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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. For more about this section, see: https://today.oregonstate.edu/email/submission-guidelines.
A new study by the Oregon State University College of Engineering shows that machine learning techniques can offer powerful new tools for advancing personalized medicine, care that optimizes outcomes for individual patients based on unique aspects of their biology and disease features.
In “The Shrinking School Week: Effects of a Four-Day Schedule on Student Achievement” (Research, Summer 2021), Paul N. Thompson of Oregon State University wrote for Education Next that he had looked “at student test scores in reading and math over a 15-year period to see what happens when schools switch to a four-day week.” The result? “clear negative consequences for student learning when schools adopt four-day schedules.” He wrote, “when students receive less than a full-time school schedule, learning slows.”
NuScale Power, a modular nuclear reactor company spun out of Oregon State University, plans to go public as it seeks funding to build its first nuclear power plant, according to the company’s financial advisor.
Catch the rainbow: Rachel Petersen, Natural Resources/ Ecological Restoration, says, “I wanted to share a photo I took in south Corvallis while walking my pup in our neighborhood. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I first saw this little group. It was like nature knew I needed a smile that day.” Don't forget to follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/osutoday1/.
NEW! Timely Teaching Tips: Looking for a novel way to engage your students using media? The new Faculty Media Center Lightboard can help you create immersive and engaging instructional videos. Visit the Faculty Media Center in Kidder Hall 100 (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.) or schedule a consultation to learn more about the new Lightboard.
Do you prefer to make a Charitable Fund Drive donation by personal check? No problem! Click here for the pledge form. For the complete list of all the Charitable Fund Drive organizations, click here. Once you’ve completed the pledge form, mail it and your personal check to the Portland address located at the top of the form. Your donation, in whatever form works best for you, is much needed and appreciated! For online pledges: https://www.ipledgeonline.org/_cfduniversities/
Board of Trustees: The OSU Board of Trustees will meet Dec. 10, 8 a.m. to noon. Trustees will consider an update to the proposed presidential search timeline and process, elect board officers and consider the appointment of the board secretary. The board will hear a progress report from the Office of Audit, Risk and Compliance; consider the 2022 work plan for the Executive & Audit Committee; and consider a capital project related to the Reser Stadium videoboard. The board also will hear an update on university public safety efforts and receive reports on all hazards planning, compliance and ethics, and from the Office of General Counsel. The board meeting agenda and materials will be posted as they are available at http://oregonstate.edu/leadership/trustees/meetings. For special accommodations, contact 541-737-3449 or [email protected] at least 48 hours in advance.
MS Defense: Austin Finster will present his thesis, titled: “Tires, Tracks, and Tethering: Idaho Steep Slope Harvesting,” on Dec. 10 at 8 a.m. over Zoom. Finster is earning his Master of Science in Sustainable Forest Management with Woodam Chung in the Department of Forest Engineering, Resources and Management. Contact [email protected] for the Zoom link or for accommodations.
FYI Friday – "Creating a College Financial Plan: Understanding the Basics of a Budget & Paying for College." Attendees will learn about creating a financial plan for college, including creating an academic plan and evaluating direct and indirect expenses and income. Dec. 10, noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom. Registration required.
Beyond Benefits: Managing Holiday Stress. The holidays can be one of the happiest times of the year, yet it can also be one of the most stressful. This workshop provides an overview of common stressors people encounter during the holidays, and offers “stress buster” tips to help you get the most possible enjoyment out of the season. Dec. 10, noon. Register here.
Meat lab: The Clark Meat Lab retail store is open Fridays from noon to 5:30 p.m. Product offerings include beef, pork and lamb retail cuts, fresh and cooked sausages, bacon, snack sticks, jerky, Beaver Classic cheese and honey, and even dog treats. The store is located at 3260 SW Campus Way, behind the Motor Pool. For more information contact [email protected] or call 541-737-1927.
Dorsette celebration: A farewell gathering for Jason Dorsette and a celebration of Dorsette’s many contributions to the OSU community will take place at the Lonnie B. Harris Black Cultural Center Dec. 10 from 4-6 p.m. Come and go as you are able. RSVP is not required but email Terrance Harris at [email protected] with questions. To join remotely: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/94605976220?pwd=RUN0c3RZUEJlZjY0dDBtVmxUSFBOUT09.
NEW! SEIU Classified Staff: Tentative Agreement meeting. Sunday, Dec. 12, from 7-8 p.m., https://seiu503-org.zoom.us/j/96692311707?pwd=U3NScmhLTHpnOU0xbWY1cm4xWTFFUT09. For workers who cannot attend lunch meetings please attend this one. Via Zoom, we will go over new contract, how to vote and pandemic pay. Questions? Contact Siobhan at [email protected] or 630-699-0281.
NEW! Booster clinic at OSU Alumni Center Dec. 15-16: Benton County is partnering with Samaritan Health Services and Oregon State University to host two free COVID-19 booster mass vaccination clinics on Dec. 15-16, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. The clinics will take place at the OSU Alumni Center. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be available as supplies last, and no appointment is needed. Those attending are encouraged to complete the necessary paperwork prior to arriving and bring a printed copy. Forms will also be available at the event. Bring your vaccination card or other record of COVID-19 vaccination to the clinic.
Portland Regional Connections Dec. 13: The pandemic has changed life as we know it. Find help adjusting to the new normal from the OSU Alumni Association at the next free virtual Regional Connections event, Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m.. Alumni, students and friends in Portland are invited to share their experiences, network and connect. ForOregonState.org/Regional-Networks.
Central Oregon Regional Connections Dec. 14: To survive and thrive in the new normal, you need to be agile and adapt. Join the OSU Alumni Association for the next free virtual Regional Connections event, Dec. 14 at 5:30 p.m. Alumni, students and friends in Central Oregon are invited to share their experiences, network and connect. ForOregonState.org/Regional-Network.
Seattle Regional Connections Dec. 15: Welcome to the new normal. If these challenging times have you feeling overwhelmed, frustrated or burned out, the OSU Alumni Association and Beaver Nation are here to help you. Join alumni, students and friends in Seattle to share your experience, network and connect at the Regional Connections free virtual event, Dec. 15 at 5:30 p.m. ForOregonState.org/Regional-Networks.
PFLA Zoom event: PFLA Open Forum – Professional Development. Learn how you can be more involved in PFLA activities, have a say in what types of professional development events are offered through PFLA and share your ideas. Join us via Zoom Dec. 16, 3-4 p.m. No need to register.
Navigating Workplace Conflict Workshop in Corvallis: Developed by University Ombudsperson and conflict management expert Sue Theiss, this workshop focuses on essential elements of managing interpersonal, small group and organizational conflict. Participants will have a good understanding of how to navigate conflict and the tools to help you create real change through inclusive processes. Dec. 16. Register at https://workspace.oregonstate.edu/certificate/navigating-conflict.
Alumni and Friends Tailgater at Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl Dec. 18: Be a part of the excitement at the official Oregon State tailgater at the SoFi Stadium. Food, drinks, live DJ, photo ops, Beaver greats as special guests, OSU Marching Band and Cheer and more. Purchase tickets through the Beaver Athletics Ticket Office, then register for the tailgater at ForOregonState.org/Bowl.
NEW! HMSC Science on Tap: Selina Heppell, professor and department head with Oregon State University’s Dept. of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences at the Hatfield Marine Science Center will present a public virtual talk titled “Marine Reserves-essential for conservation or a threat to fisheries?” Dec. 15, 6 p.m. Webinar link or call: +1-971-247-1195. Webinar ID: 936 4253 0812. Click here for more information.
NEW! Lookout: Envisioning Futures with Wildfire. Spring Creek Project is hosting an 11-week lecture series exploring this era of megafires. Featuring speakers including historian Steve Pyne, author Jewell Parker Rhodes, executive director of the Cultural Fire Management Council Margo Robbins, journalist Jaime Lowe, wildlife biologist Maya Khosla, photographer Stuart Palley and more. Tuesdays at 6 p.m. starting Jan. 4. Learn more and register for talks.
OSU Advantage Virtual Speaker Series: "Intellectual Property Essentials for Startups," featuring Michel Marie Rose, IP and trademark lawyer. Dec. 16 from noon to 1 p.m. Avoid common IP pitfalls by reviewing different types of intellectual property assets and how they can be protected, as well as identifying ways you may be unknowingly infringing upon others’ property rights. Register here.
EMT Research Day Symposium: “Celebrating Environmental & Molecular Toxicology Current Research & Outstanding EMT Alumni", Jan. 25, including poster session and reception 4:30-6:30 p.m., MU Ballroom. Join us for a full day of speakers. Lunch will be provided. Registration deadline Dec. 17.
Your Social Impact: How to be a Change Agent Within Your Networks. Get expert advice from people who’ve been on the same journey as you and are making a difference in this free virtual "Winning in Life" event, Jan. 20 at noon. The series is designed to help students and alumni build personal and professional skills for success in life, career and beyond. Register for free at ForOregonState.org/Winning.
Inside the Mind of High Performing Leaders: You can learn how to lead with confidence and design your own success. Get expert advice from personal leadership professional and TEDx speaker Jeff Otis, ’90, at the next free virtual "Winning in Life" event, Jan. 27 at noon. Register for free at ForOregonState.org/Winning.
Crucial Conversations: This is a 10-hour course that fosters dialogue around high-stakes, emotional or risky topics at all levels of your organization. Learn how to speak and be heard, surface the best ideas and make and execute the highest-quality decisions. Online sessions on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m., Jan. 20 through Feb. 17. There is a $100 fee to attend. Learn more and register here.
NEW! SEIU: Classified staff. Have you been moved from salary to hourly in the last year (or since the pandemic started) for any reason? This includes people who were on reduced hours, and long-time employees who made lateral transfers into positions and then had their pay schedule changed. We are continuing to track and grieve this important issue for you and need to get your name and story. Please email organizer Siobhan Burke at [email protected] or call/text 630-699-0281. Please get back to us by Friday, Dec. 17.
NEW! SJEI workshops are open for winter and spring term registration – secure your spot now: The Social Justice Education Initiative is open to all faculty, staff and graduate students. SJEI workshops are infused with empathy, humor and expertise while embracing a guiding principle of “more curiosity, less judgement” to achieve robust learning objectives. Learn more, see the workshop schedule and register on the SJEI website registration page or contact SJEI director Jane Waite: [email protected].
Population and Ecosystem Dynamics and Marine Resource Economics Scholarships: These scholarships offer up to three years of funding to Ph.D. students whose research focuses on population and ecosystem dynamics or marine resource economics. Application packages must be submitted to the Sea Grant office in the state where you are enrolled by Jan. 27, 2022. In Oregon, please contact Stephanie Ichien or Sarah Kolesar at Oregon Sea Grant.
NOAA’s Coastal Management and Digital Coasts Fellowships: This fellowship offers postgraduate students on-the-job education and training in coastal resource management and policy. There will be 12 fellowship positions that start in August 2022. For eligibility, project descriptions and application information, go to coast.noaa.gov/fellowship and the Oregon Sea Grant’s Coastal Management & Digital Coast Fellowship page. Application packages must be submitted to the Sea Grant office in the state where you receive your degree by Jan. 21, 2022.
2023-24 John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship: This is a one-year paid experience for highly qualified early career professionals to work on coastal, marine and Great Lakes science and policy issues in offices within the executive or legislative branch of government in Washington, D.C. Details are on the Knauss Fellowship page. Application packages must be submitted to the Sea Grant office in the state where you received your degree by Feb. 18, 2022.
AWSEM Club: Registration for STEM Academy's virtual AWSEM (Advocates for Women in Science, Engineering, and Math) Club for 8th-10th graders is open. Club meets on Wednesdays 5-6 p.m. Jan. 26-March 2. Cost is $75. Needs-based scholarships available. For more information: https://stemacademy.oregonstate.edu/awsem-club, 541-737-8139 or email [email protected].
OSU Today for Winter Break: OSU Today will publish on Monday, Dec. 13 and Monday, Dec. 20. There will not be an edition the week of Dec. 27. Daily publication will resume Monday, Jan. 3, 2022.
CFP — 2022-23 OSU Humanities Fellowships: The OSU Center for the Humanities is now accepting applications for 2022-2023 Faculty Fellowships. The deadline to submit proposals is Dec. 10. Find application forms, instructions and information about awards online at https://humanities.oregonstate.edu/fellowship-program.
The 34th Annual Provost’s Literary Prize for undergraduate students at OSU is open for submissions. Keith Scribner in the School of Writing, Literature and Film and the screening committee are seeking help from faculty to identify candidates for the prize. The literary work can be fiction, poetry, drama or creative nonfiction written for a general audience. The winner will be awarded $500 and on-campus publication. Submission details here. Deadline: Feb. 15. The Provost will announce the winner in May 2022.
OSU Costco Membership Program Change — Faculty and Staff: Effective Jan. 1, Costco will be moving OSU from one membership for the entire university to individual memberships for each department that wishes to continue shopping at Costco. More information about the change and how departments may obtain their own membership can be found at https://fa.oregonstate.edu/pacs/costco-program.
Girls Expeditions: Inspiring Girls Expeditions is seeking field scientists, artists or wilderness guides to plan and instruct our three OSU-based 2022 expeditions: Expeditions@Home, Girls on Ice Cascades, and Girls in Icy Fjords. Our expeditions are unique, tuition-free, 10-12-day programs for 16-18-year-old girls and gender expansive youth that emphasize curiosity, creativity, and exploration in remote environments. Links to position descriptions and application instructions can be found on our website. Contact Program Coordinator Ryan Brown with questions.
Honors College Colloquium Proposals: OSU tenured/tenure-track, senior instructor, and emeritus faculty are invited to submit honors colloquium proposals for 2022-2023 at honors.oregonstate.edu/course-proposals. Any General Catalog course can also be offered as a small, highly-engaged honors course; interested faculty should contact [email protected] for details. Faculty may apply for Meehan course development grants of up to $3,000 to develop experiential learning opportunities for honors courses and colloquia. More information: [email protected] or 541-737-6412. Deadline: Jan. 15.
Submit your events for the 2022 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration week: Departments, units, offices, organizations and individuals are invited to submit events for the 40th annual Celebration. These events are intended to collaboratively learn about, reflect on and carry on the legacy of Dr. King, and are an important part of the annual celebration. Learn more on the events website. Events can be submitted by Friday, Jan. 7. For questions, contact [email protected] or 541-737-1063.
Apply for FY22 PCOSW scholarship and project funding: The President’s Commission on the Status of Women invites applications for funding to faculty, students and staff who are pursuing professional development, research or other opportunities that support PCOSW’s mission. Apply by Friday, Feb. 4. Visit https://leadership.oregonstate.edu/pcosw/funding-opportunities for detailed guidelines, qualification requirements and application link. Questions? Contact [email protected].
COVID-19 testing: Oregon State University, in collaboration with Willamette Valley Toxicology (WVT), is providing on-site COVID-19 testing. OSU employees and students, regardless of vaccination status, are welcome to test at one of these locations: Corvallis: The LaSells Stewart Center: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Student Experience Center: Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Dec. 9-10, only the SEC location will be open. During Winter Break, only the SEC location will be open, and its hours will be limited to Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. WVT will provide testing over the break for travel purposes. Student Health Services will not be providing testing for travel purposes. (For staff wanting to get a test voluntarily, please make sure to register for a lab dash account prior to arrival: https://labdash.net/.) Bend: Ray Hall 302, Weeks of Nov. 29-Dec. 20: Monday-Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m.; Week of Dec. 27: No testing; Week of Jan. 3: Monday-Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m.
Planned water shutdown for the Valley Library: For work related to the Community Hall Slope Project, a planned water shutdown at the Valley Library is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 15, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Existing erosion control is in place around the work area (view map). For questions or comments about the planned water shutdown, contact Construction Manager Ryan Wilson at 503-779-3488.
Graf Hall: As part of the Graf Hall Renovation Project, the contractor for the project will be doing excavation work below the pedestrian bridge between Graf Hall and Rogers Hall. They will also be doing overhead steel work on the bridge. While this work is ongoing, pedestrian traffic in the area will be restricted (view map). Work is scheduled Dec. 6 through Dec. 10. For questions or comments on this closure, contact Project Manager David Amundson at 541-737-2760.
Fairbanks: As part of the Fairbanks Hall Renovation Project, utility work will be happening. The sidewalk between the Women’s Building and Fairbanks Hall is scheduled to be closed from Nov. 29 through Dec. 27 (view map). An area of the sidewalk/fire lane between Austin Hall and the Asian & Pacific Cultural Center will also be closed.
Reser Stadium lot: For work related to the Completing Reser Stadium project, the west area of the Reser Stadium lot (lot #3281) will be closed from Nov. 22 through Dec. 10. Exterior saw-cutting work is scheduled for an electrical reroute. An extended closure for the west area of the Reser Stadium lot is also scheduled starting Nov. 22 through June 15, 2023. The area will be used for a contractor job site and temporary storage space (view map).
“From December to March, there are for many of us three gardens – the garden outdoors, the garden of pots and bowls in the house, and the garden of the mind’s eye.” ~ Katherine S. White
Corvallis: Showers likely, high of 46, low of 40. Rain and windy this weekend.
Central Oregon: Partly sunny today, high of 41, low of 31. Rain and snow this weekend.
Newport: Showers likely, high of 50, low of 42. Showers this weekend.
Statewide: For OSU employees around the state, find your local forecast here: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/
