I recently had the opportunity to play paintball for the first time in my life. I never thought that I would do anything like that because I have always been afraid of how bad people make it sound when you get hit, but I went for it anyway.
The outdoor program offers a lot of trips every year and this was one of them that didn’t fill up on the first day of sign-ups. I saw this as an opportunity to try something new, after all there’s no better time than college for trying new things.
This trip took us to DMZ Paintball in Medford, Oregon. When you arrive, you see the fields with scattered objects and most things have paint splashes all over. You have to sign a waiver and be given a safety briefing before the host will let anyone touch the gear, whether you are a veteran paintball player or if you’re brand new. One of the most important things to remember is to keep your goggles on at all times when you are in the field; if you don’t, he’ll stop the game and call you out until they are back on.
The idea of the game is capture the flag. The group was divided into two teams, and each would take a side to fight to get to the middle and raise the flag corresponding to the armband your team wears to represent that your team had the flag. The other team could take it at any moment but whoever had it at the end of the 15-minute game would be named the victor.
There were strategists, runners, hiders, and those that did everything. With only 200 paintballs per game, you had to make each shot count, and if you didn’t you had to run or pretend you could still shoot. The braver members would drop their gun when they ran out of paint and camp at the flag just in case it ever changed while those that still had paint would cover them. If you got shot you would have to go back to the beginning and wipe all of the paint off before you could run back out into your strategic position and hope you didn’t get shot again on your way there. The more cautious players would typically be the ones to cover the runners because they could find cover and snipe anyone they saw. Other times the cautious players would draw fire while hiding so that the runners could advance more safely. The key to the game is teamwork and that is something you discover very quickly. There is no chance of winning if your team isn’t helping each other and the other team is.
My advice as someone that had never played before this trip is to try it if you have even the tiniest bit of interest. Just make sure you wear thick clothing and are prepared for anything. I almost didn’t go because I was scared of the pain but when I got there, I took my first hit to the face but barely felt a thing because of the adrenaline. Plus, I did pretty well, I shot 12 people and was only shot on three separate occasions. I surprised myself with how I did and I’m sure anyone that’s never played could surprise themselves too. I feel confident when I say that this was one of my favorite things to happen in my time in college and I can’t wait to go again next year.
The outdoor program offers a lot of trips every year and this was one of them that didn’t fill up on the first day of sign-ups. I saw this as an opportunity to try something new, after all there’s no better time than college for trying new things.
This trip took us to DMZ Paintball in Medford, Oregon. When you arrive, you see the fields with scattered objects and most things have paint splashes all over. You have to sign a waiver and be given a safety briefing before the host will let anyone touch the gear, whether you are a veteran paintball player or if you’re brand new. One of the most important things to remember is to keep your goggles on at all times when you are in the field; if you don’t, he’ll stop the game and call you out until they are back on.
The idea of the game is capture the flag. The group was divided into two teams, and each would take a side to fight to get to the middle and raise the flag corresponding to the armband your team wears to represent that your team had the flag. The other team could take it at any moment but whoever had it at the end of the 15-minute game would be named the victor.
There were strategists, runners, hiders, and those that did everything. With only 200 paintballs per game, you had to make each shot count, and if you didn’t you had to run or pretend you could still shoot. The braver members would drop their gun when they ran out of paint and camp at the flag just in case it ever changed while those that still had paint would cover them. If you got shot you would have to go back to the beginning and wipe all of the paint off before you could run back out into your strategic position and hope you didn’t get shot again on your way there. The more cautious players would typically be the ones to cover the runners because they could find cover and snipe anyone they saw. Other times the cautious players would draw fire while hiding so that the runners could advance more safely. The key to the game is teamwork and that is something you discover very quickly. There is no chance of winning if your team isn’t helping each other and the other team is.
My advice as someone that had never played before this trip is to try it if you have even the tiniest bit of interest. Just make sure you wear thick clothing and are prepared for anything. I almost didn’t go because I was scared of the pain but when I got there, I took my first hit to the face but barely felt a thing because of the adrenaline. Plus, I did pretty well, I shot 12 people and was only shot on three separate occasions. I surprised myself with how I did and I’m sure anyone that’s never played could surprise themselves too. I feel confident when I say that this was one of my favorite things to happen in my time in college and I can’t wait to go again next year.
Lilli-Ann Mundon-Burgonio is a second-year student here at Oregon Tech studying echocardiology. Originally from the island of Kauai, Hawaii, Lilli ended up at Oregon Tech because the medical imaging program isn’t a very common field of study in Hawaii. When she received her pamphlet from Oregon Tech, she knew this was the place for her.
Since joining the Oregon Tech community, Lilli has found herself involved in multiple clubs and programs ranging from her program -- Echocardiology and its club -- to the Hawaii Club to give herself a sense of home while so far away. Some of her other involvements include Kappa Xi Alpha, the local sorority which she holds the position of secretary in, and her job at the information desk where she works as a switchboard operator directing calls and answering questions.
When she finally has some free time, she likes to spend it with friends while she is in town. However, when she is home, one of her favorite things to do is go to the beach and read. She says that that is one of the most relaxing experiences in the world. The beach isn’t just for reading though, she also likes to go to just hang out and swim. Occasionally, you might also see her playing ukelele or guitar.
Life hasn’t always been as relaxing as the beach for her though. She still had to make up her mind about what to do for a career. In high school one year she tested the waters of entrepreneurship. Lilli attended a boarding school for high school, so she had to have some fun with the people around her. When she was a freshman, she got into doing nails for the underclassmen. She would go buy sets of nails, then charge the younger girls to have her do their nails for them, and she shared with me that it was definitely not her best work.
After that, she found her passion in echocardiology. She plans to finish her studying here then pursuing a career as an echocardiographer. After some time as an echocardiographer, she wants to travel with her work and gain some experience being in new places. Finally, her end goal with her career is to specialize in pediatrics.
Her career path suits her very well because she is passionate about it, and she loves to try new things. Lilli loves trying new things because of all of the opportunities doing so can and has opened up for her. Not only that, but nothing can really seem to get her down because of her open-mindedness. With all the experiences she hopes to have, she could hit road bumps, but she sees opportunities as a chance to learn new things and try again.
With such big goals and ambitions, I had to ask, “is there anything that you want people to know about you?” and she told me, “My Venmo is @annburgz.” I would keep that in mind if you ever want to support someone that could end up taking care of you or your family someday.
Since joining the Oregon Tech community, Lilli has found herself involved in multiple clubs and programs ranging from her program -- Echocardiology and its club -- to the Hawaii Club to give herself a sense of home while so far away. Some of her other involvements include Kappa Xi Alpha, the local sorority which she holds the position of secretary in, and her job at the information desk where she works as a switchboard operator directing calls and answering questions.
When she finally has some free time, she likes to spend it with friends while she is in town. However, when she is home, one of her favorite things to do is go to the beach and read. She says that that is one of the most relaxing experiences in the world. The beach isn’t just for reading though, she also likes to go to just hang out and swim. Occasionally, you might also see her playing ukelele or guitar.
Life hasn’t always been as relaxing as the beach for her though. She still had to make up her mind about what to do for a career. In high school one year she tested the waters of entrepreneurship. Lilli attended a boarding school for high school, so she had to have some fun with the people around her. When she was a freshman, she got into doing nails for the underclassmen. She would go buy sets of nails, then charge the younger girls to have her do their nails for them, and she shared with me that it was definitely not her best work.
After that, she found her passion in echocardiology. She plans to finish her studying here then pursuing a career as an echocardiographer. After some time as an echocardiographer, she wants to travel with her work and gain some experience being in new places. Finally, her end goal with her career is to specialize in pediatrics.
Her career path suits her very well because she is passionate about it, and she loves to try new things. Lilli loves trying new things because of all of the opportunities doing so can and has opened up for her. Not only that, but nothing can really seem to get her down because of her open-mindedness. With all the experiences she hopes to have, she could hit road bumps, but she sees opportunities as a chance to learn new things and try again.
With such big goals and ambitions, I had to ask, “is there anything that you want people to know about you?” and she told me, “My Venmo is @annburgz.” I would keep that in mind if you ever want to support someone that could end up taking care of you or your family someday.
Someone once said, “Everything you do on the internet creates data.” At the time I personally didn’t think much of that statement. I thought, “Surely, it’s not that bad. There are laws protecting me.” As I move along in my degree plan, I see more and more that this is not the case.
Laws focus more on how information is stored to prevent data breaches.
How much data a company collects is fair game.
Companies collect data for a variety of reasons like advertising, to better their own software, and to share with third parties. For example, while looking into WhatsApp, it was ironic to see that even after all their talk about privacy for their users they still collected data on how users use the app. Although the only true way to stop companies from collecting your data is to not being online, there are some ways to help limit the data being collected.
One of the most common ways companies gather data is through cookies. Cookies are little trackers that follow a user around a website. Sometimes cookies are useful such as streamlining login information but other times cookies are used to directly track for ads. Most web browsers allow some cookies blocking. I would highly recommend blocking “third party cookies” in your browser settings to limit cookies.
Another common way your data is collected online is through software services. Just like cookies, these services can sometimes be beneficial. For example, I am typing this in Word. As I type, Word is reading my document and suggesting edits. It is recommended to not allow any extra data to be collected to maximize privacy.
In many softwares, the highest data collection option is usually selected, and the user has to change it themselves. However, in the case of Word, the license currently associated with it is the OIT email. This means the school itself decides a lot of the settings options. For the most part it is still worth checking settings to understand what user data is being collected.
Keep in mind the cookies and software options are also available for smartphones too. Along with browser and application settings, check your phone settings. Double-check any privacy settings associated with the device and carrier, turn off any app permissions that the app does not need, and check location, and Wi-Fi settings. Keep only what you need or use often.
There are many privacy settings I did not discuss in this article. Some privacy preventions are easy to implement, and others are more complex.
If you would like to learn about more ways to protect your privacy, I would recommend the Federal Trade Commission’s Article “How to Protect Your Privacy Online” and Michael Bazzell’s “Extreme Privacy: What It Takes to Disappear.” The Federal Trade Commission’s article discuss a variety of easy to implement solutions for the everyday user. If you are a bit more tech savvy and wish to really up your privacy, Bazzell’s book offers solutions to a variety of products including smart phones, PCs, routers, and other home devices.
Laws focus more on how information is stored to prevent data breaches.
How much data a company collects is fair game.
Companies collect data for a variety of reasons like advertising, to better their own software, and to share with third parties. For example, while looking into WhatsApp, it was ironic to see that even after all their talk about privacy for their users they still collected data on how users use the app. Although the only true way to stop companies from collecting your data is to not being online, there are some ways to help limit the data being collected.
One of the most common ways companies gather data is through cookies. Cookies are little trackers that follow a user around a website. Sometimes cookies are useful such as streamlining login information but other times cookies are used to directly track for ads. Most web browsers allow some cookies blocking. I would highly recommend blocking “third party cookies” in your browser settings to limit cookies.
Another common way your data is collected online is through software services. Just like cookies, these services can sometimes be beneficial. For example, I am typing this in Word. As I type, Word is reading my document and suggesting edits. It is recommended to not allow any extra data to be collected to maximize privacy.
In many softwares, the highest data collection option is usually selected, and the user has to change it themselves. However, in the case of Word, the license currently associated with it is the OIT email. This means the school itself decides a lot of the settings options. For the most part it is still worth checking settings to understand what user data is being collected.
Keep in mind the cookies and software options are also available for smartphones too. Along with browser and application settings, check your phone settings. Double-check any privacy settings associated with the device and carrier, turn off any app permissions that the app does not need, and check location, and Wi-Fi settings. Keep only what you need or use often.
There are many privacy settings I did not discuss in this article. Some privacy preventions are easy to implement, and others are more complex.
If you would like to learn about more ways to protect your privacy, I would recommend the Federal Trade Commission’s Article “How to Protect Your Privacy Online” and Michael Bazzell’s “Extreme Privacy: What It Takes to Disappear.” The Federal Trade Commission’s article discuss a variety of easy to implement solutions for the everyday user. If you are a bit more tech savvy and wish to really up your privacy, Bazzell’s book offers solutions to a variety of products including smart phones, PCs, routers, and other home devices.
Rachel Newhard is a second-year student here at Oregon Tech studying Business Management and Marketing. She is here from a little town called Bremerton, Washington which is just across the water from Seattle. Knowing that she came from the Seattle area, I had to wonder what made her choose Oregon Tech and she told me that some of the reasons she chose this school are the location, the fact that it is a small school, and the athletic opportunity that she got.
Rachel is a distance runner for the school’s Cross Country and Track teams. She has been running for years and was able to transition to the collegiate level pretty smoothly after being recruited. Apart from sports, she is also involved in other areas of school such as the local sorority -- Kappa Xi Alpha. Since becoming a member in Winter of 2022, she has participated in all of their events.
Outside of academics, Rachel holds a job with the Oregon Tech Relationship Building Program, which trains students to work with families in the DHS system. When she is home for summer, she works at a daycare facility.
It may seem as though she wants to work around people and help them on a personal level, but when she graduates she actually hopes to get a career as a marketing analyst, stick with that for a while, then eventually open her own bookstore. In fact, a fun fact about Rachel is that she absolutely loves reading. She can spend hours reading every day and averages well over one hundred books read every year.
Reading isn’t all she likes though. She can also get really into shows on Netflix. Right now, she is watching Supernatural, but her favorite show is Criminal Minds. She could tell you all of the details for some episodes if she starts talking about it.
She may do a lot of things outside of school, but that doesn’t seem to be stopping her from performing great academically. Taking on two majors is never easy, but she doesn’t seem to be having any issues with it. She may be at Oregon Tech for her second year, but she is Junior status. Staying on top of all her work and graduating high school with an Associate degree have definitely helped her along the way.
If you ever get the chance, Rachel is a great person to get to know.
Rachel is a distance runner for the school’s Cross Country and Track teams. She has been running for years and was able to transition to the collegiate level pretty smoothly after being recruited. Apart from sports, she is also involved in other areas of school such as the local sorority -- Kappa Xi Alpha. Since becoming a member in Winter of 2022, she has participated in all of their events.
Outside of academics, Rachel holds a job with the Oregon Tech Relationship Building Program, which trains students to work with families in the DHS system. When she is home for summer, she works at a daycare facility.
It may seem as though she wants to work around people and help them on a personal level, but when she graduates she actually hopes to get a career as a marketing analyst, stick with that for a while, then eventually open her own bookstore. In fact, a fun fact about Rachel is that she absolutely loves reading. She can spend hours reading every day and averages well over one hundred books read every year.
Reading isn’t all she likes though. She can also get really into shows on Netflix. Right now, she is watching Supernatural, but her favorite show is Criminal Minds. She could tell you all of the details for some episodes if she starts talking about it.
She may do a lot of things outside of school, but that doesn’t seem to be stopping her from performing great academically. Taking on two majors is never easy, but she doesn’t seem to be having any issues with it. She may be at Oregon Tech for her second year, but she is Junior status. Staying on top of all her work and graduating high school with an Associate degree have definitely helped her along the way.
If you ever get the chance, Rachel is a great person to get to know.
When I discuss phishing, most people immediately think of an email sent from someone they don’t know with an outrageous username, saying they need to click on the link quickly or bad things will happen. What people don’t think of when they hear the word “phishing” is a social media direct message or text telling them to “claim” a prize or to log in “via the link below.” Would you trust a link a friend or trusted coworker sent? For a lot of us, the answer is “yes.” Why shouldn’t you trust them? They wouldn’t send you anything bad, right? But what if it wasn’t them?
When I looked up “phishing examples” on the internet, I was greeted with a variety of emails littered with spelling errors and unprofessional language sent from people with the oddest sender names. What I didn’t see were Instagram direct messages, texts, or other messages from other social media sites.
Recently, I personally have had more phishing attacks come through text or social media direct messages than through emails. Usually, these are geared toward some sort of urgent action, my favorite being, “we’ve locked your Amazon account due to unusual activity.” Just recently, many Zelle users were struck with phishing texts asking them if they authorized a large payment to an unknown person. The Zelle victim would click the link THINKING they were denying the payment. In reality, theyauthorized the payment to the attacker. As for phishing on social media, this is where it gets tricky.
It might be easy to spot a poorly written and unprofessional text or email, but what about an Instagram message from a friend stating, “look what I just did with your pictures, don’t get mad”? This was the very message I received from a friend on Instagram a few years ago. We don’t expect our friends to “act professional” when messaging us. We don’t “expect” links they send to be malicious.
As it turns out, his account had been hacked. I confronted him about the message, and he was just as confused as me. These messages sound scary and daunting to figure out, especially if they come from someone you know. However, there are a few things you can do to help you decide.
First and foremost, if you have ANY suspicion the message might be a phishing attack, DO NOT CLICK ON THE LINKS. Commit this one to memory. If you remember anything from this article, do not click on the links. Second, if you can find an alternative way to contact the person, outside of the supposed phishing message location, you can confirm with them that they did or did not send the supposed phishing message. However, use caution because it can very easily be the case that they have more than one compromised account. Finally, if you do happen to click on the link and enter any credentials, change your passwords immediately. Do not wait. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
When I looked up “phishing examples” on the internet, I was greeted with a variety of emails littered with spelling errors and unprofessional language sent from people with the oddest sender names. What I didn’t see were Instagram direct messages, texts, or other messages from other social media sites.
Recently, I personally have had more phishing attacks come through text or social media direct messages than through emails. Usually, these are geared toward some sort of urgent action, my favorite being, “we’ve locked your Amazon account due to unusual activity.” Just recently, many Zelle users were struck with phishing texts asking them if they authorized a large payment to an unknown person. The Zelle victim would click the link THINKING they were denying the payment. In reality, theyauthorized the payment to the attacker. As for phishing on social media, this is where it gets tricky.
It might be easy to spot a poorly written and unprofessional text or email, but what about an Instagram message from a friend stating, “look what I just did with your pictures, don’t get mad”? This was the very message I received from a friend on Instagram a few years ago. We don’t expect our friends to “act professional” when messaging us. We don’t “expect” links they send to be malicious.
As it turns out, his account had been hacked. I confronted him about the message, and he was just as confused as me. These messages sound scary and daunting to figure out, especially if they come from someone you know. However, there are a few things you can do to help you decide.
First and foremost, if you have ANY suspicion the message might be a phishing attack, DO NOT CLICK ON THE LINKS. Commit this one to memory. If you remember anything from this article, do not click on the links. Second, if you can find an alternative way to contact the person, outside of the supposed phishing message location, you can confirm with them that they did or did not send the supposed phishing message. However, use caution because it can very easily be the case that they have more than one compromised account. Finally, if you do happen to click on the link and enter any credentials, change your passwords immediately. Do not wait. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Seven months after the Associated Students of Oregon Institute of Technology (ASOIT) drafted a Resolution of No Confidence against the Board of Trustees (BOT), the previously strained relationship between the two governing bodies appears to be slowly improving.
This time last year, relations between Oregon Tech’s shared governing bodies (ASOIT, Faculty Senate, and BOT) were at a low point. To assess the overall campus sentiment, in January of 2022, Oregon Tech hired consulting agency ModernThink to surveystudents, faculty, staff, and administrators about their views on Oregon Tech’s mission, values, leadership, operations, and general experiences.
While the responses regarding Oregon Tech’s educational mission and values were positive, the responses concerning BOT and senior administrative leadership were overwhelmingly negative.
On August 30, 2022, in his first email in as the new Chair of BOT, John Davis addressed Oregon Tech students, faculty, and staffby stating the Board, “takes the results of the climate assessment seriously” and the Board would take action to improve shared governance, Board outreach, and leadership outreach.
“We are committed as trustees to active engagement with the campus community, faculty, staff, and students. You will see more trustees, more of the time, at more meetings and [there will be] additional opportunities for interaction,” he said.
Midway through the 2022-23 academic year, how are the Board and senior leadership doing?
ASOIT President Sasha Rabich said, “The Board of Directors has made it a point to meet with ASOIT,” and to engage with more stakeholders. So far, actions from BOT have been positive.
There have been more meetings between ASOIT leadership, BOT, and senior leadership with ASOIT meeting once per month separately with Dr. Naganathan and Chair Davis.
In mid-January, Dr. Naganathan invited ASOIT leaders to dinner with Provost Joanna Mott, and Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Erin Foley. ASOIT members Morgan Queen, Finn Anders, and Sasha Rabich attended.
On January 12, ASOIT leadership met with Chair Davis at the Portland Metro campus to discuss their respective priorities for this year. According to ASOIT Vice President Finn Anders, ASOIT voiced frustration about the lack of instructors.
He also stated that the Board’s priority is to increase enrollment and retention, then look to hire long term faculty. Right now, there are fifty open positions, but only adjunct faculty are being considered in the interim. Long-term faculty hiring will notbegin until August.
There have also been more on campus activities with senior leadership. Last term, Provost Joanna Mott joined students for Dead Week tutoring on December 5. On February 20, Dr. Naganathan will be attending the next ASOIT general meeting to meet with the student body.
Rabich’s biggest frustration is the “speed in which it takes to enact action.” Students and trustees operate on different timelines. Overall, Rabich said he feels heard. There are “more ideas being had; more ideas being shared,” he said.
This time last year, relations between Oregon Tech’s shared governing bodies (ASOIT, Faculty Senate, and BOT) were at a low point. To assess the overall campus sentiment, in January of 2022, Oregon Tech hired consulting agency ModernThink to surveystudents, faculty, staff, and administrators about their views on Oregon Tech’s mission, values, leadership, operations, and general experiences.
While the responses regarding Oregon Tech’s educational mission and values were positive, the responses concerning BOT and senior administrative leadership were overwhelmingly negative.
On August 30, 2022, in his first email in as the new Chair of BOT, John Davis addressed Oregon Tech students, faculty, and staffby stating the Board, “takes the results of the climate assessment seriously” and the Board would take action to improve shared governance, Board outreach, and leadership outreach.
“We are committed as trustees to active engagement with the campus community, faculty, staff, and students. You will see more trustees, more of the time, at more meetings and [there will be] additional opportunities for interaction,” he said.
Midway through the 2022-23 academic year, how are the Board and senior leadership doing?
ASOIT President Sasha Rabich said, “The Board of Directors has made it a point to meet with ASOIT,” and to engage with more stakeholders. So far, actions from BOT have been positive.
There have been more meetings between ASOIT leadership, BOT, and senior leadership with ASOIT meeting once per month separately with Dr. Naganathan and Chair Davis.
In mid-January, Dr. Naganathan invited ASOIT leaders to dinner with Provost Joanna Mott, and Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Erin Foley. ASOIT members Morgan Queen, Finn Anders, and Sasha Rabich attended.
On January 12, ASOIT leadership met with Chair Davis at the Portland Metro campus to discuss their respective priorities for this year. According to ASOIT Vice President Finn Anders, ASOIT voiced frustration about the lack of instructors.
He also stated that the Board’s priority is to increase enrollment and retention, then look to hire long term faculty. Right now, there are fifty open positions, but only adjunct faculty are being considered in the interim. Long-term faculty hiring will notbegin until August.
There have also been more on campus activities with senior leadership. Last term, Provost Joanna Mott joined students for Dead Week tutoring on December 5. On February 20, Dr. Naganathan will be attending the next ASOIT general meeting to meet with the student body.
Rabich’s biggest frustration is the “speed in which it takes to enact action.” Students and trustees operate on different timelines. Overall, Rabich said he feels heard. There are “more ideas being had; more ideas being shared,” he said.
Heat exchangers, such as this one from Owens Hall, convert hot water into usable heat inside buildings. Many of them are corroded. ( Photo courtesy of Fluent Engineering)
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Underground supply pipes and valves are damaged and corroded (Photo courtesy of Fluent Engineering, Inc)
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If funded, renovations will begin in the summer of 2023 (Table courtesy of John Harman)
Oregon Tech President Dr. Nagi Naganathan will request 18 million in emergency funds from the Oregon State Legislature to fix the aging, corroding infrastructure delivering geothermal water across the Klamath Falls campus. This volcanically derived resource is the only source of heat and hot water for all educational and housing buildings.
John Harman, Oregon Tech’s Vice President of Finance and Administration, summarized the issue at the December 16, 2022, Board of Trustees special session.
“This system, because it’s six decades old, is beginning to have major risks of failure in certain areas,” he stated.
Fluent Engineering detailed these risks in a report issued to the Oregon Tech administration on June 28, 2022. The report cautioned that “catastrophic consequences” could result if any of the four critical geothermal water supply points (the two primary production wells, the mechanical control equipment, the distribution network, and the main electrical system) were to fail during the late fall and winter months when low temperatures consistently drop below freezing.
The report indicated such a failure could result from a power outage, a common occurrence during severe winter weather events. A steady stream of electricity is essential for operating the supply and distribution pumps that direct heat towards buildings.
If any of the four critical points fail, the worst-case scenario would be a prolonged period of downtime, which could mean several weeks up to several months for repairs. Oregon Tech would be forced to close the campus and displace students, faculty, and staff.
During the board meeting, Harman pointed out that the system has not been neglected. Over the past two years, more than 2 million dollars went towards the repair, replacement, and rehabilitation of geothermal components. Maintenance cannot keep pace with the frequent age-related equipment breakdowns.
In addition to providing a system assessment, Fluent Engineering estimated that the net investment costs for transitioning to natural gas or electricity would be 37 million and 53 million respectively. By comparison, renewing the existing system would cost 22 million.
However, Oregon Tech does not have 22 million in reserve funds to repair the broken infrastructure. The Higher Education Coordinating Council (HECC) does fund capital project expenditures, but they must focus on improvements which advance the educational goals of the university.
“When it comes to funding…there really is no other avenue to go through other than emergent funding directly to the legislature because Capital Investment Renewal (CIR) dollars…don’t consider funding for unique infrastructure elements like this,” Harman explained.
If the Oregon State Legislature passes a bill in support of the renovations, repair work will begin in the summer of 2023 and continue through the summer of 2025. Each phase will be restricted to the summer months to avoid disrupting the normal operations of the university.
The improvements will not only extend the life of the geothermal system another 60 years, but will also allow the university to expand the existing sidewalk snowmelt system.
Of the 110, 000 ft2 of currently available snowmelt tubing, only 60,000 ft2 are hooked up around CEET, DOW, College Union steps, and Owens Hall steps and ramp. Additional capacity would reduce slip hazards and the need for deicing salts when it snows.
The significance of this project is not lost on other universities, who have been supporting Oregon Tech’s funding campaign. As far as successfully lobbying the legislature, John Harman thinks the odds are good.
“I think this will be widely supported,” he said.
John Harman, Oregon Tech’s Vice President of Finance and Administration, summarized the issue at the December 16, 2022, Board of Trustees special session.
“This system, because it’s six decades old, is beginning to have major risks of failure in certain areas,” he stated.
Fluent Engineering detailed these risks in a report issued to the Oregon Tech administration on June 28, 2022. The report cautioned that “catastrophic consequences” could result if any of the four critical geothermal water supply points (the two primary production wells, the mechanical control equipment, the distribution network, and the main electrical system) were to fail during the late fall and winter months when low temperatures consistently drop below freezing.
The report indicated such a failure could result from a power outage, a common occurrence during severe winter weather events. A steady stream of electricity is essential for operating the supply and distribution pumps that direct heat towards buildings.
If any of the four critical points fail, the worst-case scenario would be a prolonged period of downtime, which could mean several weeks up to several months for repairs. Oregon Tech would be forced to close the campus and displace students, faculty, and staff.
During the board meeting, Harman pointed out that the system has not been neglected. Over the past two years, more than 2 million dollars went towards the repair, replacement, and rehabilitation of geothermal components. Maintenance cannot keep pace with the frequent age-related equipment breakdowns.
In addition to providing a system assessment, Fluent Engineering estimated that the net investment costs for transitioning to natural gas or electricity would be 37 million and 53 million respectively. By comparison, renewing the existing system would cost 22 million.
However, Oregon Tech does not have 22 million in reserve funds to repair the broken infrastructure. The Higher Education Coordinating Council (HECC) does fund capital project expenditures, but they must focus on improvements which advance the educational goals of the university.
“When it comes to funding…there really is no other avenue to go through other than emergent funding directly to the legislature because Capital Investment Renewal (CIR) dollars…don’t consider funding for unique infrastructure elements like this,” Harman explained.
If the Oregon State Legislature passes a bill in support of the renovations, repair work will begin in the summer of 2023 and continue through the summer of 2025. Each phase will be restricted to the summer months to avoid disrupting the normal operations of the university.
The improvements will not only extend the life of the geothermal system another 60 years, but will also allow the university to expand the existing sidewalk snowmelt system.
Of the 110, 000 ft2 of currently available snowmelt tubing, only 60,000 ft2 are hooked up around CEET, DOW, College Union steps, and Owens Hall steps and ramp. Additional capacity would reduce slip hazards and the need for deicing salts when it snows.
The significance of this project is not lost on other universities, who have been supporting Oregon Tech’s funding campaign. As far as successfully lobbying the legislature, John Harman thinks the odds are good.
“I think this will be widely supported,” he said.
In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is typically used as an excuse to eat tacos and drink. There are many parties that surround the theme of sombreros and ponchos that do not fully embrace the significance and history behind Cinco de Mayo. This day symbolizes the Mexican army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in the Franco-Mexican War. There is a big misconception in American society where they believe that this day is Mexico’s Independence Day, but it is recognizing a single battle that has revitalized the Mexico government and movement.
During the time that Benito Juarez was elected president in 1861, Mexico was going through financial ruin after dealing with rebellion from its citizens against the government. Juarez was forced to default on the debt that it had accrued from European governments. France, Britain, and Spain sent their troops to Veracruz, Mexico to demand their payment from Mexico’s government. After negotiating, Britain and Spain retreated and withdrew their troops.
France, at the time was ruled by Napoleon III, which led him to use this opportunity of debt to try and get a Mexican territory. Napoleon III therefore sent approximately 6,000 troops under General Charles Latrille de Lorencez to attack Puebla, a small town in east central Mexico. Juarez was able to round up 2,000 Indigenous Mexicans or those of mixed ancestry to combat against the French troops (History.com). The Mexican troops were led by Texas-born, General Ignacio Zaragoza, to prepare for the battle that was coming amongst them.
This battle started on May 5, 1862 from daybreak to early evening. Although the Mexican troops were outnumbered, the French had lost about 500 troops while the Mexican troops had only lost about 100 of them. This caused the French to retreat from the battle which gave the Mexican troops the victory in the overall war against the French. The Battle of Puebla symbolizes the victory the Mexican government had and strengthened the resistance movement.
Although many people believe that Cinco de Mayo celebrations happen all throughout Mexico, the celebrations are centered in Puebla -- where the battle took place. In Puebla, they celebrate by doing historical reenactments, parades, and delicious meals. Many of the people from Puebla dress up as the French and Mexican troops to reenact the war in their parades. Once the reenactment ends with the Mexican troops winning, they celebrate with music, dancing, and food. Within their parades, they have many colorful floats that consist of the people of Puebla on them to display how beautiful that town is.
Cinco de Mayo is a celebratory holiday that symbolizes the military victory against the French over 160 years ago. It is an important regional holiday, especially for those from Puebla where the war took place. Even though people in the U.S. may celebrate it, it is important to understand the cultural significance and the history behind this memorable holiday.
During the time that Benito Juarez was elected president in 1861, Mexico was going through financial ruin after dealing with rebellion from its citizens against the government. Juarez was forced to default on the debt that it had accrued from European governments. France, Britain, and Spain sent their troops to Veracruz, Mexico to demand their payment from Mexico’s government. After negotiating, Britain and Spain retreated and withdrew their troops.
France, at the time was ruled by Napoleon III, which led him to use this opportunity of debt to try and get a Mexican territory. Napoleon III therefore sent approximately 6,000 troops under General Charles Latrille de Lorencez to attack Puebla, a small town in east central Mexico. Juarez was able to round up 2,000 Indigenous Mexicans or those of mixed ancestry to combat against the French troops (History.com). The Mexican troops were led by Texas-born, General Ignacio Zaragoza, to prepare for the battle that was coming amongst them.
This battle started on May 5, 1862 from daybreak to early evening. Although the Mexican troops were outnumbered, the French had lost about 500 troops while the Mexican troops had only lost about 100 of them. This caused the French to retreat from the battle which gave the Mexican troops the victory in the overall war against the French. The Battle of Puebla symbolizes the victory the Mexican government had and strengthened the resistance movement.
Although many people believe that Cinco de Mayo celebrations happen all throughout Mexico, the celebrations are centered in Puebla -- where the battle took place. In Puebla, they celebrate by doing historical reenactments, parades, and delicious meals. Many of the people from Puebla dress up as the French and Mexican troops to reenact the war in their parades. Once the reenactment ends with the Mexican troops winning, they celebrate with music, dancing, and food. Within their parades, they have many colorful floats that consist of the people of Puebla on them to display how beautiful that town is.
Cinco de Mayo is a celebratory holiday that symbolizes the military victory against the French over 160 years ago. It is an important regional holiday, especially for those from Puebla where the war took place. Even though people in the U.S. may celebrate it, it is important to understand the cultural significance and the history behind this memorable holiday.
Two students who dressed up for the event.
This past three-day weekend, Housing collaborated with SIB, CAB, Treehouse, KTEC, and many other programs on campus to hostthe two-day event of TechCon. This year, the theme was Cyberpunk. There were many events going on throughout both days like mini-golf, auctions, board games, retro games. Local vendors were also involved in TechCon, and they had plush toys, crochet items, and 3D printed items as well. Also, Kurt Liedtke, a member of the Southern Oregon Retro Gamers, brought an entire collection of retro gaming systems from his personal collection that ranged from Atari to PSP to Guitar Hero to Nintendo DS.
When students and guests arrived at TechCon in the CU, they checked in and received their initial credits to use for the auctions. They were then sent to the contract depot station where they collected to-do tasks to earn more credit. Many of those tasks consisted of visiting the various activities that were available that day. These activities ranged from taking a picture at the photo booth, to playing board/card games, to experiencing the racing simulator, and playing Super Smash Bros and Mario Kart with Oregon Tech Gaming. Casino Games were one of the activities that was popular during both days of TechCon . Students varied from a few minutes to hours playing the casino games.
As students completed contracts, which were the tasks assigned, they earned a specific amount of credits that could be used for auctions that were happening later in the day or for the casino games. There were two auctions each day over the two-day event. The prizes that were being auctioned off ranged from: a Nintendo Switch, Beats Solo headphones, AirPods, lava lamps, 32” TV, gaming headsets and keyboards, and the main attraction prize which was Xbox Series X with Cyberpunk 2077. Students either bid as individuals or accumulated their credits as a group to have a high amount to bid. The Xbox Series X was won by a group of students with over 400,000 credits!
There were also special events on specific days. On Saturday, there was karaoke in the Treehouse, which was an event that also earned students and guests credit. There was also glow in the dark dodgeball that was hosted in the TechRec. This was also another event that earned people credits to use for auctions. On Sunday, there was a costume contest in which the top three winners earned credits that can be used for auctions or casino games. There was also a foam sword tournament earlier in the day on Sunday. For the main event of TechCon, there was Synthrave, which is a silent rave. At the rave, students and/or guests were given headphones with certain music playing on it, provided by KTEC. There were three stations playing in the headphones and people were able to change it as they pleased. They were given glow sticks to use while dancing to the music that was playing in their ears.
When students and guests arrived at TechCon in the CU, they checked in and received their initial credits to use for the auctions. They were then sent to the contract depot station where they collected to-do tasks to earn more credit. Many of those tasks consisted of visiting the various activities that were available that day. These activities ranged from taking a picture at the photo booth, to playing board/card games, to experiencing the racing simulator, and playing Super Smash Bros and Mario Kart with Oregon Tech Gaming. Casino Games were one of the activities that was popular during both days of TechCon . Students varied from a few minutes to hours playing the casino games.
As students completed contracts, which were the tasks assigned, they earned a specific amount of credits that could be used for auctions that were happening later in the day or for the casino games. There were two auctions each day over the two-day event. The prizes that were being auctioned off ranged from: a Nintendo Switch, Beats Solo headphones, AirPods, lava lamps, 32” TV, gaming headsets and keyboards, and the main attraction prize which was Xbox Series X with Cyberpunk 2077. Students either bid as individuals or accumulated their credits as a group to have a high amount to bid. The Xbox Series X was won by a group of students with over 400,000 credits!
There were also special events on specific days. On Saturday, there was karaoke in the Treehouse, which was an event that also earned students and guests credit. There was also glow in the dark dodgeball that was hosted in the TechRec. This was also another event that earned people credits to use for auctions. On Sunday, there was a costume contest in which the top three winners earned credits that can be used for auctions or casino games. There was also a foam sword tournament earlier in the day on Sunday. For the main event of TechCon, there was Synthrave, which is a silent rave. At the rave, students and/or guests were given headphones with certain music playing on it, provided by KTEC. There were three stations playing in the headphones and people were able to change it as they pleased. They were given glow sticks to use while dancing to the music that was playing in their ears.
Winter is in full swing here in Klamath, meaning cold, snowy days. With the cold comes the urge to stay indoors and bundle up. Many college students likely spend an adequate amount of time in their dorms-especially during the winter. Your dorm room becomes your sanctuary, the place of ultimate relaxation and your study spot as well. Therefore, it is vital to make your dorm room a space you feel comfortable in and a space that motivates you to be the best student as well as help you destress.
One way to make your dorm a tropical oasis during the winter is to invest in a few (or many) plants! Plants can help to liven up even the dullest dorm room and are not just decorative clutter. With plants in your dorm, enjoy better air quality, a better mood, and a more creative you.
While plants have proven to be beneficial to one’s health, they can also give you more of a sense of purpose during the darker, colder days out. Depending on the type of plant of course, some require a fair amount of attention -- such as watering and weeding --while others thrive the best when they are left alone. Klamath has no shortage of sunshine, which is why you may find your plants that require full sun (such as sitting in your dorm window) will do their best in this climate.
If you want a plant that requires little to no attention and little to no water- you may find that a succulent may best suit you and your living space. If you want a slightly larger plant that also requires the same lack of water and care, you may also consider purchasing a snake plant. These are very popular and appealing to the eye as well.
No matter what kind of plants you choose, make sure they are the right fit for the level of care you are looking to give them and consider how they will look in your space. There are no wrong choices for plant types if they boost your mood and thrive in your care.
As far as plant shopping goes, there are many local places to consider and different ways to approach this. You can buy a whole new plants at local stores such as Packer Plant Co. Downtown, Fred Meyer, Home Depot, or you can borrow from friends. Some plants can grow and flourish from remnants of larger plants, which you may consider asking your friends with plants for, to start growing some of your own.
Plants really are mood boosters to surround yourself with. Consider shopping at local businesses if you are looking to purchase plants to decorate your dorm space, or even gifting them to friends whose space could use some greenery as well.
One way to make your dorm a tropical oasis during the winter is to invest in a few (or many) plants! Plants can help to liven up even the dullest dorm room and are not just decorative clutter. With plants in your dorm, enjoy better air quality, a better mood, and a more creative you.
While plants have proven to be beneficial to one’s health, they can also give you more of a sense of purpose during the darker, colder days out. Depending on the type of plant of course, some require a fair amount of attention -- such as watering and weeding --while others thrive the best when they are left alone. Klamath has no shortage of sunshine, which is why you may find your plants that require full sun (such as sitting in your dorm window) will do their best in this climate.
If you want a plant that requires little to no attention and little to no water- you may find that a succulent may best suit you and your living space. If you want a slightly larger plant that also requires the same lack of water and care, you may also consider purchasing a snake plant. These are very popular and appealing to the eye as well.
No matter what kind of plants you choose, make sure they are the right fit for the level of care you are looking to give them and consider how they will look in your space. There are no wrong choices for plant types if they boost your mood and thrive in your care.
As far as plant shopping goes, there are many local places to consider and different ways to approach this. You can buy a whole new plants at local stores such as Packer Plant Co. Downtown, Fred Meyer, Home Depot, or you can borrow from friends. Some plants can grow and flourish from remnants of larger plants, which you may consider asking your friends with plants for, to start growing some of your own.
Plants really are mood boosters to surround yourself with. Consider shopping at local businesses if you are looking to purchase plants to decorate your dorm space, or even gifting them to friends whose space could use some greenery as well.
Pre-Medical Imaging Technology, commonly referred to as “Pre-MIT” is one of the very prominent categories many Oregon Tech students fall under. This category refers to the time when students are planning on majoring in a Medical Imaging program but have not yet applied or been accepted to one of the programs at the Klamath Falls campus. For those who are not familiar with the medical imaging programs at the Klamath Falls campus, there are what are referred to as 5 modalities. This includes Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Vascular Technology, Echocardiography, Nuclear Medicine, and Radiologic Science. Some of the programs sound quite similar, but they all serve their own specific purposes and are equally as important.
Pre-MIT students take a course labeled “MIT 103” which is essentially a beginner’s course where all 5 modalities are explained in depth, giving these students an idea of what programs they are most interested in applying to here on the Klamath Falls campus. Before applying in the spring, there are a multitude of ways pre-medical imaging students can better experience the imaging modalities and find their best fit. The easiest way for students to make connections with students in these programs is by volunteering for these programs and shadowing. While it is important to learn about each modality in a class setting, it is highly recommended you shadow each modality as well.
The ultrasound modalities -- Echocardiography, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, and Vascular Technology -- are always looking for students to scan for practice as well as students they can use as practical patients. If you are not familiar with practical in the sonography modalities, they are essentially timed scanning sessions proctored by modality professors, where imaging students demonstrate they can identify certain structures with precision with ultrasound technology. They are high stress and difficult, which is why it is vital there are many different students they can scan to become familiar with the anatomy of a wide range of people.
By volunteering to have ultrasound studies done by the different modalities, you will gain much more of an idea of what each modality looks at, specializes in, and operates as. This is great insight to take into consideration when you are making your application decisions. Also, if you are a student who is in need of volunteer hours, this is a great way to get many! You can be scanned by different modalities, different students in the modalities, and log these hours towards your volunteer criteria.
For the modalities where they cannot actively image you on campus, like Nuclear Medicine and Radiologic Science, you can still attend their labs and observe. You may even get some hands-on experience by doing this. This is another way you can get volunteer hours and better understand these modalities. Everyone is very welcoming and eager to help students learn and make the best modality choice for them, even if their first choice happens to be in a different modality.
To volunteer to be a patient for students in MIT programs, there are patient sign-up sheets outside most lab doors located on the first floor of DOW. These sign-up sheets are generally on the lab doors or the adjacent lab bulletin boards. Being a patient will help you make an informed decision when it comes to applying to your top programs of choice as well as help MIT students by giving them more practice on various patients. Consider signing up and making connections as soon as you can!
More questions about Pre-MIT, signing up to be a patient, or the respective modalities?
Contact [email protected]
Pre-MIT students take a course labeled “MIT 103” which is essentially a beginner’s course where all 5 modalities are explained in depth, giving these students an idea of what programs they are most interested in applying to here on the Klamath Falls campus. Before applying in the spring, there are a multitude of ways pre-medical imaging students can better experience the imaging modalities and find their best fit. The easiest way for students to make connections with students in these programs is by volunteering for these programs and shadowing. While it is important to learn about each modality in a class setting, it is highly recommended you shadow each modality as well.
The ultrasound modalities -- Echocardiography, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, and Vascular Technology -- are always looking for students to scan for practice as well as students they can use as practical patients. If you are not familiar with practical in the sonography modalities, they are essentially timed scanning sessions proctored by modality professors, where imaging students demonstrate they can identify certain structures with precision with ultrasound technology. They are high stress and difficult, which is why it is vital there are many different students they can scan to become familiar with the anatomy of a wide range of people.
By volunteering to have ultrasound studies done by the different modalities, you will gain much more of an idea of what each modality looks at, specializes in, and operates as. This is great insight to take into consideration when you are making your application decisions. Also, if you are a student who is in need of volunteer hours, this is a great way to get many! You can be scanned by different modalities, different students in the modalities, and log these hours towards your volunteer criteria.
For the modalities where they cannot actively image you on campus, like Nuclear Medicine and Radiologic Science, you can still attend their labs and observe. You may even get some hands-on experience by doing this. This is another way you can get volunteer hours and better understand these modalities. Everyone is very welcoming and eager to help students learn and make the best modality choice for them, even if their first choice happens to be in a different modality.
To volunteer to be a patient for students in MIT programs, there are patient sign-up sheets outside most lab doors located on the first floor of DOW. These sign-up sheets are generally on the lab doors or the adjacent lab bulletin boards. Being a patient will help you make an informed decision when it comes to applying to your top programs of choice as well as help MIT students by giving them more practice on various patients. Consider signing up and making connections as soon as you can!
More questions about Pre-MIT, signing up to be a patient, or the respective modalities?
Contact [email protected]
Finals season is approaching quickly, which means tensions are high and the end of the term is in sight. The end of the term can be an incredibly stressful time for the majority of college students which is why we are encouraged to relax (the best we can) to have our best performances on our exams and not experience the “burnt out” effect. Time and money are scarce resources for college students which is why I would like to present a variety of free, short, and effective ways to do some self-care in preparation for, and during, finals week:
College can quickly become overwhelming and stressful, but there are a multitude of ways to deal with and help resolve the weight of academic pressure. Challenge yourself to try one of these simple ways to destress your mind and body adequately and watch as it helps you to focus harder while you are studying as well as relax more comfortable when you are not. Just keep in mind, your hard work will pay off and there is no assignment/test/exam/project worth sacrificing your state of mind and self-care practices for. Many of these destressing options are noticeably short in length and completely free. Utilize these and help yourself to become the best version of you during finals week!
- Take a small portion of time at the end of your day to do some breathing exercises or an yoga practice. Sites such as YouTube offer a wide range of completely free videos for beginners that are easy to follow along and can benefit your mind and body. These are great options if you are feeling overwhelmed and just need to decompress after a long day.
- Get some fresh air! We spend many hours of our days sitting in buildings with few windows and recycled air. Go outside for a few minutes and just take some time to yourself to enjoy the fresh air. Even a short walk could help improve your circulation and clear your mind.
- Spend time with friends. It is easy to isolate yourself and force yourself to study alone without distractions, but it can be beneficial to meet up with a friend or two, change your scenery (go to a coffee shop or a friend’s house) and enjoy conversation and study together with each other’s company.
- Bake! Baking is a delicious distraction and with the holiday season in full swing there are many sweet treats to be made and eaten. Baking can help you clear your mind, put your focus on something not school related, and reaps many benefits, usually tasty ones.
College can quickly become overwhelming and stressful, but there are a multitude of ways to deal with and help resolve the weight of academic pressure. Challenge yourself to try one of these simple ways to destress your mind and body adequately and watch as it helps you to focus harder while you are studying as well as relax more comfortable when you are not. Just keep in mind, your hard work will pay off and there is no assignment/test/exam/project worth sacrificing your state of mind and self-care practices for. Many of these destressing options are noticeably short in length and completely free. Utilize these and help yourself to become the best version of you during finals week!
This restored funding will directly benefit our students, who are our top priority - President Naganathan
On May 13th, 2022, the Oregon Tech Board of Trustees voted to approve a tuition increase of 5% for the 2022-23 fiscal year. This final vote came after the Tuition Recommendation Committee (TRC) initially recommended an 8% increase in April. In early May, behind-the-scenes talks between the state of Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Council (HECC), ASOIT, and Oregon Tech administrators led to the final recommendation. Here’s how the saga unfolded:
The TRC (composed of faculty, administrators, student representatives, and ASOIT members) met twice in January and twice in February to evaluate how much to increase tuition and mandatory fees and consider additional options to keep the tuition increase at or below 5% (the threshold in which HECC does not need to approve tuition increases).
According to a January 28th, 2022, slideshow presented to the TRC by John Harman, Vice President of Finance and Administration, Oregon Tech faces an operational budget deficit of over $7.5 million if no increases in enrollment and tuition are applied in the next academic year. This deficit resulted from decreased student enrollment in Fall 2021, reduced HECC state funding for the 2021-23 period, and increased labor and benefit expenses. Of these factors, HECC’s reduced funding had the greatest impact on the OT’s future operational budget.
HECC rewards and distributes money from the Public University Support Fund (PUSF) to each of the seven Oregon public universities based on a funding model called the Student Success and Completion Model (SSCM). This model awards funds using a formula based on three categories. One of these categories is outcome-based, which means the more graduates a university produces (only Oregon residents are counted) the more funding it can receive. This category also provides additional weighting for graduating historically underrepresented students and students with degrees in high-demand fields (e.g., STEM, Healthcare).
In the same January TRC presentation, John Harman explained that HECC reconfigured this funding formula, which reduced the STEM premium and changed the way programs are weighted. These changes resulted in a $2.6 million reduction in state funding for Oregon Tech’s 2021-23 biennium (two-year period). Oregon Tech was the only public university to receive reduced funds.
Anna Clark of the Office of Budgeting and Planning stated that Oregon Tech would have needed to raise tuition 9% next year to balance the operational budget due to this funding shortfall. To avoid such a massive increase, other options were considered such as using one-time government COVID funds, end of year reserve funds, or resorting to faculty and staff budget cuts.
On February 25th, 2022, the TRC voted to recommend an 8% tuition increase with the caveat that Oregon Tech leadership needed to tap into reserve funds and approach HECC to convince them to revise their formula. In a March 24th joint TRC and ASOIT recommendation letter to President Naganathan, ASOIT expressed that they “cannot agree to a recommendation of more than 5% until proper preparation, communication, and exploration of alternatives to an 8% increase are given to students or student representatives.”
ASOIT began coordinating with the Office of Finance, Student Affairs, and the Provost to prepare for a May 12th meeting with HECC. Unbeknownst to ASOIT, during the first week of May, staff from the Office of Finance and Administration met with HECC staff, who agreed to revise the formula weights with the support of financial representatives from the other public universities. This meant additional funding to OT, which consequently dropped the tuition increase to 5%.
After the Board approved the revised tuition increase, President Naganathan stated, “This restored funding will directly benefit our students, who are our top priority.”
Even with the revised increase, students who are struggling to afford college may endure additional hardships if Pell Grants and Federal loans are not enough to cover the 5% increase.
Source: https://www.oit.edu/finance-administration/tuition-recommendation-committee
The TRC (composed of faculty, administrators, student representatives, and ASOIT members) met twice in January and twice in February to evaluate how much to increase tuition and mandatory fees and consider additional options to keep the tuition increase at or below 5% (the threshold in which HECC does not need to approve tuition increases).
According to a January 28th, 2022, slideshow presented to the TRC by John Harman, Vice President of Finance and Administration, Oregon Tech faces an operational budget deficit of over $7.5 million if no increases in enrollment and tuition are applied in the next academic year. This deficit resulted from decreased student enrollment in Fall 2021, reduced HECC state funding for the 2021-23 period, and increased labor and benefit expenses. Of these factors, HECC’s reduced funding had the greatest impact on the OT’s future operational budget.
HECC rewards and distributes money from the Public University Support Fund (PUSF) to each of the seven Oregon public universities based on a funding model called the Student Success and Completion Model (SSCM). This model awards funds using a formula based on three categories. One of these categories is outcome-based, which means the more graduates a university produces (only Oregon residents are counted) the more funding it can receive. This category also provides additional weighting for graduating historically underrepresented students and students with degrees in high-demand fields (e.g., STEM, Healthcare).
In the same January TRC presentation, John Harman explained that HECC reconfigured this funding formula, which reduced the STEM premium and changed the way programs are weighted. These changes resulted in a $2.6 million reduction in state funding for Oregon Tech’s 2021-23 biennium (two-year period). Oregon Tech was the only public university to receive reduced funds.
Anna Clark of the Office of Budgeting and Planning stated that Oregon Tech would have needed to raise tuition 9% next year to balance the operational budget due to this funding shortfall. To avoid such a massive increase, other options were considered such as using one-time government COVID funds, end of year reserve funds, or resorting to faculty and staff budget cuts.
On February 25th, 2022, the TRC voted to recommend an 8% tuition increase with the caveat that Oregon Tech leadership needed to tap into reserve funds and approach HECC to convince them to revise their formula. In a March 24th joint TRC and ASOIT recommendation letter to President Naganathan, ASOIT expressed that they “cannot agree to a recommendation of more than 5% until proper preparation, communication, and exploration of alternatives to an 8% increase are given to students or student representatives.”
ASOIT began coordinating with the Office of Finance, Student Affairs, and the Provost to prepare for a May 12th meeting with HECC. Unbeknownst to ASOIT, during the first week of May, staff from the Office of Finance and Administration met with HECC staff, who agreed to revise the formula weights with the support of financial representatives from the other public universities. This meant additional funding to OT, which consequently dropped the tuition increase to 5%.
After the Board approved the revised tuition increase, President Naganathan stated, “This restored funding will directly benefit our students, who are our top priority.”
Even with the revised increase, students who are struggling to afford college may endure additional hardships if Pell Grants and Federal loans are not enough to cover the 5% increase.
Source: https://www.oit.edu/finance-administration/tuition-recommendation-committee
Oregon Tech students not actively involved in student-led clubs or programs may not be aware of the Associated Students of the Oregon Institute of Technology (ASOIT) — the university-wide program governing the student body — and what it can do for them, and why they should get involved in the program. At its core, ASOIT functions as a governing body, but more significantly, it is an advocate for student interests.
Oregon Tech students not actively involved in student-led clubs or programs may not be aware of the Associated Students of the Oregon Institute of Technology (ASOIT) — the university-wide program governing the student body — and what it can do for them, and why they should get involved in the program. At its core, ASOIT functions as a governing body, but more significantly, it is an advocate for student interests.
“The purpose of ASOIT is to supplement the social, cultural, physical, and educational interests in its members, and to represent the individual and collective interests of the students of Oregon Tech .” - ASOIT Mission statement
While ASOIT has historically been associated with campus clubs and programs, ASOIT is currently restructuring to focus exclusively on its role as a governing body.
As a governing body, ASOIT is the direct link between university administrators, board members, and the entire student body. General meetings are held throughout the term, so students unhappy with university policies and practices can raise their concerns to ASOIT members, who can then initiate conversations with university leaders and administrators to push for better policies and resources that benefit students.
ASOIT’s latest push is try and reduce students’ 2022-23 financial burden arising from the 7% tuition increase approved by the Board of Trustees in April, and the Higher Education Coordinating Commission’s (HECC) reduction in state funds to Oregon Tech.
In May, ASOIT will be meeting with HECC to persuade them to re-evaluate their allocation formula after Oregon Tech was the only Oregon public university to receive a Public University Support Fund (PUSF) cut. They will also be approaching the Oregon Legislature to lobby for more funding.
While ASOIT serves to advance student needs, the program would benefit from greater student participation. One of the main ways to participate is to attend a general meeting.
General meetings provide space for discussions of campus-wide events, changes or updates to governing policies, and specific student concerns. Students can raise issues by emailing ASOIT ahead of the scheduled meeting date to ensure the issue is added to the meeting agenda.
According to Landis, prior to the 2021-22 academic year, students (not associated with clubs) attended ASOIT meetings in greater numbers to vocalize their frustrations, particularly during last year’s strike. This academic year, not many students from the general study body have attended ASOIT general meetings.
Regarding the limited participation, Landis notes “that there is a handful of very involved students, and they tend to be involved in literally all the facets, but it’s like a very small, not representative group of people, who have the time and passion to do it.”
This small cohort represents a sliver from the wide spectrum of existing student voices.
“We’re not getting the full picture of student representation. Not everybody’s voice is heard if only a couple of people are at the table,” remarked Landis.
Inadequate student representation waters down the power students have in shaping university policies that directly affect them.
This aspect alone is a compelling reason for students to engage. Involvement can include applying for open ASOIT positions, applying to sit on university wide committees, or attending general meetings.
The future of ASOIT depends on student involvement. With many ASOIT leaders graduating at the end of this year, many 2022-23 leadership positions have yet to be filled. Now is the time for students who want to affect change at the policy level step up and take charge.
Additional information:
ASOIT website: https://www.oit.edu/campus-life/asoit-student-government
ASOIT Presence portal: https://oit.presence.io/organization/associated-students-of-oregon-institute-of-technology-klamath-falls
ASOIT Email: [email protected]
For more information about available positions, visit Handshake or the office of Student Involvement and Belonging (SIB) in CU 107
“The purpose of ASOIT is to supplement the social, cultural, physical, and educational interests in its members, and to represent the individual and collective interests of the students of Oregon Tech .” - ASOIT Mission statement
While ASOIT has historically been associated with campus clubs and programs, ASOIT is currently restructuring to focus exclusively on its role as a governing body.
As a governing body, ASOIT is the direct link between university administrators, board members, and the entire student body. General meetings are held throughout the term, so students unhappy with university policies and practices can raise their concerns to ASOIT members, who can then initiate conversations with university leaders and administrators to push for better policies and resources that benefit students.
ASOIT’s latest push is try and reduce students’ 2022-23 financial burden arising from the 7% tuition increase approved by the Board of Trustees in April, and the Higher Education Coordinating Commission’s (HECC) reduction in state funds to Oregon Tech.
In May, ASOIT will be meeting with HECC to persuade them to re-evaluate their allocation formula after Oregon Tech was the only Oregon public university to receive a Public University Support Fund (PUSF) cut. They will also be approaching the Oregon Legislature to lobby for more funding.
While ASOIT serves to advance student needs, the program would benefit from greater student participation. One of the main ways to participate is to attend a general meeting.
General meetings provide space for discussions of campus-wide events, changes or updates to governing policies, and specific student concerns. Students can raise issues by emailing ASOIT ahead of the scheduled meeting date to ensure the issue is added to the meeting agenda.
According to Landis, prior to the 2021-22 academic year, students (not associated with clubs) attended ASOIT meetings in greater numbers to vocalize their frustrations, particularly during last year’s strike. This academic year, not many students from the general study body have attended ASOIT general meetings.
Regarding the limited participation, Landis notes “that there is a handful of very involved students, and they tend to be involved in literally all the facets, but it’s like a very small, not representative group of people, who have the time and passion to do it.”
This small cohort represents a sliver from the wide spectrum of existing student voices.
“We’re not getting the full picture of student representation. Not everybody’s voice is heard if only a couple of people are at the table,” remarked Landis.
Inadequate student representation waters down the power students have in shaping university policies that directly affect them.
This aspect alone is a compelling reason for students to engage. Involvement can include applying for open ASOIT positions, applying to sit on university wide committees, or attending general meetings.
The future of ASOIT depends on student involvement. With many ASOIT leaders graduating at the end of this year, many 2022-23 leadership positions have yet to be filled. Now is the time for students who want to affect change at the policy level step up and take charge.
Additional information:
ASOIT website: https://www.oit.edu/campus-life/asoit-student-government
ASOIT Presence portal: https://oit.presence.io/organization/associated-students-of-oregon-institute-of-technology-klamath-falls
ASOIT Email: [email protected]
For more information about available positions, visit Handshake or the office of Student Involvement and Belonging (SIB) in CU 107
Oregon Tech students not actively involved in student-led clubs or programs may not be aware of the Associated Students of the Oregon Institute of Technology (ASOIT) — the university-wide program governing the student body — and what it can do for them, and why they should get involved in the program. At its core, ASOIT functions as a governing body, but more significantly, it is an advocate for student interests.
“The purpose of ASOIT is to supplement the social, cultural, physical, and educational interests in its members, and to represent the individual and collective interests of the students of Oregon Tech .” - ASOIT Mission statement
While ASOIT has historically been associated with campus clubs and programs, ASOIT is currently restructuring to focus exclusively on its role as a governing body.
As a governing body, ASOIT is the direct link between university administrators, board members, and the entire student body. General meetings are held throughout the term, so students unhappy with university policies and practices can raise their concerns to ASOIT members, who can then initiate conversations with university leaders and administrators to push for better policies and resources that benefit students.
ASOIT’s latest push is try and reduce students’ 2022-23 financial burden arising from the 7% tuition increase approved by the Board of Trustees in April, and the Higher Education Coordinating Commission’s (HECC) reduction in state funds to Oregon Tech.
In May, ASOIT will be meeting with HECC to persuade them to re-evaluate their allocation formula after Oregon Tech was the only Oregon public university to receive a Public University Support Fund (PUSF) cut. They will also be approaching the Oregon Legislature to lobby for more funding.
While ASOIT serves to advance student needs, the program would benefit from greater student participation. One of the main ways to participate is to attend a general meeting.
General meetings provide space for discussions of campus-wide events, changes or updates to governing policies, and specific student concerns. Students can raise issues by emailing ASOIT ahead of the scheduled meeting date to ensure the issue is added to the meeting agenda.
According to Landis, prior to the 2021-22 academic year, students (not associated with clubs) attended ASOIT meetings in greater numbers to vocalize their frustrations, particularly during last year’s strike. This academic year, not many students from the general study body have attended ASOIT general meetings.
Regarding the limited participation, Landis notes “that there is a handful of very involved students, and they tend to be involved in literally all the facets, but it’s like a very small, not representative group of people, who have the time and passion to do it.”
This small cohort represents a sliver from the wide spectrum of existing student voices.
“We’re not getting the full picture of student representation. Not everybody’s voice is heard if only a couple of people are at the table,” remarked Landis.
Inadequate student representation waters down the power students have in shaping university policies that directly affect them.
This aspect alone is a compelling reason for students to engage. Involvement can include applying for open ASOIT positions, applying to sit on university wide committees, or attending general meetings.
The future of ASOIT depends on student involvement. With many ASOIT leaders graduating at the end of this year, many 2022-23 leadership positions have yet to be filled. Now is the time for students who want to affect change at the policy level step up and take charge.
Additional information:
ASOIT website: https://www.oit.edu/campus-life/asoit-student-government
ASOIT Presence portal: https://oit.presence.io/organization/associated-students-of-oregon-institute-of-technology-klamath-falls
ASOIT Email: [email protected]
For more information about available positions, visit Handshake or the office of Student Involvement and Belonging (SIB) in CU 107
“The purpose of ASOIT is to supplement the social, cultural, physical, and educational interests in its members, and to represent the individual and collective interests of the students of Oregon Tech .” - ASOIT Mission statement
While ASOIT has historically been associated with campus clubs and programs, ASOIT is currently restructuring to focus exclusively on its role as a governing body.
As a governing body, ASOIT is the direct link between university administrators, board members, and the entire student body. General meetings are held throughout the term, so students unhappy with university policies and practices can raise their concerns to ASOIT members, who can then initiate conversations with university leaders and administrators to push for better policies and resources that benefit students.
ASOIT’s latest push is try and reduce students’ 2022-23 financial burden arising from the 7% tuition increase approved by the Board of Trustees in April, and the Higher Education Coordinating Commission’s (HECC) reduction in state funds to Oregon Tech.
In May, ASOIT will be meeting with HECC to persuade them to re-evaluate their allocation formula after Oregon Tech was the only Oregon public university to receive a Public University Support Fund (PUSF) cut. They will also be approaching the Oregon Legislature to lobby for more funding.
While ASOIT serves to advance student needs, the program would benefit from greater student participation. One of the main ways to participate is to attend a general meeting.
General meetings provide space for discussions of campus-wide events, changes or updates to governing policies, and specific student concerns. Students can raise issues by emailing ASOIT ahead of the scheduled meeting date to ensure the issue is added to the meeting agenda.
According to Landis, prior to the 2021-22 academic year, students (not associated with clubs) attended ASOIT meetings in greater numbers to vocalize their frustrations, particularly during last year’s strike. This academic year, not many students from the general study body have attended ASOIT general meetings.
Regarding the limited participation, Landis notes “that there is a handful of very involved students, and they tend to be involved in literally all the facets, but it’s like a very small, not representative group of people, who have the time and passion to do it.”
This small cohort represents a sliver from the wide spectrum of existing student voices.
“We’re not getting the full picture of student representation. Not everybody’s voice is heard if only a couple of people are at the table,” remarked Landis.
Inadequate student representation waters down the power students have in shaping university policies that directly affect them.
This aspect alone is a compelling reason for students to engage. Involvement can include applying for open ASOIT positions, applying to sit on university wide committees, or attending general meetings.
The future of ASOIT depends on student involvement. With many ASOIT leaders graduating at the end of this year, many 2022-23 leadership positions have yet to be filled. Now is the time for students who want to affect change at the policy level step up and take charge.
Additional information:
ASOIT website: https://www.oit.edu/campus-life/asoit-student-government
ASOIT Presence portal: https://oit.presence.io/organization/associated-students-of-oregon-institute-of-technology-klamath-falls
ASOIT Email: [email protected]
For more information about available positions, visit Handshake or the office of Student Involvement and Belonging (SIB) in CU 107
The Oregon Tech Gaming (OTG) Program had their gaming lounge grand opening on April 1st, 2022. In the gaming lounge, they have five gaming PC set ups that consist of high-end components, peripherals, and monitors that suit the needs of the video games, so students can enjoy the set up to its full potential. There is also a Nintendo Switch that is hooked up to a 65-inch television. The games for the Nintendo Switch are Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Brothers, Mario Party, and many others for students to come in and play among other students. The director of OTG, Daniel Craig, mentions that in the next academic year, the lounge will be gaining a PS5 and an Xbox Series X. This will be something to look forward for students who use different gaming systems and want to meet new people and connect through their gaming skills.
OTG has many hopes for this gaming lounge to flourish and help create a sense of community within our student body. Craig says, “The gaming lounge should be a place for individuals to come and interact in a social environment.” The purpose of the gaming lounge is to help create those lifelong friendships by way of connecting with others through sharing similar interests like gaming. Craig also mentions that this space allows OTG to have a set location for their esports development, team meetings, practice, and gamedays. The gaming lounge was also intended for future enrichment of esports. This means that students will be able to compete for scholarships within teams that can help them develop personal and social skills as well as representing the school on a national stage.
In order to receive everyone’s input based on their likes, the OTG staff creates polls on their whiteboard for students to vote for the next upcoming tournament or insert a game of their choosing into the poll. They had initially started the FGF which is an acronym for Fighting Game Friday. The gaming lounge will also have regularly scheduled events and/or tournaments. OTG plans on starting the Smash Spring Series, which will be a bi-weekly Super Smash Bros. tournament that will take place every other Saturday starting April 16th. Craig has also mentioned that OTG will also host esports watch parties in the lounge area like the League of Legends MSI Finals.
The gaming lounge is in Diamond Peak in the CU. You can enter from the doors facing the residence hall and walk through the door on the left to enter the gaming lounge. They are open six days a week: Tuesday-Friday: 5pm-9pm and Saturday-Sunday: 1pm-9pm.
To stay current with OTG events, their Discord is the best way to stay updated. You can go to http://discord.gg/oregontech . Stay tuned with OTG as they have exciting events to come. Look for yourself and head on down to the gaming lounge and interact with others through gaming!
OTG has many hopes for this gaming lounge to flourish and help create a sense of community within our student body. Craig says, “The gaming lounge should be a place for individuals to come and interact in a social environment.” The purpose of the gaming lounge is to help create those lifelong friendships by way of connecting with others through sharing similar interests like gaming. Craig also mentions that this space allows OTG to have a set location for their esports development, team meetings, practice, and gamedays. The gaming lounge was also intended for future enrichment of esports. This means that students will be able to compete for scholarships within teams that can help them develop personal and social skills as well as representing the school on a national stage.
In order to receive everyone’s input based on their likes, the OTG staff creates polls on their whiteboard for students to vote for the next upcoming tournament or insert a game of their choosing into the poll. They had initially started the FGF which is an acronym for Fighting Game Friday. The gaming lounge will also have regularly scheduled events and/or tournaments. OTG plans on starting the Smash Spring Series, which will be a bi-weekly Super Smash Bros. tournament that will take place every other Saturday starting April 16th. Craig has also mentioned that OTG will also host esports watch parties in the lounge area like the League of Legends MSI Finals.
The gaming lounge is in Diamond Peak in the CU. You can enter from the doors facing the residence hall and walk through the door on the left to enter the gaming lounge. They are open six days a week: Tuesday-Friday: 5pm-9pm and Saturday-Sunday: 1pm-9pm.
To stay current with OTG events, their Discord is the best way to stay updated. You can go to http://discord.gg/oregontech . Stay tuned with OTG as they have exciting events to come. Look for yourself and head on down to the gaming lounge and interact with others through gaming!
Andrea Malakar-Hernandez is
looking forward to the mask
mandate being lifted.
“Anyone may choose to wear a mask for any reason.” - Erin Foley
According to an email sent on March 9th, 2022 by OIT’s Vice President & Dean of Students, Erin Foley, students, staff, and visitors at Oregon Tech will no longer be required to wear a mask in most indoor spaces regardless of vaccination status starting on March 19. This movement is a response to the Oregon Health Association’s (OHA) decision in early February to rescind the state mask mandate on March 12th, 2022.
While masks will no longer be required in most places on campus, masks will remain available for those who choose to wear them outside regulated spaces. Per OHA regulations, masks must still be worn in healthcare settings. All members of the community will need to continue wearing masks when inside the Student Health Center, Dental Clinic, and Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Clinic.
While Oregon Tech staff, students, and visitors will no longer need to wear masks in most indoor spaces, according to Foley’s email, they will be free to do so for any reason.
“It is important that our campus community recognizes that it is now an individual choice to continue to wear a mask and those individuals should be free from judgment and criticism,”
read Foley’s email. “Anyone may choose to wear a mask for any reason.”
“It is important that our campus community recognizes that it is now an individual choice to continue to wear a mask and those individuals should be free from judgment and criticism,” read Foley’s email. “Anyone may choose to wear a mask for any reason.”
This announcement has been met with positivity by students of the OIT community. Gavin Waterson, a freshman Mechanical Engineering Technology major, feels positive about the announcement. “I think it’s a reasonable idea,” said Waterson. “Most people wear cloth masks that don’t do anything other than make you uncomfortable.” Andrea Malakar-Hernandez, a senior Communications Studies major who has attended OIT for two years, is another student looking forward to the change. Since they began attending the university two years ago, masks have been required at all times on campus.
“I’m really excited about the mask mandate being lifted,” Malakar Hernandez said. “It’ll be really good to see people’s faces and hear them again.”
oley’s email also explains that individuals who are unvaccinated, immunocompromised, have underlying medical conditions, are 65 years of age or older, or live with someone that fits within one of these categories are “strongly encouraged” to continue wearing a mask.
Individuals who have been exposed to the virus, are experiencing symptoms of an illness – COVID or otherwise – or have tested positive for the virus are instructed to stay home and call the Student Health Center.
According to Foley’s email, requirements are subject to change if a new virus variant emerges, but for the time being members of the OIT community are eagerly anticipating the change in mask requirements.
Student Health Center Contact Number: 541-885-1800
While masks will no longer be required in most places on campus, masks will remain available for those who choose to wear them outside regulated spaces. Per OHA regulations, masks must still be worn in healthcare settings. All members of the community will need to continue wearing masks when inside the Student Health Center, Dental Clinic, and Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Clinic.
While Oregon Tech staff, students, and visitors will no longer need to wear masks in most indoor spaces, according to Foley’s email, they will be free to do so for any reason.
“It is important that our campus community recognizes that it is now an individual choice to continue to wear a mask and those individuals should be free from judgment and criticism,”
read Foley’s email. “Anyone may choose to wear a mask for any reason.”
“It is important that our campus community recognizes that it is now an individual choice to continue to wear a mask and those individuals should be free from judgment and criticism,” read Foley’s email. “Anyone may choose to wear a mask for any reason.”
This announcement has been met with positivity by students of the OIT community. Gavin Waterson, a freshman Mechanical Engineering Technology major, feels positive about the announcement. “I think it’s a reasonable idea,” said Waterson. “Most people wear cloth masks that don’t do anything other than make you uncomfortable.” Andrea Malakar-Hernandez, a senior Communications Studies major who has attended OIT for two years, is another student looking forward to the change. Since they began attending the university two years ago, masks have been required at all times on campus.
“I’m really excited about the mask mandate being lifted,” Malakar Hernandez said. “It’ll be really good to see people’s faces and hear them again.”
oley’s email also explains that individuals who are unvaccinated, immunocompromised, have underlying medical conditions, are 65 years of age or older, or live with someone that fits within one of these categories are “strongly encouraged” to continue wearing a mask.
Individuals who have been exposed to the virus, are experiencing symptoms of an illness – COVID or otherwise – or have tested positive for the virus are instructed to stay home and call the Student Health Center.
According to Foley’s email, requirements are subject to change if a new virus variant emerges, but for the time being members of the OIT community are eagerly anticipating the change in mask requirements.
Student Health Center Contact Number: 541-885-1800
On Tuesday, February 15th, OIT students and staff filled the Treehouse to hear a noon-time presentation from OIT science professor, Dr. Yuehai Yang. The pungent aroma of chow mein may have drawn them in, but they stayed for the Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year, talk given by Dr. Yang.
As listeners chowed down on noodles, Dr. Yang launched into the background of Lunar New Year, which is determined by the culturally significant lunar calendar. New Year’s Day coincides with the second new moon phase after Winter Solstice, and the celebration’s end coincides with the next full moon. This year, February 1st marked the new moon and February 15th marked the full moon. The sixteen-day period encompasses the Spring Festival, chun jie, with the last day marked by the Lantern Festival, yuán xiāo jié. Additionally, according to the Chinese zodiac, 2022 is represented by the tiger.
Dr. Yang grew up about 250 miles south of Beijing, in Jinan, the capital of Shandong province in north-ern China. His experiences informed the bulk of the presentation, but he pointed out that celebrations vary depending on region. He showcased this diversity in slides depicting noisy musical competitions in central China, water barrel tugs in southwest China, and the burning of massive pyres in Tibet.
Celebrations are tied to the scaring away of Nián (“year”), a beast that emerges every new year. Amanda Xi from the Chinese New Year website writes that Nián “comes up once a year to feast on animals and hu-mans”, forcing families to hide in their homes until the new year arrives.
Family, then, plays an integral role in New Year’s celebrations, and is the primary driver for the largest human migration, chun yun, of over three billion every year — preceding the pandemic — as people rush to arrive in their hometowns (often by train) before New Year’s Eve.
Dr. Yang spoke of the many “exhausting” familial responsibilities placed on children: “There are...responsibilities you have to do, like shopping for gifts, for sure, and go to the bargaining mar-kets, get the food ready, and then eventually New Year’s Eve we get together, make dumplings, play fire-crackers, next day clean the mess...you get up early in the morning [New Year’s Day] and people will stop by your door and show etiquette and [say] ‘happy New Year’, ask if everything’s well, then you’re supposed send a small part of your family out to visit other neighbors and relatives.”
Symbolism permeates celebrations, especially regarding wealth. Fish and dumplings are important main dishes for this reason. The Chinese pronunciation for “fish” and “abundance” is the same, yù, meaning that more fish correlates to greater abundance (wealth). Dumplings are shaped similarly to ingots, a form of money used in ancient China. Many people pray to the God of Wealth, cáishènyè, for hopes of a good fortune in the coming year.
These responsibilities come with a reward: money. After paying respects, kē tóu, children receive red envelopes of cash from their grandparents. Dr. Yang said the amount of money depends on family wealth. He often received ten yuan (one to two dollars) as a child, although he admitted the amount is likely to be more nowadays.
Red is everywhere. As an auspicious color, this salient hue adorns many objects such as lanterns, paper carvings, envelopes, clothing, and more. This is why chili peppers are popular hanging decorations.
Chinese New Year celebrations would not be complete without the largest and longest period of nightly firecracker bursts in the world.
In a separate interview, Dr. Yang recounted, “One memory that I have is me and my cousin playing fire-crackers...he just put all the powders out and formed a pile of his own and [said] ‘let’s light on it’, and you know what’s gonna happen when you light on it, it just went “pfffoom” and he burned his hand...all the skin was burned and the next day it swelled, so he had to go to the emergency room, and I was with him, so I felt a little guilty because I was a little older than him."
As listeners chowed down on noodles, Dr. Yang launched into the background of Lunar New Year, which is determined by the culturally significant lunar calendar. New Year’s Day coincides with the second new moon phase after Winter Solstice, and the celebration’s end coincides with the next full moon. This year, February 1st marked the new moon and February 15th marked the full moon. The sixteen-day period encompasses the Spring Festival, chun jie, with the last day marked by the Lantern Festival, yuán xiāo jié. Additionally, according to the Chinese zodiac, 2022 is represented by the tiger.
Dr. Yang grew up about 250 miles south of Beijing, in Jinan, the capital of Shandong province in north-ern China. His experiences informed the bulk of the presentation, but he pointed out that celebrations vary depending on region. He showcased this diversity in slides depicting noisy musical competitions in central China, water barrel tugs in southwest China, and the burning of massive pyres in Tibet.
Celebrations are tied to the scaring away of Nián (“year”), a beast that emerges every new year. Amanda Xi from the Chinese New Year website writes that Nián “comes up once a year to feast on animals and hu-mans”, forcing families to hide in their homes until the new year arrives.
Family, then, plays an integral role in New Year’s celebrations, and is the primary driver for the largest human migration, chun yun, of over three billion every year — preceding the pandemic — as people rush to arrive in their hometowns (often by train) before New Year’s Eve.
Dr. Yang spoke of the many “exhausting” familial responsibilities placed on children: “There are...responsibilities you have to do, like shopping for gifts, for sure, and go to the bargaining mar-kets, get the food ready, and then eventually New Year’s Eve we get together, make dumplings, play fire-crackers, next day clean the mess...you get up early in the morning [New Year’s Day] and people will stop by your door and show etiquette and [say] ‘happy New Year’, ask if everything’s well, then you’re supposed send a small part of your family out to visit other neighbors and relatives.”
Symbolism permeates celebrations, especially regarding wealth. Fish and dumplings are important main dishes for this reason. The Chinese pronunciation for “fish” and “abundance” is the same, yù, meaning that more fish correlates to greater abundance (wealth). Dumplings are shaped similarly to ingots, a form of money used in ancient China. Many people pray to the God of Wealth, cáishènyè, for hopes of a good fortune in the coming year.
These responsibilities come with a reward: money. After paying respects, kē tóu, children receive red envelopes of cash from their grandparents. Dr. Yang said the amount of money depends on family wealth. He often received ten yuan (one to two dollars) as a child, although he admitted the amount is likely to be more nowadays.
Red is everywhere. As an auspicious color, this salient hue adorns many objects such as lanterns, paper carvings, envelopes, clothing, and more. This is why chili peppers are popular hanging decorations.
Chinese New Year celebrations would not be complete without the largest and longest period of nightly firecracker bursts in the world.
In a separate interview, Dr. Yang recounted, “One memory that I have is me and my cousin playing fire-crackers...he just put all the powders out and formed a pile of his own and [said] ‘let’s light on it’, and you know what’s gonna happen when you light on it, it just went “pfffoom” and he burned his hand...all the skin was burned and the next day it swelled, so he had to go to the emergency room, and I was with him, so I felt a little guilty because I was a little older than him."