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: For the first week of winter term starting Jan. 4, testing will be offered to all OSU faculty, staff and students in the Corvallis, Bend and Newport areas who are enrolled in TRACE OSU. Here is a link to enroll. All students living in university residence halls will be required to participate in testing through TRACE OSU within three days of the start of the term. For winter term, TRACE OSU will continue to offer weekly testing in Corvallis in the Memorial Union Ballroom and at Reser ticket booths, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In Newport, testing provided every other week beginning Jan. 11, Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. At OSU-Cascades, testing will be provided every other week beginning Jan. 11, Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
NEW! Timely Teaching Tips: Wondering how to be more “present” for students while teaching remotely? Developing instructor presence outside the physical classroom is challenging. The Building Instructor Presence workshop Thursday, Jan. 7, at 2 p.m. will introduce you to a wealth of techniques for supporting the learning of your students in remote or blended courses. Register: https://beav.es/oDe
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.
New research from Oregon State University is opening the door to possible probiotic treatments for type 2 diabetes. (see also Science Daily)
After 17 years of service, Oregon State University President Edward Ray stepped down from his position in June 2020, passing on the job to the experienced southern native F. King Alexander. Alexander accepted the post in the midst of a pandemic, intense discussions on racial injustice, and great uncertainty. The Advocate sat down with him (virtually, of course) to reflect on his work so far and his hopes for the future.
“We are emphasizing the importance that while we're waiting for vaccinations that can be shared with the community of our students and employees, we need to remain ever vigilant,” OSU spokesperson Steve Clark said.
The first is scheduled for delivery this year to Oregon State University. It's called the Taani, a Siletz Indian word meaning "offshore" and pronounced like the English word "tawny."
When fires raged throughout Oregon in early September, those who evacuated their homes needed a place to house their animals while they found shelter. The Benton County 4-H jumped up to help under the leadership of Carolyn Ashton, Oregon State University associate professor and 4-H coordinator.
Today's workspace: Before the holidays were over, Jean Bremer with Clackamas County OSU Extension Service shared this view of her home office workspace. It's a new year, but most of us are still waiting for 'normal' to return. In the meantime, if you'd like to share your workspace or what you're doing to cope, 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! CTL’s Tuesday Teaching + Tech Talks: Concentric Circles of Care: Teaching in Tough Times. Christina Schaaf, Work Life Coordinator & Kate Gallagher, Contemplative Studies Initiative coordinator. Change, stress, uncertainty, loss and social isolation impacting you and your learners? You are not alone. This talk explores practical resources and contemplative approaches to navigate the ever-changing realities we are facing. This workshop will be facilitated on Jan. 5, at 10 a.m., via Zoom: beav.es/ZOOMT4 *Password: CTL.
Crossroads Conversation School for Women invites international women to join them for winter term English conversation classes beginning on Tuesday, Jan. 5. Classes meet via Zoom on Tuesdays and Thursdays (morning and afternoon options are available). For more details and information on how to register go to www.facebook.com/Crossroads-Conversation-School-for-Women-111562023572850 or contact Kara Hanson at crossroadsconversationschool@gmail.com.
BEavers HERE NOW: Enjoy a different 15 minute guided meditation each week. Benefits of mediation include: Stress reduction, better sleep, sharper concentration, anxiety management and happier relationships. Sessions take place every Tuesday and Wednesday at 4 p.m. Contact tess.websterhenry@oregonstate.edu to coordinate extra credit for student attendance. Faculty and staff are welcome too. Register at: http://beav.es/JoU
NEW! University Budget Conversation: On Thursday, Jan. 7 from noon to 1 p.m., the Office of Budget and Resource Planning will hold another University Budget Conversation via Zoom. 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.
NEW! Beavers SAVE Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention. 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. The training is offered on two dates in winter term: Thursday, Jan. 14 from noon to 2 p.m. (register at https://oregonstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcqdOmvqzIqHtb6WqHmcdXrLU3Yg51olg_C) and Wednesday, Feb. 17 from noon to 2 p.m. (register at: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0scuGvqTMiGtIIwRxVYL0cZ9uj9jbqTbhW)
NEW! Winter Career Fairs: Registration is now open. The OSU Winter Career Fair Series, as well as Speed Mock Interviews are virtual, using Handshake. Click the fair link below to register and sign up for to speak with employers like Fast Enterprises, Cintas, Techtronic Industries, Build Group and many more. Feb. 9, Speed Mock Interviews; Feb. 10, Civil and Construction Engineering Fair; Feb. 17, Winter Career Fair; Feb. 18, Non-Profit & Public Service Fair; Feb. 23, Food Science and Technology Fair. For more information about virtual fairs, please visit: career.oregonstate.edu/virtual-fairs
NEW! 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
Book club reading: Join the Association of Faculty and Staff for the Advancement of People of Color (AFAPC) for a book club reading of “Freedom is a Constant Struggle” by Angela Y. Davis. Register by Jan. 12. The book club will meet twice on Jan. 13 and Jan. 20 from noon to 1 p.m. Davis is keynote speaker for the 39th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on Jan. 18. AFAPC encourages you to purchase books at a 40% discount through her publisher, a Black-owned business or through a local business like Grass Roots & Music or the Book Bin. The e-book is also available through the OSU Libraries for a 3-day loan period. For questions, contact mealoha.mcfadden@oregonstate.edu.
ADA30 Celebratory Symposium — Deadline Extended: 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 Jan. 15. For more information about ADA30 and the Symposium, including proposal submission details, please visit https://blogs.oregonstate.edu/ada30/.
NEW! Autonomy: Strengthening Your Ability To Work Independently: Embracing autonomy in your work can be a key to success in our current COVID-19 world. This session will examine choices, volition and actions. Jan. 6, noon: Register here. Once registered, all important information on joining the webinar will be sent directly to your email. If you are unable to attend the webinar you can login with the registration link at a later time to view the recording.
NEW! Balancing Work and Life in a Work From Home Environment: When you work from home, it’s easy to feel like the lines between your professional life and your personal life are starting to blur. This session looks at the unique challenges of finding balance in a work-from-home environment. Jan. 12, 3 p.m. Register here. Once registered, all important information on joining the webinar will be sent directly to your email. If you are unable to attend the webinar you can login with the registration link at a later time to view the recording.
NEW! Pandemic as Portal: Creating a Just Future on Earth: Join us for a weekly lecture series beginning Jan. 12 that will feature visionary thinkers from many perspectives — from writing, philosophy and history to architecture, music and filmmaking — as they explore their highest vision of environmental and social justice as the world reconfigures in the midst of the pandemic. Speakers include Kim Stanley Robinson, Erin Moore, J. Drew Lanham and many others. Sponsored by the Spring Creek Project and the Environmental Arts and Humanities Initiative. Learn more and register for talks in the series here.
NEW! The Yoga of Zoom: Jocelyn Darshana, Graduate Student in Applied Ethics, will lead an 8-week course designed to combat the stressors of online learning through meditation and yoga. No prior experience needed. Free to OSU Students. Starts Jan. 13 at 6-7:15 p.m., and runs on Wednesdays until March 3. Offered online through the Contemplative Studies Initiative. 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 Wednesday, Jan. 13 at noon: Jaycee Kalama, Editor-in-Chief, OSU Daily Barometer, “Student media amid the COVID-19 pandemic.” Zoom link: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/96913848020?pwd=WGpSS1R5S3EyVGJSL21aVHU5b3lEZz09, Password: 951472
NEW! Difficult Conversations During Times Of Unrest: Times of protest and unrest can generate strong feelings, which often carry over to conversations at home, the workplace, and even family gatherings. In this session, we will discuss ways to have healthy discussions about polarizing topics without damaging your close relationships. We will also discuss productive ways to talk about these events with children. Jan. 21, 10 a.m. Register here. Once registered, all important information on joining the webinar will be sent directly to your email. If you are unable to attend the webinar you can login with the registration link at a later time to view the recording.
Water Resources Engineering Winter Seminar Series: Julia Jones, who is currently working as a Professor and Program Head for Geography at Oregon State University, will present “River Management Response to Multi-decade Changes in Timing of Reservoir Inflows” Wednesday, Jan. 6 from noon to 1 p.m. Zoom link https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/93467362981?pwd=NHdvU3I1by9rZ1haODNZMW94ZXZPQT09. Password: WRESeminar
Ecology seminar: The Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (EECB) seminar series is free and open to the public. Lekelia "Kiki" Jenkins will be giving the first talk on Jan. 6 titled “Saving Sea Turtles with Conservation Technology and Dance.” Links to watch the seminar Wednesdays at 4 p.m.: Zoom: beav.es/eecb. YouTube: beav.es/oSs
New MyDegrees Dashboard Advisor Training: Advisors and employees with advisor access in MyDegrees are invited to join Martin Main, from the Office of the Registrar, as he walks users through important features in the new MyDegrees responsive dashboard. Topics covered will include the degree checklist, exceptions and notes, the planner and more. Part of the Winter 2021 FYI Friday series. Jan. 8, 9-10:30 a.m. via Zoom. Registration required.
Applied Economics Seminar: Professor Marco Gonzalez-Navarro, University of California, Berkeley, will present "Vulnerability and Clientelism" Friday, Jan. 8, 2-3:30 p.m., via Zoom. Details, including dial-in information, here.
Get to know Zoom with Media Services: Sharing Content: Audio & Video & PPT, Oh My! Friday, Jan. 8 from 2-3 p.m. Location: Zoom. To register, go to https://beav.es/oFc. For more Zoom information from Media Services, including upcoming Zoom webinars, go to https://uit-at.oregonstate.edu/media-services-zoom/
January 2021 Learning & Development Workshops: University Human Resource’s Learning and Development team is presenting a variety of online professional development workshops in January, including: Strategies for Being Effective in Times of Uncertainty; Managing People Through Change; Stretch Goals: Taking Performance to the Next Level; Six Leadership Concepts to Embrace Now; and Choose Your Attitude. View and register for upcoming workshops here.
Crucial Conversations: Crucial Conversations is a 10-hour course that teaches skills for creating alignment and agreement—by fostering open dialogue around high-stakes, emotional or risky topics—at all levels of your organization. By learning how to speak and be heard (and encouraging others to do the same), you’ll surface the best ideas, make the highest-quality decisions and then act on your decisions with unity and commitment. This is a series of five (5) live, online sessions on Wednesdays, 1-3 p.m Feb. 10 through March 10. There is a $100 fee to attend Crucial Conversations; advanced registration is required. Learn more and register.
Alumni making a difference – CLA Changemakers webcast: There are Oregon State alumni passionately advancing justice and equity in every field. Join the OSU Changemakers webcast series for inspiring conversations with Beavers, hosted monthly by CLA Professor Susan Shaw. Part two of the series kicks off Jan. 27, and features alumni cultivating youth literacy, empowering Oregon’s farmworkers and creating pathways to economic prosperity. Learn more and register at osualum.com/Changemakers.
Creating partnerships for prosperity – CLA Changemakers webcast: Meghan Barp, ’06, breaks barriers — not just for herself, but for her community of 50,000+ in South Carolina. Learn how the president and CEO of United Way of Greenville County became the first woman to lead the organization in its nearly 100-year history, where she convenes her community to address the issues that matter most. Join a conversation with Barp Jan. 27 at osualum.com/Changemakers, presented by the College of Liberal Arts and the OSU Alumni Association.
Empowering farmworkers and working Latinx families – CLA Changemakers webcast: Mobilizing communities is what Laura Galindo, ’17, does best. She’s director of communications and strategic partnerships at PCUN, one of Oregon’s longest standing Latinx-led organizations, and her impact reaches statewide. Learn about her current role and a career spent advocating at the intersection of immigration, undocumented workers’ rights and electoral organizing. Join a conversation with Galindo Feb. 24 at osualum.com/Changemakers, presented by the College of Liberal Arts and the OSU Alumni Association.
Changing lives through literacy – CLA 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 March 10 at osualum.com/Changemakers, presented by the College of Liberal Arts and the OSU Alumni Association.
NEW! MLK Celebration Week Event Submissions: The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee is accepting submissions for events to take place during the celebration week, Monday, Jan. 18, through Friday, Jan. 22. This year marks the 39th anniversary of the Celebration. Click here for more information and to submit your event. Event submissions will be accepted until Jan. 8. The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee is requesting that all events for the 2021 Celebration be held virtually. For questions, contact Brandi Douglas, assistant director of outreach and chair of the celebration committee, Brandi.Douglas@oregonstate.edu.
NEW! Affordable learning workshops for faculty: The OSU Open Educational Resources Unit makes learning affordable. You can, too. The OER Unit is hosting virtual workshops to show how faculty can find or create no-cost and low-cost learning materials, save students money and improve course retention. Learn more about each workshop and register today. Questions? Email Stefanie Buck.
NEW! Video: Happy New Year from the OSU Alumni Association: There’s no doubt about it: We are stronger together. As we enter a brand-new year together, remember that your OSU journey is one vital thread in the beautiful tapestry that is Beaver Nation. Enjoy the warmth of community this New Year with our celebration video filled with dozens of Beaver-submitted photos. See if you can find yourself, your friends or your family in the greeting: osualum.com/BEAVERS
NEW! Seeking Volunteers for a Research Study: The OSU School of Civil and Construction Engineering is seeking participants for a research study who are at least 18 years old and do not require glasses to bike (contacts are OK). The purpose of this study is to make intersections safer for bicyclists. For more information about this study, please contact the principal investigator, Hurwitz, at david.hurwitz@oregonstate.edu
NEW! TRIAD Service Scholarship: The TRIAD Service Scholarship promotes service as a value worthy of encouragement, acknowledgment and reward. The award is for $500 and two awards will be given this year to OSU undergraduate junior or senior students enrolled at Corvallis, Cascades or Ecampus. Applications are due Jan. 22. Complete applications will be evaluated based on academic record and service activities. To apply visit TRIAD Service Scholarship. Questions? Contact: Gretchen Dursch, TRIAD Scholarship co-chair, gretchen.dursch@oregonstate.edu
NEW! Food Drive: The OSU Food Drive has a long tradition at OSU. While this year’s effort may look a bit different, we would still like to reach all parts of Oregon State University in Corvallis and across the state with this effort. Check out the list of participating units at https://communications.oregonstate.edu/events/food-drive. If you don’t see your unit listed, reach out to shelly.signs@oregonstate.edu with your interest in participating. Orientation is on Jan. 15 and the drive runs the month of February. Be a part of this tradition in helping people in your community.
NEW! 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.
NEW! 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! Kognito: Recognizing and Supporting Students in Distress Training for Staff, Faculty and Student Assistants: OSU students today face increasing pressures that can lead to emotional distress, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and even thoughts of suicide. This is never more true than now with the additional stressors of police brutality, racism and a global pandemic. Faculty, staff and the student assistants we employ may be in the best position to notice when a student needs additional support. Visit beav.es/Zzp to access the faculty/staff online training so you can recognize and support OSU students in distress. Student assistants should visit: beav.es/ZD3. For questions contact Tessie Webster-Henry: tess.websterhenry@oregonstate.edu
PNNL graduate research program: PNNL-OSU Distinguished Graduate Research Program is open for nominations through Feb. 26. The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory - Oregon State University Distinguished Graduate Research Program was established as a nationally-competitive effort to elevate the scientific and technical impact of STEM Ph.D. student research at PNNL and OSU. The DGRP is designed to attract a select cohort of Ph.D. candidates with enhanced research opportunities unique to the National Lab system. Candidates selected to participate in the program will receive an assistantship/fellowship for financial support and will benefit from having graduate committee members and access to the world-class research infrastructure the two organizations can provide. You may learn more about this unique opportunity here.
Monthly Emergency Preparedness Topic: Evacuation — Emergency Evacuation is the immediate and urgent movement of people away from the threat or actual occurrence of a hazard. Evacuations are more common than many people realize. Fires and floods cause evacuations most frequently across the U.S. and almost every year, people along coastlines evacuate as hurricanes approach. In addition, hundreds of times a year, transportation and industrial accidents release harmful substances, forcing many people to leave their home. This month’s poster can be downloaded at https://emergency.oregonstate.edu/emergency-preparedness/preparedness-topics/evacuation
Health & Safety: The University Health & Safety Committee wants to promote health and safety by providing a link to SAIF’s continually updated resources on health during the pandemic when you are working from home at https://www.saif.com/safety-and-health/ergonomics-for-the-home-office.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.
Now accepting FYI Friday presentation proposals for Winter and Spring 2021: FYI Friday is a weekly remote program where campus partners are invited to present brief, one-off, awareness- or skill- building topics intended for a wide audience of professional faculty, academic faculty and classified staff. Does your group have a service, process or system you want to share with the campus community? Consider FYI Friday as your venue. Learn more about the requirements and application process here.
Reminder! Giving Circle: The OSU Women’s Giving Circle is inviting you to submit a grant proposal to be awarded in May 2021. Proposals must enhance the OSU undergraduate student experience and improve student retention and directly impact as many OSU students as possible. The average grant amount awarded is $5,000-$10,000. Deadline for submitting proposals is Monday, Jan. 11, 9 a.m. Please see our website for further information and email womensgivingcircle@osufoundation.org or call 541-223-3389 with any questions.
NEW2OSU program: CTL has announced a fully remote and gamified New2OSU program. New2OSU impacts student success by accelerating the effectiveness of those newer to teaching and/or OSU. With customizable learning pathways, New2OSU can support you regardless of your location and the modality in which you teach. Participants are asked to commit 3 hours per week for three terms. CTL accepts 20 applicants per term on a first-come basis and launches again in Winter Term. Spots fill quickly. Register now.
Synergies: Read the latest issue of Synergies, the magazine for the College of Public Health and Human Sciences, for profiles on TRACE co-director/co-PI Jeff Bethel, pandemic expert and media source Chunhuei Chi, new Moore Family Center Director Siew Sun Wong and LPI Director Emily Ho, kinesiology graduate student and roller derby star Kathy McCarty, and more.
In Memoriam, a new event for OSU, will annually honor those from our community that passed away in the previous academic year. The Inaugural event is planned for Thursday, Jan. 28 at 5:30 p.m. and will honor those members of our OSU community (students, staff, faculty, alumni and others who made an impact at OSU) that died during the 2019-20 academic year. This year the event will take place as a livestream broadcast via live.oregonstate.edu and will feature poetry, live music and activities for reflection and healing along with guest speakers and representatives from each community to read the names of the deceased. Additional information will be shared as details are finalized. Please visit https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_beAI0KM3JbZ0iep to share information about an OSU community member that passed away last year that you would like honored at the event or to sign up for more information. You may also email jon.dorbolo@oregonstate.edu for more information or to learn how to get involved with planning the event.
START is recruiting new START Leaders for the 2021 summer. Please visit this link to nominate a student to apply before Friday, Jan. 8; visit this site to learn more about the job; or refer students to our posting on OSU jobs here. The posting opened today and the first consideration deadline is Jan. 15. Any questions or inquiries can be directed to newstudents@oregonstate.edu.
Carbon Neutral OSU: What you can do! Did you know that OSU made a commitment in 2009 to be carbon neutral by 2025? Want to help achieve that goal? Join us Jan. 12 from 10-11 a.m. to learn about OSU’s efforts toward carbon neutrality, how progress is tracked and what you can do. Register for this webinar today.
"Patience is not passive, on the contrary, it is concentrated strength." ~ Bruce Lee
Corvallis: Patchy fog and rain likely, high of 49, low of 45. Rain Wednesday.
Central Oregon: Mostly sunny today, high of 43, low of 36. Rain Wednesday.
Newport: Breezy, chance of rain, high of 51, low of 46. Rain and breezy Wednesday.
Statewide: For OSU employees around the state, find your local forecast here: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/