Take Advantage of Summer on Campus

It’s summer at OSU; campus may look dead, but ample parking isn’t the only thing it has to offer. Summer classes, Shakespeare performances, and outdoor concerts are going strong–plus a few other things, too.

 

Kari Miller, the operations coordinator at OSU, emphasizes that the university serves the campus community first–but it does try to open unique offerings such as the climbing gym to the greater community. Other areas such as the fitness gym are not open to the public, as it would compete unfairly with gyms in the community.

 

“We’re agreed not to compete for the same customers,” Miller commented.

 

At the Dixon Recreation Center, anyone can participate in open climb times on a climbing wall over 40 feet tall, practice bouldering, or learn to rappel. The only requirement is a 90-minute belay class, offered twice daily. Costs are minimal: $4 for top-roping; $6 for bouldering; and $1 to rent climbing shoes. Harnesses, ropes, belay devices, and carabiners are provided at no cost.

 

A high-rope challenge course that offers problem-solving and team-building experiences is also open to the community. Typical uses are family reunions, birthday parties, and professional development for businesses.

 

“We’ve done some unique rentals: a wedding and a timber carnival in the same weekend,” added Miller.

 

Trip leaders, camp staff, and anyone else who’s interested can also gain Wilderness First Aid and Wilderness First Responder certification through the university’s Adventure Leadership Institute. It also offers first aid and CPR classes.

 

Theater and music round out the summer offerings on campus. Bard in the Quad, an outdoor Shakespeare presentation, this year presents “The Taming of the Shrew.” Performance dates are Wednesday, Aug. 8 to Sunday, Aug. 12 and Wednesday, Aug. 15 to Sunday, Aug. 19 at 7:30 p.m. outdoors in the Memorial Union Quad. The cost is $15; $10 for students, seniors, and youth; $5 for OSU students.

 

Every Wednesday at noon, a free outdoor concert takes place on the brick mall outside the OSU bookstore. Seating is available, or bring your own and a picnic lunch.

 

The OSU library also stays open during the summer. Any resident of Oregon can access the library’s general collection. All you’ll need is a photo ID and $1; fill out an application at the desk.

 

Summer courses are also abundant. OSU’s Extension Service offers Master Gardener certification courses and advice to the community on everything from building a rain garden to starting a small farm.

 

OSU’s Craft Center offers summer classes in guitar building, photography, ceramics, weaving and spinning, glasswork, and more. A summer membership costs $70 for the general public; all classes are $50 or less.

 

For those who just want to enjoy a lazy summer stroll, take a walk around campus and enjoy it at its best time of year. The flowers are blooming in a profusion of colors, the restaurants aren’t too crowded, and it’s relatively peaceful out there–for now.

By Jen Matteis

For more info:

Dixon Center Climbing Gym: http://oregonstate.edu/recsports/indoor-climbing-center

Adventure Leadership Institute:  http://oregonstate.edu/recsports/adventure-leadership-institute

Bard in the Quad:  http://oregonstate.edu/bardinthequad/

OSU Extension Service:  http://extension.oregonstate.edu/”http://extension.oregonstate.edu/

Craft Center:  http://mu.oregonstate.edu/craftcenter/”http://mu.oregonstate.edu/craftcenter/

 

 

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