Erin Mathias, pictured above, and fellow OSU Ecampus alums share their experiences using student resources as an Oregon State online student. Play the video above to hear directly from Ecampus alums.
By Julie Cooper
Nov. 13, 2017
Achievements often come from a collective effort. At Oregon State University Ecampus, there’s always a helping hand available to guide you toward your degree.
From student success counseling to 24/7 library support, online students have access to a variety of Oregon State resources from a distance.
Graduates from the Ecampus class of 2017 share how they utilized OSU’s student resources to enhance their education and propel them in their career paths.
Eric Broadfoot, B.S. in Economics
Career services
“The career advising services and OSU Beaver Careers (now known as Handshake) assisted me in not only researching and connecting with jobs, but also with preparing for interviews,” says Eric Broadfoot from Madison, Wisconsin (B.S. in Economics).
I used the speed mock interview tool several times to practice for interviews.”
Eric says enrolling with Ecampus was the best option for him, with student services and resources and advisors that made him feel connected and supported.
Ecampus student success
“During my first term, I opted in for the Ecampus mentoring, which was a great way to ease into the university,” says Erin Mathias from Portland, Oregon (B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences).
To have someone to bounce questions and concerns off of helped me feel like I was a valued part of the student body, even though I was not on campus. It was really helpful during those hard first couple of weeks.”
Erin, who is the first in her family to go to college, says her degree will allow her to follow her childhood dreams of working with animals. She says this achievement will also help her serve as a role model to her three younger siblings and other African American girls who want to go into science fields.
OSU Libraries
Merri Muller, B.S. in Liberal Studies
“I utilized the library services’ incredible database to research topics and develop in-depth research papers for my classes,” says Merri Muller from Dallas, Texas (B.S. in Liberal Studies). “Librarians often helped me navigate research databases or access books for my research, and I was able to borrow books and have them mailed right to my door.”
Merri, who wants to work in special education, comes from a family of teachers who motivated her to dedicate time to her education. She hopes to serve as a role model for others, proving that it is never too late to earn a degree or pursue a dream.
While she was an Ecampus student, Merri job-shadowed a teacher for college credit, which she says helped her get accepted into a teacher alternative certification program.
Online global community
In addition to the resources available online, Ecampus students are uniquely connected to a virtual community that spans the world, with students living in all 50 states and more than 50 countries.
This global environment fosters a diverse range of networks that sets students up for success.
“If I could give advice to a new Ecampus student, it would be, ‘Use these resources and get to know your professors and peer students,’” says Kari Livingston from Aurora, Colorado (B.S. in Environmental Sciences). “Create an online classroom community, and your Ecampus experience will be that much more enjoyable and rewarding.”
Explore student resources
Julie Cooper is a student marketing writer for Oregon State Ecampus.
Lucas Paris, a student videographer for Oregon State Ecampus, contributed to the video.
