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.

NEW! Teaching Principle: Provide students with information on remote access to academic support and other student services and on how to obtain technical support for remote learning. See Supporting Your Fall Term Students. See all the Remote and Blended Course Design and Teaching Principles

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. 
 

OSU study: Seniors risk ER visits if dentists prescribe opioids atop other meds (KTVZ)

When dentists prescribe opioid painkillers to older patients who are already taking medication for depression or anxiety, the combination of drugs increases patients’ risk of landing in the emergency room and being hospitalized, according to a recent Oregon State University study.
 

OSU-Cascades' new academic dean hopes to use problem-solving mindset to lead university (Bend Bulletin) 

Now, as the leader of Oregon State University-Cascades' academic and research programs, Ketsdever hopes to use his analytical engineering mindset to find solutions for the university, such as how to offer courses during the COVID-19 pandemic and choosing degree programs that benefit Central Oregon.
 

Vitamin E needed for proper nervous system development (Science Daily) 

In research with key ramifications for women of childbearing age, findings by Oregon State University scientists show that embryos produced by vitamin E-deficient zebrafish have malformed brains and nervous systems. (see also News Medical)
 

Oregon State's $450 million haul sets new mark for research funding (Portland Business Journal)

Oregon State University leaders are celebrating a banner year for research funding. (Subscription only. To read the press release: https://today.oregonstate.edu/news/awards-totaling-nearly-450-million-oregon-state-sets-record-annual-research-funding)
 

2 Astoria men caught setting stolen crab traps in protected marine reserve (KTVZ)

Bob Browning has fished Oregon waters all his life. He started fishing off the Garibaldi dock with his family when he was 5 years old. When he saw a strange object bobbing on the ocean surface, he pointed it out to his client, Dr. Sarah Henkel. Henkel, a researcher with the Oregon State University Marine Program, was collecting data for her latest project: The feeding ecology of Dungeness crab in a reef area. She had hired Browning and The Lady Lee on April 3, 2019 to take her out to the Cape Falcon Marine Reserve for the research project.
 

What's it like to treat a horse suffering from smoke inhalation? (Willamette Week)

Kate Schoenhals is one of the Oregon State University veterinarians leading the visits to livestock evacuation sites.
 

Today's photo


Today’s view: Sandy Cobb, research fiscal officer with the research office at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, says, “We love to have our morning coffee by the propane fire pit or enjoy lunch or dinner on the deck. It has been a nice place for limited social distanced visits with family.” 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. 

Today

Regional Connections – virtual events for students and alumni: The OSU Alumni Association’s new virtual networking events begin Tuesday, Sept. 22. Students, alumni and friends can join exciting conversations hosted by regional volunteers from Central Oregon, Seattle, Northern California, Southern California and Portland, as well as a special “all-regions” event. 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. Join an event in your region, or drop in on a different region if you’d like to make new friends or learn about the area. See a calendar of upcoming events and register at osualum.com/regionalconnections.

Tuesday Teaching: CTL has announced a fully remote Tuesday Teaching +Tech Talks (T4). T4 is a certificated series of interactive teaching workshops that introduce a wide range of pedagogical techniques and educational technology. T4 is open to all. Supporting all teaching modalities, sessions are held via Zoom every Tuesday, 10-11:50 a.m. Recordings will follow. Registration is not necessary. Attend one, some, or all. See the T4 Website for more information. First session: Sept. 22. Concentric Circles of Care: Teaching in Tough Times.

Engineering Student Council: The Engineering Student Council is introducing ENGINEERING+ Launch on Sept. 22. RSVP here. Noon to 1 p.m.: Tune in to a Keynote Address and Q&A with Patricia Walsh. 1-3 p.m.: Learn about clubs, programs, and resources in the College of Engineering, and chat with representatives live. Any questions? Contact [email protected].
 
DFA Risk Appetite and Risk Assessment Tools: Train the Trainer: Insurance and Risk Management Services will facilitate a workshop for unit leaders and supervisors to provide exposure to the DFA Risk Appetite Statements and Risk Assessment Tools. Attendees will gain hands-on practice and develop the skills necessary to assist other employees in understanding and incorporating the DFA Risk Appetite Statements and Risk Assessment Tools into their work.  Zoom session, Sept. 22, 2 – 3:30 p.m. Registration required.

Events

Oregon Hemp Field Day: The Global Hemp Innovation Center will host the first annual Oregon Hemp Field Day. Students, Extension and researchers from across Oregon will present highlights of their work thus far in the 2020 season. We will provide a view of hemp being grown in the principal regions south to north, west to east. Due to the statewide fires still out of control, this virtual event originally planned for Sept. 18 has been postponed to Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon. The first half hour will be devoted to the impact of recent fires and smoke to a hemp crop. Registration is required in advance for this meeting: https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/hemp#fd

Professional Faculty Leadership Association open house: This event is open to all OSU employees. Sept. 24, noon to 1 p.m. via ZOOM. Learn more about the benefits of being a member & how you can join PFLA.

UPDATED! 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.

Beaver Community Fair: Annually the Beaver Community Fair draws together the OSU and greater Corvallis communities to celebrate the start of the academic year. The fair will be held online this year on Friday, Oct. 2. There will be two 2-hour time slots and registrants can choose which time they would prefer. If you would like to be one of the OSU departments or student organizations with a dedicated virtual space, please sign up at our website by Sept. 18 at 5 p.m: https://clubs.oregonstate.edu/bcf
 
Virtual Benefits Fair: OSU Employee Benefits is hosting a Virtual Benefits Fair Oct. 5-9. Please take time to check out the virtual booth of each vendor at the Virtual Benefits Fair website. Employees can learn more about the comprehensive benefit options offered at OSU. Employees can download resources, watch videos, chat with vendors, check out the webinar options, and be entered in a drawing for vendor door prizes.  

Lectures, Workshops, Webinars

NEW! COVID-19 Update Webinar: Hosted by Provost Ed Feser, this webinar will include a short overview of COVID-19 response and planning for fall term, followed by time for Q&A. The webinar is open to all employees and is scheduled for Sept. 25, from 1-2 p.m. Senior administrators from Corvallis and OSU-Cascades will join Provost Feser. Please register in advance: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2qTGhCfDT_CGJr4JcOoXeg

NEW! Racism lecture: The College of Public Health and Human Sciences announces the 2020 Bray Health Leadership Lecture featuring Camara Phyllis Jones, MD, PhD, MPH, a family physician and epidemiologist whose work focuses on naming, measuring and addressing the impacts of racism on the nation’s health and well-being. “Racism is a public health crisis: Now that we see, what do we do?” will be held live via Zoom from 1-2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2. For more information and to register, visit the college’s website.

NEW! SciENcv training: Get your NSF senior personnel docs compliant with new NSF guidelines going into effect Oct. 5. College proposal support personnel are offering two trainings/work sessions via Zoom: Oct. 6 from noon to 1 p.m., and Oct. 9 from 10-11 a.m. Please register to participate in a session. Questions? Contact [email protected][email protected][email protected]

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.

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, Sept. 23, noon, Economic Outlook (First Trust)Wednesday, Sept. 23, 3 p.m., PERS and Retirement Planning (OPSRP)Thursday, Sept. 24, noon, CD Alternatives - More Options Than You Think. These are not OSU events but are tailored to OSU clients and during normal circumstances are held on campus. There is no charge.

Employees returning to on-site work: Are you returning to work on-site in the near future?  University Human Resources now offers weekly updates for Employees Returning to On-Site Work.  Held each Wednesday from 2 – 2:45 p.m, the sessions connect you with resources that support your safety and success. Register here. Be sure to register with your ONID email address ([email protected]).

Supervisors preparing for return to on-site work: Supervisors, are you or your team members returning to work on-site?  University Human Resources has resumed weekly updates to help you prepare.  Sessions are held each Thursday from 1 – 1:45 p.m. Register here. Be sure to register with your ONID email address ([email protected]).

Successful Virtual Events: Tips, Tricks and Strategies: This interactive session will provide helpful information for planning and executing two styles of virtual events at OSU: linear events (such as webinars), and non-linear events (such as hub-style conferences). Learn how to set up and run a smooth, professional-looking webinar from start to finish; and how to design the basics of a hub-style event that features multiple, simultaneous participation opportunities for guests. Live audience Q&A included. Presented by Katherine Du Pont (College of Business) and Brad Canfield (College of Engineering). Oct. 7, 11 a.m. to noon. Free and open to all. Register here  

Faculty Staff Fitness: The OSU Faculty Staff Fitness program will be offering both in-person and online fitness options fall term and winter break 2020. Registration for both opens Sept. 1. In-person, on-campus classes will be 9 weeks from Sept. 23 through Nov. 25. The schedule can be found at: https://health.oregonstate.edu/fsf/schedule/fall. Our on-campus safety procedures can be found at: https://health.oregonstate.edu/fsf/policies/covid. There will be two sessions of Online Faculty Staff Fitness classes with over 300 pre-recorded fitness classes you can access anytime, anywhere with your internet connection. Fall Online Faculty Staff Fitness will run for 10 weeks Sept. 18-Nov. 30, for $35. Winter Break Online Faculty Staff Fitness will run for 5 weeks Nov. 30-Jan. 4, 2021 for $20. More information about our Online Faculty Staff Fitness classes can be found at: https://health.oregonstate.edu/fsf/online. Contact [email protected] if you have questions.

Inspiring conversations with changemaking Beaver alumni: In a new live webcast series, CLA Professor Susan Shaw sits down with alumni who are advancing justice, equity and access in their communities. Join the conversation Oct. 12 to kick off the Changemakers series with former NFL running back Jacquizz Rodgers. Later this fall, learn about the accomplishments of Sen. Sara Gelser and Luhui Whitebear, plus more to come in the free series presented by the OSU Alumni Association. Learn more and register.

Free Webinars: Professional Development for Business, Leadership, and Communication: Join Continuing and Professional Education and the College of Business for topics delivered online to help navigate your professional life. This fall, join industry experts for free one-hour webinars that cover topics including project management, negotiation, leadership, human resources, nonprofit management, and others. Call 541-737-1500 for more information: https://business.oregonstate.edu/programs/continuing-and-professional-education/free-webinars

Take Note

NEW! 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].

NEW! 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

NEW! Bees and forest fire: Oregon State University Extension Service has been getting calls from people noticing bees haven't been showing up at the flowers after the haze from the forest fires arrived. Others wonder whether the bees will suffocate from the ash and what will happen to wild bees nesting in the path of the fire. To address these questions, Extension has pulled together a fact sheet about known about the effect of forest fires on bees, how bees respond to the land ravaged by fire and how you can help bees while also protecting your property from future fires. https://extension.oregonstate.edu/forests/fire/what-effect-will-2020-fires-have-bees 

NEW! (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]

Last Chance to Join the Fall Conversation on Blended Learning: Wondering how to engage students in blended courses, now or in the future? Academic Technology and CTL invite instructors and tenured/tenure-track faculty who teach Corvallis and Cascades campus courses to join a faculty cohort and explore blended learning and ed tech during Fall term. Funding provided. See Call for Proposals. Brief proposals due Sept. 23. Space limited; apply now.

2020 Wildfires Resource Page: Many members of the Beaver community are directly affected by these unprecedented wildfires, while others are working night and day to control the fires and provide safety for others. In addition to the regular content on the Beaver Lodge (osualum.com/BeaverLodge), the OSU Alumni Association has gathered info from across OSU to help Beavers and their friends and families navigate these challenging times and learn useful fire tools from OSU experts. You’ll find a range of topics from advice from the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine about caring for injured animals to tips from the OSU Extension Service about safely cleaning ash from your yard and garden. Visit osualum.com/Wildfires for more info.

University Day: Watch a recording of the University Day Keynote address, visit the virtual Expo and learn about the University Day award recipients by visiting universityday.oregonstate.edu. If you watch the keynote session recording and answer a quiz, you will be entered into the daily prize drawing through Sep. 25. For questions, contact [email protected].

$15K of Funding Available: The OSU Advantage Accelerator is currently seeking proposals that describe technology-based projects in any discipline that will move OSU-owned technologies closer to commercialization. Proposals should describe a project that requires $15,000 or less of funding to achieve an important milestone(s) connected to commercialization. Proposals can include expenses for activities related to customer discovery, prototyping, student time, research, commercialization plan development and more. Each project may be awarded up to $15,000 and should span 9 months or less, beginning in October 2020. Proposals are due no later than 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 23. Read the full RFP here: https://advantage.oregonstate.edu/advantage-accelerator/funding-opportunities/aid-fund

IT Strategic Plan 2023: University Information and Technology and the OSU IT community are nearing completion of our joint development of a strategic plan to guide the future of the university’s data and IT systems and services, including those located centrally and in academic or administrative units. To read the plan, learn about our shared vision and submit feedback, visit uit.oregonstate.edu/it-strategic-plan. We encourage the university community to share your thoughts by Sept. 30.

Mid-Monthly Emergency Preparedness Topic: Pets in Disasters - The likelihood that you and your animals will survive an emergency such as a fire or flood, tornado or earthquake is directly related to your level of emergency planning. Keep in mind that what is best for you is also typically best for your animals. This month’s poster can be downloaded at: https://emergency.oregonstate.edu/emergency-preparedness/preparedness-topics/pets-disasters  

Join the Professional Faculty Leadership Association: The Executive Board of PFLA would like to invite all OSU employees to join this exciting, rewarding organization. In light of COVID-19, we are waiving our annual membership fee for this year (Sept. 1, 2020-June 30, 2021). So this is the perfect time to check out the benefits of PFLA membership. Visit the PFLA website for more information and Register now.

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]

Weather

“How beautifully leaves grow old! How full of light and color are their last days!” – John Burroughs

Corvallis: Mostly cloudy, high of 71, low of 54. Rain and breezy Wednesday.

Central Oregon: Mostly sunny today, high of 74, low of 47. Partly sunny Wednesday.

Newport: Mostly cloudy today, high of 69, low of 54. Heavy rain Wednesday.

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