Online learner finds connection, purpose and a powerful way to elevate the voices of Oregon State students around the world
When I first enrolled online with Oregon State University, I wasn’t sure what to expect in terms of connection and community. As a fully online student living in Texas, it was easy to feel like a distant observer rather than an active participant in the university experience. That changed when I joined the OSU Ecampus Student Advisory Board.
Being part of the SAB has been one of the most meaningful and empowering experiences of my time at Oregon State. It gave me the opportunity to connect with other online learners across time zones and backgrounds, all of us united by a shared desire to improve the student experience for Ecampus students — no matter where we are in the world.
A place to belong
One of the most unexpected gifts of serving on the board was the sense of belonging it created. It’s easy to assume that community is something that can only happen on campus, in dorms, or in lecture halls — but our virtual meetings proved otherwise.
“Serving on the advisory board gave me the chance to help shape policies and improvements that don’t just benefit me, but OSU students around the world.”
We shared our challenges, celebrated our milestones, and supported each other as students navigating unique but parallel paths. That sense of camaraderie helped me feel more grounded, more included, and more connected to the OSU community as a whole.
A platform for student voice
The SAB isn’t just a symbolic group — it’s a space where student voices genuinely matter. We regularly meet with Ecampus leadership and staff to provide feedback on course design, student services, accessibility, and more. I’ve seen firsthand how our insights lead to real changes that benefit students at every stage of their journey.
From advocating for clearer communication in courses to helping brainstorm ways to increase engagement in online spaces, the board empowers us to speak up and be heard.
A global impact
One of the most inspiring aspects of Ecampus is its reach: our classmates are logging in from every spot on the globe. Serving on the advisory board gave me the chance to help shape policies and improvements that don’t just benefit me, but OSU students around the world.
Whether someone is earning their degree from a small town in Oregon or a military base overseas, their experience matters — and I’m proud to be part of a team that’s working to make it better for everyone.
Final thoughts
If you’re an Ecampus student who’s looking for a way to get involved, build community, and leave a lasting impact, I wholeheartedly encourage you to consider joining the Ecampus Student Advisory Board. You don’t have to be an expert or have all the answers — you just have to care about your fellow students and want to make a difference.
For me, the SAB transformed Oregon State from just a school into a community. It showed me that even in a fully virtual environment, we can still show up for each other, advocate for meaningful change, and make our voices count.
Discover how Katherine and other members of the Ecampus Student Advisory Board impact the online student experience at Oregon State University, and read about eligibility and participation requirements.
