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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 new 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: Are you teaching summer courses? Consultants are ready to meet 1-on-1 to help you meet the challenges of teaching remotely. Request a consultation with a pedagogy expert from the Center for Teaching and Learning or with experts in any of the Learn@OregonState technologies (Canvas, TurnItIn, Top Hat, etc). Visit Keep Teaching for all the Week 8 Timely Teaching Tips.
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.
Christopher Nichols, director of the Center for the Humanities at Oregon State University, suggested the likelihood of history repeating itself if people throw caution to the wind. "Based on the historical precedents of the 1918-19 influenza pandemic, I would say that one of the main lessons for us in reopening today is that there will be no such thing as business as usual," he said. "Some areas of the economy can open with optimal public distancing and health and safety measures, but many—and virtually all that require interpersonal interaction—will be dependent on how consumers feel and think about risk and illness."
Clean Water Services of Washington County announced last month its involvement in a national wastewater testing program aimed at identifying COVID-19 in human waste, conducted by a company called BioBot. Now Oregon State University is about to start a sewer study of Washington County. This one, funded with a grant from the National Science Foundation, will run for a year.
But with pressure growing to return to normal, Gov. Brown moved forward last week, sanctioning the gradual reopening of 31 counties. Observers fear the governor is moving into a new, more dangerous era without fully meeting the conditions set by the federal government and her own advisers. "We have been at a high plateau [in case counts]," says Oregon State University professor Chunhuei Chi. "I would advise her not to open."
Andrew Altishin, who manages the Oregon Seed Certification Service at Oregon State University, said several experimental hemp varieties are now awaiting approval from the national Association of Official Seed Certifying Agencies.
However, there's been concern about drug interactions. "There are reports from other lab studies that compounds from hops may inhibit or deactivate certain drug-metabolizing enzymes," said study researcher Richard van Breemen, director of Oregon State University's Linus Pauling Institute.
Everyone seems to be gardening these days. If you’ve got questions, turn to Ask an Expert, an online question-and-answer tool from Oregon State University’s Extension Service.
Today’s workspaces: Pedro Lomonaco, director of the O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory, uses his dining room as his home workspace. “We celebrated my daughter’s birthday, where we had some friends invited. A few of them are her age!”
Erica Elliott, academic advisor for the Sustainability Double Degree Program, took her office mate Rodeo on a lunchtime walk, where they discovered a huge double rainbow. Follow OSU Today on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/osutoday1/ and catch up on any workspace photos you might have missed so far.
CAPS Drop-In Mindfulness Meditation via Zoom: Did you know that regular mindfulness meditation can reduce stress, improve cognitive function, increase happiness, improve your immune system, and more? Let CAPS help you begin or maintain your meditation practice with drop-in mindfulness meditation via Zoom. Open to all skill levels. Questions? Contact [email protected]. Each Thursday through finals week. Students: 10-11 a.m.; visit https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/377777345 to access each session. Faculty & staff: 11 a.m. to noon; visit https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/900330243 to access each session.
University Budget Conversation: On Thursday, May 21 from noon to 1 p.m, the Office of Budget and Resource Planning will hold a Zoom webinar to discuss Budget Planning in Uncertain Times with a very brief update and Q&A about budget planning for the balance of the current year and for 2020-2021. The Budget Conversation sessions are limited to 60 minutes with the initial 15-20 minutes spent on presentation of the topic, leaving time for discussion and Q&A. More information about University Budget Conversations is located on the Office of Budget and Resource Planning website. If you have questions, please contact Sherm Bloomer for more information.
Investment and PERS 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. Thursday, May 21, noon - ABC + D of Medicare. PERS Related Webinars: Wednesday, May 27, 3 p.m. - PERS and Retirement Planning (Tier 1 & 2); Wednesday, June 3, 3 p.m. - PERS and Retirement Planning (OPSRP) (These are not OSU events but are tailored to OSU clients and during normal circumstances are held on campus. There is no charge.)
Do you have a business idea or tech with commercialization potential but need some help? The OSU Advantage Accelerator is offering Iterate, a free virtual class for researchers, entrepreneurs and prospective entrepreneurs who have a business idea or technology with commercialization potential but aren't sure what to do next. Come learn how to create a value proposition, find and understand your market, and more. Iterate consists of four workshops that build on each other: May 21, May 28, June 2 and June 4, all from 4-5:30 p.m. Learn more and register: https://advantage.oregonstate.edu/advantage-accelerator/programs/iterate
Pathways of Civic Engagement through Animal Crossing: New Horizons: Community Engagement & Leadership uses the Pathways of Civic Engagement to simplify how to contribute to the common good. Using Animal Crossing’s cute animals that help us stay connected while staying at home, we are hosting a presentation with a multiplayer session/discussion on Thursdays in May at 6 p.m. — join one.
Board Game Circle: Join Community Engagement & Leadership for a weekly series of events that aims to create an open space for our students to have fun while playing board games from home with friends. The games played will be Trivia Murder Party, Fakin' It, Guesspionage, Tee K.O., and Quiplash 2. New to games? No problem. No board game experience necessary. Register to join us for any or all Fridays at 5 p.m.: May 22, May 29 and June 5. For additional questions, contact Maria at [email protected].
Lessons in Leadership: Join Community Engagement & Leadership for an interactive series of events that aims to learn from our community leaders in a more casual manner, by sharing their lessons and experiences in leadership with our OSU community. By connecting our student leaders to others we are hoping to showcase the pathways they can take to become better leaders today. Register to join us on Tuesday, May 26 at 4 p.m. For additional questions, contact Langley at [email protected].
The Oregon State University Honors College Virtual Thesis Fair: The Honors College Thesis Fair will be held Wednesday, May 27 through Friday, May 29 online via Canvas. HC graduates will create a poster and a lightning talk describing their research. Additionally, students will be on hand to answer questions regarding their research on Friday, May 29 from noon to 2 p.m. Registration is required in order to gain access to Canvas site. Register by May 26 to attend.
Wildfire preparedness: Oregon State University’s Forestry & Natural Resources Extension Fire Program and its partners present a webinar series on Wildfire Preparedness and Prevention in Oregon. The last of three webinars focuses on fire adapted communities (FAC) and what it means to be "Ready, Set, Go!" Friday, May 22 from 1-2:30 p.m. This webinar is 1.5 hours and the last 30 minutes will include a live demonstration from a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member showing us what’s in their go packs. Registration is free but required: https://beav.es/468
Friday Research Seminars with the College of Public Health and Human Sciences: Professor Steven Goodman, associate dean of clinical and translational research at Stanford University School of Medicine, will present "How NOT to evaluate and market a diagnostic test: A case study in autism." Friday, May 22, 1-2 p.m. via Zoom. Goodman is the co-founder and co-director of the Meta-research Information Center at Stanford (METRICS). See upcoming presentations and recordings of past presentations at health.oregonstate.edu/seminars and learn how the CPHHS is Meeting the Moment.
Take part in OER workshops online: The OSU Open Educational Resources Unit is hosting a series of virtual workshops this month on how to find or create no-cost and low-cost learning materials. Topics include the Creative Commons licensing process (May 22). Learn more about each workshop and register today.
Q&A Forum: Managing Stress & Work-Life Challenges During COVID-19: This is an hour-long bi-weekly question-and-answer forum facilitated by a master’s level therapist. This lunch connection is intended as a self-care touchpoint to have a safe space where people can ask for tips on stress management, work-life balance challenges and how to stay connected through challenging times. All attendees remain anonymous and will be able to type in their questions to get immediate feedback from the host. May 26, noon to 1 p.m. Register for May 26.
Choose Your Attitude: Emotions tend to vacillate in the COVID-19 environment. Maintaining a favorable perspective and managing emotions is important. Understand the relationship between your attitude, your beliefs and your behaviors, and learn about the “Wallenda Factor” and how self-fulfilling prophecy effects outcomes. Zoom session, May 27, 8-9 a.m. Registration required.
Running Effective Remote Meetings: Meetings are a series of conversations. Most agenda items can be categorized under a handful of conversations. Remote meetings require a greater adherence to the conversational processes. Conversational processes will be highlighted, that when followed, will increase the likelihood of an effective meeting. Zoom session, May 27, 9:30-11 a.m. Registration required.
Celebrate API Heritage Month in community: Storytelling brings communities closer. In a time that calls for increased support and compassion, join together with friends for a live webcast and celebration of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. In this TED style talk, hear the stories of alumni and students that center the power of humility, connection and resiliency in the API community. May 27, 6-7:30 p.m. Online live webcast. Register at osualum.com/API-talk.
Strategies for Being Effective in Times of Uncertainty: Uncertainty in organizations will affect each of us differently. Some thrive in ambiguity, while others are dominated by feelings of anxiety, fear, and doubt that negatively affect productivity. This class will provide 8 strategies with practical ideas to increase effectiveness in challenging, uncertain times. Zoom session, May 28, 8-9 a.m. Registration required.
Coaching: A Process for Developing Talent: Participants will learn, and practice, a powerful coaching model that is process- (not content-) driven. When the process is applied in a systems manner, "coachees" develop their unique talents and perform at a higher level. Target audience is supervisors and faculty that advise students. Zoom session, May 28, 9:30-11 a.m. Registration required.
Lucid Dreaming, Meditation & Insight: Learn, practice and discuss meditation and contemplative insights related to lucid dreaming. Led by Kate Gallagher, M.A. and sponsored by OSU's Contemplative Studies Initiative. Four Wednesdays: June 3, 10, 17 and 24, 6-7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Free and open to all. Register by emailing [email protected]. More info here.
Fulbright Scholar Program Webinars: The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program will continue to accept applications for awards for the 2021-2022 academic year. Over 450 awards offer more than 800 grants annually. The deadline to apply is Sept. 15. To learn more about the 2021-2022 competition click here or visit the Catalog of Awards for more details. Regional and discipline-focused webinars are held every Wednesday from 2-3 p.m. See our Webinar Schedule for more details
NEW! Saving Atlantis: Saving Atlantis, a feature documentary produced by Oregon State University that features researchers from OSU and around the world uncovering the causes and seeking solutions for the global decline of coral reef ecosystems, is now streaming on Hulu and Amazon Prime.
NEW! Beavers Read: During social isolation, it can help to have good things to read -- to pass the time, to calm your mind, to help you keep learning. OSU Libraries is here to help you find your next good read -- and make sure it is something you can read safely from home. Just fill out this survey to get an email with personalized recommendations: https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4GHk9YYcjKaHSfz
NEW! Learn New Skills: Online Courses launching in Project Management, Digital Marketing and Nonprofit Management: Join the College of Business Continuing and Professional Education for the May 25 start to the Project Management certificate program as well as upcoming courses offered in many topics including nonprofit management, data-driven decision making strategies, contract law, and storytelling through social media. All courses are instructor-led, 100% online and take five to seven weeks to complete. You can earn a certificate in as few as nine months. OSU Faculty and Staff can use discount code OSUSTAFF20 to save 20%. Call (541) 737-1500 for more information or browse the upcoming certificate programs and courses: https://business.oregonstate.edu/continuing-and-professional-education/online-certificate-programs
World Oceans Day is June 8: The OSU Marine Studies Initiative is compiling OSU-led events and resources to recognize this day and help raise awareness about the importance of a healthy ocean. We invite you to join this celebratory effort. Is your college or unit hosting or involved with seminars or other special events at the end of May through mid-June that raise awareness about issues of the coasts and ocean? If yes, send the information to us at [email protected]
Online Professional Development Workshops for OSU Employees Now Open for Registration: UHR Learning and Organizational Development is presenting a variety of online professional development workshops in the upcoming weeks, including: Choose Your Attitude; Running Effective Remote Meetings; Strategies for Being Effective in Times of Uncertainty; and Coaching: A Process for Developing Talent. View and register for upcoming workshops here. Did you know we can also tailor workshops for your team? Email [email protected] with your request.
Vote for People's Choice Award Winner - CoF International Programs Photo Contest: Help us select a winner for the People's Choice Award. We received some dazzling entries from the OSU community and now we need your help to pick a winner for the People's Choice category. Voting closes May 21 so submit your vote soon. Once the results are in, we will announce the winners for all the categories, so stay tuned for some beautiful photos from our international travelers.
Pandemic archive: The Special Collections and Archives Research Center invites contributions from the OSU community to an archival collection that it is creating to document the experiences of individuals and organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Anyone with connections to OSU, viewed broadly, is welcome to participate. This includes OSU alumni, staff and faculty, students, and Bend, Corvallis and Newport community members, as well as siblings, parents, partners, and others connected through OSU programs like the Extension Service. Those interested in participating are asked to submit text documents or digital images using a form available online. SCARC staff will also be collecting oral history interviews with those wishing to share a more personal account of this unique time in history. For more information about the SCARC COVID Collecting Project, see this research guide or contact project coordinator Anna Dvorak at [email protected].
Celebrating Undergraduate Excellence: Register today to attend the May 21-22 Celebrating Undergraduate Excellence (CUE) Symposium presented virtually through Canvas. Registration to attend CUE 2020 is required and accessible only to OSU faculty, staff and students. CUE is an annual showcase for OSU undergraduates to present their research and creative projects to the OSU community. Undergraduates from all academic disciplines, in all years of study, and all stages of research or creative work will be presenting. For more info, visit https://communications.oregonstate.edu/events/cue. For questions, contact Sophie Pierszalowski, associate director of undergraduate research, at [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.
"No one should be ashamed to admit he is wrong, which is but saying, in other words, that he is wiser today than he was yesterday." ~ Alexander Pope, born today in 1688.
Corvallis: Showers today, high of 58, low of 42. Slight chance of showers tomorrow.
Central Oregon: Chance of showers today, high of 54, low of 30. Mostly sunny tomorrow.
Newport: Chance of showers, high of 53, low of 45. Mostly sunny tomorrow.
Statewide: For OSU employees around the state, find your local forecast here: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/