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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. For more about this section, see: https://today.oregonstate.edu/email/submission-guidelines.
Oregon State University’s Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine will host its community Pet Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 7. Leashed animals of all kinds are invited to attend with their humans.
"Relying on those approaches alone is not going to reduce the production of plastic enough for us to not have an impact on the environment," Dr. Susanne Brander told Salon. An expert in environmental toxicology studying the impacts of microplastics on gene expression at Oregon State University, Brander was among nine experts that wrote the letter to the journal Science.
A committee made up of state and local governments, farmers and Oregon State University has been working for decades to reduce nitrate contamination in the Lower Umatilla Basin groundwater, but the problem persists and continues to put the area’s drinking water at risk.
Southern Oregon University features three lectures in the series on Monday and Tuesday (May 9-10) by Vrushali Bokil, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research Professor at Oregon State University. The first in the series calls mathematics "A Language for Understanding Love, Life, and the Universe." We explore that and other topics with the professor.
James Harry McAlexander, professor emeritus with the College of Business, passed away April 18, 2022, at the age of 63.
The Oregon State University Department of Public Safety officially welcomed Cedar, a 17-month-old black Lab, to the team this April to serve as the department’s wellness dog.
Morning snack: Anita Hughes, Master of Engineering coordinator/instructor, says, “This morning on my way to class I walked past this pair of Mallard ducks hanging out between Bexell and Weniger. Having breakfast maybe? They were very unconcerned about folks walking past.” We are accepting photo submissions at osutoday@oregonstate.edu.
Timely Teaching Tips: Developing a new course or refreshing an old one? See Creating a Syllabus That Students Want to Read for strategies that can increase student attention to your syllabus. Making a syllabus visually appealing and giving careful consideration to tone and wording can be beneficial. CTL provides guidance for writing a warm-tone syllabus.
Music à la Carte: Oregon Symphony Trio. OSO Principal Clarinetist James T. Shields, clarinet; Trevor Fitzpatrick, cello; and Yoko Greeney, piano, perform a program of music by Kenji Bunch, Xenakis and Brahms. Friday, May 6 at noon in the Memorial Union Lounge. Free, open to all. Livestream available.
Department of Integrative Biology Ph.D. Defense Seminar: Kelsey Swieca will present “Influence of regional oceanography on the distributions, trophic interactions, growth, and survival of the early life history stages of fishes,” May 6, 10 a.m. via hybrid format: in person in Marine Studies Building Auditorium at Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport; or virtual via Zoom. Swieca is completing her Ph.D. in integrative biology under the guidance of Su Sponaugle.
PFLA Lunch and Learn: "Effective Email Communication," presented by Jeannine Cropley. Bring your best practices and lessons learned to this interactive, informal event. May 6, noon to 1 p.m. Join in person (Covell 139) or via Zoom.
Applied Economics Seminar: Prof. Simanti Banerjee from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will present "Role of Gender Identity on Conservation Effort and Leasing Contract Choice on Rented Farmland: A Lab Experiment," via Zoom. Friday, May 6, 12:30-2: p.m. Details, including dial-in information, here.
Summer Spreadsheet Help Session: Angela Williamson, support services manager with University Human Resources, will be offering a Help Session for Summer Academic Wage hiring via the spreadsheet process. May 6, 3-5 p.m., in University Plaza, Suite 150. Zoom available; email hrsupportservices@oregonstate.edu. Free parking.
WIC Workshop: Writing consultants are trained to support their peers across all majors through one-on-one conversations about the writer’s process and draft. On Friday, May 6 at 3 p.m. via Zoom, a panel of writing consultants will describe assignment features that writers often find confusing, as well as assignment features that help students understand their writing tasks. Register here.
The Robert S. Iltis Colloquium Series: Yanni Ma, associate professor of organizational and environmental communication, will present "Are You Threatening Me? Identity Threat, Resistance to Persuasion, and Boomerang Effects in Environmental Communication," on Friday, May 6, 4-5 p.m. in Shepard Hall, Room 106.
OSU Rainbow Connect Welcome Social: Join the OSU Rainbow Connect alumni network for a casual Friday evening meetup in downtown Corvallis with food and drinks (no-host bar), a great view and the company of friends, new and old. Friday, May 6 at 6 p.m. at Sky High Brewing. RSVP now.
SWLF Visiting Writers Series Reading with Venita Blackburn: Celebrated writer and educator Venita Blackburn will host a free reading and Q&A in the Valley Library Rotunda on Friday, May 6, at 7:30 p.m. Learn more about the event and SWLF’s Visiting Writers Series on our VWS Events page.
NEW! Public Meetings Notice:
The Oregon State University Board of Trustees will hold executive session meetings Saturday, May 7, 2022, and Monday, May 9, 2022, to discuss matters related to the employment of the university’s next president and hold interviews with semi-finalist candidates.
The executive sessions will be held remotely on Saturday, May 7, with the board meeting at 8:15 a.m. and holding candidate interviews at 8:30 a.m.; 10:30 a.m.; and 1:30 p.m. The executive session is anticipated to end Saturday at 3:30 p.m. Times for the Monday executive session and interviews with semi-finalist candidates will be provided by public notice by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 6, 2022.
The executive sessions are being held in keeping with Oregon law – ORS 192.660(2)(a) that allows a public body to meet in executive session to consider the employment of a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent.
According to Oregon law, media are allowed to attend an executive session but not report on the meeting or discussions held during the executive session. Given the remote meeting format, representatives of the news media should contact Steve Clark, OSU vice president for university relations and marketing, by emailing steve.clark@oregonstate.edu by Friday, May 6 at 8 p.m. to attend the executive session portion of the meeting.
Pet Day: Oregon State University’s Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine is hosting its community Pet Day event on May 7. Pet Day is a family and pet friendly event with that includes a 5K fun run, teddy bear surgery in the kids zone, dog wash and nail trim, tours of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, reptiles, pet costume contest, local vendors and many more fun activities. The fun run begins at 9 a.m. and all Pet Day activities are open from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Magruder Hall. Some activities include a minimal fee. Leashed pets are welcome. For questions, contact sara.k.smith@oregonstate.edu.
Beaver Classic Cheese: Beaver Classic is back. Come see our new food truck at Farmer’s Market on the waterfront in downtown Corvallis. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. You can’t miss us…we’re orange. We will be featuring Beaver Classic products including our many cheeses, honey and beef jerky. We are now serving ice cream, milkshakes and grilled cheese, too.
Sakumuna Concert: The Corvallis Multicultural Literacy Center will be hosting a concert on Saturday, May 7, from 3 p.m.-4 p.m. outside of the Einerson House (2638 NW Jackson Ave., Corvallis). This community-wide event is free and includes food, drinks and raffle prizes. For more information, visit https://fb.me/e/1A1Qg2ygA.
LGBTQIA+ alumni reunion: Build and renew connections with friends of the OSU Pride Center as it celebrates 20 years on campus, plus celebrate new milestones, such as the OSU Rainbow Connect Alumni Network’s first in-person gathering. Join the fun on Saturday, May 7 from 6-8 p.m. at the Memorial Union Lounge. Register today.
Tour of historic OSU: OSU is Corvallis' most recent historic district with more than 80 contributing structures, and it’s the only Oregon campus listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Learn about the development of campus structures, and early Olmsted and Taylor campus plans, quads, and viewsheds. OSU’s Larry Landis will lead the tour on May 8 from 2-4 p.m., starting on the south side of Community Hall. The tour is limited to 25 people, so an RSVP is required. Contact tro2005@gmail.com.
Steinway Piano Concert Series: Sergei Babayan. Corvallis-OSU Piano International presents Armenian-American pianist Sergei Babyan in recital in Austin Auditorium at The LaSells Stewart Center. Sunday, May 8, at 4 p.m. Tickets $25 in advance, $28 at the door. OSU students free with ID. Tickets and more information.
NEW! Artists Panel: With Steph Littlebird, Shirod Younke and Natalie Ball. May 9, 4-5:30 p.m. in Kaku-Ixt Mana Ina Haws. Hybrid option link: https://beav.es/wjm. Accommodations for disabilities may be made by contacting Luhui Whitebear at: luhui.whitebear@oregonstate.edu or 541-737-9036.
NEW! Unwind in the Plaza: Take a break from your busy day and join CAPS in the SEC Plaza to enjoy a variety of relaxing activities and refreshments. May 10, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
NEW! Capital Projects Town Hall: Sustainability at OSU. May 10 from 2-3 p.m. via Zoom. Register here: https://beav.es/waq. Join experts within the Division of Finance and Administration in a conversation about the university's efforts to reduce OSU's carbon footprint. This webinar will provide an overview of sustainability upgrades made to buildings during renovations and on new building projects at the Corvallis and Bend campuses; an update on OSU’s Path to Carbon Neutrality; information about OSU’s sustainable transportation strategy; and a brief overview of the capital projects funding model.
OSUWE Side Story: Oregon State University Wind Ensemble Spring Concert. Directed by Erik Leung. Will feature the West Coast premiere of Dreams Unseen for Soprano and Chamber Ensemble by Peter Meechan, featuring OSU Voice Instructor Amy Hansen, soprano. Also Symphonic Dances from West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein. May 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the LaSells Stewart Center. Free, open to all. Livestream may be viewed at https://beav.es/wFC.
What To Fix at Oregon State University: ASOSU is hosting an end-of-the-year event that welcomes students to share their thoughts and concerns regarding their experiences at OSU in a safe space. May 19, 2-5 p.m., in the Memorial Union Quad. Share your thoughts, eat free pizza and enter into a raffle for the chance to win a few large prizes.
Celebrating Undergraduate Excellence: Register today to attend the 2022 Celebrating Undergraduate Excellence (CUE) Symposium on May 19 from 9 a.m. to noon in the Memorial Union Ballroom and online via Canvas for those who are unable to join us in Corvallis. Register to attend by May 17. Students will present in person (posters) or virtually (pre-recorded 3-minute talk in Canvas). For more info, visit https://beav.es/wLP or contact OfficeofURSA@oregonstate.edu.
NEW! Care.com’s Senior Care & Tough Conversations: Caring for aging loved ones can bring joys and challenges but may also require tough conversations that you’d prefer to avoid. Clear and proactive communication can make a huge difference in getting to the best outcome. Hear from national experts on aging and caregiving how to approach sensitive topics such as driving, finances, changes in memory and cognition, and end-of-life care. May 10, 9 a.m Register here.
NEW! Ph.D defense, Claire Tortorelli: Claire Tortorelli will present her dissertation titled: “Drivers and impacts of a recent annual grass invasion: Ventenata dubia and fire in the Inland Northwest,” May 10 at 10 a.m. in Richardson 107 and via Zoom. Totorelli is earning her Ph.D in forest ecosystems and society with Meg Krawchuk and Becky Kerns. Contact the FES Department at FES.Workbox@oregonstate.edu for the Zoom link or questions.
NEW! Center for Teaching and Learning Sparkshop: Engaging students in cooperative learning in STEM classes. Want to know evidence-based conditions and strategies for engaging students in productive cooperative learning experiences? Participate in the cooperative learning workshop. May 10, noon to 12:45 p.m. Registration required.
NEW! Getting a Dam Job: Prepare for the Academic/PostDoc Job Search. If you’re a current graduate student who is considering an academic career, this virtual workshop and panel discussion from the Career Development Center is for you. Join us Tuesday, May 10, from noon to 1 p.m. to learn how to optimize your academic job search.
NEW! People and Nature Lunch Series: Olivia Cameron (geography) presents “Social Identity and Agricultural Decision-Making: Barriers to Adaptation in a Changing Climate.” The lecture is free and open to all. Nash Hall 032 or join online (https://beav.es/pan). Tuesday, May 10, noon to 12:50 p.m. More information at https://peopleandnatureosu.weebly.com.
NEW! College of Engineering Virtual Lecture: Camille Palmer, associate professor, nuclear science and engineering, will speak on “Reducing Global Nuclear Threats – OSU’s Role in Nuclear Nonproliferation,” May 10, noon to 1 p.m. Free and open to the public. For details and registration: https://beav.es/iUj.
Merit increase information: Leaders preparing to implement the Faculty Salary Increase Program are invited to join a Calibrating Your Merit Increases information session. A recommended decision-making process will be introduced. There are two opportunities to participate live via Zoom: Monday, May 9 from 3-3:55 p.m. or Tuesday, May 10 from 8:30-9:25 a.m. Registration is required. Sessions will be recorded and posted to the Human Resources webpage as an ongoing resource.
Science Pub: Oregon State University’s Science Pub on Monday, May 9, will focus on the perspectives and complexities associated with responsible wind energy generation off the Oregon Coast. The virtual event, a joint effort of Oregon State University in Corvallis and OSU-Cascades in Bend, will feature Flaxen Conway, director of OSU’s marine resource management graduate grogram and an Oregon Sea Grant Extension specialist. The free Science Pub will run from 6-7:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on YouTube Live. Registration is required and can be completed at https://beav.es/ioC. Instructions to access the event will be sent to those who RSVP.
2022 National Traditional Ecological Knowledge Summit: This summit, hosted by OSU’s Traditional Ecological Knowledge Club, will create a space (centered on Indigenous peoples but open to all) to learn from TEK holders, Elders and scholars. A public listening session will be hosted by the White House about Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge. Summit runs May 10-12, via Zoom. Register here.
Beavers SAVE Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention. We can all help prevent suicide. This workshop will provide the skills you need to effectively help or intervene with a friend or family member who is considering suicide. Open to all OSU community members. May 10, noon to 1:30 p.m.. in MU 211, May 17, noon to 1:30 p.m. via Zoom, Join at https://beav.es/wXR. Questions? Contact tess.websterhenry@oregonstate.edu.
Examining White Identity Spring Student Series: An invitation into anti-racist growth. This two-part virtual series is designed for White-identified students to deepen their understanding of and commitment to racial justice work and anti-racism practice. Join us May 10 and 17, 5-7 p.m. Learn more and apply here by Friday, May 6. Applications will be accepted until the series is full.
WorldOregon presents the 2022 International Speaker Series: "Intersections." WorldOregon’s International Speaker Series puts you virtually in the room with the global leaders, visionaries and inspiring voices that are changing our world. A limited number of tickets are available to attend a virtual lecture by award-winning advocate, writer and citizen of Cherokee Nation, Rebecca Nagle, May 10 at 7:30 p.m. She will speak on “Nations within a Nation: Tribal Sovereignty 101.” For tickets, email Global.Engagement@oregonstate.edu.
Save the date for Think Open Symposium on May 16: You have the ability to lower the cost of learning for students. To learn more, join OSU’s Open Educational Resources Unit and the Center for Teaching and Learning on May 16 for an in-person symposium featuring lively presentations and discussions on OER, social justice and open access. Learn from faculty and education professionals who can speak to the positive impact OER has on students. View the event schedule and register today.
2022 University Distinguished Professor Lecture featuring Michael Freitag: Join us for a lecture with OSU’s 2022 University Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Michael Freitag. Freitag’s lecture titled, "Epigenetics: I Know It When I See It" will be held on Friday, May 20 at 9 a.m. in the MU Horizon Room, followed by a Q&A moderated by Roy Haggerty, Dean of the College of Science. Advanced registration and in-person attendance are encouraged. The lecture will be live-streamed via live.oregonstate.edu during the event.
2022 University Distinguished Professor Lecture featuring Brent Steel: Join us for a lecture with OSU’s 2022 University Distinguished Professor of Public Policy, Brent Steel. Steel’s lecture titled, "The Democracy and Technocracy Quandary: Science, Scientists, and the Policy Process" will be held on Friday, May 20 at 11 a.m. in the MU Horizon Room, followed by a Q&A moderated by Larry Rodgers, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. Advancedd registration and in-person attendance are encouraged. The lecture will be live-streamed via live.oregonstate.edu during the event.
2022 University Distinguished Professor Lecture featuring Kathryn Higley: Join us for a lecture with OSU’s 2022 University Distinguished Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering, Kathryn Higley. Higley’s lecture titled, "Bugs, Bunnies, and Bombs: Radioecology's Role in Radiation Protection" will be held on Friday, May 20 at 1 p.m. in the MU Horizon Room, followed by a Q&A moderated by Belinda Batten, Executive Associate Dean of the College of Engineering. Advanced registration and in-person attendance are encouraged. The lecture will be live-streamed via live.oregonstate.edu during the event.
Every Beaver can be a leader: Students are invited to participate in a day-long immersive leadership summit for a fun and interactive day of leadership exploration and action planning. Explore your leadership abilities through engaging workshops and team-building activities. To help create sustainable change at OSU, please join ASOSU on May 22 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in the MU Horizon room. Light breakfast and lunch will be provided to registered participants. Register here.
NEW! 35 Year Club inductees: Congratulations to Shana Withee, associate professor and State 4-H International program coordinator, for 35 years of service to OSU. You can read more about their time at OSU and others who have reached this milestone by clicking on their name.
May is Bike Month and OSU's Spring Bike Challenge is happening now: You still have time to join the fun. New ZAP riders are welcome anytime, and you have until May 16 to add a team to this year's challenge. Need help finding teammates? You and your bike are invited for a social ride. All biking types and levels are welcome. Please email questions to transportation@oregonstate.edu.
Tips for accessing mental health therapy services through Beyond Benefits EAP: You have three sessions available per household member per issue as opposed to per year. To get assistance making an appointment, ask for a confirmed appointment before leaving the call. If you would like to make the appointment and choose a therapist yourself, you can ask for a list of therapists in the EAP Network. EAP providers are expected to have an appointment within 5-7 days and return all calls to schedule within 24 hours. If this does not happen the EAP asks that you call back and they will assist you. If you would prefer a quicker connection to a therapist by text/chat, phone or video the EAP also offers services through BetterHelp. You just call the EAP number (1-855-327-4722) and ask to be referred to BetterHelp.
Volunteers needed for the Great Move Out: Each year, OSU has the opportunity to offer students an easy way to donate the items they no longer need while moving out, redistributing those reusable goods to nonprofits in our community — usually over 10 tons. It takes the hard work of both OSU staff and volunteers to make this happen. The Great Move Out is sponsored by OSU Surplus Property, Campus Recycling, and University Housing & Dining Services. For more information, contact Andrea Norris of Campus Recycling at Andrea.Norris@oregonstate.edu or 541-737-5398. To volunteer: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040544a5a62d6-2022.
CFP: Humanities Research Clusters: The OSU Center for the Humanities invites proposals for 2022-2023 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: Friday, June 3, 5 p.m. More information and application instructions are available here.
Recruiting participants for virtual reality study: We are seeking participants for a study evaluating the efficiency and usability of different navigation tools for exploring virtual cities in VR. You are eligible to participate if you are at least 18 years old, fluent in English, have normal or corrected-to-normal vision, and not suffering from epileptic seizures or other medical conditions related to digital screens. For more information please visit beav.es/wFb.
Monthly Emergency Preparedness Topic: Recreational Water Safety. Whether a tiny trickle of a creek, enough to cool your toes, or the vast expanses of beaches, water provides an exciting element to outdoor recreation. Even the most seasoned of water enthusiasts can be surprised by changing water conditions. Don’t let good times turn very bad because you didn’t follow some basic water safety guidelines. This month’s poster can be downloaded at: https://emergency.oregonstate.edu/emergency-management/preparedness-topics/recreational-water-safety
Free COVID tests: Free iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Tests are available around the Corvallis campus. Each box contains two tests. While supplies last, OSU community members can pick up these self-test kits at the following locations: Residence Hall Service Centers (Arnold, McNary and West); Lab tent outside Plageman Hall; Memorial Union Info Desk and Student Experience Center Info Desk. For questions or accommodations related to disabilities, contact coronavirus.health@oregonstate.edu.
COVID-19 testing: Oregon State University, in collaboration with Willamette Valley Toxicology (WVT), is providing on-site COVID-19 testing for people without symptoms. OSU employees and students, regardless of vaccination status, are welcome to test at one of these locations: Corvallis: Lab tent outside Plageman Hall Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and Cascade Hall 120, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Bend: Outside Obsidian Hall Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3-5 p.m. Note: All employees will need a WVT Labdash account prior to testing.
Washington Way: For work related to the Washington Way Improvement Project, a planned sidewalk closure along the north side of SW Washington Way is scheduled to run from 8 a.m. Friday, May 6 through 5 p.m. Monday, June 13. Pacific Power will be on site performing work related to the project (view map).
"Just think what a dull world it would be if everyone was sensible." ~ L.M. Montgomery
Corvallis: Showers today, high of 57, low of 47. Showers through the weekend.
Central Oregon: Showers today, high of 59, low of 37. Chance of rain and snow Saturday, snow Sunday.
Newport: Rain and windy today, high of 54, low of 48. Showers through the weekend.
Statewide: For OSU employees around the state, find your local forecast here: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/.
