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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: Want to help your students know their status in your course as the term starts to wrap up? Review your Canvas gradebook for accuracy and to make sure it’s fully up to date.
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 COVID-19 testing program, TRACE, will expand to other states after the university received a $2 million grant Monday. (see also KLCC, KTVZ)
Oregon State University scientist Fritzi Grevstad of the College of Agricultural Sciences petitioned the USDA to use the insects and led the research that resulted in the approval.
"Obama had the opportunity to push more ideological or more liberal candidates in that short period of time when he had a filibuster-proof majority," said Rorie Solberg, an Oregon State University political scientist focused on judicial politics. "Now, Biden doesn't have to worry about the filibuster. If he can get a majority in the Senate … then he would have more leeway to push through nominations."
Tobacco control efforts have reduced cigarette smoking for many, but those efforts have disproportionately helped white smokers, while other racial and ethnic groups are still struggling, an Oregon State University researcher’s analysis found.
The sampling in Astoria is part of a statewide effort coordinated by the Oregon Health Authority and Oregon State University. As data accumulates from small- to medium-sized communities across Oregon over the coming months, researchers hope it helps deepen their understanding of how the virus is spreading in an area and perhaps even provide an early warning of an impending outbreak.
If too many trees die, not enough viable seeds and animals may remain for forest regrowth, said Erica Fleishman, director of the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute at Oregon State University.
“Dr. Oster’s work and that data has been really foundational and really helpful,” said Bach Mai Dolly Nguyen, assistant professor of education at Oregon State University, who is working on a project that aims to help integrate public health and education data. “What it probably points us to, is we have a very stunted view of comprehensive data generally on COVID from a national standpoint. And that’s particularly true when we’re talking about our understanding across racial and ethnic lines.”
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 four have others had “close calls,” says James McIver, an insect and spider ecologist at Oregon State University.
Portland State University researchers and their collaborators at the Quinault Indian Nation and Oregon State University found microplastics in Pacific razor clams on Washington's sparsely populated Olympic Coast -- proof, they say, that even in more remote regions, coastal organisms can't escape plastic contamination.
Today's photo: Sonia Reagan, education program assistant and office manager, OSU Extension Service - Columbia County, says, “Every year we grow a huge garden, raise our own meat, eggs and milk, and hunt and forage for wild-harvested foods. As an avid gardener, I enjoy 'putting by' our fresh produce for winter eating, and one of my favorite food preservation methods is pickling and fermenting vegetables. Remotely working from home much of this year has spared me two hours of daily commuting, and provided extra time to spend on canning activities. Each summer and fall, our family works together to put up hundreds of jars of pickles, jams, relishes, salsas, soups, stews, venison, seafood and much more! Though hard work, it is a labor of love and an exercise in self-reliance. Come the upcoming shorter, cooler winter days, our meals will be supplemented with these delightful home-preserved foods as we recollect the summer’s bounty and appreciate our efforts. I find food preservation activities to be relaxing, fulfilling and anxiety-relieving – no matter what the future holds, I know that my family will be well-nourished.” 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! Beavers Fight Hunger: Inspired by the generosity of donors last year, the OSU community is joining together again this Giving Tuesday through December to make a difference in the lives of OSU students facing food insecurity. Gifts to Beavers Fight Hunger will fund OSU's Human Services Resource Center (HSRC) as well as the OSU-Cascades Food Pantry. Thanks to a challenge from an OSU alumna, you can triple the impact of your gift. www.beaversfighthunger.org
NEW! Why should I give via the Charitable Fund Drive? When you give through the CFD, 100% of your donation goes to the organization(s) you designate. All CFD costs — less than 10% of funds raised — are paid by the participating charities. And by giving during this OSU campaign, you help boost OSU’s reputation as a kind, generous neighbor, all while making a positive impact in Oregon. It’s easy with online pledging and payroll deduction: https://www.ipledgeonline.org/_cfduniversities/.
CTL Tuesday Teaching + Tech Talks: Reflection, Metacognition, & Celebration: Brooke Howland, Assoc. Director, CTL; Kelby Hahn, Graduate Teaching Assistant, CTL; & Logan Bingler, Data Reference Specialist, BIC. Excited to wrap up a tumultuous Fall term? We are too. Teaching Portfolios and CORE as means to celebrate and support your reflective teaching success. Live session Dec. 1, 10-11:50 a.m. https://oregonstate.zoom.us/my/ctl.t4 Password: CTL. Recordings of each session will be available the following Friday (beav.es/CTLT4) Handouts, materials and resources: beav.es/BOXT4
People and Nature Lunch Series: Anne Devan-Song presents “Sentinel disease surveillance of the global wildlife trade,” Tuesday, Dec. 1, noon to 12:50 p.m. The lecture is free and open to all. To join the meeting, register at https://peopleandnatureosu.weebly.com/fall-2020.html. Sponsored by the Department of Fisheries & Wildlife’s Human Dimensions Lab.
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. Tuesday, Dec. 1, 3 p.m., ABC + D of Medicare; Wednesday, Dec. 2, noon, Economic Outlook (First Trust); Wednesday, Dec. 2, 3 p.m., PERS and Retirement Planning (OPSRP); Thursday, Dec. 3, noon, CD Alternatives - More Options Than You Think. 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! Live Q&A with Bill Robbins: Participate in a conversation about the history of the Andrews Forest including a live Q&A with Bill Robbins, author of “A Place for Inquiry, A Place for Wonder: The Andrews Forest” (OSU Press 2020). The discussion, which takes place Dec. 1, 4-5 p.m., on Zoom, will be preceded by a short video on the important history of the Andrews Forest. Attendees will have an opportunity to send in questions. You can register for the event at the following link: https://beav.es/oy5. This event is hosted by by Michael Paul Nelson, professor, Forest Ecosystems and Society, OSU.
So you want to be an economist? What a graduate degree in applied economics can do for you: Thinking about working in environmental, energy, natural resource or agricultural policy? Come learn what a graduate degree in applied economics can do for you. Faculty and graduate students from the Department of Applied Economics will talk about why you might want to continue studying after undergrad, how you get there, and different avenues for financing it. Bring your curiosity and your questions with you! Tuesday, Dec. 1 from 5-6 p.m. via Zoom. Please register at https://oregonstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJErfumhqz0vHN3OEjM9j8dAYPG5q1apIVIb.
NEW! University Budget Conversation: The Office of Budget and Resource Planning will hold another University Budget Conversation via Zoom on Dec. 3 from noon to 1 p.m. This week’s topic is Budget Planning in Uncertain Times. 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, please contact Sherm Bloomer for more information.
Community art project: Postcards to Campus is a community art project and display in the Valley Library. Inspired in part by Post Secret, this project asks students, staff, and faculty to write a postcard with an anonymous note to campus. Postcards will be displayed in the windows of Valley Library and as a digital exhibit. See more details -- including the option to make a virtual postcard -- at the project website: https://beav.es/o9w
Regional Connections: Relationships That Count: Meet up with Beavers from around the country in a virtual gathering where you can find support, make new friends or simply socialize. No matter what stage you’re at in your education or career, there’s a network of 200,000+ alumni available to help you succeed in school and post-college life. Thursday, Dec. 3, noon to 1 p.m. Registration: osualum.com/regionalconnections Contact: Yuliya Dennis, Yuliya.dennis@osualum.com, 541-737-8294.
Holiday concert webcast: Corvallis-OSU Symphony presents "A Holiday Encore" webcast featuring highlights from past holiday concert performances. Works include W.A. Mozart's "Coronation" Mass in C, KV. 317, Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite" Op. 71a, and an assortment of polkas by Johann Strauss II. Free and open to all. The webcast publishes on Friday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. To view, visit: beav.es/oys.
2020 Oregon Stater Awards: Please join Oregon State University's College of Engineering for the 22nd anniversary of the Oregon Stater Awards to celebrate achievement at the frontiers of engineering and its profound impact on the profession and our world: Wednesday, Dec. 9, 5:30-6:30 p.m. The 2020 Oregon Stater Awards program will honor the Engineering Hall of Fame Award recipient: Anton Thomas Skoro, ’81 B.S. Construction Engineering Management. Skoro is receiving the Engineering Hall of Fame Award posthumously. Joan Skoro will be accepting the award on behalf of her late husband. Remarks provided by Scott A. Ashford, Kearney Dean of Engineering. Free and open to the public. Register here.
NEW! 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, Dec. 3 at noon: Jeffrey Bethel, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, “Tracking a pandemic: the OSU Trace project.” Zoom link: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/92998604793?pwd=c2poQjdSRm8wVUc3UTFSKzN6Z2ZRdz09 Password: 448617.
NEW! End of Life Options: Managing Life's Closure with David Grube on Thursday, Dec. 3 at 3 p.m. via Zoom - Register today. We all die, but in the U.S., even before the pandemic, dying has become medicalized and complicated. Few of us realize that we not only have options at the end of life, but that it is important to consider our wishes and values and to discuss them with our family and loved ones. Advance directives outline these decisions. For more info or for accommodations for disabilities, contact osura@oregonstate.edu.
NEW! Overview of the Corvallis Campus Vision: Join us to learn about the Corvallis Campus Vision this Friday. The Corvallis Campus Vision will guide the development of Oregon State University’s physical campus in Corvallis over the next decade and beyond. The Vision for campus, which is based on shared values and guiding principles, is a place that would be safe, welcoming and inclusive while effectively supporting the university’s mission as expressed in Strategic Plan 4.0. We will share strategies that offer a cohesive and comprehensive view of future campus development that can be applied both to campus-wide perspectives and specific projects and locations. It provides a framework to align various long range planning efforts. Part of the Fall 2020 FYI Friday series. Dec. 4, 9-10 a.m. via Zoom. Registration required
NEW! Department of Integrative Biology Ph.D. Defense Seminar: Paul Snyder will present “Effects of Diversity on Emerging Infectious Diseases of Amphibians” on Friday, Dec. 4 at noon via Zoom. Snyder is completing his Ph.D. in Integrative Biology under the guidance of Andrew Blaustein. https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/92839695002 Passcode: 378589.
NEW! Environmental epigenetics seminar: Andrea Baccarelli, Leon Hess Professor and director of the Laboratory of Precision Environmental Biosciences in the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, will present “Environmental epigenetics – integrating public health into precision medicine.” Friday, Dec. 4, 1-2 p.m. The seminar will be presented via Zoom; find details at https://health.oregonstate.edu/seminars.
NEW! Get to know Zoom with Media Services: Meeting vs. webinar? What to use? Dec. 4, 2-3 p.m. To register, go to https://beav.es/oFT. For more Zoom information from Media Services, including upcoming Zoom webinars, go to https://uit-at.oregonstate.edu/media-services-zoom/.
NEW! Department of Horticulture Seminar Series: Join the Fall 2020 Seminar Series Monday at noon via Zoom. Cody Copp, OSU Department of Horticulture, will present, “Grapevine Red Blotch Virus Alters Leaf Carbon Metabolism and Export in Vitis vinifera.” Dec. 7, noon.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.
Department of Integrative Biology Ph.D. Defense Seminar: Erin Abernethy will present “Explorations into who is doing freshwater science and how we are altering waterscapes” on Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. via Zoom. Abernethy is completing her Ph.D. in Integrative Biology under the guidance of Dave Lytle. https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/99648280570.
Passcode: 953242
Beyond Benefits EAP Presents Managing Holiday Stress: Welcome to the holiday season – that whirlwind of gift-giving holidays, marketing blitzes, parties and family dinners and activities galore starting with Halloween, through Thanksgiving, Hanukah and Christmas and ending with New Year’s festivities. This workshop will allow participants to discuss some ways to manage your emotions and expectations, hear some suggestions for shopping and finances, learn about new travel considerations during this time, understand the importance of self-care during the holiday season and consider some new traditions that can make this holiday season a wonderful time. Dec. 2, 11 a.m. https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6722758650228735248
Bioinformatics Users Group (BUG): “How tiny fruit flies travel long distances, i.e. Using machine vision, virtual reality and statistics to understand animal navigation.” Tim Warren (Tim Warren Lab, Botany & Plant Pathology), Wednesday, Dec. 2, at noon via Zoom. Register here. BUG consists of life scientists, bioinformaticians, computer scientists, mathematicians, engineers, statisticians and researchers of all types who meet to discuss topics related to these fields of study. Meetings are generally informal, consisting of discussions, interactive talks or short workshops. All are welcome. No experience needed to participate. For additional information, see https://cgrb.oregonstate.edu/bug
Future of Food From the Sea Webinar & Panel: On Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 4 p.m. via Zoom, join the Marine Studies Initiative to learn about food from the sea, including wild fisheries, mariculture and seafood products. As global food demand rises, how much food can we expect the ocean to sustainably produce by 2050? Register for the event HERE and view more information about the event HERE.
Water Resources Policy & Management Virtual Seminar Series: “Diversity and inclusion in Water Resources professions” with Dresden Farrand from the American Water Resources Association. Presented by the Water Resources Graduate Program. Wednesday, Dec. 2 from 4-5 p.m. Free and open to all. To join, use Zoom meeting ID 919 2424 3079 (or CLICK HERE) with password ‘WRSeminar’.
Wildfires Rising: Environment, Public Health and Economics in the State of Oregon. League of Women Voters of Corvallis hosts panelists Daniel López-Cevallos; Rep. Dan Rayfield, Oregon State House District 16; and Meg Krawchuk for a discussion on fire in Oregon. Thursday, Dec. 3, 7-8:30 p.m. via Zoom. Open to all. See: https://lwv.corvallis.or.us/event/%ef%bb%bfwildfires-rising-environment-public-health-and-economics-in-the-state-of-oregon/.
Oregon Sea Grant Fellowships Webinar: Oregon Sea Grant is pleased to announce several upcoming paid fellowship opportunities in marine science and policy for graduate students. Please see our website for details and how to apply. Register here for a brief informational webinar on Friday, Dec. 4, 10-10:30 a.m. The Oregon Sea Grant Scholars program is committed to training and supporting a diverse ocean workforce that understands technical and social challenges facing coastal communities and the natural environment.
Anthropology lecture series: "Conflicts and Cooperation: Race, Place and Memory of New Orleans Afro-American Festivals" with Jiaju Li from the Chinese Academy of Social Science. Presented by the School of Language, Culture and Society. Free and open to all. Friday, Dec. 4 at noon. To join the virtual talk via Zoom, using meeting ID 918 8649 8232 with password 8c574f.
Preventing Burnout During This Challenging Time – Hosted by Care.com: Executive Coach Lisa Abramson will teach you how to develop a more resilient mindset through five key strategies. She’ll share actionable strategies you can start using immediately to avoid burnout, “reset” and better cope with the stress of the holidays in the time of COVID-19. During this session, we’ll also actively practice some proven stress management techniques to help you re-center, refocus, and be more productive. Dec. 16, 9-10 a.m. Register here today. A recording and a PDF of the presentation will be shared with registrants following the webinar. If you are unable to attend at the scheduled time you can register and receive the PDF presentation and a recording to watch later. Questions? Please contact employee.benefits@oregonstate.edu.
NEW! Monthly Emergency Preparedness Topic — Flooding: Flooding occurs in Oregon due to our seasonal rainfall, summer fires, melting snow, new development and levee/dams. All influence how water is absorbed or directed downstream. Areas that have not flooded in the past may flood now due to changes that occurred somewhere else and caused a change in how the ground interacts with the water. This month’s poster can be downloaded at https://emergency.oregonstate.edu/emergency-preparedness/preparedness-topics/flood
NEW! Call for Proposals: Join a faculty learning community. The Center for Teaching & Learning and Academic Technology invite proposals to participate in the Winter ’21 Blended Faculty Learning Community. Group members will focus on enhancing their teaching by applying effective practices in blended learning and the use of educational technology. See Call for Proposals (https://beav.es/oju). Apply by Dec. 4.
NEW! Faculty Staff Fitness: OSU’s Faculty Staff Fitness is offering a variety of options for you over winter break and winter term. Winter break options are open for registration. Winter term registrations open Dec. 1. Remote, asynchronous Online FSF classes will be available Nov. 30-Jan. 4 for $20 and Jan. 4-March 29 for $35, https://health.oregonstate.edu/fsf/online. Classes in person, on campus will be back in action with distancing and safety measures starting Jan. 4 and can be accessed at https://health.oregonstate.edu/fsf/schedule/winter. You will also find on our winter schedule some synchronous Zoom options this winter. Do you need additional guidance to stay on track for the new year? Join our 6-week RECHARGE wellness challenge. Details can be found at https://health.oregonstate.edu/fsf/recharge.
UPDATED! 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 Dec. 16. Questions? Send an email to Stefanie Buck, OER director.
ADA30 Celebratory Symposium: The OSU Americans with Disabilities Act 30th (ADA30) Anniversary Committee is presently accepting proposals for the ADA30 Celebratory Symposium to be held remotely in May 2021. Campus and community members are encouraged to submit proposals for workshops, posters, artist talks, and other session types on a wide array of disability-related topics by Dec. 1. For more information about ADA30 and the Symposium, including proposal submission details, please visit https://blogs.oregonstate.edu/ada30/.
New issue of The Messenger magazine from OSU Libraries and Press is available: The magazine highlights the new resources and services, accomplishments and ongoing efforts of the Libraries and Press, and this issue is about the strange but true history of OSU Libraries and Press. Along with some COVID info. This issue of The Messenger and others are available at https://library.oregonstate.edu/the-messenger-recent-issue.
Dialogue Facilitation Lab Winter 2021 Applications: Applications for the winter 2021 session of the Dialogue Facilitation Lab (DFL) are open. DFL is a professional learning seminar for teaching and professional faculty, staff and graduate assistants looking to integrate critical dialogue facilitation skills into their daily practice. For winter term 2021, the Office of Institutional Diversity continues DFL in an online format. Each cohort consists of 12-16 participants that include perspectives from diverse roles and disciplines. Click HERE to apply. The deadline to complete an application is Dec. 2, 5 p.m. Winter DFL 2021 sessions will take place on Wednesdays from 3-4:30 p.m. starting on Jan. 6, 2021.
Key Shop Hours of Operation Updated: Beginning Monday, Nov. 30, the Key Shop hours of operation will be noon to 3 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for key pickup and return. Email keyshop@oregonstate.edu or call 7-3565 with questions or more information.
$15K of Funding Available: The OSU Advantage Accelerator is currently seeking proposals 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 October 2020. Proposals are due no later than 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 16. Read the full RFP here: https://advantage.oregonstate.edu/advantage-accelerator/funding-opportunities/aid-fund
Gift Drive for OSU Kid’s Gift Closet: The Family Resource Center Kid’s Gift Closet helps provide gifts for children of OSU students during holidays and celebrations. Thanks to our generous sponsors, each year’s gift closet is a huge success and we have many grateful families. To minimize traffic to campus/our office, donations this year will take place via an Amazon registry that ships directly to FRC, or you can shop at the Toy Factory in downtown Corvallis and leave the gift in our donation box. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about this program, please contact erika.woosley@oregonstate.edu.
PCOSW scholarships: The President's Commission on the Status of Women (PCOSW) is offering scholarships to cover registration costs for the 2021 Oregon Women in Higher Education (OWHE) virtual conference. OSU faculty, professional faculty, staff, students and OSU community members are eligible to apply. The scholarship application deadline is Dec. 15. NOTE: Please DO NOT register for the OWHE conference if you are applying for a scholarship until you are approved. Once approved, you will be sent a promo code and special registration link to use to register with OWHE. PCOSW cannot reimburse people for registrations that have already been paid. For questions, contact pcosw@oregonstate.edu.
OSU Press holiday sale: OSU Press has launched its annual holiday sale with 30% off and free shipping for every book on its website. New books include the bestselling memoir, rough house by tina ontiveros; Hops: Historic Photographs of the Oregon Hopscape by Kenneth I. Helphand; and a new history of the Andrews Forest by professor emeritus William G. Robbins, A Place for Inquiry, A Place for Wonder. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift or thoughtful reading for quarantine, visit http://osupress.oregonstate.edu to explore new releases and old favorites. Enter the promo code 20HOLIDAY at checkout to receive the discount. The promotion expires Dec. 31.
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! The College of Engineering is recruiting to fill one full-time Integrity Coordinator position. The Academic Integrity Coordinator’s primary responsibility is to administer the university’s academic integrity program in the College of Engineering (COE). Posting #P02800CT. Full consideration date Jan. 19. Closes Jan. 31.
"Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December; And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.” ~ Edgar Allan Poe.
Corvallis: Sunny today, high of 46, low of 29. Sunny tomorrow.
Central Oregon: Sunny today, high of 41, low of 23. Sunny tomorrow.
Newport: Sunny today, high of 50, low of 35. Sunny tomorrow.
Statewide: For OSU employees around the state, find your local forecast here: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/