OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
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COVID-19 website: To facilitate the ongoing sharing of information about the virus, Oregon State University has added a link on the OSU homepage to a page that provides detailed and up-to-date COVID-19 information; links to OSU, local, state and federal resources; and updates on the latest federal travel restrictions.
NEW! Today’s Timely Teaching Tip: Wrapping up a Summer course this week? Review your Canvas gradebook to be sure it’s accurate and up to date. This will help students know where they stand, and will make final grading smoother. See the Teaching Faculty website for all the August Teaching Tips and to register for a September workshop on teaching and course design.
Today in the News Media is a synopsis of some of the most prominent coverage of OSU people and programs. Inclusion of any item constitutes neither an endorsement nor a critique, but rather is intended only to make the OSU community aware of significant items in the media. Content appearing includes timely news and feature stories from broadcast, print and online sources. Occasionally, opinion pieces and first-person columns appearing in mainstream media outlets that are written by faculty members and pertain to their academic or professional expertise may be included based on their unique, informative value, timeliness and space constraints. It is not the policy of OSU Today to include Letters to the Editor.
Cedar wood itself had very little effect on ticks, he said, but Oregon State University scientists working with the agency found the terpene oil of the Alaskan yellow cedar to be powerfully repellent. The Latin name of the tree is Cupressus nootkatensis, which comes from the Nuu-Chah-Nulth people of Canada.
“Allowing the killing of bear cubs and wolf pups is appalling and goes against a basic convention of good hunting—the fair chase,” says William Ripple, an ecologist at Oregon State University, in Corvallis. “It’s not consistent with compassionate management in any way.” Fair chase, a code adopted by many hunting organizations, entails ethical and sportsmanlike pursuit of wild game by ensuring that an animal has a reasonable chance of escape.
Oregon State University’s plans for reopening fall term will be one of the discussion topics during a virtual meeting of the OSU Board of Trustees next week.
In some cases, these timber buildings have gone beyond safety requirements to limit damage and downtime after an earthquake. At OSU, research is ongoing to continue to improve current systems and validate their performance over the course of 50-years.
OSU officials said they too are closely watching infection numbers to determine whether the fall quarter will be predominantly virtual or traditional.
As Oregon State University prepares to resume some level of in-person instruction starting Sept. 1, some faculty members are pushing back against the idea of returning to the classroom in the midst of a pandemic.
Gardening is in full swing and if you’ve got questions, turn to Ask an Expert, an online question-and-answer tool from Oregon State University’s Extension Service.
But Heike Williams, a bio-science technician for Oregon State University’s Central Oregon Agricultural Research Center, said gathering pollen from just one crop can lead to poor health in the colony.
Today’s workspace: Ryan Brown, outreach coordinator for the College of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, says, “I never know who will join me in my home office, currently set up in the mudroom with the animal food and rain jackets. I receive lots of assistance from awesome 6-year-old Tavi and our cat Parsnip, both of whom enjoy playing in boxes.” 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.
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]
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/
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.
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.
NEW! Investment webinars: The Maps Credit Union CFS investment team is conducting a Weekly Webinar Series on a variety of investment topics that include current market updates.Wednesday, Aug 12, noon, PERS and Retirement Planning (Tier 1 & 2); Wednesday, Aug 12, 3 p.m., ABC + D of Medicare; Thursday, Aug 13, noon, Investing With Social Responsibility; Thursday, Aug 13, 3 p.m., PERS and Retirement Planning (OPSRP).This is one way to educate yourself without leaving the comfort and safety of your own home. These are not OSU events but are tailored to OSU clients and during normal circumstances are held on campus. There is no charge.
NEW! Free Oregon Summer Transportation Institute for teens: Students grades 9-12 will engage in a combination of hands-on learning, local "field trips," and remote activities that emphasize the importance and breadth of the transportation engineering discipline. In-person activities, including lunch, 9 a.m.-1p.m., Aug. 17-21, remote activities 2-4 p.m. the same days. In-person activities include a local bike tour, drone activity, and design session in which students will have the opportunity to propose solutions to real-world challenges. Remote activities include virtual tours of the Corvallis Airport and OSU Marine Studies Building in Newport, a hands-on evacuation modeling activity, and presentations on topics including transportation resilience, distracted driving, engineering ethics, and emerging modes of transportation. Note: Thanks to funding from FHWA and ODOT the camp is free. Only Oregon residents are eligible. Acceptance into this camp will depend on their application. To register: https://tinyurl.com/OSU2020STI
NEW! DFA Risk Appetite and Risk Assessment Tools: Train the Trainer: Insurance and Risk Management Services will facilitate a workshop for unit leaders and supervisors to provide exposure to the DFA Risk Appetite Statements and Risk Assessment Tools. Attendees will gain hands-on practice and develop the skills necessary to assist other employees in understanding and incorporating the DFA Risk Appetite Statements and Risk Assessment Tools into their work. Zoom session Aug. 18, 9-10:30 a.m. Registration required.
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
Coping During Uncertain Times: Webinar Description: People have a powerful need to understand and predict their environments in order to feel in control. When we are exposed to potential threats to our well-being, we naturally respond to this uncertainty with anxiety and fear. This training will address ways of effectively coping with uncertainty in today’s media-saturated world. The course will examine how to remain positive and functional despite the risks of living in a changing world. Included will be practical tips for coping with uncertainty, re-establishing control and how to speak to children about fear. Employees can register at the link below. Aug. 25, 10 a.m.: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4054306599652415248
Accessibility Basics for the Web: Learn how to make websites accessible to people with disabilities. We'll also discuss the OSU policy on Information Technology Accessibility. All are welcome; employees with website responsibilities are encouraged if they have not attended yet. Register for a session, offered Aug. 25.
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.
Care.com Childcare and Education Resources: Care.com has a new benefit to help employees connect to care-related and distance learning resources that is relevant in the current unprecedented back-to-school season. It includes assistance connecting to resources such as tutors, nanny shares, pod teachers, babysitters, and more. Enroll today to ensure you have access to these Care.com benefits at www.care.com/osu. There, you can access all of the care-related and distance learning resources they offer. They have also published a Back to School Resource Guide that employees can access here: https://www.care.com/c/stories/16884/back-to-school-2020/.
The LaSells Stewart Center and the CH2M HILL Alumni Center are open to book events: We are ready to host your business meeting or seminar. We have all COVID-19 guidelines in place and exceed social distancing and sanitation guidelines to provide a safe and welcoming environment. We have new improved technology to provide robust support for hybrid and virtual events. We remain committed to supporting successful meetings, conferences and events even as we adapt to COVID-19. Please email The LaSells Stewart Center or CH2M HILL Alumni Center to inquire about space.
Updates to University Policies & Standards: Please visit the University Policy & Standards page to learn about recent policy updates: http://policy.oregonstate.edu/whats-new. This page is updated frequently with new developments, so we encourage you to check back regularly. Also, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter here.
Criminal History Checks and Youth Programs: Although Covid-19 has affected the number and types of youth programs operating this summer, criminal history checks are required for certain individuals working in programs and activities involving minors, including university representatives and volunteers. Information about minors and CHC policies: University Policy: 07-040 Safety of Minors and University Standard: 576-055 Criminal History Check. Process questions? Send an email to [email protected]. Policy questions? Contact Linda Nye at [email protected].
OSU Press: Through the end of August, OSU Press is offering 30% off and free shipping on a selection of books that illuminate the experiences of marginalized communities in Oregon and beyond. Enter the promo code AMPLIFY at checkout on the Press website to obtain the discount. http://osupress.oregonstate.edu/blog/amplifying-underrepresented-voices
Beavers Read: During social isolation, it can help to have good things to read -- to pass the time, to calm your mind, to help you keep learning. OSU Libraries is here to help you find your next good read -- and make sure it is something you can read safely from home. Just fill out this survey to get an email with personalized recommendations: https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4GHk9YYcjKaHSfz
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.
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.
“It has taken me years of struggle, hard work, and research to learn to make one simple gesture, and I know enough about the art of writing to realize that it would take as many years of concentrated effort to write one simple, beautiful sentence.” ~ Isadora Duncan.
Corvallis: Sunny today, high of 90, low of 52. Sunny tomorrow.
Central Oregon: Sunny today, high of 86, low of 54. Sunny tomorrow.
Newport: Sunny and breezy, high of 66, low of 51. Mostly sunny tomorrow.
Statewide: For OSU employees around the state, find your local forecast here: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/
