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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 has invited all OSU students to be tested through TRACE-OSU the week after spring break. All students living in the residence halls are required to be tested within the first three days of spring term. Prevalence testing for university faculty and staff will be offered in Corvallis and at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport by TRACE-OSU, the week after spring break. Employees working on-site at OSU-Cascades in Bend can be tested on March 30 and 31. Please join the effort to build a safer and healthier Oregon State University community. To enroll and for more information: https://trace.oregonstate.edu/osu.
Timely Teaching Tips: Looking for college-specific teaching resources and support? Reach out to your college’s designated Peer Supporters. They promote teaching excellence by providing professional development, pedagogical resources and support to instructional faculty.
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.
A little over one year into the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers from Oregon State University have built up an influential web of public health initiatives, perhaps none more notable than a testing program called TRACE, which stands for Team-based Rapid Assessment Community-level Coronavirus Epidemic.
“I wish that things were normal and that we didn’t have to wear masks and that we could be enjoying it like a normal year but that’s not the reality this year,” Cruz said. Other Oregon universities that are sticking with virtual ceremonies include the University of Portland, Portland State University, the University of Portland and Oregon State University. Linfield University and George Fox University will both hold drive thru ceremonies in May.
Chunhuei Chi, director of the Center for Global Health at Oregon State University, said immune responses vary from person to person. People who have a stronger immune response to a vaccine will produce more antibodies and memory cells — and therefore have stronger immunity, he said. But there is not currently evidence to show that a stronger immune response will increase the duration of immunity.
In need of a dose of cuteness this spring? Internet users can tune in to watch chicks hatch through the Oregon State University's Extension Service livestream.
Spring snow: Justin Hockett, a graduate student in the Department of Integrative Biology, says, “We ran into what is likely the last snowstorm of the season at West Fork Oak Creek outside of Sedona while doing our aquatic invertebrate sampling on March 23. This is not what I expected when I left Corvallis to head down to the desert to do research.” If you have something interesting you'd like to share with us, send your photos to osutoday@oregonstate.edu.
Crossroads Conversation School for Women: Crossroads invites international women to join them for spring term English conversation classes beginning on Tuesday, March 30. In volunteer-taught classes, students explore other cultures, practice English, and develop friendships. Classes meet via Zoom on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. For more details and registration information go to www.facebook.com/Crossroads-Conversation-School-for-Women-111562023572850 or contact Kara Hanson at crossroadsconversationschool@gmail.com.
CTL Tuesday Teaching + Tech Talks: Concentric Circles of Care: Teaching in Tough Times: Christina Schaaf, work life coordinator, and Kate Gallagher, contemplative studies 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 March 30 at 10 a.m. via Zoom: beav.es/ZOOMT4* Password: CTL. Handouts, materials and resources: beav.es/BOXT4. Additional info: Tuesday Teaching + Tech Talks.
Bella Voce Takes the National Stage: Creating During COVID-19: Over the weekend, Bella Voce, the OSU treble choir directed by Sandra Babb, performed virtually at one of the most prestigious choral events in our country: the American Choral Director's Association national conference. Having a choir invited to audition and perform at this conference is a pinnacle achievement for a choral director. Join the College of Liberal Arts and the School of Arts and Communication for this live remote celebratory event, view the video that was produced for the conference by Oregon State University Productions, hear from Babb, OSU Multimedia Producer Daniel Cespedes, and some of the singers in their own words about representing our university and our state and about creating during COVID-19. Tuesday, March 30 at 5:30 p.m. Register.
‘Trees to Know’ Book Launch Party: Learn to identify native trees and meet the authors in this interactive, information-packed, free webinar. Join the fun on Tuesday, March 30, from 6-7 p.m. Includes book giveaways. Published by OSU Extension Service. Register here. Authors: Edward Jensen, emeritus professor, OSU College of Forestry; and David Shaw, Forestry and Natural Resources Extension.
Dinsmore retirement: Mark Dinsmore has worked in OSUIT for more than 20 years and is now retiring. Dinsmore works in Academic Technology and has engaged with faculty, staff and students all across the university. April 1, 3-4 p.m. via Zoom: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/5419150260?pwd=QXhIWFFtYnhRdVZGQi9WVmNjMEMzUT09. For additional information contact Jon.Dorbolo@oregonstate.edu.
Board of Trustees: The OSU Board will meet Friday, April 2, from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. to consider tuition rates, mandatory fees and student incidental fees for the 2021-22 academic year. The board will also discuss the timeline and a proposed process for the appointment of an interim president and discuss a scope of work for a review of due diligence efforts related to the 2019 presidential search. The board also will a hear an update on the 2021 Oregon legislative session and consider updates to the current list of major university research centers. As part of its agenda, the board also will hold an executive session pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(e) to conduct deliberations with persons designated by the governing body to negotiate real property transactions. Options for joining the meeting and instructions for providing comment during the board meeting are located under “Meeting Details” at this webpage. Committees of the board will also meet via remote conferencing services on April 1. Agendas and meeting materials will be posted as they are available at http://oregonstate.edu/leadership/trustees/meetings. For accommodations: 541-737-3449 or lauren.skousen@oregonstate.edu at least 48 hours in advance.
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 Monday through Friday at 4 p.m. Register at: https://beav.es/JEF.
Quarterly Meeting of the President’s Commission on the Status of Black Faculty and Staff Affairs: This newly formed commission will meet on Thursday, April 15, 10-11:30 a.m., via Zoom. Participants will learn of the Commission’s charge, upcoming initiatives, and will have the opportunity to get involved with committee work. Register here to attend (required).
NEW! Fire Aware. Fire Prepared. Wildfire Wednesdays: Join this Wednesday, March 31 from noon to 1 p.m. for the webinar “From the home to the landscape.” This webinar reviews practical steps you and your neighbors can do on your own properties before fire season. Webinar information and registration: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/fire-program/online-webinar-guide. All webinars are free.
NEW! HMSC Research Seminar: Ryan Mueller, Department of Microbiology, Oregon State University, will be giving a seminar itled “Partitioning of Phytoplankton Organic Matter by the Marine Microbial Loop,” Thursday, April 1, at 3:30 p.m. Zoom link. Password: 972587 or call +1-971-247-1195 Meeting ID: 945 5573 115. Click here for more information.
NEW! Save the date: Department of Integrative Biology GSA Seminar. Lauren Esposito, assistant curator, Schlinger Chair of Arachnology, California Academy of Sciences and co-founder of 500 Queer Scientists, will present a seminar, "'Scorpiomics' Leveraging New Data To Decipher the Ecology and Evolution of Arachnids," Friday, April 16 at 11 a.m. Registration is required: https://beav.es/Scorpiomics. The seminar is free and open to the public. Accommodations for disabilities may be made by contacting 541-737-2993 or bowlinst@oregonstate.edu.
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.
WorldOregon Speaker Series: limited tickets available. The Office of Global affairs has announced the last of the lineup for the 21st Annual International Speaker Series, streaming live online. This year's theme: Changing Course. Tom Colicchio, acclaimed restauranteur and Top Chef lead judge, is featured April 7 with "Hunger, Food, & Human Rights." To attend one of these events, or for questions, email the Office of Global Affairs.
A New Faculty Learning Community for Instructors and TAs: The Community for the Advancement of Antiracist Instruction (CAAI) seeks instructors and TAs for a spring pilot, weeks 5 through 8. In this professional development opportunity, participants will explore antiracist teaching in a community of colleagues and create an antiracist teaching action plan. Apply here by March 31.
Research in Environmental Health Sciences Seminar Series: Perry Hystad, associate professor, College of Public Health and Human Sciences, will give a seminar titled “New Technologies to Measure Environmental Exposures and Influences on Human Health,” April 2, 3-4 p.m., https://bit.ly/3vitsoC. Passcode: 218039.
Core Curriculum for Current OSU Supervisors and Managers: This workshop consists of online modules followed by 4 half-days of classroom training via Zoom. Topics include the performance management cycle (position descriptions, expectations/standards, engagement, appraisals and integration), equal employment and affirmative action, ADA, discrimination and misconduct, safety and compensation, and supervising represented employees. Monday, April 5 through Thursday, April 8, 8:15 a.m. to noon each day. Register by March 31.
This spring, it’s time to ACCELERATE your startup, technology, and/or business idea: The OSU Advantage Accelerator is offering a virtual Accelerate program starting this April. In just 10 weeks, streamline your value proposition, get to market faster, and validate your product-market fit. The Accelerate program is open to OSU researchers, students and staff, and members of the Corvallis community who intend to start or grow an entrepreneurial venture and can qualify teams to receive NSF i-Corps funds. The fun starts April 13. Learn more and apply here: https://advantage.oregonstate.edu/advantage-accelerator/programs/accelerate.
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 program consists of a series of five live, online sessions on Thursdays, 9-11 a.m. April 15 through May 13. There is a $100 fee to attend Crucial Conversations. Learn more and register here.
NEW! Seeking participants age 30-55 years for a metabolic research study: The Insulin and Muscle Fat Metabolism study is being conducted by Sean Newsom, Ph.D., and Matt Robinson, Ph.D. Participants may receive up to $225 for time committed to the study and information about their health. To learn more about the study and how to get involved, please email us at tmr.lab@oregonstate.edu.
NEW! CFP — 2021-22 OSU Humanities Research Fellowships: The OSU Center for the Humanities is now accepting applications for 2021-2022 Faculty Research Fellowships. The deadline to submit proposals is Monday, April 26. Find application forms, instructions and information about awards online at https://humanities.oregonstate.edu/fellowship-program.
Send a supportive message to the Class of 2021: In spite of the unexpected obstacles of the past year, the newest Beaver grads are about to cross the graduation finish line. Voice your encouragement, advice and congratulations as they begin to build their future. It takes just a few minutes but creates a big impact for brand-new alumni. Use the BEaver KIND submission form to send your short note through May 31 at osualum.com/Congrats.
Class of 2021 webpage: Life after college doesn’t mean life without the support of Beaver Nation. The Class of 2021 webpage, curated by the OSU Alumni Association, offers OSU grads everything needed for life after college: messages of inspiration from alumni, personal and professional connections and webcasts to build life and career skills — all in one place. Visit and share osualum.com/ClassOf2021 to celebrate the triumphs of Beaver grads with the OSU community.
OSU Community Hub: Managed by the Family Resource Center, this free platform is where Beaver families can connect, learn and share. Introduce yourself and get to know other Oregon State employees through this new resource; ask questions to your colleagues about child care, caregiving and community resources; and join interest groups to connect with those who share similar experiences.
Key pick-up counter service relocated to ID Center: The service counter for picking up keys from the Access, Lock and Key Shop has been relocated to the university ID Center, located in the Memorial Union. The key pick-up process will not change and an OSU ID will be required to receive keys. Learn more about the change in key counter service at https://beav.es/J75. Send questions to keyshop@oregonstate.edu.
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.
Cybersecurity Spring Cleaning Checklist: Find out how you can “spring clean” your cyberspaces to help prevent hacker access and damage. Topics include passwords, email, apps, social media, app or system accounts, desks, backups, updating devices and disposal of paper and electronic media at https://www.cisecurity.org/newsletter/2021-cybersecurity-spring-cleaning-checklist/.
Visualize Your Bibliography Competition: The OSU Libraries and Press invite currently enrolled graduate students to enter this year’s Visualize Your Bibliography Competition. Submissions should creatively display 20+ sources used in a thesis, dissertation or other scholarly work. Displays might range from a series of erasure poems made for each source to a multimedia timeline of your sources. Prizes: 1st: $750, 2nd: $500, 3rd: $250. Deadline: April 1. For questions, contact colleen.johnson@oregonstate.edu.
Nominations open: The President’s Commission on the Status of Women, Office of Institutional Diversity, Office of the Provost and OSU Athletics are accepting nominations for the Breaking Barriers awards. All OSU community members whose work advances gender equity in alignment with the award categories are eligible. Categories include Breaking Barriers in Education, Breaking Barriers in Research, Breaking Barriers in Athletics, the PCOSW Community Builder and the Harriet "Hattie" Redmond awards. Learn more and submit nominations at beav.es/Jby. Nominations close Tuesday, April 6. For questions, contact pcosw@oregonstate.edu.
Our Little Village (OLV) Child Care: Registration for spring term ’21 is open until Wednesday, March 31 at noon. For children ages 5 months to 12 years, OLV high quality short-term campus child care is offered for 3.5 hours/day and is available two, three or five weekday sessions for winter term. To learn more about the Our Little Village program and/or register for spring term, visit the OLV|Milne or OLV|Dixon page. Have questions? Email the Family Resource Center at familyresources@oregonstate.edu.
Orchard Avenue: The Orchard Ave. House, located at 3036 NW Orchard Ave., is scheduled for demolition. Demolition work is scheduled to start on Monday, March 29 and go through Tuesday, March 30. Work will occur on-site from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Right of Way permits have been obtained from the City of Corvallis and the City of Corvallis has been notified about the demolition. The Wiegand Hall parking lot (lot #3330) as well as the alleyway to NW Orchard Avenue will be impacted while demolition work occurs (view map).
Campus Way: As part of a construction project at the RAIL 244 facility, this is an informational campus-wide notification to inform pedestrian path users about the potential for increased vehicle traffic along Campus Way between SW 35th Street and SW 53rd Street (view map) from March 4 through June 15. Vehicles will be traveling to and from the RAIL facility and the Building 244 construction site. The general contractor for the project will post signs at key points for the duration of the project. For questions or comments on this closure, please contact Construction Manager Amy Keene at 541-214-1038.
Motor Pool Canopy Construction Project work: As part of the Motor Pool Canopy Construction Project, a new canopy is being built at the fuel island north of the Motor Pool Building. Fencing will go up around the area, and work will start on Tuesday, March 2 and continue through Friday, April 2 (view map). Staging will occur in the parking lot west of the Motor Pool Building. For questions or comments on this closure, contact OSU Infrastructure Project Manager Aaron Collett at 541-207-2780.
“I would like to see anyone, prophet, king or God, convince a thousand cats to do the same thing at the same time.”
~ Neil Gaiman.
Corvallis: Frost then sunny, high of 57, low of 33. Frost then sunny Wednesday.
Central Oregon: Sunny today, high of 51, low of 32. Sunny Wednesday.
Newport: Areas of frost and then sunny, high of 50, low of 36. Areas of frost and then sunny Wednesday.
Statewide: For OSU employees around the state, find your local forecast here: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/
