As the University of Oregon class of 2025 prepares to graduate on June 16, graduating seniors shared their uncertainties and concerns regarding their entry into the current job market. 

Students are set to navigate a competitive application process just months after the Trump administration introduced a new student loan repayment plan, heightening financial pressure on recent graduates.

Keaton Miller, a professor of economics, described the current job market as “tightening.”

“(The job market) is not as strong as last year’s markets, but it is not as bad as the 2020 or 2021 markets,” Miller said. 

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported that the current unemployment rate for recent graduates sat at 5.8% as of March, higher than the 4.6% in 2024. 

Jillian Dries, a business administration major and soon-to-be grad, said she considered delaying her job search to avoid the challenging market.

“For a while, I was scared of going into the workforce. I was like, ‘I’m just gonna go to law school. I’m gonna go to graduate school right out of college,’” Dries said.

Dries’ experience mirrors the upward trend in graduate program applications, with about a 24% increase in law school applications for the 2025 cycle from 2023.

Even students who planned to find a job early on, like psychology student Bradley Buchbinder, have struggled to secure a position.

“I probably started looking around December to January,” Buchbinder said. “Currently, I’m still in the midst of applications, interviews, networking and reaching out to people.”

Buchbinder said he has heard back from some companies, but the responses have consisted of “a bunch of no’s.”

Dries said many companies have not responded to her applications.

“It’s so frustrating in the modern job search to not get a response or even a rejection,” Dries said.

For Abbi Biggs, a Spanish major, an internship in Costa Rica sparked her desire to work abroad. After returning to the U.S., a shifting political climate and tough job market pushed her to look beyond domestic opportunities.

“When the election happened, that was definitely a huge factor that solidified my choice to move out of the country eventually,” Biggs said. 

Biggs aims to apply to the Peace Corps by summer and leave by early next year. In the meantime, she is facing “fast turnover” while searching for an entry-level administrative or receptionist role.

“I’ve noticed things go quickly, I’ll find something and I’ll bookmark it. When I go back and check, they’ve taken it off the job board,” Biggs said.

Lucas Eliot, an anthropology student, has a year-long teaching job lined up in Spain after his summer stint as a Wildland firefighter. He said his feelings surrounding his future plans are mixed. 

“I am really excited about the prospect of leaving the states as we embark on a new presidential term,” he said.

He also pointed out that federal funding cuts to national parks and public lands, along with the implementation of tariffs, could influence both of his plans. 

“My two next steps are wildland firefighting and moving abroad as an American citizen, which could both be directly impacted by the decision-making spree that the current federal administration has been going on,” Eliot said. 

Eliot said that although his path is unpredictable, he feels secure in his choices. 

“Around the time when most people are job hunting during senior year, I just felt really unsure about what direction to take,” he said. “The idea of jumping into the job search, with all its rejection and uncertainty, just didn’t appeal to me.”

Eli Bernell, a planning, public policy and management major, found an opportunity at the University of Oregon. He started as an intern with the athletic department in January and solidified his role for the next year.

“At first, I thought, ‘there’s no way I’ll be able to stay on all of next year,’” Bernell said. “I feel super grateful that this worked out really well.” 

Miller said power within the job market currently lies with employers.

“Right now the job market is a little bit of a buyer’s market,” Miller said. “Employers have a little bit more power … and have felt free to be a little bit more selective.”

According to Bernell, the selectivity currently exhibited by companies is reflected in how they define entry-level positions.

“I’ve heard a lot of frustration where people say, ‘This is supposed to be an entry-level role, but it requires a year or two of experience,’” Bernell said. “That’s tough if you didn’t do an internship or part-time gig during college.”

According to Indeed, internship listings usually surge in early spring, but this year they’re down 11% compared to the same time last year. 

Miller said that firms are “nervous” about future economic conditions. This has contributed to the decrease in roles available and increased expectations for qualifications.

“It is hard (for companies) to commit to supporting someone’s salary for new employees when there’s a lot of uncertainty in the economy,” Miller said. 

According to Miller, tariffs and funding cuts to research have added pressure to the market. 

“In normal years, many students would pursue master’s or PhD programs, but those opportunities are shrinking,” Miller said. “That’s pushing more people into the private sector who might have otherwise delayed entering the job market.”

Miller said that growing pressure may also be affecting how well people match with jobs. 

“One of the concerns is a decrease in match quality. People taking jobs that aren’t a great fit just to meet financial obligations like student loans,” Miller said. “In the short term, that looks like ‘I didn’t get my dream job, but I have to take something.’”

The pressure on students worsened after May 5 when the Trump administration reinstated the “involuntary” repayment of federal student loans.

To ensure that students pay their debt, the government is able to withhold pay and tax refunds. 

Biggs said the current financial changes make her “nervous.”

“I don’t think I’m going to find something that’s, like, as lucrative as I had previously hoped,” said Biggs.

Despite these challenges, Miller said that graduates should view their first job as a step, not a destination.

“Your first job is not your last job,” Miller said. “Your career isn’t going to be this job forever — it’s where you start.”

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Between May 5 to May 9, University of Oregon students and faculty had the opportunity to cast their votes in the election for the Duck Store Board of Directors. 

Located on and off campus, The Duck Store is a non-profit that sells UO-themed merchandise, school supplies and art materials. 

A total of 205 ballots were casted, and the following candidates were announced to serve on the board starting this upcoming academic year:

Freshman Representative
Two-year term

• Alfredo Alvarez — 136 votes

Sophomore Representatives
Each for a two-year term

• Shane Fair — 98 votes 
• Kyle Stephensen — 79 votes

Graduate Student Representatives
Two-year term

• Martha Tejeda — 112 votes
  One-year term 
• Miranda Ingram — 112 votes

Faculty Representative
Two-year term

• Mike Urbancic — 116 votes

Board members are tasked with key decisions around budgeting and store initiatives. 

Miranda Ingram, a current MBA student and future board member, said that The Duck Store’s status as a nonprofit makes it valuable to students.

“The Duck Store is one of the only nonprofits of its kind in the nation. It’s a little gem here in Eugene that exists to serve students, not just to make profits,” Ingram said. “The board works with students to make sure we’re keeping costs low and overall supporting students in pursuing higher education.”

Another elected member, graduate student Martha Tejeda, said her years of experience in the educational environment inspired her to run for a position. 

“I worked at a middle school with students from difficult backgrounds — some living in hotels or facing unstable home lives,” Tejeda said. “It made me realize how important it is to have supportive adults in students’ lives, and that experience inspired me to keep serving and advocate for student needs.”

Tejeda said she wants to ensure that students have the resources to be successful.

“It shouldn’t feel like a luxury to afford something you need for school or to feel comfortable,” Tejeda said.

Both candidates spoke on the importance of The Duck Store, with Tejeda referring to it as “more than just a retail space.”

“I want to create more events where students can come together, have fun and express themselves, like painting over sale items or customizing merch,” Tejeda said.

Ingram said The Duck Store is a “lifeline,” making accessibility a priority. 

“I just really want to ensure it remains accessible and sustainable and is responsive to students’ needs and unique challenges, such as textbook costs that they lowered this past year,” Ingram said.

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On April 30, Next Step Recycling and the University of Oregon Office of Sustainability held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the Surplus Store. Located in Eugene’s neighboring city, Springfield, the retail store is stocked with low-cost furniture, electronics and household items.

The store’s launch follows the closure of the Romania Warehouse, the previous home of UO’s surplus inventory, which was managed by the UO Office of Sustainability.

In preparation for the relocation of surplus items, Steve Mital, director of the Office of Sustainability, expressed interest in a partnership with the Eugene-based non-profit, NextStep Recycling. 

“We’ve known about (NextStep), worked with them and admired them for a long time,” Mital said. “We were looking for a partner. So I knocked on their door and said, ‘Hey, what do you think about this?’”

Jessica Ahrenholtz, executive director of NextStep Recycling, spoke about the collaboration.

“I just think it’s an amazing partnership,” Ahrenholtz said. “The biggest goal that we’ve had in our meetings is (offering) things that can be useful and affordable.”

The store’s layout has two sections that are stocked by UO Sustainability and Next Step Recycling, respectively. 

Ahrenholtz explained that Next Step “survives solely on donations of electronics.” Their inventory includes used items ranging from kitchen supplies to computers. 

“We sell Apple products where we do a 90-day warranty,” Ahrenholtz said. “We’re registered refurbishers, so we don’t put things in the computer or in the store that’s not supported.”

According to Ahrenholtz, the focus on refurbished devices is a part of Next Step’s broader purpose.

“Our mission is…providing the technology and training to children and adults with barriers to education and employment,” Ahrenholtz said. “When you give a computer to someone, you realize that you’ve just opened up a whole new world of possibilities.”  

Mital spoke about the UO Office of Sustainability’s desire to prioritize serving the campus community.

“Faculty and staff have exclusive access to everything that comes through the store for the first two weeks. But after two weeks, it’s opened up to everybody and anybody,” Mital said. 

According to Mital, affordability is central to the store’s approach.

“We purposely priced things, especially initially, way down,” Mital said. “You can find some incredible deals.”

Ahrenholtz said additional discounts are offered to ensure greater accessibility.

​​”(NextStep) always give discounts to students and veterans and seniors,” Ahrenholtzsaid “We also include teachers in the student discount, because we feel that there’s a lot of teachers, and especially in the high schools, that are having to pay for a lot of their own things that they need for their classrooms.”

According to Ahrenholtz, the “round-down” approach to pricing items has drawn a large customer base.

“The challenge for me is, and it’s a good challenge, is keeping the shelves full. Things have been selling pretty quick,” Ahrenholtz said.

The inventory is listed on the surplus website, which includes features that allow customers to reserve items ahead of time for in-store pickup. 

With the store in full operation, Ahrenholtz reflected positively on NextStep’s previous accomplishments.

“We’ve kept over 30 million pounds of electronics out of the landfill… To me, that’s pretty amazing,” Ahrenholtz said.

The post UO surplus store opens in Springfield appeared first on Daily Emerald.

On May 13th, the University of Oregon Police Department was notified of a “hate-bias incident” carried out against a UO student near campus, according to a UO Crime Alert sent via email.

According to the alert, a Black student was walking when they were “struck by darts from a Nerf gun and called a racial slur” by an individual in a white Volkswagen. 

The incident occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m. near the intersection of E. 18th Avenue and University Street. 

The assailant suspected of carrying out the attack was identified by police and found to have “no affiliation” with the university. 

Eric Howald, a UO spokesperson, said that identifying the individual was an important development to the active investigation.

“Identifying that individual early on has been helpful in continuing the investigation,” Howald said.

“Hate-bias incidents are acts that could be interpreted as expressions of hate or bias against a particular group or individual because of their membership, perceived or actual, in that group,” the alert said. “Hate-bias incidents range from those considered to be offensive to acts that threaten or cause physical harm.” 

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On March 17, the University of Oregon Board of Trustees approved a 3.75% tuition increase for in-state undergraduates and a 3.25% increase for out-of-state undergraduates. 

Due to the 2020 Oregon Tuition Guarantee, which locks in tuition rates at UO for five years, the change will only impact the incoming class of 2025.

As a student member on the Board of Trustees, David Mitrovčan Morgan said the guarantee is unique to UO. 

“Just not having to worry, knowing when you get here the rate that you’re going to pay for the next five years, it’s a joy,” Mitrovčan Morgan said. 

Cy Abbott, a Ph.D. student and member of the Board of Trustees, said the increase reflects the university’s need to balance financial realities. 

“One of the main priorities is keeping the university competitive in a moment where basically every strain that the university is used to facing has kind of been amplified,” Abbott said.

Brian Fox, associate vice president for Budget, Financial Analysis and Data, explained the budget allocation: 

“Tuition revenue accounts for approximately 77% of total revenue for the Education and General Fund, and it is critical that revenue keep pace with increasing costs,” Fox said.

The Tuition and Fee Advisory Board originally held multiple open sessions to discuss tuition with students.

“TFAB is a diverse group of students, faculty, administrators and staff from across the university that makes recommendations to the president each year about tuition rates,” Fox said.

Mitrovčan Morgan said the factors that contributed to the increase included a “higher inflationary period.”

Fox also said there were other circumstances that the university weighed.

“These cost-drivers, including increases tied to faculty, staff and Graduate Employee collective bargaining agreements, mandatory benefits like retirement and healthcare as well as hiring of new tenure-track faculty and other institutional expenses are anticipated to go up by 4.1% next year,” Fox said.

Fox also said that 79% of the university’s general fund is tied up in personnel costs, including salaries under union and non-union contracts.

“There’s a certain number of the university’s obligations that are contractually locked in,” Abbott said. “The majority of the university’s general fund goes to paying people salaries.”

According to Abbott, there was “a lot of openness about the (tuition review) process.”

“A lot of other people had put into making the recommendations for the numbers that the board actually ended up voting on,” Abbott said. 

According to Fox, measures were taken to ensure scholarships kept pace with rising costs.

“As noted in the board packet, ‘…10% of new revenue from tuition is automatically set aside for remissions (e.g., scholarships) as standard practice. The university has also budgeted additional funds to support the recently increased scholarship levels for incoming cohorts of students,’” Fox said.

While affordability was a concern, Abbott said trustees also considered the broader value of higher education in today’s economic climate.

“There was a lot of reflection on how much of a value higher education is and can be and should be, and how much we as a university are actually making that promise real,” he said.

Ruby Wool, a student member on the Board of Trustees, elaborated on the university’s commitment to its students:

“If we can show students and make them understand that, yes, we know you’ve invested so much of your money and time into coming here, but that’s why we’re going to invest so much back into you,” Wool said.

Wool spoke about her belief that a “reciprocal relationship” exists between UO and the students.

“We know the stress or the hardship it might take to come here, but we’re going to make your investment worth it,” Wool said.

The post UO Board of Trustees approves tuition increase amid rising costs appeared first on Daily Emerald.

On March 17, the University of Oregon Board of Trustees approved a 3.75% tuition increase for in-state undergraduates and a 3.25% increase for out-of-state undergraduates. 

Due to the 2020 Oregon Tuition Guarantee, which locks in tuition rates at UO for five years, the change will only impact the incoming class of 2025.

As a student member on the Board of Trustees, David Mitrovčan Morgan said the guarantee is unique to UO. 

“Just not having to worry, knowing when you get here the rate that you’re going to pay for the next five years, it’s a joy,” Mitrovčan Morgan said. 

Cy Abbott, a Ph.D. student and member of the Board of Trustees, said the increase reflects the university’s need to balance financial realities. 

“One of the main priorities is keeping the university competitive in a moment where basically every strain that the university is used to facing has kind of been amplified,” Abbott said.

Brian Fox, associate vice president for Budget, Financial Analysis and Data, explained the budget allocation: 

“Tuition revenue accounts for approximately 77% of total revenue for the Education and General Fund, and it is critical that revenue keep pace with increasing costs,” Fox said.

The Tuition and Fee Advisory Board originally held multiple open sessions to discuss tuition with students.

“TFAB is a diverse group of students, faculty, administrators and staff from across the university that makes recommendations to the president each year about tuition rates,” Fox said.

Mitrovčan Morgan said the factors that contributed to the increase included a “higher inflationary period.”

Fox also said there were other circumstances that the university weighed.

“These cost-drivers, including increases tied to faculty, staff and Graduate Employee collective bargaining agreements, mandatory benefits like retirement and healthcare as well as hiring of new tenure-track faculty and other institutional expenses are anticipated to go up by 4.1% next year,” Fox said.

Fox also said that 79% of the university’s general fund is tied up in personnel costs, including salaries under union and non-union contracts.

“There’s a certain number of the university’s obligations that are contractually locked in,” Abbott said. “The majority of the university’s general fund goes to paying people salaries.”

According to Abbott, there was “a lot of openness about the (tuition review) process.”

“A lot of other people had put into making the recommendations for the numbers that the board actually ended up voting on,” Abbott said. 

According to Fox, measures were taken to ensure scholarships kept pace with rising costs.

“As noted in the board packet, ‘…10% of new revenue from tuition is automatically set aside for remissions (e.g., scholarships) as standard practice. The university has also budgeted additional funds to support the recently increased scholarship levels for incoming cohorts of students,’” Fox said.

While affordability was a concern, Abbott said trustees also considered the broader value of higher education in today’s economic climate.

“There was a lot of reflection on how much of a value higher education is and can be and should be, and how much we as a university are actually making that promise real,” he said.

Ruby Wool, a student member on the Board of Trustees, elaborated on the university’s commitment to its students:

“If we can show students and make them understand that, yes, we know you’ve invested so much of your money and time into coming here, but that’s why we’re going to invest so much back into you,” Wool said.

Wool spoke about her belief that a “reciprocal relationship” exists between UO and the students.

“We know the stress or the hardship it might take to come here, but we’re going to make your investment worth it,” Wool said.

The post UO Board of Trustees approves tuition increase amid rising costs appeared first on Daily Emerald.

The University of Oregon was ordered to update its social media guidelines and pay between $95,000 and $382,000 in attorneys’ fees as part of a settlement between the university and Portland State University Professor Bruce Gilley. 

In August 2022, Gilley filed a lawsuit against the university after he was blocked from the UO’s Division of Equity and Inclusion’s X account by Tova Stabin, the now retired communication manager of the UO Division of Equity and Inclusion.

Gilley, a former Portland State Professor, had responded “all men are created equal” in response to the original post. Stabin’s tweet stated “You can interrupt racism” and included the prompt, “It sounded like you just said __________. Is that really what you meant?””

The social media updates include: 

• Clear guidelines which prevent content from third parties from being removed or blocked solely on the basis of viewpoint, even if that viewpoint is perceived by some as offensive, racist, or hateful
• Exceptions for posts where blocking is allowed:

• Encourage immediate illegal action

• Threaten violence

• Violate Oregon laws on stalking or harassment

• Promote criminal acts
• Block access to campus spaces
• Personally target students or staff in a way that creates a hostile or unsafe environment

The settlement also defines specific rules for “off-topic” posts; UO is permitted to block spam, repetitive ads, or unrelated comments but not posts just because they express different views. 

A mandated appeal process will be implemented for individuals who feel that their account or content was wrongfully blocked, muted, or deleted.

In addition, the settlement requires UO staff who run official social media accounts to receive annual training on free speech rules.

According to UO Spokesperson Eric Howald, “the training and reporting functions are under construction at this time and should be in place in the coming weeks.”

“We are updating procedures, e.g. that we will offer trainings, create guidance for what can be restricted for content vs. what cannot be restricted for content, and create pathways for people to challenging the blocking of content,” said Howald. 

Howald clarified that these changes will build off of existing guidelines for handling “troubling but protected speech.” 

For 180 days after the settlement was reached, the university will report its progress on these changes.

Justin Francese, a professor for the School of Journalism and Communication, said that UO faces legal constraints when moderating online content.

“Public officials under the law… they’re very limited on how they can moderate. If it looks from the audience’s point of view, or if it’s obvious to anyone that the comment was a political viewpoint regarding the topic, then they open themselves up to a First Amendment lawsuit,” Francese said.

When asked about the importance of a new appeals process Francese said it is “critical.” 

“In my view, the appeal has to be step one for anyone who feels like they’ve been unjustly censored for whatever reason, whether it’s political speech or not,” he said. “Mr. Gillies simply could have just engaged in an appeals process. He could have called and said, ‘You’ve censored me,’” Francese said. 

According to Howald, UO “does not agree that it committed any of the violations alleged in Bruce Gilley’s complaint.”

“No funds are being paid directly to Mr. Gilley as part of the settlement, and any attorney fee award will be covered by the university’s insurance company,”Howald said. 

Howald said that the settlement’s terms primarily serve to clarify when the university is permitted to block individuals from its official social media platforms under the newly updated guidelines.

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On Sunday, April 27, Hayward Field transformed into a finish line for the Eugene half and full Marathon. The 5k was held the previous day in the same location.

At 7:00 a.m., spectators lined down Agate Street to watch the waves of runners start their race, many of whom were University of Oregon students. 

Lauren Englet, a lifelong Eugene resident, began her running journey after she wandered upon the course by chance.

“As a sophomore in college, I actually ended up walking into where the course was for the half and the full. It was the most incredible thing I’d ever seen,” Englet said. “I knew in that moment, ‘Oh my gosh, I have to come back and race.’”

Englet described the energy on the starting line as “electric.” 

“Right before the gun goes off, they played ‘Thunderstruck’ by AC/DC,” Englet said. “It was this really electric feeling just coming from the people that were standing on my left and right side, also in front of me and behind me,” Englet said.

Englet said she was nervous about the race.

“I always feel a little bit nervous when I’m at the starting line, but what really helped center me is focusing on the fact that I’m not running alone,” Englet said.

The sense of community was shared by UO freshman Heidi Thalman, who ran the half marathon for the first time this year.

“If I went down my floor, one of every five doors I knocked on, someone in that room would be running,” Thalman said.

Thalman said that she was “surprised” that everyone who participated came from a different running background.

“I didn’t expect them to be running, because they’ve never mentioned anything about being interested in it before. It’s just really fun because a lot of us are coming from a beginner foundation, and there are other people who are just freaks of nature and have been running forever,” Thalman said.

Thalman said her experience was improved by the community. 

“People (were) literally trading gels or sharing music. They’ve made it a way happier and more joyful experience than I thought something like running could ever be,” she said.

Sam Coronado, a sophomore, started training with little experience in distance running.

“I’ve always been running, but like in sports, like in soccer and basketball. Never just running. Like, I never just ran casually any distance,” Coronado said. “This is definitely something different, but it’s good. I’m excited.”

Thalman echoed Coronado’s sentiments, explaining that she had not run regularly since middle school. Her first time back, she took to the Hayward track at 10:30 p.m.

“I walked over to the track, and it was pouring with rain, and I did my little laps, and that was the first time I was like, ‘Oh, wait, I actually have a competent body.’ So now every time I start freaking myself out about distance, I just go back to that track, my little laps in the dark,” Thalman said.

Thalman, an avid Olympics watcher and daughter of two runners, said that walking around Hayward made her “giddy” when she toured UO. Now, she said she wakes up each morning to a view of the track.

“I don’t think I would have tried for a half… if it was like two hours away, I wouldn’t have thought anything of it, which is crazy to think of now, because I really love it,” Thalman said. “That’s all because of where we are, the fact that I have to stare at Hayward Field every day.”

Thalman said this race shifted her perspective on running and her personal identity.

“I used to avoid pushing myself in running because the rest of my family had so much experience with it,” Thalman said. “I didn’t think it could be something I truly enjoyed; it felt like it belonged to them. But coming here and seeing so many people running at different levels and from so many different backgrounds made me realize I can claim a little piece of running for myself.”

With the finisher’s medal around her neck, Thalman expressed her excitement.

“I’m feeling pretty fabulous! I’m ready for some chocolate chip pancakes,” Thalman said. 

The post Hayward Field becomes a finish line and a starting point for UO runners appeared first on Daily Emerald.

Three new academic programs have been introduced at the University of Oregon: a bachelor of science in materials science, an education specialist degree and a brewing innovation minor.

Jayson Paulose, associate professor of physics, spoke about the new material science B.S. aimed at bridging the fields of chemistry and physics.

“The program is very much a joint effort, developed by a group of several faculty in MSI (Material Science Institute) from both physics and chemistry starting back in 2022,” Paulose said.

According to Paulose, the team challenged themselves to create a degree with a focus on “applied science” and “real-world problems” within the institute.

Paulose said that he and his team asked themselves, “How can we come up with a new major that really meets the needs of today’s workforce, modern technology and also trying to meet the needs of today’s students?”

The requirements will build on existing physics and chemistry courses with the integration of a degree-specific curriculum. 

“In their first or second year, students will take a research immersion course, working directly with a faculty lab on hands-on problem solving around an actual research project,” Paulose said. 

Alicia Lancaster, a sophomore majoring in chemistry, is involved in undergraduate research at the Material Science Institute lab, focusing on crystal lattice vibrations and heat transfer in materials. For her, the degree fills a programmatic gap. 

“I think the overlap between chemistry and physics is where I want to be in my research. It’s hard to put together a class schedule that fits those interests, so the materials science B.S. is really beneficial since my research isn’t totally related to my current classes,” Lancaster said.

The material science degree will be housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, run jointly by the Department of Physics and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

“What I’m really excited about is how broad it is (and) how interdisciplinary it is,” Paulose said.

According to Paulose, the major has been approved at the university level, but it is still in the final stages of approval at the state level. 

“We expect to begin offering the first new courses around the major starting in fall 2025, but it is not confirmed yet at this stage,” Paulose said.

For students in their postgraduate level of study, a new opportunity has been in the works at the College of Education. Angie Whalen, a clinical professor and associate dean at the COE, discussed the expansion of their school psychology program to include an education specialist degree. 

“There’s a huge shortage of mental health providers who are working in schools, K-12 school district settings,” Whalen said. “We are wanting to be able to graduate more school psychologists to go out and meet that need in school districts in Oregon and around the country.” 

The program, which currently exists as an M.S., will be renamed to better reflect the three years of full-time graduate training required for entry-level licensure.

Whalen commented on the “unique” preparation that students get to experience.

“I think our program is unique in that students get that supervised clinical training, but they also have access to opportunities to be involved with innovative and cutting-edge research in the field of education,” Whalen said.

The first two years of the program involve graduate-level coursework and part-time clinical training. In their final year, students will participate in a 1,200-hour supervised clinical internship in a school district under the guidance of a licensed school psychologist.

According to Whalen, the program’s goal of providing hands-on work experience has driven the need for expansion to the Portland campus. 

“We’re limited in the number of students that we can admit and prepare in Eugene because they have to do a lot of internships and supervised clinical experiences under the supervision of school psychologists,” Whalen said.

Beyond these two new degrees, UO has created a brewing innovation minor. Lindsey Rubottom, the brewing innovation instructor and manager, said their hope is to proceed with the Knight Campus’ goal to “advance innovation training.”

The courses themselves will range from the history of beer to hands-on brewing. According to Rubottom, throughout the sequence of courses, an entrepreneurial approach is at the forefront. 

The Knight Campus funded the construction of a fermentation innovation lab and hired a brewing instructor/lab manager to lead the brewing innovation minor.

According to Rubottom, the lab has a brewhouse, fermenters, an analytical laboratory and a cold room. All of these allow “students to apply their skills in collaboration to design a new product.”

Students in the minor will have access to both an educational and professional experience through the Knight Campus resources.  

“The minor is an interdisciplinary program, drawing from chemistry, biology, business, journalism and history,” Rubottom said. “There are no course prerequisites required.”

The post UO introduces three new academic programs appeared first on Daily Emerald.

The 2025 to 2026 University of Oregon Resident Assistant application cycle opened on Dec. 20, 2024. During this time, UO Student Workers have been in the process of bargaining with the UO administration over a new contract proposal that would divide the role into “Community Builder” and “On-Call RA” positions. 

The proposed payment structure would cover 50% of housing costs for Community Builders and 75% for On-Call RAs.

Maverick Gagnon, a freshman RA applicant, said the housing and meal plan were a major motivator when applying for the position.

“That would release a lot of the financial stress of living and eating while going to school,” Gagnon said.

According to Gagnon, rumors regarding the proposed changes circled around applicants.

“I heard about it through word of mouth and word gossip, which ended up being true,” Gagnon said. “I didn’t think they were going to be accurate.”

Sanaz Naterwalla, a fellow RA applicant and current member of the Resident Hall Association, “briefly heard” about the contracts in the RHA council meetings.

During a one-on-one conversation with the President of RHA, Naterwalla was informed that the hiring timeline was to be shifted.

“She kind of mentioned that dates are going to get pushed for those who want to be an RA,” Naterwalla said. “I remember the application didn’t come out until, like, around a month later, to when it was being planned on coming out.” 

That delay was later confirmed by University Housing. Angela Seydel, a spokesperson for the University, relayed that the application process began on Dec. 20, 2024 whereas last year, it opened on Nov.r 11, 2023.

“The position hiring cycle started later because University Housing was reviewing the resident assistant position and determining if any changes would be made for the 2025-26 academic year,” Seydel said.

Despite continued uncertainty regarding the changes, Naterwalla is still excited about the role. 

“It would be disappointing if you get stuck with a role you didn’t really want,” Naterwalla said. “But overall, I’m pretty optimistic still … you’ll still get to connect with people no matter which side of the role you’re on.”

For Gagnon, current RAs have played a role in shaping his view of the position.

“Two (RAs) in particular have helped me with a lot of interpersonal and other issues,” Gagnon said. “I really respect their opinions and advice, so it’s been really awesome to get to know them and have them in my corner.”

However, Gagnon expressed “confusion” and concern with the changes.

“I think that part of why RAs are important is because they are in your corner for emergencies but also because they are community builders,” Gagnon said. “The more connection you build with them from a community base … is important.”

For Naterwalla, the opportunity for connection and personal reward is a big aspect of keeping the role united.

“I think it’s nice to have the same people being on call as who are helping the community and planning events,” Naterwalla said. “It makes it feel more like it’s like a real community, like I know as an RA, if I do get the role, I would love to do both.”

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