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Campus News
OSU in the News
Severe drought impacting Oregon farmers as temperatures rise (OPB)
We’ll hear from Jeremy McCulloch, a rancher in Wallowa County, and Gordon Jones, an agronomist with Oregon State University’s Extension Service, to discuss the challenges of this year’s irrigation season.
America, the world’s greatest melting pot… really? (KPBS)
The play tells the story of how Americans become Americans, according to José-Antonio Orosco (Oregon State University), the author of a book, “Toppling the Melting Pot.” “It’s a story of transition from the Old World to the New World and giving up the Old World to become Americans,” Orosco said.
How to make the most of your alone time (Vox)
On any given Saturday, you might find Morgan Quinn Ross, an assistant professor of emerging media and technology at Oregon State University, deep in the mountainous woods, sans phone, on a solo run.
OSU’s Concrete Canoe Team takes on the unlikely challenge of building a boat that shouldn’t float (OPB News)
“It seems crazy, but it’s true,” said Alec Hankins, one of the engineering undergraduate students on the Concrete Canoe Team of Oregon State University. The extracurricular collegiate club is a local chapter of the national American Society of Civil Engineers.
It’s OK to love all the bees (the honey bees too) (The Conversation)
A piece co-written by Andony Melathopoulos, associate professor of horticulture at Oregon State University.
OSU researchers develop nanoparticle that kills melanoma (KGW)
Oregon State University researchers have discovered a new way to treat melanoma, which is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Skin cancer as a whole is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. according to the American Cancer Society.
18 Oregon license plate designs, ranked (Oregonian)
The newest aquatic creature on the block, this shark plate is probably the most menacing license plate you can get on your car. Look at those eyes! Actually, don’t. Too scary. This plate is not yet available, but you can purchase a voucher for it. It will be an extra $40 and benefit the OSU Big Fish Lab.
More business openings than closings in Oregon in the last decade, despite economic stigma (Oregon Capital Chronicle)
Far more businesses have opened than closed in Oregon during the last decade according to analysis from an Oregon State University economist.
Scientists just watched Alzheimer’s damage happen in real time (Science Daily)
Scientists at Oregon State University have captured something researchers have long struggled to see: the real-time chemical interactions that help drive Alzheimer’s disease. By watching how metal ions—especially copper—trigger harmful protein clumping in the brain, the team uncovered a clearer picture of how the disease develops at a molecular level.
Oregon Sea Grant rolls out first aid training for fishermen (National Fisherman)
Oregon State University Extension and Oregon Sea Grant are expanding safety resources for commercial fishermen with a new training focused on first aid at sea, where distance from shore can turn minor injuries into serious emergencies.
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Photo of the Day
A very good girl: Michele McAuliffe, academic advisor with the University Exploratory Studies Program, says, “My orange girl, Rae, posing in front of a beautifully flowered rhododendron on campus.” We are accepting photo submissions at [email protected]. To view past submissions, visit us on Instagram at @osutoday1.
Take Note
NEW! Timely Teaching Tips: This month, OSU is hosting its first-ever Teaching Excellence Week. The CTL's Quality Teaching Symposium features evidence-based practices that support inclusive learning, teaching as a discipline and mentorship of learners. The event takes place from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. April 28 in person at the MU, with virtual sessions from 1-3 p.m. The Ecampus Faculty Forum features engaging sessions and workshops about innovative online teaching methods, research in online education, successful student support initiatives and faculty experiences in online course development. It will be held April 29 (virtual) and April 30 (CH2M HILL Alumni Center). Register for both events today.
NEW! Fidelity on-campus consultations: Employees can meet with Justin Blatny, Jonathan Bobo and Karoll McMullen, financial consultants from Fidelity, to discuss your financial goals and savings plans for retirement. There is no cost for these consultations and they are available to all employees no matter what stage you are at in your career. Appointments are available on the OSU Corvallis campus April 14, 15, 28, 29 and 30. Schedule online or by phone at (800) 343-0860.
NEW! Marigold $50 membership intro offer: Membership includes unlimited access to our entire weekly drop-in class schedule and special classes like Yoga Nidra, Advanced Yoga Asana Workshop, MindLab + DanceLab, Contemplative Choir, Full Moon Gatherings and more. This is available once per person, per lifetime, no commitment required, and available to current members and class pass holders. Sign up here. Contact us with questions.
NEW! Registration now open for STEM Academy's 2026 summer camps: Camp topics include computer graphics, wildlife science, engineering, cybersecurity, Lego Robotics, veterinary medicine, microcontrollers, arcade games, AI, color innovation and more. Visit the STEM Academy website for more information and to register. Needs-based scholarships are available.
NEW! Faculty Senate Committee Interest Form: We invite you to volunteer for Faculty Senate and university committee service by completing the Committee Interest Form. Form responses will be provided to the various offices involved in making committee selections. You may preview the committees available to both classified employees and faculty (academic, research and professional faculty) prior to accessing the online form. Responses to the form are due April 20 at 5 p.m.
The Collegiate Cup continues: OSU is competing against 49 schools across the U.S. and Canada in the EcoAthletes Collegiate Cup, a six-week movement challenge leading up to Earth Day (April 22). Every minute of activity counts (walking to class, biking, lifting, running, and more). Sponsored by Protect Where We Play, the challenge removes half a pound of ocean plastic for every participant who signs up, plus an additional pound for every 10 hours logged. We are currently in first place with over 2,425 hours of activity.
Congratulations to the 2026 Beacon of Hope Award Recipients: CAPS is proud to announce the 2026 Beacon of Hope Mental Health Champion Award recipients: student Jack McDonough, faculty member Dr. Lilian Wong (College of Veterinary Medicine) and Impact Award recipient Sara Trott (Valley Library). Learn about their leadership, advocacy and everyday acts of care that make them Mental Health Champions and reflect a shared responsibility to foster a more caring and compassionate campus. Each award recipient will be recognized at the annual Out of the Darkness Campus Walk on Saturday, April 18. We invite you to attend this meaningful event promoting mental health awareness, hope, and healing for those impacted by suicide.
Timely Teaching Tips: Point your students toward the Academic Success Center’s Online Workshop Series that runs throughout the term. Topics include concentration and distraction, AI & the writing process, test prep, personal statements, perfectionism and more. If you offer extra credit for attendance, students can request an email confirmation be sent to you to confirm attendance.
Call for nominations: Black and Orange Awards Celebration. The OSU Alumni Association needs your help to recognize Oregon Staters who have excelled in their field of study, dedicated themselves to serving Oregon State University and made a profound impact serving their community. During the Black and Orange Awards Celebration, we will be honoring individuals for eight awards on Oct. 15 during Homecoming Weekend. Nominations are due May 1 to the OSU Alumni Association via email at [email protected] or by mail to: OSU Alumni Association, 204 CH2M HILL Alumni Center, Corvallis, OR 97331. For awards categories, please visit us here.
CAPE Peer Educator applications now open: The Center for Advocacy, Prevention and Education is excited to announce that they are hiring 5-6 paid peer educators for the 2026-27 school year. Any students interested in sexual health education or gender-based violence prevention are encouraged to apply. This is a paid position with a time commitment of approximately 8-10 hours per week. Applications are now open and will close April 30. Email [email protected] with any questions.
Nominations open for University Mentoring and Professional Development Award: The President’s Commission on the Status of Women is accepting nominations for the University Mentoring and Professional Development Award. This award is given annually at University Day, and recognizes any classified, professional faculty, or academic faculty member who excels in mentoring and supporting OSU employees, particularly women and those from underrepresented groups or nontraditional careers. In addition to recognition as part of University Day celebrations, this award includes $500 from the Provosts’ Office, $500 in professional development funding from PCOSW and a commemorative plaque and certificate. Deadline for submissions is Friday, June 19. Visit the PCOSW Funding page to learn more about the UMPD award criteria and to access the nomination form.
Payroll Operations Relocating to University Plaza: Starting on Monday, April 6, employees or students picking up physical paychecks or who have payroll-related questions should visit Payroll Operations in their new location at University Plaza, Suite 150. This will be the only location for check pick-up. Please visit Payroll Operations for more information.
50 years of Master Gardeners: The Oregon State University Extension Master Gardener volunteer program is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. For 50 years, the program has brought people together through gardening, education and service, helping grow knowledge, partnerships and community across Oregon. To mark this milestone, we are inviting current and former volunteers, faculty, staff and supporters to share their stories. If the Master Gardener volunteer program has been part of your life, we would be honored to hear from you. Share your story and help us celebrate 50 years of impact.
Global Learning Community of Practice: “Bringing OUT THERE Into Your Teaching.” Do you integrate global perspectives into your teaching already? Would you like to start? Join the Global Learning Community of Practice. This group welcomes anyone looking to internationalize their courses as well as experienced champions of global learning. This community is designed to be practical, collegial and relevant to faculty in all fields, offering space to share ideas, ask questions and take steps toward enhancing global learning for our students. Please note: this COP will focus on campus-based and online courses, not faculty-led study abroad or student mobility programs. Wednesdays, 3-4 p.m., April 15, April 22, May 13 and May 20, LINC 414 (in person). Application form to participate
2026 Faculty Innovator Award: Two weeks left to submit nominations. This award honors an outstanding Oregon State University inventor who has made a contribution leading to commercialization that significantly impacts their field and society. For details on the process, criteria, and nomination form, please visit the 2026 Faculty Innovator Award website. Nominate yourself or someone you know that’s making an impact. Nominations open through April 17. The awardee will receive a $5,000 prize and desktop award.