Stay informed about COVID-19

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: Wrapping up a Summer course next week? Write a positive note to your students, inviting questions about final assignments, encouraging reflection and offering support. 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

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. 
 

Teaching (Chronicle of Higher Education)

Cub Kahn, hybrid coordinator for the Center for Teaching and Learning at Oregon State University Ecampus, encouraged people to use the university's searchable Online Learning Efficacy Research Database, which includes academic studies on learning outcomes of hybrid and online education compared with face-to-face education. The database houses more than 100 peer-reviewed studies about blended and hybrid learning.
 

Fragrances in an ice core tell a story of human activity (EOS)

But environmental chemist Staci Simonich, who was not involved with the work, suggests there were fragrances that last longer in the environment the team could have monitored. “There were some fragrance materials I’m surprised they didn’t look for,” she said, pointing to polycyclic musks, a class of fragrances used in personal care products, air fresheners, and detergents that would persist longer in the environment. Simonich works at Oregon State University in Corvallis and was not involved with the study.
 

COVID-19 pandemic mirrors 1918 flu pandemic (KEZI)

Oregon State University professor Christopher McKnight Nichols said by the fall of 1918, a number of cities across the country implemented mask mandates. Some included fines of $5 or $10 or jail sentences if you didn't wear one. 
 

Supporting marginalized students impacted by COVID-19 (LIFE@OSU)

During a normal school year, financial aid advisor and outreach coordinator Rylan Wall spends a lot of time at events, helping students navigate the complex process of paying for college. From recruitment to matriculation, Wall helps demystify the world of financial aid for students and their parents, making the process a little less scary, and connecting them to the resources they’ll need to succeed at Oregon State.
 

Most Americans don't have enough assets to withstand 3 months without income (Phys Org)

A new study from Oregon State University found that 77% of low- to moderate-income American households fall below the asset poverty threshold, meaning that if their income were cut off they would not have the financial assets to maintain at least poverty-level status for three months.
 

OSU viticulture expert named president of American Society for Enology and Viticulture (LIFE@OSU)

Patty Skinkis, professor and Extension viticulture specialist in the Department of Horticulture, has been confirmed as 2020-2021 president of the American Society for Enology and Viticulture.
 

The coronavirus pandemic inspires sustainable solutions for Willamette Valley Vineyard using UVC light (KPTV)

The USDA and Oregon State University, working with Cornell and Washington State University, are studying UVC light and have found it is effective in killing the powdery mildew when the fungus’ defenses are down at night. 
 

Today's photo


Today’s workspace: “Here is a photo submission of my remote ‘workspace," says Amanda Jean Bielenberg-Hayes, events manager for Open Campus, Extension & Engagement. “My coworkers are much more intrusive these days.” 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. 

Saturday

NEW! Improvisational Festival: Dana Reason, who teaches contemporary music and popular music studies at Oregon State, and her daughter Paris Myers, an OSU Honors College undergraduate majoring in visual arts and engineering, are featured in the IF Festival Canada this weekend, which is accessible during a 24-hour online event at https://www.facebook.com/events/313069546489075/. This virtual festival begins on Aug. 8 at midnight UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) and will feature pre-recorded video performances from multi-disciplinary artists around the world captured in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Reason’s piece is Mother and Daughter and the Benvenue Avenue Letters of 1918, a multimedia, collaborative improvisation with fixed elements between composer-pianist Reason, visual artist Myers, and architectural archivist Bruce Anthony. The work features an original composition by Reason and live drawings and video by Myers that take inspiration from the archival letters between Mary and Charles Rhodes during the 1918 flu pandemic as well as a tribute to Myers' great-grandmother, Francis Levy, who lived from 1920 until July 14, 2020 .

Events

NEW! 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.  

NEW! 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.

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.

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.

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.

Lectures, Workshops, Webinars

NEW! Introduction to CORE: The Cooperative Open Reporting Environment (CORE) is OSU's central tool for accessing official university reports and institutional data. All OSU employees have access to CORE reports and dashboards based on their employment classification and Job Profile. This session is designed to give new employees and CORE users who would like to review the basics an orientation to CORE. Topics in this session include security and policies related to the access and use of data, how to find and save what you need from CORE, and helpful tips and tricks for interacting with and using the system. This is a high-level overview of the systems and is appropriate for all CORE users. Tuesday, Aug. 11, 3-4 p.m., Zoom. Register: http://oregonstate.edu/training/registration_add.php?sess_id=4922 Questions? Email[email protected]

NEW! Da Vinci Days: Claire Tortorelli, a PhD student in forestry, is doing an online talk next Tuesday as part of the da Vinci Days STEAM series. Tortorelli will present "One-Two Punch to Oregon's Natural Areas: Invasive plants and fire" Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 6 p.m. Her talk will be available on Facebook Live at the da Vinci Days Facebook events page: https://www.facebook.com/events/304324190757197/

NEW! 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

NEW! Wild About Wildlife Camp: Are you a budding biologist wondering about the animals in your backyard? Join biologists from OSU’s Fisheries and Wildlife department to discover the wonders of the natural world. In this camp, students will learn how scientists study wildlife and fisheries both in the lab and in the field. Grades 6-8. Campers will learn about many different habitats in Western Oregon and observe, identify and learn about native species that can be found around the OSU campus. During activities we will discuss species biology, conservation, management, and factors that shape populations and ecosystems. All of the activities will be conducted outside and will include: plant and animal adaptations, owl pellet dissection, aquatic insects, strawberry DNA extraction, human/animal interaction, nature walk to Irish Bend Covered Bridge, and birding with a local bird expert. Individual supplies will be provided for all students, so there will be no sharing of materials. Aug. 18-20, 9 a.m to noon, $120 (scholarships available). To register:  https://apps.ideal-logic.com/stemacademy 

NEW! 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

NEW! 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.

Core curriculum for current OSU supervisors and managers: Consists of online modules followed by four half-days of classroom training via Zoom. Topics include the performance management cycle (position descriptions, expectations/standards, engagement, appraisals, and integration), equal employment and affirmative action, ADA, discrimination and misconduct, safety and compensation and supervising represented employees. Aug. 10-13 via Zoom, 8:15 a.m. to noon each day. Registration required; closes Aug. 7.

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].

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.

Faculty Staff Fitness: OSU’s Faculty Staff Fitness Program is starting in-person fitness programming on campus July 20-Sept. 18. Registration is open. Please see https://health.oregonstate.edu/fsf/schedule/summer for the full list of classes. Not going to campus? FSF is offering over 200 prerecorded, accessible any time, online fitness classes for summer term, June 15-Sept. 18. Classes range from 10, 20, 30 to 60 minutes and involve formats including weight training, cardio kickboxing, cardio dance (similar to Zumba), barre fusion, Pilates, various yoga styles and more. Registration is $35 and is now open via: https://health.oregonstate.edu/fsf/online.

Clean Water conference: Applications are now being accepted to host project display pages at the 2020 Oregon State Clean Water Virtual Conference, which will take place Sept. 1, 2020. If you are working on a project related to clean and sustainable water technology, this is an opportunity for you to share your work with a wide audience of industry professionals, faculty, students, alumni and the public. Learn more at engineering.oregonstate.edu/cleanwater2

Managers as Leaders: Applications for Managers as Leaders 2020 are now being accepted. Managers as Leaders is a skill-building course for managers and supervisors. It integrates 6 day-long class sessions with online learning and on-the-job practice. It features team-learning, mentors and practical tools. All managers/supervisors are encouraged to apply. Contact Kristen Magis for more information. Submit online applications on the Managers as Leaders webpage between now and Sept. 4. 

Take Note

NEW! 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/.

NEW! 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
 
Monthly Emergency Preparedness Topic: Waste: Natural and man-made disasters, that flood the sewer system, can cause additional personal and community disasters. You may be unable to flush the toilets or run water for weeks or even months. Failure to properly dispose of human waste can lead to epidemics. This month’s poster can be downloaded at: https://emergency.oregonstate.edu/emergency-preparedness/preparedness-topics/waste-disasters
 
OSUsed Store ready to serve your needs: While not open to the public for personal purchases, the OSUsed Store, run by Surplus Property, is open to staff shopping for their departments weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The store carries equipment for remote or onsite work such as computer equipment, furniture, office supplies and more. We are also selling online on the Public Surplus website; if you see something that interests your department, call for availability: 541-737-7347.

Traffic and Maintenance

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) is scheduled to start on Thursday, July 23, and continue through Tuesday, Aug. 11. Work for lot #3205 (Adams Northeast) is scheduled to start on Friday, Aug. 7, and continue through Wednesday, Aug. 26. Work for lot #3278 (Sports Complex East) is scheduled to start on Friday, Aug. 7, and continue through Tuesday, Sept. 1. 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.

Jobs

This email only lists new or recently updated job postings. For a full list of current job postings for OSU Today, go to: http://today.oregonstate.edu/email/jobs To apply for the below positions, visit http://oregonstate.edu/jobs unless otherwise specified.

NEW! Accountant 2 – The Research Office invites applications for a full-time (1.0 FTE), 12-month, Accountant 2 – Grant Accountant. Posting #P02734CT. Closes Aug. 19.  

Weather

“Fall seven times, stand up eight.” ― Japanese proverb

Corvallis: Sunny today, high of 81, low of 54. Sunny this weekend.

Central Oregon: Sunny today, high of 78, low of 50. Sunny this weekend.

Newport: Sunny today, high of 67, low of 53. Mostly sunny Saturday, sunny Sunday.

Statewide: For OSU employees around the state, find your local forecast here: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/