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. All faculty, staff and students, regardless of vaccination status, should continue with testing participation in TRACE. Testing will take place in Corvallis in the Memorial Union Ballroom and at Reser ticket booths, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. In Newport, testing will be provided every other week, Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Thursday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. At OSU-Cascades, testing is provided only to students living and working on campus, and employees working on campus. Testing takes place Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Visit the OSU-Cascades Safety and Success website to learn more about testing schedules. 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.

COVID-19 vaccine clinics: Weekly clinics at Reser Stadium in Corvallis are being collaboratively run by Samaritan Health Services, Benton County and OSU. Visit this website to schedule a vaccine. OSU-Cascades students, faculty and staff can register for the vaccine here. Check your local public health authority websites for more information. You can also visit the Oregon Health Authority: Get Vaccinated Oregon website and the CDC VaccineFinder for vaccinations anywhere in the U.S.

Timely Teaching Tips: Looking for ways to build your online presence in remote courses? Consider strategies to establish your presence and have regular and substantive interaction with students outside of class, such as creating a welcoming environment, making Canvas announcements, holding virtual office hours and participating in Canvas discussions. 

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.
 

Emissions cuts could drop the impact of melting ice on oceans by half (New York Times)

“You can conclude from both studies that mitigation and emissions reductions will be important with regard to how much sea level rises,” said Peter U. Clark, a geologist at Oregon State University who researches sea level but was not involved in either study.
 

OSU-Cascades staff, students react to university's fall vaccine mandate (Bend Bulletin) 

More than 1,500 combined students, faculty and staff at Oregon State University-Cascades will be required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine before returning to the Bend campus this fall.
 

Oregon State, Portland State to require COVID-19 vaccines (U.S. News) 

Oregon State University has announced that it will require COVID-19 vaccinations before the fall term. (see also Willamette WeekLa Grande Observer
 

Wildfires, drought create ripe conditions for bark beetle outbreaks (Jefferson Public Radio) 

Beetle bark outbreaks normally subside within a couple of years. Landowners can remove some beetle-infested trees to reduce the risk of a larger outbreak. They can also consult with a specialist from ODF or the Oregon State University forestry extension.
 

Today's photo


Moth orchid: Flo Leibowitz, School of History, Philosophy and Religion, says, "Here’s our cute miniature moth orchid (Phaelenopsis, just like the big ones). It likes to be dormant in the garage for a few months and comes back to greet us in April." Send your own garden pics to [email protected] and if you want, include a little information about the plant. Let's see your spring blooms!

Today

COVID Vaccine Available: The Corvallis community, including OSU students and staff, are invited to attend a drop-in vaccine clinic at Reser Stadium this week.  Appointments are not required; just show up and get your poke. May 6, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (Pfizer). May 7, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (Pfizer).

Winning in Life: I Wish I Knew – Ask the Experts: All that you need to know for success as a student and a recent grad, in an hour. Our panelists in this (free) webcast know firsthand what the struggles of college and career are like. They know how to succeed. They have experience with an economy changed by the pandemic. And they are ready and eager to answer your questions. Thursday, May 6, at noon. Register: osualum.com/winning.

TRIAD: The OSU TRIAD Club’s programs are online and free this term, with all welcome. The next program will be Thursday, May 6 at noon: Monique Udell, Associate Professor, Animal and Rangeland Sciences, “Characterizing the dog-human bond: A comparative investigation of attachment relationships.” Zoom link: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/96534027393?pwd=eEF6MVlueU5OMVU4UFRveEtCV0NmQT09.

Events

2021 Excellence in Family Business Awards: Join us for our 33rd awards ceremony to honor the achievements of family businesses who are successfully navigating the changing economy, family dynamics and leading in service to their community. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to celebrate the success of local businesses. May 7, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Virtual event: Register here.

Music à la Carte: The OSU Percussion Ensemble. Students from the Oregon State University percussion studio, directed by professor of music/music coordinator Bob Brudvig, perform a live, remote spring recital, live from the MU Lounge (closed to in-person audience) Friday, May 7 at noon via YouTube Live. On the program: "Quartet for 4 snare drums" by Kevin Bobo, performed by Bryan Anderson, Alex Lazaro-Ortiz, Christina Larkin, Emily Warren, Michelle Kyle; "Variations on a Ghanaian Theme" by Daniel Levitan, performed by Maria Duong, Kaitlyn Barrett, Jared Prokuski; "Echoes" by David Skidmore, performed by Hailey Cervantes, Emily Walker, Ava Schnoll, Paul Sprague; "White Pines" by Michael Burritt, performed by Toshiki Chiba, Kaitlyn Barrett, Paul Sprague, Robert Brudvig, Ava Schnoll.

University Budget Committee: The University Budget Committee (UBC) will meet this Friday, May 7 from 2-3:30 p.m. via Zoom. The UBC is OSU’s advisory body to the Provost for recommendations on tuition rates, budget priorities, and budget policies. The committee will discuss projections and planning relevant to developing budget recommendations for 2021-22. Members of the university community are welcome to join the meetings as observers. If you are interested in joining as an observer you may register via Zoom. More information and future meeting times can be found at https://fa.oregonstate.edu/budget/university-budget-committee.

Beaver Classic Cheese Sales: Come see us at the Corvallis Farmer’s Market every Wednesday and Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Corvallis Riverfront on First Street between Jackson and Monroe. Coming soon: the release of our newest cheddar. You won’t want to miss this one. You can also order online for the farmers market and just stop by the booth — no waiting. Start here: https://locallygrown.localfoodmarketplace.com/Index.

OSU Health and Safety Committee: The University Health and Safety Committee would like to invite campus members interested in health and safety to attend our open meetings, held semi-annually in May and October. Meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 2:30-4 p.m. Anyone can access OSU’s University Health and Safety Committee online at https://ehs.oregonstate.edu/UHSC, including past meeting minutes, information on how to contact a committee member and a web link to report safety concerns. If you are interested in attending the meeting or would like additional information about the Safety Committee, please contact Kay Miller at [email protected] to RSVP and request the meeting location.

2021 Senior Art Exhibitions are being hosted virtually with 3D video exhibits from the West Gallery of Fairbanks Hall. View.

American Strings: Andrew Bird and Jimbo Mathus. Andrew Bird is an internationally acclaimed musician, songwriter and composer who has released sixteen records. He has performed around the world at festivals and at renowned venues including Carnegie Hall, Sydney Opera House and Walt Disney Concert Hall. A TED Talk presenter, a New Yorker Festival guest, and an op-ed contributor for the New York Times, Bird also made his professional acting debut in the cast of Fargo's fourth installment, which premiered on FX in the fall of 2020. Jimbo Mathus is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist, best known for his work with the swing revival band, Squirrel Nut Zippers. Join us for a live, intimate conversation where Santelli talks to the duo about their friendship and the fun they had together in making their new album "These 13." Bird and Mathus will also share some of their music in a pre-recorded video they made just for American Strings. Wednesday, May 12 at 5 p.m. via Zoom. Register 

Oregon Diversity Career Symposium: It's time to own your story. Registration is open for the 2021 Oregon Diversity Career Symposium (ODCS). Join with hundreds of University of Oregon and Oregon State University students for a free half-day of interactive workshops, alumni panels, a keynote speaker and virtual networking opportunities with employers like NikeAmazonU.S. Department of State and Samaritan Health Services that are intentionally designed to help prepare and inspire students with marginalized identities on your path from college to career. While all students are invited to attend, our goal is to create a space that especially empowers you to explore your identities and experiences within your job search process/development. The symposium takes place May 19. Explore more at https://career.oregonstate.edu/ODCS. Register on Handshake.

Lectures, Workshops, Webinars

NEW! Wave Energy: Role in decarbonizing our energy system and why Oregon? Join the Director of the Pacific Marine Energy Center, Bryson Robertson, on May 10 at 6 p.m. for a virtual Science Pub. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/science-pub-wave-energy-role-in-decarbonizing-our-energy-system-tickets-151562809443.

NEW! Care.com’s "The Importance of Empathy": The pandemic has brought more grief, depression and isolation than ever. Research shows that colleagues matter more in these times than professional help, but many of us feel too tapped to give it. Dr. Kelsey Crowe provides resilience building strategies and an “empathy workout” to better support from family and others in actionable ways. My 12, 9 a.m. Register here.

NEW! Counseling & Therapy, Demystified, EAP Webinar: There are many myths about counseling and psychotherapy that ultimately prevent people from seeking the help that they need. In this session we will explore these myths and demystify the therapy process. We will look at areas where therapy might be beneficial. This session will provide some insight into what happens during a therapy session and what one can expect when seeking services. We will give an overview of different therapeutic approaches and discuss appropriate levels of care to address certain concerns May 12, 1 p.m. Register here.

NEW! Medicines From the Sea: "Cancer Drugs to Everyday Products" webinar and panel, May 12, 3:30-5 p.m., with keynote speaker Barry R. O'Keefe, chief of the natural products branch, developmental therapeutics program, National Cancer Institute. Keynote lecture and a panel discussion, followed by audience Q&A. Register here.
 
2021 OSU Undergraduate Humanities Conference: Undergraduate students from OSU’s College of Liberal Arts will present their original research at this annual event. The five-panel conference will run on Zoom from 8:50 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 7. Please email the conference organizers, Rena Lauer [email protected] and Raymond Malewitz [email protected] for the Zoom link and password. 

Robotic Food Delivery: Delivery food from the future. Chances are you’ve heard the news … Campus dining services offers contactless food delivery services by robots. This session will share the rationale for robotic delivery over other food delivery options. We will explore how this delivery mode aligns University Housing and Dining values, customer demand and food service trends. You will learn how you can access this service and how our customers have responded and their overall engagement with these new campus “friends.” Part of the Spring 2021 FYI Friday series; Friday, May 7, 10-11 a.m. via Zoom. Registration required.

College of Public Health and Human Sciences research seminar: “Remixing research epistemologies for health equity: Poetry as antiracist + decolonizing praxis” will be presented by Ryan Petteway, Ph.D., MPH, assistant professor at the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, from 1-2 p.m. Friday, May 7. Watch this seminar, live or recorded, on the CPHHS website.

Get to know Zoom with Media Services: Audience Engagement. Friday, May 7 from 2-3 p.m. Location: Zoom. To register for this event and for more Zoom information from Media Services, go to https://uit-at.oregonstate.edu/media-services-zoom/.

PFLA event: Please join us for a special two-hour PFLA Zoom event, Tuesday, May 11, 10 a.m. to noon. Mandy Davis from Portland State University will provide training on Trauma Informed Care, including an opportunity for questions and discussion. For more information about the event and how to register click here. 

OSU Science on Tap May 11: Join the Quest for Every Kind of Bee in Oregon and learn how you can get involved with pollinator-friendly practices and research. The OSU Alumni Association presents OSU Science on Tap: The Oregon Bee Atlas, Tuesday, May 11, at 5:30 p.m. Join the discussion with Andony Melathopoulos, bee scientist and host of the PolliNation podcast. Find out how you can support Beaver-affiliated establishments by picking up your own drinks for this happy hour learning session when you register for free at osualum.com/SOTbee.

OSU Design Network Entrepreneurial Design webcast May 12: Beaver Nation is invited to hear from a panel of inspirational thought leaders as they honor the achievements and work of designers and creators. You will also enjoy the opportunity to network with fellow design industry professionals, students and alumni in design of all levels while learning how OSUDN supports and connects the Beaver creative community. Register here to save your seat for this motivational event.

OSU-Cascades Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Symposium: A leader on race, religion and contemporary culture and a dynamic civil rights activist will each deliver keynote addresses at the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Symposium hosted by Oregon State University – Cascades May 14 and 15. Michael Eric Dyson, a distinguished professor of African American studies, ethics and society at Vanderbilt University, will present the conference opening address. Tamika D. Mallory will present the keynote closing address in a conversation with Erika McCalpine, founding director of the OSU-Cascades Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Laboratory. The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Symposium is open to the public and the registration fee is $150. For information, to register or apply for a conference scholarship, visit osucascades.edu/dei-symposium or contact [email protected].

Search Advocate Workshop: OSU Search Advocate workshops for Spring term are available for registration. 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. 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 2022. Three-hour continuing education workshops for current advocates are also available. To register, go to the new Search Advocate/Workshops website. Questions? Contact Anne Gillies at [email protected] or 541-760-6160.

The Culture of Gardening with Abra Lee: “The Work is in Our Hands.” Through determination, enthusiasm, and willpower, Black women overcame ugliness in America to cultivate beauty in the landscape. This will be a discussion of how their self-expression and activism through gardening led to a lasting legacy of community pride throughout generations. Online, free and open to the public, Tuesday, May 18, noon. Sponsored by the OSU Extension Master Gardener Program.  

Save the Date: The Department of Integrative Biology and College of Science present the 2021 Robert M. Storm Distinguished Lecture. Kay Holekamp, Distinguished Professor of Zoology, Michigan State University will present a seminar titled "Selective Forces Shaping the Evolution of IntelligenceWednesday, May 26, at 4 p.m. Holekamp’s research focuses on mammalian behavioral development, its physiological substrates and its consequences for the adult phenotype. Additionally, her lab researches the selection processes that have favored the evolution of large brains and great intelligence despite the considerable costs of neural tissue. Finally, the lab works on conservation of large mammalian carnivores in African ecosystems. Registration is required; https://beav.es/Storm21.

Take Note

Nomination Deadline Extended: The Hattie Redmond Women & Gender Center has extended the nomination period for our annual awards. Nominations now close on Sunday, May 9. There are three award categories: Women of Achievement Award, AYA Award, Student Leader Award. Information about each award and the nomination process can found at: https://beav.es/3Zu.

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

Center for Teaching & Learning Peer Supporter ’20-’21 Showcase – Register today: Join the Center for Teaching and Learning in our Peer Supporter Showcase. During 2020-21, the Office of Undergraduate Education, with funding from the Provost, established the Peer Teaching Resources & Support Program. Peer Supporters in colleges across campus provided pedagogical professional development, resources and support to instructional faculty in remote and blended teaching. Join us and hear from College PSs as we celebrate successes. Register nowFriday, May 21, 9-9:50 a.m.

EXTENDED! Homecoming Court: Join the Homecoming Court 2021. Homecoming Court ambassadors are honored with a one-time $500 scholarship and opportunities to attend events and voice their ideas to distinguished university leaders, partners and alumni throughout the year. Applications are now open at osualum.com/hc.

Faculty Professional Development Opportunity: Join a small, supportive cohort to advance your teaching skills. The Summer ’21 Blended Faculty Learning Community will focus on applying effective practices for skillful use of educational technology and for integrating synchronous and asynchronous learning activities. Apply by May 16. Funding provided.

Updates to University Policies & Standards: Please visit the University Policy & Standards page to learn about recent policy updates: http://policy.oregonstate.edu/whats-new. This page is updated frequently with new developments, so we encourage you to check back regularly. Also, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter here.

Monthly Emergency Preparedness Topic: Fire. Nationally since 2000, 85 fatal fires, claiming 118 lives, have occurred on college campuses, in Greek housing, or in off-campus housing within three miles of the campus. Each year more than 2,500 people die and 12,600 are injured in home fires in the United States, with direct property loss due to home fires estimated at $7.3 billion annually. By preparing in advance, you can know how you will respond if a fire strikes. This month’s poster can be downloaded at https://emergency.oregonstate.edu/emergency-preparedness/preparedness-topics/fire.

Health and Safety: The University Health & Safety Committee wants to promote health and safety by promoting OR-OSHA “Safety Break for Oregon” on May 12, where departments can use the day to remind staff about workplace safety. For information and ideas for safety promotion and to sign up, visit https://osha.oregon.gov/safetybreak/Pages/index.aspx. 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.

Employee recognition: Fiscal Policy-Rule #03-140-507 Employee Recognition as been revised to update and replace FIS 410-08. The new policy and related FAQs can be accessed on the FPP website. Contact the Fiscal Policy Coordinator for your business center or the Policy Steward listed on this policy with any questions.

Miscellaneous expenses: Fiscal Policy-Rule 03-140-513 Miscellaneous Expenses as been revised to update and consolidate related policies (FIS 410-04 Flower Purchases, FIS 410-23 Testing Incentives, FIS 410-28 Greeting Card & FIS 410-31 Utilities for Short Term Field Crew Housing). The new policy and related FAQs can be accessed on the FPP website. Contact the Fiscal Policy Coordinator for your business center or the Policy Steward listed on this policy with any questions.

Trade-in of equipment: Fiscal Policy-Rule 03-160-208 Trade-In of Equipment has been revised to update and consolidate related policies (FIS 406-01 Trade-Ins, PRO 209 Trade Acquisitions & PRO 803 Trade-In of Equipment Disposals). The new policy and related FAQs can be accessed on the FPP website. Contact the Fiscal Policy Coordinator for your business center or the Policy Steward listed on this policy with any questions.

OSU Exemplary Employee Award nominations are open now through May 31. This award recognizes work performance and service which goes above and beyond the standard expectations held for professional faculty and classified staff. One classified and one professional faculty employee will be honored at the University Day ceremonies with the presentation of a plaque and cash award of $500 each. Please click here to learn about the nomination process and criteria.

CFP: 2021-22 Humanities Research Clusters. The OSU Center for the Humanities invites proposals for 2021-22 interdisciplinary research clusters. This program offers scholars with expertise in different fields the opportunity to explore a topic of shared interest in common and in depth. Deadline: Tuesday, June 1, 5 p.m. More information and application instructions are available online at: https://humanities.oregonstate.edu/research-clusters.

Traffic and maintenance

Washington Way: For work related to Pacific Power system upgrades, the multi-use path along SW Washington Way will be temporarily closed between 30th Street and 35th Street for electrical work being performed by Pacific Power. A detour will be in place (view detour map). Work started on Monday, April 26 and will be extended through Monday, May 10.

Weather

“Nothing is worth more than laughter. It is strength to laugh and to abandon oneself, to be light. Tragedy is the most ridiculous thing." ~ Frida Kahlo.

Corvallis: Chance of rain today, high of 64, low of 43. Showers likely Friday.

Central Oregon: Mostly sunny today, high of 73, low of 37. Slight chance of showers tomorrow.

Newport: Rain today, high of 57, low of 44. Chance of showers tomorrow.

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