UO and Local Information

With a population of 137,000 (and a Eugene-Springfield metropolitan area population of 230,000), Eugene is large enough to have a full range of cultural and recreational opportunities but small enough to retain a friendly and open atmosphere. Located near the confluence of the Willamette and McKenzie Rivers, with fir-covered hills and nearby mountains, Eugene is known for beauty and vitality. The University of Oregon's enthusiasm for track and field has permeated the region, making it a runner's paradise. The city boasts a performing arts center, beautiful parks, superb running and cycling trails, and a mild climate throughout the year.

Eugene lies within the Willamette Valley, which is midway between the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Coast--many parts of which can be reached within 90 minutes or less. The Cascades offer numerous opportunities for hiking and camping, often in wilderness areas. During the winter months, there are two nearby downhill ski resorts and many areas for cross-country skiing and other winter sports. The coast has extensive sand dunes, open beaches, numerous camping and picnicking sites, and opportunities for fishing, crabbing, whale watching, and other educational and recreational pursuits. Even closer are several large lakes for water skiing, sailing, wind-surfing, and other water activities. And for a wider range of metropolitan services, the city of Portland is just two hours to the north.

THE UNIVERSITY

The University of Oregon is a medium-sized, state university with a 2004-2005 enrollment of just over 20,000 students. International students constitute ten percent of the student body and domestic ethnic groups (especially Asian Americans, Hispanics, African Americans, and native Americans) are also represented. The University's 250-acre campus is an arboretum of more than 2,000 varieties of trees. Sixty-three graduate programs are offered, including APA-approved programs in Counseling Psychology and Clinical Psychology. In 1969, the University of Oregon was elected to membership in the Association of American Universities, a prestigious group of private and public research institutions. Applied developmental and clinical work is performed at the Oregon Social Learning Center and the Oregon Research Institute. The University Counseling Center works in conjunction with the Office of Student Life, which is nationally known for its work in substance abuse prevention, academic retention, celebration of diversity, and collaborative efforts to address mental health issues on campus.

THE UNIVERSITY COUNSELING CENTER 

The University Counseling Center has eleven professional staff members, five predoctoral interns, five practicum interns, three psychometrists, an office manager, and three administrative staff. The Center provides University of Oregon students with individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, consultation, and outreach programming. A separate Crisis Center offers an after-hours telephone hotline. The testing program coordinates admission, placement, and psychological testing. Career and academic counseling are provided through separate departments. Partially funded by student fees, the Center strives to remain responsive to student needs. Over 1,500 students receive individual, couples, or group counseling each year while nearly 6,000 additional individuals participate in outreach programs. Students present a wide range of developmental concerns (e.g., identity, intimacy, assertion, self-esteem) as well as significant pathology (e.g., suicide, eating disorders, personality disorders, major depressions).