Campus Wild 2026
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A celebration of all the lives around us on the OSU Corvallis campus.
Every day, thousands of lives unfold across Oregon State University’s campus. A hawk circles above the quad. Moss spreads slowly along a shaded wall. Pollinators move between blossoms in campus gardens. Campus Wild invites us to notice these neighbors—to slow down, look closely, and creatively respond to the more-than-human world that shares this place.
How to Participate
Choose a living being on OSU’s Corvallis campus—tree, bird, insect, fungus, flower, fern, lichen, spider, mammal, or any other organism, large or small. Spend time observing it. Then, create a response inspired by your encounter. Your submission may take the form of:
- Poetry (up to 40 lines)
- Prose (up to 250 words)
- A field guide entry (up to 250 words + a sketch or an image)
- Visual art (one original painting, drawing, etc.)
- Photography
- Video or audio work (up to 2 minutes)
Your work might explore attention, coexistence, ecological change, beauty, curiosity, or imagination, or it might simply introduce us to a notable neighbor. There is no single right approach — only the invitation to look closely and respond. Note: please submit only original work. Artwork generated by publicly available AI tools is not accepted.
Who Can Participate?
Everyone is welcome to participate: students, faculty, staff, and community members. No prior experience in art or science is required—only curiosity, attention, and a willingness to experiment.
Submissions Due May 4
Send us your work by May 4. You'll complete a brief form and upload your file in one of the six categories listed above. Please keep to the requested length and duration limits. A $100 prize will be awarded to one OSU student in each category. Honorable mentions will be awarded in each category for student and non-student submissions. Submissions will be evaluated based on creativity and the depth of observation reflected in the work.
Celebrate Our Wild Campus
Join us on Wednesday, June 3 at 5:30 p.m. at PRAx to celebrate our wild campus. Student awardees and additional selected works will be honored at the Campus Wild Celebration.