OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
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COVID-19 website: To facilitate the ongoing sharing of information about the virus, Oregon State University has added a link on the OSU homepage to a page that provides detailed and up-to-date COVID-19 information; links to OSU, local, state and federal resources; and updates on the latest federal travel restrictions.
NEW! Teaching Principle: Design courses to facilitate three forms of interaction in both synchronous and asynchronous learning activities: student-instructor, student-student, and student-content. See all the Remote and Blended Course Design and Teaching Principles.
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.
At the time of the announcement, researchers at Oregon State University were quietly working on a COVID tracking project of their own that involved testing wastewater from municipal treatment plants for the virus.
In places like southwest Oregon, where natural wildfires used to keep the vegetation thinned, fire suppression policies have allowed the forests to grow dense and unnaturally high, said Norm Johnson, a professor emeritus at Oregon State University’s forestry program who helped develop the Northwest Forest Plan. He said the forests needed thinning or controlled burns to lower the risk of catastrophic wildfire.
But a new study from researchers at Oregon State University details the threats posed as oceans warm and the bird’s main food source becomes less abundant.
A new Oregon State University study found significant links between students' self-perception upon entering remote courses and their overall academic performance. (see also KTVZ)
Dr. Perry Hystad, an associate professor in the College of Health and Human Sciences at Oregon State University, said the Seeley Lake research offers unique insights into wildfire smoke’s impact, which until recently had largely been unexplored. He said similar studies are likely to follow because of this fire season.
Mindy Crandall is an assistant professor of forest policy at Oregon State University. “We brought together folks from outdoor education, from non profits from workforce development to just have a conversation about what do you want to know to help youth in your community and they really helped us develop the survey.”
Heidi Happonen, spokeswoman for the College of Agricultural Sciences at Oregon State University, said researchers have similarly faced disruptions in 2020 but are making the best of circumstances. Researchers, she said, are studying toxins and pollutants, smoke's impact on wine grapes, the effects of soot and ash on livestock and more.
Those reports come from interviews and surveys conducted with over 200 farmworkers that participated in the Oregon COVID-19 Farmworker Study. The study was conducted by a group of 11 agricultural worker organizations across Oregon and academics from Portland State University, Oregon State University and the University of Oregon. (see also Statesman Journal)
Several new and revamped programs and services at Oregon State University are seeking to help parents dealing with limited child care options and state mandates requiring many school districts to teach online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
But the study is clear, according to researchers at Oregon State University, who sought to clear up rumors about smoke's impact on wine in a white paper published in August. According to their paper, ripe and overripe grapes are sensitive to smoke exposure; washing grapes before processing won't remove smoke aroma compounds from berry skins; enzyme additions during winemaking won't release bound smoke aroma compounds; and bound smoke aroma compounds do contribute to smoke taint.
According to Steve Castagnoli, a horticulturist with Oregon State University’s Extension Service, the signs are different for apples and pears.
Today’s view: Laura Kasper, an accountant with the University Administration Business Center, sent us this view out her window of a neighborhood deer. 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.
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
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]).
NEW! Seattle Connections: Many of us are more eager than ever to connect with OSU and with each other in the midst of shelter-in-place and remote working. This Connections event is for students and alumni from the Seattle area to meet on a regular basis, talk, connect, find new friends, make new connections, get help with career searches or simply socialize. Sept. 23, 5:30 p.m. Register with Zoom
NEW! Art About Agriculture Reception: Join in-person or online for the reception of the College of Agricultural Sciences’ 2020 Art About Agriculture Competition and Exhibition: Tension/Harmony. Thursday, Oct. 1, from 4-7 p.m. at Guistina Gallery, LaSells Stewart Center, OSU. More information and reservations for this event can be found at: https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/art/art-shows/2020-competition-and-exhibition-tension-harmony
NEW! 2020 OSU Authors and Editors recognition: The Authors and Editors Series celebrates the remarkable range of literary and scholarly books OSU faculty publish each year by featuring selected authors/editors for readings and panel conversations. Oct. 5, 8 and 9 at 4:30 p.m. via Zoom. Visit the OSU Authors and Editors page to register for one or all of these events.
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.
NEW! 2020 Distinguished Lectures: David Williams, Distinguished Professor, and Helen P. Rumbel, Professor for Cancer Prevention, Eat-Live Eat-Die: Carcinogens and Anti-Carcinogens in Food, Oct. 6, 5 p.m. Zoom registration. Yuji Hiratsuka, Distinguished Professor of Art, The Art of Print Making: Process and Content, Oct. 7, 5 p.m. Zoom registration
NEW! CAPS Group: Building Anti-Racism Stamina as a White Person: Given the systemic racism that continues in all levels of our lives – intra-personally, inter-personally, institutionally, and structurally – this group will focus on building mental stamina to examine and deconstruct racism within ourselves as White-identified people, and the institutions that we are a part of. Meets via Zoom Thursdays 3:30-4:45 p.m. starting Oct. 15. Contact [email protected] or [email protected] to join.
NEW! Beavers SAVE Lives: Learn how to reach out and help a friend. Suicide is one of the most preventable causes of death. This workshop will provide the skills you need to effectively help or intervene with a friend or family member who is considering suicide. Live via Zoom on Oct. 21, noon to 1:30 p.m.: register at https://beav.es/oMe. For Nov. 3 session, register at https://beav.es/oMn. For additional information or ability-related accommodation requests, contact [email protected].
NEW! Save the Date: Provost’s Lecture Series: The Provost’s Lecture Series is a partnership of the Office of the Provost and the OSU Foundation to bring renowned thinkers, artists, designers and leaders to OSU to engage the community on topics of global significance. Please mark your calendar for Henry Louis Gates, Jr. on Nov. 12, and Mae C. Jemison on Feb. 4, 2021. Registration information is available here.
NEW! BEavers HERE NOW: Enjoy a different 15-minute guided meditation each week. Benefits of mediation include: Stress reduction, better sleep, sharper concentration, anxiety management & happier relationships. Sessions take place every Tuesday and Wednesday at 3 p.m. Contact [email protected] to coordinate extra credit for student attendance. Faculty and staff are welcome too. Register at: beav.es/oGz
NEW! DAM Good Growth: Explore self-care and personal growth through CAPS's mental health engagement series centered around practices from the field of positive psychology. Each week will feature an online self-paced challenge, fun activities, community Zoom session, and other surprises. Contact [email protected] to coordinate extra credit for student attendance. Faculty and staff are welcome too, but not eligible for any incentives or prizes. Register at: beav.es/oxo
NEW! Working with Students in Distress: Faculty and staff may be the first to notice a student is struggling and may be in the best position to reach out with care and concern. The Office of Student Life, in collaboration with Counseling and Psychological Services, developed a CARE folder, which is intended to provide you with resources and referral information that we hope you find valuable. Simply click on this link and you will be directed to login to Box to access these resources. We recommend you bookmark this link for easy access on your phone, laptop or tablet.
NEW! Mindful @ Oregon State University is an e-newsletter that delivers a weekly care package of mindfulness tips, resources and events to your inbox. Curated by CAPS staff, the newsletter features a weekly guided meditation, "Learn More" section, mindfulness challenge, OSU mindfulness event calendar and crowd-sourced knowledge and recommendations. Subscribe here: http://bit.ly/mindfulOSU
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]).
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
Cabildos Speaker Series: Mitchell S. Jackson, renowned writer and creative writing professor, University of Chicago. A native of Portland, Ore., Jackson’s work explores his hometown, including the systemic forces that shaped his community, his family, and his early life. That exploration began with a novel titled The Residue Years — a book that announced Jackson as a bright new voice in literary fiction. Remote event on Friday, Sept. 25 at 11 a.m. Free. Register. Presented by the History Program, Anonymous Donors, School of Writing, Literature and Film and the College of Liberal Arts.
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.
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.
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]
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
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.
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
NEW! Health Check and COVID-19 Resources on OSU Mobile: The new Health Check tool and additional COVID-19 resources are now available on OSU Mobile. Don't have the app? Download it today at beav.es/app or access the health check directly at beav.es/healthcheck. For help setting up the app, check out this video walk-through: https://youtu.be/XpsUypnjj4E.
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].
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
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
(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]
NEW! Jefferson Way: For work related to the Buxton Hall and Hawley Hall roof replacements, both lanes of SW Jefferson Way will be closed between SW Weatherford Place and SW Sackett Place (view map). A crane will be on site installing rock ballast and insulation on the roofs of Buxton Hall and Hawley Hall. The closure is scheduled to run from Wednesday, Sept. 23 to Thursday, Sept. 24, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.
“I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house." ~ Nathaniel Hawthorne
Corvallis: Rain after 2 p.m., high of 72, low of 56. Showers tomorrow.
Central Oregon: Patchy smoke and then partly sunny, high of 76, low of 47. Partly sunny tomorrow.
Newport: Rain and windy today, high of 68, low of 55. Showers tomorrow.
Statewide: For OSU employees around the state, find your local forecast here: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/
