OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
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COVID-19 website: To facilitate the ongoing sharing of information about the virus, Oregon State University has added a link on the OSU homepage to a page that provides detailed and up-to-date COVID-19 information; links to OSU, local, state and federal resources; and updates on the latest federal travel restrictions.
NEW! Today’s Timely Teaching Tip: Unsure where to start? Build your skills and confidence for Fall term teaching by diving into the self-paced Designing and Teaching an Effective Remote/Blended Course site. See the Teaching Faculty website for all the August Teaching Tips and to register for a September workshop on teaching and course design.
Today in the News Media is a synopsis of some of the most prominent coverage of OSU people and programs. Inclusion of any item constitutes neither an endorsement nor a critique, but rather is intended only to make the OSU community aware of significant items in the media. Content appearing includes timely news and feature stories from broadcast, print and online sources. Occasionally, opinion pieces and first-person columns appearing in mainstream media outlets that are written by faculty members and pertain to their academic or professional expertise may be included based on their unique, informative value, timeliness and space constraints. It is not the policy of OSU Today to include Letters to the Editor.
The Pac-12 Conference announced this week that it will postpone all fall sports, including college football, through at least the end of 2020. The same day, Oregon State University President F. King Alexander announced that the majority of fall classes would be online. We talk with Alexander about how the college football season’s postponement will affect the university, and how the university will approach an online fall term.
“It’s a $200 million shot that Oregon State is gonna figure out how to handle,” said Oregon State University President F. King Alexander. OSU was the most willing to share its numbers today. (see also KLCC)
One option OSU will strongly consider if it cannot generate meaningful revenue from football is long-term borrowing. Oregon State president Dr. F. King Alexander said Thursday the school would “look toward potential 30-year bond loans” to help offset an athletics revenue shortfall.
Oregonians know Eugene and Corvallis are great college towns. Of course, people have their favorites. But there is no debate that both universities are a huge part of the local economy. Business is already way down this year due to the pandemic. And then came this week's announcement from the Pac-12.
Oregon State president F. King Alexander is the son of a former Florida women’s basketball coach and spent seven years at LSU, so he wasn’t afraid to call it like he saw it regarding the SEC on Thursday.
Hurst credits a large amount of Agility’s success to Oregon State University, where he works as an associate professor of robotics. Without the university’s support, Agility Robotics might not be looking at the same bright future, says Hurst.
With 90 percent of Oregon State University's courses to be held remotely this fall due to the pandemic, some students are wondering about how this will impact the quality of their education and if their tuition rates should be lowered.
In a short time, Oregon State University Extension Service has built a collaborative team of professionals that’s reaching deep into Latino and indigenous communities in Lincoln County to provide culturally relevant COVID-19 information.
A piece by CPHHS associate professor Anthony Veltri.
A piece by OSU's Susan Shaw.
A compound given as a dietary supplement to overweight but otherwise healthy people in a clinical trial caused many of the patients to slim down, research by Oregon State University and Oregon Health & Science University showed.
Anna Browne, 4-H coordinator with the Oregon State University extension center in Hermiston, said in addition to bringing livestock to the fairgrounds, 4-H participants are also uploading homemade showmanship videos for judges to watch.
After high school, Dr. Freilich earned degrees in physics and chemistry from Haverford College and a Ph.D in oceanography from Scripps Institution of Oceanography. He went on to become a researcher and flight mission leader at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and a professor and associate dean at Oregon State University’s College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences.
Today’s workspace: Jay VanDenBogaard, substance use clinician with Student Health Services, said she hadn’t seen a ferret represented in the workspace photo series, so she submitted a photo of her toy-stashing ferret, Rocket. “Rocket is the cuddliest and most adorable assistant ever. Makes Telehealth services with students all that much more enjoyable.” We've seen lots of your workspaces. Now it's time to see the view from your windows (or decks or balconies). Submit photos of your view (please don't include photos of people without their permission) and send it in an email to [email protected]. Follow OSU Today on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/osutoday1/ and catch up on any workspace photos you might have missed so far.
Board of Trustees: The OSU Board of Trustees will meet from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 14, to consider the university’s pandemic-related plans for fall term, proposed new academic programs in the colleges of Business and Engineering, and the Fairbanks Hall renovation project. The board also will receive updates on the university budget, public safety and diversity and inclusion efforts. Given current COVID-19 guidance from the Governor’s Office, as well as university and county health officials, the meeting will be hosted through a remote conferencing service. The meeting is open to the public. The meeting agenda, options for joining the meeting, and instructions for providing comment during the board meeting’s general comment period and in a testimony period held before the board votes on each action item are located at this webpage. Meeting materials will also be posted on this webpage as they are available. If special accommodations are required, please contact 541-737-3449 or [email protected] at least 48 hours in advance.
University Budget Conversation: On Friday, Aug. 14 from noon to 1 p.m., the Office of Budget and Resource Planning will hold a Zoom webinar to discuss Budget Planning in Uncertain Times with a very brief update and Q&A about budget planning for 2020-2021. The Budget Conversation sessions are limited to 60 minutes with the initial 15-20 minutes spent on presentation of the topic, leaving time for discussion and Q&A. More information about University Budget Conversations is located on the Office of Budget and Resource Planning website. If you have questions, please contact Sherm Bloomer for more information.
Bard in Your Yard: Oregon State University’s Bard in the Quad presents a fully immersive, audio-only production of “Macbeth,” available for download on all major podcast platforms through OSU theatre’s “Dam the Distance” podcast feed starting Aug. 14. The production has been made possible through support from the OSU Memorial Union and Block 15 Restaurant and Brewery. Virtual tickets for the podcast are available at bardinthequad.org. Patrons can name their own price to help support OSU theatre during this challenging time. The full audio drama production will be available Aug. 14 for download through OSU Theatre’s Dam the Distance podcast feed which can be found through the Bard in the Quad website, Apple podcasts, and all major podcast platforms.
Free Virtual Nutrition Counseling: The OSU dietetic interns will be providing free Zoom counseling appointments to OSU faculty/staff/alumni and their immediate family members on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during the weeks of Aug. 10 and Aug. 17. Contact [email protected] if you would like to schedule a session. Sessions can count toward your HEM requirements.
American Strings Webcast: An Evening with Keb’ Mo'. Crank up that home sound system and enjoy the next installment of CLA’s American Strings – a conversation and live remote performance with blues artist and five-time Grammy Award winner Keb’ Mo’ on Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 5 p.m. Host Bob Santelli, OSU’s director of popular music and performing arts, will lead the live interview and solo performance, which offers a unique opportunity to learn about a variety of genres from across American music traditions. Presented in partnership with OSU Alumni Association. The webcast is free and open to all. Registration is needed to receive link to view.
2020 University Day Keynote Session and Expo registration is now open. Register for the virtual keynote session with Freeman Hrabowski, President of University of Maryland, Baltimore County on Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 10-11:30 a.m. Watch the live or recorded keynote session and be entered into daily prize drawings (through Sept. 25). Also register your unit to present in the virtual expo and showcase your unit’s work and opportunities to fellow staff and faculty. Register today at universityday.oregonstate.edu. For more info, contact Mealoha McFadden at [email protected] or 541-231-2585.
NEW! Investment webinars: The Maps Credit Union CFS investment team is conducting a Weekly Webinar Series on a variety of investment topics that include current market updates.This is one way to educate yourself without leaving the comfort and safety of your own home. Tuesday, Aug. 18, noon -- Social Security: Seven Keys to Enhancing Benefits; Wednesday, Aug. 19, noon -- When is your Retirement Date?; Wednesday, Aug. 19, 3 p.m. -- Investing With Social Responsibility; Thursday, Aug. 20, noon -- Plan and Build Your Secure Financial House. These are not OSU events but are tailored to OSU clients and during normal circumstances are held on campus. There is no charge.
Diversity, equity and inclusion workshop: Oregon State University – Cascades will host a three-day diversity, equity and inclusion workshop for business leaders and community members interested in furthering their knowledge of social equality. OSU-Cascades business instructor Erika McCalpine will lead the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Intensive workshop. It will be offered via Zoom from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 17-19. Registration for the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Intensive is $300 per person and each three-day session is limited to 40 participants. Registration closes Aug. 14 for the Aug. 17-19 session. To register, visit OSUcascades.edu/dei-intensive. For information, contact [email protected].
Free Oregon Summer Transportation Institute for teens: Students grades 9-12 will engage in a combination of hands-on learning, local "field trips," and remote activities that emphasize the importance and breadth of the transportation engineering discipline. In-person activities, including lunch, 9 a.m.-1p.m., Aug. 17-21, remote activities 2-4 p.m. the same days. In-person activities include a local bike tour, drone activity, and design session in which students will have the opportunity to propose solutions to real-world challenges. Remote activities include virtual tours of the Corvallis Airport and OSU Marine Studies Building in Newport, a hands-on evacuation modeling activity, and presentations on topics including transportation resilience, distracted driving, engineering ethics, and emerging modes of transportation. Note: Thanks to funding from FHWA and ODOT the camp is free. Only Oregon residents are eligible. Acceptance into this camp will depend on their application. To register: https://tinyurl.com/OSU2020STI
Coping With Pandemic Anxiety As Kids Return To School: Webinar Description: The start of the school year during the COVID-19 pandemic is filled with uncertainties and concerns that are causing understandable stress for many parents and caretakers. This workshop is designed to help people cope with emotions and anxiety in response to returning to school during the pandemic. It will provide an understanding of the types of reactions people may experience during this time, and offer practical tips for coping. Aug. 17, 11 a.m.: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4850615801314348299. Aug. 24, 11 a.m.: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3781183513139403275
DFA Risk Appetite and Risk Assessment Tools: Train the Trainer: Insurance and Risk Management Services will facilitate a workshop for unit leaders and supervisors to provide exposure to the DFA Risk Appetite Statements and Risk Assessment Tools. Attendees will gain hands-on practice and develop the skills necessary to assist other employees in understanding and incorporating the DFA Risk Appetite Statements and Risk Assessment Tools into their work. Zoom session Aug. 18, 9-10:30 a.m. Registration required.
Accountability - Commitment and Responsibility: There is a subtle distinction between accountability and responsibility that when understood changes the conversation when accountability issues arise. This short program will illustrate this distinction and allow you to consider the distinction by examining accountability issues. The end goal is greater commitment that results in increased productivity and personal effectiveness. Aug. 19 via Zoom 8:30-9 a.m. Registration required.
Developing High Performance Teams: Why do some teams consistently produce outstanding results and other teams perform moderately at best? We will examine distinguishing characteristics of high-performing teams and provide tools and principles you can use to develop high level teams. Recommended for managers and leaders. Aug. 19 via Zoom 9:30-11:30 a.m. Registration required.
Increasing Productivity Through Time Awareness: Too much to do and not enough time? We can't add more hours to the day, but we can be more aware of how we spend our time and make better choices about how we use it. As part of this session, you will learn how to increase your awareness of time-task relationship, empowering you with a useful tool when considering how to best use your time. Offered 2 times: Aug. 20 and Aug. 25 via Zoom 8-9 a.m. Registration required
Work-life Balance & Integration: The essence of work life balance is to effectively integrate work responsibilities with the domains (or buckets) in our personal lives. We will share counterbalancing techniques, and you will have an opportunity to get started by mapping out your responsibilities and other “buckets” unique to your situation. Offered 2 times: Aug. 20 and Aug. 25 via Zoom 10-11 a.m. Registration required.
Coping During Uncertain Times: Webinar Description: People have a powerful need to understand and predict their environments in order to feel in control. When we are exposed to potential threats to our well-being, we naturally respond to this uncertainty with anxiety and fear. This training will address ways of effectively coping with uncertainty in today’s media-saturated world. The course will examine how to remain positive and functional despite the risks of living in a changing world. Included will be practical tips for coping with uncertainty, re-establishing control and how to speak to children about fear. Employees can register at the link below. Aug. 25, 10 a.m.: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4054306599652415248
Accessibility Basics for the Web: Learn how to make websites accessible to people with disabilities. We'll also discuss the OSU policy on Information Technology Accessibility. All are welcome; employees with website responsibilities are encouraged if they have not attended yet. Register for a session, offered Aug. 25.
Oregon State Clean Water Virtual Conference: Sept. 1, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free and open to the public. Featuring live lectures with audience Q&A, virtual project displays with live video chat, and more. Full details at engineering.oregonstate.edu/cleanwater2020.
Leading During COVID-19: Supporting Women in Higher Education Virtual Panel: Join the Center for the Advancement of Women in Leadership on Tuesday, Sept. 1, noon, for a free virtual panel bringing together women leaders in higher education to discuss policies and practices that can support women and families in our institutions. Panelists will share personal stories, relevant research findings, and recommendations for ways that other leaders can create equitable and supportive workplaces. Our goal is to create a list of recommended policies and practices for leaders in higher education to pledge to adopt and share, advancing women’s leadership and success in higher education during COVID and beyond. To register and learn more, visit Supporting Women in Higher Education.
Master Recycler class: Would you like to learn all about waste reduction, reuse, and recycling to help spread change in our community? Secure your spot in this annual class, now on Zoom. Monday nights, Sept. 28-Dec. 7 plus two Thursday Q&A sessions. Free to residents of Linn and Benton counties who agree to “pay back” what they learned by completing 30 hours of volunteer service. Visit http://tiny.cc/recycclass for more details and to sign-up.
Weight Watchers: Weight Watchers has launched new private virtual workshops for PEBB members. Get ready to see some familiar faces and join together for a weekly workshop guided by a WW coach. Move closer to your weight-loss and wellness goals in this fun, supportive and private live Virtual Workshop. Current WW members can view the workshop schedule by joining PEBB’s Connect Group here.
NEW! STEM research: The Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) and the STEM Research Center at OSU are collaborating on “interPLAY: Developing STEM Skills through Play and Exhibit Design for Early Learners in Children’s Museums and Science Centers.” This four-year research project focuses on better understanding playful engagement with STEM exhibits for children ages three to eight. Read more about the project.
NEW! Opportunity for Teaching Faculty: The Fall 2020 Blended Faculty Learning Community, sponsored by the Center for Teaching and Learning and Academic Technology, will help faculty enhance their teaching, with a focus on applying effective practices for blended learning and the use of educational technology. Instructors and tenured/tenure-track faculty who teach credit-based Corvallis and Cascades campus courses are eligible to apply. See Call for Proposals and apply by Aug. 31.
Care.com Childcare and Education Resources: Care.com has a new benefit to help employees connect to care-related and distance learning resources that is relevant in the current unprecedented back-to-school season. It includes assistance connecting to resources such as tutors, nanny shares, pod teachers, babysitters, and more. Enroll today to ensure you have access to these Care.com benefits at www.care.com/osu. There, you can access all of the care-related and distance learning resources they offer. They have also published a Back to School Resource Guide that employees can access here: https://www.care.com/c/stories/16884/back-to-school-2020/.
The LaSells Stewart Center and the CH2M HILL Alumni Center are open to book events: We are ready to host your business meeting or seminar. We have all COVID-19 guidelines in place and exceed social distancing and sanitation guidelines to provide a safe and welcoming environment. We have new improved technology to provide robust support for hybrid and virtual events. We remain committed to supporting successful meetings, conferences and events even as we adapt to COVID-19. Please email The LaSells Stewart Center or CH2M HILL Alumni Center to inquire about space.
Updates to University Policies & Standards: Please visit the University Policy & Standards page to learn about recent policy updates: http://policy.oregonstate.edu/whats-new. This page is updated frequently with new developments, so we encourage you to check back regularly. Also, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter here.
Criminal History Checks and Youth Programs: Although Covid-19 has affected the number and types of youth programs operating this summer, criminal history checks are required for certain individuals working in programs and activities involving minors, including university representatives and volunteers. Information about minors and CHC policies: University Policy: 07-040 Safety of Minors and University Standard: 576-055 Criminal History Check. Process questions? Send an email to [email protected]. Policy questions? Contact Linda Nye at [email protected].
OSU Press: Through the end of August, OSU Press is offering 30% off and free shipping on a selection of books that illuminate the experiences of marginalized communities in Oregon and beyond. Enter the promo code AMPLIFY at checkout on the Press website to obtain the discount. http://osupress.oregonstate.edu/blog/amplifying-underrepresented-voices
Beavers Read: During social isolation, it can help to have good things to read -- to pass the time, to calm your mind, to help you keep learning. OSU Libraries is here to help you find your next good read -- and make sure it is something you can read safely from home. Just fill out this survey to get an email with personalized recommendations: https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4GHk9YYcjKaHSfz
UPDATED! Summer paving: As part of the summer 2020 parking lot paving schedule, parking lot closures for asphalt renewal are planned for the following parking lots: #3278 (Sports Complex East), #3205 (Adams Northeast) and #3313 (Bates North). The lots will be fully or partially closed for construction and planned closure durations are subject to change as construction proceeds. Work for lot #3313 (Bates North) started on Thursday, July 23, and continues through Monday, Aug. 24. Work for lot #3205 (Adams Northeast) started on Friday, Aug. 7, and continues through Tuesday, Sept. 1. Work for lot #3278 (Sports Complex East) started on Friday, Aug. 7, and continues through Wednesday, Sept. 2. For questions or comments on this closure, contact Infrastructure Project Manager Aaron Collett at 541-207-2780.
Irish Bend Covered Bridge Rehabilitation: Construction is scheduled to begin on the Irish Bend Covered Bridge along Southwest Campus Way on July 6, lasting until September. The bridge rehabilitation includes installing a fire suppression system, repainting and repairs to the wood structure. The covered bridge and Campus Way Path will be closed; Campus Way will remain open.
Postponed: Annual Steam Shutdown-Campus Wide: Each year Facilities Services performs necessary maintenance on the university’s steam system, which requires shutting off the steam throughout campus, to complete maintenance services at the plant, throughout the steam tunnels and in each building. This process affects hot water supply, heating and all equipment that uses steam, campus wide. The decision has been made to postpone the annual steam shut down until August in order to stay within the guidelines from the governor, university, state and CDC’s orders. The steam shutdown for 2020 will occur from Aug. 24 at 11 p.m. to Aug. 27 at 8 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you all for your understanding. For questions or comments on this closure, contact Facilities Services at 541-737-2969.
“Any idiot can face a crisis - it's day-to-day living that wears you out." ~ Anton Chekov.
Corvallis: Sunny today, high of 89, low of 54. Hot with highs in the upper 90s and low 100s this weekend.
Central Oregon: Sunny today, high of 88, low of 58. Excessive heat warning by the end of the weekend.
Newport: Sunny today, high of 77, low of 50. Sunny and warm this weekend.
Statewide: For OSU employees around the state, find your local forecast here: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/
