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.
TRACE OSU testing: TRACE OSU is providing random COVID-19 testing by invitation at its Corvallis and Bend campuses and at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport. All faculty, staff and students, regardless of vaccination status, should continue with testing participation in TRACE. Testing will take place in Corvallis in the Memorial Union Ballroom and at Reser ticket booths, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. In Newport, testing will be provided every other week, Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Thursday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. At OSU-Cascades, testing is provided only to students living and working on campus, and employees working on campus. Testing takes place Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Visit the OSU-Cascades Safety and Success website to learn more about testing schedules. Please join the effort to build a safer and healthier Oregon State University community. To enroll and for more information: https://trace.oregonstate.edu/osu.
COVID-19 vaccine clinics: Weekly clinics at Reser Stadium in Corvallis are being collaboratively run by Samaritan Health Services, Benton County and OSU. Visit this website to schedule a vaccine. OSU-Cascades students, faculty and staff can register for the vaccine here. Check your local public health authority websites for more information. You can also visit the Oregon Health Authority: Get Vaccinated Oregon website and the CDC VaccineFinder for vaccinations anywhere in the U.S.
Timely Teaching Tips: How are your courses progressing at the midpoint of Spring term? Need a hand navigating teaching challenges? Looking for ways to engage students? Contact the Center for Teaching and Learning to schedule a 1-on-1 teaching consultation.
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.
“I think the issue is that we have this very fragmented response system to Covid,” said Javier Nieto, a physician-epidemiologist at Oregon State University in Corvallis. “You have a fragmented response where one county is doing one thing, another county -- something else.”
The variant -- B.1.1.7 -- was first identified in Britain in September 2020. It quickly became the dominant strain there and has since spread around the world. It was first detected in Oregon in March, according to the Oregon Health Authority. It is now on its way to becoming the dominant strain in Oregon, Brett Tyler, director of Oregon State University’s Center for Genome Research and Biocomputing, said during an online forum on Tuesday.
A piece by Tuba Ozkan-Haller, OSU associate vice president for research administration and development.
Socially just policies aimed at limiting the Earth's human population hold tremendous potential for advancing equity while simultaneously helping to mitigate the effects of climate change, Oregon State University researchers say. (see also Corvallis Advocate)
Stuart Reitz, the director of the Oregon State University Malheur Experiment Station, said the upcoming water year will be “tight, but manageable.” Yearly fluctuations of irrigation water supply are normal, he said.
A leader on race, religion and contemporary culture and a dynamic civil rights activist will each deliver keynote addresses at the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Symposium hosted by Oregon State University – Cascades May 14 and 15.
Land productivity could be greatly increased by combining sheep grazing and solar energy production on the same land, according to new research by Oregon State University scientists.
The research, conducted by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and Oregon State University from 2010 to 2018, is the first large-scale, region-wide study of wolf diets in Southeast Alaska, covering both its archipelago of islands and the mainland, across landscapes from estuaries to alpine tundra.
Solar sheep: Land productivity could be greatly increased by combining sheep grazing and solar energy production on the same land, according to new research by Oregon State University scientists. To learn more: https://beav.es/3SQ (photo by Sean Nealon).
Employee Benefits and Work Life Resources: Join us to learn about OSU employee benefits, including PEBB and Graduate health plans, retirement plans, protected leave information, the Beyond Benefits Employee Assistance Program and Work Life programs. This presentation is geared towards benefits-eligible employees, including classified staff, professional faculty, academic faculty, post-doc scholars and graduate assistants. Part of the Spring 2021 FYI Friday series. Friday, April 30, 10-11 a.m. via Zoom. Registration required.
College of Public Health and Human Sciences research seminar. “Conflict, climate change and mining: Lessons from Nigeria, Kyrgyzstan and beyond” will be presented by Casey Bartrem, Ph.D., executive director of the TerraGraphics International Foundation and senior fellow of the Norwich University Center for Global Resilience and Security, from 1-2 p.m. Friday, April 30. Watch this seminar, live or recorded, on the CPHHS website.
Professor of Teaching Task Force – Listening Sessions Invitation: The Faculty Senate charged the Professor of Teaching Task Force to gather information on a proposed new set of non-tenure-track faculty ranks: Assistant, Associate and Full Professor of Teaching. The next step is to seek feedback on the proposal from the OSU community at large. The second session will be held on Monday, May 3 from 3:30-5 p.m. The task force seeks to present the proposal and then receive feedback on how faculty feel about the proposed ranks. Task force members will be present to respond to questions, and feedback is also being solicited via a Qualtrics survey. Zoom: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/92577724904?pwd=K2hRd1NXcGZidFN5VDZPdmdtSnVqUT09.
Trans Story Circles: Hosted by the HRWGC and the Pride Center. Happening Monday, May 3 from 5-7 p.m., for folx who identify within the trans umbrella to gather in a safe and brave space to share their stories and create connections. There is a mandatory Qualtrics form to participate: https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1ZGJFrP1Ckjq3cO.
Book Launch Event for "Bearing Witness: The Human Rights Case Against Fracking and Climate Change." Co-editors Kathleen Dean Moore and Tom Kerns will be joined by several special guests as they explore a paradigm-shifting question that's central to their new book: How is the world's view of fracking and climate change transformed when they are seen through the lens of human rights? Hosted by the Spring Creek Project on Monday, May 3 at 6 p.m. Free and open to all. Learn more and register here.
OSU Next Trivia Night May 4: Attend, you must. Celebrate Star Wars Day with "May the 4th Be With You"-themed Trivia Night, Tuesday, May 4, at 5:30 p.m. Hosted by Lindsey Gardner, ’13, trivia categories include Star Wars, OSU and binge-worthy. Students and alumni can form teams of two to four people and compete for prizes. Register or join a team for free here. Recent grads meet regularly to network, support current students and socialize through the OSU Alumni Association’s group OSU Next.
Oregon Diversity Career Symposium: It's time to own your story. Registration is open for the 2021 Oregon Diversity Career Symposium (ODCS). Join with hundreds of University of Oregon and Oregon State University students for a free half-day of interactive workshops, alumni panels, a keynote speaker and virtual networking opportunities with employers like Nike, Amazon, U.S. Department of State and Samaritan Health Services that are intentionally designed to help prepare and inspire students with marginalized identities on your path from college to career. While all students are invited to attend, our goal is to create a space that especially empowers you to explore your identities and experiences within your job search process/development. The symposium takes place May 19. Explore more at https://career.oregonstate.edu/ODCS. Register on Handshake.
NEW! Department of Horticulture Seminar: The Horticulture Spring 2021 Seminar Series will take place Monday, May 3, at noon. Registration for the seminar is accessible through a Zoom at https://oregonstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIqdeqtrzsiG9C1b-DQOqbCLPN8UvCzXWDp. The event is free and open to the public. Mustafa Bozkus, master's student in the Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University, will present, "Varroa destructor (Varroa mite)."
NEW! CTL Tuesday Teaching + Tech Talks: UDL: Designing Courses with Accessibility in Mind. Martha Smith, director, Disability Access Services; and Gabe Merrell, director, Access and Affirmative Action, deputy ADA coordinator: "How do you meet the needs of all learners?" This talk introduces ideas to ensure course accessibility through universal design for learning (UDL) and serves as a primer for deeper dives in following weeks. May 4, 10 a.m. via Zoom: Tuesday Teaching +Tech Talks. Handouts, materials and resources: beav.es/BOXT4.
NEW! OSU-Cascades Counseling Clinic Presents Spring Workshops: The OSU-Cascades Counseling Clinic is excited to offer our community a variety of educational workshops related to mental health and wellness. These workshops are free and open to community members. All workshops will be held over Zoom and will last approximately 90 minutes. You can register online or contact us at cascades.counselingclinic@osucascades.edu or 541-322-2047. To sign up: https://forms.gle/mX3qZF2FAeZ2ds9D6. For a list of workshops: https://osucascades.edu/counseling-clinic/community-workshops.
NEW! OSU Science on Tap May 11: Join the Quest for Every Kind of Bee in Oregon and learn how you can get involved with pollinator-friendly practices and research. The OSU Alumni Association presents OSU Science on Tap: The Oregon Bee Atlas, Tuesday, May 11, at 5:30 p.m. Join the discussion with Andony Melathopoulos, bee scientist and host of the PolliNation podcast. Find out how you can support Beaver-affiliated establishments by picking up your own drinks for this happy hour learning session when you register for free at osualum.com/SOTbee.
NEW! OSU-Cascades Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Symposium: A leader on race, religion and contemporary culture and a dynamic civil rights activist will each deliver keynote addresses at the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Symposium hosted by Oregon State University – Cascades May 14 and 15. Michael Eric Dyson, a distinguished professor of African American studies, ethics and society at Vanderbilt University, will present the conference opening address. Tamika D. Mallory will present the keynote closing address in a conversation with Erika McCalpine, founding director of the OSU-Cascades Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Laboratory. The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Symposium is open to the public and the registration fee is $150. For information, to register or apply for a conference scholarship, visit osucascades.edu/dei-symposium or contact events@osucascades.edu.
Finding Her Edge — A Conversation with Author Laura Huang: Laura Huang shares how to harness your strengths, flaws and other people’s perceptions to find your competitive “edge.” Learn about her journey as an entrepreneur, researcher, Harvard Business School professor and accomplished author of “Edge: Turning Adversity into Advantage,” in a webcast hosted by the OSU Design Network in partnership with the OSU Alumni Association and Oregon Sports Angels. May 3 at 5 p.m. Register here.
People and Nature Lunch Series: Join us on Tuesday, May 4, from noon to 12:50 p.m. as Brittany King (Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences Department) presents “Ecological & social influences on salmon habitat restoration efforts in the Puget Sound.” The lecture is free and open to all. To join the meeting, register at https://peopleandnatureosu.weebly.com/schedule.html. Sponsored by the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife & Conversation Sciences’Human Dimensions Lab.
Saber es Poder (Knowledge is Power): Latinx Leadership & Advocacy. Saber es Poder is a three-part series focused on Latinx leadership, activism and self-exploration as a way to create social change. Explore both historical and contemporary activism through art by hearing from Latinx leaders, artists, activists and educators from around the nation over three episodes: May 4, 11 and 18, 4-5:30 p.m. While these are designed with students in mind, faculty, staff and community members are welcome to join. The hope is for all participants to take inspiration into their personal lives and leadership. Participants are highly encouraged to attend all three episodes, but not required. Read more about each episode and register on the Saber es Poder webpage (bit.ly/seposu). Questions? Contact cel@oregonstate.edu.
Search Advocate Workshop: OSU Search Advocate workshops for Spring term are available for registration. Search advocates are outside process advisors who participate on employee search committees; their goal is to encourage culture and practices that favor equity, validity and diversity. The initial workshop series is a sequence of four 4-hour Zoom workshops. Those who complete the series may choose to have their names added to the Search Advocate Directory and will be eligible to serve as advocates until September 2022. Three-hour continuing education workshops for current advocates are also available. To register, go to the new Search Advocate/Workshops website. Questions? Contact Anne Gillies at anne.gillies@oregonstate.edu or 541-760-6160.
Register for the virtual Ecampus Faculty Forum: Join hundreds of your OSU peers to discuss online teaching excellence, innovative teaching methods and faculty experiences in online course development. Held May 4-5 online via Zoom, the Faculty Forum will showcase faculty members sharing their expertise in interactive panel presentations. Session topics include online lab work, inclusive student supports and establishing your presence while teaching at a distance. Events on May 4 and 5 will begin at noon PT. View the agenda and register today.
Distinguished professors: OSU’s 2021 University Distinguished Professors will deliver Zoom lectures on their scholarship. Richard Settersten, University Distinguished Professor of Human Development will give a lecture on May 5 at 5:30 p.m. (register here) and Julia Jones, University Distinguished Professor of Geography will give a lecture on May 6 at 5:30 p.m. (register here). The title of University Distinguished Professor is awarded to current OSU faculty members who have achieved national and international distinction for their contributions in research and creative work, teaching and mentoring, public engagement, and service. Professors Jones and Settersten are outstanding examples of OSU’s highest academic honor.
WIC presents: "Whose language? Inclusive teaching of academic communication across disciplines" on Wednesday, May 5 at 3 p.m. via Zoom. Led by Adam Schwartz (OSU), Sergio Loza (UO), and Devin Grammon (UO), this workshop will describe the need for linguistically inclusive practices in all academic disciplines. It will offer specific tips on how we can value and support students’ use of different languages and varieties/dialects of English, lower barriers to access, and increase learning opportunities for students from all linguistic backgrounds. Registration and list of upcoming WIC spring events.
PFLA event: Please join us for a special two-hour PFLA Zoom event, Tuesday, May 11, 10 a.m. to noon. Mandy Davis from Portland State University will provide training on Trauma Informed Care, including an opportunity for questions and discussion. For more information about the event and how to register click here.
OSU Design Network Entrepreneurial Design webcast May 12: Beaver Nation is invited to hear from a panel of inspirational thought leaders as they honor the achievements and work of designers and creators. You will also enjoy the opportunity to network with fellow design industry professionals, students and alumni in design of all levels while learning how OSUDN supports and connects the Beaver creative community. Register here to save your seat for this motivational event.
Bringing social justice issues into the limelight — May 19 Webcast: Stories connect us and open eyes to new perspectives. Sheila Daniels, ’92, has brought social justice issues to audiences as a theater director and teacher in the Seattle area for over 25 years. Learn about her mindful show selection and directing processes and what it’s like to bring important stories to life onstage. College of Liberal Arts Professor Susan Shaw sits down with Daniels on May 19 at 5 p.m. PT. Join the conversation at osualum.com/Changemakers.
Building trust and access in Oregon’s social services — June 23: For communities that have been historically underserved or harmed by federal policies and services, building trust comes first. As program equity manager for the Oregon Department of Human Services, Rebecca Arce, MPP ’14, helps build relationships that create more equitable and accessible social services for all Oregonians. Join her in conversation with College of Liberal Arts Professor Susan Shaw on June 23 at 5 p.m. PT. Register at osualum.com/Changemakers.
NEW! Health and Safety: The University Health & Safety Committee wants to promote health and safety by promoting OR-OSHA “Safety Break for Oregon” on May 12, where departments can use the day to remind staff about workplace safety. For information and ideas for safety promotion and to sign up, visit https://osha.oregon.gov/safetybreak/Pages/index.aspx. 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.
NEW! Employee recognition: Fiscal Policy-Rule #03-140-507 Employee Recognition as been revised to update and replace FIS 410-08. The new policy and related FAQs can be accessed on the FPP website. Contact the Fiscal Policy Coordinator for your business center or the Policy Steward listed on this policy with any questions.
NEW! Miscellaneous expenses: Fiscal Policy-Rule 03-140-513 Miscellaneous Expenses as been revised to update and consolidate related policies (FIS 410-04 Flower Purchases, FIS 410-23 Testing Incentives, FIS 410-28 Greeting Card & FIS 410-31 Utilities for Short Term Field Crew Housing). The new policy and related FAQs can be accessed on the FPP website. Contact the Fiscal Policy Coordinator for your business center or the Policy Steward listed on this policy with any questions.
NEW! Trade-in of equipment: Fiscal Policy-Rule 03-160-208 Trade-In of Equipment has been revised to update and consolidate related policies (FIS 406-01 Trade-Ins, PRO 209 Trade Acquisitions & PRO 803 Trade-In of Equipment Disposals). The new policy and related FAQs can be accessed on the FPP website. Contact the Fiscal Policy Coordinator for your business center or the Policy Steward listed on this policy with any questions.
Deadline Extended for 2021-2022 Oregon Sea Grant Industry Fellowship: The Oregon Sea Grant and the Oregon Applied Sustainability Experience (OASE) are soliciting applications for the 2021-22 Environmental and Sustainability Program Coordinator fellowship with The Tofurky Company. This nearly year-long opportunity is open to recent graduates. It offers hands-on experience in the research, design and implementation of an environmental management system and the beginnings of a sustainability program. Full details at the Oregon Sea Grant Scholars website. Deadline extended to April 30.
OSU Exemplary Employee Award nominations are open now through May 31. This award recognizes work performance and service which goes above and beyond the standard expectations held for professional faculty and classified staff. One classified and one professional faculty employee will be honored at the University Day ceremonies with the presentation of a plaque and cash award of $500 each. Please click here to learn about the nomination process and criteria.
Inclusive Excellence@OSU 2021 Fellowship Deadline Coming Up: Are you interested in improving your teaching, helping your students feel like they belong in STEM and connecting with a vibrant community of STEM faculty like you? Each year, IE@OSU welcomes a cohort of up to 20 STEM faculty from OSU, Linn-Benton and Lane Community Colleges to participate in a year-long fellowship. We are now accepting applications for Fellows for the 2021-2022 cohort. Click here for application and more info. Deadline to apply is May 3.
New Impact Report for OSU Libraries and Press is available: OSU Libraries and Press' annual Impact Report highlights the challenges and the accomplishments of the previous year. Read the Impact Report for 2019-20 at library.oregonstate.edu/file/2019-2020libraryimpactreportpdf.
Award nominations: The Hattie Redmond Women & Gender Center invites nominations for annual awards. There are three award categories: Women of Achievement Award, AYA Award and Student Leader Award. Nominations close on Monday, May 3. Information about each award and the nomination process can be found at: https://beav.es/3Zu.
CFP: 2021-22 Humanities Research Clusters. The OSU Center for the Humanities invites proposals for 2021-22 interdisciplinary research clusters. This program offers scholars with expertise in different fields the opportunity to explore a topic of shared interest in common and in depth. Deadline: Tuesday, June 1, 5 p.m. More information and application instructions are available online at: https://humanities.oregonstate.edu/research-clusters.
OSU Community Hub: Free platform for Beavers to connect, learn and share. Introduce yourself and get to know other Oregon State students and employees through this new resource; ask questions to your peers about child care, caregiving, family events, community resources; and join interest groups to connect with those who share similar professional interests and experiences. For more information, contact the Family Resource Center at FamilyResources@oregonstate.edu.
STEM Academy: STEM Academy is hosting a broad range of STEM Summer Day Camps from mid-June through early August for students who will be entering grades 3-12 in the fall of 2021. Registration for the summer program is open. Topics include: transportation, coding, invention, engineering, computer graphics and modeling, cybersecurity, biochemistry, computational biology, powered machines, Lego robotics, wildlife science, and the computational mystery of board games. For more information or to register online, please visit http://stemacademy.oregonstate.edu. For questions, call 541-737-8139 or email STEM.academy@oregonstate.edu. Needs-based scholarships available for all camps.
OSU ADA30 Celebratory Symposium: Registration is now open. The symposium is the culmination of a year-long celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act at Oregon State University. This symposium combines poster and paper sessions with community-oriented workshops and facilitated discussions to create opportunities for dialogue across spheres of experience. This is a digital event that will be held on Zoom May 4-27. This symposium is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Visit the OSU ADA30 Blog for more information about symposium accessibility, registration and sessions.
Marine Studies Initiative Photo Contest: Highlight the new Marine Studies degree, which focuses on the relationship between people and the marine environment, by submitting an original photo for our photo contest. Submit at beav.es/Jj4. Must be an OSU student. Three photos can be submitted per person. Winner will receive two tickets to the Oregon Coast Aquarium and be featured on MSI socials, website and newsletter.
Applications for PCOSW scholarships and event co-sponsorships for summer and fall term projects are now being accepted. The President’s Commission on the Status of Women provides funding to faculty, students, and staff who are pursuing professional development, research, outreach or creative projects related to women’s issues. Scholarships average $300 and are paid by reimbursement. Applications are due Friday, April 30. Visit https://leadership.oregonstate.edu/pcosw/funding-opportunities for detailed guidelines, qualification requirements, and application links. Questions? Contact pcosw@oregonstate.edu.
Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2021 University Mentoring and Professional Development Award. This award, presented annually at University Day, recognizes any classified, professional faculty or faculty member who excels in mentoring, supporting and encouraging OSU employees, especially women and those from under-represented groups or non-traditional careers, and making available to them opportunities for professional, educational and personal development. 2021 President’s Commission on the Status of Women believes that mentoring and development are critical to excellent performance and employee satisfaction. The award offers a way of commending individuals who support the learning environment for OSU employees. For more information and a list of past recipients: https://leadership.oregonstate.edu/pcosw/funding-opportunities. Nominations are due May 4. Questions? Contact pcosw@oregonstate.edu.
Legislative Scholars Program: The OSU Legislative Scholars Program enables students to learn about, and engage in, current public policy issues while also increasing student advocacy in the Oregon State Legislature. We are actively seeking the participation of historically marginalized, under-represented and STEM students who are interested in engaging in the political process. The program is open to undergraduate students attending Corvallis, Cascades and Ecampus, with a preference for students who are in their third and fourth years. Students may enroll for 2 credits/quarter which may qualify for majors across campus. Students may also chose to enroll for the non-credit/tuition-free option that appears on their transcripts. Fall enrollment will be limited to 50 students. Application deadline: Friday, April 30. For information about how to apply: How to Apply to the Program. If you have questions or would like more information contact the program director: jock.mills@oregonstate.edu.
Washington Way: For work related to Pacific Power system upgrades, the multi-use path along SW Washington Way will be temporarily closed between 30th Street and 35th Street for electrical work being performed by Pacific Power. A detour will be in place (view detour map). Work is scheduled to start on Monday, April 26 and continue through Friday, April 30.
“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning." ~ Albert Einstein.
Corvallis: Slight chance of rain, high of 69, low of 46. Partly sunny Saturday, mostly sunny Sunday.
Central Oregon: Partly sunny, high of 72, low of 44. Mostly sunny Saturday, sunny Sunday.
Newport: Chance of rain, high of 58, low of 45. Partly sunny Saturday, sunny Sunday.
Statewide: For OSU employees around the state, find your local forecast here: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/