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: TRACE OSU is providing random COVID-19 testing by invitation at its Corvallis and Bend campuses and at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport. Testing will take place in Corvallis in the Memorial Union Ballroom and at Reser ticket booths, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In Newport, testing will be provided every other week beginning Jan. 18, Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. At OSU-Cascades, testing will be provided every other week beginning Jan. 18, Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Please join the effort to build a safer and healthier Oregon State University community. To enroll and for more information: https://trace.oregonstate.edu/osu

NEW! Timely Teaching Tips: Want to know more about how to create videos that engage students in your remote or blended courses? Register in advance for "Using Kaltura Capture to Easily Create Engaging Classroom Videos" at on Thursday, Jan. 14, at 11 a.m.   

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 professor weighs in on Capitol riot, transition of power (KEZI)

To learn more about the riot and the aftermath, KEZI 9 News talked to Christopher Stout, an associate professor of political science at Oregon State University.
 

Little cloth mask is big tool in COVID battle (KOIN)

Oregon State University Global Health Professor Dr. Chunhuei Chi has also been vigorously researching COVID-19 since January 2020. Being from Taiwan, he studied their pandemic approach closely to figure out why they had so much more success than the rest of the world, the US included.
 

Scientists warn of climate emergency (Think Out Loud)

Last year, researchers at Oregon State University led a group of 11,000 scientists worldwide to declare a climate emergency. This week, those same researchers renewed their calls for action. William Ripple, a professor of ecology at OSU, explains why he thinks climate change is a moral issue.
 

Analysis of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Oregon (FOX 12)

With many Oregonians questioning the way the state is rolling out doses of COVID-19, FOX-12 Gutierrez Simon Gutierrez spoke with Chunhue Chi, the Director of the Center for Global Health at Oregon State University to get his impressions about how things are going so far.
 

Oregon's maturing cannabis market attracts big business and unusual deals (OPB News)

Russian oligarchs and African monarchs have even taken note. In short, as Oregon State University marketing professor Aimee Dinnin Huff put it: “The market is becoming more mature.”
 

How long will COVID-19 vaccine-induced immunity last? (Very Well Health)

It “is very likely that for [the] COVID-19 vaccine, given that the length of immunity the vaccine generates is limited, we may have to be vaccinated annually,” Chunhuei Chi, MPH, director of the Center for Global Health at Oregon State University’s College of Public Health and Human Sciences, tells Verywell.
 

Western Innovator: Passion for bees helps agriculture (Capital Press)

Melathopoulos leads Oregon State University Extension's statewide pollinator health program and is an assistant professor. Agricultural experts say he's one of the nation's most remarkable innovators in the world of bees.
 

New OSU program first in nation to tackle statewide native bee inventory (Capital Press)

Oregon is the first state in the U.S. to create a Master Melittologists program that trains volunteers to become bee experts and use that knowledge to preserve and catalogue bees native to the state. A melittologist studies bees. Oregon State University modeled its new program after its Master Gardener program.
 

Researchers report progress on greener, more sustainable hydrogen extraction from water (Science Times)

A recent collaboration between Oregon State University's College of Engineering, Cornell University, and the Argonne National Laboratory has made significant progress in hydrogen extraction from water.
 

Turn to gardening books for comfort and inspiration (Statesman Journal)

Recommendations by OSU Extension agents.

Today's photo


Today's workspace: Shalynn Pack, internship coordinator and instructor with the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, says, "I've always wanted a pet snake and working remotely encouraged me to finally make it happen! She's a baby ball python and as you can see, shares some common traits with cats ... I think she likes the warm keyboard!" Welcome to the new year. It's time to show us what you're doing to help cope with daily life and work in 2021. 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

NEW! Dean of Education candidate: The OSU community is invited to meet with the second of two finalists today, Jan. 11, 2:30-3:15 p.m. Zoom link Password: 151474. Kris Goodrich, professor of counselor education, University of New Mexico. Goodrich will present at the forum, with Q&A to follow. Visit the search website for additional information. Forum recordings for both candidates will appear on the site as soon as possible.

Album Club: The College of Liberal Arts and popular music studies program is hosting a remote version of the OSU Album Club on Monday, Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. Album Club is open to students, faculty/staff, OSU alumni and members of the community. The informal program meets several times a year and is like a book club where participants listen to and discuss the greatest albums ever recorded. It is hosted by OSU Director of Popular Music and Performing Arts Bob Santelli. This meeting will discuss Fleetwood Mac’s iconic hit album, “Rumors.” Album Club is free but registration is required. To receive your link to participate, go to: https://beav.es/ov8 

Events

NEW! "Gather": A Film and Panel about Native American Food Sovereignty: Register for the screening of “Gather,” an intimate portrait of the growing movement amongst Native Americans to reclaim their spiritual, political and cultural identities through food sovereignty while battling the trauma of centuries of genocide, on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 4-7 p.m. A panel discussion will follow featuring Chef Nephi Craig,  Samantha Chisholm Hatfield and Jeremy Ojua. Register at https://beav.es/gather2021. For accommodations, contact [email protected].

NEW! Dean of Business candidates: The OSU community is invited to meet with two dean candidates: Tim Carroll, University of the Pacific, and Sulin Ba, University of Connecticut. Carroll Forum: Jan. 15, 1-2 pm, Zoom link Password: 940105. Ba Forum: Jan. 19, 1-2 p.m, Zoom link Password: 490811. The candidates' presentations will be prerecorded and available on the search website. Visit the site for additional information.

NEW! Online Volunteer Project — Mapathon with Missing Maps: Join Community Engagement & Leadership for an interactive, service volunteer project on Wednesday, Jan. 20 from 4:30-6 p.m. Register on our homepage to get Zoom details. Missing Maps is a humanitarian project that maps parts of the world that are vulnerable to natural disasters, conflicts and disease epidemics. During the Mapathon, volunteers will learn how to trace satellite imagery into Openstreetmap, a free and open map of the entire world. No experience required.

Book club reading: Join the Association of Faculty and Staff for the Advancement of People of Color (AFAPC) for a book club reading of “Freedom is a Constant Struggle” by Angela Y. Davis. Register by Jan. 12. The book club will meet twice on Jan. 13 and Jan. 20 from noon to 1 p.m.  Davis is keynote speaker for the 39th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on Jan. 18. AFAPC encourages you to purchase books at a 40% discount through her publisher, a Black-owned business or through a local business like Grass Roots & Music or the Book Bin. The e-book is also available through the OSU Libraries for a 3-day loan period. For questions, contact [email protected].

Beavers SAVE Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention. Learn how to reach out and help a friend. We can all help prevent suicide. This workshop will provide the skills you need to effectively help or intervene with a friend or family member who is considering suicide. The training is offered on two dates in winter term: Thursday, Jan.14 from noon to 2 p.m, register at https://oregonstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcqdOmvqzIqHtb6WqHmcdXrLU3Yg51olg_C   and  Wednesday, Feb. 17 from noon to 2 p.m., register at: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0scuGvqTMiGtIIwRxVYL0cZ9uj9jbqTbhW

MLK celebration: WRGP invites you to our annual MLK Jr. Birthday Celebration on Friday, Jan.15, at 9 a.m. Topic discussion: What does it mean “to be of service?” What can we do as individuals and as a Water Resource community to help and be of service? Volunteer opportunities for a day of service for WRGP also will be discussed. Meeting ID: 990 6009 8070 | Password: 483495.

American Strings: Dom Flemons "The American Songster," is the guest on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 5 p.m. via Zoom. Flemons is a Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, actor, music scholar, historian and record collector. He also has received two Emmy Award nominations. In 2020 he was selected for the prestigious United States Artists Fellowship Award for the traditional arts category, supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The webcast event is part of CLA’s American String Series, a conversation and live performance hosted by Bob Santelli. Free, but registration is required.

Winter Career Fairs: Registration is now open. The OSU Winter Career Fair Series, as well as Speed Mock Interviews are virtual, using Handshake. Click the fair link below to register and sign up for to speak with employers like Fast Enterprises, Cintas, Techtronic Industries, Build Group and many more. Feb. 9, Speed Mock Interviews; Feb. 10, Civil and Construction Engineering Fair; Feb. 17, Winter Career Fair; Feb. 18, Non-Profit & Public Service Fair; Feb. 23, Food Science and Technology Fair. For more information about virtual fairs, please visit: career.oregonstate.edu/virtual-fairs

DAM Good Growth: Explore self-care and personal growth through CAPS's mental health engagement series centered around practices from the field of positive psychology. Each week will feature an online self-paced challenge, fun activities, community zoom session, and other surprises. Contact [email protected] to coordinate extra credit for student attendance. Faculty and staff are welcome too, but not eligible for any incentives or prizes. Register at: beav.es/oxo

ADA30 Celebratory Symposium — Deadline Extended: The OSU Americans with Disabilities Act 30th (ADA30) Anniversary Committee is presently accepting proposals for the ADA30 Celebratory Symposium to be held remotely in May 2021. Campus and community members are encouraged to submit proposals for workshops, posters, artist talks and other session types on a wide array of disability-related topics by Jan. 15. For more information about ADA30 and the Symposium, including proposal submission details, please visit https://blogs.oregonstate.edu/ada30/.

Lectures, Workshops, Webinars

NEW! Carbon Neutral OSU: What you can do! Did you know that OSU made a commitment in 2009 to be carbon neutral by 2025? Want to help achieve that goal? Join us Tuesday, Jan. 12 from 10-11 a.m. to learn about OSU’s efforts toward carbon neutrality, how progress is tracked and what you can do. Register for this webinar today. 

NEW! An Evening with Kim Stanley Robinson: Join us as renowned science fiction writer Kim Stanley Robinson presents "Some Lessons from the Pandemic for Dealing with Climate Change" on Tuesday, Jan. 12, at 6 p.m. Learn more and register here. This is the first event in the nine-week series "Pandemic as Portal: Creating a Just Future on Earth" hosted by the Spring Creek Project and Environmental Arts and Humanities Initiative.

NEW! HMSC Science On Tap: On Tuesday, Jan. 12 at 6 p.m., Sara Hamilton in the Dept. of Integrative Biology at Oregon State University will be giving a public talk titled "Going, Going ... Gone? Conservation outlook for the Sunflower Star." Webinar link or call: +1 971 247 1195 Webinar ID: 994 1549 9263. Click here for more information.

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, Jan. 13, noon, PERS and Retirement Planning (Tier 1 & 2). 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! Water Resources Engineering Winter Seminar Series: “Unintended Consequences of Low-head Dams: Deadly Implications,” with Dr. Rollin Hotchkiss from Brigham Young University, Civil & Environmental Engineering. Presented by the Water Resources Graduate Program. Wednesday, Jan. 13 from noon to 1 p.m. Free and open to all. To join, use Zoom link https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/93467362981?pwd=NHdvU3I1by9rZ1haODNZMW94ZXZPQT09 The password is: WRESeminar.

NEW! Lessons in Leadership: Maintaining the Momentum of Change with Janet Nishihara: Students are encouraged to join Community Engagement & Leadership (CEL) for this conversation on the intersection of leadership, social justice, and maintaining the momentum of change on campus with Janet Nishihara, executive director of the Educational Opportunities Program (EOP). Thursday, Jan. 14, 4-5:30 p.m. on Zoom. Register for details. Questions? Contact [email protected].

Faculty Staff Fitness: OSU’s Faculty Staff Fitness Program has in-person, remote synchronous, and asynchronous offerings in Winter 2021. Our in-person offerings will be via Zoom or on hold until we can return to campus. Zoom synchronous class options will be Tuesday/Thursday 7 a.m. and noon Weight Training and a 100% Zoom Cardio Intervals 30-minute class Monday/Wednesday at noon for a midday boost. We also have our Online FSF program with over 300 classes and 20 styles in a completely online, asynchronous format (https://health.oregonstate.edu/fsf/online) for $35 for 12 weeks. For more information and to register, see https://health.oregonstate.edu/fsf/schedule/winter. There will also be a virtual 6-week RECHARGE Wellness Challenge to get you off to 2021 with the right steps starting Jan. 24. Grab a friend, family member or a work teammate to keep the support going during the New Year. Details can be found at https://health.oregonstate.edu/fsf/recharge.

Kognito Training Overview: Learn more about this dynamic, online training simulation, which recognizes and supports students in distress. Tessie Webster-Henry with CAPS will share information about the program’s application to students, staff and faculty, how to access the training and answer questions. Tuesday, Jan. 12, noon to 1 p.m., via Zoom. For more information about the event and how to register click here. Hosted by the Professional Faculty Leadership Association.

Balancing Work and Life in a Work From Home Environment: When you work from home, it’s easy to feel like the lines between your professional life and your personal life are starting to blur. This session looks at the unique challenges of finding balance in a work-from-home environment. Jan. 12,  3 p.m. Register here. Once registered, all important information on joining the webinar will be sent directly to your email. If you are unable to attend the webinar you can login with the registration link at a later time to view the recording. Hosted by the Beyond Benefits Employee Assistance Program.

Pandemic as Portal: Creating a Just Future on Earth: Join us for a weekly lecture series beginning Jan. 12 that will feature visionary thinkers from many perspectives — from writing, philosophy and history to architecture, music and filmmaking — as they explore their highest vision of environmental and social justice as the world reconfigures in the midst of the pandemic. Speakers include Kim Stanley Robinson, Erin Moore, J. Drew Lanham and many others. Sponsored by the Spring Creek Project and the Environmental Arts and Humanities Initiative. Learn more and register for talks in the series here.

The Yoga of Zoom: Jocelyn Darshana, Graduate Student in Applied Ethics, will lead an 8-week course designed to combat the stressors of online learning through meditation and yoga. No prior experience needed. Free to OSU Students. Starts Jan. 13 at 6-7:15 p.m., and runs on Wednesdays until March 3. Offered online through the Contemplative Studies Initiative. Register Here.

TRIAD: The OSU TRIAD Club’s programs are online and free this term, with all welcome. The next program of the term will be Wednesday, Jan. 13 at noon: Jaycee Kalama, Editor-in-Chief, OSU Daily Barometer, “Student media amid the COVID-19 pandemic.” Zoom link: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/96913848020?pwd=WGpSS1R5S3EyVGJSL21aVHU5b3lEZz09, Password: 951472

Floor Monitor Training: Training for Floor Monitors and Building Managers on roles and responsibilities when evacuating their building. Training is the 2nd Wednesday of every month via Zoom. Sign up for Zoom Floor Monitor Training at: https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1ZhCgowN8AukjPf

Black Minds Matter: The Educational Opportunities Program (EOP) will host another Black Minds Matter winter course Tuesday, Jan. 19 through Tuesday, Feb. 16 from 9-9:50 a.m. This 5-week interactive course focuses on addressing issues affecting Black student success in secondary education. The intended audience for this course are teaching and professional faculty, staff and graduate/ professional students that have not previously participated in a BMM course over the past three years of its offerings. Space is limited to 30 participants so register today by clicking here. Should you have any questions please contact us at [email protected].

“Teaching Truth and Trust in an Era of Digital Dissensus.” Are conspiracy theorists and anti-maskers anti-fact? Are confirmation bias and ideological bubbles inevitable? Or is there a deeper dynamic at play? Mike Caulfield, director of blended and networked learning at WSU Vancouver and nationally recognized digital literacy expert, will discuss our current “digital dissensus” and how our approach to education may be making problems worse. Jan. 29, 10-11:30 a.m. Co-sponsors: OSU’s Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC), Library Faculty Association Seminar Series, and Writing Program (SWLF). More information and registration.

Difficult Conversations During Times Of Unrest: Times of protest and unrest can generate strong feelings, which often carry over to conversations at home, the workplace, and even family gatherings.  In this session, we will discuss ways to have healthy discussions about polarizing topics without damaging your close relationships. We will also discuss productive ways to talk about these events with children. Jan. 21, 10 a.m. Register here. Once registered, all important information on joining the webinar will be sent directly to your email. If you are unable to attend the webinar you can login with the registration link at a later time to view the recording. Hosted by the Beyond Benefits Employee Assistance Program.

January 2021 Learning & Development Workshops: University Human Resource’s Learning and Development team is presenting a variety of online professional development workshops in January, including: Strategies for Being Effective in Times of Uncertainty; Managing People Through Change; Stretch Goals: Taking Performance to the Next Level; Six Leadership Concepts to Embrace Now; and Choose Your Attitude. View and register for upcoming workshops here.

Crucial Conversations: Crucial Conversations is a 10-hour course that teaches skills for creating alignment and agreement—by fostering open dialogue around high-stakes, emotional or risky topics—at all levels of your organization. By learning how to speak and be heard (and encouraging others to do the same), you’ll surface the best ideas, make the highest-quality decisions and then act on your decisions with unity and commitment. This is a series of five (5) live, online sessions on Wednesdays, 1-3 p.m Feb. 10 through March 10. There is a $100 fee to attend Crucial Conversations; advanced registration is required. Learn more and register.

Alumni making a difference – CLA Changemakers webcast: There are Oregon State alumni passionately advancing justice and equity in every field. Join the OSU Changemakers webcast series for inspiring conversations with Beavers, hosted monthly by CLA Professor Susan Shaw. Part two of the series kicks off Jan. 27, and features alumni cultivating youth literacy, empowering Oregon’s farmworkers and creating pathways to economic prosperity. Learn more and register at osualum.com/Changemakers.

Creating partnerships for prosperity – CLA Changemakers webcast: Meghan Barp, ’06, breaks barriers — not just for herself, but for her community of 50,000+ in South Carolina. Learn how the president and CEO of United Way of Greenville County became the first woman to lead the organization in its nearly 100-year history, where she convenes her community to address the issues that matter most. Join a conversation with Barp Jan. 27 at osualum.com/Changemakers, presented by the College of Liberal Arts and the OSU Alumni Association.

Empowering farmworkers and working Latinx families – CLA Changemakers webcast: Mobilizing communities is what Laura Galindo, ’17, does best. She’s director of communications and strategic partnerships at PCUN, one of Oregon’s longest standing Latinx-led organizations, and her impact reaches statewide. Learn about her current role and a career spent advocating at the intersection of immigration, undocumented workers’ rights and electoral organizing. Join a conversation with Galindo Feb. 24 at osualum.com/Changemakers, presented by the College of Liberal Arts and the OSU Alumni Association.

Changing lives through literacy – CLA Changemakers webcast: Creating a lifelong reader and writer requires all hands on deck. That’s why Penny Kittle, ’83, founded the Book Love Foundation. She works with educators to donate classroom libraries, helping young readers discover diverse and impactful stories that fuel a passion for reading. She’s authored several books of her own and teaches at Plymouth State University. Join a conversation with Kittle March 10 at osualum.com/Changemakers, presented by the College of Liberal Arts and the OSU Alumni Association.

Take Note

NEW! Honors College course proposals and grants: OSU tenured/tenure-track, senior instructor and emeritus faculty are invited to submit honors course proposals for 2021-2022 at honors.oregonstate.edu/course-proposals. Any General Catalog course can be offered as a small, highly-engaged honors course; proposals for interdisciplinary colloquia are also welcome. Faculty may apply for Meehan course development grants of up to $3000 to develop experiential learning opportunities for honors courses. More information: [email protected] or 541-737-6412. Deadline: Jan. 15.

International Friendship Program (IFP): Are you looking for friends or conversational partners? We are looking for new international and OSU/local community members to join the program! The program provides support to international students and scholars by connecting them with friends from the local community, giving local residents the chance to meet people across the globe. Priority registration is Jan. 22, but registrations are accepted year-round. For more information: https://internationalservices.oregonstate.edu/international-friendship-program. To register: https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3sKD2J3ehUQ0FiB

Next Great Startup 2021 Competition Application closes Jan. 18: NGSU is a campus-wide, virtual competition where student-led teams compete to win cash prizes, in-kind services and the chance to turn a startup idea into a real company. Open to all teams led by a currently enrolled OSU student. Application closes Jan. 18. More information and the application available here: http://nextgreatstartup.oregonstate.edu/

Help Inspiring Girls Expeditions spread the word to high school girls* about free STEAM outdoor expeditions: Inspiring Girls Expeditions (housed within OSU’s CEOAS) is a tuition-FREE, 12-day wilderness science education program for 16- and 17-year-old high school girls*. Students who don’t feel like they fit the “typical” image of a scientist or outdoors person are especially encouraged to apply. If you know a student who might be interested, or an educator or network who could share this opportunity, please pass it along. The deadline to start the application is Jan. 22, so encourage students to apply today. Questions? [email protected].

Academic Support Groups: The ASC and CAPS are here to support students as they navigate success during times of uncertainty. Our academic support groups – one for undergraduate students and one for graduate students – cover topics such as time management, focus & motivation. We will also discuss ways to maintain balance & self-care during times of stress. To learn more, students can email [email protected] and find details (such as times and Zoom links) here: https://success.oregonstate.edu/asc-caps-support-group.

Weight Watchers: Weight Watchers (WW+) is a free benefit available to employees and their dependents ages 18 and up who are enrolled in a PEBB medical plan. WW has launched new private virtual workshops for PEBB members. Move closer to your weight-loss and wellness goals in this fun, supportive, private and live Virtual Workshop format. WW+ also has a January promotion for new members called an Unstoppable Kit. To learn more visit: https://www.weightwatchers.com/us/pebb. To sign up use employer ID: 15066304. Questions? Please call 1-866-454-2144. 

Funding Available for Students to attend Washington & Oregon Higher Education Sustainability Conference (WOHESC): Community Engagement & Leadership and the Sustainability Office are excited to offer 20 OSU students an opportunity to attend the virtual 2021 Washington & Oregon Higher Education Sustainability Conference (WOHESC) on Thursday, Feb. 11 and Friday, Feb. 12 by covering the full registration fee. All OSU students are eligible to request registration funding for this social change leadership and professional development experience. Registration funding will be offered on a first come, first served basis to the first 20 students who fully complete this registration form  by Friday, Feb. 5, and commit to attending.

MLK Celebration Week Event Submissions: The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee is accepting submissions for events to take place during the celebration week, Monday, Jan. 18, through Friday, Jan. 22. This year marks the 39th anniversary of the Celebration. Click here for more information and to submit your event. Event submissions will be accepted until Jan. 8. The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee is requesting that all events for the 2021 Celebration be held virtually. For questions, contact Brandi Douglas, assistant director of outreach and chair of the celebration committee, [email protected].

Affordable learning workshops for faculty: The OSU Open Educational Resources Unit makes learning affordable. You can, too. The OER Unit is hosting virtual workshops to show how faculty can find or create no-cost and low-cost learning materials, save students money and improve course retention. Learn more about each workshop and register today. Questions? Email Stefanie Buck.

Video: Happy New Year from the OSU Alumni Association: There’s no doubt about it: We are stronger together. As we enter a brand-new year together, remember that your OSU journey is one vital thread in the beautiful tapestry that is Beaver Nation. Enjoy the warmth of community this New Year with our celebration video filled with dozens of Beaver-submitted photos. See if you can find yourself, your friends or your family in the greeting: osualum.com/BEAVERS

Seeking Volunteers for a Research Study: The OSU School of Civil and Construction Engineering is seeking participants for a research study who are at least 18 years old and do not require glasses to bike (contacts are OK). The purpose of this study is to make intersections safer for bicyclists. For more information about this study, please contact the principal investigator, Hurwitz, at [email protected] 

TRIAD Service Scholarship: The TRIAD Service Scholarship promotes service as a value worthy of encouragement, acknowledgment and reward. The award is for $500 and two awards will be given this year to OSU undergraduate junior or senior students enrolled at Corvallis, Cascades or Ecampus. Applications are due Jan. 22. Complete applications will be evaluated based on academic record and service activities. To apply visit TRIAD Service Scholarship. Questions? Contact: Gretchen Dursch, TRIAD Scholarship co-chair, [email protected]

Food Drive: The OSU Food Drive has a long tradition at OSU. While this year’s effort may look a bit different, we would still like to reach all parts of Oregon State University in Corvallis and across the state with this effort. Check out the list of participating units at https://communications.oregonstate.edu/events/food-drive. If you don’t see your unit listed, reach out to [email protected] with your interest in participating. Orientation is on Jan. 15 and the drive runs the month of February. Be a part of this tradition in helping people in your community.

Working with Students in Distress: Faculty and staff may be the first to notice a student is struggling and may be in the best position to reach out with care and concern. The Office of Student Life, in collaboration with Counseling and Psychological Services, developed a CARE folder, which is intended to provide you with resources and referral information that we hope you find valuable. Simply click on this link and you will be directed to login to Box to access these resources. We recommend you bookmark this link for easy access on your phone, laptop or tablet.

Mindful @ Oregon State University is an e-newsletter that delivers a weekly care package of mindfulness tips, resources and events to your inbox. Curated by CAPS staff, the newsletter features a weekly guided meditation, learn more section, mindfulness challenge, OSU mindfulness event calendar and crowd-sourced knowledge and recommendations. Subscribe here: http://bit.ly/mindfulOSU

Kognito: Recognizing and Supporting Students in Distress Training for Staff, Faculty and Student Assistants: OSU students today face increasing pressures that can lead to emotional distress, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and even thoughts of suicide. This is never more true than now with the additional stressors of police brutality, racism and a global pandemic. Faculty, staff and the student assistants we employ may be in the best position to notice when a student needs additional support. Visit beav.es/Zzp to access the faculty/staff online training so you can recognize and support OSU students in distress. Student assistants should visit: beav.es/ZD3. For questions contact Tessie Webster-Henry: [email protected]

PNNL graduate research program: PNNL-OSU Distinguished Graduate Research Program is open for nominations through Feb. 26. The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory - Oregon State University Distinguished Graduate Research Program was established as a nationally-competitive effort to elevate the scientific and technical impact of STEM Ph.D. student research at PNNL and OSU. The DGRP is designed to attract a select cohort of Ph.D. candidates with enhanced research opportunities unique to the National Lab system. Candidates selected to participate in the program will receive an assistantship/fellowship for financial support and will benefit from having graduate committee members and access to the world-class research infrastructure the two organizations can provide. You may learn more about this unique opportunity here.

Monthly Emergency Preparedness Topic: Evacuation — Emergency Evacuation is the immediate and urgent movement of people away from the threat or actual occurrence of a hazard. Evacuations are more common than many people realize. Fires and floods cause evacuations most frequently across the U.S. and almost every year, people along coastlines evacuate as hurricanes approach. In addition, hundreds of times a year, transportation and industrial accidents release harmful substances, forcing many people to leave their home. This month’s poster can be downloaded at https://emergency.oregonstate.edu/emergency-preparedness/preparedness-topics/evacuation

Health & Safety: The University Health & Safety Committee wants to promote health and safety by providing a link to SAIF’s continually updated resources on health during the pandemic when you are working from home at https://www.saif.com/safety-and-health/ergonomics-for-the-home-office.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.

Now accepting FYI Friday presentation proposals for Winter and Spring 2021: FYI Friday is a weekly remote program where campus partners are invited to present brief, one-off, awareness- or skill- building topics intended for a wide audience of professional faculty, academic faculty and classified staff. Does your group have a service, process or system you want to share with the campus community? Consider FYI Friday as your venue. Learn more about the requirements and application process here.

Reminder! Giving Circle: The OSU Women’s Giving Circle is inviting you to submit a grant proposal to be awarded in May 2021. Proposals must enhance the OSU undergraduate student experience and improve student retention and directly impact as many OSU students as possible. The average grant amount awarded is $5,000-$10,000. Deadline for submitting proposals is Monday, Jan. 11, 9 a.m. Please see our website for further information and email [email protected] or call 541-223-3389 with any questions. 

Weather

"Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them.” ~ Lemony Snicket.

Corvallis: Rain, high of 50, low of 48. Rain and windy tomorrow.

Central Oregon: Partly sunny, high of 48, low of 37. Rain likely tomorrow.

Newport: Rain, high of 52, low of 50. Heavy rain and windy Tuesday.

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