OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
Open search box
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: OSU is providing random COVID-19 TRACE OSU testing by invitation for students, faculty and staff Monday-Thursday weekly on the Corvallis campus and Monday-Thursday every other week on the OSU-Cascades campuses and at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport. Free parking will be provided to those working remotely to come to the Corvallis campus for testing. Testing will continue throughout fall term. Here is a link to enroll. For additional information: https://trace.oregonstate.edu/osu
NEW! Timely Teaching Tips: Seeking ways to ensure remote course participation remains high? Students are motivated to participate when they “see” evidence of your engagement in the course beyond Zoom meetings. You can sustain your instructor presence in Canvas by posting announcements, participating in discussion forums, and providing timely responses to email and Q&A discussion posts.
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.
Oregon State University’s TRACE Community COVID-19 testing project is heading to Eugene this weekend, where collaboration with the University of Oregon will provide a better understanding of the virus’ community-wide prevalence.
Oregon State University researchers determine sulfoxaflor and flupyradifurone can shorten lives and cause stress.
Many growers wrapped up most of the harvest a little earlier than usual, in early September, but that was because the volume was lower than normal, said Rick Hilton, an entomologist with the Oregon State University Extension Service office near Jacksonville.
Irem Tumer, who has helped lead Oregon State University’s research enterprise to record-setting funding levels, has been named vice president for research at the university, President F. King Alexander announced Wednesday.
Small shifts in ocean temperature can have significant effects on the eating habits of blackfin tuna during the larval stage of development, when finding food and growing quickly are critical to long-term survival, a new study from Oregon State University researchers has found.
A new Oregon State University program has recently received funding to help improve and respond proactively to mental health concerns and substance use in rural communities by furthering local partnerships.
The Oregon Department of State Lands and Oregon State University will be hosting a public forum Thursday about the university's proposal to turn the Elliot State Forest into a research forest, according to the department.
Today's workspace: Dave Warneking, operations and facilities executive support for UHDS, says, “I took a break from work on Sunday, Oct. 4 and visited Cape Blanco to fly my fully aerobatic radio control glider. I flew for hours on the wind blowing in from the sea. Just too fun.” Now it's time to show us what you're doing to help cope with daily life and work in 2020. Take a photo and send it to osutoday@oregonstate.edu. Follow OSU Today on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/osutoday1/ and catch up on any photos you might have missed so far.
NEW! Anthropology Lecture Series: "Emergent Afterlives: Zika, COVID-19 and Ethnography after the Outbreak" by Eliza Williamson from Washington University in St. Louis. Friday, Nov. 6 at noon. Free and open to all. To join the virtual presentation via Zoom, use meeting ID 918 8649 8232 with password 8c574f.
NEW! Music a la Carte this week features a remote performance by Chris Rorrer, cello, with Danielle Yi, piano, live from Yi's studio in Lomita, California. Friday, Nov. 6 at noon. The program includes music by Shostakovich, Ginastera and Foss. Rorrer, formerly of Corvallis, is an OSU alumnus and the son of CLA music advisor Kristin Rorrer. He received his B.S. in public health management and policy in 2014 and recently completed a master's degree in cello performance at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at Cal State. The webcast is free to view (register for link here) and will also be streamed on Facebook Live.
Introduction to Process Mapping: The university is a complex system, and it is easy for faculty, staff and students alike to become lost and fatigued in a maze of procedures and routine tasks. Process mapping is a practical framework to examine how we do things and identify ways to improve our work. Using these techniques, you can redesign processes and streamline work to better support the students, faculty, community members and others you work with. It's also helpful for adapting processes to the remote learning and working environment. Join us to learn the basics of process mapping, practice your skills on an example university process, and leave with templates and additional resources. Part of the Fall 2020 FYI Friday series, Nov. 6, 9-10 a.m. via Zoom. Registration required.
POC student discussion: As part of the Center for Teaching & Learning’s RRR book club, CTL's student staff will be hosting a POC Student Discussion hosted by Dharma Mirza. Dharma will discuss the RRR books and contextualize the materials through her experience as a student of color and as an anti-racist community educator. Friday, Nov. 6, noon to 1 p.m., via Zoom https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/96273290664?pwd=Vms4L2pEVXAzTy91bFBneFU5Z05mZz09 Live Captioning will be provided, for any accessibility requests please contact Dharma Mirza at mirzak@oregonstate.edu.
Anthropology lecture: The Oregon State University Anthropology Lecture Series features Eliza Williamson from Washington University in St. Louis, speaking on “Emergent afterlives: Zika, COVID-19, and ethnography after the outbreak,” on Nov. 6. The fall series continues through Dec. 4 and is free and open to all. It will feature national and international guest speakers giving 30-45 minute lectures via Zoom. All events will start at noon. To join a virtual lecture, please enter Zoom meeting ID 918 8649 8232 with password 8c574f.
Epidemiology/suicide seminar: Kimberly K. Repp, Ph.D., MPH, supervisor, Washington County Public Health Division, and adjunct faculty in Pacific University’s MPH program, will present “If you want to save lives, start with the dead: Reducing suicides through shoe leather epidemiology.” Friday, Nov. 6, 1-2 p.m. Co-sponsored by the CPHHS Epidemiology Program. The seminar will be presented via Zoom; find details at https://health.oregonstate.edu/seminars.
Applied Economics Seminar: Friday, Nov. 6, from 2:30-4 p.m. Professor Jordan Suter, Colorado State University, will present "Tradeoffs in the Design of Subsidies for Groundwater Conservation" via Zoom. Details, including dial-in information, here.
PERS - All About OPSRP Webinar: Saturday, Nov. 7, from 8:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. PERS online webinar geared toward faculty and staff who are PERS OPSRP members at any point in their career. Topics covered: OPSRP membership details and benefits, retirement eligibility, OPSRP benefit estimate, retirement processes, the Individual Account Program and member resources. To register, visit the PERS website here. Questions? Contact Retirement@oregonstate.edu.
University Budget Committee: The University Budget Committee (UBC) will meet this Friday, Nov. 6 from 2-3:30 p.m., via Zoom. The UBC is OSU’s advisory body to the Provost for recommendations on tuition rates, budget priorities and budget policies. The committee will discuss projections and planning relevant to developing budget recommendations for 2021-22. Members of the university community are welcome to join the meetings as observers. If you are interested in joining as an observer you may register for the webinar here. Future meeting times and locations can be found at https://fa.oregonstate.edu/budget/university-budget-committee/ubc-meeting-schedule.
Vistas and Vineyards 2020 Juried Art Show opening reception: Vistas and Vineyards is celebrating 31 years of painting outdoors and they are sharing their work with the community. Thirty-five member artists will display 97 works of art painted en plein air. Join us for the opening reception on Thursday, Nov. 12 in the Giustina Gallery at The LaSells Stewart Center. Reservations are required. We are hosting three reservation time slots at 5, 6. or 7 p.m. Space is limited. The exhibit runs from Nov. 5 through Dec. 15. More information including reception registration and gallery hours.
U.S. 20 Safety Upgrades (Albany to Corvallis) Online Open House: ODOT is holding an online open house from Oct. 19-Nov. 15 to share information and gather comments from the public regarding safety improvements along U.S. 20 between North Albany and Corvallis. A U.S. 20 Highway Safety Study recommended a variety of safety improvements along this corridor, which ODOT is planning to construct in phases. More information can be found at the U.S. 20 Safety Upgrades project page.
NEW! Science Pub - "Fires in the West: How to build fire adaptive communities for the future," with Erica Fischer, Monday, Nov. 9 at 6 p.m. The 2020 fire season has brought devastation to Oregon’s central Cascade Range. As communities recover and other communities look to mitigate for wildfire hazards, there are many elements that can be considered, particularly as our climate grows hotter and more dry. Fischer will discuss the wildland-urban interface and choices that can be made to reduce damage to infrastructure in the future. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/science-pub-fires-in-the-west-tickets-125526811071
NEW! People and Nature Lunch Series: Sonia Bruck (Forest Ecosystems & Society) presents “Who Benefits from Development Aid? A Case Study in Rural Tanzania." The lecture is free and open to all. Tuesday, Nov. 10, from noon to 12:50 p.m. To join the meeting, register at https://peopleandnatureosu.weebly.com/fall-2020.html. Sponsored by the Department of Fisheries & Wildlife’s Human Dimensions Lab.
NEW! Beaver Family Connections: Birth to 5: The most critical period in a child’s development is from birth to 5 years old. Join us to learn about the early stages of your child’s development and get answers to questions you may have. Tune in on Tuesday, Nov. 10 from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom. Any questions or concerns can be directed to the Family Resource Center at familyresources@oregonstate.edu.
NEW! Cabildos Speaker Series: Oregon State University’s School of History, Philosophy and Religious Studies is hosting a live webcast speaker series called the Cabildos Speaker Series that seeks to center Black voices in academia. The Nov. 10, 4 p.m. webcast will feature Miguel Valerio, assistant professor of Spanish, Washington University, St. Louis. Valerio will speak on “Detroit Under STRESS: Protesting Police Violence in the 1970s and the Present.” Register for Zoom here.
NEW! Community Dialogue: How does real change come from protests? Community Dialogues are a series which seeks to cultivate connection and deep learning through the exploration of critical and continuous issues. Nov. 18, 4-5:30 p.m, held on Zoom. Learn more and register to get Zoom details; space is limited. Presented by Community Engagement & Leadership, the Office of Institutional Diversity and University Housing & Dining Services. For more information or accommodations for disabilities, contact 541-737-3041 or cel@oregonstate.edu.
NEW! From Oregon State University to the Oregon State Senate: Join the OSU Alumni Association Changemakers series on Nov. 23 for an inspiring conversation with Senator Sara Gelser, M.A. ’99. Learn about the policy work that increased medical and support services for Oregon’s families and vulnerable populations and led Time Magazine to name Sen. Gelser a “Person of the Year” Silence Breaker in 2017. Register and watch the recorded debut episode.
Move Beyond “Veteran Friendly” Rhetoric: "Implement Systemic Initiatives to Embrace Military Culture and Foster A Supportive Community for Veterans and Military-affiliated Students," Nov. 9, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. An interactive webinar where expert presenters share the support strategies and initiatives — such as the successful Green Zone — they have implemented on their campus. These programs have moved them beyond talking the talk to walking the talk. They are meeting and exceeding the unique academic, social and career goals of their veterans and military-affiliated students — and so can you. To register: https://paperclipcomm.adobeconnect.com/veteran11920. For instructions on how to log in and receive materials, contact William Elfering at William.Elfering@oregonstate.edu.
Department of Horticulture seminar series: Join the Fall 2020 Seminar Series Mondays at noon via Zoom. Nov. 9, at noon: Ernst Cebert, Xianyan Kuang and R. Srinivasa Mentreddy, Alabama A&M, will present, “Investigation of new crops for Alabama and the Southeast U.S. Industrial Hemp, Miscanthus, Tumeric, Basil, and beyond.” The event is free and open to the public. Please register for the Zoom meeting in advance: https://beav.es/oQL. Once you register, a password will be emailed to you in advance of the meeting.
Crop and Soil Science: The Department of Crop and Soil Science Fall Seminar Series continues Monday, Nov. 9, at 4 p.m., with a presentation titled “Leveraging metagenomics to understand the microbial world underfoot” by Xinda Lu, who is currently a postdoctoral scholar at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His research focuses on the structure and interactions of soil microbial community, and their contributions to ecosystem processes, with a particular interest in nitrogen cycling. Zoom link: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/93662337230?pwd=MFFKdXVPazNjODBiZ0RDelR0TmV1Zz09
Provost’s Lecture Series: Henry Louis Gates, Jr. rescheduled: Henry Louis Gates, Jr.’s lecture titled “The Collapse of Reconstruction and The Roots of White Supremacy” will be held on Nov. 9, 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. The Provost’s Lecture Series is a partnership of the Office of the Provost and the OSU Foundation to bring renowned thinkers and leaders to OSU to engage the University and community on topics of significance. A second Provost’s Lecture featuring Mae C. Jemison will be held on Feb. 4, 2021. Visit this page to register to attend.
PFLA search advocate overview: Please join us for this month’s event hosted by the Professional Faculty Leadership Association, “Search Advocate Program Overview,” Nov. 12, noon to 1 p.m., via Zoom. Learn more about how this program enhances equity, validity and diversity in university hiring (presented by Anne Gilles – Program Director). For more information about the event and how to register click here.
Under the Orange Light: The Faculty Senate Executive Committee presents an Under the Orange Light seminar focused on the outcome of the 2020 election on Thursday, Nov. 12 from 5:30-7 p.m. Join us for an interactive presentation led by political science professors Christopher Stout, Rorie Solberg and David Bernell, and moderated by Erika McCalpine. The event is open to alumni, current students, faculty, staff and community members. No pre-registration required. https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/94237494277
Blending Your Teaching with Instructional Media Workshops: Harness the power of instructional media. Discover ways to create media and learn effective practices for remote and blended teaching. CTL and Academic Technology invite instructors and GTAs to a one-hour workshop: 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, or 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18. Info: Faculty Media Center. Register: https://beav.es/oRc
Home buying workshop: OSU employees who are interested in learning more about home buying and financing can attend a special workshop with Advantage Home Plus on Nov. 17 at noon. Register here. The workshop will cover: benefits and risks of owning a home, how to qualify for home financing, down payment assistance and other loan programs, how to improve your credit score and how interest rates can impact purchasing power. To learn more about this benefit in general go to the Employee Benefits website here.
Procurement Virtual Training Classes: Procurement is offering three virtual training classes the week of Nov. 16. These Zoom sessions will be presented as follows: Procurement Standards and Resources, Tuesday, Nov. 17, from 3-4 p.m.; Informal Procurements, Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to noon; and Federal Purchases Under Uniform Guidance, Friday, Nov. 20, from 10-11 a.m. For more information and to register for the sessions, please visit https://fa.oregonstate.edu/pacs/training-support under Self-Directed Trainings and Virtual Trainings.
Are You IN(clusive) Read, Reflect, Reform: The Center for Teaching & Learning fall book club will conclude on Nov. 20 at 11:30, with a special guest speaker: Cyndi Kernahan, author of “Teaching About Race and Racism in the College Classroom - Notes from a White Professor” via Zoom Webinar. The session will be followed by a group discussion of Beverly Daniel Tatum’s book “Why Are All The Black Kids Sitting Together in The Cafeteria.” It is recommended you view her recording about her book and/or her interview on YouTube. Please register.
Social Justice Education Initiative workshops are happening now, including new Tier Two workshops: The SJEI is a foundational professional development program for all faculty, staff and graduate students. Join your colleagues to begin, or expand, your equity and inclusion journey. See the schedule and register for Zoom workshops here. Interested in this work for your unit? Contact SJEI director Jane Waite for further information: jane.waite@oregonstate.edu
Search Advocate Workshops: More OSU Search Advocate workshops are now available by Zoom. 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. Search advocacy offers faculty and staff an opportunity to work with colleagues in other parts of the university, build new skills and perspectives, and contribute to the university’s progress towards inclusive excellence. 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 2021. Three-hour continuing education workshops for current advocates are also available. To register, go to the Professional Development website. Questions? Contact Anne Gillies at anne.gillies@oregonstate.edu or 541-760-6160.
Virtual Mind Spa: The Mind Spa at CAPS is closed during fall term, but you can set up your own Mind Spa at home. Visit our Virtual Mind Spa to experience a variety of ways to relax and recharge including tips on setting up a mini Mind Spa in your house, guided meditations, yoga practices, relaxation techniques, self-care ideas, identity-based resources and more. This site is a work in progress and we would love to hear from you. Email tess.websterhenry@oregonstate.edu your recommendations for content.
New Document Search In BennyBuy: Beginning Nov. 9, the Document Search tool will be changing in BennyBuy as the result of a software update. Please see the updated tip sheet titled “New Document Search” in the Tip Sheet Library for guidance on using the New Document Search.
Faculty member for the Board of Trustees: The OSU Faculty Senate Executive Committee is soliciting nominations and applications for the Faculty Member position on the OSU Board of Trustees. This is a two-year position beginning July 1, 2021 and ending June 30, 2023. Those eligible to apply include all faculty who are eligible to be elected to the Faculty Senate (academic, research and professional faculty), with the exception of administrators who hold an Executive Level 1, 2 or 3 position (Dean or above). Applications are due on Nov. 20, 2020. The role, responsibilities, time commitment and application/nomination process are outlined at https://senate.oregonstate.edu/sites/senate.oregonstate.edu/files/bot_letter.pdf. Questions? Contact Faculty Senate President Dwaine Plaza at dplaza@oregonstate.edu.
Updates to University Policies & Standards: Please visit the University Policy & Standards page to learn about recent policy updates: http://policy.oregonstate.edu/whats-new. This page is updated frequently with new developments, so we encourage you to check back regularly. Also, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter here.
Health & Safety: The University Health & Safety Committee wants to promote health and safety by providing the following information related to new challenges we face this flu season with the COVID-19 pandemic at https://www.saif.com/safety-and-health/meet-donna-mask-our-newest-flu-fighting-superhero.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.
Surplus property guidelines: Fiscal Policy 03-110-207 Surplus Property Sales has been revised to provide clear guidelines & processes associated with sales of OSU surplus property. This policy consolidates two old FIS policies for Surplus Sales (FIS 102-06 & 206) and two PRO policies (PRO 211 Surplus & PRO 804 Surplus Property). The new policy is posted on the FPP website. Please contact the Fiscal Policy Coordinator for your Business Center or the Policy Steward listed on this policy with any questions.
Advancing diversity, equity and inclusion: Oregon State University is committed to building a more equitable and inclusive community. As part of this university-wide commitment, the OSU Foundation and OSU Alumni Association – in partnership with Provost Ed Feser and Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Charlene Alexander – have launched an effort to inspire giving and engagement in support of impactful programs now and in the future for students, faculty and staff of color and other underrepresented groups. Learn more.
Naval ROTC Toys for Tots Drive: For three months each year during the Christmas season, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation leads communities in collecting and distributing toys for children in need. Unfortunately, NROTC will NOT be collecting donations this year due to current restrictions, but you can still help bring joy and hope to less fortunate children this Christmas season by donating through this link.
Affordable learning grant RFP now open: Faculty can now submit proposals for funding to adopt, adapt or author an open textbook through OSU’s Open Educational Resources Unit. This grant supports faculty who make learning more affordable for students by implementing no-cost, high-quality OER in their courses. More information on the grant application and related workshops will be shared soon. The proposal submission deadline is Nov. 30. Questions? Send an email to Stefanie Buck, OER director.
Digital display for the Navy ROTC Armory: https://beav.es/armory A digital interpretive display has been created featuring the Navy ROTC Armory, which was removed as part of the Washington Way Improvement Project. The Navy ROTC Armory holds many fond memories for the midshipmen and officers of the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps program and the digital display celebrates the last of the Quonset huts located on the Corvallis campus.
Computational Biology Camp (virtual/online) for those entering grades 7-9: Come to the “dry lab” and see how scientists use computers to learn about biology. After all, not all scientific research is done in experimental laboratories. DNA molecules are too small to study with a microscope, but we can see them in detail with the help of computers. In this camp, you’ll get to contribute to the world’s scientific knowledge by playing fun computer games to solve structural puzzles about real RNA and protein molecules. After learning some Python programming by writing text-based games, you’ll have the skills to become “molecular architects” and build proteins by using their genetic codes. You’ll also learn many other ways that computers help scientists solve the world’s mysteries. No prior programming knowledge required. Nov. 14, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and Nov. 15, 12:30-3:30 p.m. $130. Needs-based scholarship available. To register, go to: https://apps.ideal-logic.com/stemacademy
Walk With Ease Exercise Program Offered through OSU Extension: (Eugene, Oregon) – Lane County residents are invited to join Oregon State University Extension Service for Walk With Ease, a free 6-week fitness program. This program is proven to reduce pain, build confidence in being active and improve overall health. Participants will attend a weekly Zoom meeting, receive a free Walk with Ease guidebook and learn how to be more physically active. This class requires the use of either a smartphone or a computer with internet connection. Mondays at 10 a.m., Nov. 9-Dec. 14. Registration: https://beav.es/obu Thursdays at 2 p.m., Nov. 12-Dec. 17. Registration: https://beav.es/oLP
The Nature of Isolation: In today's video, Pauletta Hansel reads her poem "13 Ways of Looking at a Pandemic." The Nature of Isolation presented by the Spring Creek Project is a month-long series that features writing, art and music from contributors throughout the U.S. and around the world. Watch today's video. OSU's Spring Creek Project is housed in the College of Liberal Arts.
This email only lists new or recently updated job postings. For a full list of current job postings for OSU Today, go to: http://today.oregonstate.edu/email/jobs To apply for the below positions, visit http://oregonstate.edu/jobs unless otherwise specified.
NEW! Student Health Services invites applications for 3 Staff Psychiatrists. We are looking to fill two (2) full-time 9-month positions (1.0 FTE), posting #P04014UF; and one part-time 12-month (.50 FTE) position, posting #P04015UF. All positions are fixed-term professional faculty positions. For full consideration, apply by Nov. 25. Open until filled.
Major change to Orchard Avenue: NW Orchard Avenue closed between NW 30th and NW 27th Streets starting Monday, Oct. 26. As part of the Cordley Hall renovation and the construction of the North District Utility Plant, NW Orchard Avenue between NW 30th and NW 27th Streets will be closed starting Monday, Oct. 26, through Friday, Nov. 20. Please view the online map for detailed closure area information. Once it reopens, NW Orchard Avenue will be a one-way street, eastbound only, for the duration of the Cordley Hall renovation. For questions or comments on this closure, contact Construction Manager Jason Lundy at 541-270-0193.
“The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.” ~ Leo Tolstoy.
Corvallis: Chance of rain, high of 51, low of 35. Showers Saturday, sunny Sunday.
Central Oregon: Rain likely, high of 43, low of 27. Mostly sunny Saturday, mostly cloudy Sunday.
Newport: Chance of rain today, high of 50, low of 42. Chance of showers Saturday, sunny Sunday.
Statewide: For OSU employees around the state, find your local forecast here: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/
