Empty Nest Newsletter - Winter 2026

Does it feel like spring is in the air? I know in southern Oregon we have had little bites of winter with snow and cold, but as I check out my flower beds, the daffodils that are 6 inches tall are telling me spring is coming!! As of this writing, it is week 8 of winter term, which means students are now enrolling in their spring term classes. If your student has not mentioned what they may have enrolled in for the spring term, ask them how their advisor meeting went or what they are considering taking for the spring term. These gentle nudges help us ensure students continue their education each term and are well prepared for the third quarter of the year.

Up next is spring break, this year, March 23-27, 2026. Please take note of these dates as you chat with your student. Spring break is only one week, and then we are back at it for the spring term, so I hope this notice helps you plan any travel or fun experiences you and your student may want to embark on during this break. For me, it is the time I prepare for the spring term and begin to dream of what I may add to my flower beds, but keep in mind the weather in the Klamath Basin is fickle, so I will keep dreaming and not plant outdoors until at least the end of May!

In the coming weeks, please consider sending a thoughtful/encouraging meme, a handwritten note, or a grocery order drop-off to share your encouragement and support as students work hard to end the winter term on a good note. Out of the Student Affairs Office, students will be invited to enjoy a Donut and some quick conversation with the Dean of Students and the Dean of both the Engineering, Technology, and Management College and the Health, Arts, and Sciences College. This team takes out a cart full of donuts across the Klamath Falls campus to see students, give them a snack, and encourage them to finish this term strong. At the Portland-Metro campus, students will have a chance to "Fuel for Finals"! During Dead week, please encourage your PM student to stop in at The Roost Student Lounge and enjoy breakfast for lunch! Not only will students have a chance to fuel up, but they can also use the space to study with their study groups or find a new study buddy!

As spring brings hope for some sunshine and warmer days, it also brings Career Fairs, opportunities to look for internships, summer jobs, and so much more! Our students are also preparing for IdeaFest in June as the culminating event to showcase what they have been working on all year. If you are in the Portland Metro area, consider joining us for Student Awards and IdeaFest on campus on June 2, 2026, or if your plans include being in the Klamath Falls area, join us on June 5, 2026. If you have a student graduating, you may want to begin making travel plans! Klamath Falls commencement ceremony is on Saturday, June 13, 2026, with the Portland Metro ceremony on June 14, 2026. I hope you are enjoying our Empty Nest newsletter. We love your feedback too, feel free to email me at mandi.clark@oit.edu if you have any questions or things you want to know more about!

Klamath Falls has been enjoying an unusually mild winter this year—though our Housing staff might say I’ve just tempted fate and should keep the snow shovels on standby! The beautiful weather has given students wonderful opportunities to spend time outdoors, enjoy campus green spaces, and explore the scenic hills surrounding Oregon Tech. 

Housing Events: During Winter Term students had the opportunity to participate in Valentine’s Day events, study sessions with our Student Success Mentors, a Super Bowl Party and more! We have seen an increase in student engagement this year, and we love seeing students make new friends and engage in activities to give their hardworking brains a break!  

Housing Student Positions: Winter term has been both busy and rewarding. This is the season when we select our Fall 2026 Housing student leaders—Resident Assistants (RAs), Programming Assistants (PAs), and Student Success Mentors (SSMs). Students applied in early January, followed by speed interviews and panel interviews, with final selections made by the end of February. In spring, students may apply for Service Desk and Summer Custodial/Maintenance positions. We are continually impressed by the high caliber of student leaders who apply for these positions. Housing is stronger because of their dedication and service.

New Housing Facility Update: On February 10, residential students were informed that the opening of the New Housing Facility is going to be delayed again. This delay means students will not have the opportunity to live in the facility this spring. The plan is to have the building ready for summer housing and conferences. Students will be able to select rooms in the new building for Fall 2026 Housing.

2026-2027 Housing Applications: Applications for Fall 2026 Housing are OPEN!! The following is some important information and reminders concerning Housing Applications and Room Selection for returning residential students:

· If your student is undecided about Fall 2026 housing options, they have nothing to lose by signing up for housing right now. They have until August 15, 2026, to cancel their application and have their deposit refunded.

• BONUS—current residents do not have to pay the $100 deposit or the $50 application fee as their housing deposit rolls over from this year.
• It is beneficial to the student to apply for housing as soon as possible. If they are placed on a waiting list for a single or a Village space, their application status is part of what determines their place on the waitlist.
• May 1st is the Housing Priority deadline. Students who apply for Housing after May 1st will not be able to participate in the Housing Lottery to choose their room and/or roommate. They will be placed by Housing later in the summer.

Spring Break Shuttle:

In just a few weeks it will be Spring Break! Students may stay in campus housing over break if they complete the form notifying housing.

Housing will be offering shuttles to the Klamath Falls Train and Bus station on the following days:

Rides TO the station: March 17 PM – March 20 AM

Rides FROM the station: March 28 PM – March 29 PM

All information for Spring Break will be sent to students via OIT email.

If you have any questions about on-campus housing, please contact us at 541-885-1094 or housing@oit.edu. We are thankful to partner with you in promoting your student’s success on campus.

Disability and Testing Services

Salutations parents, guardians, and supporters! Disability & Testing Services (DTS) supports students with disabilities by facilitating access to Oregon Tech programs and services through accommodation, education, consultation, and advocacy. If your student is already registered with our office, please encourage them to stay in contact with our office if they are experiencing any issues with their accommodation; we are always happy to help where we are able, but we can’t help if we don’t know that there is a problem. If your student is not registered with our office but had an IEP/504 Plan previously or has expressed experiencing challenges that might be related to a disability, please encourage them to connect with our office and engage in our interactive process. Information on how to register with our office is available on our website: https://www.oit.edu/academics/cares/disability-services

While we value the partnership with parents/guardians/supporters, college is a great opportunity for your student to practice and develop vital self-advocacy skills. If your student wants you to be involved in our support or in engaging in our process, we are happy to share that experience with you – however, we are here to support the student and we ask that the student take the lead in the process and communication with our office.

We have staff available on both the Klamath Falls and Portland-Metro campuses, but we support all students at Oregon Tech. We are available to meet with students year-round, so even though we are heading past midterm, we still can meet with students to discuss appropriate accommodation. We encourage students, if they have any questions or want more information, to visit our website or contact us at our office email: access@oit.edu

Integrated Student Health Center

Along for the Ride: Supporting Your Student’s Health Care Journey

How parents can provide support without taking the wheel

As students head off to college, many parents find themselves along for the ride as their student sits in the driver’s seat for the first time, especially when it comes to managing their own health care.

While academic responsibilities often get the most attention, this shift toward independence also means students are learning how to navigate the healthcare system and advocate for their needs, including (but not limited to):

· recognizing when they need care,

· deciding where to go for care,

· managing medications/refills,

· scheduling appointments, and

· following through on treatment.

For parents, the challenge becomes figuring out how to stay supportive from the passenger seat—offering guidance, reassurance, and encouragement without taking the wheel. Once a student turns 18, their health information is generally private. This can feel like a significant shift for families who have been closely involved in, or completely managed, their student’s healthcare. While privacy laws limit what information can be shared to parents without a student’s consent, this article outlines how parents can still play a meaningful role while their student transitions from passenger to driver in their healthcare journey.

Build a simple “healthcare info sheet:”

A small amount of preparation can make a big difference when a student isn’t feeling well or is under stress. Encourage your student to keep the following information in an easily accessible place:

· Their insurance information (carrier, member ID, and customer service number)

· Local (Klamath Falls) pharmacy name and phone number

· Current medications and dosages

· Allergies and past reactions

· Emergency contact information and their at-home doctor/counselor’s information

· A brief health history (any significant medical concerns such as asthma, migraines, or ongoing conditions)

Having this information readily available can reduce stress and help students feel more confident when they need care.

Knowing where to go for care:

For many students, the Integrated Student Health Center (ISHC) is the best first stop when a health concern arises. Students enrolled in six or more on‑campus credits automatically pay a Student Health Fee, which covers most (though not all) services offered through the ISHC during the academic term. Because this fee is already part of enrollment, many visits do not require additional out‑of‑pocket costs, aside from certain lab tests, immunizations, or medications.

The ISHC’s primary care providers, mental health counselors, and health promotion specialists offer a wide array of services, including (but not limited to):

· Primary care (illness, mild injuries, annual exams, immunizations),

· medication management (including psychotropic medications),

· mental health counseling/support,

· nutrition, sleep hygiene, and exercise education/planning,

· referrals for specialized care.

Encouraging students to start with the ISHC can simplify decision‑making and help them access timely care without needing to navigate the broader health care system right away.

For medical needs outside of ISHC business hours, students can conveniently access SkyCare Immediate Care (for urgent care; 8am to 8pm daily) and Sky Lakes Medical Center (for emergency care, 24/7) across the street from campus.

Supporting mental health from afar:

College can be exciting, but it can also be stressful, isolating, or overwhelming at times. Students may downplay their stress for many reasons, including: not wanting to worry family, assuming that struggling is part of “adulting,” or because of stigma (a negative judgment that leads to shame or discrimination). Asking open‑ended questions such as, “What’s been the hardest part of your week?” or “What support would feel most helpful right now?” can invite more meaningful conversation. Often, the most supportive role a parent can play is listening and gently encouraging students to use the resources available to them.

When you’re worried - a simple plan:

If you’re concerned about your student’s well‑being, it helps to have a plan:

· Start by sharing what you’ve noticed,

· offer to help them think through next steps, and

· encourage professional support when needed.

Brief, consistent check‑ins can provide reassurance without feeling intrusive. If you ever believe your student—or anyone—is in immediate danger, seek emergency help right away.

Empowerment - independence with a safety net:

As your student becomes more independent, remember that being along for the ride doesn’t mean being uninvolved—it means being present, attentive, and supportive while empowering them to build confidence in managing their own health. From the passenger seat, parents help ensure students arrive at their destination with the skills, resilience, and self‑advocacy they’ll need well beyond their college years.

Representing the Oregon Institute of Technology, the Student Veterans Program team recently returned from the 18th Annual Student Veterans of America National Conference in Colorado Springs. The event, held at The Broadmoor Hotel, served as a "catalyst for change," offering the delegation a unique platform to advocate for the university’s polytechnic education while securing resources to better steward student veterans through their career transitions. Over the course of the conference, the team successfully managed our exhibitor booth on the SVA Campus, engaged in high-level networking, attended critical breakout sessions, and participated in community service, bringing back actionable insights to strengthen our Veterans Resource Centers (VRCs) and the broader campus community.

A primary objective of the conference was to connect with industry leaders and demonstrate the value Oregon Tech student veterans bring to the workforce. The team capitalized on the gathering of top-tier employers to explore recruitment and partnership opportunities. Significant conversations were held with representatives from Vets in Tech, leading to a promising discussion about a partnership that would allow student veterans graduating from applied computing programs to earn industry-recognized certifications at no cost. This initiative has the potential to significantly enhance employability outcomes for graduates entering the tech sector. Furthermore, the team established direct lines of communication with recruiters from major defense and aerospace contractors, specifically General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin. Both organizations expressed a strong interest in visiting the Oregon Tech campus for networking events and career fairs, provided they receive formal invitations. These potential visits would benefit not only the veteran population but all students in engineering and applied computing programs, reinforcing the university's reputation as a pipeline for technical talent.

The attendees participated in various breakout sessions designed to refine the operation of SVA chapters and improve career readiness. One standout session, "Getting Into the Tech Industry," provided pragmatic advice for veterans entering the civilian workforce. Panelists cautioned against the common pitfall of "overselling" military experience on resumes, which can inadvertently make candidates appear overqualified for vital internship roles. The session validated Oregon Tech’s current trajectory, highlighting the immense value of hands-on initiatives like the developing cybersecurity clinic. This clinic is viewed as a critical tool for bridging the experience gap found in many job postings, providing students with the practical skills needed to secure employment.

Another key area of focus was chapter development and history. A session on the role of the "Chapter Historian" inspired the team to look beyond simple record-keeping. The group is now exploring the creation of an "Oregon Tech Veteran Archive" to preserve the stories of student veterans and faculty, potentially recording these narratives to build a stronger institutional legacy. This concept was further supported by discussions with representatives from Discord, who suggested partnering to host monthly digital forums or roundtables to foster connection and community dialogue.

Beyond the boardroom and breakout sessions, the conference emphasized the "compassion and professionalism" that defines the student veteran community. In a demonstration of this commitment, the Oregon Tech team participated in a hands-on service project, working together to assemble playground equipment for a local community facility. This physical labor not only left a tangible positive impact on the Colorado Springs area but also served as a

bonding experience for the students, who represent diverse branches of the military yet find common ground in their current educational journey.

The experience culminated in the SVA Honors Gala, a formal event where the team celebrated their shared service and the "jam-packed" agenda of the previous days. It was a moment to reflect on the strength of the group—four students from different military branches sitting together, representing unique skill sets but a unified mission.

While SVA NatCon 2026 "is in the books," the work is just beginning. The attendees have returned with a clear roadmap for the coming year: formalizing partnerships with Vets in Tech and defense contractors, implementing a student veteran archive, and utilizing new tools to support career transitions. The connections made and the wisdom gained at The Broadmoor have positioned the Oregon Tech SVA chapter to grow, ensuring that student veterans are not only recognized for their past service but are fully equipped for their future careers.

Winter Term 2026

Spring Term 2026

Give A Hoot Day is the biggest collective fundraising moment of the year at Oregon Tech, and it is a chance for you to help your favorite clubs, departments, campus organizations, student groups, and teams raise money! This year, Give A Hoot Day will be live for 36 hours starting at midnight on Wednesday, April 22 until Thursday, April 23 at noon, and we have matching-gift opportunities and challenges to help groups across campus raise money. 

New Year, New Term, New Opportunities.

This new year, we welcomed Cassy Harter, our new Career Advisor located on the Klamath Falls campus. Students can book an appointment through Handshake to meet with Cassy in-person or virtually.

Additionally, winter term is the perfect time for students to be exploring and securing internship and job opportunities for summer 2026. Career Services offers a variety of opportunities to help students do just that:

One-on-One Appointments

Our Career Advisors offer a variety of one-on-one appointments that students and alumni can schedule. These appointments include:

- Resume/Cover Letter Reviews: Great for students who need assistance in formatting their resume to comply with current industry standards.

- Job Search: Designed to help students learn the ins-and-outs of searching for a job; including what platforms to use and common job titles for their industry or major.

- Internship Search: Internships are great ways for students to get hands-on experience in their industry before they graduate. These appointments help guide students through the internship search process.

- Interview Coaching: Does your student have an interview coming up? Our office offers interview coaching where we give tips on how to prepare for and present yourself in an interview. We also offer mock interviews which help students get a feel for what to expect during their interviews, including commonly asked questions.

- Career Exploration: Ideal for students who are unsure of what career to pursue and want to explore all their career options, or for students who need assistance in deciding which type of job they would like to pursue post-graduation.

How do I book an appointment with Career Services?

Please login to Handshake, oit.joinhandshake.com. Use your oit.edu single sign. Navigate to Career Center. Click Appointments then Schedule a New Appointment and follow the prompts.

Career Fair Prep

With the Career Fair just around the corner, our Career Advisors are offering a “Prepare for the Fair” series. These series of events being offered on the Klamath Falls campus and Portland-Metro campus are designed to help students prepare for the Engineering, Technology, & Management career fairs happening in April. Each event is open to all students, and no registration is required! Below are the different events that will be hosted on both campuses to help prepare students to make a good impression at the career fair.

Career Fairs

Career Services is excited to announce the dates for our Spring 2026 Engineering, Technology & Management (ETM) Career Fair that will be held on both the Klamath Falls campus and Portland-Metro campus.

Spring 2026 Engineering, Technology & Management Career Fair:

Klamath Falls April 16th, 2026 1pm-4pm College Union

Portland-Metro April 27th, 2026 12pm-3pm PM 122-124

We look forward to welcoming employers and students to our spring fairs this April!

Resume Building and Job Application Preparation in TOP

Charlotte Waite, Interim Director, Tech Opportunities Program

How do students translate their school work and project to their resumes? What are employers looking for in a cover letter? What factors determine if an applicant will be a good employee? These common questions plague students as they look for employment and start their careers. This Winter Term, Tech Opportunities Program (TOP) welcomed new Career Services Advisor Cassy Harter to TOP’s weekly TOP Tuesday to guide students through these common questions and review job application materials.

Held on Tuesdays from 1-4, TOP Tuesday is a weekly event within TOP in which students may receive opportunities to learn through a variety of academic and non-academic subjects, find tutoring, and connect with their TOP advisor or Peer Mentor. Each event is thoughtfully and intentionally planned to meet the needs of the students within the program. During this time, students are encouraged to think outside of the box to critically self-reflect with the hopes of growing as a professional and student.

Through this event focused on resume building and job application preparation, TOP students built a strong foundation to begin their job searches. Not only did they receive guidelines and tips and tricks through Cassy’s presentation, they also built a relationship and networked with Career Services newest Career Advisor as they received one-on-one help and guidance regarding their goals and materials.

Oregon Tech’s TRiO grant, the Tech Opportunities Program (TOP), provides a variety of student support services from one-on-one advising to community building making Oregon Tech a true home away from home for students. TOP is a student-focused program that powers the potential of first-generation students, low-income students, and students with disabilities.

Helping Make Textbooks Accessible for Student Use

Charlotte Waite, Access Services Manager, Klamath Falls Library

Textbooks costs add up and can become a barrier for student success at any university. Oregon Tech’s library is dedicated to helping relieve that barrier whenever possible by providing access to majority of textbooks and material used in classes and additional useful items recommended by professors via our Course Reserve section.

The Library’s Course Reserve section, held behind the Help Desk, provides students with needed materials for 2-hour or day long in-house use dependent on the item. Due to high demand of the textbooks, Oregon Tech’s Library check out policy helps more students receive the information they need and ensures equal access for all students.

From undergraduate to graduate classes, the library is mindful to do it’s best supporting the needs of all students attending Oregon Tech. Currently, the shelves hold a variety of textbooks, DVDs, and exam preparation materials totaling around 250 items with new materials being bought as the need arise.

We don’t have a book that a student needs? Students can communicate with the Help Desk informing us of the gap in material, and the library will work diligently to find and purchase the material for our students to be successful.

As your student continues their journey at Oregon Tech, we want to take a moment to thank you for the support, encouragement, and care you provide every day. The Oregon Tech Foundation and Alumni Association are grateful to stand alongside you in helping students grow into the next generation of leaders and changemakers. Thanks to generous donor support, $1.1 million in scholarships have been awarded to over 340 deserving students this year. Students tell the Oregon Tech Foundation that these awards show their community believes in them—just as you believe in your student. The first round of scholarship awards for the 2026-2027 year will be announced in late April. Please encourage your student to take advantage of the final scholarship opportunity for the 2026–2027 academic year in the summer application cycle, open from July 1 through July 15. Learn more at www.oit.edu/otfscholars

We’re inspired by the growing culture of generosity among Oregon Tech students. This Fall, students contributed to over 500 philanthropic initiatives, whether through making a gift or leading fundraising efforts, including participation in Giving Tuesday and other organization-led initiatives. Their energy and compassion demonstrate a shared commitment to supporting one another and strengthening the campus community.

This spring, you can support their philanthropic efforts and double your impact when you give on Give a Hoot Day, April 22–23, in support of your student’s club, athletic program, or department through exciting matching and challenge opportunities. Learn more at www.oit.edu/hootday.

We’re grateful to partner with you in helping Oregon Tech students learn, grow, and prepare to lead in their communities and careers.

The Student Services team on the Portland-Metro campus work collaboratively to support both students and staff. Our student workers know that students, staff and faculty are the collective strength of our university. Students at the Campus Information Center are prepared to answer incoming questions, support campus partners and events while initiatively solving problems. Each student is assigned daily and weekly tasks and is encouraged to think outside the box to proactively anticipate where they can contribute around campus, so each student feels they belong.

We strive to find ways each student can use their talents to connect to and create a sense of belonging for all on campus. Some days, students are proctoring a test or advertising items in the Lost and Found, while other students are managing the Oregon Tech merchandise. Keeping our campus spaces clean and tidy allows students and staff to focus on what matters most, their education. Student workers take pride in their ability to add value to our campus community. They support campus partners by accepting assignments that allow them to work collaboratively and support campus growth outside our department. This builds trust while allowing students to actively participate in the positive change that is happening on our campus.

The Tech Nest Store is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for our students, staff, and the wider community. We proudly offer high-quality, affordable Oregon Tech gear, school supplies, and snacks.

Our school supplies expand every term and we are dedicated to keeping prices low. A few examples:

· Engineering Pad: $8.00

· 1 Subject Notebook: $2.00

· 2 pack, Zebra mechanical pencils: $5.00

· Texas Instrument 30XA Scientific Calculator: $15.00

Our food and drink prices are the best on campus. Our selection of energy drinks is the best in town:

· Rockstar: $2.00

· Celsius: $2.50

· Red Bull: $3.00

· Liquid Death: $2.00

We have many ready to eat options, including the largest selection of Pop Tarts you have ever seen. Yakisoba, Shin Bowls, Chunky Bowls and 14 types of protein bars.

... and yes, they have C4 Cereal Killer in stock for $3.00

Our Oregon Tech gear is constantly changing! Come in and take a look. There is always something new and exciting!

All student workers continue to enjoy a 15% discount on everything in the store.

The Owls’ Worth Financial Literacy program puts on multiple events each term available to students both in-person and online. We try to bring a wide variety of topics to help students while they are in school and after they graduate. There is a scholarship drawing for 3 $250 scholarships at each session. The list of topics will be posted on the website each term at: www.oit.edu/owls-worth.

With the goal of taking advantage of the benefits of being near a major metropolitan area, Student Involvement and Belonging hosted multiple outings during Winter Term for students to see the Portland Winterhawks hockey team in action. The Winterhawks outings included dinner at some of Portland’s favorite eateries: the Old Spaghetti Factory and Pine Street Food Market. Students enjoyed conversation and community with their peers before heading to the big game.

After dinner, students hopped on the TriMet MAX to the Veterans Memorial Coliseum and took in the match. For many, it was their first time watching a hockey game—and several quickly caught the hockey bug. Students were also treated to a personal message displayed on the Winterhawks game board: “Welcome Oregon Tech Portland-Metro University Students, Enjoying A Study Break With The Winterhawks!”

The Hustlin’ Owls closed the regular-season with a 19-9 overall record, heading into the postseason for the 32nd-straight year. Junior forward Jackson Cooper has had one of the best all-around seasons in program history, averaging 18 points, seven rebounds and six assists – all among the Top-5 in the Cascade Conference – surpassing the 1,000-point mark for his career in a late season game vs. College of Idaho. Senior Dakota Reber is averaging 17 points per game and has posted 13 games with 30-or-more points.

The Lady Owls ended the regular-season with a 18-10 record – playing the toughest schedule among all NAIA schools in the West – with more than half their games against teams in the NAIA Top-25 poll. Tatum Schmerbach has scored 10-or-more points in every game this season, heading into the playoffs averaging 18 points, eight rebounds and five assists per game. Olivia Sprague surpassed the 1,600-point mark for her OIT career and became the only player in program history to record at least 1,500 points, 600 rebounds and 400 assists.

Tech competed in three indoor meets during the winter months, with Eli Stevens hitting national qualifying marks in both the heptathlon and the pole vault, and will represent Tech at the NAIA Championships in early March in Florida.

Oregon Tech concluded the preseason with a 12-2 record, going 7-1 during games in Arizona and 5-1 during a recent trip to California. The Lady Owls are ranked No. 10 in the NAIA preseason poll and will play 16 home games this season at Stilwell Stadium.

The Hustlin’ Owls opened the season with a 7-3 record during a week-long trip to Arizona and California, with the team set to start a 37-game Cascade Conference schedule. Tech will open the home schedule on March 14-15 vs. LC State

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