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 new page that provides detailed and up-to-date COVID-19 information; links to OSU, local, state and federal resources; and updates on the latest federal travel restrictions.
NEW! Today’s Timely Teaching Tip: Want to learn more about ways to assist your students as they complete the term? Read Encouraging and Supporting Students to Finish Spring Term for evidence-based strategies and tools from the Academic Success Center. Visit Keep Teaching for all the Week 9 Timely Teaching Tips.
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.
The Oregon State University research project to widespread test the Corvallis community for the coronavirus released results from its third weekend of testing. (see also The Lund Report)
The effort moves to Bend next weekend with funding from PacificSource Health Plans. PacificSource will also help pay for the final weekend of sampling in Corvallis in June. (see also The Source)
During the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for Equity Promise Scholarship funds quickly outstripped the initial amount, as students ran into hardship after hardship: Work hours cut due to the shutdown; loved ones with compromised immune systems restricting the student’s ability to go to their job; parents laid off and no longer able to contribute to the student’s tuition.
A national program that offers financial incentives so that low-income consumers can purchase more fruits and vegetables has shown great success in Oregon, according to a recent Oregon State University study. (see also New Food)
Oregon State University will join with the University of Washington and the University of Alaska, Fairbanks in the Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean and Ecosystem Studies (CICOES). This new institute is dedicated to our changing climate and how to deal with it – especially in our coastal regions. Funding will be provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which will provide as much as $300 million to the three universities over the next five years, at the end of which the Institute’s performance will be evaluated.
Interest in home gardening has skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, the Food Hero team at Oregon State University Extension Service is offering Oregonians a unique opportunity to grow vegetables and fruits at home.
(PDF. Turn to page 14) Regan Gurung, PhD, director of the general psychology program at Oregon State University and executive director of the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), says his university’s eCampus unit and CTL have been working long hours to help faculty get up and running with remote teaching.
Today's photos
Today’s workspaces: Jennifer Van Brocklin, a master’s student in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, had a representative of the wildlife community attempt to join her recent Zoom meeting, this wild turkey.
Kelly Donegan, senior instructor with horticulture and entomology, has turned her art studio into a home office but is enjoying having her dog, Xavi, for company. “Xavi, in turn, has been enjoying the workspace photos shared by others, especially those that have cats in them.” 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
Choose Your Attitude: Emotions tend to vacillate in the COVID-19 environment. Maintaining a favorable perspective and managing emotions is important. Understand the relationship between your attitude, your beliefs and your behaviors, and learn about the “Wallenda Factor” and how self-fulfilling prophecy effects outcomes. Zoom session, May 27, 8-9 a.m. Registration required.
Running Effective Remote Meetings: Meetings are a series of conversations. Most agenda items can be categorized under a handful of conversations. Remote meetings require a greater adherence to the conversational processes. Conversational processes will be highlighted, that when followed, will increase the likelihood of an effective meeting. Zoom session, May 27, 9:30-11 a.m. Registration required.
Healthy Beaver Bags: The Human Services Resource Center has a new program called Healthy Beaver Bags. Every Friday afternoon from noon to 2:30 p.m., bags are distributed off the back porch of Champinefu Lodge. This program is available for faculty/staff and students who are financially stressed and are looking to add more healthy items to their meals. This resource is also available to former staff or students who recently graduated or are taking a break. We are all in this together and the HSRC is here for those who need us. Each bag has a theme and will feature more and more fresh and local produce as the growing season comes on. An example of what comes in a bag can be seen on the program’s Facebook page. This is a supplement for pantry food boxes, which are currently being distributed every Wednesday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and are NOT restricted to OSU community members.
Investment and PERS webinars: The Maps Credit Union CFS investment team is conducting a Weekly Webinar Series on a variety of investment topics that include current market updates. This is one way to educate yourself without leaving the comfort and safety of your own home. Wednesday, May 27, noon - Fundamentals of Investing; Tuesday, June 2, noon - Investing With Social Responsibility. PERS Related Webinars: Wednesday, May 27, 3 p.m. - PERS and Retirement Planning (Tier 1 & 2); Wednesday, June 3, 3 p.m. - PERS and Retirement Planning (OPSRP). (These are not OSU events but are tailored to OSU clients and during normal circumstances are held on campus. There is no charge.)
Grading Compliance: Grade submissions affect a multitude of processes at OSU that affect students directly. With emergency grades and S/U deadline changes this term, you’re bound to have questions. Join Jennifer Ketterman, Associate Registrar for Operations, for an informative session on the effects grading has on students and compliance. Wednesday, May 27, 2-3 p.m. Join Zoom meeting: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/98511081590. Phone Dial-In Information: +1 971 247 1195. Meeting ID: 985 1108 1590.
Women of Color student discussion group: Zoom in every Wednesday from 3-4 p.m., by registering at https://beav.es/4MH. Contact Shaznin Daruwalla for registration help at [email protected]
Training the Mind, Training the Heart: Geoff Barstow will be teaching about the theory and practice of Tibetan Buddhist lojong in partnership with OSU's Contemplative Studies Initiative and the Hundere endowed chair in religion and culture. Three Wednesdays: May 27 from 6-7 p.m. via Zoom. Free and open to all. Register by emailing [email protected]. More info here.
Celebrate API Heritage Month in community: Storytelling brings communities closer. In a time that calls for increased support and compassion, join together with friends for a live webcast and celebration of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. In this TED style talk, hear the stories of alumni and students that center the power of humility, connection and resiliency in the API community. May 27, 6-7:30 p.m. Online live webcast. Register at osualum.com/API-talk.
Climate Change Impact in the Columbia Gorge: Bill Weiler, wildlife biologist for the Sandy River Watershed Council, founder of the Columbia Gorge Ecology Institute (now Gorge Ecology Outdoors) and author of several books including Earth Speaks and Don't Run from Bears will share this presentation and engage your questions regarding the impacts of climate change and ways to build ecosystem resiliency in the Gorge. He will present on May 27, from 7-8:30 p.m. on Zoom. Register HERE.
Events
NEW! MOTHERLOAD virtual screening and live Q&A with director Liz Canning: Friday, May 29, from 6-8:30 p.m. MOTHERLOAD is an award-winning, crowdsourced documentary about a new mother’s quest to understand the increasing isolation and disconnection of the digital age, its planetary impact, and how cargo bikes could be an antidote. Get your ticket today. For additional questions, contact [email protected].
NEW! World Oceans Day is June 8: The OSU Marine Studies Initiative is compiling OSU-led events and resources to recognize this day and help raise awareness about the importance of a healthy ocean. We invite you to join this celebratory effort. Is your college or unit hosting or involved with seminars or other special events at the end of May through mid-June that raise awareness about issues of the coasts and ocean? If yes, send the information to us at [email protected].
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 & 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 (which will be held via Zoom) or would like additional information about the Safety Committee, please contact Kay Miller at [email protected] to RSVP and request the Zoom meeting invitation.
After the Blast—Online Author Event with Eric Wagner: Join us for online reading and conversation with Eric Wagner featuring his new book After the Blast: The Ecological Recovery of Mount St. Helens, Thursday, May 28, at noon. Sponsored by the Spring Creek Project. Learn more and get the link to join via Zoom.
The Oregon State University Honors College Virtual Thesis Fair: The Honors College Thesis Fair will be held Wednesday, May 27 through Friday, May 29 online via Canvas. HC graduates will create a poster and a lightning talk describing their research. Additionally, students will be on hand to answer questions regarding their research on Friday, May 29 from noon to 2 p.m. Registration is required in order to gain access to Canvas site. Register by May 26 to attend.
Board of Trustees: The OSU Board will meet from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 29, to consider the university’s operating budget for the coming fiscal year and Oregon’s public universities’ consolidated request for operating funds for next biennium to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission. The board also will receive a report on the university’s COVID-19 response, hear a legislative update and consider a policy regarding the use and management of the university-provided president’s residence. The board will hear an update on the Corvallis campus vision, a community-based engaged launched by the university to identify how the campus will evolve over the next 10 years. The board also will hold an executive session as part of its agenda, pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(d) to conduct deliberations with persons designated by the governing body to carry on labor negotiations. 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 provided under “Meeting Details” at this webpage. Committees of the board will meet via remote conferencing services on May 26, May 29 and June 5. Agendas and meeting materials for the board and committee meetings are available at http://oregonstate.edu/leadership/trustees/meetings. If special accommodation is required, please contact (541) 737-3449 or [email protected] at least 48 hours in advance.
Women of Color Caucus Mental Health Summit: Storytelling and expanding your mental health toolkit. May 30, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Keynote by Charlene Martinez of Student Experiences and Engagement, panel with speakers from OSU and other institutions, and mental health workshops by licensed therapists including Shaznin Daruwalla from CAPS. Registration here with refundable fee: http://tinyurl.com/YC7287Q2
Lectures, Workshops, Webinars
NEW! Public health talk: The College of Public Health and Human Sciences is meeting the current public health crisis head-on and hosting its Friday Research Seminars online from 1-2 p.m. most Fridays. On Friday, May 29, Jinan Banna, Ph.D., RD, CDN, will present “Results of an intervention using text messages to prevent excessive gestational weight gain in Hawaii WIC” via Zoom. See upcoming presentations and recordings of past presentations at health.oregonstate.edu/seminars and learn how the CPHHS is Meeting the Moment.
NEW! M.S. Defense – Sustainable Forest Management: Callan Cannon will present her thesis, “Long-term Effects of Vegetation Management on Soil and Plant Derived Nutrient Budgets for Plantations of Four Western Conifer Species,” on Friday, May 29, at 2 p.m. via Zoom. To participate, please contact Callan for the Zoom information. Callan is pursuing her M.S. in Sustainable Forest Management with her major professor, Carlos Gonzalez-Benecke, in the Department of Forest Engineering, Resources and Management.
NEW! Beavers: Ben Goldfarb, author of “Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter,” and Jefferson Jacobs, Riparian Restoration Coordinator for the Oregon Natural Desert Association, will discuss and answer your questions about the natural history of Oregon’s state animal and OSU’s mascot, as well as their importance in restoring ecosystems. They will present on June 6, from 9-10:30 a.m. on Zoom. Register HERE.
Strategies for Being Effective in Times of Uncertainty: Uncertainty in organizations will affect each of us differently. Some thrive in ambiguity, while others are dominated by feelings of anxiety, fear, and doubt that negatively affect productivity. This class will provide 8 strategies with practical ideas to increase effectiveness in challenging, uncertain times. Zoom session, May 28, 8-9 a.m. Registration required.
Coaching: A Process for Developing Talent: Participants will learn, and practice, a powerful coaching model that is process- (not content-) driven. When the process is applied in a systems manner, "coachees" develop their unique talents and perform at a higher level. Target audience is supervisors and faculty that advise students. Zoom session, May 28, 9:30-11 a.m. Registration required.
Meredith Jacobson: M.S. defense: Meredith Jacobson will present her thesis, titled: “Why Anchor Forests? Exploring a conceptual framework for tribal leadership in cross-boundary forest governance.” May 28, 9:30 a.m., via Zoom. Jacobsen is earning her Master of Science degree in Forest Ecosystems and Society with Emily Jane Davis and Reem Hajjar. To participate, send a request to Meredith at [email protected] for the Zoom link and password. Please contact [email protected] with questions or for accommodations for disabilities.
Webinar: Managing Stress in the midst of COVID-19 presented by Care@Work: Stress is a normal part of our day-to-day lives. However, in this new era of COVID-19, when you add working from home, home-schooling your kids, and caregiving for ailing parents to the external stressors of our uncertain world, it can be a dizzying balancing act. How can you manage stress when you feel like you have no time for yourself? There are some tangible things you can do to avoid burnout, even when you feel like you have limited time. This seminar will address: Warning signs of a stress overload, techniques to reduce stress and enhance well-being, and ways to get the support and help needed to balance work and life. May 28, 2-3 p.m. Register today.
Do you have a business idea or tech with commercialization potential but need some help? The OSU Advantage Accelerator is offering Iterate, a free virtual class for researchers, entrepreneurs and prospective entrepreneurs who have a business idea or technology with commercialization potential but aren't sure what to do next. Come learn how to create a value proposition, find and understand your market, and more. Iterate consists of four workshops that build on each other: May 28, June 2 and June 4, all from 4-5:30 p.m. Learn more and register: https://advantage.oregonstate.edu/advantage-accelerator/programs/iterate
Pathways of Civic Engagement through Animal Crossing: New Horizons: Community Engagement & Leadership uses the Pathways of Civic Engagement to simplify how to contribute to the common good. Using Animal Crossing’s cute animals that help us stay connected while staying at home, we are hosting a presentation with a multiplayer session/discussion on Thursdays in May at 6 p.m. — join one.
Fulbright Scholar Program Webinars: The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program will continue to accept applications for awards for the 2021-2022 academic year. Over 450 awards offer more than 800 grants annually. The deadline to apply is Sept. 15. To learn more about the 2021-2022 competition click here or visit the Catalog of Awards for more details. Regional and discipline-focused webinars are held every Wednesday from 2-3 PM EST. See our Webinar Schedule for more details.
Take Note
NEW! Teaching Infographic: See practical solutions to remote teaching issues from the Center for Teaching and Learning. The infographic provides evidence-based solutions with links to useful resources. Need assistance for finishing Spring term or developing Summer or Fall courses? For a teaching consultation, contact CTL.
NEW! New Oregon State OER services microsite: Oregon State’s Open Educational Resources Unit has launched a new services microsite to support faculty. This site serves as a comprehensive guide for working with the unit to integrate OER into courses. OSU faculty are encouraged to explore the site and learn how the OER Unit can assist, consult and collaborate. For more information, visit https://open.oregonstate.edu/services.
NEW! Campus Directions: Learn more from University Facilities, Infrastructure and Operations about how Oregon State's campuses are improving every day. Read the latest issue of Campus Directions to learn how Cordley Hall’s fragile arthropod and herbarium collections will be moved, and more. Interested in keeping up with projects on campus? Subscribe to our newsletter.
Kobel retirement: Janine Kobel is retiring. She came to OSU in 1980 as a first-year student, began as a student employee in 1981, became classified staff in 1987, graduated from OSU in 1995, advanced to professional faculty in 2005, and retires June 30, 2020. She is a first-generation college student, a first-gen career professional, and soon, a first-gen retiree! After June 30, she can be reached at [email protected]. In lieu of a gathering, Janine would like her friends and colleagues to send her letters and greeting cards through the U.S. Postal Service: PO Box 2483, Corvallis, OR 97339.
2020 Faculty and Staff Climate Survey: The 2020 Faculty and Staff Climate Survey launched on May 6 with an invitation from President Ray, with additional invitations from Deans and Division leaders. Please check your e-mail to access the survey link. The survey is open until June 5. Copy and paste this link to access the Office of Institutional Diversity website for past reports: https://diversity.oregonstate.edu/climate-assessment Questions about the survey can be directed to OID at [email protected].
Call for submissions: The ADVANCE Journal, hosted by OREGON STATE ADVANCE, announces a special issue in honor of the 20th anniversary of the National Science Foundation’s ADVANCE program. The special issue theme is Collaborations, Collisions, and Connections. The goal of ADVANCE “is to increase the representation and advancement of women in academic science and engineering careers.” Additional information and submissions portal found here: https://www.advancejournal.org/post/444. Deadline for submissions is March 31, 2021.
InclusiveExcellence@OSU: IE@OSU is a professional development program for STEM faculty to understand and confront inequities in STEM education. The IE@OSU team is recruiting interested faculty for the Fall 2020 cohort of Fellows. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fall Academy is shifting to a virtual format, which will take place over the course of Fall term. More information about the program can be found here. If you are interested in participating, please click here to complete a short survey; deadline to indicate interest is Friday, June 5. Please contact program coordinator Ann Sitomer with any questions.
Computer Security for Students: University Information Technology has released an “IT Security Program for Students,” with three courses touching on IT security. The topics are: Social Engineering, Email and Phishing, and Creating a Cyber Secure Home. The program is available on Bridge under Student Wellbeing and Support, or can be accessed directly here: https://students-oregonstate.bridgeapp.com/learner/programs/c8ee7dda/enroll. Faculty can also review the program at that link.
Saving Atlantis: Saving Atlantis, a feature documentary produced by Oregon State University that features researchers from OSU and around the world uncovering the causes and seeking solutions for the global decline of coral reef ecosystems, is now streaming on Hulu and Amazon Prime.
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.
World Oceans Day is June 8: The OSU Marine Studies Initiative is compiling OSU-led events and resources to recognize this day and help raise awareness about the importance of a healthy ocean. We invite you to join this celebratory effort. Is your college or unit hosting or involved with seminars or other special events at the end of May through mid-June that raise awareness about issues of the coasts and ocean? If yes, send the information to us at [email protected]
Online Professional Development Workshops for OSU Employees Now Open for Registration: UHR Learning and Organizational Development is presenting a variety of online professional development workshops in the upcoming weeks, including: Choose Your Attitude; Running Effective Remote Meetings; Strategies for Being Effective in Times of Uncertainty; and Coaching: A Process for Developing Talent. View and register for upcoming workshops here. Did you know we can also tailor workshops for your team? Email [email protected] with your request.
Faculty & Staff COVID-19 Disaster Relief Fund Under IRS Code Section 139: In collaboration with the OSU Foundation, Oregon State University is offering emergency financial assistance grants through the OSU Faculty and Staff COVID-19 Disaster Relief Fund. The purpose of this fund is to help regular classified and unclassified employees in our university community with unexpected needs during this unprecedented time of the COVID-19 pandemic. All classified staff, professional faculty and academic/research faculty are eligible regardless of service time or FTE. An individual must be actively employed on the date of grant distribution. Read more about the details of the program here. Student hourly employees, graduate assistants, and stipend recipients (e.g., fellows) are not eligible. There are separate programs for students located here: https://financialaid.oregonstate.edu/covid-19.
Weather
"To be a legend, you've either got to be dead or excessively old." ~ Christopher Lee, born today in 1922.
Corvallis: Sunny today, high of 80, low of 52. Sunny tomorrow.
Central Oregon: Sunny today, high of 79, low of 53. Sunny tomorrow.
Newport: Mostly sunny today, high of 66, low of 50. Mostly sunny tomorrow.
Statewide: For OSU employees around the state, find your local forecast here: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/
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