To get resources added to this page, email vp_communications@cge6069.org
CGE Mutual Aid and Housing
Facebook page for CGE Mutual Aid and Housing
This group is for CGE members, Oregon State University graduate students (incoming or current), and allies, such as undergraduate students or past CGE members.
– If you’re in an established housing situation and you’re looking for someone to fill a vacancy, post a little about the vacancy, rent, and relevant dates.
– If you’re looking yourself to fill a vacancy in an already-established housing situation, browse through the most recent vacancies posted below. If you can’t find what you’re looking for that way, post a little about yourself and what kind of housing situation you’re looking for and relevant info and dates.
Basic Needs Center (BNC): Students facing imminent housing insecurity (or those currently experiencing homelessness) may be eligible for free short-term housing through our partnership with University Housing and Dining Services and our Emergency Housing program.
Community Services Consortium (CSC): Work in several Oregon counties to connect people with resources to help reduce poverty.
Mutual Aid
Mutual aid refers to (but is not limited to): emergency housing, food insecurity, safety needs. Please also see the OSU Human Resources Service Center which has a food pantry and provides up to 2 weeks of emergency housing. https://studentlife.oregonstate.edu/hsrc
– If you are in need of aid or assistance from other graduate students, you can post what you are comfortable with sharing and your contact info and other relevant information to the Facebook page above.
– You can also post to the #mutual-aid channel in the CGE discord (email vp_communications@cge6069.org for an invite link to the discord) – this discord is only for current CGE members and associate members.
Borrow supplies
Luthor House Tool Library – borrow power tools, bike and home repair supplies, electronics, and more
Food
Basic Needs Center (BNC) – food resources for OSU students, SNAP application assistance
Mealbux program – thru BNC, have to apply the first week of classes, free money for on-campus dining locations
Linn Benton food share – for meals and food pantries
Stone Soup – free meals every day in Corvallis
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – most international grads won’t be eligible, unless you’ve had a greencard for 5 years, or are from a country such as Cuba, Korea, or countries that are currently at war
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – same requirements as SNAP
Funding sources
AFT student debt clinics – learn how to manage and potentially forgive student loans
Fellowships – note: Fellows are NOT covered by CGE, so this funding comes with no contractual protections
OSU Graduate School professional development award – up to $500
ScholarDollars – OSU scholarship resources
TAship points of contact – for GEs looking to TA outside their own department
Union scholarships – for any union members and dependents (not just for CGE)
Health
Health Insurance
Graduate Student health insurance info – disclaimer: from OSU HR website
Paid sick leave – disclaimer: from OSU HR website (accessed 2/9/2024 from here)
PacificSource – health insurance website to find providers in-network
Student Health Services – for OSU students
Mental Health
Center for Clinical Interventions – informational sheets and worksheets to help with mental health issues
Conifer Wellness – off-campus counseling that takes PacificSource
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) – for OSU students and employees
General resources – CGE collected resources, including literature, self-assessments, and media
Monterey Bay Aquarium live cams – watch some soothing sea creatures in the background while working
Transformative Health and Wellness – off-campus counseling and psychiatry – $20-30 per session co-pay with PacificSource (after $100 yearly deductible)
International
International Caucus – CGE caucus for international grads
Office of International Services – OSU office to help international students and grads
OIS video on filing taxes as an international employee
SEVIS, VISA & DACA reimbursements – process for getting reimbursed up to $500 at OSU
Miscellaneous
Emergency preparedness – posts current Oregon hazards and monthly emergency preparedness topics
Luthor House Banned & Challenged Library – borrow banned and challenged books for free
Tax prep and legal help
AARP – free tax assistance, with locations in Corvallis, Newport, Eugene, Salem, Portland, etc., and a virtual option
freetaxusa.com – federal taxes are free, state taxes are $14.99, may not cover international taxes paperwork for free
Free taxes directly through the IRS – should be free for international grads as well
Free tax help in Oregon – some places can do virtual visits, and some may be able to work with ITIN
Modest means program – reduced pricing legal help for low-income clients
Student legal services – free, provided by ASOSU, cannot be used if the complaint is about OSU
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program – free, and on campus, for anyone with a social security number or ITIN
Transportation
Amtrak station in Albany – with trains going to Eugene, Portland, Seattle, etc.
Coast to Valley Shuttle – get free tickets for the shuttle that goes between Corvallis, Philomath, Toledo, and Newport, with stops on the Corvallis campus and the Hatfield Marine Science Center (HMSC)
Corvallis Transit System (CTS) – free bus system around Corvallis
Groome Transportation shuttle – goes to the Eugene airport and PDX (Portland International Airport)