Onboarding Sequence

1. Prepare: Online Modules

Prepare will open for the following groups of students during the following dates:

• Veterans and Presidential Scholars: May 4
• All other students: May 11

Students will get access to Canvas Prepare Modules.  Once they complete the Modules and Intake survey, students can schedule their advising appointments (Activate)

Prepare Modules will take at least 3-5 hours to complete. Complete Prepare online learning modules through Canvas to learn key information for advising, registration, and navigating OSU-Cascades resources like advising, finances, technology, and support services.

You will complete the ALEKS Math Placement during Prepare.

• The math placement assessment is used to gain an accurate measure of your current math skills, so your academic advisor can help you register for the appropriate courses.
• You are allowed a total of 5 attempts on the ALEKS assessment, including partially completed assessments. Your highest score is used for placement.

Completion of Prepare will allow you to move onto Step 2: Activate

2. Activate: Advising and Registration

Activate is your academic advising and course registration phase. After you complete the required tasks in Beaver Basecamp, you will receive a Beaver Hub link to schedule a student advising appointment with your academic advisor for assistance with course registration.

• Advising appointments begin June 15; it is suggested to schedule this as soon as you are able.

3. Launch: Orientation Program

Launch is your summer orientation day. You'll meet other students, explore campus, and take part in interactive sessions to help you build connections and get ready to start the term. If you're unable to travel to Bend, there will be a Virtual Launch on September 4. 

Registration for Launch will show up as a task in Beaver Basecamp after you've completed the pre-onboarding tasks.

• Friday, July 24 (9AM - 4PM)
• Friday, August 14 (9AM - 4PM)
• Monday, August 17 (9AM - 4PM)
• Thursday, September 3 - All New Students; Virtual Option (9AM - 12PM)

Pre-Term Reminders

Before Launch:

• Check Beaver Basecamp for any lingering to-do items. If you have already met with your academic advisor, complete any tasks related to getting registered for classes.  

Throughout the summer:

• Get in the habit of checking your Oregon State email address frequently for reminders and updates.  

Before Connect:

• Check Beaver Hub for tasks like completing your immunization records. If you’re living on campus, check your Housing Portal for updates related to your room assignment and move-in date.  

4. Connect: Pre-Term Immersive Experience

Connect kicks off your first term at OSU-Cascades. During this multi-day pre-term event, you’ll deepen the relationships you formed at Launch, take part in OSU-Cascades traditions, and attend sessions to hone your academic skills before the term begins. This is your chance to settle in, make memories, and get to know your new community at OSU-Cascades.  Below is the general schedule; specifics will be released by September 1, 2026

• Saturday, September 19 
  • Move-in to the Residence Hall + all-building social event
• Sunday, September 20
  • Farewell Brunch
  • "Learn by Doing" day - campus & community events
  • Orientation Leader meet-ups and special events
  • Residence Hall floor meetings
  • Student Success Center Takeover Event
• Monday, September 21
  • Class picture and Convocation
  • Campus resource fair and carnival/concert
• Tuesday, September 22
  • FORTE2026
  • Academic Integration and Openhouse Sessions
  • Campus resources open houses
  • Campus trivia night

5. Engage: Yearlong Support and Community-Building

Onboarding doesn’t end when the term begins – support continues in the Engage phase throughout your first year at OSU-Cascades   

• Your first term, you'll take a Transitions course that builds on what you’ve learned in previous phases of onboarding.  
• We’ll keep reaching out with info. Watch your emails for additional information on with deadline reminders, helpful study tips, and more. 
• You’ll meet with academic advisors each term to plan your classes and check on your progress.  
• Stay connected, ask for help when you need it, and remember: you don’t have to do this alone.