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! Today’s Timely Teaching Tip: Looking for a jump-start? Use the OSU Remote and Blended Teaching Template to streamline your development of Fall courses that embody best practices in blended and remote teaching. See the Teaching Faculty website for all the Aug. Teaching Tips and to register for a Sept. workshop on teaching and course design. 

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 says most fall classes will be 'remote' (KLCC)

In a letter to the university community, OSU’s new president, F. King Alexander, said it was a difficult decision. But he said with the prevalence of COVID-19 still not trending in a positive direction, it became clear that a traditional learning model would not be the best choice. (see also KATUKEZIGazette-Times)
 

2020 college football is up in the air after Big Ten, Pac-12 postpone seasons (TODAY)

On Monday two major college football conferences, the Big Ten and Pac-12, voted to cancel their fall seasons, and the reactions among coaches, players and fans has been fast and furious. NBC’s Morgan Chesky reports for TODAY from Arlington, Texas. Featuring OSU President F. King Alexander.
 

OSU-Cascades says it has more on-campus flexibility than most schools (KTVZ)

OSU-Cascades is home to just 1,300 students, but half of those may actually be able to attend on-campus classes this fall, officials said. The 300-room residence hall has received a full list of applicants, but they'll all be single dorm rooms, to ensure social distancing.
 

Taiwan has had 7 coronavirus deaths. Here's how (Newsweek)

Chunhuei Chi, professor in the global health program at Oregon State University and a visiting professor to Taiwan's Taipei Medical University told Newsweek: "Few nations were as well prepared for this COVID-19 pandemic as Taiwan." After being "badly burned" by SARS, the country decided to "never again" be caught unprepared for a pandemic, he said.
 

"Little Wonder": Lottie Dod, world's first female sports superstar (Ms. Magazine)

A book review by OSU's Susan Shaw.
 

Oregon State athletic director Scott Barnes writes letter to Beaver boosters, says school remains committed to athletes' training and academics (Oregonian)

About an hour after the Pac-12 announced that it will not play football this fall, Oregon State athletic director Scott Barnes reacted by writing a letter to Beaver boosters on the school’s athletics website.
 

Oregon lawmakers, Bend mayor, others press Senate for new relief package (KTVZ)

"We know during times of crisis, OSU’s land grant mission for education, research, and service is as important as ever, but we face significant financial impacts across our mission areas that threaten our capacity. Federal support now is critical to help us meet the needs of our community while managing the complex financial and operational impacts from COVID-19. We thank the Oregon federal delegation for continuing to fight in Congress for further relief,” said Dr. King Alexander, president at Oregon State University.
 

Last call: Tracking the sound of the spotted owl's extinction (OPB News)

Keeping track of nesting sites has been going on in this forest for decades, and McCafferty is excited to share this possibly active site with Eric Forsman, a U.S. Forest Service researcher emeritus, who helped pioneer the study of spotted owls, and Damon Lesmeister, Forsman’s successor, who leads the spotted owl work out of the Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Research Station based on the campus of Oregon State University.
 

A new truffle species is identified four decades after its discovery (Technology Networks)

As a first-year graduate student studying truffle ecology at Oregon State University, Dan Luoma attended a scientific meeting in 1981 on Orcas Island in Washington. Having recently learned how to search for truffles, he went out one day of the meeting looking for the prized fungi and found a collection.
 

Historians offer context, caution on lessons 1918 flu pandemic holds for COVID (Skanner)

“The idea is to put out a robust, well-reviewed, vetted set of historical insights that can help people make sense of the current moment,” said Chris Nichols, director of Oregon State University’s Center for the Humanities and an associate professor of history in the College of Liberal Arts. “We tried to make it rich and deep as well as accessible for multiple kinds of audiences.”
 

The Wall of Moms builds on a long protest tradition (The Conversation)

Kelsy Kretschmer, associate professor of sociology at Oregon State University, explains why the Wall of Moms protest group attracted so much attention in the coverage of the Black Lives Matter protests in Portland, and how the group draws on a long tradition of mothers’ movements around the world.
 

Erika McCalpine to lead new OSU-Cascades Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Lab (KTVZ)

Oregon State University–Cascades announced Monday it is launching a new laboratory dedicated to advancing social equity and inclusion in Central Oregon by providing business owners and managers tools to foster diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.
 

Oregon State University dining team pivots menu from customizable to quick, keeps favorites and flavors (Food Management)

With a combination of in-person and online courses, campus life will be very different this fall at Oregon State. Executive Chef Jaime Herrera and the food service team are prepping for mobile ordering, a streamlined menu and a different way to hospitality.
 

How disability pride fights ableism (Psychology Today)

A column by OSU's Kathleen Bogart.
 

Fighting off invasive weeds in Oregon requires multiple strategies (Oregonian)

“With some of these weeds, you have to fight them forever,” said Ed Peachey, a weed specialist for Oregon State University Extension Service. “Many times, it’s more a process of controlling them rather than eradicating them."
 

Online learning requires different strategies by both teachers and students (WRAL)

But those challenges can be overcome, according to a top tech learner with whom WRAL Investigates spoke. "It’s high interactive," says Karen Watte, the director of development and course training at Oregon State University’s awarding-winning ECampus.
 

Narcissists are blind to their own mistakes (U.S. News & World Report)

When faced with a poor outcome due to their decisions, most people ask, "What should I have done differently to avoid this outcome?" But a narcissist says, "No one could have seen this coming," according to Oregon State University (OSU)-Cascades researchers.

 

Today's photo


Today’s workspace: Jeff Lawrence is the captain of the R/V Elakha with the College of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences’ Ship Operations. The name Elakha comes from the Chinook trading language word for sea otter. The vessel is sails primarily out of Newport along the Oregon Coast, including the Columbia River and other Oregon estuaries, as well as offshore to about 30 nautical miles. You can follow the adventures of the Research Vessels Elakha and Oceanus on the Ship Operations Instagram page at @osu_ship_ops. 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

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.Wednesday, Aug 12, noon, PERS and Retirement Planning (Tier 1 & 2)Wednesday, Aug 12, 3 p.m., ABC + D of MedicareThursday, Aug 13, noon, Investing With Social ResponsibilityThursday, Aug 13, 3 p.m.,  PERS and Retirement Planning (OPSRP).This is one way to educate yourself without leaving the comfort and safety of your own home. These are not OSU events but are tailored to OSU clients and during normal circumstances are held on campus. There is no charge.

Thursday

NEW! Supervisor Support Forums: Thursday, Aug. 13 from 1-1:50 p.m, University Human Resources begins a Supervisor Support webinar series via Zoom. Topics will vary each week with opportunity for discussion. This week’s focus is responding to concerns about face covering and physical distancing standards. Zoom link here: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/99453676022 Contact Carolyn Warfield ([email protected]) for more information.

Events

NEW! 2020 University Day Keynote Session and Expo registration is now open. Register for the virtual keynote session with Freeman Hrabowski, President of University of Maryland, Baltimore County on Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 10-11:30 a.m. Watch the live or recorded keynote session and be entered into daily prize drawings (through Sept. 25). Also register your unit to present in the virtual expo and showcase your unit’s work and opportunities to fellow staff and faculty. Register today at universityday.oregonstate.edu. For more info, contact Mealoha McFadden at [email protected] or 541-231-2585.

University Budget Conversation: On Friday, Aug. 14 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 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.  

American Strings Webcast: An Evening with Keb’ Mo'. Crank up that home sound system and enjoy the next installment of CLA’s American Strings – a conversation and live remote performance with blues artist and five-time Grammy Award winner Keb’ Mo’ on Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 5 p.m. Host Bob Santelli, OSU’s director of popular music and performing arts, will lead the live interview and solo performance, which offers a unique opportunity to learn about a variety of genres from across American music traditions. Presented in partnership with OSU Alumni Association. The webcast is free and open to all. Registration is needed to receive link to view.

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 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during the weeks of Aug. 10 and Aug. 17. Contact [email protected] if you would like to schedule a session. Sessions can count toward your HEM requirements.

Board of Trustees: The OSU Board of Trustees will meet from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 14, to consider the university’s pandemic-related plans for fall term, proposed new academic programs in the colleges of Business and Engineering, and the Fairbanks Hall renovation project. The board also will receive updates on the university budget, public safety and diversity and inclusion efforts. Given current COVID-19 guidance from the Governor’s Office, as well as university and county health officials, the meeting will be hosted through a remote conferencing service. The meeting is open to the public. The meeting agenda, options for joining the meeting, and instructions for providing comment during the board meeting’s general comment period and in a testimony period held before the board votes on each action item are located at this webpage. Meeting materials will also be posted on this webpage as they are available. If special accommodations are required, please contact 541-737-3449 or [email protected] at least 48 hours in advance.

Bard in Your Yard: Oregon State University’s Bard in the Quad presents a fully immersive, audio-only production of “Macbeth,” available for download on all major podcast platforms through OSU theatre’s “Dam the Distance” podcast feed starting Aug. 14. The production has been made possible through support from the OSU Memorial Union and Block 15 Restaurant and Brewery. Virtual tickets for the podcast are available at bardinthequad.org. Patrons can name their own price to help support OSU theatre during this challenging time. The full audio drama production will be available Aug. 14 for download through OSU Theatre’s Dam the Distance podcast feed which can be found through the Bard in the Quad website, Apple podcasts, and all major podcast platforms.

Lectures, Workshops, Webinars

NEW! Budget planning: On Friday, Aug. 14 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 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.  

NEW! Accountability - Commitment and Responsibility: There is a subtle distinction between accountability and responsibility that when understood changes the conversation when accountability issues arise. This short program will illustrate this distinction and allow you to consider the distinction by examining accountability issues. The end goal is greater commitment that results in increased productivity and personal effectiveness. Aug. 19 via Zoom 8:30-9 a.m. Registration required. 

NEW! Developing High Performance Teams: Why do some teams consistently produce outstanding results and other teams perform moderately at best? We will examine distinguishing characteristics of high-performing teams and provide tools and principles you can use to develop high level teams. Recommended for managers and leaders. Aug. 19 via Zoom 9:30-11:30 a.m. Registration required. 

NEW! Increasing Productivity Through Time Awareness: Too much to do and not enough time? We can't add more hours to the day, but we can be more aware of how we spend our time and make better choices about how we use it. As part of this session, you will learn how to increase your awareness of time-task relationship, empowering you with a useful tool when considering how to best use your time. Offered 2 times: Aug. 20 and Aug. 25 via Zoom 8-9 a.m. Registration required

NEW! Work-life Balance & Integration: The essence of work life balance is to effectively integrate work responsibilities with the domains (or buckets) in our personal lives. We will share counterbalancing techniques, and you will have an opportunity to get started by mapping out your responsibilities and other “buckets” unique to your situation. Offered 2 times: Aug. 20 and Aug. 25 via Zoom 10-11 a.m. Registration required.

NEW! Oregon State Clean Water Virtual Conference: Sept. 1, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free and open to the public. Featuring live lectures with audience Q&A, virtual project displays with live video chat, and more. Full details at engineering.oregonstate.edu/cleanwater2020.

NEW! Leading During COVID-19: Supporting Women in Higher Education Virtual Panel: Join the Center for the Advancement of Women in Leadership on Tuesday, Sept. 1, noon, for a free virtual panel bringing together women leaders in higher education to discuss policies and practices that can support women and families in our institutions. Panelists will share personal stories, relevant research findings, and recommendations for ways that other leaders can create equitable and supportive workplaces. Our goal is to create a list of recommended policies and practices for leaders in higher education to pledge to adopt and share, advancing women’s leadership and success in higher education during COVID and beyond. To register and learn more, visit Supporting Women in Higher Education.

NEW! Master Recycler class: Would you like to learn all about waste reduction, reuse, and recycling to help spread change in our community? Secure your spot in this annual class, now on Zoom. Monday nights, Sept. 28-Dec. 7 plus two Thursday Q&A sessions. Free to residents of Linn and Benton counties who agree to “pay back” what they learned by completing 30 hours of volunteer service. Visit http://tiny.cc/recycclass for more details and to sign-up.

Free Oregon Summer Transportation Institute for teens: Students grades 9-12 will engage in a combination of hands-on learning, local "field trips," and remote activities that emphasize the importance and breadth of the transportation engineering discipline. In-person activities, including lunch, 9 a.m.-1p.m., Aug. 17-21, remote activities 2-4 p.m. the same days. In-person activities include a local bike tour, drone activity, and design session in which students will have the opportunity to propose solutions to real-world challenges. Remote activities include virtual tours of the Corvallis Airport and OSU Marine Studies Building in Newport, a hands-on evacuation modeling activity, and presentations on topics including transportation resilience, distracted driving, engineering ethics, and emerging modes of transportation. Note: Thanks to funding from FHWA and ODOT the camp is free. Only Oregon residents are eligible. Acceptance into this camp will depend on their application. To register: https://tinyurl.com/OSU2020STI  

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 Aug. 18, 9-10:30 a.m. Registration required.

Coping With Pandemic Anxiety As Kids Return To School: Webinar Description: The start of the school year during the COVID-19 pandemic is filled with uncertainties and concerns that are causing understandable stress for many parents and caretakers. This workshop is designed to help people cope with emotions and anxiety in response to returning to school during the pandemic. It will provide an understanding of the types of reactions people may experience during this time, and offer practical tips for coping. Aug. 17, 11 a.m.: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4850615801314348299. Aug. 24, 11 a.m.:  https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3781183513139403275

Coping During Uncertain Times: Webinar Description: People have a powerful need to understand and predict their environments in order to feel in control. When we are exposed to potential threats to our well-being, we naturally respond to this uncertainty with anxiety and fear. This training will address ways of effectively coping with uncertainty in today’s media-saturated world. The course will examine how to remain positive and functional despite the risks of living in a changing world. Included will be practical tips for coping with uncertainty, re-establishing control and how to speak to children about fear. Employees can register at the link below. Aug. 25, 10 a.m.: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4054306599652415248

Accessibility Basics for the Web: Learn how to make websites accessible to people with disabilities. We'll also discuss the OSU policy on Information Technology Accessibility. All are welcome; employees with website responsibilities are encouraged if they have not attended yet. Register for a session, offered Aug. 25.

Diversity, equity and inclusion workshop: Oregon State University – Cascades will host a three-day diversity, equity and inclusion workshop for business leaders and community members interested in furthering their knowledge of social equality. OSU-Cascades business instructor Erika McCalpine will lead the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Intensive workshop. It will be offered via Zoom from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.  Aug. 17-19. Registration for the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Intensive is $300 per person and each three-day session is limited to 40 participants. Registration closes Aug. 14 for the Aug. 17-19 session. To register, visit OSUcascades.edu/dei-intensive. For information, contact [email protected].

Weight Watchers: Weight Watchers has launched new private virtual workshops for PEBB members. Get ready to see some familiar faces and join together for a weekly workshop guided by a WW coach. Move closer to your weight-loss and wellness goals in this fun, supportive and private live Virtual Workshop. Current WW members can view the workshop schedule by joining PEBB’s Connect Group here.

Faculty Staff Fitness: OSU’s Faculty Staff Fitness Program is starting in-person fitness programming on campus July 20-Sept. 18. Registration is open. Please see https://health.oregonstate.edu/fsf/schedule/summer for the full list of classes. Not going to campus? FSF is offering over 200 prerecorded, accessible any time, online fitness classes for summer term, June 15-Sept. 18. Classes range from 10, 20, 30 to 60 minutes and involve formats including weight training, cardio kickboxing, cardio dance (similar to Zumba), barre fusion, Pilates, various yoga styles and more. Registration is $35 and is now open via: https://health.oregonstate.edu/fsf/online.

Managers as Leaders: Applications for Managers as Leaders 2020 are now being accepted. Managers as Leaders is a skill-building course for managers and supervisors. It integrates 6 day-long class sessions with online learning and on-the-job practice. It features team-learning, mentors and practical tools. All managers/supervisors are encouraged to apply. Contact Kristen Magis for more information. Submit online applications on the Managers as Leaders webpage between now and Sept. 4. 

Take Note

Care.com Childcare and Education Resources: Care.com has a new benefit to help employees connect to care-related and distance learning resources that is relevant in the current unprecedented back-to-school season. It includes assistance connecting to resources such as tutors, nanny shares, pod teachers, babysitters, and more. Enroll today to ensure you have access to these Care.com benefits at www.care.com/osu. There, you can access all of the care-related and distance learning resources they offer. They have also published a Back to School Resource Guide that employees can access here: https://www.care.com/c/stories/16884/back-to-school-2020/.

The LaSells Stewart Center and the CH2M HILL Alumni Center are open to book events: We are ready to host your business meeting or seminar. We have all COVID-19 guidelines in place and exceed social distancing and sanitation guidelines to provide a safe and welcoming environment. We have new improved technology to provide robust support for hybrid and virtual events. We remain committed to supporting successful meetings, conferences and events even as we adapt to COVID-19. Please email  The LaSells Stewart Center or CH2M HILL Alumni Center to inquire about space.

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.

Criminal History Checks and Youth Programs: Although Covid-19 has affected the number and types of youth programs operating this summer, criminal history checks are required for certain individuals working in programs and activities involving minors, including university representatives and volunteers. Information about minors and CHC policies: University Policy: 07-040 Safety of Minors and University Standard: 576-055 Criminal History Check. Process questions? Send an email to [email protected]. Policy questions? Contact Linda Nye at [email protected].

OSU Press: Through the end of August, OSU Press is offering 30% off and free shipping on a selection of books that illuminate the experiences of marginalized communities in Oregon and beyond. Enter the promo code AMPLIFY at checkout on the Press website to obtain the discount. http://osupress.oregonstate.edu/blog/amplifying-underrepresented-voices

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
 
Monthly Emergency Preparedness Topic: Waste: Natural and man-made disasters, that flood the sewer system, can cause additional personal and community disasters. You may be unable to flush the toilets or run water for weeks or even months. Failure to properly dispose of human waste can lead to epidemics. This month’s poster can be downloaded at: https://emergency.oregonstate.edu/emergency-preparedness/preparedness-topics/waste-disasters
 
OSUsed Store ready to serve your needs: While not open to the public for personal purchases, the OSUsed Store, run by Surplus Property, is open to staff shopping for their departments weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The store carries equipment for remote or onsite work such as computer equipment, furniture, office supplies and more. We are also selling online on the Public Surplus website; if you see something that interests your department, call for availability: 541-737-7347.

Traffic and Maintenance

UPDATED! Summer paving: As part of the summer 2020 parking lot paving schedule, parking lot closures for asphalt renewal are planned for the following parking lots: #3278 (Sports Complex East), #3205 (Adams Northeast) and #3313 (Bates North). The lots will be fully or partially closed for construction and planned closure durations are subject to change as construction proceeds. Work for lot #3313 (Bates North) is scheduled to start on Thursday, July 23, and continue through Tuesday, Aug. 11. Work for lot #3205 (Adams Northeast) is scheduled to start on Friday, Aug. 7, and continue through Wednesday, Aug. 26. Work for lot #3278 (Sports Complex East) is scheduled to start on Friday, Aug. 7, and continue through Tuesday, Sept. 1. For questions or comments on this closure, contact Infrastructure Project Manager Aaron Collett at 541-207-2780.

Irish Bend Covered Bridge Rehabilitation: Construction is scheduled to begin on the Irish Bend Covered Bridge along Southwest Campus Way on July 6, lasting until September. The bridge rehabilitation includes installing a fire suppression system, repainting and repairs to the wood structure. The covered bridge and Campus Way Path will be closed; Campus Way will remain open.

Postponed: Annual Steam Shutdown-Campus Wide: Each year Facilities Services performs necessary maintenance on the university’s steam system, which requires shutting off the steam throughout campus, to complete maintenance services at the plant, throughout the steam tunnels and in each building. This process affects hot water supply, heating and all equipment that uses steam, campus wide. The decision has been made to postpone the annual steam shut down until August in order to stay within the guidelines from the governor, university, state and CDC’s orders. The steam shutdown for 2020 will occur from Aug. 24 at 11 p.m. to Aug. 27 at 8 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you all for your understanding. For questions or comments on this closure, contact Facilities Services at 541-737-2969.

Weather

“I’m not passing on my torch. Get your own torch.” ~ Oregon Supreme Court Justice Betty Roberts.

Corvallis: Decreasing clouds today, high of 77, low of 50. Sunny tomorrow.

Central Oregon: Mostly sunny today, high of 76, low of 55. Sunny tomorrow.

Newport: Decreasing clouds, high of 62, low of 49. Mostly sunny Thursday.

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