More Information About UESP

Mission

UESP is an integral part of Undergraduate Academic Affairs and is the academic home for undecided/exploratory students at Oregon State University. The mission of UESP is to provide academic advising and major and career exploration assistance to undergraduates, both new and transitional, who wish to investigate the educational opportunities available at OSU. In accordance with OSU’s mission, we strive to enhance the OSU learning environment for our students.

The UESP advisors aim to assist students in making well-informed decisions regarding degree programs and course selection, obtaining accurate information regarding academic programs of study, making connections with academic college head advising offices, assessing career goals in relation to interests, skills and values and accessing other sources of assistance and student support provided by OSU.

Program Goals

1. Provide a structured and supportive environment for students to explore OSU’s academic options.
2. Assist students in understanding the nature, purpose, and potential of higher education.
3. Provide knowledgeable, informed, and accessible advisors.
4. Collaborate with students to clarify interests, values, and abilities to aid their meaning-making and major selection.
5. Introduce and promote utilization of university resources and degree progress technology.
6. Regularly communicate with students regarding classroom and experiential opportunities to aid their major decision-making.
7. Perpetuate a program culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

Advising Outcomes

1. Per the university requirement, UESP students should complete the First Year Skills courses (Writing I, Speech, and Mathematics) in the Baccalaureate Core by the time they have earned 45 OSU-generated credits, and the Second Year Skills course (Writing II) by the time they have finished 90 OSU-generated credits.
2. UESP students should know how to access and utilize MyDegrees, OSU’s online degree audit system.
3. UESP students should engage with active exploration activities and resources.
4. UESP students should pursue involvement outside of the classroom.
5. UESP students should set goals related to major declaration in alignment with UESP’s defined major decision-making process.