Oregon State University - Beaver Yearbook (Corvallis, OR)

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group of in freshman pose loto after a can-rip with the ?ps program. 0. Fn a hike together the FOOTsteps group had a chance to get to know each other and become comfortable with their new friends. anocing on the Smith River, Rafting on the McKenzie River, and Backpacking in Drift Creek, Twin Lakes, and Square Like arc ail activities that are offered for freshman through the FOOTsteps program this fall. FOOTsteps is connected with the Odyssey class and is a program designed to help students build a sense of communin' and support system with other students, faculty and administrators. According to the FOOTsteps coordinator, Amy Midglcy, the program helps with student retention and makes them feci comfortable and connected with a faculty member. The cost for each trip is S40 and must be payed for in advance. The Outdoor provides all of the equipment for . the rafting and canoeing trips and most of the equipment for the backpacking trip. Students arc encouraged to bring some of their own equipment on the backpacking excursions. There arc 20 students per • group with 18 groups heading out this fall. Last year, 191 students participated and this year, there is a possibility for as many as 360 students to participate. Of the 191, who participated, a large number highly recommend the program to incoming students. According to survey results, the students involved valued meeting people and felt they developed a higher sense of community and remained in contact with other students on their trip. For those of you students interested in being a peer leader for one of these trips, there is no Sindtnt Mifc • 16

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V-ool Shoes, a performance ball room dancing club took to the streets during Mom's Weekend. Photo 8y Carol Ann Palttrion r new addition to Mom's Weekend this year was the Look AJike contest. Mothers and their student competed to see which pair looked the most alike. Photo 8y Arm Walker I he Mother Student brunch held in the MU main lounge was a big hit among students and their mom's. Photo By Natal Gootd The parent weekends are always a big success, and next year they arc adding a sibling weekend to give those brothers and sisters a chance to sec what their sibling does, and maybe even OSU will grab a new recruit or two from it. Mom 'bud’s Weekends- is

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Learning to row a canoe students found the experience to be empowering. Braving the rapids made starting school look like a minor fear to these new freshman. J ust before their hike students pose for a phot to commemorate the first year of the FOOTsteps program. experience necessary but peer leaders must help coordinate the daily activities. FOOTsteps is a great opportunity for freshman to meet new friends and faculty. The variety of activities allows various atmospheres in which students can learn about nature and one another. Freshman arc encouraged to attend, not only be staff members, but by their fellow peers. Story By Jennifer Schoncs J-QOTsttjs • iy