While official student numbers are not available for a month, Oregon Tech’s student body continues to grow in diversity – geography, age, and ethnicity for example – just as its programs are growing and changing to meet the demands of students and the workforce in Oregon and the Northwest.
The 2015-16 academic year promises to be a groundbreaking one as Oregon Tech’s newly formed Board of Trustees officially transitioned over in July and the university received accolades of Top Public Regional College in the West by U.S. News & World Report. Also announced this year, industry and higher education exec Laura McKinney was selected to lead Oregon Tech’s Wilsonville Campus and Oregon Tech Online offerings expanded to include four Bachelor of Science degrees now available completely online. In terms of continuing to increase college affordability and access, the Oregon Tech Foundation exceeded their previous record of collecting more than $500,000 for scholarships to deserving students and continues to gain momentum.
While some student athletes began staying in the Klamath Falls residence halls in early August, Oregon Tech officially opened its student housing for New Student Orientation (NSO) and the Fall 2015 academic year last week, which brought in more than 500 students.
New and returning Residence Hall and Village students received help from move-in crews consisting of Residence Hall staff and volunteers—including our very own President Maples. There were many activities available during move-in, including an all-day radio broadcast from the Residence Hall by BIG 98.5, a lunchtime barbeque, and a movie night in the auditorium.
Throughout Thursday and Friday, students “spread their new wings” at the university and around town as they participated in a student/faculty lunch, had activities with parents, a “Meet Your Major” student panel and had a luau on campus. Orientation materials were also presented on health and safety. The entire Oregon Tech community was invited to join in for the fourth annual Fred Meyer Takeover that continued into the morning. Saturday featured a trip to the Summer Saturday Market, complete with a downtown block party, a glow-in-the-dark hike to the “O” and capture of flag, and lighter activities on Sunday.
About Oregon Tech
Founded in Klamath Falls in 1947, Oregon Institute of Technology is the only public 4-year institute of technology in the Pacific Northwest. Oregon Tech provides degree programs in engineering and health technologies, management, communication, and applied sciences that prepare students to be effective participants in their professional, public, and international communities through hands-on learning. Oregon Tech has a full-service, residential campus in Klamath Falls and an urban, industry-focused campus in Wilsonville. Visit www.oit.edu to learn more about Oregon Institute of Technology.
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