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COVID-19 website: To facilitate the ongoing sharing of information about the virus, Oregon State University has added a link on the OSU homepage to a page that provides detailed and up-to-date COVID-19 information; links to OSU, local, state and federal resources; and updates on the latest federal travel restrictions.
NEW! Teaching Principle: Meet OSU syllabus requirements and post your syllabus in Canvas. To support remote and blended learning, clearly articulate course communication policies, the structure of class meetings, requirements for attendance and participation, needed technology, learning materials and associated costs. See all the Remote and Blended Course Design and Teaching Principles.
Today in the News Media is a synopsis of some of the most prominent coverage of OSU people and programs. Inclusion of any item constitutes neither an endorsement nor a critique, but rather is intended only to make the OSU community aware of significant items in the media. Content appearing includes timely news and feature stories from broadcast, print and online sources. Occasionally, opinion pieces and first-person columns appearing in mainstream media outlets that are written by faculty members and pertain to their academic or professional expertise may be included based on their unique, informative value, timeliness and space constraints. It is not the policy of OSU Today to include Letters to the Editor.
National higher education leader Freeman Hrabowski called on U.S. higher education leaders to look in the mirror to understand what they can do to improve access and inclusion for students from a variety of backgrounds.
"That's something that we need to watch carefully," Perry Hystad, an environmental epidemiologist and associate professor at Oregon State University, told Business Insider. "Because there is this evidence in terms of air pollution suppressing the immune system and making individuals more susceptible to the flu and, of course, potentially coronavirus."
In recent years, leasable farmland has been harder to come by “because cannabis farmers could pay so much more,” said Maud Powell, an associate professor in the Small Farms Program at Oregon State University.
People with central heating or air conditioning have been running their systems to circulate and filter air. And others have used filters and box fans to create DIY home air cleaners. Both are among the tips offered to improve indoor air quality by Glenda Hyde, associate professor at Oregon State University.
But while wildfires are common this time of year on the West Coast, arson is not a leading cause of these massive blazes, according to Erica Fleishman, an Oregon State University professor and director of the Oregon Climate Change Research Institute. These fires are instead caused by a number of combined factors, Fleishman told BuzzFeed News, particularly climate change, weather, and an increase in human settlements near areas at risk of wildfires.
“If students don’t need to test for UC, then many aren’t going to want to take one just because an out-of-state private school wants a score,” said Jon Boeckenstedt, the vice provost for enrollment management at Oregon State University and a frequent critic of testing.
“We are losing biodiversity and that has very real consequences to people’s health, prosperity, and well-being,” says Jane Lubchenco, a marine ecologist at Oregon State University, Corvallis, who was not involved in the report.
Ash, especially the tiny particles from burned homes or other manmade items, can contribute to an array of health problems. Brooke Edmunds is with OSU Extension. She recommends misting affected areas with water, then gently sweeping. “Walkways, sidewalks, your mailbox, garbage cans. Any of those high traffic areas, that’s where I’d recommend getting started to try to clear some of that ash away." said Edmunds. "And this is, one so you don’t create those small clouds of ash and breathe them in, you’re also not then tracking that back into your house.”
It’s barely more than a skeleton at this point, but the new building on the Oregon State University-Cascades campus already has one noticeable difference from many construction projects: cross-laminated timber, which is supposed to create a pleasant feeling because of its woodsy look.
The unhealthy air blanketing much of Oregon has caused Oregon State University to postpone the latest round of its door-to-door coronavirus testing.
Oregon State University's Extension Service in Clackamas County will once again hand out masks for farmworkers, this time for helping prevent smoke inhalation from wildfires. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16, OSU Extension staff, Northwest Family Services, the Oregon City Rotary Club and volunteers will distribute a total of 7,000 masks to migrant workers and agricultural producers.
Today’s workspace: “I wonder what would possess an architect to place a large window facing another house … but then I’m happy to have the sunlight and sense of openness and realize that perhaps they were smarter than I thought! And I can still see a sliver of green space, so all is not lost,” says Rita Bauer, Assistant to Outdoor School Program Leader. We've seen lots of your workspaces. Now it's time to see the view from your windows (or decks or balconies). Submit photos of your view (please don't include photos of people without their permission) and send it in an email to osutoday@oregonstate.edu. Follow OSU Today on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/osutoday1/ and catch up on any workspace photos you might have missed so far.
NEW! Ph.D. defense: Sonia Bruck will be defending her dissertation, titled: “Who Benefits from Development Aid? Exploring Agroforestry Technology Adoption, Food Security, and Path Dependence in Rural Tanzania,” on Sept. 16, 10 a.m., via Zoom. Bruck is earning her Ph.D. in Forest Ecosystems and Society with Badege Bishaw and Olli-Pekka Kuusela. For Zoom info, RSVP to Sonia at Sonia.Bruck@oregonstate.edu. Please contact the FES Grad Coordinator at michelle.greene@oregonstate.edu with questions or for accommodations for disabilities.
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. This is one way to educate yourself without leaving the comfort and safety of your own home. Wednesday, Sept. 16, noon, PERS and Retirement Planning (Tier 1 & 2); Wednesday, Sept 16, 3 p.m., Long-Term Care Solutions; Thursday, Sept. 17, noon, Investing With Social Responsibility. These are not OSU events but are tailored to OSU clients and during normal circumstances are held on campus. There is no charge.
Employees returning to on-site work: Are you returning to work on-site in the near future? University Human Resources now offers weekly updates for Employees Returning to On-Site Work. Held each Wednesday from 2-2:45 p.m., the sessions connect you with resources that support your safety and success. Register here.
Oregon State University’s Testing Strategy Webinar: OSU will host a webinar to provide an overview of OSU’s testing strategy on Sept. 16, from 4-5 p.m. At the center of this strategy is measuring the prevalence of the virus on the Corvallis and OSU-Cascades campuses and at the Hatfield Marine Science Center. Panelists from OSU’s Continuity Management Team and TRACE OSU will be on hand to share information. Registration is not required. To join: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/93993352669#success Session will be recorded and posted on the OSU Safety & Success website.
Board of Trustees: The OSU Board of Trustees will meet from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17, to consider the issuance of OSU revenue bonds and an adjustment to the Cordley Hall capital project budget. The board also will receive updates on the university’s COVID-19 response, budget and public safety program. Given current COVID-19 guidance from the Governor’s Office, as well as university and county health officials, the meeting will be hosted through a remote conferencing service. The meeting is open to the public. The meeting agenda, options for joining the meeting and instructions for providing comment during the board meeting’s general comment period and in a testimony period held before the board votes on each action item are located at this webpage. Meeting materials will also be posted on this webpage as they are available. If special accommodations are required, please contact (541) 737-3449 or lauren.skousen@oregonstate.edu at least 48 hours in advance.
Beaver Community Fair: Annually the Beaver Community Fair draws together the OSU and greater Corvallis communities to celebrate the start of the academic year. The fair will be held online this year on Friday, Oct. 2. There will be two 2-hour time slots and registrants can choose which time they would prefer. If you would like to be one of the OSU departments or student organizations with a dedicated virtual space, please sign up at our website by Sept. 18 at 5 p.m: https://clubs.oregonstate.edu/bcf
Engineering Student Council: The Engineering Student Council is introducing ENGINEERING+ Launch on Sept. 22. RSVP here. Noon to 1 p.m.: Tune in to a Keynote Address and Q&A with Patricia Walsh. 1-3 p.m.: Learn about clubs, programs, and resources in the College of Engineering, and chat with representatives live. Any questions? Contact ESC.VPEvents@oregonstate.edu.
Oregon Hemp Field Day: The Global Hemp Innovation Center will host the first annual Oregon Hemp Field Day. Students, Extension and researchers from across Oregon will present highlights of their work thus far in the 2020 season. We will provide a view of hemp being grown in the principal regions south to north, west to east. Due to the statewide fires still out of control, this virtual event originally planned for Sept. 18 has been postponed to Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon. The first half hour will be devoted to the impact of recent fires and smoke to a hemp crop. Registration is required in advance for this meeting: https://agsci.oregonstate.edu/hemp#fd
Professional Faculty Leadership Association open house: This event is open to all OSU employees. Sept. 24, noon to 1 p.m. via ZOOM. Learn more about the benefits of being a member & how you can join PFLA.
NEW! Racism lecture: The College of Public Health and Human Sciences announces the 2020 Bray Health Leadership Lecture featuring Camara Phyllis Jones, M.D., Ph.D., MPH, a family physician and epidemiologist whose work focuses on naming, measuring and addressing the impacts of racism on the nation’s health and well-being. “Racism is a public health crisis: Now that we see, what do we do?” will be held live via Zoom on Friday, Oct. 2 from 1-2 p.m. For more information and to register, visit the college’s website.
Supervisors dealing with return to on-site work: Supervisors, are you or your team members returning to work on-site? University Human Resources has resumed weekly updates to help you prepare. Sessions are held each Thursday from 1-1:45 p.m. Register here.
Constitutional Crises: Past, Present, Future: In 2004, the United States Congress designated Sept. 17 as “Constitution Day and Citizenship Day” and required educational institutions receiving federal funds to host programming for students on that day annually. This year, in the midst of a global pandemic, mass uprising against white supremacy and racial injustice, increasingly bold and violent white nationalism, and profound threats to democratic norms and processes, OSU’s Constitution Day event will explore the theme of “Constitutional Crises: Past, Present, Future,” with panelists Christopher Stout and Rorie Solberg, OSU associate professors in political science; Dan Tichenor, political science chair at University of Oregon and Shane Burley, Portland journalist and filmmaker. Remote event on Thursday, Sept. 17 from 4-5:30 p.m. Free. Register. Presented by the School of History, Philosophy and Religion and the College of Liberal Arts.
University Budget Conversation: On Monday, Sept. 21 from noon to 1 p.m, the Office of Budget and Resource Planning will hold a Zoom webinar to discuss Budget Planning in Uncertain Times with a very brief update and Q&A about budget planning for 2020-2021. 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.
“Hear Voices” of Peace: Sept. 21 is the UN International Day of Peace. Join Ann Mbacke of Progress Village Foundation and Linda Richards of OSU's School of History, Philosophy and Religion who will share audio recordings of Black American leaders who confronted “militaristic” nuclear technological supremacy, followed by a discussion about leadership today. Visit our Facebook page for Zoom link coming soon. Monday, Sept. 21, 7 p.m.
New2OSU: 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 Sept. 21. Spots fill quickly. Register now.
Tuesday Teaching: CTL has announced a fully remote Tuesday Teaching +Tech Talks (T4). T4 is a certificated series of interactive teaching workshops that introduce a wide range of pedagogical techniques and educational technology. T4 is open to all. Supporting all teaching modalities, sessions are held via Zoom every Tuesday, 10-11:50 a.m. Recordings will follow. Registration is not necessary. Attend one, some, or all. See the T4 Website for more information. First session: Sept. 22. Concentric Circles of Care: Teaching in Tough Times.
DFA Risk Appetite and Risk Assessment Tools: Train the Trainer: Insurance and Risk Management Services will facilitate a workshop for unit leaders and supervisors to provide exposure to the DFA Risk Appetite Statements and Risk Assessment Tools. Attendees will gain hands-on practice and develop the skills necessary to assist other employees in understanding and incorporating the DFA Risk Appetite Statements and Risk Assessment Tools into their work. Zoom session, Sept. 22, 2 – 3:30 p.m. Registration required.
Faculty Staff Fitness: The OSU Faculty Staff Fitness program will be offering both in-person and online fitness options fall term and winter break 2020. Registration for both opens Sept. 1. In-person, on-campus classes will be 9 weeks from Sept. 23 through Nov. 25. The schedule can be found at: https://health.oregonstate.edu/fsf/schedule/fall. Our on-campus safety procedures can be found at: https://health.oregonstate.edu/fsf/policies/covid. There will be two sessions of Online Faculty Staff Fitness classes with over 300 pre-recorded fitness classes you can access anytime, anywhere with your internet connection. Fall Online Faculty Staff Fitness will run for 10 weeks Sept. 18-Nov. 30, for $35. Winter Break Online Faculty Staff Fitness will run for 5 weeks Nov. 30-Jan. 4, 2021 for $20. More information about our Online Faculty Staff Fitness classes can be found at: https://health.oregonstate.edu/fsf/online. Contact pac.fsf@oregonstate.edu if you have questions.
Cabildos Speaker Series: Mitchell S. Jackson, renowned writer and creative writing professor, University of Chicago. A native of Portland, Ore., Jackson’s work explores his hometown, including the systemic forces that shaped his community, his family, and his early life. That exploration began with a novel titled The Residue Years — a book that announced Jackson as a bright new voice in literary fiction. Remote event on Friday, Sept. 25 at 11 a.m. Free. Register. Presented by the History Program, Anonymous Donors, School of Writing, Literature and Film and the College of Liberal Arts.
Master Recycler class: Would you like to learn all about waste reduction, reuse and recycling to help spread change in our community? Secure your spot in this annual class, now on Zoom. Monday nights, Sept. 28-Dec. 7, plus two Thursday Q&A sessions. Free to residents of Linn and Benton counties who agree to “pay back” what they learned by completing 30 hours of volunteer service. Visit http://tiny.cc/recycclass for more details and to sign up.
“Laughter is Timeless:” September’s Beyond Benefits Employee Assistance Program (EAP) webinar focuses on stress reduction related to laughter, humor and play. Professional comedians shouldn’t be the only people to use smiling, laughter, humor and play as part of their daily routine. These skills are valuable for everyone. A good smile has long been a key tool for anyone who needs to influence others. Laughter is now shown to improve our pain tolerance. Humor and play can be the building blocks of problem-solving. Together they can improve our happiness and effectiveness. Sept. 29, 10 a.m. To register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/263915487100012929
Master Recycler class: Would you like to learn all about waste reduction, reuse and recycling to help spread change in our community? Secure your spot in this annual class, now on Zoom. Monday nights, Sept. 28-Dec. 7, plus two Thursday Q&A sessions. Free to residents of Linn and Benton counties who agree to “pay back” what they learned by completing 30 hours of volunteer service. Visit http://tiny.cc/recycclass for more details and to sign up.
Virtual Lecture with Lewis Semprini: A Treatment System for Groundwater Contamination — How Research at Oregon State University is Contributing to Sustainable and Passive Remediation Methods. Oct. 1, noon to 1 p.m. (PT). Free and open to the public. Semprini, distinguished professor of environmental engineering, leads the College of Engineering’s Clean and Sustainable Water Technology Initiative. For more information and to register: https://tinyurl.com/Semprini2020.
A more inclusive world by design: Join Oregon State alumni and industry leaders who are advancing inclusivity and accessibility in the design field and learn how you can make a difference in your own field. In the “Creating Accessibilities Across Industries” webcast panel at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8, learn about adaptive and inclusive designs that impact everyday life. This free live event is hosted by the OSU Design Network and OSU Alumni Association. Register at osualum.com/inclusivedesign.
Free Webinars: Professional Development for Business, Leadership, and Communication: Join Continuing and Professional Education and the College of Business for topics delivered online to help navigate your professional life. This fall, join industry experts for free one-hour webinars that cover topics including project management, negotiation, leadership, human resources, nonprofit management, and others. Call 541-737-1500 for more information: https://business.oregonstate.edu/programs/continuing-and-professional-education/free-webinars
NEW! 2020 Wildfires Resource Page: Many members of the Beaver community are directly affected by these unprecedented wildfires, while others are working night and day to control the fires and provide safety for others. In addition to the regular content on the Beaver Lodge (osualum.com/BeaverLodge), the OSU Alumni Association has gathered info from across OSU to help Beavers and their friends and families navigate these challenging times and learn useful fire tools from OSU experts. You’ll find a range of topics from advice from the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine about caring for injured animals to tips from the OSU Extension Service about safely cleaning ash from your yard and garden. Visit osualum.com/Wildfires for more info.
NEW! University Day: Watch a recording of the University Day Keynote address, visit the virtual Expo and learn about the University Day award recipients by visiting universityday.oregonstate.edu. If you watch the keynote session recording and answer a quiz, you will be entered into the daily prize drawing through Sep. 25. For questions, contact events@oregonstate.edu.
$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, Sept. 23. Read the full RFP here: https://advantage.oregonstate.edu/advantage-accelerator/funding-opportunities/aid-fund
IT Strategic Plan 2023: University Information and Technology and the OSU IT community are nearing completion of our joint development of a strategic plan to guide the future of the university’s data and IT systems and services, including those located centrally and in academic or administrative units. To read the plan, learn about our shared vision and submit feedback, visit uit.oregonstate.edu/it-strategic-plan. We encourage the university community to share your thoughts by Sept. 30.
Mid-Monthly Emergency Preparedness Topic: Pets in Disasters - The likelihood that you and your animals will survive an emergency such as a fire or flood, tornado or earthquake is directly related to your level of emergency planning. Keep in mind that what is best for you is also typically best for your animals.
This month’s poster can be downloaded at: https://emergency.oregonstate.edu/emergency-preparedness/preparedness-topics/pets-disasters
Join the Professional Faculty Leadership Association: The Executive Board of PFLA would like to invite all OSU employees to join this exciting, rewarding organization. In light of COVID-19, we are waiving our annual membership fee for this year (Sept. 1, 2020-June 30, 2021). So this is the perfect time to check out the benefits of PFLA membership. Visit the PFLA website for more information and Register now.
Move In: Starting this Friday Sept. 18, new students will be moving into on campus housing in a handful of UHDS buildings. Move-in has been spread over five days this year from Sept. 18 to Sept. 22. To learn more about the process you can view it here: https://uhds.oregonstate.edu/housing/move-guide You will see the most activity around Reser Stadium as all students will be flowing through that area to receive a COVID-19 test before they move into their building. For questions about UHDS new student move-in please contact Brian Stroup (brian.stroup@oregonstate.edu)
Apply now for the Ecampus Research Fellows Program: If you are interested in conducting research about online teaching and learning, the Ecampus Research Unit will help you plan your proposal for the Ecampus Research Fellows Program. The Ecampus Research Unit annually funds up to five faculty and/or department projects -- $20,000 each -- to support research in the areas of distance and online education, including hybrid delivery. Info sessions will be held Sept. 29 at 1 p.m. and Oct. 2 at 11 a.m. via Zoom. Applications are due Nov. 1. To register for one of the info sessions, contact Mary Ellen Dello Stritto, MaryEllen.DelloStritto@oregonstate.edu
OSU Center for Advancing Diversity: The OSU Center for the Advancement of Women in Leadership is expanding and will be re-launching as the OSU Center for Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in Business at the start of the fall term. Housed in the OSU College of Business, the center provides programs for working professionals as well as OSU students, faculty and staff of any discipline or unit. The new focus for the center will be to accelerate the development of a business community that prioritizes and advances DEI, with a mission to empower students, alumni, business professionals and organizations with education, tools and training to advance DEI in the workplace. The center will continue to offer women's leadership programs and prioritize a gender equity lens with its work. Moving forward, these programs will be under the larger umbrella of efforts to advance diversity, equity and inclusion. For more information, email Audrey.Iffert@oregonstate.edu.
NROTC Armory: A time-lapsed video of the demolition of the Quonset Hut that served as the previous home of the Naval ROTC Armory, courtesy University Facilities. (click on image if static)
Parking permit sales: Parking permit sales are now open for customers who want to renew in their current zone. https://transportation.oregonstate.edu/parking/permit-sales
“Go, sit upon the lofty hill, And turn your eyes around, Where waving woods and waters wild Do hymn an autumn sound. The summer sun is faint on them— The summer flowers depart— Sit still— as all transform’d to stone, Except your musing heart.” ~ Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
Corvallis: Widespread smoke. Areas of dense fog before 11 a.m. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, high of 73, low of 60.
Central Oregon: Widespread smoke. Mostly sunny, high of 82, low of 50. Chance of showers Thursday.
Newport: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 11 a.m.. Areas of smoke. Areas of fog before 11 a.m. High of 65, low of 56. Chance of showers Thursday.
Statewide: For OSU employees around the state, find your local forecast here: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/