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 new 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.
Student forums: Student forums will be held in Corvallis and Bend today to discuss the pandemic, personal health, OSU’s resumption plans and how students can serve as community partners and public health leaders. A Q&A session will also take place. A variety of OSU speakers will be present. For Corvallis students, the forum takes place June 2, 3-4 p.m., via Zoom at https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/95105825919. For OSU-Cascades students, the forum takes place June 2, 4-5 p.m., via Zoom at https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/96666276545
NEW! Today’s Timely Teaching Tip: Looking for inspiration as you plan summer courses? View Strategies for Effective Pedagogy shared by faculty panelists at the Remote Teaching Symposium presented May 15, 2020 by the OSU College of Liberal Arts and the Honors College. Visit Keep Teaching for all the Week 10 Timely Teaching Tips.
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.
The symptoms data may offer a more complete picture of the virus’s true toll, said Daniel Lòpez-Cevallos, associate professor of Latino/a/x Studies, Ethnic Studies and Health Equity Studies at Oregon State University. (see also Oklahoman)
A recent study by Oregon State University researchers aimed to understand both the varied reasons why schools choose to adopt a four-day week and how the schedule affects student learning outcomes and behavior.
A piece by OSU's Susan Shaw.
“Weeds are the hardest part of vegetable gardening,” said Weston Miller, horticulturist with Oregon State University Extension Service. “If you let them get out of control, it’s a big problem. Using a hoe when the weeds are small will save you from having to bend down.”
Sunday was the second day of OSU-Cascades students going door to door in 30 randomly chosen Bend neighborhood for a TRACE-COVID-19 testing project that began in Corvallis a few weeks ago. They were working to collect 650 voluntary samples to help determine the prevalence of the virus among those who have no symptoms. Students said they were getting a good reception from the community. (see also Bend Bulletin)
Today’s workspaces: Craig Hayslip, faculty research assistant with the OSU Marine Mammal Institute, says, “Including animals seems to be popular so I thought I would do the same. My two cats wouldn’t cooperate so I enlisted one of the two chicks we got in February.”
Erica Harry, accountant with the Forestry, Oceanic & Atmospheric Business Center, has recently been joined by a new office mate, this kitten named Kira. Follow OSU Today on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/osutoday1/ and catch up on any workspace photos you might have missed so far.
Choose Your Attitude: Emotions tend to vacillate in the COVID-19 environment. Maintaining a favorable perspective and managing emotions is important. Understand the relationship between your attitude, your beliefs and your behaviors, and learn about the “Wallenda Factor” and how self-fulfilling prophecy effects outcomes. Zoom session, June 2, 8-9 a.m. Registration required.
Running Effective Remote Meetings: Meetings are a series of conversations. Most agenda items can be categorized under a handful of conversations. Remote meetings require a greater adherence to the conversational processes. Conversational processes will be highlighted, that when followed, will increase the likelihood of an effective meeting. Zoom session, June 2, 9:30-11 a.m. Registration required.
Nature Journaling Series: Tuesdays in June from 10-11 a.m., $15. Nature journaling is the practice of drawing and writing in response to observations of nature. Enjoy a “conversation with nature” by slowing down to notice and record what you see in our natural surroundings. Due to the nature of this virtual class, the instructor will bring various items from the natural world to our virtual classroom for viewing. With prompts and guidance from the instructor, students will be able to draw what they see and write “field notes” about their accompanying thoughts and observations. This series is offered by OSU Extension in Washington County and taught by artist Elizabeth Higgins. Register today. Space is limited.
NEW! Research Resumption Forum, Session II: All are welcome to join the Research Office leadership team for an opportunity to ask questions and hear directly about the research resumption guidance and process at tomorrow’s forum. Tuesday June 2, 11 a.m. to noon: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/96151106133. The recording of the previous session is available through the Keep Researching website: https://covid.oregonstate.edu/keep-researching
It’s time to show up: A call for white folks to deepen our commitment to racial justice: Recent incidents of racialized violence – the deaths of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and George Floyd as well as the targeting of Christian Cooper – underscore the urgency for white people to take on greater responsibility in the confrontation of white supremacy and institutionalized racism. This is a space for white-identified faculty and staff to connect with one another, reflect on this moment, and imagine concrete next steps for intentional racial justice solidarity. Tuesday June 2, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Registration link. Hosted by Examining White Identity (EWI) facilitators with support from the Office of Institutional Diversity (OID) Facilitators for this session will be: Whitney Archer, Emily Bowling, Nicole Hindes, and Adam Schwartz.
People and Nature Lunch Series: Tuesday, June 2, from noon to 12:50 p.m. Betsy Emery (Forest Ecosystems and Society) presents “‘I Don’t Want Designer Nature’ – The Moral and Environmental Intuitions that Influence How People Think about Genetically Modifying Trees.” The lecture is free and open to all. To join the meeting, register at https://peopleandnatureosu.weebly.com/spring-2020.html. Sponsored by the Department of Fisheries & Wildlife’s Human Dimensions Lab.
Investment and PERS 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. This is one way to educate yourself without leaving the comfort and safety of your own home. Tuesday, June 2, noon - Investing With Social Responsibility and Thursday, June 4, noon - Investing With Social Responsibility . PERS Related Webinars: Wednesday, June 3, 3 p.m. - PERS and Retirement Planning (OPSRP). Additionally, Wednesday, June 3, noon - Economic Outlook: Join the Maps Investment team as they host a presentation on what to make of the current volatility and gain perspective on strategies for the approaching months and years.(These are not OSU events but are tailored to OSU clients and during normal circumstances are held on campus. There is no charge.)
Student Engagement: Join the Student Engagement Community of Practice on Tuesday, June 2 from 1-3 p.m. Here is the Zoom link to access the meeting. We’ll be sharing what we’re doing to celebrate the end of the year with our students. Come with what you’re doing, and leave with new ideas. We’ll also be engaging in a Self-Care Scavenger Hunt thanks to the Wellness Agents. All are welcome.
NEW! EMT Department Seminar Series: Mamta Behl: “Neurodevelopmental Health Effects as Focus for Innovation at the National Toxicology Program”, Tuesday, June 2, 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Zoom https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/97138515366?pwd=clZVbkc1NVZQL0FkR3JLL0RnVHpvZz09. The waiting room will open at 3 p.m. The password is 759828
Student forums: Student forums will be held in Corvallis and Bend on Tuesday to discuss the pandemic, personal health, OSU’s resumption plans and how students can serve as community partners and public health leaders. A Q&A session will also take place. A variety of OSU speakers will be present. For Corvallis students, the forum takes place June 2, 3-4 p.m., via Zoom at https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/95105825919 . For OSU-Cascades students, the forum takes place June 2, 4-5 p.m., via Zoom at https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/96666276545
Do you have a business idea or tech with commercialization potential 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 with commercialization potential 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: June 2 and June 4, all from 4-5:30 p.m. Learn more and register: https://advantage.oregonstate.edu/advantage-accelerator/programs/iterate
Engineering Virtual Showcase: Experience more than 100 engineering virtual projects, featuring videos, digital posters, websites and more presented by College of Engineering students. June 5, 10 a.m. to noon. Learn about the amazing work students are doing with artificial intelligence, virtual reality, nuclear energy, robotics, earthquake safety, clean water and more. More information: https://engineering.oregonstate.edu/showcase2020.
World Oceans Day Virtual Event: Celebrate World Oceans Day on June 8 at 6 p.m. This virtual event features a short OSU produced film, a Q&A session, trivia, art, music, and a special reading of a children's ocean storybook. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/world-oceans-day-event-oregon-state-university-science-pub-tickets-105897923540
World Oceans Day is June 8: The OSU Marine Studies Initiative is compiling OSU-led events and resources to recognize this day and help raise awareness about the importance of a healthy ocean. We invite you to join this celebratory effort. Is your college or unit hosting or involved with seminars or other special events at the end of May through mid-June that raise awareness about issues of the coasts and ocean? If yes, send the information to us at Marine.Studies@Oregonstate.edu.
NEW! Winning: LinkedIn Best Practices: LinkedIn is a popular and powerful tool connecting career-minded Beavers everywhere. Maximize the benefits of this free tool by attending the LinkedIn best practices webinar hosted by the OSU Alumni Association June 4 at noon. Presenters will cover what to include, how to maximize a profile’s reach and online networking best practices. See details: osualum.com/winning
NEW! Oregon Teen Science Café: Maximillian Alvarez shares how he developed his authentic voice. He is a writer at the Chronicle of Higher Education and creator of the podcast "Working People." Join Max live on June 7 at 4 p.m. to ask him questions about his experiences. Event is open to any middle and high school students. Registration is required.
NEW! Take part in OER workshops online: The OSU Open Educational Resources Unit is hosting a series of virtual workshops this month on how faculty can find or create no-cost and low-cost learning materials. Topics include implementing affordable learning materials to save students money (June 15); the Creative Commons licensing process (June 16); and reviewing and becoming familiar with open textbooks (June 17). Learn more about each workshop and register today.
Strategies for Being Effective in Times of Uncertainty: Uncertainty in organizations will affect each of us differently. Some thrive in ambiguity, while others are dominated by feelings of anxiety, fear, and doubt that negatively affect productivity. This class will provide 8 strategies with practical ideas to increase effectiveness in challenging, uncertain times. Zoom session, June 3, 8-9 a.m. Registration required.
Coaching: A Process for Developing Talent: Participants will learn, and practice, a powerful coaching model that is process- (not content-) driven. When the process is applied in a systems manner, “coachees” develop their unique talents and perform at a higher level. Target audience is supervisors and faculty that advise students. Zoom session, June 3, 9:30-11 a.m. Registration required.
M.S. Defense – Sustainable Forest Management: Elijah Allensworth will present his thesis, “Comparison of the Effects of Subsampling Trees and Imputation Methods on the Accuracy of Height-to-Crown-Base Predictions for Douglas-fir in Southwest Oregon,” on Wednesday, June 3, at noon via Zoom. Please RSVP for the Zoom information. Elijah is pursuing his M.S. in Sustainable Forest Management with his major professor, Dr. Temesgen Hailemariam, in the Department of Forest Engineering, Resources and Management.
Bioinformatics Users Group (BUG): "Using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) to assess the migratory connections between humpback whale breeding grounds and feeding grounds in the eastern North Pacific Ocean; i.e. 23 & Me for North Pacific humpback whales." - Karen Lohman (Scott Baker lab, Fisheries & Wildlife), Wednesday, June 3 from noon to 1 p.m. in the remote broadcast Zoom room https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/344627115. 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
Lucid Dreaming, Meditation & Insight: Learn, practice and discuss meditation and contemplative insights related to lucid dreaming. Led by Kate Gallagher, M.A. and sponsored by OSU's Contemplative Studies Initiative. Four Wednesdays: June 3, 10, 17 and 24, 6-7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Free and open to all. Register by emailing ContemplativeStudies@oregonstate.edu. More info here.
DEI Response to COVID-19: From Principles to Action: Charlene Alexander, vice president and chief diversity officer, will host a conversation on “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the time of COVID-19” with a group of leaders on June 4, from 9-10:30 a.m. Speakers include Yvette Gullatt, vice provost for Diversity and Engagement and interim vice president for Student Affairs in the University of California Office of the President. Gullatt along with chief diversity officers from the University of California developed guiding Principles on Equity and Inclusion During COVID-19. Panelists will consider the application of DEI principles in their work, lived experiences and identify ways to move from thought to action. Click HERE to register.
Under the Orange Light: COVID 19: The Faculty Senate Executive group will present a series of lightning talks by faculty who will take the audience on an intersectional journey to better understand the current COVID-19 global pandemic, June 4, 5-7 p.m. The faculty presenting are: Bill Ripple, Chunhuei Chi, Christopher McKnight Nichols, Jennifer Alix Garcia, Daniel López-Cevallos, Dina Ribbink, James Sterns, John Selker, and Jeffery Bethel. Faculty will look at the cause of the disease, the history of pandemics, the cultural, political, social and economic impacts and the OSU faculties efforts to study the disease. A Q&A also will take place. Zoom link: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/97430347676
Beavers: Ben Goldfarb, author of “Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter,” and Jefferson Jacobs, Riparian Restoration Coordinator for the Oregon Natural Desert Association, will discuss and answer your questions about the natural history of Oregon’s state animal and OSU’s mascot, as well as their importance in restoring ecosystems. They will present on June 6, from 9-10:30 a.m. on Zoom. Register HERE.
M.S. Defense – Sustainable Forest Management: Liam Gilson will present his thesis, “Drivers of Productivity Differences between Native and Exotic Range Douglas-fir Plantations in Oregon and New Zealand,” on Thursday, June 4, at 10 a.m. via Zoom. To participate, contact Liam for the Zoom information. Liam is pursuing his M.S. in Sustainable Forest Management with his major professor, Doug Maguire, in the Department of Forest Engineering, Resources and Management.
Beyond Benefits: Oregon State University’s Office of Human Resources is introducing a new employee assistance program (EAP) called Beyond Benefits. Beyond Benefits will replace Cascade Centers EAP effective July 1, 2020, and will provide extensive resources for employees. It is available to Graduate Assistants, Post-Doc Scholars, Classified Staff, Academic Faculty, Professional Faculty and their household members. Employees will be able to access Beyond Benefits support by phone, online or through a mobile app. A webinar about Beyond Benefits takes place June 4, 2-3 p.m., at https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/717128509. The webinar will be recorded and available for employees to view at a later time here. You can also dial in at +1 (646) 749-3122, Access Code: 717-128-509. New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/717128509. For more information, contact Employee Benefits at employee.benefits@oregonstate.edu or 541-737-2805.
Challenges for the Future: The Center for Teaching & Learning would like you to invite you to our presentation of Lessons Learned From Spring 2020: Challenges For the Future. Friday, June 5, noon to 1:30 p.m. CTL staff and instructors will review the student and faculty survey results, highlight college efforts, and share guides for the future. Free to attend via Zoom.
No-cost access to online learning virtual conference: An institution-wide pass to the Online Learning Consortium’s Innovate conference, to be held online from June 15-26, is available for all OSU faculty and staff. OLC Innovate gathers higher education faculty, advisors and administrators throughout the U.S. to share ideas and best practices. In this virtual event, synchronous conference sessions will be available daily, and you’ll also have access to all session recordings. To learn how to register at no cost, visit the Ecampus website.
NEW! Health and safety: The University Health & Safety Committee wants to promote health and safety by providing the following information from SAIF in regards to heat/cold stress before our summer heat wave starts, available online at https://www.saif.com/safety-and-health/topics/prevent-injuries/heat/cold-stress.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.
Larry Landis, Director of the Special Collections and Archives Research Center of OSU Libraries, is retiring: After 30 years in archives at OSU, Larry Landis is retiring, and his last day is June 30. Among his many accomplishments, Larry helped to establish the Oregon Multicultural Archives in 2005, authored A School for the People: A Photographic History of Oregon State University in 2015 (available from OSU Press), and worked on various OSU150 activities. After June 30, Larry can be contacted at tro2005@gmail.com.
Summer fitness: OSU’s Faculty Staff Fitness Program is offering over 200 pre-recorded online fitness classes for 14 weeks of summer term June 15-Sept. 18. Classes range from 10, 20, 30 to 60 minutes and involve formats including Weight Training, Cardio Kickboxing, Cardio Dance (similar to Zumba), Barre Fusion, Pilates, various Yoga styles, and more. Registration is $35 and is now open via: https://health.oregonstate.edu/fsf/online.
A minute of your time = support for OSU students. Approximately one-third of OSU students have been financially impacted by COVID-19, and they need our help. All you need to do is spend a minute or two reviewing your favorite brands, and for each review submitted, Express Feedback for Good will donate $2 to the OSU Beavers Care initiative. Sign up today and voice your opinion. Your personal information will not be sold to third parties. It won’t cost you a penny, but it’ll make the world of difference for OSU students.
Teaching Infographic: See practical solutions to remote teaching issues from the Center for Teaching and Learning. The infographic provides evidence-based solutions with links to useful resources. Need assistance for finishing Spring term or developing Summer or Fall courses? For a teaching consultation, contact CTL.
New Oregon State OER services microsite: Oregon State’s Open Educational Resources Unit has launched a new services microsite to support faculty. This site serves as a comprehensive guide for working with the unit to integrate OER into courses. OSU faculty are encouraged to explore the site and learn how the OER Unit can assist, consult and collaborate. For more information, visit https://open.oregonstate.edu/services.
2020 Faculty and Staff Climate Survey: The 2020 Faculty and Staff Climate Survey launched on May 6 with an invitation from President Ray, with additional invitations from Deans and Division leaders. Please check your e-mail to access the survey link. The survey is open until June 5. Copy and paste this link to access the Office of Institutional Diversity website for past reports: https://diversity.oregonstate.edu/climate-assessment Questions about the survey can be directed to OID at diversity@oregonstate.edu.
Call for submissions: The ADVANCE Journal, hosted by OREGON STATE ADVANCE, announces a special issue in honor of the 20th anniversary of the National Science Foundation’s ADVANCE program. The special issue theme is Collaborations, Collisions, and Connections. The goal of ADVANCE “is to increase the representation and advancement of women in academic science and engineering careers.” Additional information and submissions portal found here: https://www.advancejournal.org/post/444. Deadline for submissions is March 31, 2021.
InclusiveExcellence@OSU: IE@OSU is a professional development program for STEM faculty to understand and confront inequities in STEM education. The IE@OSU team is recruiting interested faculty for the Fall 2020 cohort of Fellows. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fall Academy is shifting to a virtual format, which will take place over the course of Fall term. More information about the program can be found here. If you are interested in participating, please click here to complete a short survey; deadline to indicate interest is Friday, June 5. Please contact program coordinator Ann Sitomer with any questions.
Faculty & Staff COVID-19 Disaster Relief Fund Under IRS Code Section 139: In collaboration with the OSU Foundation, Oregon State University is offering emergency financial assistance grants through the OSU Faculty and Staff COVID-19 Disaster Relief Fund. The purpose of this fund is to help regular classified and unclassified employees in our university community with unexpected needs during this unprecedented time of the COVID-19 pandemic. All classified staff, professional faculty and academic/research faculty are eligible regardless of service time or FTE. An individual must be actively employed on the date of grant distribution. Read more about the details of the program here. Student hourly employees, graduate assistants, and stipend recipients (e.g., fellows) are not eligible. There are separate programs for students located here: https://financialaid.oregonstate.edu/covid-19.
"How can I find purpose in life if I can’t even find the “x” button on ads while playing Candy Crush?" Awkwafina, who turns 32 today.
Corvallis: Mostly sunny today, high of 74, low of 48. Sunny tomorrow.
Central Oregon: Sunny today, high of 77, low of 46. Sunny tomorrow.
Newport: Mostly sunny today, high of 59, low of 49. Mostly sunny tomorrow.
Statewide: For OSU employees around the state, find your local forecast here: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/