What is START?

START is new student orientation and an opportunity for new students to meet with an academic advisor, register for courses and attend required online orientation events. Both students and families are provided tools to familiarize themselves with OSU-Cascades, including information on financial aid and scholarships, campus activities and policies.

Winter 2025 START is open November 15 through January 13.

Fall 2025 online START is available in early May in Beaver Basecamp. You will be guided through next steps for completing online orientation(s), placement exams and booking an appointment with your academic advisor. 

(Transfer students: Click here for Transfer START information)

Before you sign up for START

Pay your Advance Tuition Deposit
To confirm your attendance at OSU-Cascades you will be asked to submit the Confirmation form along with your $200 Advance Tuition Deposit. This can be done in your Beaver Basecamp account under “Next Steps Checklist.”

Complete START online orientation

• START for fall term will be available in May each year. Complete your online orientation through Beaver Basecamp. A link will appear to Register for START under your Next Steps Checklist.
• Registration for winter, spring or summer term START will open one to two months before the start of the term. The deadline to register for START is typically a week before classes start. Sign up and complete your online orientation through Beaver Basecamp. A link will appear to Register for START under your Next Steps Checklist.
• Completion of the online orientation is required before you can meet with your academic advisor and registering for your classes.

Sign up for Cascades Connections Days (fall term only)

• Cascades Connections Days are optional, in-person, full-day programs that will give students and their families/guests an opportunity to connect with OSU-Cascades staff, faculty, resources and other new Bend Beavs. Learn about the first-year experience, health and wellness, how to prepare for move-in and more.
• Academic advising and class registration does not take place at this event, this is completed through your online orientation in Beaver Basecamp and should be completed prior to attending START. 
• Registration for Fall 2025 will open in early May.

Preparing for START advising appointment

Placement Tests (IMPORTANT: Students must take the placement test at least a week prior to attending their advising appointment.)

• ALEKs Math Placement Test
  Regardless of AP scores or previous college level math credit all freshman students must take the OSU Math Placement test ALEKs. Information is available here. COCC DPP students are encouraged to complete the ALEKs Math Placement Test several days before advising appointment to ensure registration hold is removed at COCC.
  • Students are encouraged to retake the ALEKs test if they feel they should have a higher score. 
• Submit College Transcripts, AP and CLEP records:
  • High school Dual Credit Courses – if you completed a sponsored dual credit course such as writing or math in high school you will need to request an official transcript from the college or university that provided the credits to OSU-Cascades. Your high school transcript will not have the correct records for these credits to be transferred to OSU.
  • Advanced Placement or CLEP – Students will need to request AP scores from the College Board sent to OSU-Cascades.
  • Standard college courses — if a student enrolled and completed courses from a community college while a high school student the student will need to request an official transcript from the community college to be sent to OSU-Cascades.

Student Account and Tools Set-Up

Students will need to access their various OSU student accounts and online learning tools. Please see Student Accounts Set-Up Guide and Technology Checklist

Suggestion: Check out the OSU Technology Accounts Guide for New Students guide to be ready for START, registration and your first term at OSU-Cascades. Be aware of OSU-Corvallis specific information that may not pertain to our students.

Sign up for an advising appointment

Once you have completed the required online orientations and placement exams, a link to a calendar for your academic advisor will display in your Beaver Basecamp. Please select the day and time of your choice to meet with your academic advisor. This initial meeting will focus on making course recommendations for fall term and will take place on Zoom.

Sign up for student-finance orientation

Receive in-depth information about tuition and fees, student accounts, billing cycles, financial aid and scholarships requirements and payment processes. Find dates.

Download OSU mobile app

You can check grades, dining hall hours, class assignments and much more using the OSU Mobile app. Search for OSU Mobile and download the app for free, then choose OSU-Cascades as your campus.

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