Congratulations! Your student is embarking on one of the greatest adventures of their life – college. You’ve both worked hard to get here.

Our vision is lifelong health and well-being for all, and that means your student – and you.

We developed these resources to help you navigate Oregon State and help college be a successful and rewarding experience for you both.

Academic advising in a university

Before coming to Oregon State your student may have worked with a high school guidance counselor. In college, these advising sessions work differently.

Learn how academic advising works at Oregon State.

Term-by-term advising topics for first year students

Your student’s academic advising appointment will largely be guided by them and address their questions and concerns. However, their academic advisor will review a few key topics in their fall term advising appointment.

Review Term-by-term advising topics for first year students.

Letting go

We understand that for some parents and family members, sending their student to college is more challenging for them than their student. The college and Oregon State University can help you and your student with the transition from home to college and from child to adult. Here are a few tips for you and resources for your Oregon State student.

How you can help your student succeed

We know that family and friends are a huge influence in students' lives. Toward that end, here's a short, basic timeline of what students might be thinking about (and needing to talk about with you) during their time at Oregon State.

FERPA: Privacy of Records

FERPA stands for the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. This legislation protects the privacy of student records and regulates how information is utilized. See what FERPA: Privacy of Records means for you as a college parent or family member.

Life in Corvallis

Corvallis is a beautiful college town nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley. An hour's drive from the Pacific Coast and two hours from the Cascades and high desert, Corvallis is an ideal site to live and study. Corvallis embodies the spirit of the Northwest, with beautiful natural surroundings, friendly citizens, and an outstanding quality of life. It is one of the safest places to live - clean, friendly, and family-oriented. Learn more of what life in Corvallis is like.

Oregon State parent and family members resources

New Student Programs & Family Outreach serves as a primary liaison between parents and family members and the University.