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CORVALLIS, Ore. - Oregon State University's second annual off-campus housing expo will connect property managers, campus offices and community agencies with Oregon State students - an event that last year drew more than 1,000 students.

This year's expo will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Memorial Union ballroom. An added feature in 2015 will be a series of "Live Smart" workshops designed to provide OSU students with tools to become informed tenants and responsible neighbors.

The event is open to all OSU students and is particularly aimed at students transitioning to off-campus housing and living, according to Jonathan Stoll, director of Corvallis Community Relations.

"It's important that we provide students with the resources necessary to be good neighbors and to successfully transition to living off-campus," Stoll said. "Living on one's own for the first time is a big step - and for some of our students, this will be the first time without the conveniences and accommodations that University Housing and Dining Services provides its students, from residential advisers and tutors to meal plans, cable, internet and most utilities." 

Workshops topics will include local laws and ordinances, tips on hosting responsible parties, safety and security, financial literacy, and tenant rights and responsibilities. The workshops aim to improve livability by fostering a commitment to community that upholds Corvallis' ranking as one of the nation's top college towns and best places to live, Stoll said.

"Most students have embraced being members of Beaver Nation and the Associated Students of Oregon State University is excited to spearhead a program that helps students embrace being members of our Corvallis community," said Cassie Hubers, executive director of community resources for ASOSU.

Stoll said students who complete the Live Smart workshops and pass a corresponding preferred renters exam will receive a $50 rental deposit credit - a program endorsed by the Corvallis Rental Property Management Group. The proposed credit would be limited to properties electing to participate in the preferred renters program.

More information on the expo, including a list of workshops and participating vendors, is available at: http://studentlife.oregonstate.edu/ccr/community-and-u/2015-housing-expo

For additional information, contact Cassie Hubers at 541-737-7111 or [email protected]; or Jonathan Stoll at 541-737-8606, [email protected]