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.
NEW! Teaching Principle: Partner with Disability Access Services (DAS) to ensure appropriate accommodations for students registered with DAS, regardless of whether students are working remotely. See all the Remote and Blended Course Design and Teaching Principles.
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.
"We're going to have to become big burners again," said John Bailey, a forestry expert at Oregon State University. If there's less vegetation to burn on the ground, flames won't have the fuel to leap into the crowns of trees, igniting tremendous fires. "That’s why fuel treatments work," explained Bailey. (see also New York Times)
The full impact of September's wildfires on Oregon's economy are still being evaluated, but it doesn't look good. Lesser fires in 2017 cost the state’s tourism industry an estimated $51 million. Experts are bracing for much more from these fires. “People are literally taking their R.V.s and dollars and leaving the state because it’s not fun right now,” said Lee Davis, who runs the Outdoor Recreation Economy Initiative at Oregon State University.
Since a dolphin wasn’t available to comment on the trend and tell us to please stop, the Cut reached out to Dr. Renee Albertson, a marine biologist at the Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University who specializes in conservation genetics and the evolutionary history of whales, dolphins, and pinnipeds.
A group of researchers led by a team at Oregon State University have received a $10 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to establish a Center of Excellence in Genomic Science where they will develop tools to modernize how medical knowledge about genetic conditions is captured, stored and exchanged.
In partnership with the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), we have been surveying the industry since April and aggregating data to measure the impacts of COVID-19 on the recreation economy as a whole. Our most recent findings tell the story of an impressive, if still fragile, recovery. (See also Denver Post, Colorado Politics, SNEWS )
“There is the possibility that they can make a difference,” said John Bailey, a forestry professor at Oregon State University. “The problem is, when heroes step forward, sometimes they die in the process.”
And more than 90 volunteers from the Oregon State University Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine worked at the nearby Benton County Fairgrounds and a shelter in neighboring Linn County to examine and treat animals brought from two large fires to the northeast and southeast.
According to a report from Oregon State University, in 2018 60% of Oregonians lived in areas with a severe child care deficit, with more than three children for every available child care slot.
Today’s view: Vicki Campbell, assistant to the North Willamette Regional Director and office manager for the Washington County Extension office, says, “I love it as my occasional morning office, refocusing space or happy hour hideout. This view is toward the Nike Beaverton headquarters.” We've seen lots of your workspaces. Now it's time to see the view from your windows (or decks or balconies). Submit photos of your view (please don't include photos of people without their permission) and send it in an email to osutoday@oregonstate.edu. Follow OSU Today on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/osutoday1/ and catch up on any workspace photos you might have missed so far.
Professional Faculty Leadership Association open house: This event is open to all OSU employees. Sept. 24, noon to 1 p.m. via ZOOM. Learn more about the benefits of being a member & how you can join PFLA.
Supervisors preparing for return to on-site work: Supervisors, are you or your team members returning to work on-site? University Human Resources has resumed weekly updates to help you prepare. Sessions are held each Thursday from 1-1:45 p.m. Register here. Be sure to register with your ONID email address (ONID@oregonstate.edu).
NEW! Musical performance: Dana Reason, OSU director of Popular Music Studies, will be performing at a virtual music festival called High Zero 2020 this weekend. Her new work "Silent Blaze" was created Sept. 16 during the Oregon Fires. The music was created first. Reason then sent the music to artist/writer and OSU Environmental Arts and Humanities (EAH) graduate alumni, Melody Owen (who is currently completing a fully funded Ph.D. in Australia), to create the scene of Oregon wildfires. Owen created an evocative landscape using Machinima (real-time computer graphics) and Second Life. Reason's performance takes place Sunday, Sept. 27, 8 p.m. Eastern Time. To view the performance: https://highzero.org/2020_site/ and https://www.twitch.tv/highzerofoundation.
Flu shot clinics: OSU will be hosting flu shot clinics in Corvallis and Bend in October for employees and students. The process will look different this year to comply with COVID-19 requirements. Corvallis campus dates are Oct. 1 and Oct. 14 in the MU Ballroom. Complete the online registration process at https://beav.es/flu-clinic. The online registration process collects information ahead of time and enables you to schedule appointments. Complete all three steps in order to successfully schedule an appointment. On the final step, use the zip code 97331 to access the OSU Flu Shot Clinics. For OSU-Cascades, dates are Oct. 7-8, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Drive-up and appointment options will be available. For more information about options and logistics for the Flu Shot Clinics in Bend please contact Stefanie.Maerki@osucascades.edu. For more information visit this website.
Open Enrollment for 2021 PEBB Benefits is right around the corner: It will be held Oct. 1-31. Participation in Open Enrollment is optional for all employees this year. There are still some very good reasons to participate in the process. Employees can use this matrix PEBB created to help them decide if they want to participate in Open Enrollment to make changes, updates, or enroll or re-enroll in certain benefits. Detailed information about plan changes and Open Enrollment guidance can be found at: OSU Open Enrollment website: https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/optional-open-enrollment-2021-benefits.
Art About Agriculture Reception: Join in-person or online for the reception of the College of Agricultural Sciences’ 2020 Art About Agriculture Competition and Exhibition: Tension/Harmony. Thursday, Oct. 1, from 4-7 p.m. at Guistina Gallery, LaSells Stewart Center, OSU. More information and reservations for this event can be found at: https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/art/art-shows/2020-competition-and-exhibition-tension-harmony
Beaver Community Fair: Annually the Beaver Community Fair draws together the OSU and greater Corvallis communities to celebrate the start of the academic year. The fair will be held online this year on Friday, Oct. 2. There will be two 2-hour time slots and registrants can choose which time they would prefer. If you would like to be one of the OSU departments or student organizations with a dedicated virtual space, please sign up at our website by Sept. 18 at 5 p.m: https://clubs.oregonstate.edu/bcf
Virtual Benefits Fair: OSU Employee Benefits is hosting a Virtual Benefits Fair Oct. 5-9. Please take time to check out the virtual booth of each vendor at the Virtual Benefits Fair website. Employees can learn more about the comprehensive benefit options offered at OSU. Employees can download resources, watch videos, chat with vendors, check out the webinar options, and be entered in a drawing for vendor door prizes.
2020 OSU Authors and Editors recognition: The Authors and Editors Series celebrates the remarkable range of literary and scholarly books OSU faculty publish each year by featuring selected authors/editors for readings and panel conversations. Oct. 5, 8 and 9 at 4:30 p.m. via Zoom. Visit the OSU Authors and Editors page to register for one or all of these events.
NEW! Pandemic talk: Science journalist David Quammen, author of 16 books including “Spillover: Animal Infections and the Next Human Pandemic” in 2012, will give a virtual public presentation on Friday at 3 p.m. to kick off the Oregon State University seminar series, “What can ecology, evolution and conservation biology contribute to understanding global pandemics?” Anyone can watch Quammen’s presentation free via Zoom or YouTube.
NEW! “Laughter is Timeless:” September’s Beyond Benefits Employee Assistance Program (EAP) webinar focuses on stress reduction related to laughter, humor and play. Professional comedians shouldn’t be the only people to use smiling, laughter, humor and play as part of their daily routine. These skills are valuable for everyone. A good smile has long been a key tool for anyone who needs to influence others. Laughter is now shown to improve our pain tolerance. Humor and play can be the building blocks of problem-solving. Together they can improve our happiness and effectiveness. Sept. 29, 10 a.m. To register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/263915487100012929
Cabildos Speaker Series: Mitchell S. Jackson, renowned writer and creative writing professor, University of Chicago. A native of Portland, Ore., Jackson’s work explores his hometown, including the systemic forces that shaped his community, his family, and his early life. That exploration began with a novel titled The Residue Years — a book that announced Jackson as a bright new voice in literary fiction. Remote event on Friday, Sept. 25 at 11 a.m. Free. Register. Presented by the History Program, Anonymous Donors, School of Writing, Literature and Film and the College of Liberal Arts.
COVID-19 Update Webinar: Hosted by Provost Ed Feser, this webinar will include a short overview of COVID-19 response and planning for fall term, followed by time for Q&A. The webinar is open to all employees and is scheduled for Sept. 25, from 1-2 p.m. Senior administrators from Corvallis and OSU-Cascades will join Provost Feser. Please register in advance: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2qTGhCfDT_CGJr4JcOoXeg
Master Recycler class: Would you like to learn all about waste reduction, reuse and recycling to help spread change in our community? Secure your spot in this annual class, now on Zoom. Monday nights, Sept. 28-Dec. 7, plus two Thursday Q&A sessions. Free to residents of Linn and Benton counties who agree to “pay back” what they learned by completing 30 hours of volunteer service. Visit http://tiny.cc/recycclass for more details and to sign up.
2020 Distinguished Lectures: David Williams, Distinguished Professor, and Helen P. Rumbel, Professor for Cancer Prevention, Eat-Live Eat-Die: Carcinogens and Anti-Carcinogens in Food, Oct. 6, 5 p.m. Zoom registration. Yuji Hiratsuka, Distinguished Professor of Art, The Art of Print Making: Process and Content, Oct. 7, 5 p.m. Zoom registration
CAPS Group: Building Anti-Racism Stamina as a White Person: Given the systemic racism that continues in all levels of our lives – intra-personally, inter-personally, institutionally, and structurally – this group will focus on building mental stamina to examine and deconstruct racism within ourselves as White-identified people, and the institutions that we are a part of. Meets via Zoom Thursdays 3:30-4:45 p.m. starting Oct. 15. Contact michele.ribeiro@oregonstate.edu or noreen.marsland@oregonstate.edu to join.
Beavers SAVE Lives: Learn how to reach out and help a friend. Suicide is one of the most preventable causes of death. This workshop will provide the skills you need to effectively help or intervene with a friend or family member who is considering suicide. Live via Zoom on Oct. 21, noon to 1:30 p.m.: register at https://beav.es/oMe. For Nov. 3 session, register at https://beav.es/oMn. For additional information or ability-related accommodation requests, contact tess.websterhenry@oregonstate.edu.
Save the Date: Provost’s Lecture Series: The Provost’s Lecture Series is a partnership of the Office of the Provost and the OSU Foundation to bring renowned thinkers, artists, designers and leaders to OSU to engage the community on topics of global significance. Please mark your calendar for Henry Louis Gates, Jr. on Nov. 12, and Mae C. Jemison on Feb. 4, 2021. Registration information is available here.
BEavers HERE NOW: Enjoy a different 15-minute guided meditation each week. Benefits of mediation include: Stress reduction, better sleep, sharper concentration, anxiety management & happier relationships. Sessions take place every Tuesday and Wednesday at 3 p.m. Contact tess.websterhenry@oregonstate.edu to coordinate extra credit for student attendance. Faculty and staff are welcome too. Register at: beav.es/oGz
DAM Good Growth: Explore self-care and personal growth through CAPS's mental health engagement series centered around practices from the field of positive psychology. Each week will feature an online self-paced challenge, fun activities, community Zoom session, and other surprises. Contact tess.websterhenry@oregonstate.edu to coordinate extra credit for student attendance. Faculty and staff are welcome too, but not eligible for any incentives or prizes. Register at: beav.es/oxo
Working with Students in Distress: Faculty and staff may be the first to notice a student is struggling and may be in the best position to reach out with care and concern. The Office of Student Life, in collaboration with Counseling and Psychological Services, developed a CARE folder, which is intended to provide you with resources and referral information that we hope you find valuable. Simply click on this link and you will be directed to login to Box to access these resources. We recommend you bookmark this link for easy access on your phone, laptop or tablet.
Mindful @ Oregon State University is an e-newsletter that delivers a weekly care package of mindfulness tips, resources and events to your inbox. Curated by CAPS staff, the newsletter features a weekly guided meditation, "Learn More" section, mindfulness challenge, OSU mindfulness event calendar and crowd-sourced knowledge and recommendations. Subscribe here: http://bit.ly/mindfulOSU
NEW! NASA Citizen Science Community Webinar: Is NASA citizen science helping the public understand the process of science? How do we know? As part of a growing engagement with citizen science, the OSU STEM Research Center's Heather Fischer co-organized and Martin Storksdieck contributed to this NASA Citizen Science Community webinar. Click here to watch the webinar.
NEW! Memorial Union retail locations now open: The following locations open Mon-Fri (Panda Express opens beginning Sept. 28): JavaStop, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; North Porch Café, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Bites Convenience Store 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; ToGo’s, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Panda Express, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Dixon Café, 2-8 p.m. Mon-Thurs, 2-6 p.m. Fridays.
Health Check and COVID-19 Resources on OSU Mobile: The new Health Check tool and additional COVID-19 resources are now available on OSU Mobile. Don't have the app? Download it today at beav.es/app or access the health check directly at beav.es/healthcheck. For help setting up the app, check out this video walk-through: https://youtu.be/XpsUypnjj4E.
Proposed Updates to University Policies & Standards: Visit the University Policy Program’s What’s New page (http://policy.oregonstate.edu/whats-new) to view a pending policy amendment. Proposed University Standard 07-005 Alcohol Service describes the registration and approval process for serving alcohol. This page is updated frequently with new developments, so we encourage you to check back frequently. Comments or questions may be submitted to OSU-Policy@oregonstate.edu.
Video: Alumni celebrate incoming Beavs: It’s no doubt the start of our newest Beavs’ college career looks a bit different than they had expected, but the good news is they’ve got the entire alumni network at their side. Help us share this video with current students and join the OSU Alumni Association in celebrating the new class: osualum.com/OSUstudents
(RE)CREATE: A virtual and sustainable art show (CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS): The College of Forestry invites you to participate in a virtual art show (re)create. This art show is an opportunity to create or (re)create art using the themes of sustainability. Submissions will be taken from Sept. 21-Oct. 23. For categories and more information on the show, please visit our website.
Open Enrollment Questions: Due to COVID-19 circumstances the Employee Benefits team will not have scheduled in-person help sessions. If you need assistance with Open Enrollment or have questions, please contact Employee Benefits at employee.benefits@oregonstate.edu or 541-737-2805. We can set up a Zoom call or phone call to assist you. You can also schedule an appointment with a Benefits Team member through Microsoft Bookings. Links are listed on the HR Directory page here.
FEMA Wildfire Assistance: The wildfires in Oregon have impacted OSU employees through evacuations or actual damage to homes. If you sustained uninsured losses or damage due to wildfires beginning Sept. 7, 2020, you may be eligible for disaster aid. Federal funds are available to help eligible individuals recover from wildfire in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn and Marion Counties. For more information, to check eligibility, or to apply, visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).
Open Textbook Pilot program: The U.S. Department of Education has announced the call for proposals for its Open Textbook Pilot program. The Open Textbook Pilot is a federal grant program that supports multi-institutional projects that create or expand the use of open textbooks to achieve savings for students in higher education. A total of $6 million in grants will be distributed in FY 2020. For questions, please email Stefanie Buck, director of OSU Open Educational Resources. Deadline is Nov. 16.
President’s Commission on the Status of Women: PCOSW provides funding for OSU community members to pursue professional development, research or other opportunities that support PCOSW’s mission. Scholarships average $300. During this unusual time, we will accept applications for summer, fall and winter terms on a rolling basis. Applications for providing funding for projects/activities that have already occurred since July 2020 will also be considered. We will return to our normal application deadlines at the end of fall term. Please note: PCOSW cannot award scholarships to pay employee fees, salaries, stipends, tuition or wages. https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0SXJDIba8v71fSt If you have any questions, please contact Joy Jorgensen, PCOSW Scholarships and Awards Committee, joy.jorgensen@oregonstate.edu
NEW! Weatherford Place: For work related to the Buxton Hall roof replacement, SW Weatherford Place will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 24, (view map). A crane will be on site installing rock ballast and insulation on the roof of Buxton Hall.
Jefferson Way: For work related to the Buxton Hall and Hawley Hall roof replacements, both lanes of SW Jefferson Way will be closed between SW Weatherford Place and SW Sackett Place (view map). A crane will be on site installing rock ballast and insulation on the roofs of Buxton Hall and Hawley Hall. The closure is scheduled to run from Wednesday, Sept. 23 to Thursday, Sept. 24, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.
“Days decrease, / And autumn grows, autumn in everything.” – Robert Browning
Corvallis: Showers likely today, high of 68, low of 55. Rain and breezy Friday.
Central Oregon: Partly sunny today, high of 64, low of 43. Chance of showers tomorrow.
Newport: Rain likely today, high of 60, low of 44. Rain and windy tomorrow.
Statewide: For OSU employees around the state, find your local forecast here: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/
