Overview
The University of Oregon Pursues Academic Excellence in a Supportive Academic Environment
The University of Oregon (UO) offers a variety of innovative academic programs that encourage students to achieve academic excellence. Freshman Interest Groups (FIGS), for example, are small learning communities of 25 first-year students organized around a theme or idea tailored to a variety of student interests. FIGS help students embrace the life of the mind as they take two core courses together. Meanwhile, the Robert Donald Clark Honors College is the equivalent of a small, liberal arts college of 600 students. The purpose of the college is to bring together excellent students and faculty members in a challenging and supportive academic environment. Carefully designed small classes, a collegial environment, and close advising prepare students for the original research required for graduation with honors. The Society of College Scholars offers motivated undergraduates the opportunity for intensive interaction with faculty members and like-minded students. The program includes seminars and small general education courses, subsidized internships, and individual work in a supportive academic environment leading to graduation with honors or professional distinctions.
At the UO, many academic departments are nationally ranked and recognized. The College of Education; the architecture program; and the biochemistry, chemistry, economics, English, molecular biology, neuroscience, physics, psychology, and sports marketing departments all rank among the Top 10 in the U.S. The UO¿s School of Journalism and Communication; the College of Business; and programs in comparative literature, finance, historic preservation, and mathematics rank in the Top 20 in the U.S. The recognition of the university as a best buy in higher education by three national ranking organizations speaks to both the reasonable cost and academic excellence of the University of Oregon.
Being Green is a Way of Life at the University of Oregon, a Center for Environmental Science
At the University of Oregon, green is more than a school color- it's a way of life. Maybe inspiration comes from the old-growth forests in the nearby Cascade Mountains or the miles of bike paths. Whatever the cause, UO and the city of Eugene are cutting-edge leaders in ecology, recycling, and environmental science.
The University of Oregon was a recipient of a three-year, $1.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to form a new Center for Green Materials Chemistry. Nationally recognized programs at UO combine technological advancement with a reduced environmental footprint. For the second consecutive year, UO was recognized as one of five "Champions of Sustainability in Communities" by the Sustainable Endowments Institute. Many of UO's buildings get a green thumbs-up. One example, the Lillis Business Complex, earned a "silver" designation from the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Program, making it the country's most environmentally friendly business school facility.
UO is home to several sustainability-oriented academic programs, including one of the world's best and longest-established programs in environmental law and natural resources law. The Department of Architecture is a national leader in energy-conscious design and sustainability. Processes for teaching chemistry without environmental degradation were created by teams of UO students and faculty members - these "green" techniques are now used in schools and universities around the world. Degree programs in both environmental science and studies round out the offerings.
UO students compost, recycle, and ride their bikes to school. Sustainability isn't a buzzword, but an important part of the school"s culture and mission. University President Dave Frohnmayer has signed a commitment to reduce and ultimately eliminate the university's carbon footprint.
For a Rich and Fulfilling Student Life, Outdoor Recreation and Environmental Awareness Are Abundant in Eugene, Oregon
A list of the University of Oregon's major assets would have to include its location and local color. The 295-acre campus is in the center of Eugene, Oregon, a classic college town bordered by pristine wilderness areas. The city is small enough to bike across but large enough to offer plenty to explore. Eugene is known for its commitment to activism, outdoor recreation, arts, and culture. The active arts and music scene brings major acts to Eugene throughout the year.
Running shoes are in order in Eugene, as one of the city's nicknames is Track Town USA. The university's Hayward Field hosted the U.S. Olympic track and field trials in 2008, and will host the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships again in 2010. On the miles of running trails that wind through the town, students pass by Olympiads-in-training-or are passed by them as they do their roadwork.
With the Pacific Ocean an hour to the west and the Cascade Mountains an hour to the east, students have surfing, skiing, snowboarding, river rafting, and rock climbing practically in their own backyard. The Outdoor Program, ranked Number 1 in the country, takes advantage of the university's unique location and offers a host of wilderness adventures and outdoor recreation options.
School pride radiates through Autzen Stadium, Mac Court, and throughout the community. Students cheer wildly with other Duck fans; Autzen is known as one of the loudest college football stadiums in the country, and the enthusiasm is infectious.
