The Barometer Online

Issue date: 9/29/06 Section: News

Media Credit: Tzu-Ying Chen Gary Roberts, left, sits on the Beaver Bus as the first rider Thursday night. Heather James of ASOSU (right) looks on as Gary Roberts gets on to ride.

Three new positions have been added within ASOSU, focusing on low-income students, non-traditional students and those in need of alternative transportation.

The Social Resources, Non-Traditional Affairs and Beaver Bus programs added this year are now open to students.

Social Resources operates such programs as Escape Hunger, Child Care Subsidy Program, Graduate Conference Registration Subsidy, and student health care.

The position, which started last year, recognized the growing numbers of students in need.

"There was no single component that dealt with low-income students," ASOSU President Mike Olson said. "We decided there needed to be a position committed solely to assisting those in need in different areas."

"We are here to help students who have specific needs other than financial aid," Social Resources Director Drew Desilet said.

Non-Traditional Affairs, recreated from last year's Graduate Affairs position, now incorporates students in areas such as older, transfer, international, out-of-state, commuter and graduate students.

"The position deals with a big, broad cross-section of different students. It's amazing it hasn't been created in the past," said Annette McFarland, director of non-traditional Affairs. "I'm excited to start something brand new, especially because there are so many different groups to address."

McFarland, who applied for the position last spring, also networks with other groups within OSU including Educational Opportunities Program, 25+ Lounge and ISOSU.

"We felt we didn't have anyone that looked at the larger picture of non-traditional students," Olson said. "We created the new position to include all aspects of those students."

The Beaver Bus provides students with a late night safe alternative mode of transportation in the Corvallis area.

The position includes such tasks as managing volunteers, concern with school issues and taking care of the general logistics of the whole program.

"The Beaver Bus position will help ensure new success with the program," Olson said.

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