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. 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 beginning Jan. 19, 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. 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.
Timely Teaching Tips: Want to improve student learning through feedback? Learn about different types of feedback and multiple ways to provide constructive feedback using OSU-supported tech tools. Attend "Effective Feedback: Discovering One of the Joys of Teaching and Learning," the Tuesday Teaching + Tech Talk on Tuesday, March 9 at 10 a.m.
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.
As for the COVID-19 research prize, Heather Masson Forsythe, a graduate student at Oregon State University, won that category with an interpretive dance—performed solo on a beach, in the corridor outside her lab, and in the woods, among other locales—inspired by her thesis research on "Biochemical & Biophysical Studies of the COVID-19 Nucleocapsid Protein with RNA. (see also Science Magazine, CNET)
It was "an era of glamour,” says Christopher McKnight Nichols, associate professor at the School of History, Philosophy and Religion at Oregon State University, noting the dancing, parties and glitz that led to critiques like F. Scott Fitzgerald’s "The Great Gatsby." “Now we joke who needs high heels and ballgowns, but there’s some appeal to that.”
Ana K. Spalding, an assistant professor of marine and coastal policy in OSU’s College of Liberal Arts, is leading a team looking into how shellfish industry participants in several towns along the Oregon and California coasts are responding to ocean acidification and where gaps in policy or resources have left them vulnerable. (see also News Guard)
According to a new study done by researchers at Oregon State University, the tone that instructors use can have a positive or negative effect on students. They say using both a “warmer” tone and the inclusions of university statements on mental health and stress can get students to be more responsive in times of need. (see also Phys Org, ANI News)
More mass COVID-19 vaccination clinics are planned for Reser Stadium on the Oregon State University campus in Corvallis this week.
Postcards to Campus is an ongoing project centered around the OSU community. This project is open for submissions of mailed, dropped off or uploaded postcards. OSU community members are encouraged to share art, writings and sentiments on their postcards that range from personal to OSU-specific. Postcards submitted will be on display in the Valley Library rotunda and online, and will be archived through OSU's Special Collections and Archives Research Center (SCARC) to be featured in their COVID Collecting Project. To find out more go here: https://spark.adobe.com/page/DoBPihuByIA4D/ and also click on Postcard Archive to see more of these great works of art.
COVID town hall: There is great interest in many COVID-19 matters, including the status of planning for fall term, spring break travel, vaccinations, testing within the university community and other pandemic-related topics. An OSU town hall event will be held Thursday, March 4, from 10 to 11 a.m., where updates and information about these and other COVID-19 topics will be shared. Preregistration is not required and the recorded session will be posted on the university’s Safety & Success website for those unable to attend.
University Budget Conversation: The Office of Budget and Resource Planning will hold another University Budget Conversation Thursday, March 4, from noon to 1 p.m., via Zoom. This week’s topic is Fees and Differential Tuition. The Budget Conversation sessions are limited to 60 minutes with the initial 15-20 minutes spent on presentation of the topic, leaving time for discussion and Q&A. To register for this webinar click here. More information about University Budget Conversations is located on the Office of Budget and Resource Planning website. If you have questions, contact Sherm Bloomer for more information.
TRIAD: The OSU TRIAD Club’s programs are online and free this term, with all welcome. The next program of the term will be Thursday, March 4 at noon: Joel Zapata, assistant professor, School of History, Philosophy, and Religion, “Latina/os of the Great Plains and America’s Future.” Zoom link: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/92941195877?pwd=UW00eG51R3NDQUxhY2dkS20vL3ZnUT09 Password: 034032.
Do you have a business idea but need some help? The OSU Advantage Accelerator is offering Iterate, a free virtual class for researchers, entrepreneurs and prospective entrepreneurs who have a business idea or technology that could become a sellable product or service but aren't sure what to do next. Come learn how to create a value proposition, find and understand your market and more. Iterate consists of four workshops that build on each other: March 4, March 11 and March 18, all from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Learn more and register: https://advantage.oregonstate.edu/advantage-accelerator/programs/iterate
HMSC Research Seminar: Stephen Pacella, Pacific Coastal Ecology Branch, US EPA Office of Research and Development, will give a seminar titled “Observations and drivers of coastal acidification in Pacific Northwest estuaries,” Thursday March 4, at 3:30 p.m. Zoom link. Password: 972587 or call +1-971-247-1195 Meeting ID: 945 5573 115. Click here for more information.
Biological & Ecological Engineering Winter Seminar Series: Tess Thompson of Virginia Tech will present “Ecological engineering in the mid-Atlantic US: The role of history in modern problems,” on Thursday, March 4, at 4 p.m., with a meet-and-greet at 3:30 p.m. Zoom Meeting ID: 917 1196 8021 | Password: 769617. Free and open to the public.
WorldOregon Speaker Series: Limited Tickets Available. The Office of Global affairs has announced the lineup for the 21st Annual International Speaker Series, streaming live online. This year's theme: Changing Course. Ari Shapiro — Journalism, Facts, & Other Things Considered, cohost of NPR’s All Things Considered, is featured March 4. To attend one of these events, or questions, email the Office of Global Affairs.
NEW! Music à la Carte: Jan Michael Looking Wolf: OSU Native American flute instructor Jan Michael Looking Wolf is a world renowned flute player who has dedicated his life to performing, teaching and sharing the beauty of Native American-style flute. Numerous awards include a Lifetime Achievement award from the Global Music Awards and induction into the One World Music Radio Hall of Fame. In a celebration of the milestone of becoming a Tribal Elder, Jan will perform songs from his new album, “Earth Tribe,” live from his home studio in Salem. Friday, March 5 at noon. Register for direct link to the livestream on Zoom, or catch on the Music à la Carte Facebook page.
NEW! OSU Album Club: Join Director of Popular Music Studies and Performing Arts Bob Santelli and OSU student Thomas Mahler in listening to and discussing Marvin Gaye's album "What's Going On." The club meets Monday, March 8, at 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. Register.
University Budget Committee: The University Budget Committee (UBC) will meet this Friday, March 5 from 2 to 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 and tuition 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 here. More information and future meeting times can be found at https://fa.oregonstate.edu/budget/university-budget-committee.
Disabled Students Union: The Disabled Students Union of OSU will hold a general meeting March 5, 4 p.m. Join Zoom Meeting at https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/98210828656?pwd=TzF3d01VbkFHL25rajhpUmgvbHlDQT09. Password: 352075.
Career Meetup Day: One of the biggest Beaver networking opportunities of the year is happening Thursday, March 11, at noon. Spark connections with people who can help you achieve your goals at the Oregon State Alumni Association’s annual Career Meetup Day. Gather with OSU professionals and students from across the country and around the globe for conversations about thriving in uncertain times. Discover the new tools of virtual networking, pick up pointers for using LinkedIn and join a friendly quiz game with prizes. Register for free at osualum.com/careermeetup.
Authors and Editors Recognition: Attend the OSU Authors and Editors Recognition events for two nights of lectures and discussion. Register to attend on March 15 at 5:30 p.m. and hear featured authors of literary work focused on natural resource management, ecology and art. Register to attend on March 17 at 5:30 p.m. and hear featured authors of select literary work focused on equity, inclusivity and surveillance. Visit the Authors and Editors Recognition page for more information.
The Fulbright Experience: OSU Faculty Reflect on their 2019-20 Fellowships: A series of reflections by several of last year’s U.S. Fulbright Scholar recipients: Kevin Ahern (Malta), Marit Bovbjerg (Ireland), Julie Elston (Austria), Joan Gross (Belgium), Karl Haapala (Finland), Elise Lockwood (Norway), Hannah Rempel (Czech Republic), and Brian Sidlauskas (Brazil). In addition to each Fulbrighter’s short presentation, the webinar will include Q&A and resources for faculty considering a Fulbright in their future. Presented by the Office of Global Opportunities. March 18, 4-5 p.m. Register here: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_WuHYOyBGQG2mvuf3V3LxjA.
Career Webcast March 18 – Careers in SciComm and Storytelling: Science communications can take you many places, from ocean depths of marine biology, to the innovative edge of biohealth sciences, down to the molecular understanding of chemistry. Learn from alumni professionals about what it takes and where you can work in this exciting new field by attending a free webcast, Careers in Science Communication and Storytelling, Thursday, March 18, at noon via Zoom. Megan Cook, '09, and Jeremy Hoffman, Ph.D. '17, guide an exploration of career trajectories and the future of the field, followed by an interactive Q&A. OSU Alumni Association’s Career Webcast series offers guidance for students and alumni entering the workforce, changing fields or advancing a career. Register and find additional resources at osualum.com/careerwebcasts.
NEW! Geography winter colloquium series: Fatima Taha, a doctoral candidate in Geography at Oregon State University, will present her talk "Where do our choices take us? Finding ways to measure alternative future scenario models across the user community." She will speak on Friday, March 5, from noon to 1 p.m. Free and open to all. To join, use Zoom link: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/94478363106?pwd=ZUtzNVVlVE9Oc0ZvWTRKWEVnWkliUT09.
NEW! Fungus Among Us Lecture Series: The College of Forestry Student Ambassadors present the first lecture in a virtual series devoted to all things fungi. Jessie Uehling, associate professor in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, will present “Evolutionary Fungal Bacterial Interactions and the Fungal Microbiome.” This virtual event is Monday, March 8, at 4 p.m. To register, head to https://www.forestry.oregonstate.edu/fungus.
Introduction to the Schedule of Classes: This training will provide an overview of the schedule of classes and its features. We’ll review basic and advanced class search features, student aware registration, and pre-flight messages. This training will combine a presentation and a live demonstration. Intended audience includes advisors, department heads, faculty and staff. Presented by the Office of the Registrar. Part of the Winter 2021 FYI Friday series, March 5, 9-10 a.m. via Zoom. Registration required.
CIRC Webinar on Climate Change and Future Flooding in the Pacific Northwest: A new study finds increases in flood size throughout the Columbia River Basin and longer flood seasons for select watersheds by the end of the century. Join the scientists behind this study for an overview of key findings and discussion about its implications for management. In this webinar, the study’s authors will present their research and facilitate discussion on the findings including how this research may inform future management of our current flood risk management infrastructure. Speakers include Laura Queen (OSU), Bart Nijssen (UW) and Phil Mote (OSU). March 5, 11 a.m. to noon. Zoom: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/92125438157.
International health insurance seminar: Thomas Rice, distinguished professor of health policy and management, Fielding School of Public Health, California University at Los Angeles, will present “Health insurance systems: An international comparison,” Friday, March 5, 1-2 p.m. The event is co-sponsored by CPHHS Health Management and Policy Program. The seminar will be presented via Zoom. Learn more about College of Public Health and Human Sciences research seminars at https://health.oregonstate.edu/seminars.
Get to know Zoom with Media Services: Season 2: Friday, March 5, from 2-3 p.m. Location: Zoom. To register for this event and for more Zoom information from Media Services, go to https://uit-at.oregonstate.edu/media-services-zoom/.
AYA's Collectively Creating Futures Workshop: A workshop created to nurture and empower our imaginations and visions for futures we want to live into. Charlene Martinez and the NAL, CCCC and ECC have collaborated for this event March 5, 6-7:30 p.m., at https://beav.es/JXk.
Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world: The College of Science will host an online panel of women in leadership in celebration of International Women's Day on Monday, March 8, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Join us to learn from OSU alumni and faculty on the frontlines in the battle against COVID-19. The panel will also address the challenges and opportunities of women leaders working on disease-related work. Register here.
Fiscal Policy Updates: Learn more about OSU’s Fiscal Policy Program, recent policy updates and how you can be involved in the process. Presented by Cindy Draper. For more information about the event and how to register CLICK HERE. This PFLA Zoom event takes place Tuesday, March 9, noon to 1 p.m.
Floor Monitor Training: Training for Floor Monitors and Building Managers on roles and responsibilities when evacuating their building. Training is the second Wednesday of every month via Zoom. Sign up for Zoom Floor Monitor Training at: https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1ZhCgowN8AukjPf.
Changing lives through literacy - OSU Changemakers webcast: Creating a lifelong reader and writer requires all hands on deck. That’s why Penny Kittle, ’83, founded the Book Love Foundation. She works with educators to donate classroom libraries, helping young readers discover diverse and impactful stories that fuel a passion for reading. She’s authored several books of her own and teaches at Plymouth State University. Join a conversation with Kittle on March 10 at osualum.com/Changemakers.
UPDATED! Getting Students Motivated to Complete Pre-Class Readings and Assignments: Are you concerned that students are not meeting course expectations for completing pre-class readings and assignments? Join Funmi Amobi, CTL instructional consultant, and Marion Ceraso, CPHHS associate professor of practice, for a lively discussion of evidence-based approaches to making reading assignments transparent and consequently maximizing student motivation to complete coursework. March 12, noon to 12:45 p.m. Zoom access: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/my/sparkshop | Password: CTL.
Faculty Staff Fitness: OSU Faculty Staff Fitness has fitness offerings to keep you moving Spring 2021 and registration opens March 1. Check out our in-person, remote synchronous, and remote asynchronous offerings at https://health.oregonstate.edu/fsf/schedule/spring. Our in-person offerings will be via Zoom or meet with the 6 person maximum until we can return to campus with the OHA Risk Designation changes. Zoom synchronous class options will be Tuesday/Thursday at 7 a.m. and noon. Weight Training and a 100% Zoom Cardio Intervals 30-minute class will be Monday/Wednesday at noon for a midday boost. We also have our online FSF program with more than 300 classes and 20 styles in a completely online, asynchronous format (https://health.oregonstate.edu/fsf/online) for $35 for 12 weeks.
$15K of Funding Available: The OSU Advantage Accelerator is currently seeking applications that describe technology-based projects in any discipline that will move OSU-owned technologies closer to commercialization. Proposals should describe a project that requires $15,000 or less of funding to achieve an important milestone(s) connected to commercialization. Proposals can include expenses for activities related to customer discovery, prototyping, student time, research, commercialization plan development and more. Each project may be awarded up to $15,000 and should span 9 months or less, beginning in April 2021. Proposals are due before 5 p.m. on Friday, March 5. Learn more here: https://advantage.oregonstate.edu/advantage-accelerator/funding-opportunities/aid-fund.
Health & Safety: The University Health & Safety Committee wants to promote health and safety by reminding employees that they have access to a variety of free safety related trainings online at https://www.saif.com/trainings.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.
Participants wanted for a short-term vegetable sprout research study (Corvallis): If you are healthy, age 18-60, non-smoking, not pregnant or breastfeeding, without diabetes, heart disease or stroke, bariatric surgery, kidney, thyroid or intestinal problems, you may qualify. The study lasts 72 hours. Volunteers will receive $150. PI: Emily Ho, Ph.D. Title: Discovery of Biological Signatures for Cruciferous Vegetable Intake. Contact us at MFCResearch@oregonstate.edu, 541-737-5049, or visit https://tinyurl.com/y7437mo4 for information and online screener.
UPDATED! EmpCenter Notifications: In order to ensure accurate pay for employees, both supervisors and employees will now receive auto-generated emails when there are missing in/out times on hourly and classified salaried non-exempt employee timesheets. Uncorrected in/out times result in incorrect pay. These errors must be corrected prior to the timesheet deadlines. For instructions on correcting a missing in/out time, see the FAQ: http://mytime.oregonstate.edu/adjust-missed-clock. Additional resources, training and user guides can be found here: http://mytime.oregonstate.edu/empcenter-training.
Monthly Emergency Preparedness Topic: Suspicious Objects. Bomb threats, suspicious objects and bombs are meant to disrupt normal activities and cause fear in populations. With pre-planning, you can remain calm and be knowledgeable of what to do in order to part of an effective response. Download a copy of the Bomb Threat Checklist and keep by your phone. This month’s poster can be downloaded at https://emergency.oregonstate.edu/emergency-preparedness/preparedness-topics/suspicious-objects-and-bomb-threats.
Proposed Updates to University Policies & Standards: Visit the University Policy Program’s What’s New page (http://policy.oregonstate.edu/whats-new) to view pending policy amendments. Ten outdated, legacy policies from when the Oregon University System disbanded are being proposed for retirement. In addition, proposed University Policy 02-001 Student Appeals and Grievances will replace a legacy policy (576-022 Student Appeals and Grievances), which removes outdated material and aligns the policy with current practices. Comments or questions may be submitted to OSU-Policy@oregonstate.edu.
Fiscal Policy Committee: In accordance with the fiscal policy program, the Fiscal Policy Committee is soliciting your feedback on new policy drafts for General Receivables, for Employee Recognition and for Miscellaneous Expenses. For more information and instructions on how to provide your valued feedback, please visit Policy Under Review on the Fiscal Policy Program website.
NEW! Campus Way: As part of a construction project at the RAIL 244 facility, this is an informational campus-wide notification to inform pedestrian path users about the potential for increased vehicle traffic along Campus Way between SW 35th Street and SW 53rd Street (view map) from March 4 through June 15. Vehicles will be traveling to and from the RAIL facility and the Building 244 construction site. The general contractor for the project will post signs at key points for the duration of the project. For questions or comments on this closure, please contact Construction Manager Amy Keene at 541-214-1038.
Bike counter equipment installed along SW Campus Way bike path. Bike counter equipment has been placed on a utility pole on the north side of SW Campus Way (view map). The counter equipment will be in place through mid-March. Tubes are marked with signage and traffic barrels.
Motor Pool Canopy Construction Project work: As part of the Motor Pool Canopy Construction Project, a new canopy is being built at the fuel island north of the Motor Pool Building. Fencing will go up around the area, and work will start on Tuesday, March 2 and continue through Friday, April 2 (view map). Staging will occur in the parking lot west of the Motor Pool Building. For questions or comments on this closure, contact OSU Infrastructure Project Manager Aaron Collett at 541-207-2780.
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 jobs.oregonstate.edu unless otherwise specified.
NEW! Writing Center Coordinator (Multilingual Support): The Writing Center invites applications for a full-time (1.0 FTE), 12-month, Writing Center Coordinator (Multilingual Support) position. Posting #P04190UF. Closes April 4.
“If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience.” ~ Woodrow Wilson
Corvallis: Chance of rain today, high of 60, low of 43. Rain tomorrow.
Central Oregon: Mostly sunny today, high of 58, low of 39. Chance of rain tomorrow.
Newport: Rain and breezy today, high of 56, low of 44. Heavy rain tomorrow.
Statewide: For OSU employees around the state, find your local forecast here: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/
