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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! TRACE OSU testing: Starting today OSU is launching random weekly TRACE OSU testing on the Corvallis and OSU-Cascades campuses and at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport. Testing will continue throughout fall term and will include weekly wastewater analysis for the virus that causes COVID-19 on both campuses, at HMSC and in the Corvallis, Bend and Newport communities. Here is a link to enroll.
NEW! Teaching Principle: Arrange the Canvas course site in sequential learning modules to aid students in progressively navigating through the content and learning activities each week. View this approach in the Remote and Blended Teaching Canvas Template. See all the Remote and Blended Course Design and Teaching Principles.
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.
“When white settlers began coming to Oregon, they brought a lot of really interesting things with them,” said David G. Lewis, a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde who teaches anthropology and native studies at Oregon State University.
With the fall term now underway at Oregon State University, the school is moving ahead with a plan for weekly random testing of students, faculty and staff.
A new Oregon State University study found significant links between students’ self-perception upon entering remote courses and their overall academic performance.
“You have to be pretty deficient to see a change in blood levels of zinc,” said Emily Ho, a nutrition scientist and director of the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.
“We believe that every positive case is important,” said Steve Clark, OSU’s vice president for university relations and marketing. “We are focused on prevention, education and support and have asked (the Oregon Health Authority) to be more precise and informative in its reporting results and the actual occurrences. Words like outbreaks and parties by the state are, in some cases, generalized and not accurate to all cases.”
Jerri Bartholomew, director of the John L. Freyer Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory at Oregon State University, has been studying C. shasta and its interactions with river ecosystems since she was a graduate student in 1981.
Squeezed by changing ocean conditions that limit their food options and the long-term loss of old forest needed for nesting, marbled murrelets would benefit most from conservation efforts that take both ocean and forest into account, new research by Oregon State University shows.
Harrison Feist is starting his first year of college in his Bend bedroom. Although Oregon State University students can move into the dorms at Corvallis, many of Feist’s classes will only be online, so he didn’t see the need to spend thousands of dollars on room and board, the Bend High graduate said.
NuScale was born out of Oregon State University in Corvallis in 2007. “This is a significant milestone not only for NuScale, but also for the entire U.S. nuclear sector and the other advanced nuclear technologies that will follow,” said NuScale Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Hopkins in a statement.
Passarello teaches creative writing at Oregon State University and appears weekly on the nationally-syndicated PRI radio variety show LiveWire!.
Benton County has not seen the same surge as Lane County. OSU spokesman Steve Clark took issue with Sidelinger’s characterization of the off-campus cases as “outbreaks.” Clark said one fraternity hosted an event that resulted in two infections, a number he doesn’t consider an outbreak. (see also KEZI)
A new video from Oregon Sea Grant and the Oregon State University Extension Service teaches tuna fans how to can the fish at home.
Those challenges were the topic of a virtual presentation delivered by Sandy DeBano, an associate professor in Oregon State University’s Department of Fish and Wildlife, during the Eastern Oregon Climate Change Coalition’s monthly meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 22.
Oregon State president Dr. F. King Alexander reacted to the Pac-12′s decision to play football beginning Nov. 6-7 with a 650-word statement Thursday night.
Today’s view: Scott Lommers, buyer for Auxiliaries & Activities Business Center, sent in the view from his glass doors just outside his remote desk space, complete with bonus dog. 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.
September PES/PELS SBC Kickoff Meeting: Join the OSU PES/PELS to plan fall term's virtual events and share topics within the fields of Power, Energy, and Power Electronics that you would like to learn more about. Monday, Sept. 28, 2:30-3:30 p.m. via Zoom virtual meeting. Zoom link (with password): https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/94908035449?pwd=ekhIZXBmZk9PeUN2dXYrN1FsdTk0QT09
NEW! Crop and Soil Science Fall Seminar: Daniela Carrijo will give the first talk of the Crop and Soil Science Fall Seminar Series on Monday, Sept. 28, 4-5 p.m., titled “Towards the Sustainable Intensification of Agronomic Crops.” She is currently a postdoctoral scholar with the Department of Crop and Soil Science and her talk is part of the application process for an assistant professor senior research position. Her research covers a wide range of topics on agronomic crops from water and nutrient management to breeding and genetics. Contact [email protected] for Zoom link and passcode.
NEW! Northern California Connections: The OSU Alumni Association’s new virtual regional networking events continue Monday, Sept. 28 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. All students, alumni and friends are welcome for an informative conversation about how to grow your career and professional pivoting. Share your experiences, connect and network with others in your field, find new friends, get help with career searches or simply socialize. Plus, learn about professional career guidance and other resources available just for Beaver Nation. See a calendar of upcoming events and register at osualum.com/regionalconnections.
NEW! Southern California Connections: The OSU Alumni Association’s new virtual regional networking events continue Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 5:30 p.m. PDT via Zoom. All students, alumni and friends are welcome for an important conversation on the topic of self care. Share your experience, connect and network with others in your field, find new friends, get help with career searches or simply socialize. Plus, learn about professional career guidance and other resources available just for Beaver Nation. See a calendar of upcoming events and register at osualum.com/regionalconnections.
NEW! Portland Connections: The OSU Alumni Association’s new virtual regional networking events continue Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 5:30 p.m. PDT via Zoom. All students, alumni and friends are welcome for an important conversation on the topic of self care. Share your experiences, connect and network with others in your field, find new friends, get help with career searches or simply socialize. Plus, learn about professional career guidance and other resources available just for Beaver Nation. See a calendar of upcoming events and register at osualum.com/regionalconnections.
NEW! Fall Career Days: Student registration is now open. Oregon State University Fall Career Days are going all virtual, using Handshake. Click the fair link below, to register and sign up for 1:1 and group info sessions with employers like Fast Enterprises, Lucid, Avalon, Lease Crutcher Lewis and many more. Oct. 21: Civil and Construction Engineering Fair; Oct. 22: STEM Fair and Natural Science, Earth, and Environmental Fair; Oct. 28: Fall Career Fair; Oct. 29: Agricultural Career Fair; Nov. 18: Forestry Career Fair. As you prepare for the fair, it’s important that you register for employer sessions in advance. You can only attend sessions you registered for. Check out this article to learn how to register.
Cyber Security Awareness Month Kickoff: October is Information Security Awareness Month. Join us to learn about upcoming Information Security events happening this month, and engage in a strong passwords activity. Open to all university employees and students. Part of the Fall 2020 FYI Friday series, Oct. 2, 3-3:30 p.m. via Zoom. Registration required.
Flu shot clinics: OSU will be hosting flu shot clinics in Corvallis and Bend in October for employees and students. The process will look different this year to comply with COVID-19 requirements. Corvallis campus dates are Oct. 1 and Oct. 14 in the MU Ballroom. Complete the online registration process at https://beav.es/flu-clinic. The online registration process collects information ahead of time and enables you to schedule appointments. Complete all three steps in order to successfully schedule an appointment. On the final step, use the zip code 97331 to access the OSU Flu Shot Clinics. For OSU-Cascades, dates are Oct. 7-8, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Drive-up and appointment options will be available. For more information about options and logistics for the Flu Shot Clinics in Bend please contact [email protected]. For more information visit this website.
Open Enrollment for 2021 PEBB Benefits is right around the corner: It will be held Oct. 1-31. Participation in Open Enrollment is optional for all employees this year. There are still some very good reasons to participate in the process. Employees can use this matrix PEBB created to help them decide if they want to participate in Open Enrollment to make changes, updates, or enroll or re-enroll in certain benefits. Detailed information about plan changes and Open Enrollment guidance can be found at: OSU Open Enrollment website: https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/optional-open-enrollment-2021-benefits.
NEW! Student Engagement Community of Practice: This group is open to all and focuses on building community for professionals who work with students outside of the classroom. This month’s topic is staying engaged in Zoom, and how we can create an environment with our students to increase their remote engagement. Tuesday, Sept. 29 from 3-4:30 p.m. via this Zoom link. We meet the last Tuesday of every month from 3-4:30 p.m. Join our listserv or contact Gabs James or Sara Caldwell-Kan 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. This is one way to educate yourself without leaving the comfort and safety of your own home. Tuesday, Sept. 29, noon, ABC + D of Medicare; Wednesday, Sept. 30, noon, When is your Retirement Date?; Wednesday, Sept. 30, 3 p.m., PERS and Retirement Planning (Tier 1 & 2). These are not OSU events but are tailored to OSU clients and during normal circumstances are held on campus. There is no charge.
NEW! Research Ready Workshop for Undergraduates: Encourage undergraduates to register now for the Office of URSA’s campus-wide Research Ready Workshop on Oct. 7, 5-6:30 p.m. Students who attend this workshop will explore options for getting involved in undergraduate research, learn how to identify potential research mentors, and hear from a panel of undergraduate researchers and faculty mentors.
NEW! From NFL star to athletic organization founder: The Changemakers live webcast series, hosted by the OSU Alumni Association, kicks off its first episode with Jacquizz Rodgers. Following a successful football career with the NFL and OSU Football, the Beaver alumnus founded the Jacquizz Rodgers Foundation to benefit student-athletes and local families. Join the conversation with CLA Professor Susan Shaw and Jacquizz at 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12.
NEW! 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.
“Laughter is Timeless:” September’s Beyond Benefits Employee Assistance Program (EAP) webinar focuses on stress reduction related to laughter, humor and play. Professional comedians shouldn’t be the only people to use smiling, laughter, humor and play as part of their daily routine. These skills are valuable for everyone. A good smile has long been a key tool for anyone who needs to influence others. Laughter is now shown to improve our pain tolerance. Humor and play can be the building blocks of problem-solving. Together they can improve our happiness and effectiveness. Sept. 29, 10 a.m. To register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/263915487100012929
Apply now for the Ecampus Research Fellows Program: If you are interested in conducting research about online teaching and learning, the Ecampus Research Unit will help you plan your proposal for the Ecampus Research Fellows Program. The Ecampus Research Unit annually funds up to five faculty and/or department projects - $20,000 each - to support research in the areas of distance and online education, including hybrid delivery. Info sessions will be held Sept. 29 at 1 p.m. and Oct. 2 at 11 a.m. via Zoom. Applications are due Nov. 1. To register for one of the info sessions, contact Mary Ellen Dello Stritto, [email protected].
2020 Distinguished Lectures: David Williams, Distinguished Professor, and Helen P. Rumbel, Professor for Cancer Prevention, Eat-Live Eat-Die: Carcinogens and Anti-Carcinogens in Food, Oct. 6, 5 p.m. Zoom registration. Yuji Hiratsuka, Distinguished Professor of Art, The Art of Print Making: Process and Content, Oct. 7, 5 p.m. Zoom registration
Core Curriculum for Current OSU Supervisors and Managers: This workshop consists of online modules followed by 4 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. Oct. 12-15 via Zoom, 8:15 am to noon each day. Registration required (open until 10/8).
CAPS Group: Building Anti-Racism Stamina as a White Person: Given the systemic racism that continues in all levels of our lives – intra-personally, inter-personally, institutionally, and structurally – this group will focus on building mental stamina to examine and deconstruct racism within ourselves as White-identified people, and the institutions that we are a part of. Meets via Zoom Thursdays 3:30-4:45 p.m. starting Oct. 15. Contact [email protected] or [email protected] to join.
Beavers SAVE Lives: Learn how to reach out and help a friend. Suicide is one of the most preventable causes of death. This workshop will provide the skills you need to effectively help or intervene with a friend or family member who is considering suicide. Live via Zoom on Oct. 21, noon to 1:30 p.m.: register at https://beav.es/oMe. For Nov. 3 session, register at https://beav.es/oMn. For additional information or ability-related accommodation requests, contact [email protected].
Save the Date: Provost’s Lecture Series: The Provost’s Lecture Series is a partnership of the Office of the Provost and the OSU Foundation to bring renowned thinkers, artists, designers and leaders to OSU to engage the community on topics of global significance. Please mark your calendar for Henry Louis Gates, Jr. on Nov. 12, and Mae C. Jemison on Feb. 4, 2021. Registration information is available here.
BEavers HERE NOW: Enjoy a different 15-minute guided meditation each week. Benefits of mediation include: Stress reduction, better sleep, sharper concentration, anxiety management & happier relationships. Sessions take place every Tuesday and Wednesday at 3 p.m. Contact [email protected] to coordinate extra credit for student attendance. Faculty and staff are welcome too. Register at: beav.es/oGz
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
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
NEW! Designated Entry and Exits for OSU buildings: All OSU buildings now have designated entry and exit points in response to requirements identified in the OSU Resumption Plan. Designated entry and exit points for buildings open during fall term can be found on https://map.oregonstate.edu/. Other building entries and exits will be added in the future. Current ADA-accessed doors (marked with the familiar wheelchair logo) will remain usable for those with disabilities, as COVID-designated entries and exits might not be located on an accessible route. Please respect that people with disabilities may need to find the route that works best for them.
NEW! Sign Up for TurboVote: OSU has partnered with TurboVote, which provides you with the information you need to vote with confidence. Sign up for election reminders, get help with voter registration, learn about voting by mail — all in one place! Sign up before the Oct. 13 voter registration deadline by visiting http://oregonstate.turbovote.org/?r=TODAY.
NEW! Check Your Paystubs, Classified Staff: If during wildfires you (1) used closure leave or (2) worked as an essential employee during campus closure, please review your September paystub to ensure you received your correct pay. If there is an issue, first contact your manager or payroll representative. If the issue is not resolved, contact your union steward or campus organizer, or text 630-699-0281, and we’ll work with you to research it.
NEW! Engaging Undergraduates in Research: At this session, mentors of undergraduate researchers (faculty, graduate students, post-docs) will gain valuable insight into promising practices for engaging in research with undergraduates (including virtual engagement), will explore sources of financial support, will learn about new campus-wide mentoring awards, and will interact with a panel of exemplary undergraduate research mentors. RSVP here for Zoom info.
The Writing Center is open: All Writing Center services will be offered remotely in fall term. Students can visit the Writing Center website to schedule a 50-minute writing and research appointment, schedule a 25-minute grammar appointment, or submit writing for written feedback. Not sure what service to use or recommend? Live chat with us on the website.
Announcing FYI Friday Workshops for Faculty and Staff: The annual Training Days event coordinated by University Human Resources will be modified this year due to the limitations on physical gatherings during COVID-19. In place of the in-person two-day conference normally scheduled in November, this fall UHR will be piloting a new program called FYI Friday. The FYI Friday program is similar to Training Days, in that it is a platform for various university groups to share information with the OSU community. And, for greater accessibility, FYI Friday sessions will be presented remotely, on Fridays throughout the year. Stay tuned for upcoming session announcements in OSUToday. See the Fall line-up and register here: https://hr.oregonstate.edu/training/training-days
NASA Citizen Science Community Webinar: Is NASA citizen science helping the public understand the process of science? How do we know? As part of a growing engagement with citizen science, the OSU STEM Research Center's Heather Fischer co-organized and Martin Storksdieck contributed to this NASA Citizen Science Community webinar. Click here to watch the webinar.
Memorial Union retail locations now open: The following locations open Mon-Fri (Panda Express opens beginning Sept. 28): JavaStop, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; North Porch Café, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Bites Convenience Store 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; ToGo’s, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Panda Express, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Dixon Café, 2-8 p.m. Mon-Thurs, 2-6 p.m. Fridays.
Health Check and COVID-19 Resources on OSU Mobile: The new Health Check tool and additional COVID-19 resources are now available on OSU Mobile. Don't have the app? Download it today at beav.es/app or access the health check directly at beav.es/healthcheck. For help setting up the app, check out this video walk-through: https://youtu.be/XpsUypnjj4E.
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 Standard 07-005 Alcohol Service describes the registration and approval process for serving alcohol. 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].
Video: Alumni celebrate incoming Beavs: It’s no doubt the start of our newest Beavs’ college career looks a bit different than they had expected, but the good news is they’ve got the entire alumni network at their side. Help us share this video with current students and join the OSU Alumni Association in celebrating the new class: osualum.com/OSUstudents
(RE)CREATE: A virtual and sustainable art show (CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS): The College of Forestry invites you to participate in a virtual art show (re)create. This art show is an opportunity to create or (re)create art using the themes of sustainability. Submissions will be taken from Sept. 21-Oct. 23. For categories and more information on the show, please visit our website.
Open Enrollment Questions: Due to COVID-19 circumstances the Employee Benefits team will not have scheduled in-person help sessions. If you need assistance with Open Enrollment or have questions, please contact Employee Benefits at [email protected] or 541-737-2805. We can set up a Zoom call or phone call to assist you. You can also schedule an appointment with a Benefits Team member through Microsoft Bookings. Links are listed on the HR Directory page here.
FEMA Wildfire Assistance: The wildfires in Oregon have impacted OSU employees through evacuations or actual damage to homes. If you sustained uninsured losses or damage due to wildfires beginning Sept. 7, 2020, you may be eligible for disaster aid. Federal funds are available to help eligible individuals recover from wildfire in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn and Marion Counties. For more information, to check eligibility, or to apply, visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
Open Textbook Pilot program: The U.S. Department of Education has announced the call for proposals for its Open Textbook Pilot program. The Open Textbook Pilot is a federal grant program that supports multi-institutional projects that create or expand the use of open textbooks to achieve savings for students in higher education. A total of $6 million in grants will be distributed in FY 2020. For questions, please email Stefanie Buck, director of OSU Open Educational Resources. Deadline is Nov. 16.
President’s Commission on the Status of Women: PCOSW provides funding for OSU community members to pursue professional development, research or other opportunities that support PCOSW’s mission. Scholarships average $300. During this unusual time, we will accept applications for summer, fall and winter terms on a rolling basis. Applications for providing funding for projects/activities that have already occurred since July 2020 will also be considered. We will return to our normal application deadlines at the end of fall term. Please note: PCOSW cannot award scholarships to pay employee fees, salaries, stipends, tuition or wages. https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0SXJDIba8v71fSt If you have any questions, please contact Joy Jorgensen, PCOSW Scholarships and Awards Committee, [email protected]
“The leaves fall, the wind blows, and the farm country slowly changes from the summer cottons into its winter wools.” – Henry Beston
Corvallis: Sunny today, high of 84, low of 52. Sunny tomorrow.
Central Oregon: Sunny today, high of 77, low of 38. Sunny tomorrow,
Newport: Sunny today, high of 85, low of 59. Sunny Tuesday.
Statewide: For OSU employees around the state, find your local forecast here: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/