OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
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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.
TRACE OSU testing: OSU is providing random COVID-19 TRACE OSU testing by invitation for students, faculty and staff Monday-Thursday weekly on the Corvallis campus and Monday-Thursday every other week on the OSU-Cascades campuses and at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport. Free parking will be provided to those working remotely to come to the Corvallis campus for testing. Testing will continue throughout fall term. Here is a link to enroll. For additional information: https://trace.oregonstate.edu/osu
NEW! Timely Teaching Tips: How can you actively engage students in Zoom breakout rooms and efficiently monitor student progress in each of the groups? See the Zoom Work Guide for Instructors for description of a group learning strategy you can customize to fit your class. This guide is part of the self-paced workshop, Designing and Teaching an Effective Remote/Blended Course.
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.
Jennifer Hutchings, a sea ice researcher at Oregon State University who was on the Polarstern at the same time, said she had learned from previous polar work that “you always have contingency plans” because weather or other problems could delay departure for a week or two.
Another crucial factor is figuring out how embers spread. David Blunck, a mechanical-engineering professor at Oregon State University, studies the physics of ember generation through a mix of lab work, field studies, and computer modeling. Comparing results gleaned under controlled circumstances with data generated outdoors, he can measure when embers form, and at what size.
Oregon State University scientists have developed a method that could potentially predict the cancer-causing potential of chemicals released into the air during wildfires and fossil fuel combustion. (see also Medical Xpress)
"You might say that Perkins is the apotheosis of where the GOP has been and appears to be heading organizationally as it reveals fractures and tensions within and appeals to an ever-increasing base through largely negativistic, rearguard and limiting policies rather than sweeping and forward-looking visions for change," said Christopher McKnight Nichols, an associate professor at Oregon State University's School of History, Philosophy, and Religion.
“I’m just so proud of our 4-H volunteers and members, they really are showing what Benton County 4-H is all about, and that’s giving back to the community,” said Carolyn Ashton, an associate professor at Oregon State University and a 4-H leader.
Today's photo: On top of my role at OSU Rec Sports, I am a resident advisor at a fraternity where I am working from home along with students one floor above me,” says Miles Dodge, Student Development and Initiatives Coordinator with Recreational Sports. “A closer look and you will see my OSU Adventure Leadership Institute mug and me reading the OSU Today this morning.” Now it's time to show us what you're doing to help cope with daily life and work in 2020. Are you baking with your kids? Dancing with your dogs? Hiking on the weekends? Hiding under a blanket with a book? 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.
CTL Tuesday Teaching + Tech Talks: Teaching Modalities & Effective Practices: Cub Kahn, CTL Blended Learning Coordinator, CTL; Tasha Biesinger, Canvas Product Manager, AT & Marc Cholewczynski, Associate Director, AT, will discuss, “My course modality is listed as____. Now what? Learn to apply effective practices of blended and remote teaching through key pedagogy, Canvas features, and other OSU classroom technology.” Live session Tuesday, Oct. 13, 10-11:50 a.m. via Zoom: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/my/ctl.t4 Password: CTL. Recordings of each session will be available the following Friday (beav.es/CTLT4). Handouts, materials and resources: beav.es/BOXT4
People and Nature Lunch Series: Tuesday, Oct. 13, from noon to 12:50 p.m. Whitney Fleming (Fisheries & Wildlife) presents “Is there no 'I' in team? How language reveals individual perspectives when measuring sense of place from the organizational perspective." The lecture is free and open to all. To join the meeting, register at https://peopleandnatureosu.weebly.com/fall-2020.html. Sponsored by the Department of Fisheries & Wildlife’s Human Dimensions Lab.
PFLA workshop: The Professional Faculty Leadership Association invites you to attend “Benefits Beyond Borders and the Employee Assistance Program,” presented by Bonny Ray from the Benefits Office. The workshop will be via Zoom from noon to 1 p.m. on Oct. 13. Registration is required. Once registered, you will receive the Zoom link prior to the event. For more information, you may contact [email protected].
Short Student Films from the KBVR Vault: A showing of student produced films archived from KBVR-TV takes place Tuesday. These imaginative productions feature action sequences, toys that come to life and trees with eyes. Oct. 13, 12:30 p.m. This event is set up as a Zoom presentation and you can register by going here. Organized by the OSU Special Collections and Archives as a part of the celebration of Oregon Archives Month.
Virtual Speed Friending with CAPS: Join the CAPS student staff for an evening of fun and friendship. Meet new people in a safe and physically distanced environment. Tuesday, Oct. 13, 4 p.m. Register at: beav.es/oAN
HP Information Session: Out in STEM will host HP for an information session on opportunities and diversity at HP on Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 6 to 7 p.m. Join us on Zoom.
NEW! Piano festival: Corvallis-Oregon State University Piano International’s “Re-imaginings: A Virtual Piano Festival” will feature two video recitals debuting on Thursday, Oct. 15. The festival is online and free of charge, with no tickets required. Rachelle McCabe, OSU professor of piano and Corvallis-OSU Piano International artistic director, and her sister, Robin McCabe, University of Washington professor of piano, will debut the next video recital in the World Pianists series on Oct. 15, performing “Wizard of Oz Fantasy for Four Hands.” Also debuting Oct. 15 is the next video in the Beethoven Project, with Craig Sheppard, University of Washington professor of piano, performing Beethoven’s Sonata in E Major, Op. 109. For more information and to view the recitals, visit corvallispiano.org.
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. 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.
CAPS Group: Building Anti-Racism Stamina as a White Person: Given the systemic racism that can exist in all levels of our lives – intrapersonally, interpersonally, 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.
Womxn of Color Students Discussion Group: Join AYA and CAPS in building community with other WoC in a virtual discussion space! Starts Thursday, Oct. 15 from 1-2 p.m. Join via Zoom https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/96284112013?pwd=cGdyRlVlYUhNblZodWh0VTBydkFLdz09 (Passcode: 576851) Questions: Contact [email protected]
OSU and Hop History Events: Every week this October, OSU Special Collections & Archives is highlighting history via presentations that offer up glimpses of student cinematic imagination, perspectives on the crop that makes Oregon “Beervana,” and a look at documenting aquaculture on film. These events are presented in honor of Oregon Archives Month and are all being done live through Zoom. For more information, check out this blogpost.
Board of Trustees: The OSU Board will meet on Friday, Oct. 16, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The board will consider the revised budget for the fiscal year, an adjustment to fall term 2020 student incidental fees, the president’s goals for the fiscal year, and the board’s work plan for the next calendar year. The board will hear a report on advancing equity, inclusion and social justice within OSU, and a legislative update. Given current COVID-19 guidance, the meeting is open to the public and will be hosted through a remote conferencing service. Options for joining the meeting and instructions for providing comment during the board meeting are located under “Meeting Details” at this webpage. Committees of the board will meet via remote conferencing services on Oct. 14 and 15. The board will also hold a work session on Oct. 15 via remote conferencing services. Agendas and meeting materials will be posted as they are available at http://oregonstate.edu/leadership/trustees/meetings. For accommodations: 541-737-3449 or [email protected] at least 48 hours in advance.
Building Peace Communities through Mindfulness and Advocacy: Join Ann Mbacke of Progress Village Foundation and History Senior Instructor Linda Richards for a mindfulness session to engage the multicultural, multiage, youth-focused group to create a covenant or agreement for service to peace and advocacy for those less fortunate. Thursday, Oct. 15, 4 p.m. Register.
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, contact Kay Miller at [email protected] to request the Zoom meeting invitation and password.
Careers in Science Webinar Series: Know a young science enthusiast (grades 6-12) interested in a career in marine science or STEM? Oregon Sea Grant is offering careers in science webinars where students can connect live with marine science professionals to learn more about career opportunities. Cost is free and preregistration is required. Check out our Career Day website for webinar dates, registration and speaker information.
Free Virtual Nutrition Counseling: The OSU dietetic interns will be providing free Zoom counseling appointments to OSU faculty/staff/alumni and their immediate family members daily from Oct. 12-30. Contact [email protected] if you would like to schedule a session. Sessions can count toward your HEM requirements.
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.
NEW! Power-Dense Electric Aircraft Propulsion: LaunchPoint Electric Propulsion Solutions, Inc. models, designs and manufactures high-power-density motors and drives. Brad Paden, co-founder and chief scientist for LaunchPoint, will give an overview of LaunchPoint's tools for modeling advanced aircraft propulsion and their work on multidisciplinary optimization. Oct. 16, 2-3 p.m., via Zoom (email [email protected] for link).
NEW! Applied Economics Seminar Friday, Oct. 16 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Professor Kelsey Jack, Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara will present "Harvesting the Rain: The Adoption of Environmental Technologies in the Sahel" via Zoom. Details, including dial-in information, here.
NEW! Postdoctoral scholars and health benefits: Postdoctoral scholars are invited to an information session regarding their health benefits on Oct. 19 at 10 a.m. Join OSU’s Graduate Health Plan Benefits Consultants as they discuss the PacificSource Health plan in detail including changes in the plan cost this year for Postdoctoral scholars. This meeting will have a presentation and Q&A format. Zoom information: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/96638688386?pwd=TkJBWTEwZXNWRmhNSHhNbmtIWENodz09 Password: 308767. Phone dial-in information: 1-971-247-1195 U.S. (Portland). Meeting ID: 966 3868 8386
NEW! Department of Horticulture Seminar Series: Join Fall 2020 Seminar Series Mondays at noon via Zoom. Oct. 19, at noon. Malcolm Shabazz Hoover, Black Futures Farm and OSU Master Gardeners will present, “Black Futures Farm.” The event is free and open to the public. Register for the Zoom meeting in advance: https://beav.es/oQL. Once you register, a password will be emailed to you in advance of the meeting.
NEW! Do you have a business idea 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 that could become a sellable product or service 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: Oct 22, Oct 29, Nov 5 and Nov 12, all from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Learn more and register:https://advantage.oregonstate.edu/advantage-accelerator/programs/iterate
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. Wednesday, Oct 14, noon, ABC + D of Medicare; Wednesday, Oct 14, 3 p.m., PERS and Retirement Planning (Tier 1 & 2); Thursday, Oct 15, noon, Long Term Care Solutions. These are not OSU events but are tailored to OSU clients and during normal circumstances are held on campus. There is no charge.
Trends in Oregon Latinx students: The Office of Undergraduate Education is hosting a webinar presentation and release of the report “Trends in Oregon Latinx students,” Oct. 14, 11 a.m. to noon. In this talk, Manuel Vazquez, Senior Researcher at Education Northwest will summarize trends in Latinx enrollment at Oregon K-12 public schools, postsecondary enrollment of Latinx high school graduates (including enrollment trends at OSU), and describe the characteristics of Latinx high school graduates who have enrolled at OSU in the past three years. Discussion led by Daniel López-Cevallos, Assistant Vice Provost of Academic Enrichment Programs will follow. Submit questions ahead of time to [email protected]. To join: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/91808985964?pwd=NFp5d3hsRU1VdmlVRVV3WjcraUxEQT09 Passcode: 587288. Registration is not required. Session will be recorded and posted to Undergraduate Education website. Accommodations for disabilities may be made by contacting [email protected].
It takes a village: Shared challenges and shared solutions: The COVID-19 pandemic brought to light how Latino communities in Lincoln County lack access to important health resources and information. But underserved communities need increased support beyond crisis moments, too. In the Public Health Insider series, Oralia Mendez, Beatriz Botello and Dusti Linnell will share how OSU Extension Service is working collaboratively to act on community needs long term. Register for the Oct. 15 webcast.
Community Dialogue: What's the point in voting?: Community Dialogues are a series which seeks to cultivate connection and deep learning through the exploration of critical and continuous issues. Learn more and register to get Zoom details. Space is limited. Oct. 21, 4-5:30 p.m. held on Zoom. Presented by Community Engagement & Leadership, the Office of Institutional Diversity, and University Housing & Dining Services. For more information or accommodations for disabilities, contact 541-737-3041 or [email protected].
Public Health Insider | The human impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: A global pandemic has changed everyday life on a major scale. But how can our most vulnerable communities overcome the changes? And what unseen public health challenges still lay ahead? In the Public Health Insider series, OSU experts share answers about the health of our communities amid COVID-19 and moving forward. Register to join the conversations this fall beginning this week. Submit your questions for presenters during registration.
Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) Awareness Course. Expand your earthquake preparedness skills by taking OSU Extension program’s new free online course. In the interactive sessions, residents and guests of Oregon and other western states can become aware of the Cascadia Subduction Zone Event and learn how to prepare for it. To enroll, click on https://beav.es/Cascadia. You will be directed to a page to set up free access. If you already have an eXtension.org account, log in. If not, choose “Create an Account.” Do not join as a GUEST. Additional CSZ information and preparedness resources can be found at https://extension.oregonstate.edu/cascadia-earthquake-preparedness.
Professional Development Workshops in October: The Learning and Organizational Development team is presenting a variety of online professional development workshops this month, including: Stretch Goals, Developing High Performance Teams, 100 Day Project Plans, Delivering Exceptional Service, Strategies for Being Effective in Times of Change, and Running Effective Meetings: Emphasis on 6 Conversational Designs. Learn more and register for upcoming workshops here.
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.
NEW! Fiscal policy feedback sought: In accordance with the fiscal policy program, the Fiscal Policy Committee is soliciting feedback on new policy drafts for Parking Permits & Fines and for Surplus Property. For more information and instructions on how to provide your valued feedback, visit Policy Under Review on the Fiscal Policy Program website.
NEW! URSA Engage Faculty Summaries Due Oct. 19: For those interested in mentoring undergraduates in research, consider submitting a faculty summary for the URSA Engage Program by Oct. 19 at 11:59 p.m. The mentor summary submission form can be accessed at this link (see Step 1). Students selected for the program will participate in research from the middle of winter term until the end of spring term.
NEW! Financial Aid Phishing: Do you know how to spot a phishing e-mail? University students’ login credentials have been targeted across the country by cyber-criminals. These actors strategically plan their attacks to coincide with financial aid disbursement periods and use stolen credentials to change students’ direct deposit information, preventing this aid from ever reaching the student! Here are a few things you can do to stay vigilant against these attacks: Always verify the sender’s e-mail address and never trust e-mails from someone you don’t recognize. Never click on a link directly in an e-mail! Instead, copy and paste the link to your browser to find its real destination. See the Financial Aid Office’s tips on avoiding scams. If you’re ever unsure of an e-mail’s authenticity, forward it (as an attachment) to the Office of Information Security at [email protected] or contact the IS Service Desk at (541) 737-8787.
NEW! Get involved with the Opening the Conversation Study. Join our study to help us create a new program for couples facing cancer: You and your partner will be interviewed separately (each by yourself) to share your experiences and opinions about the program we are developing. What you tell us in this interview will not be shared with your partner. We may also invite you to complete a second interview, together with your partner, to share your opinions about the program after we have revised materials. Your feedback is extremely valuable and will directly affect the changes we make to this program. To be eligible, you or your partner will have had a breast or gynecological cancer diagnosis at age 18-39, between six months to five years ago. Both partners must agree to participate to be eligible. We are interested in hearing from couples with a variety of sexual orientations and gender identities so that we can create an inclusive program. Go to health.oregonstate.edu/oc, or email [email protected] for more information. This study is being conducted by the Oregon State University College of Public Health and Human Sciences. The principal investigator is Jessica Gorman.
International Friendship Program: Invitation to all OSU and Oregon community members to participate remotely/virtually in the International Friendship Program. This program pairs you up with OSU international students and scholars to engage in monthly conversations focused on community, culture and support. Register by Oct. 26 at https://bit.ly/2M1t8be. For more information, see https://international.oregonstate.edu/ois/international-friendship-program. Contact [email protected] with any questions.
Want to support students through these difficult times? Sign up to be an OSU Connection Navigator. The time will be small, and has the potential for real impact. We are asking that OSU staff members sign up to connect with new-to-OSU students two or three times a term with a quick phone call. Find out more and sign up here.
October is National Retirement Security Month: Did you know retirement planning resources are available to OSU employees and their household members through Beyond Benefits EAP at no-cost? Check out the retirement planning resources Beyond Benefits has to offer you at https://beav.es/beyond-benefits.
Fire safety from OSU Environmental Health & Safety: The leading cause of fires in the home is cooking. Never leave cooking unattended and use a lid, baking soda or fire extinguisher on a cooking fire. Never use water. Working smoke alarms save lives! Test your alarms tonight and replace them if they are over 10 years old. If you use portable space heaters ensure you unplug them at night and when you leave. Always provide at least 36” clearance around a space heater. Reference website: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Staying-safe/Preparedness/Fire-Prevention-Week
TRACE OSU selfies: Have you been selected to participate in TRACE OSU testing for the campus community? If so, you're encouraged to take a selfie and submit it to beav.es/lifeatosu. Your photo might even appear in a future issue of OSU Today. Help OSU build a safer, healthier community. Enroll (link to enroll.), get tested and share your story and photo.
Opportunity for Student Engagement on OSU’s Tuition and Budget: Have you always wondered how the university sets tuition and determines budget priorities? We are looking for students to join the Student Budget Advisory Council (SBAC). SBAC is a student group that serves in an advisory role to the University Budget Committee (UBC). The SBAC gives students the chance to engage with peers to provide input, raise issues and ask questions about OSU’s tuition, fees, finances and budget priorities. The University Budget Committee considers the SBAC’s input an important part of tuition and budget decision processes. The SBAC meets Monday evenings at 7 p.m. Meetings will be held via Zoom through the Fall. Benefits of SBAC participation include peer engagement, leadership, skill development and more. For those interested in tuition and fee rates, policies including short-term recommendations for 2021-2022 and long-term planning strategy for OSU tuition please complete an SBAC Membership Application Form via https://tinyurl.com/sbacapl or for more information feel free to check us out on the web at https://tinyurl.com/sbacmain or contact [email protected].
The Nature of Isolation: During the first six weeks of sheltering in place and working from home because of the pandemic, poet Amy Miller wrote a frenzy of poems to preserve the strangeness of the moment. She shares three of them in today's video. The Nature of Isolation presented by the Spring Creek Project is a month-long series that features writing, art, and music from contributors throughout the U.S. and around the world. Watch today's video. OSU's Spring Creek Project is housed in the College of Liberal Arts.
"Another fall, another turned page." ~ Wallace Stegner.
Corvallis: Rain and breezy today, high of 67, low of 48. Mostly sunny Wednesday.
Central Oregon: Chance of rain, high of 64, low of 38. Mostly sunny Wednesday.
Newport: Rain and windy, high of 62, low of 49. Mostly sunny Wednesday.
Statewide: For OSU employees around the state, find your local forecast here: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/