OSU-Cascades says its has more on-campus flexibility than most schools

But even with some in-person learning, it surely won't be the same this fall

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Oregon State University announced Tuesday that 90 percent of its courses on the Corvallis campus will be offered remotely in the fall. Despite COVID-19 concerns, OSU-Cascades in Bend says it has the ability to be a little more flexible.

OSU-Cascades is home to just 1,300 students, but half of those may actually be able to attend on-campus classes this fall, officials said. The 300-room residence hall has received a full list of applicants, but they'll all be single dorm rooms, to ensure social distancing.

The school says it understands that outside of curriculum, college is also a learning experience. We spoke with OSU-Cascades spokeswoman Christine Coffin to learn how campus groups are fostering engagement.

"People from different backgrounds learn from one another," Coffin said. "So our student life group is working really hard to develop a slate of activities that can be executed safely."

Coffin said these activities may include organizing Zoom calls and physically distanced activities, such as hiking.

However, some faculty members said they feel that students will ultimately be losing something in the process.

Former state representative Judy Steigler, a political science instructor for OSU-Cascades and COCC in Prineville, shares that sentiment.

"Being able to talk one on one with a teacher, it's just not the same," Steigler said. "Yes, I worry a lot. I believe we'll adapt, somehow, but I think that there's something that's going to be lost in the process." 

Steigler said she respects the rules and regulations put in place by the university for everyone's safety amid the pandemic, but hopes for a future when education can return to normal.

OSU-Cascades student Alex Ackerman also expressed regret at missing out on the small, but strong community on campus.

"On campus, you get to know a large proportion of the people there, and you run into them nearly every day," Ackerman said. "It's strange, not getting that interaction."

Ackerman said he already got a taste of learning remotely back in the spring, but starting a school year this way just doesn't feel the same for him.

"It's my senior year, so I only have nine more months of this," Ackerman said. "But I do feel a little bad for incoming freshmen who don't get the full experience."