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.

TRACE OSU testing: OSU is providing random COVID-19 TRACE OSU testing by invitation for students, faculty and staff Monday-Thursday weekly on the Corvallis campus and Monday-Thursday every other week on the OSU-Cascades campuses and at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport. Free parking will be provided to those working remotely to come to the Corvallis campus for testing. Testing will continue throughout fall term. Here is a link to enroll. For additional information: https://trace.oregonstate.edu/osu

NEW! Timely Teaching Tips: Did you know the capability for participants to choose a breakout room in Zoom has arrived? Want some hands-on practice with this functionality before using it in class? Drop in to the Faculty Media Center virtual office hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. 

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. 


Oregon startup raises $20 million to build its walking robot (Oregonian)

Its technology originated at Oregon State University, which maintains an ownership stake in the business and owns patents that Agility licenses for its technology. (see also The BulletinKVAL)
 

Colorful stories about Harvard's vast pigment collection (Boston Globe)

So much of the appeal of the pigments has to do with the distant and exotic origins many of them have. The backstories are as colorful, so to speak, as the colors themselves. But YInMn Blue was discovered at Oregon State University in 2009. Conversely, Green Earth comes by its environmentally friendly name quite naturally: It’s a compound of the minerals celadonite and glauconite.
 

People with rare diseases need better social support (Psychology Today)

Co-written by OSU's Kathleen Bogart and Brooke Bryson.
 

OSU-Cascades to continue 'mixed-format' classes through winter term (KTVZ)

Oregon State University–Cascades announced Thursday it will continue to provide instruction through a mix of in-person, remote and blended delivery during winter term. (see also KLCC)
 

Today's photo



Today's workspace: Collette Kokesh, a senior in Nutrition and Health Sciences and OSU-Extension Services Food Hero employee, has found several ways to cope with daily life in 2020. “I’m trying to make my desk space as cozy and clean as I can to decrease stress. My Rocky poster is also fabulous motivation (and an even more fabulous movie). When I'm done for the day, I escape by playing Animal Crossing (my cat thinks she's helping).” Now it's time to show us what you're doing to help cope with daily life and work in 2020. Are you baking with your kids? Dancing with your dogs? Hiking on the weekends? Hiding under a blanket with a book? Take a photo and send it to [email protected]. Follow OSU Today on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/osutoday1/ and catch up on any photos you might have missed so far. 

Today

Board of Trustees: The OSU Board will meet on Friday, Oct. 16, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The board will consider the revised budget for the fiscal year, an adjustment to fall term 2020 student incidental fees, the president’s goals for the fiscal year, and the board’s work plan for the next calendar year. The board will hear a report on advancing equity, inclusion and social justice within OSU, and a legislative update. 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 located under “Meeting Details” at this webpage. Agendas and meeting materials will be posted as they are available at http://oregonstate.edu/leadership/trustees/meetings. For accommodations: 541-737-3449 or [email protected] at least 48 hours in advance.

Introduction to the University Ombuds Office: Join us to learn about the informal and neutral conflict management role of the University Ombuds Office, whose services are available to the entire OSU community. This session will include a fun communication activity — the only thing you need to "bring" to participate is a blank piece of paper. Part of the Fall 2020 FYI Friday series, Oct. 16, 9-9:30 a.m. via Zoom. Registration required

NEW! Music à la Carte (remote): Chintimini Brass. Take a mid-day music interlude and join us for a free webcast performance by Chintimini Brass, live from the Memorial Union Lounge. Chintimini Brass is the mid-Willamette Valley's premier brass quintet. The group shares the joy of music with audiences of all ages, performing a mix of quintet originals, transcriptions and custom arrangements ranging from serious art music to jazz and rock. The group is comprised of music and business professionals who are educated in and have longtime experience performing chamber, jazz and classical repertoire. Members: Isaac Andrew, Mark Rasmussen, Trevor Wilson, David Sorenson and Brian Wilson. Friday, Oct. 16 at noon. View performance  For more information and member bios: http://chintiminibrass.com Note: please do not show up at the Memorial Union. This event is closed to a live audience.

Center for Teaching and Learning’s “Sparkshop” Transparency in Teaching and Learning: Begin with SMARTER Learning Objectives: Have your students ever asked the "why" question? Why are we learning this? Learn how to discuss the question before class to make teaching and learning more transparent. Facilitated by Funmi Amobi, Ed.D., CTL’s instructional consultant, college Llaison. See the CTL website for more information. Oct. 16, noon to 12:45 p.m. Zoom: https://beav.es/opL Password: 640201

Farm 2 Fork Fridays: Virtual seminar is a monthly series that brings you stories about how our food systems work and the efforts behind the scenes to make them more sustainable. Next up: Oregon Hop Terroir, Friday, Oct. 16, noon to 12:30 p.m. with Tom Shellhammer and sixth-generation hop growers, John and Liz Coleman. https://foodsci.oregonstate.edu/foodsci/fst-farm-2-fork-virtual-seminar-series 

Engineering Alumni panel webcast: Meet Beavers working in various fields of engineering at the 5 Under 5 Alumni Panel Friday, Oct. 16, with hourly sessions starting from 1 to 4 p.m., presented by the OSU Alumni Association. Catch up with recent graduates and get guidance on internships, mentoring and job opportunities at this interactive free event. Meet the panelists speaking about sustainability, health, security and the joy of living, then register for a session at osualum.com/5under5.

Power-Dense Electric Aircraft Propulsion: LaunchPoint Electric Propulsion Solutions, Inc. models, designs and manufactures high-power-density motors and drives. Brad Paden, co-founder and chief scientist for LaunchPoint, will give an overview of LaunchPoint's tools for modeling advanced aircraft propulsion and their work on multidisciplinary optimization. Oct. 16, 2-3 p.m., via Zoom (email [email protected] for link).

Applied Economics Seminar Friday, Oct. 16 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Professor Kelsey Jack, Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara will present "Harvesting the Rain: The Adoption of Environmental Technologies in the Sahel" via Zoom. Details, including dial-in information, here

Events

NEW! Monday Night Meditation: OSU's Contemplative Studies Initiative hosts a virtual meditation session every Monday night of the year, 6:30-8 p.m. via Zoom. Students, faculty, staff and community welcome. Join for the first half hour, or the whole session which is organized into sections for guided practice, movement/walking meditation and silence. Led by Audrey Perkins and Kate Gallagher.

NEW! Gender as a Colonial Construct: This event will be a roundtable discussion with Kimmortal, a queer Filipinx artist and activist. This event is part of the Kimmortal series. Oct. 20, 4-6 p.m., Zoom, event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/2709925522564158/ Held by the Native American Longhouse Eena Haws, the Pride Center, SOL: LGBTQ+ Multicultural Support Network, and the Asian & Pacific Cultural Center to honor Queer History Month and Filipinx American History Month.

NEW! Anti-blackness in the Filipinx: This event is an interview with Kimmortal about anti-blackness in Filipinx and art in activism, protest, and revolution. This event is part of the Kimmortal series. Oct. 21, 4-5 p.m., Zoom, event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/577529186330836/. Held by the Native American Longhouse Eena Haws, the Pride Center, SOL: LGBTQ+ Multicultural Support Network, and the Asian & Pacific Cultural Center to honor Queer History Month and Filipinx American History Month.

NEW! SOL Jams II Feat. Kimmortal: This event is a performance from Kimmortal and an open mic event for artists and creators. This event is part of the Kimmortal series. Oct. 22, 4 p.m., Zoom, event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/641327469863282. Held by the Native American Longhouse Eena Haws, the Pride Center, SOL: LGBTQ+ Multicultural Support Network, and the Asian & Pacific Cultural Center to honor Queer History Month and Filipinx American History Month.

PERS Expo 2020 Goes Digital: The PERS Expo will be held during National Retirement Security Week starting Oct. 19. The event is geared toward faculty and staff who are PERS Tier 1, Tier 2 or OPSRP members. PERS plans to launch a suite of educational resources to help members understand and plan for retirement. To receive PERS Expo updates, sign up for the “PERS Expo” topic in GovDelivery. Questions? Contact PERS at 888-320-7377 or [email protected].

Celebrate National Transfer Student Week: Join in celebrating OSU's transfer students during National Transfer Student Week, Oct. 19-23. Starting with a Social Media kickoff on Monday, there will be events throughout the week allowing students to celebrate their journey and a chance to get to know their peers. To see a full list of events and RSVP, visit https://undergraduate.oregonstate.edu/national-transfer-student-week

OSU and Hop History Events: Every week this October, OSU Special Collections & Archives is highlighting history via presentations that offer up glimpses of student cinematic imagination, perspectives on the crop that makes Oregon “Beervana,” and a look at documenting aquaculture on film. These events are presented in honor of Oregon Archives Month and are all being done live through Zoom. For more information, check out this blogpost

Lectures, Workshops, Webinars

NEW! Crop and Soil Science seminar: The Department of Crop and Soil Science Fall Seminar Series continues on Monday, Oct 19, at 4 p.m., with a presentation entitled “Lithologic Controls on Soil Carbon Partitioning in the Alaskan Coastal Temperate Rainforest,” by Julia Fleiner, a graduate student in the Soil Science graduate program. Fleiner will explain the importance of understanding and quantifying soil carbon in a coastal temperate rainforest system and outline the research methods utilized for carbon fractionation. Zoom link: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/94438830982?pwd=anJjdk8xdEEzbjBUQSsvL1VtME9WUT09

NEW! Department of Integrative Biology Seminar: Felipe Barreto, assistant professor, Oregon State University will present a seminar, “Evolution in the Tidepool: Functional and Population Genetics of Adaptation Between Pacific Tides” on Monday, Oct. 19, 4 p.m. via Zoom at https://beav.es/Fall2020Smnrs, passcode 680814. The seminar is free and open to the public. Accommodations for disabilities may be made by contacting 541-737-3705 or [email protected]. For more information and to view the entire Integrative Biology Department Spring Seminar Series lineup, go to http://ib.oregonstate.edu/smnrs.

NEW! 100-Day Project Plans: A 100-day project plan is one approach to creating the future you want. It's more attainable than year-long goals, and also supports your annual goals or longer-term aspirations. It's short enough for tangible progress, while also building momentum on other efforts. It's a strategy to deal with those reoccurring problems and issues as well as develop your creative ideas and make them happen. This program will take you through the process and steps of developing 100-day projects and encourage you to do so with an accountability partner. Oct. 20, 8:15-9 a.m. via Zoom. Registration required.

NEW! Retirement Readiness for PERS Tier 1 & Tier 2 Members Webinar: Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.  PERS online webinar geared toward faculty and staff who are PERS Tier 1 and Tier 2 members retiring within three years. Topics covered: Individual Account Program, retirement eligibility, calculating the retirement benefit, review of benefit estimate, retirement option choices, variable account after retirement, work after retirement limitations, health insurance, cost-of-living adjustments, taxes and review of retirement application forms. To register, visit the PERS website here.

NEW! Delivering Exceptional Service: What is the cost of mediocre service to your unit? Meeting the varied needs and expectations of a broad customer base are challenging. Four elements are at the core of building an effective customer service model. The underlying infrastructure and systems need to be established for those who work directly with customers to establish the relationships to achieve an exceptional experience. Dealing with upset customers and other interpersonal skills will be covered to lay the foundations of an effective customer service effort. Oct. 20, 9:30-11:30 a.m. via Zoom. Registration required.

NEW! CTL Tuesday Teaching + Tech Talks: Requesting, Receiving & Responding to Student Feedback: Kenton Hokanson, Instructor/Research Associate, College of Science & Lyn Riverstone, Student Response System Product Manager, AT. Do you want to know what your students are thinking? This talk will discuss how to collect fair and useful feedback from them, and how to use it to improve your classroom dynamic and course. Live Session: Oct. 20, 10-11:50 a.m. https://oregonstate.zoom.us/my/ctl.t4  Password: CTL. Recordings of each session will be available the following Friday (beav.es/CTLT4). Handouts, materials, and resources: beav.es/BOXT4 

NEW! Strategies for Being Effective in Times of Uncertainty: A high level of uncertainty in organizations will affect each of us differently. Some people thrive in ambiguity, while others are dominated by feelings of anxiety, fear, and doubt which can impact clear thinking and productivity. This class will provide eight strategies with practical ideas and applications to increase effectiveness in challenging, uncertain times. Oct. 21, 8:30-9:30 a.m. via Zoom. Registration required.

NEW! Women Talk Money – Conversations with Fidelity and Friends: Weekly on Wednesdays now through March 2021, 9 a.m. To help you with your top money questions and the impact of COVID-19 on our lives and finances, this online Fidelity event gives you the opportunity to ask questions to the panelists and they will share ideas on how to get or stay on track with your financial goals. Everyone can benefit from these under 30-minute Zoom sessions. To register, visit Fidelity’s website here or listen on demand via www.fidelity.com/wtm.

NEW! Running Effective Remote Meetings: Emphasis on 6 Conversational Designs: 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. Oct. 21, 10-11:30 a.m. via Zoom. Registration required.

NEW! Beavers SAVE Lives: Learn how to reach out and help a friend. Suicide is one of the most preventable causes of death. This workshop will provide the skills you need to effectively help or intervene with a friend or family member who is considering suicide. Live via Zoom on Oct. 21, noon to 1:30 p.m.: register at https://beav.es/oMe. For Nov. 3 session, register at https://beav.es/oMn. For additional information or ability-related accommodation requests, contact [email protected].

NEW! Free Speech on Campus – Your Rights and Resources: The offices of Institutional Diversity and Equal Opportunity and Access are collaborating to explore topics regarding free speech and expression on campus. We will discuss OSU policies and values as they relate to free expression rights at the university. We will share university resources for reporting or if you have questions or concerns and discuss ways to respond to speech that may be harmful or offensive. Part of the Fall 2020 FYI Friday series, Oct. 23, 9-10 a.m. via Zoom. Registration required

Postdoctoral scholars and health benefits: Postdoctoral scholars are invited to an information session regarding their health benefits on Oct. 19 at 10 a.m. Join OSU’s Graduate Health Plan Benefits Consultants as they discuss the PacificSource Health plan in detail including changes in the plan cost this year for Postdoctoral scholars. This meeting will have a presentation and Q&A format. Zoom information: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/96638688386?pwd=TkJBWTEwZXNWRmhNSHhNbmtIWENodz09 Password: 308767. Phone dial-in information: 1-971-247-1195 U.S. (Portland). Meeting ID: 966 3868 8386

Stretch Goals: Taking Your Performance to the Next Level: To take your performance to another level, you have to be willing to imagine greater possibilities and work outside of your comfort zone. This means setting both short- and long-term goals that you don't necessarily know you can reach. A key to success is to develop a support structure that keeps you working towards the desired goal. This concept will be explored by illustrating both work and non-work examples. Achieving goals that stretch your current ability ultimately increases your effectiveness, takes your performance to the next level, and makes the extraordinary possible. Oct. 19, 11-11:45 a.m. via Zoom. Registration required.

Department of Horticulture Seminar Series: Join Fall 2020 Seminar Series Mondays at noon via Zoom. Oct. 19, at noon. Malcolm Shabazz Hoover, Black Futures Farm and OSU Master Gardeners will present, “Black Futures Farm.” The event is free and open to the public. Register for the Zoom meeting in advance: https://beav.es/oQL. Once you register, a password will be emailed to you in advance of the meeting.

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. Oct. 19, 1-3 p.m. via Zoom. Registration required.

Community Dialogue: What's the point in voting?: Community Dialogues are a series which seeks to cultivate connection and deep learning through the exploration of critical and continuous issues. Learn more and register to get Zoom details. Space is limited. Oct. 21, 4-5:30 p.m. held on Zoom. Presented by Community Engagement & Leadership, the Office of Institutional Diversity, and University Housing & Dining Services. For more information or accommodations for disabilities, contact 541-737-3041 or [email protected].

Do you have a business idea but need some help? The OSU Advantage Accelerator is offering Iterate, a free virtual class for researchers, entrepreneurs and prospective entrepreneurs who have a business idea or technology that could become a sellable product or service but aren't sure what to do next. Come learn how to create a value proposition, find and understand your market, and more. Iterate consists of four workshops that build on each other: Oct 22, Oct 29, Nov 5 and Nov 12, all from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Learn more and register:https://advantage.oregonstate.edu/advantage-accelerator/programs/iterate

Social Justice Education Initiative workshops are happening now, including new Tier Two workshops: The SJEI is a foundational professional development program for all faculty, staff and graduate students. Join your colleagues to begin, or expand, your equity and inclusion journey. See the schedule and register for Zoom workshops here. Interested in this work for your unit? Contact SJEI director Jane Waite for further information: [email protected]

Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) Awareness Course. Expand your earthquake preparedness skills by taking OSU Extension program’s new free online course. In the interactive sessions, residents and guests of Oregon and other western states can become aware of the Cascadia Subduction Zone Event and learn how to prepare for it. To enroll, click on https://beav.es/Cascadia. You will be directed to a page to set up free access. If you already have an eXtension.org account, log in. If not, choose “Create an Account.” Do not join as a GUEST. Additional CSZ information and preparedness resources can be found at https://extension.oregonstate.edu/cascadia-earthquake-preparedness.

The Office of the Registrar promoted the Oregon Great Shake Out Thursday and encouraged employees to participate and take selfies

Take Note

NEW! EHS Newsletter: Safety Beaver Buzz: View the fifth edition of the Safety Beaver Buzz, which will be published on a quarterly basis. Laboratory personnel should take special note of the new Lock Out/Tag Out Program. Any topic suggestions or comments can be directed to [email protected].

OSU Foundation’s OSU Loyal Philanthropic Partner Award: To celebrate and honor OSU faculty and staff who support and promote philanthropy across OSU, the OSU Foundation is launching the OSU Loyal Philanthropic Partner Award. The OSU Loyal Committee will evaluate nominees for final award selection and recognition at the OSU Loyal Celebration in late fall. Do you know someone who deserves this award? Nominate them today. The nomination deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 28. Learn more by visiting the OSU Loyal page or contact Hannah Snively at the OSU Foundation. 

Mid-Month Emergency Preparedness Topic: Family Care - Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. Families can cope with disaster by creating a disaster plan. Knowing what to do is not only your responsibility but is the best protection for your family. This month’s poster can be downloaded at: https://emergency.oregonstate.edu/emergency-preparedness/preparedness-topics/family-care

Travel Security: Taking a trip out of the country? Remember, whether it’s for official OSU business or personal reasons, all OSU faculty, staff, and graduate students who plan to access OSU data (like e-mail) must register their trip with the Office of Global Affairs. If your destination of travel is considered “high-risk,” a member of the Office of Information Security will reach out to discuss how to keep your data secure. Make sure you register your trip as early as possible to get the information you need to stay safe! Consultations are also available for domestic travel. Contact OIS to set-up a domestic travel consultation. 

Fiscal policy feedback sought: In accordance with the fiscal policy program, the Fiscal Policy Committee is soliciting feedback on new policy drafts for Parking Permits & Fines and for Surplus Property.  For more information and instructions on how to provide your valued feedback, visit Policy Under Review on the Fiscal Policy Program website.

URSA Engage Faculty Summaries Due Oct. 19: For those interested in mentoring undergraduates in research, consider submitting a faculty summary for the URSA Engage Program by Oct. 19 at 11:59 p.m. The mentor summary submission form can be accessed at this link (see Step 1). Students selected for the program will participate in research from the middle of winter term until the end of spring term.

Financial Aid Phishing: Do you know how to spot a phishing e-mail? University students’ login credentials have been targeted across the country by cyber-criminals. These actors strategically plan their attacks to coincide with financial aid disbursement periods and use stolen credentials to change students’ direct deposit information, preventing this aid from ever reaching the student! Here are a few things you can do to stay vigilant against these attacks: Always verify the sender’s e-mail address and never trust e-mails from someone you don’t recognize. Never click on a link directly in an e-mail! Instead, copy and paste the link to your browser to find its real destination. See the Financial Aid Office’s tips on avoiding scams. If you’re ever unsure of an e-mail’s authenticity, forward it (as an attachment) to the Office of Information Security at [email protected] or contact the IS Service Desk at 541-737-8787.

Get involved with the Opening the Conversation Study. Join our study to help us create a new program for couples facing cancer: You and your partner will be interviewed separately (each by yourself) to share your experiences and opinions about the program we are developing. What you tell us in this interview will not be shared with your partner. We may also invite you to complete a second interview, together with your partner, to share your opinions about the program after we have revised materials. Your feedback is extremely valuable and will directly affect the changes we make to this program. To be eligible, you or your partner will have had a breast or gynecological cancer diagnosis at age 18-39, between six months to five years ago. Both partners must agree to participate to be eligible. We are interested in hearing from couples with a variety of sexual orientations and gender identities so that we can create an inclusive program. Go to health.oregonstate.edu/oc, or email [email protected] for more information. This study is being conducted by the Oregon State University College of Public Health and Human Sciences. The principal investigator is Jessica Gorman.

International Friendship Program: Invitation to all OSU and Oregon community members to participate remotely/virtually in the International Friendship Program. This program pairs you up with OSU international students and scholars to engage in monthly conversations focused on community, culture and support. Register by Oct. 26 at https://bit.ly/2M1t8be. For more information, see https://international.oregonstate.edu/ois/international-friendship-program. Contact [email protected] with any questions.

Want to support students through these difficult times? Sign up to be an OSU Connection Navigator. The time will be small, and has the potential for real impact. We are asking that OSU staff members sign up to connect with new-to-OSU students two or three times a term with a quick phone call. Find out more and sign up here.

October is National Retirement Security Month: Did you know retirement planning resources are available to OSU employees and their household members through Beyond Benefits EAP at no-cost? Check out the retirement planning resources Beyond Benefits has to offer you at https://beav.es/beyond-benefits.

Spring Creek video (click to play)


The Nature of Isolation: In today's video, Ruth Askew Brelsford shares "Looking, and Seeing, with Soft Eyes," an essay that invites new ways of focusing and perceiving. The Nature of Isolation presented by the Spring Creek Project is a month-long series that features writing, art, and music from contributors throughout the U.S. and around the world. Watch today's video.   OSU's Spring Creek Project is housed in the College of Liberal Arts.

Weather

“Listen! The wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves, We have had our summer evenings, now for October eves!” ~ Humbert Wolfe.

Corvallis: Mostly sunny, high of 68, low of 49. Partly sunny through the weekend.

Central Oregon: Sunny today, high of 72, low of 43. Mostly sunny through the weekend.

Newport: Increasing clouds today with a chance of rain tonight, high of 63, low of 50. Partly sunny this weekend. 

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