CAS Connection - Jan 2026 Issue

January 2026

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Experiential Learning  |  Research & Innovation  |  Community Impact  |  Career Preparation  |  Teaching Excellence  |  21st Century Liberal Arts  |  Building Community  |  Good Vibes  |  CAS Spotlights  |  All Stories  |  Past Issues
 

National Day of Writing brings an ant’s perspective to light

Experiential Learning

What would an ant write if it could?

English major Sarah Twiggs’ short story takes the perspective of an ant to win flash fiction contest.

By Jenny Brooks

A new cutting-edge major in the College of Arts and Sciences equips students to drive technological change.

Research & Innovation

Filling a gap in tech knowledge

A new cutting-edge major in the College of Arts and Sciences equips students to drive change.

By CAS Communications

Squatting toward housing policy change

Research & Innovation

Research examines squatting practices

Two sociologists examined how pro-squatting advocates influenced housing policies in three US cities.

By Henry Houston

UO professor predicts crab seasons years ahead using a simple trap

Research & Innovation

Dungeness data does not deceive

Baby crabs caught in a simple trap can predict how big crab season will be within a 12% margin of error.

By Leila Okahata


UO alum turned his love for Spanish into a global career

CAS Spotlight

An unexpected major becomes a global career

Alum Brandon Rigby enjoyed studying Spanish, but it wasn’t until a professor suggested he major in it that he dove in. A few more powerful suggestions later, and he is a global diplomat for the U.S. Department of State.

By Violet Ashley

Go Global with Brandon

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CAS News

NATIVE AMERICAN AND INDIGENOUS STUDIES - Funded through federal, state and institutional grants, the University of Oregon Home Flight program provides financial support, academic advising and culture-rich activities for qualifying American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduates. Now in its fourth year, the program has more than tripled in enrollment, to 170-plus students, while increasing the number of Native graduates.
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY - When he was still an undergraduate, Tucker Orman served in an uncommon role: as first author on a paper published Sept. 4 in the European Journal of Applied Physiology, looking at the factors that affect a scuba diver’s ability to maintain core body temperature. Now a College of Arts and Sciences alumnus, Orman reflects on how experiential learning as a human physiology student and love for scuba diving came together.
EARTH SCIENCES - In spring 2025, Marli Miller received a Herman Award for Specialized Pedagogy. Taking a liberal arts approach, Miller’s focus is on helping students think about and work through problems, which they have a chance to put into practice on a yearly field camp in southwestern Montana.

All news »


From the Media

HUMANITIES, WOMEN, GENDER AND SEXUALITY STUDIES - These Duck alums are among those working to alleviate hunger. See how CAS and Clark Honor's College alumni like Ian Dixon-McDonald, BA ’06, Rebecca Sprinson, BA ’09, are making a difference in Oregon by tackling hunger.
Fifty years ago, "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" hit theaters. Set in an Oregon state hospital, the movie based on Ken Kesey's novel received critical acclaim and told a history of Native Americans in the Oregon area. College of Arts and Sciences cinema studies senior instructor Stephen Rust spoke at a panel at an anniversary screening of the film. Rust highlighted Will Sampson’s role as Chief Bromden for his textured performance that came after producers were looking for a stereotypical tall, stoic Native American.
Ben Hansen, a University of Oregon College of Arts and Sciences economics professor and avid skier, has watched the intricate and complex system of pricing at Oregon’s ski resorts evolve over the years. As of Friday, the highest priced season stood at $1,499, at Mt. Bachelor. But there are many discounts to be had for buying months earlier, online, on Black Friday or Cyber Monday at Mt. Bachelor and resorts across the state. Hansen spoke with Oregonian/OregonLive.

All media news »

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