UO Advocates

10/08/2026

Why is federally funded scientific research so important? Your answer could win you a cash prize.
 
Submit your 60- to 90-second video for the The Science Coalition Alyse Gary Parker Memorial Student Video Challenge today!
 
https://www.sciencecoalition.org/SVC

09/26/2026

🍴 We’re part of Taste of TrackTown! 🦆

Come explore downtown Eugene on Saturday, September 26 during Ducks Downtown and grab a $5 bite from us!

✨ We’ll be serving: Great Food & Lasting Memories!

Taste your way around downtown while enjoying the Farmers Market, Saturday Market, BRiGHT Parade, UO Art Cart, pop-up vintage shopping, and more.

📅 September 26
📍 Downtown Eugene
💵 $5 bites while supplies last

Bring your appetite and come see what downtown has to offer!

Complete participating restaurant schedule at: https://www.tasteoftracktown.com/

09/22/2026

🦆 Ducks Downtown is happening September 26!

As part of the University of Oregon’s Week of Welcome, downtown Eugene is coming alive for a full day of music, art, food, shopping, markets, and community.

We’re excited to be part of Ducks Downtown, helping welcome new students, their families, and the Eugene community to downtown and everything it has to offer.

Come spend the day exploring the city center and enjoy:
✨ Taste of TrackTown and $5 bites
🎶 UO Art Cart
🛍️ Pop-up vintage shopping in Kesey Square
🌽 Lane County Farmers Market & Eugene Saturday Market
🎉 The BRiGHT Parade
…and plenty more!

📅 Saturday, September 26
📍 Downtown Eugene

Whether you’re new to Eugene or have called it home for years, come downtown and experience the creativity, energy, and character of our city center.

Full schedule of events at: ducksdowntowneug.com

05/08/2026

Big day for Oregon kids, families, and future behavioral health providers!

Today at UO Portland, Governor Kotek signed legislation creating a new pathway for behavioral health and wellness practitioners in Oregon.

The new bachelor's-level license is closely tied to the work happening at the UO's Ballmer Institute for Children's Behavioral Health, where students are preparing to help children and families earlier, before challenges become harder to address.

The timing couldn't be better. Next month, the Ballmer Institute’s first cohort of child behavioral health students graduates. Many of them helped advocate for this bill in Salem.

Huge thanks to Governor Kotek, Senator Lisa Reynolds, our partners, and the students who helped make this moment possible.

04/27/2026

Moved? New voter? Not sure you're registered to vote?

It takes less than 3 minutes to check your voter registration or update your address in Oregon or your home state.

If you're voting in Oregon's primary on May 19, 2026, make sure you're registered by Tuesday, April 28. If you're voting in another state, check your registration and mailing address there, too.

Get started at allintovote.org/register

04/23/2026

03/10/2026

Your voice made a difference for Oregon’s students.

As the 2026 legislative session concludes, state lawmakers maintained funding for public university operations and need-based student aid through mid-2027.

Earlier this month, students, alumni, and advocates from the University of Oregon joined peers from across the state at University Day to meet with legislators and share why strong support for public universities matters to Oregon’s students, communities, and economy.

Thank you to everyone who showed up, shared their perspective, and helped elevate the importance of higher education in Oregon. We also appreciate the legislators who took the time to meet with advocates and worked to maintain funding for Oregon’s public universities and student aid this session.

Now let’s close out the session by saying thank you.

Take a moment to send a message thanking your legislators for protecting higher education funding this year:

uoregon.quorum.us/campaign/157596

01/23/2026

01/15/2026

A warm welcome to Jenny Haruyama, Eugene's newly selected City Manager!

As a leader with a proven track record in Oregon municipal government, we look forward to her partnership in making Eugene a vibrant place for students, alumni, and neighbors alike.

Welcome to the community!

01/13/2026

Last night at the City of Eugene Government State of the City, Mayor Kaarin highlighted an exciting initiative for our region: the Southern Willamette Valley Innovation Corridor (SWVIC).

What is the SWVIC?

It's a regional partnership powered by the research muscle, innovation, and workforce development of the University of Oregon and Oregon State University.

By linking our campus research with industry leaders across Eugene, Springfield, and Corvallis, this partnership is:

• Turning world-class UO research into higher-wage local jobs.
• Ensuring that startups born in UO labs have the support to grow and stay right here in the Valley.
• Bridging the gap between academic innovation and the regional business momentum needed for our graduates to thrive.

We are proud to work alongside our city and industry partners to support a thriving region where our graduates can build world-class careers without having to leave home.

Explore the Corridor at swv-innovation.org