with support from Western Governors University, Arizona State University, and University of Florida. The campus has a range of academic support services, including academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling, provided by professionals from University of Michigan, University of California, Los Angeles, and New York University.

● Student-Life

OSU-Cascades offers a range of student life activities, including clubs and organizations, intramural sports, and community service opportunities, with support from American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and United Way. The campus has a strong focus on sustainability, with programs and initiatives aimed at reducing waste and promoting environmental awareness, in partnership with Environmental Protection Agency, The Nature Conservancy, and World Wildlife Fund. OSU-Cascades also has a range of cultural events and activities, including concerts, theater productions, and art exhibitions, featuring artists from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art, and Guggenheim Museum. The campus is close to several popular entertainment venues, including Les Schwab Amphitheater and Tower Theatre, which host events like Bend Summer Festival and Oregon WinterFest.

● Research-and-Community-Engagement

OSU-Cascades is engaged in a range of research and community engagement activities, including partnerships with local businesses and collaborations with other universities, such as University of Washington, University of California, San Diego, and Georgia Institute of Technology. The campus has a strong focus on applied research, with programs in energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable agriculture, supported by organizations like United States Department of Energy, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. OSU-Cascades also has a range of community outreach programs, including K-12 education initiatives and public lectures and events, featuring speakers from TED Conference, World Economic Forum, and Aspen Institute. The campus is committed to community engagement and social responsibility, with a range of programs and initiatives aimed at promoting economic development and social justice, in partnership with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Ford Foundation, and Rockefeller Foundation.