OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
Open search box
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 new 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: Will you be building or teaching a remote course for Summer term? Looking for ideas to improve the remote teaching-learning experience? The self-paced Canvas course, Designing and Teaching an Effective Remote Course, is for you! Visit Keep Teaching for all the Week 9 Timely Teaching Tips.
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.
Kristopher Elliott, Outdoor School Program Leader for Oregon State University Extension, said school closures and cancellation of school trips meant that about 14,000 sixth-graders were unable to attend Outdoor School. Despite a projected 14 percent cut in its budget, Elliott said the program would like to find a way to not only get sixth-graders into the program, but also go back and find the now-seventh graders and give them the experience.
But there’s one catch: Damage that occurs during harvest can cut into packouts and deteriorate fruit quality postharvest in shipping, which means global-market growers in the Northwest can’t use them, said Wei Qiang Yang, an associate professor and berry extension agent with Oregon State University.
It’s part of a study by Oregon State University to estimate the prevalence of COVID-19 in a community. Researchers from the school tested households in several Corvallis neighborhoods earlier this spring. They estimate about one person in a thousand in that city has been infected with the virus.
he YInMn Blue pigment chemistry was discovered serendipitously at Oregon State University and licensed to The Shepherd Color Company for commercial sales. Named after the chemical constituents of Yttrium, Indium, and Manganese in a trigonal bipyramidal structure, the YInMn Blue represents how new and exciting chemicals are being discovered. (see also Coatings World)
FSF has transitioned temporarily into online only courses.
What a spring it’s been and gardening has just begun. If you’ve got questions, turn to Ask an Expert, an online question-and-answer tool from Oregon State University’s Extension Service.
Anyone new to gardening or wanting to boost their harvest can request free seeds and ongoing information about raising vegetables and fruits through Oregon State University Extension Service’s Grow This! Oregon Garden Challenge.
Today’s workspaces: Lisa Ballance, director of the Marine Mammal Institute and endowed chair for Marine Mammal Research at Hatfield Marine Science Center, has set up her home office overlooking the Newport bridge and HMSC (including the new Marine Studies building). Urkel is also enjoying the view.
Morgan Grey, administrative program assistant for the Moore Family Center, says, “My administrative assistant has an urgent task for me. My cat Barley must get on my lap for a snuggle. And from there to the desk.” 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 will meet from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 29, to consider the university’s operating budget for the coming fiscal year and Oregon’s public universities’ consolidated request for operating funds for next biennium to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission. The board also will receive a report on the university’s COVID-19 response, hear a legislative update and consider a policy regarding the use and management of the university-provided president’s residence. The board will hear an update on the Corvallis campus vision, a community-based engaged launched by the university to identify how the campus will evolve over the next 10 years. The board also will hold an executive session as part of its agenda, pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(d) to conduct deliberations with persons designated by the governing body to carry on labor negotiations. Given current COVID-19 guidance, the meeting is open to the public and will be hosted through a remote conferencing service. Options for joining the meeting and instructions for providing comment during the board meeting are provided under “Meeting Details” at this webpage. Committees of the board will meet via remote conferencing services on May 26, May 29 and June 5. Agendas and meeting materials for the board and committee meetings are available at http://oregonstate.edu/leadership/trustees/meetings. If special accommodation is required, please contact (541) 737-3449 or [email protected] at least 48 hours in advance.
OSU Honors College Virtual Thesis Fair: The Honors College Thesis Fair is happening now through Friday, May 29 online via Canvas. HC graduates share a poster and a lightning talk describing their research. Additionally, students will be on hand to answer questions regarding their research on Friday, May 29 from noon to 2 p.m. Registration is required in order to gain access to Canvas site. Please plan to register then browse the diverse projects and speak to the students.
Music à la Carte (Facebook Live): Kenji Bunch and Monica Ohuchi: The Music à la Carte concert series continues with a series of Facebook Live events on Fridays, keeping alive the decades-long tradition while following Oregon State University’s commitment to help reduce the risk and spread of COVID-19. On Friday, May 29, at noon, the series features the viola/piano duo, Kenji Bunch and Monica Ohuchi. Bunch and Ohuchi collaborate in all facets of their lives. As a performing duo they appear frequently on recordings, in recitals, workshops, live broadcasts, and lecture-demonstrations across the country. Having performed in our Memorial Union on a few occasions in the past, they return to Music a la Carte with a Facebook Live performance from their Portland home. To watch and listen, go to the Music à la Carte Facebook page.
Public health talk: The College of Public Health and Human Sciences is meeting the current public health crisis head-on and hosting its Friday Research Seminars online from 1-2 p.m. most Fridays. On Friday, May 29, Jinan Banna, Ph.D., RD, CDN, will present “Results of an intervention using text messages to prevent excessive gestational weight gain in Hawaii WIC” via Zoom. See upcoming presentations and recordings of past presentations at health.oregonstate.edu/seminars and learn how the CPHHS is Meeting the Moment.
M.S. Defense – Sustainable Forest Management: Callan Cannon will present her thesis, “Long-term Effects of Vegetation Management on Soil and Plant Derived Nutrient Budgets for Plantations of Four Western Conifer Species,” on Friday, May 29, at 2 p.m. via Zoom. To participate, please contact Callan for the Zoom information. Callan is pursuing her M.S. in Sustainable Forest Management with her major professor, Carlos Gonzalez-Benecke, in the Department of Forest Engineering, Resources and Management.
MOTHERLOAD virtual screening and live Q&A with director Liz Canning: Friday, May 29, from 6-8:30 p.m. MOTHERLOAD is an award-winning, crowdsourced documentary about a new mother’s quest to understand the increasing isolation and disconnection of the digital age, its planetary impact, and how cargo bikes could be an antidote. Get your ticket today. For additional questions, contact [email protected].
Women of Color Caucus Mental Health Summit: Storytelling and expanding your mental health toolkit. May 30, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Keynote by Charlene Martinez of Student Experiences and Engagement, panel with speakers from OSU and other institutions, and mental health workshops by licensed therapists including Shaznin Daruwalla from CAPS. Registration here with refundable fee: http://tinyurl.com/YC7287Q2
NEW! Engineering Virtual Showcase: Experience more than 100 engineering virtual projects, featuring videos, digital posters, websites and more presented by College of Engineering students. June 5, 10 a.m. to noon. Learn about the amazing work students are doing with artificial intelligence, virtual reality, nuclear energy, robotics, earthquake safety, clean water and more. More information: https://engineering.oregonstate.edu/showcase2020.
World Oceans Day Virtual Event: Celebrate World Oceans Day on June 8 at 6 p.m. This virtual event features a short OSU produced film, a Q&A session, trivia, art, music, and a special reading of a children's ocean storybook. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/world-oceans-day-event-oregon-state-university-science-pub-tickets-105897923540
World Oceans Day is June 8: The OSU Marine Studies Initiative is compiling OSU-led events and resources to recognize this day and help raise awareness about the importance of a healthy ocean. We invite you to join this celebratory effort. Is your college or unit hosting or involved with seminars or other special events at the end of May through mid-June that raise awareness about issues of the coasts and ocean? If yes, send the information to us at [email protected].
NEW! Choose Your Attitude: Emotions tend to vacillate in the COVID-19 environment. Maintaining a favorable perspective and managing emotions is important. Understand the relationship between your attitude, your beliefs and your behaviors, and learn about the “Wallenda Factor” and how self-fulfilling prophecy effects outcomes. Zoom session, June 2, 8-9 a.m. Registration required.
NEW! Running Effective Remote Meetings: Meetings are a series of conversations. Most agenda items can be categorized under a handful of conversations. Remote meetings require a greater adherence to the conversational processes. Conversational processes will be highlighted, that when followed, will increase the likelihood of an effective meeting. Zoom session, June 2, 9:30-11 a.m. Registration required.
NEW! Nature Journaling Series: Tuesdays in June from 10-11 a.m., $15. Nature journaling is the practice of drawing and writing in response to observations of nature. Enjoy a “conversation with nature” by slowing down to notice and record what you see in our natural surroundings. Due to the nature of this virtual class, the instructor will bring various items from the natural world to our virtual classroom for viewing. With prompts and guidance from the instructor, students will be able to draw what they see and write “field notes” about their accompanying thoughts and observations. This series is offered by OSU Extension in Washington County and taught by artist Elizabeth Higgins. Register today. Space is limited.
NEW! People and Nature Lunch Series: Tuesday, June 2, from noon to 12:50 p.m. Betsy Emery (Forest Ecosystems and Society) presents “‘I Don’t Want Designer Nature’ – The Moral and Environmental Intuitions that Influence How People Think about Genetically Modifying Trees.” The lecture is free and open to all. To join the meeting, register at https://peopleandnatureosu.weebly.com/spring-2020.html. Sponsored by the Department of Fisheries & Wildlife’s Human Dimensions Lab.
NEW! Strategies for Being Effective in Times of Uncertainty: Uncertainty in organizations will affect each of us differently. Some thrive in ambiguity, while others are dominated by feelings of anxiety, fear, and doubt that negatively affect productivity. This class will provide 8 strategies with practical ideas to increase effectiveness in challenging, uncertain times. Zoom session, June 3, 8-9 a.m. Registration required.
NEW! Coaching: A Process for Developing Talent: Participants will learn, and practice, a powerful coaching model that is process- (not content-) driven. When the process is applied in a systems manner, “coachees” develop their unique talents and perform at a higher level. Target audience is supervisors and faculty that advise students. Zoom session, June 3, 9:30-11 a.m. Registration required.
NEW! DEI Response to COVID-19: From Principles to Action: Charlene Alexander, vice president and chief diversity officer, will host a conversation on “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the time of COVID-19” with a group of leaders on June 4, from 9-10:30 a.m. Speakers include Yvette Gullatt, vice provost for Diversity and Engagement and interim vice president for Student Affairs in the University of California Office of the President. Gullatt along with chief diversity officers from the University of California developed guiding Principles on Equity and Inclusion During COVID-19. Panelists will consider the application of DEI principles in their work, lived experiences and identify ways to move from thought to action. Click HERE to register.
Department of Integrative Biology Ph.D. Defense Seminar: Sulochana K. Wasala will present “Evolutionary Dynamics of Genomes and Endosymbionts in Plant-Parasitic Nematodes” on Monday, June 1 at 9 a.m. via Zoom. Wasala is completing her Ph.D. in Integrative Biology under the guidance of Dee Denver. https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/96346206492
M.S. Defense: Sylvan Pritchett will present his thesis, titled: “Wildfire and Defensible Space: The Role of Arborists in Wildfire Risk Mitigation in Communities of the Pacific Northwest,” June 1, 10 a.m. via Zoom. Pritchett is earning his M.S. in Forest Ecosystems and Society with Paul Ries. Contact Michelle Greene at (541) 225-5774 with questions or for accommodations for disabilities.
Department of Integrative Biology Ph.D. Defense Seminar: Caroline Glidden will present “Individual host to population scale dynamics of parasite assemblages in African buffalo” on Monday, June 1 at 10 a.m. via Zoom. Glidden is completing her Ph.D. in Integrative Biology under the guidance of Anna Jolles. https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/98688624009
Investment and PERS 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, June 2, noon - Investing With Social Responsibility. PERS Related Webinars: Wednesday, June 3, 3 p.m. - PERS and Retirement Planning (OPSRP). (These are not OSU events but are tailored to OSU clients and during normal circumstances are held on campus. There is no charge.)
Lucid Dreaming, Meditation & Insight: Learn, practice and discuss meditation and contemplative insights related to lucid dreaming. Led by Kate Gallagher, M.A. and sponsored by OSU's Contemplative Studies Initiative. Four Wednesdays: June 3, 10, 17 and 24, 6-7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Free and open to all. Register by emailing [email protected]. More info here.
Under the Orange Light: COVID 19: The Faculty Senate Executive group will present a series of lightening talks by faculty who will take the audience on an intersectional journey to better understand the current COVID-19 global pandemic, June 4, 5-7 p.m. The faculty presenting include: Bill Ripple, Chunhuei Chi, Christopher McKnight Nichols, Jennifer Alix Garcia, Daniel López-Cevallos, Dina Ribbink, James Sterns, John Selker, and Jeffery Bethel. Faculty will look at the cause of the disease, the history of pandemics, the cultural, political, social and economic impacts and the OSU faculties efforts to study the disease. A Q & A also will take place. Zoom link: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/97430347676
Beavers: Ben Goldfarb, author of “Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter,” and Jefferson Jacobs, Riparian Restoration Coordinator for the Oregon Natural Desert Association, will discuss and answer your questions about the natural history of Oregon’s state animal and OSU’s mascot, as well as their importance in restoring ecosystems. They will present on June 6, from 9-10:30 a.m. on Zoom. Register HERE.
NEW! Summer fitness: OSU’s Faculty Staff Fitness Program is offering over 200 pre-recorded online fitness classes for 14 weeks of 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.
NEW! A minute of your time = support for OSU students. Approximately one-third of OSU students have been financially impacted by COVID-19, and they need our help. All you need to do is spend a minute or two reviewing your favorite brands, and for each review submitted, Express Feedback for Good will donate $2 to the OSU Beavers Care initiative. Sign up today and voice your opinion. Your personal information will not be sold to third parties. It won’t cost you a penny, but it’ll make the world of difference for OSU students.
Keep Assessing Undergraduate Programs – Annual Assessment Reports for undergraduate learning outcomes are due on Monday, June 1. To submit your assessment report, login to SharePoint. If you need assistance accessing SharePoint, or if you have questions about the assessment process, please contact Tam Belknap [email protected] in Academic Programs and Assessment.
Committee Interest Form: The Committee Interest Form is due May 29 at noon. If you’d like to volunteer to serve on a University or Faculty Senate committee or council during AY 2020-2021, please complete the online form at https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ewE5MKJbYTgidrn. A list of the available committees and councils may be viewed from the form before completion of the form begins. If you have questions, please contact [email protected].
Teaching Infographic: See practical solutions to remote teaching issues from the Center for Teaching and Learning. The infographic provides evidence-based solutions with links to useful resources. Need assistance for finishing Spring term or developing Summer or Fall courses? For a teaching consultation, contact CTL.
New Oregon State OER services microsite: Oregon State’s Open Educational Resources Unit has launched a new services microsite to support faculty. This site serves as a comprehensive guide for working with the unit to integrate OER into courses. OSU faculty are encouraged to explore the site and learn how the OER Unit can assist, consult and collaborate. For more information, visit https://open.oregonstate.edu/services.
Campus Directions: Learn more from University Facilities, Infrastructure and Operations about how Oregon State's campuses are improving every day. Read the latest issue of Campus Directions to learn how Cordley Hall’s fragile arthropod and herbarium collections will be moved, and more. Interested in keeping up with projects on campus? Subscribe to our newsletter.
2020 Faculty and Staff Climate Survey: The 2020 Faculty and Staff Climate Survey launched on May 6 with an invitation from President Ray, with additional invitations from Deans and Division leaders. Please check your e-mail to access the survey link. The survey is open until June 5. Copy and paste this link to access the Office of Institutional Diversity website for past reports: https://diversity.oregonstate.edu/climate-assessment Questions about the survey can be directed to OID at [email protected].
Call for submissions: The ADVANCE Journal, hosted by OREGON STATE ADVANCE, announces a special issue in honor of the 20th anniversary of the National Science Foundation’s ADVANCE program. The special issue theme is Collaborations, Collisions, and Connections. The goal of ADVANCE “is to increase the representation and advancement of women in academic science and engineering careers.” Additional information and submissions portal found here: https://www.advancejournal.org/post/444. Deadline for submissions is March 31, 2021.
InclusiveExcellence@OSU: IE@OSU is a professional development program for STEM faculty to understand and confront inequities in STEM education. The IE@OSU team is recruiting interested faculty for the Fall 2020 cohort of Fellows. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fall Academy is shifting to a virtual format, which will take place over the course of Fall term. More information about the program can be found here. If you are interested in participating, please click here to complete a short survey; deadline to indicate interest is Friday, June 5. Please contact program coordinator Ann Sitomer with any questions.
Computer Security for Students: University Information Technology has released an “IT Security Program for Students,” with three courses touching on IT security. The topics are: Social Engineering, Email and Phishing, and Creating a Cyber Secure Home. The program is available on Bridge under Student Wellbeing and Support, or can be accessed directly here: https://students-oregonstate.bridgeapp.com/learner/programs/c8ee7dda/enroll. Faculty can also review the program at that link.
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.
Online Professional Development Workshops for OSU Employees Now Open for Registration: UHR Learning and Organizational Development is presenting a variety of online professional development workshops in the upcoming weeks, including: Choose Your Attitude; Running Effective Remote Meetings; Strategies for Being Effective in Times of Uncertainty; and Coaching: A Process for Developing Talent. View and register for upcoming workshops here. Did you know we can also tailor workshops for your team? Email [email protected] with your request.
Faculty & Staff COVID-19 Disaster Relief Fund Under IRS Code Section 139: In collaboration with the OSU Foundation, Oregon State University is offering emergency financial assistance grants through the OSU Faculty and Staff COVID-19 Disaster Relief Fund. The purpose of this fund is to help regular classified and unclassified employees in our university community with unexpected needs during this unprecedented time of the COVID-19 pandemic. All classified staff, professional faculty and academic/research faculty are eligible regardless of service time or FTE. An individual must be actively employed on the date of grant distribution. Read more about the details of the program here. Student hourly employees, graduate assistants, and stipend recipients (e.g., fellows) are not eligible. There are separate programs for students located here: https://financialaid.oregonstate.edu/covid-19.
"The bravest people are the ones who don’t mind looking like cowards." ~ T.H. White, born today in 1906.
Corvallis: Sunny today, high of 82, low of 55. Showers Saturday, partly sunny Sunday.
Central Oregon: Sunny today, high of 86, low of 60. Showers likely Saturday, chance of showers Sunday.
Newport: Increasing clouds, high of 70, low of 51. Heavy rain Saturday, partly sunny Sunday.
Statewide: For OSU employees around the state, find your local forecast here: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/