Improving the Health of the Associated Students of Oregon State University
Updated: Oct. 3, 2025
As of Oct. 1, 2025, the Associated Students of Oregon State University (ASOSU) programmatic pause has been lifted. The ASOSU Constitution and other governing documents continue to be under review by the ASOSU Senate, with the goal of completing this important work, while also engaging in other important student government activities in the future.
Temporary Pause of ASOSU Activity
In February 2025, Oregon State University initiated a temporary pause of certain Associated Students of Oregon State University (ASOSU) activities, in coordination with then-ASOSU 2024-25 President Audrey Schlotter, due to serious concerns about the organization’s internal culture, governance, and employment environment.
The pause was prompted by reports of intimidation, retaliation, hostile work conditions, and other behavioral and performance issues that undermined ASOSU’s mission to foster academic excellence and democratic student representation. Despite prior requests for corrective action, the organization’s condition continued to deteriorate, necessitating a comprehensive review.
Need for Change
The well-being and success of students at Oregon State University is our highest priority. Student leadership should be a positive and developmental experience, fostering skills, confidence, and meaningful contributions to the university community.
The mission of ASOSU is to promote academic excellence, encourage the intellectual, social, cultural, and physical development of the student body, and enable the student body to assert its varied interests as citizens and members of the academic community through democratic representation.
Oregon State University Requirements for Recognition of a Student Government
“Together, we have a responsibility to ensure that student leadership remains a constructive and secure environment where students can engage without fear. The university cannot allow coworkers to push the boundaries of civility, respect in the workplace, and human decency to the point that peers and colleagues are forced to choose between service to the university and their personal well-being.”
— Dan Larson, Vice President for Student Affairs
Understanding the ASOSU Pause
The pause was not a shutdown but a strategic reset. ASOSU student leaders, both outgoing and newly elected, were expected to engage in a structured review process focused on:
- Revising governing documents
- Improving employment practices and expectations
- Reforming legislative and election procedures
- Addressing organizational culture and community standards
The intent was to support a path toward a sustainable and functional structure. The trajectory of continued actions within ASOSU raised concerns that, if left unaddressed, could jeopardize its recognition under university policies and undermine its role as an educational program of the university. The goal of the intervention was to prevent that outcome by creating a process for accountability and realignment with ASOSU’s intended mission and with OSU policy that contributes to a constructive and secure working environment for the student leaders.
- ASOSU Senate and committee meetings
- Judicial Council meetings and hearings
- Student Fee Committee meetings
- Activities of Independent Committees of the Executive Branch
- ASOSU Elections and Elections Committee meetings
- Executive Branch Cabinet and All-Staff meetings
- Executive Branch-sponsored/co-sponsored programs
- Annual review of the student incidental fee-setting process
- Meetings with ASOSU advisors and OSU staff
- Non-government programs like SafeRide
ASOSU has resumed operations as of October 1, 2025.
Originally expected to conclude by May 2, 2025, the process was extended to allow more time for meaningful reform. Though progress had been made, additional work was needed to ensure ASOSU could resume operations in a healthy and functional state. The extension allowed for the completion of hiring and training for newly elected leaders, and further development of governance and workplace standards. We anticipate ASOSU being in a position to resume operations in early September 2025.
Next Steps
Vice President for Student Affairs Dan Larson has met with ASOSU 2025-26 President Masha Mogylevsky to discuss plans for completing the necessary deliverables associated with the pause and has agreed to the following moving forward.
- Once the Constitution is passed, the document will be sent to the Office of General Counsel for a thorough review before being distributed via student referendum.
- Once the Constitution is passed, ASOSU officers can collectively focus on completing the final deliverables of the review and are encouraged to refrain from introducing new legislation or initiatives until these items are completed, as the remaining deliverables contain key components for ASOSU operations. The remaining deliverables include a fully revised Code of Conduct, Statutes, Judicial Council Policies, and Election Procedures.