Stay informed about COVID-19

COVID-19 website: To facilitate the ongoing sharing of information about the virus, Oregon State University has added a link on the OSU homepage to a page that provides detailed and up-to-date COVID-19 information; links to OSU, local, state and federal resources; and updates on the latest federal travel restrictions.

NEW! Today’s Timely Teaching Tip: Looking for professional development to support your fall term course preparation? Register today for one (or more) of OSU’s free university-wide workshops on course design and teaching in fully remote, face-to-face and blended formats. See the Teaching Faculty website for all of the August Teaching Tips.  

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. 
 

OSU estimates 17% of Hermiston residents infected with coronavirus (The Lund Report)

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown’s decision Thursday to push Umatilla County back to stay-at-home status came after she learned of alarmingly high coronavirus spread in Hermiston estimated by researchers at Oregon State University. A random sampling of Hermiston residents last Saturday and Sunday found that 41 of 471 people – or 8.7% – tested positive for coronavirus. Researchers subsequently calculated that the actual prevalence was 17%, or about 3,000 active infections in a city of about 18,000 residents. (see also OregonianEast OregonianBend Bulletin)
 

Here's why college towns are among the most economically resilient places in the country (Market Watch)

Thanks to the presence of Oregon State University, and the high volume of engineers the school graduates, Corvallis is among the highest educated workforces in the Northwest. Weekends here are for exploring the great outdoors: Corvallis is surrounded by more than 60 miles of multiuse trails and offers easy access to wine country and the Oregon Coast.

Coronavirus is placing college sports on hold, putting students, university budgets and entire towns at risk (TIME Magazine)

The trickle-down effect is wicked. “We’re getting questions from kids in the 2023 and 2024 recruiting classes, asking if there’s going to be any scholarship money for them,” says Pat Bailey, assistant baseball coach at Oregon State University.

Oregon agricultural workers hit hard by coronavirus pandemic (KATU)

A new study by Oregon State University shows just how high the rate of the virus is in Umatilla County. OSU went door to door and did random sampling of Hermiston residents and found 17% of those they sampled had the virus.
 

OSU volleyball: Former players stand up for coach (Gazette-Times)

Tayla Moore (formerly Woods), spent five years in the Oregon State volleyball program and took to social media on Thursday afternoon to stand up for her former coach, Mark Barnard. (see also original AP storyKEZI)

Can Oregon's timber industry make a comeback? (PBS Newshour)

Mindy Crandall is a professor of forest policy at Oregon State University and studies the state's forest products industry.
 

Vegetable garden disappoints. How can I fix the soil? (Oregonian)

Advice from OSU Extension.
 

Federal funding for pollinator research includes $454K for OSU (KTVZ)

Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, D-Ore., announced Friday that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture will award $3.5 million in federal funding to support 10 Pollinator Health Research grants across the nation. One of those grants, for $454,939, will be awarded to Oregon State University.
 

Today's photos


Today’s workspaces: Christina Walsh, CAS Student Engagement Coordinator, spends each morning on her back steps while her pup Raleigh naps.

Patrice Dragon, academic advisor and assistant coordinator for International Student Exchange, says, “After three months of sitting at this desk, I decided it was time to construct a sit/stand desk. I can use the standalone keyboard when sitting or use the laptop keyboard while standing. The height of the crate is perfect for resting my arm on it while using the mouse. My pet is a stuffed dragon that keeps me company.” Follow OSU Today on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/osutoday1/ and catch up on any workspace photos you might have missed so far. 

Today

Forum with President Alexander: Join President Alexander and other university leaders in a community conversation about actions to support Black and Indigenous people and other people of color at Oregon State University. Aug. 3 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. To participate: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/91962706369. For questions or accommodations for disabilities, contact Shari Brumbach, [email protected] or 541-760-6188.

Tuesday

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. Tuesday, Aug 4, noon: Fundamentals of InvestingWednesday, Aug 5, noon: PERS and Retirement Planning (OPSRP)Wednesday, Aug 5, 3 p.m.: Social Security: Seven Keys to Enhancing BenefitsThursday, Aug 6, noon: When is your Retirement Date? 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.

Events

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.

Bard in the Yard: Oregon State University’s Bard in Quad presents a fully immersive, audio-only production of “Macbeth,” available for download on all major podcast platforms through OSU theatre’s “Dam the Distance” podcast feed starting Aug. 14. The production has been made possible through support from the OSU Memorial Union and Block 15 Restaurant and Brewery. Virtual tickets for the podcast are available at bardinthequad.org. Patrons can name their own price to help support OSU theatre during this challenging time. The full audio drama production will be available Aug. 14 for download through OSU Theatre’s Dam the Distance podcast feed which can be found through the Bard in the Quad website, Apple podcasts, and all major podcast platforms.

Lectures, Workshops, Webinars

NEW! "Right to Clean Air" Environmental Justice Webinar: Join us for an online panel including diverse perspectives on toxic air pollution issues facing the state of Oregon. Wednesday, Aug. 5, at noon. Free and open to everyone. Co-sponsored by the Spring Creek Project. Learn more and register here. A Zoom meeting link will be emailed to you after you register.

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.

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. 3-5 and 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 July 31 for the Aug. 3-5 session, and on Aug. 14 for the Aug. 17-19 session. To register, visit OSUcascades.edu/dei-intensive. For information, contact [email protected].

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

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. 

Free, self-paced, online training: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Remote Work Environments: The recent pandemic has caused a massive, sudden shift to remote work for many companies. This shift impacts efforts to advance diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace, both in positive and potentially challenging ways. The OSU Center for the Advancement of Women in Leadership created this 15-minute, self-paced training directed at managers, employee resource group members, HR professionals and anyone invested in DEI work in their organization. It provides an overview of remote work and DEI, ways in which remote work can promote and challenge DEI efforts and a series of practical strategies designed especially for promoting inclusion in remote workplaces. Register for the training. Then, join our Slack community to keep the conversation going.

Tier Two workshops, New Tier One dates, remote delivery of Social Justice Education workshops is happening now: See the schedule and register for Zoom workshops through fall 2020 here. See three brand new Tier Two collaborations created for our community today. The SJEI is an excellent foundational professional development program for all faculty, staff and graduate students. Join your colleagues to begin or expand your equity and inclusion journey. Interested in this work for your unit? Contact SJEI director Jane Waite for further information: [email protected]

Search Advocate Workshops: More OSU Search Advocate workshops are now available by Zoom. Search advocates are outside process advisors who participate on employee search committees; their goal is to encourage culture and practices that favor equity, validity and diversity. Search advocacy offers faculty and staff an opportunity to work with colleagues in other parts of the university, build new skills and perspectives and contribute to the university’s progress towards inclusive excellence. The initial workshop series is a sequence of four 4-hour Zoom workshops. Those who complete the series may choose to have their names added to the Search Advocate Directory and will be eligible to serve as advocates until September 2021. Three-hour continuing education workshops for current advocates are also available. To register, go to the Professional Development website. Questions? Contact Anne Gillies at [email protected] or 541-760-6160.

Take Note

NEW! 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.

Health & Safety: The University Health & Safety Committee wants to promote health and safety with the following information from SAIF, don’t forget existing hazards https://www.saif.com/employer-guide/dont-forget-existing-hazards.html. You can also access OSU’s University Health & Safety Committee online at http://ehs.oregonstate.edu/uhsc, including past meeting minutes, information on how to contact a committee member and a link to report safety concerns online.

COVID-19 disposable Gloves are available at Chemstores: As the Corvallis campus begins to re-open, the College of Science Chemistry Department’s Chemstores is here to provide disposable gloves as well as other COVID PPE. Chemstores is located at 154 Gilbert Hall; open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Purchases are exclusively made using grant Index/activity codes. There are no cash or card sales. An online listing of products can be found at https://chemstores.chem.oregonstate.edu/. Questions? Call 541-737-2271.

Got 10 minutes? Want to know what you can eat to positively affect your immune system? CPHHS professor and Linus Pauling Science Center Director Emily Ho shares the science behind how food can affect our immune system in this 10-in-10 episode – 10-minute recorded conversations with CPHHS faculty about health and well-being in the time of novel coronavirus. Watch it here.

What’s Next? A new podcast tells OSU alumni stories: Seizing opportunities is what Oregon State alumni do. Take a closer look at the dreams, achievements and advice of Beaver grads in the brand-new What’s Next? podcast. Check out the first few episodes, and subscribe to hear more. Host Cody Stover, ’15, talks with successful alumni, like Willen Sin, ’13, a fan turned game operations and events manager for the Portland Trailblazers; and Sydney Wiese, ’17, former OSU women’s basketball point guard and current WNBA Los Angeles Sparks player. Listen in at osualum.com/WhatsNext

Free online, self-paced training: Recruiting Diverse Talent: Research links workforce diversity to multiple indicators of employee satisfaction and financial health. This short online training from the Center for the Advancement of Women in Leadership helps search committee members and managers understand why diversity makes good business sense, how implicit bias can impact the recruitment process, and offers strategies for addressing bias in the hiring process to recruit talented, diverse candidate pools. Register today, and let us know your thoughts by joining our Slack community as well.

Master Recycler class: Would you like to learn all about waste reduction, reuse and recycling to help spread change in our community? Secure your spot in this annual class, now on Zoom. Monday nights, Sept. 28-Dec. 7, plus two Thursday Q&A sessions. Free to residents of Linn and Benton County who agree to pay back what they learned by completing 30 hours of volunteer service. Visit http://tiny.cc/recycclass for more details and to sign-up.

OSU Libraries announces summer services: From July 20-Sept. 7, the Valley Library will be closed but study spaces will be open in Java II and outdoors on the library plaza. We’ll continue our digital services. We’ll continue to offer interlibrary loan and Scan and Deliver services, and to mail physical items to users. Book drops will be open. Due dates are extended until the building reopens. We’ll process purchase requests. More info is at https://library.oregonstate.edu/osu-libraries-announces-summer-schedule.

Traffic and Maintenance

UPDATED! Summer paving: As part of the summer 2020 parking lot paving schedule, parking lot closures for asphalt renewal are planned for the following parking lots: #3278 (Sports Complex East), #3205 (Adams Northeast) and #3313 (Bates North). The lots will be fully or partially closed for construction and planned closure durations are subject to change as construction proceeds. Work for lot #3313 (Bates North) is scheduled to start on Thursday, July 23, and continue through Tuesday, Aug. 11. Work for lot #3205 (Adams Northeast) is scheduled to start on Friday, Aug. 7, and continue through Wednesday, Aug. 26. Work for lot #3278 (Sports Complex East) is scheduled to start on Friday, Aug. 7, and continue through Tuesday, Sept. 1. For questions or comments on this closure, contact Infrastructure Project Manager Aaron Collett at 541-207-2780.

Irish Bend Covered Bridge Rehabilitation: Construction is scheduled to begin on the Irish Bend Covered Bridge along Southwest Campus Way on July 6, lasting until September. The bridge rehabilitation includes installing a fire suppression system, repainting and repairs to the wood structure. The covered bridge and Campus Way Path will be closed; Campus Way will remain open.

Postponed: Annual Steam Shutdown-Campus Wide: Each year Facilities Services performs necessary maintenance on the university’s steam system, which requires shutting off the steam throughout campus, to complete maintenance services at the plant, throughout the steam tunnels and in each building. This process affects hot water supply, heating and all equipment that uses steam, campus wide. The decision has been made to postpone the annual steam shut down until August in order to stay within the guidelines from the Governor, university, state and CDC’s orders. The steam shutdown for 2020 will occur from Aug. 24 at 11 p.m. to Aug. 27 at 8 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you all for your understanding. For questions or comments on this closure, contact Facilities Services at 541-737-2969.

Weather

“When you love and accept yourself, when you know who really cares about you, and when you learn from your mistakes, then you stop caring about what people who don’t know you think." ~ Beyonce.

Corvallis: Sunny today, high of 85, low of 57. Sunny tomorrow.

Central Oregon: Sunny today, high of 83, low of 53. Sunny tomorrow.

Newport: Patchy fog and then mostly sunny, high of 70, low of 52. Sunny tomorrow.

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