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.
NEW! Today’s Timely Teaching Tip: Finalizing final exam plans? Review the options available for exam proctoring, including Zoom for live proctoring and Proctorio for digital proctoring. The Center for Teaching and Learning is available to consult with you about assessment alternatives. Visit Keep Teaching for all the Week 9 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.
On a cloudy Sunday morning in early May, Oralia Mendez walked up to a house in Corvallis, Oregon, introduced herself to the man at the door, and asked him if he would be willing to swab his nose for the virus that causes COVID-19. The visit was part of an Oregon State University project meant to help the Benton County Health Department deduce the prevalence of COVID-19 and mitigate its spread.
The birth defect Biscuit is believed to have is called diprosopus, or craniofacial duplication. It’s very rare, according to Oregon State University veterinarian Jennifer Warnock. Cats with this condition are often referred to as Janus cats, named for a Roman god with two faces.
Oregon State has already dispensed about $7.5 million and is looking for deserving students to take home the last $295,000.
“On one side you have pent up demand for travel, which should benefit a destination like Bend,” said Todd Montgomery, Oregon State University-Cascades executive in residence who runs the hospitality management degree program. “But on the other side, based on the current unemployment rate, the average consumer will have less discretionary income to travel.
Oregon State announced that it is among three universities chosen to form a new scientific research group on climate sharing federal funding of up to $300 million. (see also Bend Bulletin)
Jon is the subject of new research at Oregon State University, which uses comedy to improve human-robot interaction. The work, which encompasses a 32-show tour across comedy clubs in Los Angeles and in Oregon, appears in the Proceedings of the 2020 ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction.
Oregon State University offers an online bachelor of science in computer science. It’s featured through the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. You will receive instruction from accomplished faculty and have access to a plethora of resources to help you succeed in the program.
Today’s workspaces: Marissa Cuno, accountant with the Health Sciences Business Center, has a 6-year-old chocolate lab named Hunter as her coworker.
Chris Sinnett, IT manager with UIT Client Services, uses photos from his recent trip to Tahiti as a soothing background image on his home workspace. Follow OSU Today on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/osutoday1/ and catch up on any workspace photos you might have missed so far.
Wildfire preparedness: Oregon State University’s Forestry & Natural Resources Extension Fire Program and its partners present a webinar series on Wildfire Preparedness and Prevention in Oregon. The last of three webinars focuses on fire adapted communities (FAC) and what it means to be "Ready, Set, Go!" Friday, May 22 from 1-2:30 p.m. This webinar is 1.5 hours and the last 30 minutes will include a live demonstration from a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member showing us what’s in their go packs. Registration is free but required: https://beav.es/468
Friday Research Seminars with the College of Public Health and Human Sciences: Professor Steven Goodman, associate dean of clinical and translational research at Stanford University School of Medicine, will present "How NOT to evaluate and market a diagnostic test: A case study in autism." Friday, May 22, 1-2 p.m. via Zoom. Goodman is the co-founder and co-director of the Meta-research Information Center at Stanford (METRICS). See upcoming presentations and recordings of past presentations at health.oregonstate.edu/seminars and learn how the CPHHS is Meeting the Moment.
Take part in OER workshops online: The OSU Open Educational Resources Unit is hosting a series of virtual workshops this month on how to find or create no-cost and low-cost learning materials. Topics include the Creative Commons licensing process (May 22). Learn more about each workshop and register today.
NEW! Trivia Night: Beavers Belong Support Network at OSU invites you to their virtual Trivia Night where you can learn more about the program, meet the community, and play simple yet funny games. Friday, May 22, 4-5 p.m. Join Zoom meeting https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/93480367441.
Board Game Circle: Join Community Engagement & Leadership for a weekly series of events that aims to create an open space for our students to have fun while playing board games from home with friends. The games played will be Trivia Murder Party, Fakin' It, Guesspionage, Tee K.O., and Quiplash 2. New to games? No problem. No board game experience necessary. Register to join us for any or all Fridays at 5 p.m.: May 22, May 29 and June 5. For additional questions, contact Maria at cel.event@oregonstate.edu.
Lessons in Leadership: Join Community Engagement & Leadership for an interactive series of events that aims to learn from our community leaders in a more casual manner, by sharing their lessons and experiences in leadership with our OSU community. By connecting our student leaders to others we are hoping to showcase the pathways they can take to become better leaders today. Register to join us on Tuesday, May 26 at 4 p.m. For additional questions, contact Langley at cel@oregonstate.edu.
The Oregon State University Honors College Virtual Thesis Fair: The Honors College Thesis Fair will be held Wednesday, May 27 through Friday, May 29 online via Canvas. HC graduates will create a poster and a lightning talk describing their research. Additionally, students will be on hand to answer questions regarding their research on Friday, May 29 from noon to 2 p.m. Registration is required in order to gain access to Canvas site. Register by May 26 to attend.
Board of Trustees: The OSU Board will meet from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 29, to consider the university’s operating budget for the coming fiscal year and Oregon’s public universities’ consolidated request for operating funds for next biennium to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission. The board also will receive a report on the university’s COVID-19 response, hear a legislative update and consider a policy regarding the use and management of the university-provided president’s residence. The board will hear an update on the Corvallis campus vision, a community-based engaged launched by the university to identify how the campus will evolve over the next 10 years. The board also will hold an executive session as part of its agenda, pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(d) to conduct deliberations with persons designated by the governing body to carry on labor negotiations. Given current COVID-19 guidance, the meeting is open to the public and will be hosted through a remote conferencing service. Options for joining the meeting and instructions for providing comment during the board meeting are provided under “Meeting Details” at this webpage. Committees of the board will meet via remote conferencing services on May 26, May 29 and June 5. Agendas and meeting materials for the board and committee meetings are available at http://oregonstate.edu/leadership/trustees/meetings. If special accommodation is required, please contact (541) 737-3449 or lauren.skousen@oregonstate.edu at least 48 hours in advance.
NEW! People and Nature Lunch Series: Tuesday, May 26, from noon to 12:50 p.m. Ashley Peiffer (Marine Resource Management) presents “Meeting People Where They Are: Gender Roles, Food Security, and Fisheries." 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.
NEW! M.S. Defense – Sustainable Forest Management: Duckha Jeon will present his thesis, “Real-time decision making on helicopter dispatch during multiple forest fires,” on Tuesday, May 26, at 5 p.m. via Zoom. To participate, please contact Duckha for the Zoom information. Duckha is pursuing his M.S. in Sustainable Forest Management with his major professor, Woodam Chung, in the Department of Forest Engineering, Resources and Management.
NEW! Climate Change Impact in the Columbia Gorge: Bill Weiler, wildlife biologist for the Sandy River Watershed Council, founder of the Columbia Gorge Ecology Institute (now Gorge Ecology Outdoors) and author of several books including Earth Speaks and Don't Run from Bears will share this presentation and engage your questions regarding the impacts of climate change and ways to build ecosystem resiliency in the Gorge. He will present on May 27, from 7-8:30 p.m. on Zoom. Register HERE.
NEW! Webinar: Managing Stress in the midst of COVID-19 presented by Care@Work: Stress is a normal part of our day-to-day lives. However, in this new era of COVID-19, when you add working from home, home-schooling your kids, and caregiving for ailing parents to the external stressors of our uncertain world, it can be a dizzying balancing act. How can you manage stress when you feel like you have no time for yourself? There are some tangible things you can do to avoid burnout, even when you feel like you have limited time. This seminar will address: Warning signs of a stress overload, techniques to reduce stress and enhance well-being, and ways to get the support and help needed to balance work and life. May 28, 2-3 p.m. Register today.
NEW! Grading Compliance: Grade submissions affect a multitude of processes at OSU that affect students directly. With emergency grades and S/U deadline changes this term, you’re bound to have questions. Join Jennifer Ketterman, Associate Registrar for Operations, for an informative session on the effects grading has on students and compliance. Wednesday, May 27, 2-3 p.m. Join Zoom meeting: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/98511081590. Phone Dial-In Information: +1 971 247 1195. Meeting ID: 985 1108 1590.
Q&A Forum: Managing Stress & Work-Life Challenges During COVID-19: This is an hour-long bi-weekly question-and-answer forum facilitated by a master’s level therapist. This lunch connection is intended as a self-care touchpoint to have a safe space where people can ask for tips on stress management, work-life balance challenges and how to stay connected through challenging times. All attendees remain anonymous and will be able to type in their questions to get immediate feedback from the host. May 26, noon to 1 p.m. Register for May 26.
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, May 27, 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, May 27, 9:30-11 a.m. Registration required.
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. PERS Related Webinars: Wednesday, May 27, 3 p.m. - PERS and Retirement Planning (Tier 1 & 2); Wednesday, June 3, 3 p.m. - PERS and Retirement Planning (OPSRP) (These are not OSU events but are tailored to OSU clients and during normal circumstances are held on campus. There is no charge.)
Celebrate API Heritage Month in community: Storytelling brings communities closer. In a time that calls for increased support and compassion, join together with friends for a live webcast and celebration of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. In this TED style talk, hear the stories of alumni and students that center the power of humility, connection and resiliency in the API community. May 27, 6-7:30 p.m. Online live webcast. Register at osualum.com/API-talk.
NEW! Memorial Day: Oregon State University is closed Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day. OSU Today will resume Tuesday, May 26.
NEW! Computer Security for Students: University Information Technology has released an “IT Security Program for Students,” with three courses touching on IT security. The topics are: Social Engineering, Email and Phishing, and Creating a Cyber Secure Home. The program is available on Bridge under Student Wellbeing and Support, or can be accessed directly here: https://students-oregonstate.bridgeapp.com/learner/programs/c8ee7dda/enroll. Faculty can also review the program at that link.
Saving Atlantis: Saving Atlantis, a feature documentary produced by Oregon State University that features researchers from OSU and around the world uncovering the causes and seeking solutions for the global decline of coral reef ecosystems, is now streaming on Hulu and Amazon Prime.
Beavers Read: During social isolation, it can help to have good things to read -- to pass the time, to calm your mind, to help you keep learning. OSU Libraries is here to help you find your next good read -- and make sure it is something you can read safely from home. Just fill out this survey to get an email with personalized recommendations: https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4GHk9YYcjKaHSfz.
Learn New Skills: Online Courses launching in Project Management, Digital Marketing and Nonprofit Management: Join the College of Business Continuing and Professional Education for the May 25 start to the Project Management certificate program as well as upcoming courses offered in many topics including nonprofit management, data-driven decision making strategies, contract law, and storytelling through social media. All courses are instructor-led, 100% online and take five to seven weeks to complete. You can earn a certificate in as few as nine months. OSU Faculty and Staff can use discount code OSUSTAFF20 to save 20%. Call (541) 737-1500 for more information or browse the upcoming certificate programs and courses: https://business.oregonstate.edu/continuing-and-professional-education/online-certificate-programs
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
Online Professional Development Workshops for OSU Employees Now Open for Registration: UHR Learning and Organizational Development is presenting a variety of online professional development workshops in the upcoming weeks, including: Choose Your Attitude; Running Effective Remote Meetings; Strategies for Being Effective in Times of Uncertainty; and Coaching: A Process for Developing Talent. View and register for upcoming workshops here. Did you know we can also tailor workshops for your team? Email hr.training@oregonstate.edu with your request.
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.
Arts & Communication BFA seniors on Fairbanks Gallery Instagram: We are sharing images of works by graduating seniors who were scheduled to have solo shows in the West Student Gallery this term. Jacen Doebler, "Is It All Too Much?" oil, acrylic, chalk, and thread on canvas, 2020. https://www.instagram.com/osu.fairbanksgallery/
"Living is strife and torment, disappointment and love and sacrifice, golden sunsets and black storms. I said that some time ago, and today I do not think I would add one word." ~ Laurence Olivier, born today in 1907.
Corvallis: Chance of showers today, high of 60, low of 41. Mostly sunny this weekend.
Central Oregon: Mostly sunny, high of 55, low of 33. Partly sunny this weekend.
Newport: Mostly sunny, high of 55, low of 46. Partly sunny this weekend.
Statewide: For OSU employees around the state, find your local forecast here: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/