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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: Looking for ways to enhance your remote teaching? Try pedagogical boosters that aid course design, student engagement and learning assessment. Review practical solutions to resolve remote learning issues identified by students. Visit Keep Teaching for all the Early Summer Timely Teaching Tips.
President Ed Ray reflects on his years of service as the leader of Oregon State University. Covering topics ranging from his new dog Chuck, student success, faculty excellence, the impact of the Campaign for OSU and the legacy of the former first lady of OSU, Beth Ray. (Click on image to play)
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.
Way back in March of last year, when Ed Ray announced he would be stepping down as president of Oregon State University at the end of June 2020, he seemed to have set himself on a glide path into retirement. What a difference 15 months makes.
Oregon and Oregon State are hoping to renew the football rivalry between the schools for the 124th time on Nov. 28. (see also Inside Higher Ed, OPB News, KGW)
"I think the bottom line is that we don't really know what's coming," said Jeffrey Bethel, an epidemiology professor at Oregon State University. "This is day-by-day, week-by-week constant re-evaluation in terms of where we are in rate of new cases and rate of new hospitalisations. We really need to proceed in that cautious way."
The health authority offered limited details, saying it is “continuing work” with Oregon Health & Science University, Portland State University and Oregon State University to hire students to assist with public health investigations. A spokesman said officials would also reach out to academic programs such as nursing schools to identify people who can help.
Chunhuei Chi, professor and coordinator at the International Health Program at Oregon State University, said recent studies indicated that wearing face coverings was more important than social distancing at preventing viral spread when indoors.
Starting July 1, Oregon State employees will have access to a new program called “Beyond Benefits,” which replaces the current EAP and dramatically broadens the offerings available. Bonny Ray, associate director for employee benefits with the Office of Human Resources, says the university wants to offer a proactive, expansive benefits program as part of OSU’s ‘Culture of Care.’
Fish exposed to very low levels of chemicals commonly found in waterways can pass the impacts on to future generations that were never directly exposed to the chemicals, according to Oregon State University researchers. (see also Nature World News)
We’re in full-on gardening mode as summer gets going. If you’ve got questions, turn to Ask an Expert, an online question-and-answer tool from Oregon State University’s Extension Service.
Weeds, for instance, can overtake a garden in days. Slugs munch on seedlings. Aphids suck the juices from any number of plants. And that white butterfly you see fluttering around? It’s a cabbage white butterfly that lays eggs that turn into voracious larvae. Ask Weston Miller, horticulturist with Oregon State University Extension Service, which is the worst and he’s quick with an answer.
Today’s workspaces: Doug Botkin, manager of financial reporting for Financial Accounting and Analysis, says, “These are my pet ewes. Big one is momma Cashew. The other three are her daughters, Brazil, Kola & Pili. This is Cashew's third year of lambing. Unfortunately she produces very little milk so I have become somewhat of an expert in bottle feeding. They all like getting massages and eating roasted, salted peanuts in the shell.”
Liz Kelly, academic advisor and instructor with the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife now has her 12-year-old son as her officemate. Follow OSU Today on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/osutoday1/ and catch up on any workspace photos you might have missed so far.
NEW! Faculty candidate seminar: The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, in collaboration with the Marine Mammal Institute and the Marine Studies Initiative, invites you to attend the third of four interview candidate seminars for an Assistant Professor (Cetacean Biologist). Candidate #3: Alana Alexander - Linking past to future: using genomics to assess anthropogenic impacts on the marine environment. Monday, June 29, 1:30 p.m. Zoom: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/99433257839
NEW! Faculty candidate seminar: The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, in collaboration with the Marine Mammal Institute and the Marine Studies Initiative, invites you to attend the fourth of four interview candidate seminars for an Assistant Professor (Cetacean Biologist). Candidate #4: Mauricio Cantor - Linking individual behavior to community resilience in whales and dolphins. Wednesday, July 1, 8:30 a.m. Zoom: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/94685782461
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, July 1, noon - Economic Outlook - Perspective (First Trust); Wednesday, July 1, 3 p.m. - When is your Retirement Date?; Thursday, July 2, noon - Investing With Social Responsibility. 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.)
Faculty Staff Fitness: OSU’s Faculty Staff Fitness Program is starting in-person fitness programming on campus July 20-Sept. 18, 2020. Registration opens July 1. Please see https://health.oregonstate.edu/fsf/schedule/summer for the full list of classes. Not going to campus? FSF is offering over 200 pre-recorded, accessible any time, online fitness classes for summer term June 15-Sept. 18. Classes range from 10, 20, 30 to 60 minutes and involves 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.
Cultivating Emotional Balance (CEB): 8-Week Series: CEB is a practical skills training committed to utilizing the experience of emotion as a path for developing well-being. By integrating wisdom traditions, modern psychology, current emotion research, and contemplative practices, CEB provides a secular platform for transformation. Led by Jacob Lindsley, an incoming member of OSU's SPS, and sponsored by OSU's Contemplative Studies Initiative. Eight Sundays: July 12-Aug. 30 noon to 3 p.m. via Zoom. $300 if registered by July 1. $100 for OSU Students. Email [email protected]. More info here.
Community Building & Social Distance Webinar: Join the Adventure Leadership Institute as we host a webinar on community building during the age of social distancing. Learn some activities and talk about why maintaining community is crucial during this time. Click the link to register: Community Building & Social Distance, Thursday, July 16, 2-3 p.m. Check out more of our webinars offered summer term here. Questions? Contact Emily Abrams.
Remote Floor Monitor Training: The Office of Emergency Preparedness is offering remote Floor Monitor and Building Manager evacuation training. This is open to OSU floor monitors and building managers to assist in their roles during building evacuation. To schedule, contact [email protected].
NEW! ADVANCE Journal: The ADVANCE Journal, hosted by OREGON STATE ADVANCE, announces the publication of its second edition. This issue of ADVANCE Journal highlights effective interventions to support the success of faculty women in STEM. Of particular note are faculty development opportunities that enhance peer support and mentoring. https://www.advancejournal.org/issue/1525
NEW! Call for submissions: The ADVANCE Journal, hosted by OREGON STATE ADVANCE, announces a special issue in honor of the 20th anniversary of the National Science Foundation’s ADVANCE program. The special issue theme is Collaborations, Collisions, and Connections. The goal of ADVANCE "is to increase the representation and advancement of women in academic science and engineering careers." Additional information and submissions portal found here: https://www.advancejournal.org/post/444. Deadline for submissions is March 31, 2021.
NEW! New Guide to Low-Waste Events: Students and staff from University Events, Campus Recycling, University Catering, Student Leadership & Involvement, and the Memorial Union partnered to develop an OSU-specific guide for hosting low-waste events. This resource is meant to help event planners, be they students or staff, shrink the waste footprint of their event. The document includes tips on reducing plastic, paper, and food waste as well as resources for collecting and managing waste at your events. Access the resource here.
Fiscal policy revisions: The following fiscal policies have been revised to eliminate information about negative funds at fiscal year-end: 03-150-204 Designated Operations, 03-150-205 Service Center Operations and 03-150-408 Fiscal Year-End Reconciliation of Funds. Please contact the Fiscal Policy Coordinator for your Business Center or the Policy Steward listed on each policy with any questions.
Under the Orange Light: Recording of the webcast Under the Orange Light: COVID-19, are now available. The Faculty Senate Executive group presented a series of lightning talks by faculty who will take the audience on an intersectional journey to better understand the current COVID-19 global pandemic. They can be found at https://senate.oregonstate.edu/under-orange-light-covid-19-webcast.
Parking policy changes: Fiscal Policy 03-110-206 Parking Fines & Permit Sales has been revised to update language. Full policy is currently under review and will be implemented later this year. Please contact the Fiscal Policy Coordinator for your Business Center or the Policy Steward listed on each policy with any questions.
Scholarship policy: Fiscal Policy 03-140-508 Fellowships, Scholarships & Student Payments has been revised to change scholarship “awards” to “scholarships." Full policy is currently under review and will be implemented later this year. Please contact the Fiscal Policy Coordinator for your Business Center or the Policy Steward listed on each policy with any questions.
Procurement policy: Fiscal Policy 03-140-206 Procurement Cards has been revised to update restrictions (section 3.6). Please contact the Fiscal Policy Coordinator for your Business Center or the Policy Steward listed on each policy with any questions.
Gift policy: Fiscal Policy 03-150-208 Gift Funds has been revised to provide clear guidelines for accepting, processing, recording and acknowledging gifts. This policy consolidates GCG 210 Gift Funds, FIS 102-05 Gift, Grant and Contract Income and FIS 202 Endowment Earnings. Please contact the Fiscal Policy Coordinator for your Business Center or the Policy Steward listed on each policy with any questions.
Reimbursement policy: Fiscal Policy 03-140-203 Student & Volunteer Cash Reimbursements (previously Cash Out) has been revised to increase the threshold and provide clear guidelines for timely reimbursement to students and volunteers through a Cash Out process. This policy replaces FIS 407-01 Cash Out. Please contact the Fiscal Policy Coordinator for your Business Center or the Policy Steward listed on each policy with any questions.
Not sure what the next step is in your business venture? The OSU Advantage Accelerator is currently accepting applications for its first-ever VIRTUAL SUMMER Accelerate cohort which begins Wednesday, July 8. Accelerate is open to Oregon teams and/or teams with a connection to OSU who want to launch a high-growth business or want to explore the commercialization potential of a technology. Upon completion of the eight-week program, teams will have: an elevator pitch, a five minute pitch deck completed, product market validation, feedback from many mentors, and more. For teams with OSU intellectual property, completion of Accelerate enables eligibility for $15k of OSU AID funding. To learn more and apply, visit: https://advantage.oregonstate.edu/advantage-accelerator/programs/accelerate
Call for Applications: Blended Learning Innovations in Pedagogy (BLIP) Faculty Fellowship. Applications for the 2020 – 2021 BLIP Faculty Fellow (.25 FTE) are now being accepted. The Initiative offers a teaching faculty fellow the opportunity to shape blended learning programming for colleagues across campus, in partnership with the Center for Teaching and Learning, Ecampus, Academic Technology, and the Office of Undergraduate Education. More information can be found here. Deadline to apply: July 1, 2020.
Proposed Updates to University Policies & Standards: Visit the University Policy Program’s What’s New page (http://policy.oregonstate.edu/whats-new) to view a pending policy amendment. Proposed University Policy 04-020 Use of the University Seal articulates the intended official university uses and purposes for which the university seal may be used. This page is updated frequently with new developments, so we encourage you to check back frequently. Comments or questions may be submitted to [email protected].
Applications for PCOSW scholarships and event co-sponsorships for Fall term projects are now being accepted. The President’s Commission on the Status of Women provides funding to faculty, students, and staff who are pursuing professional development, research, outreach, or creative projects related to women’s issues. Scholarships average $300 and are paid by reimbursement. Applications are due Friday, July 31, with notification by Aug. 12. Visit http://leadership.oregonstate.edu/pcosw/awards-scholarships for detailed guidelines, qualification requirements, and application links. Questions? Contact Joy Jorgensen at [email protected]
Alumni Fellows nominations are due June 30: The OSU Alumni Association is seeking nominations for the Alumni Fellows Recognition Program. Due to COVID-19, Alumni Fellows are no longer required to be on campus for the 2020 celebration. Virtual presentation and online recognition are welcome. All colleges are encouraged to submit a nomination. For departments outside of academic colleges, please submit the nomination in partnership with the alumnus’ graduating college. View application and specifics online and email nomination form and supporting materials to [email protected].
Faculty & Staff COVID-19 Disaster Relief Fund Under IRS Code Section 139: In collaboration with the OSU Foundation, Oregon State University is offering emergency financial assistance grants through the OSU Faculty and Staff COVID-19 Disaster Relief Fund. The purpose of this fund is to help regular classified and unclassified employees in our university community with unexpected needs during this unprecedented time of the COVID-19 pandemic. All classified staff, professional faculty and academic/research faculty are eligible regardless of service time or FTE. An individual must be actively employed on the date of grant distribution. Read more about the details of the program here. Student hourly employees, graduate assistants, and stipend recipients (e.g., fellows) are not eligible. There are separate programs for students located here: https://financialaid.oregonstate.edu/covid-19.
Planned Power Outage (limited impacts): July 16-18. There will be a planned power outage beginning Thursday, July 16 starting at 5 a.m. and lasting until Saturday, July 18 at 7 a.m. so that Pacific Power can replace switches and cables that feed various buildings along SW Jefferson Way. Fairbanks and Moreland Halls will be without power the duration of the outage; a number of buildings will be affected at the beginning and at the end of the outage. Visit powergrid.oregonstate.edu to learn more.
Irish Bend Covered Bridge Rehabilitation: Construction is scheduled to begin on the Irish Bend Covered Bridge along SW 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; SW Campus Way will remain open.
SW Weatherford Place: As part of the Buxton Hall Roof Replacement Project, SW Weatherford Place will be closed to facilitate crane and dumpster placement (view map). The closure will take place from Monday, June 29 at 8 a.m. to Wednesday, July 1, at 5 p.m.
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.
This email only lists new or recently updated job postings. For a full list of current job postings for OSU Today, go to: http://today.oregonstate.edu/email/jobs
To apply for the below positions, visit http://oregonstate.edu/jobs unless otherwise specified.
NEW! Director: The College of Agricultural Sciences is seeking a Director for the Sustainability Double Degree program. This is an internal OSU opportunity and is a part-time (.20 FTE), 12-month, fixed term professional faculty position. The Director is responsible for providing leadership and oversight of the Sustainability curriculum (major and minor); development of curriculum; new courses and new course delivery methods; and current or future affiliated educational offerings for Corvallis, Ecampus, and Cascades campuses. Posting #P03847UF. For full consideration apply by July 13. Closes July 26.
"History isn't something you look back at and say it was inevitable, it happens because people make decisions that are sometimes very impulsive and of the moment, but those moments are cumulative realities." ~ Activist Marsha P. Johnson.
Corvallis: Becoming sunny, high of 74, low of 55. Chance of showers Tuesday.
Central Oregon: Sunny, high of 72, low of 51. Sunny tomorrow.
Newport: Patchy fog and then mostly cloudy, high of 64, low of 52. Chance of showers Tuesday.
Statewide: For OSU employees around the state, find your local forecast here: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/
