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: 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: Review your Canvas gradebook for accuracy and to make sure it’s up to date. This helps students see where they stand, and makes grading smoother at the end of the term. Encourage students to ask questions about their course standing and to communicate now with their advisors if they are considering a change in grading basis.
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.
In an effort to get a better understanding of the prevalence of the virus here in Eugene, TRACE-testers went door to door this weekend testing people for COVID-19. Each team is made up of a representative from Oregon State University and the University of Oregon. They're hoping to get samples from 600 people in the process. It's free and completely voluntary. (see also KVAL)
Oregon State University staff told the Capital Press it's too early to estimate the number of acres burned or animals displaced, but impacts are widespread.
They didn’t expect the burned areas to be so widespread in such a short amount of time. Out of the 20 plots across the Great Basin, seven have now burned, and at least another four have had “close calls,” says James McIver, an insect and spider ecologist at Oregon State University.
Looking at the pandemic's impact on businesses that rely on football fans at Oregon State University and the University of Oregon.
Oregon State University and state Department of State Lands officials participated Thursday in a two-hour remote session on OSU’s draft plan for the Elliott State Forest.
Christopher Stout, an associate professor in political science at Oregon State University, recently wrote a book about identity politics titled “The Case for Identity Politics: Polarization, Demographic Change, and Racial Appeals.”
Scientists worry most about the worms’ effects on “leaf litter.” This is a layer of decomposing leaves, bark and sticks. It can cover forest floors deeper than the height of a soda can. When the worms invade, they chomp up that leaf litter. What’s left is bare soil whose structure and mineral content has changed, notes Sam Chan. He studies invasive species with Oregon Sea Grant at Oregon State University in Corvallis. These worms can reduce a forest’s leaf litter by 95 percent in a single season, he’s found.
Fall is here and all of those end-of-season projects are looming. If you’ve got questions, turn to Ask an Expert, an online question-and-answer tool from Oregon State University’s Extension Service.
Today's workspace: “Here’s a fun view outside of my home work space," says Dee Gillen, coordinator of Faculty Staff Fitness. “I get to see our two bunnies in their hutch AND the curious yearling deer go by. Plus, the other deer and turkeys love to peer in.” 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.
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.
NEW! Department of Integrative Biology Seminar: Jean Bertrand Contina, postdoctoral scholar, Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Oregon State University, will present a seminar, "Ecological Modeling of Infectious Diseases and its Societal Relevance," on Monday, Nov. 9, 4 p.m. via Zoom: https://beav.es/Fall2020Smnrs passcode 680814. The seminar is free and open to the public. For more information and to view the entire Integrative Biology Department Spring Seminar Series lineup, please go to http://ib.oregonstate.edu/smnrs.
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.
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! Executive and Audit Committee of the OSU Board of Trustees: The Executive and Audit Committee of the OSU Board will meet on Friday, Nov. 20, from 9-11 a.m. Given COVID-19 guidance, the meeting will be hosted through a remote conferencing service. This meeting is open to the public. The committee will hear reports on public safety and on the university’s COVID-19 response and planning. The committee also will host a panel discussion regarding enterprise risk management, consider potential candidates for an anticipated vacancy on the Board, and discuss its work plan for next year. The agenda and meeting materials will be posted as they are available at https://leadership.oregonstate.edu/trustees/meetings/executive-audit-committee-meeting-11202020. If special accommodation is required, please contact 541-737-3449 or lauren.skousen@oregonstate.edu at least 48 hours in advance.
NEW! OSU Virtual Fulbright Reception: In collaboration with the Fulbright Association of Oregon Chapter, we would like to invite you to the OSU Virtual Fulbright Reception during International Education Week. Network with current, past and prospective Fulbrighters in the Oregon State University community on Friday, Nov. 20 from 4-5 p.m. via Zoom. Please register at https://oregonstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIqd--tqTwpHtGzUs3r48_0VMcFfLR39J9U
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! 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. Wednesday, Nov. 11, noon, When is your Retirement Date?; Wednesday, Nov. 11, 3 p.m., Wealth Transfer - Take charge of your legacy; Thursday, Nov. 12, noon, ABC + D of Medicare This is one way to educate yourself without leaving the comfort and safety of your own home. These are not OSU events but are tailored to OSU clients and during normal circumstances are held on campus. There is no charge.
NEW! Does your home pass the test? How environmental health can affect child development: This school year is filled with tough decisions to give your children a safe and effective place for education. Does your home pass the test? In the Public Health Insider webcast Nov. 12, 1 p.m., Oregon State public health experts Megan McClelland, Molly Kile and Shannon Lipscomb share what potential home health hazards to look for to create big outcomes for your child’s development and ability to learn.
NEW! DFA Risk Appetite and Risk Assessment Tools: Train the Trainer: Insurance and Risk Management Services will facilitate a workshop for unit leaders and supervisors to provide exposure to the DFA Risk Appetite Statements and Risk Assessment Tools. Attendees will gain hands-on practice and develop the skills necessary to assist other employees in understanding and incorporating the DFA Risk Appetite Statements and Risk Assessment Tools into their work. Zoom session Nov. 17, 9-10:30 a.m. Registration required.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Birth and Caretaking of A Violent Thought: A Contemplative Studies Initiative talk with Love and Rage author Lama Rod Owens. Nov. 12, 7-8:30 p.m. via Zoom. Free/All welcome. Racist and harmful thoughts can be the most intense to examine -- especially if we have made a commitment to anti-oppression behaviors. Meditation, Buddhist psychology, and dialogue will be used to reveal the imperative path of noticing and decreasing internal violence. Registration required.
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
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.
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.
NEW! Friends of Fulbright: Calling all friends of Fulbright: Are you an alum, friend or interested applicant? Curious to know more about the U.S.’s premier exchange program with the rest of the world? You are invited to connect with others who have lived the Fulbright experience. Help us build the OSU Fulbright community by completing this quick survey (https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3w7rJaUtrLneLHv) and receive timely information about events and networking opportunities with other Fulbright fans.
NEW! Rivalry Week membership challenge Nov. 22-30: The OSU and UO alumni associations face off in a friendly rivalry competition to enroll the most members between Nov. 22-30. Why join? Get a 25% discount on membership, support programs for students and alumni and gain access to exclusive benefits. You don’t have to be a grad to join the OSUAA — invite friends and family or give them the best holiday gift and celebrate together as we beat the Ducks: osualum.com/rivalry
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.
NEW! Weatherford Place: For work related to the Weatherford Place ADA Upgrade, both lanes of SW Weatherford Place will be closed for the installation of new lights (view map). The closure is scheduled to start on Monday, Nov. 9, and continue through Tuesday, Nov. 10, with work occurring from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. For questions or comments on this closure, contact Construction Manager Lindsey Austin at 541-990-7720.
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.
“When eating fruit, remember the one who planted the tree.” ~ Vietnamese proverb.
Corvallis: Increasing clouds with chance of rain by evening, high of 47, low of 37. Showers likely Tuesday.
Central Oregon: Mostly sunny today, high of 39, low of 30. Chance of snow showers tomorrow.
Newport: Mostly cloudy with a chance of rain, high of 51, low of 45. Chance of showers tomorrow.
Statewide: For OSU employees around the state, find your local forecast here: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/
