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.
 

More than 11,000 scientists say climate change threatens 'fate of humanity' (OPB News)

The statement, spearheaded by Oregon State University scientists William J. Ripple and Christopher Wolf, was published Tuesday in the journal BioScience, 40 years to the day after the first World Climate Conference in Geneva in 1979. They argue that scientists have been warning about climate change ever since, but greenhouse gas emissions are still rising. (see also NBC NewsUSA TodayCBC)
 

Oregon State University researchers find conservatives are persuaded of climate change by tornadoes (Willamette Week)

Conservatives are more likely to support action to fight climate change if they report being harmed by extreme weather events, Oregon State University researchers found in a study published this month in the journal Global Environmental Change.
 

Invasive, flammable grasses now blanket much of the United States (NOVA)

“These grasses perpetuate this feedback loop between more fire, more grass, more fire, more grass,” says Lisa Ellsworth, a fire ecologist at Oregon State University who wasn’t involved in the study. “We see this across ecosystems, all over the world.”
 

High-tech chestnuts; U.S. to consider genetically altered tree (TribLive)

"Compared to what’s happening in the world with pests and climate change, I think the risks of making a mistake due to tweaking a gene wrong are so small compared to the risks of doing nothing,” said Steven Strauss, a forest biotechnologist at Oregon State University in Corvallis. Strauss is prominent in efforts to overturn biotech tree bans on certified commercial forest land.
 

Sea levels set to keep rising for centuries even if emissions targets met (The Guardian)

“Even with the Paris pledges there will be a large amount of sea level rise,” said Peter Clark, an Oregon State University climate scientist and co-author of the study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
 

Today's photo


Winter isn't coming - quite yet: Sunshine is still expected for most of this week, even as autumn colors begin to disappear.

Today

Government Relations Candidate Forums: Meet three candidates invited to interview for the position of executive director for government relations. Open forums will be held on Nov. 6 at 8:30 a.m. and Nov. 8 at 3 p.m. All sessions are in MU 211 and at mu.oregonstate.edu/liveSee the full details.

Veterans Organization Fair: Learn more about some of the local veterans organizations and service providers like Healing Waters, Team RWB, Team Rubicon, Benton County Veterans Services, WorkSource Oregon Veterans Services and Samaritan Veterans Outreach. Open to veteran students, faculty and staff. Wednesday, Nov. 6, 9 a.m. to noon, Snell 150.

Workplace workshop: Cascade Employee Assistance Program is providing a workshop for all OSU employees on Nov. 6, 9-10 a.m., MU, Multipurpose Room 13. The topic of the workshop is: "Working in a Changing Environment - Strategies to Cope with Change and Transitions in the Workplace." During this presentation EAP staff will address the elements of change, different types of loss individuals experience related to change and the transitional stages in the process. They will also offer ideas regarding healthy ways of coping with stress and change. To register: https://hr.oregonstate.edu/workshops-open-registration. This is also offered through Zoom for employees who would like to attend remotely: https://hr.oregonstate.edu/workshops-open-registration. Questions? Contact Employee Benefits at [email protected] or 541-757-2805.

Bioinformatics Users Group (BUG): “Introductory microbiome analysis using phyloseq, i.e., How to generate exploratory diversity plots and what they mean” Ed Davis (Center for Genome Research & Biocomputing), Wednesday, Nov. 6, noon, ALS 3005. BUG consists of life scientists, bioinformaticians, computer scientists, mathematicians, engineers, statisticians, and researchers of all types who meet to discuss topics related to these fields of study. Meetings are generally informal, consisting of discussions, interactive talks, or short workshops. All are welcome. No experience needed to participate. For additional information, see https://cgrb.oregonstate.edu/bug

Storytelling for veterans: Take this opportunity to learn how to tell a part of your story in writing. Writing offers an avenue that can lead to healing for the writers and increases understanding in those who read it. Open to veteran students, faculty and staff. Wednesday, Nov. 6, 1-2:30 p.m., Snell 151.

Do you have a business idea but need some help? The OSU Advantage Accelerator is offering Iterate, a free class for entrepreneurs and prospective entrepreneurs who have a business idea 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: Nov. 6, 13, and 20, all from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Learn more and register: https://advantage.oregonstate.edu/advantage-accelerator/programs/iterate

"Island Soldier": Filmed in Kosrae, Micronesia, "Island Soldier" follows the Nena family as they grieve the loss of their son, Sapuro “Sapp” Nena. His death in Afghanistan makes waves through the community where nearly everyone is connected to the U.S. military. Known as a recruiter's paradise, Micronesia, a U.S. territory in the Pacific Ocean, contributes a disproportionate number of soldiers to the American armed forces. Wednesday, Nov. 6, 6-8 pm., Snell Hall Suite 150. This event is open to the public.

Native Americans in Sci-Fi: Join the Anarres Project for Alternative Futures in celebrating Indigenous History Month by discussing representations of Native Americans in science fiction. We will consider the way indigenous people have been portrayed in major sci-fi franchises and then watch Nanobah Becker's short film, "The 6th World", which depicts the salvation of humanity on Mars by a Navajo/Dine scientist. Pizza will be provided. Space is limited. Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 6 p.m. Milam 301.

IEEE Student Branch Presentation: Join the IEEE Student Branch (OSU Overclocking) for a presentation and pizza on Nov. 6, 6 p.m, Kelley 1001. Presentations by the IEEE Student Branch chair and the IEEE client services manager will cover the activities and projects available through the IEEE Student Branch and the benefits of the IEEE Professional Society. 

Champinefu lecture series: Join us Wednesday for the second lecture in the Champinefu lecture series, where archaeologist Tia Cody will present on the Kalapuya Mounds. This event will take place on Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. in the Majestic Theatre and is free and open to the public.

Zimbabwe a cappella quintet: Nobuntu, an all-female a cappella quintet from Zimbabwe, will perform at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 6, in the LaSells Stewart Center. The OSU women’s chorus, Bella Voce, will join Nobuntu for some traditional Zimbabwean songs during the program. Nobuntu is known for its inventive performances of music ranging from traditional Zimbabwean songs to Afro jazz to gospel. The ensemble’s concerts are performed with. voices augmented by minimalistic traditional percussion instruments and dance movements.Tickets for the performance are $30 and $35 in advance or $35 and $40 at the door. OSU student tickets are $10 each, limit one per student, with ID card in advance or at the door. All seats are reserved. The performances will be held in Austin Auditorium at the LaSells Stewart Center, 875 SW 26th St. To purchase tickets in person, go to Fairbanks Hall room 309A or 309B between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets will also be available at the LaSells Stewart Center box office prior to the concert. To purchase online, visit https://liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/SACpresents or call 541-737-5592.

Events

NEW! Budget conversation: On Thursday, Nov. 7, at noon, the Office of Budget & Resource Planning will hold another University Budget Conversation in the Memorial Union Room 215. This week’s topic is an "Update on the Budget Model." The Budget Conversations sessions are limited to 60 minutes and are an open forum structure 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 & Resource Planning website. If you have questions, contact Sherm Bloomer for more information. 

NEW! OSU International Scholar and Faculty Coffee Social: OSU Folk Club, Crossroads International and OSU Office of International Services invites you to join international visiting faculty, scholars, students and their families for conversation, coffee, tea and light snacks at the Corvallis Multicultural Literacy Center in the Einerson House, 2638 NW Jackson Ave., Corvallis on Friday  between 10:30 a.m. and noon. https://www.facebook.com/events/388435441832420/

NEW! Music a la Carte: Northwest Piano Trio. Friday, Nov. 8, at noon. Memorial Union Lounge; free.

NEW! Veteran’s Pre Game BBQ: The Veteran Community of OSU is welcome join the Student Veterans Association as we get ready to enjoy the Veterans Appreciation Game at Reser Stadium against UW. Swing by and enjoy a burger and hot dog before the game, and connect with other members of the community. Friday, Nov. 8, 4-7:30 p.m., Snell Hall Suite 150.

NEW! FREE admission to alumni center pregame tailgater: Get fired up at the CH2M HILL Alumni Center before home games in the newly upgraded indoor tailgating event space. Enjoy great food, beverages, family-friendly games and more. Rooms are also available to rent for private parties. And, you can always upgrade your OSUAA membership to gain access to VIP accommodations. Cheer on the Beavs as they gear up to play Washington this Friday, Nov. 8.

NEW! Flying Club Open House: Corvallis Airport, Saturday, Nov. 9, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Airplane rides with a $20/person donation, weather permitting, and free food. Talk to members, see aircraft and learn about the Oregon State Flying Club. OSU and LBCC students, alumni, faculty, staff and families are eligible for membership. Visit: flying.oregonstate.edu

NEW! Hazel Hall Memorial Reading: Join us for a night of readings by students and faculty from OSU-Cascade’s MFA in creative writing. Presenters will read excerpts from creative writing pieces, both finished and in progress. This event will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 6 to 8 p.m in At Liberty, 849 NW Wall St., Bend. Light refreshments provided.

“Lioness” film screening: "Lioness" tells the story of a group of female Army support soldiers who were part of the first program in American history to send women into direct ground combat. Without the same training as their male counterparts but with a commitment to serve as needed, these young women fought in some of the bloodiest counterinsurgency battles of the Iraq war and returned home as part of this country’s first generation of female combat veterans. "Lioness" makes public for the first time their hidden history. Thursday, Nov. 7, 7 p.m., Snell Suite 150. Veteran panel discussion immediately to follow. This event is open to the public.

OSU Choirs: Fall Sing! featuring the OSU Meistersingers, Bella Voce and the OSU Chamber Choir. Thursday, Nov. 7, at 7:30 p.m. First United Methodist Church, 1165 NW Monroe Ave. Tickets $10 advance, $15 door. OSU students and K-12 youth admitted free. CAFA discounts apply. Advance tickets available online at: liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/fallsing.

Rewilding a Mountain Film Screening and Panel: This film captures the "rewilding" of Hart Mountain Antelope Refuge in Southeastern Oregon. It unravels an unsettling controversy that challenges the core identity of the West and follows a team of scientists that ask the question: What happened here? Nov. 7 at Gilfillan Auditorium, 6 p.m. doors and pizza, 6:30 p.m. start. Trailer: https://vimeo.com/335017444

Baccalaureate Core Listening Sessions: The Faculty Senate Executive Committee and the Office of Undergraduate Education are holding a series of listening sessions for Bacc Core stakeholders: faculty, students, unit supervisors, advisers and other personnel involved with developing, administering and teaching Baccalaureate Core courses. Representatives from the EC, Vice Provost Alix Gitelman’s office and the Faculty Senate Baccalaureate Core Committee will attend each meeting to hear your ideas. From this feedback, as well as research on other current models of general education in higher education, we expect to develop two or three alternative models to bring back to listening sessions before the end of the 2019-2020 academic year.Nov. 8, 9:30-11:40 a.m., FURM 102; Nov. 12, 4-6 p.m., (student session), MU 206; Nov. 21, 4:30-6:30 p.m., MU 109; Dec. 5, 1-3 p.m., LINC 128. For those who cannot attend any listening session, or who have additional comments, there is an opportunity to offer extended commentary and feedback via a Qualtrics survey at https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6tHtjtEmUjF7R8p.

Home game Friday, Nov. 8: OSU will be hosting the University of Washington at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 8. This may produce some parking and commuting challenges for the Corvallis campus community. To learn more, see: https://today.oregonstate.edu/story/home-game-friday-nov-8

Lectures, Workshops, Webinars

NEW! Medication safety talk: The College of Public Health and Human Sciences presents “Medication safety practice in the primary care setting,” by Grace Kuo, dean of OSU’s College of Pharmacy, Friday, Nov. 8, from 1 to 2 p.m. in HFC 115/Bray Leadership Conference Room.

NEW! Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology Seminar Series: Scott Mills, associate vice president of research for global change and sustainability and professor of wildlife biology at the University of Montana, will give his talk titled “Seasonal Camouflage Reveals the Potential for Adaptive Rescue to Climate Change” on Friday, Nov. 8, from 3 to 4 p.m. in LINC 302.

NEW! Updates about the Corvallis Campus Vision: University Facilities, Infrastructure and Operations invites the OSU and Corvallis communities to attend an informational meeting from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14, where we will share updates about the Corvallis Campus Vision. The meeting will be held in the Agriculture Meeting Room at the LaSells Stewart Center.

NEW! Oregon Bioengineering Symposium: The inaugural symposium will be held at the CH2M Alumni Center on Nov. 22. The meeting, conducted in collaboration with the University of Oregon and Oregon Health & Sciences University, will cover all areas of bioengineering/biomedical engineering, with an emphasis on technologies for precision health. Advanced registration costs are $25 for students and post-docs, $60 for faculty and $125 for non-academic registrants. https://blogs.oregonstate.edu/bioengineering/

CGRB Listening Sessions: The next two listening sessions from the CGRB Strategic Planning Committee are Thursday, Nov. 7, 9-10:30 a.m., and Friday, Nov. 8, 3-4:30 p.m., discussing data sciences needs, challenges and opportunities in molecular biosciences disciplines (Nov. 7) and biomedical and health sciences (Nov. 8). For more information go to beav.es/ZET.

Preretirement workshop: Save the date for a Thursday, Nov. 7, preretirement workshop presented by the Oregon State University Retirement Association from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in MU 208. This workshop is for faculty and staff who are within one to three years of retirement and will illustrate some aspects of the physical, psychological, and social dimensions of retirement. Carolyn Aldwin, director of the Center for Healthy Aging, will provide an introductory presentation followed by a panel of four retired faculty/staff from OSU. For more information, contact Tom Plant, OSURA Board Secretary, at 541-736-6231 or [email protected].

Catalonia Update: Political prisoners and public reaction to the sentences: Presentation and round table discussion, followed by Q&A. In October 2017, a referendum (not recognized by the Spanish government) took place in Catalonia to ask the Catalan people if they wanted an independent state. More than 2 million people voted despite repression from the Spanish National Police. The same month, in violation of Spanish law, Spain dissolved the democratically elected Catalan Parliament and government. Members of the OSU community of the Casal Català d’Oregon will discuss the status of the independence movement in Catalonia following the conviction of nine elected officials and repression of demonstrations against the verdict. Thursday, Nov. 7 at 4 p.m., Bexell 321.

"Household Energy In Guatemala” 3-credit Field Course info session: Students from any major are invited to travel to Guatemala for 10 days in September 2020 to learn about the household energy poverty facing 40% of the world’s families, and the technologies and policies that can help to address it. An informational session will be held Nov. 12, 5 p.m., Rogers 226. More details on the info session are here and details about the past course here. Contact the course leader Nordica MacCarty, [email protected], with any questions

SBIR/STTR Innovation Day: Join us to learn how you can access federal funding to help advance your research towards greater societal impact. Each year, several federal agencies are required to allocate a portion of their budget to Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) funded projects. The event takes place Nov. 14, 3-6 p.m. From 3- 5 p.m, hear from state and university experts about how you can access this funding, and then stick around for the hosted reception from 5 – 6 p.m. to talk more. Registration is free but an RSVP is required: https://innovationenterprise.oregonstate.edu/innovation-days

Take Note

NEW! Hybrid Faculty Learning Community: The Center for Teaching and Learning’s popular Hybrid Faculty Learning Community supports faculty in the redesign of Corvallis campus courses as hybrid courses that integrate classroom meetings with online learning activities. This learning community is offered in a hybrid format and offers professional development funding to participants. See the Call for Proposals for details. Address questions and submit proposals for the hybrid program by Nov. 25 via email to [email protected].

NEW! OSU Press Online Sale: In celebration of University Press Week (Nov. 3-9), OSU Press is announcing its holiday sale. Now through Dec. 31, take 25% off selected titles when you order directly through the OSU Press website. Enter the promotion code 19HOLIDAY at checkout. Note that the books are not available for local pickup, and the discount is valid only on the featured titles.

NEW! Grant Funding Request for Proposals: The OSU Women’s Giving Circle is accepting proposals for grant funding to be awarded in May 2020. Projects that enhance the undergraduate experience, directly impact as many OSU students as possible, and improve student retention are eligible. The applications are due by Monday, Jan. 13, 2020 at 9 a.m. To apply for a grant, visit www.osufoundation.org/wgc_grant. Questions: Contact Molly Moriarty Russell at 541-737-4044 or [email protected].

Sparkshops: The Center for Teaching and Learning now offers “Sparkshops.” This is a 15-minute workshop on an evidence-based instructional practice that can be presented to faculty during a department meeting or other teaching-related meetings. There are three categories of Sparkshops topics: assessment, active learning and inclusive teaching. Contact Funmi Amobi to schedule one of these Sparkshops in your college or department.

Changes to Valley Library hours effective Nov 12: The library will be open modified hours Nov. 12-31. The main part of the Valley Library will be closed to the public from 2 to 6 a.m., and the Java II coffee shop and lobby spaces will be available as study spaces during this time (2 a.m. to 6 a.m., valid OSU ID required). The Valley Library will resume 24/5 service for dead week and finals week (Dec. 1-13).

Updates to University Policies & Standards: Visit the University Policy & Standards page (http://policy.oregonstate.edu/whats-new) to learn about recent and pending policy amendments. The What’s New page is updated frequently with new developments.

Health & Safety: The University Health & Safety Committee wants to promote health and safety by providing a link to SAIF online tips for preparing for winter https://www.saif.com/employer-guide/winter-is-coming-prepare-with-these-workplace-tips.html. You can also access OSU’s University Health & Safety Committee online at http://ehs.oregonstate.edu/uhsc, including past meeting minutes, information on how to contact a committee member, and a link to report safety concerns online.

Toys for Tots Donation Drive: Through Dec. 13, Naval ROTC will be collecting new unwrapped toys and distribute them to bring a smile to a less fortunate child on Christmas morning. Help get toys to needy children to make their holiday a memorable one. There are three boxes at the armory and toys can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sustainability conference: The Washington & Oregon Higher Education Sustainability Conference (WOHESC) will be held at the University of Oregon, March 2-4, 2020. It's a regional conference that empowers sustainability action at area higher education institutions. Through facilitated workshops, presentations and networking, help support regional policy goals and drive the development of a generation of professionals! Early registration ends Friday, Nov. 8. For an additional 30% off the registration fee, use OSU’s custom discount code OSUCOMMCOMP20.

Fulbright survey: Calling all friends of Fulbright: Are you an alum, friend, or interested applicant? Curious to know more about the U.S.’s premier exchange program with the rest of the world? You are invited to connect with others who have lived the Fulbright experience. Help us build the OSU Fulbright community by completing this quick survey (https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3w7rJaUtrLneLHv) and receive timely information about events and networking opportunities with other Fulbright fans.

Opportunity for Student Engagement on OSU’s Tuition and Budget: 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 SBAC meets Monday evenings at 7 p.m. in the Valley Library, Room 3622. Benefits of SBAC participation include peer engagement, leadership, skill development and more. Complete an SBAC membership spplication form via https://tinyurl.com/sbacapl. For more information https://tinyurl.com/sbacmain or contact [email protected].

Gift Funds: In accordance with the fiscal policy program, the Fiscal Policy Committee is soliciting your feedback on new policy drafts for Gift Funds. For more information and instructions on how to provide your valued feedback, please visit Policy Under Review on the Fiscal Policy Program website.

ScholarDollars Scholarship Application Now Open: ScholarDollars is Oregon State University’s online search and application portal. All OSU students are encouraged to use ScholarDollars to submit an application to be considered for campus-based scholarship funding that will be awarded for the 2020-2021 academic year. By submitting one application, students will be considered for over 1,600 OSU scholarship opportunities! If you have any questions, feel free to contact our officeSubmit your application today.

Athletics

Football: Oregon State Athletics is offering OSU staff and faculty a discounted reserved seat ticket for one of the oldest rivalry football games in the country when the Beavers host Washington in a nationally televised game Friday, Nov. 8, at Reser Stadium at 7:30 p.m. Faculty and staff can purchase a $20 ticket using the promo code OSUFS at https://tinyurl.com/y5xbfkf3 to cheer on the team. 

Traffic and Maintenance

NEW! Jefferson Way: Due to the repairs of street safety concerns, Jefferson Way between 26th Street and SW Weatherford Place (see map) will be closed Thursday Nov. 7, from 9 a.m. to noon
 

Weather

"Jazz will endure just as long people hear it through their feet instead of their brains." ~ John Philip Sousa, born today in 1854.

Corvallis: Areas of dense fog and then sunny, high of 56, low of 37. Mostly sunny tomorrow.

Central Oregon: Sunny today, high of 58, low of 32. Mostly sunny tomorrow.

Newport: Patchy dense fog and then sunny, high of 57, low of 43. Mostly sunny tomorrow.

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