ISS Units

American Indian Initiatives

facilitates and supports all university-wide policies and initiatives relating to American Indian/Alaska Native recruitment, retention, and community engagement. The position was the first (founded in 1987 as the Indian Education Office) of several select programs to work with a designated minority community. The purpose of the American Indian Initiatives office is to uphold and maintain the unique government-to-government status that tribes have with state institutions based on treaty rights. Education is one of the many treaty rights the U.S. federal government ensures for Native peoples and as such is supported by the state of Oregon.

Asian and Pacific Islander American Student Services

facilitates and supports the success of students from Asian American, Asian (International) and Pacific-Islander students with a focus on retention. The office has the largest client load on campus of any office, with the off-campus population residing primarily in Portland, the Hawaiian Islands, and various West Coast cities. Of all the offices, the Asian & Pacific Islander American Student Services holds the most volatility in demographic diversity, with students from India, Sri Lanka, Hmong Tribal communities, Burmese refugees, and the Middle East identifying as “Asian.”

CASA Latina/o de OSU

serves as the focal point/liaison to the Latina/o communities primarily in the state of Oregon. The office has a primary function as the main outreach vehicle to the Latino community. The client load of the office has grown and will continue to do so as demographic shifts predict out in admissions. Currently, the Casa Latina/o de OSU enjoys campus partners that assist in outreach and retention of Latina/o at Oregon State University (CAMP, Center for Latino Student Engagement).

Ujima Education Office

focuses primarily on the retention of African (international) and African-American students at Oregon State University. The Office facilitates numerous pre-College activities that are designed to influence the matriculation rates of African-American youth into higher education. Currently the client load, admission rates, and retention rates parallel those of the American Indian population, with retention rates being the most problematic.

LGBT Outreach & Services

serves as the retention hub of LGBTQ students on campus. The primary focus is to connect students to campus in a safe, caring and proactive way that facilitates student success. The administrator of the program works closely with on-campus community members and allies, as well as off-campus, conducting workshops and trainings that enhance and underscore the LGBTQ student needs. Currently client load is ambiguous as there is no official demographic information reflecting the LGBTQ student population.

Cross-Cultural Mentoring Program

facilitates mentoring opportunities cross-culturally between academic/professional faculty and students, both graduates and undergraduates of diverse backgrounds, including international students (62%). The primary focus of the program is to create long-lasting productive relationships between faculty and students so as to enhance student retention, academic performance and persistence, and social capital through graduate school and beyond.

Women's Center

serves as the bridge between the community of Corvallis and the University on issues pertaining to women and gender equity. Programs include those which enhance self-confidence and confront issues of gender discrimination. Current client load consists of an increase in international women.

Cultural Centers

Office of Diversity Development

Serves as the primary administrative focus of the student-led Cultural Centers (Asian Pacific Cultural Center, Black Cultural Center, Centro Cultural Cesar Chavez, Native American Longhouse).

Asian Pacific Cultural Center

works to provide a fun, safe and welcoming facility for the retention of students. We provide academic, cultural, recreational, and social programs/activities related, but not limited to the Asian/Pacific Island cultures and heritages. It is our mission to educate students and members of the community about our various cultures and to provide leadership development through these events, activities, and other resources at the Asian & Pacific Cultural Center.

Native American Longhouse

provides the opportunity to build a bridge of understanding between the regions' Tribes and visitors of all cultures. It provides a hospitable environment and a source of support honoring the cultures of the first people of this land, including Alaskan Natives & Hawaiian Natives.

Centro Cultural César Chávez

provides a location and facility for programming various, academic, cultural, recreational and social events related to the Chicano/Latino/Hispanic culture and heritage.

Lonnie B. Harris Black Cultural Center

serves to complement the academic program of studies and enrich the quality of campus life for African and African-American students at Oregon State University.

Pride Center

provides programs and support services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, and asexual members of the OSU community and their allies (LGBTQQIAA).