OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
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The emails below were approved by the OSU Registrar to be sent to Student Communications listserves in the 2019-2020 school year.
OSU students,
The start of fall term within Oregon State University is just around the corner.
While this year will undoubtedly be like no other given the pandemic, attention to racial injustice and inequalities nationally, and recent very serious wildfires and smoke affecting much of the state, I write to assure you that OSU will continue to deliver unwavering quality in all we do. We will inspire all of our students to learn and discover in supportive, engaging environments. OSU research, innovation and outreach will be more important than ever as we address humanity’s most pressing challenges. In the face of the pandemic and other matters of importance facing our state and nation, it will take each of us to be at our best.
The university’s Board of Trustees approved OSU’s Resumption Plan on Aug. 14, 2020, and we submitted the plan as required to the state’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission. This fall, we are planning for nearly 95% of instructional activities on the Corvallis campus to be conducted remotely. At OSU-Cascades, about half of all classes are planned to be offered on-site/in-person or in a blended format, with both on-site/in-person and remote instruction. Through limited on-site instruction, OSU is working to maintain low on-site density on our campuses. We also will provide expanded virus prevalence testing at OSU campuses and centers in Corvallis, Bend and Newport; support local county contract tracing efforts; provide for isolation and quarantine services; engage in extensive public health promotion; and promote adherence to new policies for Face Coverings and Physical Distancing. Here is a link to a video on what fall term will look like. Please share this link with fellow students, as well as with family and community members.
Through the work of our Continuity Management Team, as well as continued engagement with community stakeholder groups, health authority partners, and statewide coordination teams, OSU remains laser-focused on the health of students, employees and local communities.
We ask that you stay informed; participate in prevalence testing; adhere to—and encourage others to adhere to—OSU’s public health measures; and remain flexible. To keep you informed, we have added a COVID-19 dashboard located on the COVID-19 Safety and Success website. This dashboard includes important public health and other metrics that will be updated each week and inform adjustments in our plans.
On Sept. 16, 2020, we will host a webinar to provide an overview of the OSU’s testing strategy. At the center of this strategy is measuring the prevalence of the virus on campuses in Corvallis and Bend and at the Hatfield Marine Science Center. As part of this effort, we will conduct weekly random prevalence testing through the TRACE OSU team. While participation in random prevalence testing will be voluntary, for safety’s sake, we encourage you to participate when invited. Understanding the prevalence of the virus is key to having the data necessary to inform operational plans. Details on how to participate in the webinar will be shared in the next few days and will be available on the COVID-19 Safety and Success website.
I remain both confident and realistic about OSU’s strategy. I have studied the resumption plans of numerous universities nationally and talk daily with university presidents across the nation. OSU’s plans are in alignment with the nation’s most prepared institutions. I recognize that it is inevitable that we will see more cases of COVID-19. When they do occur, be assured that we will engage in rapid testing, support local county contract tracing, and work to contain cases.
Success depends on each and every one of us. We must act together as a community by engaging in and modeling protective personal and public health behaviors. Here is a video indicating my commitment and that asks each of you to join me. I hope you do join me and please share this video with others.
Together, we help build a safer and healthier community.
Sincerely,
F. King Alexander
President
OSU faculty, staff and students,
Due to prolonged smoke and ash conditions resulting from numerous wildfires in the Pacific Northwest, the following university facilities in western Oregon will close until further notice beginning at 3 p.m. today, Sept. 9, 2020:
Essential operations at these university facilities will be designated by department managers and include on-going critical research, University Housing and Dining Services, public safety and facility services operations. Programs and centers serving children, including camps and child care centers on OSU’s Corvallis campus, will remain open today until designated parents or family members are able to pick-up their children.
Even while we prepare to close these operations, air quality in university buildings continues to meet federal and state standards. However, OSU is closing these facilities to enable university personnel to shut down air circulation systems in buildings that do not serve research activities that must be sustained or students within UHDS facilities. This will limit anticipated extensive damage to air circulation systems from infiltration of heavy ash and smoke residue. As a result and until further notice, all other non-essential OSU employees should work from home if their work can be performed remotely and with their supervisor’s knowledge. If an employee is unable to perform their work remotely, please see additional guidance as provided by on the Hazardous Conditions, Inclement Weather matrix.
During this air quality crisis, we encourage you to be mindful of your health, as well as the health of your family and friends, by adhering to public health advisories.
We acknowledge that this week’s fire-related impacts are occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic, and are affecting university community members and communities that OSU serves. For updated information about fires throughout Oregon, visit the Oregon Office of Emergency Management Facebook page. For air quality and smoke information, visit the AirNow website. You also may visit your local county website for other pertinent local information regarding emergency management and evacuations.
For additional support and confidential assistance, students should contact Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) at 541-727-2131 or visit the CAPS website for information about counseling services. Employees seeking confidential support may contact Beyond Benefits, OSU’s new employee assistance program, at 855-327-4722 or visit its website. Note that OSUbeyond is the organization web ID needed for initial registration for the Beyond Benefits program.
You may seek ways to help those directly affected by these wildfires. Anyone wishing to volunteer or contribute food or other supplies to evacuees located at the Benton County Fairgrounds should call 541-224-1339 or visit this website for more information. OSU employees living outside of Corvallis should visit their local county emergency operations website to provide assistance to others impacted by the fires.
According to air quality monitoring sites in western Oregon, air quality in some locations will improve some tonight and tomorrow while remaining in the hazardous range. In the meantime, please take care of yourselves.
We will provide further updates on the OSU Home Page and by e-mail in the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Green
Vice President for Finance and Administration
Chief Financial Officer
Office of the Vice President
Division of Finance and Administration
Oregon State University
640 Kerr Administration Building
Corvallis, OR 97331
Ph: 541-737-2447
Dear Students,
As you prepare to return to campus, make sure to pack your masks or face coverings. OSU has a face coverings policy for common indoor spaces and outdoor spaces where physical distancing is not possible. OSU also has a physical distancing policy to contribute to the safety of the university. Make sure to keep 6 feet between others to help support a safer and healthier community.
For information on how to obtain a face covering, please see this site for a list of distribution sites and times.
For more guidance on navigating campus safely, please see the COVID-19 Safety & Success for Students site. For immediate assistance or answers to COVID-specific questions, call the COVID-19 hotline: 547-737-7211.
Timely announcement: The Valley Library, scheduled to re-open today, has postponed its reopening due to a HVAC system issue. Please see the Valley Library Hours page for up-to-date information.
Thank you,
Oregon State University
Students are asking questions about what the different course delivery modalities mean. In a previous message to students, we showed you how to search for courses based on course delivery method:
We offer more information on what these modalities mean below.
Remote Learning: These classes are 100% remote and exclude Ecampus courses. Students attend class sessions remotely at scheduled times (synchronously). There are no on-campus requirements. Students must be prepared to block class meeting times in their schedule and participate during those times. Class times listed in the Schedule of Classes use the Pacific Time zone.
Blended Learning: OSU is planning for these classes to consist of both on-campus and remote elements. Unless health conditions change such that classes return to fully remote, students will attend class in-person and remotely based on a schedule from the instructor. Some components may include synchronous remote learning. Students must block class meeting times in their schedule and participate during those times. Class times listed use the Pacific Time zone.
On-Campus Only: OSU is planning for all instruction in these courses to be delivered in-person. Unless health conditions change such that classes return to fully remote, students primarily attend class in-person/on-site. Instruction occurs at the scheduled time and location listed in the schedule of classes. Students must block class meeting times in their schedule and participate during those times. Class times listed use the Pacific Time zone.
Ecampus: These classes consist of fully online (asynchronous) instruction and learning. Students participate via Canvas. Students meet regular deadlines and milestones throughout the course, but can participate in the course based on their schedules. Synchronous class meetings are not required.
If you have any questions about a particular course, please contact the instructor or the department offering the course.
Sincerely,
The Office of the Registrar
Dear OSU Community,
University Information and Technology is making two changes to help protect Oregon State’s e-mail from cyberattack and SPAM:
Beginning this past Monday, August 31, a notification now appears at the top of e-mails when they are sent from outside Oregon State University. The notification looks like this:
[This email originated from outside of OSU. Use caution with links and attachments.]
The notification is intended only to signal that the e-mail is from a domain other than Oregon State University and that care should be taken when clicking on links and attachments. Some trusted services OSU uses that send e-mail, such as DocuSign and Zoom, will appear with the notification, too. If you have any concerns about an e-mail you receive, please contact the Service Desk.
In the coming weeks, Duo will be applied to the Microsoft Office 365 services on campus, which will add two factor authentication (or log in). This improvement in security will help protect our community from abuse and assists in our compliance requirements.
In addition to these changes, you may notice less spam email going to your inbox. With this change, a review of your Junk Mail folder may be warranted to see if e-mail you wish to receive was placed there. More details about managing your Inbox/Junk folder are listed below.
UIT is committed to ensuring our information technology infrastructure and services are resilient, high- quality, and conducive to a safe and productive learning, teaching, and working environment. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your IT Department or the Service Desk at 541-737-8787.
Sincerely,
David McMorries
David McMorries, Chief Information Security Officer, Office of Information Security
Oregon State University | University Information and Technology | 541-737-9561
As you get ready fall term, we want to be sure that you are technologically prepared for your class requirements.
The technology checklist provides you with a guide to prepare for technology requirements you may need to engage in remote learning. Take time to ensure you have the hardware, software and accessories listed. If you need technology support, contact the IS Service Desk.
If you need assistance with affording technology and textbook access, OSU’s Human Services Resource Center (HSRC) can help. If you are a student at OSU-Cascades, the campus library can lend you a computer. You can also search the Schedule of Classes for courses based on course material cost.
You can also search the Schedule of Classes for courses based on course material cost.
Lastly, check to ensure you have your correct contact information listed for the OSU Alert system to stay informed about any emergency notifications. To sign up or update your information, please visit the OSU Alert Portal page.
More technology resources and guidance are listed on the COVID-19 Safety & Success for Students website. For immediate assistance or answers to COVID-specific questions, call the COVID-19 hotline: 547-737-7211.
August 24, 2020
Dear OSU Students,
I am writing to provide attention to important updates to OSU’s COVID-19 safety policies.
Statewide mandates on gatherings and social get togethers have also been updated by the governor and OSU has updated its policy to align and supplement these requirements.
Additionally, as we have seen across the nation, social get-togethers continue to take place without the necessary precautions of keeping physical distance. Large crowds gathering in spaces not suited for adequate physical distancing may create greater risk to the university and local communities.
With that risk in mind, OSU’s Physical Distancing Policy now provides requirements for students on gatherings and social get-togethers, on and off campus. Until further notice, and enforceable through the Code of Student Conduct, students must restrict their attendance at and hosting of social get togethers to 10 people or fewer, indoor and outdoor, while residing or participating in an activity in the state of Oregon, regardless of whether the get together is related to University business or on University property, unless a more restrictive law or Oregon Health Authority guidance applies. While not accountable to the Student Code of Conduct, we ask OSU faculty and staff also to observe the university guideline prohibiting indoor and outdoor social gatherings to no more than 10 people.
We appreciate the OSU community’s commitment to adhering to the university’s important public health measures regarding face coverings. With Gov. Kate Brown’s August issuance of statewide mask, face covering, and face shield guidance, OSU has updated its policy to align with the state of Oregon’s requirements and limited exceptions. Moving forward, requests from individuals to not comply with the university’s policy or otherwise be exempted will require approval through our existing disability accommodation processes. Employees who seek an exemption based on a disability can direct their accommodation request through the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Students may contact Disability Access Services for an exemption request for accommodation based on disability. Requests not based on a disability may directed to the OSU Coronavirus Response Coordinator at [email protected].
In addition, please be aware that in some instances, OSU’s Face Covering Policy may be more restrictive than state of Oregon guidance.
Please familiarize yourself with both updated policies. Through continued adherence to Gov. Kate Brown's Executive Orders, OHA Guidelines and OSU policy and the OSU Resumption Plan, we will continue to seek to minimize the risk and spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.
Thank you,
Dan Larson
Vice Provost for Student Affairs
OSU Coronavirus Response Coordinator
Dear Students,
As OSU prepares for fall term, we will provide timely updates on important topics.
OSU’s Corvallis campus is planning to offer most classes remotely, but is planning to offer some in-person class options. OSU-Cascades plans to offer approximately 50% of classes in-person or with blended remote and in-person instruction. You may search for remote classes and blended classes in the Schedule of Classes. Blended classes are anticipated to include a mix of in-person and remote learning.
In the Schedule of Classes, remote classes will display “Remote Learning RL” in the Meeting Info or in the Attribute Description section. Blended Learning classes will display in the Attribute Description section.
Once you have your class schedule, you can also see the location where the class will be held or if a class is remote through MyOregonState in the Academic Resources tab. You can do so two ways:
Click ‘My Week at a Glance.’
It will take you to Online Services, where you can enter a date during fall term to see your schedule:
Or, you can click ‘View Your Class Schedule in Detail.”
This will also take you to Online Services, where you can select fall 2020 and see details about your class:
If your physical campus-based course does not display “RL or Remote Learning,” it means that you will follow the regular class schedule, attending in-person. If for some reason this presents challenges for you, you may wish to talk with your academic advisor about a schedule that accommodates your needs. Just be sure to do so within the add/drop period as published on the Academic Calendar.
You can use the Scheduler to help you create a schedule that fits your needs.
For more information on student resources and guidance, please see the COVID-19 Safety & Success for Students website. For immediate assistance or answers to specific COVID-19 questions, call the OSU COVID-19 hotline: 547-737-7211.
Oregon State Students:
Back in June, we told you about MyOregonState - the modern, friendly and personalized dashboard built to replace MyOSU. Starting today, all students will be directed to MyOregonState by default.
Really putting the "my" in MyOregonState
MyOregonState is designed for YOU. It goes where you go, whether that's on your laptop or phone, in the library or on the go. It's personalized and tailored to fit your preferences based on your profile. And there's a lot more coming; we're constantly developing new features — requested by you! — and working on ways we can enhance your Oregon State University digital experience.
Getting Started
We built MyOregonState to be intuitive and easy-to-use. If you can't find what you're looking for, try searching under Resources. You can favorite any resource by clicking the heart icon; your favorites will show up in your Favorites on the Overview page. For more tips on using MyOregonState, see our Getting Started Guide: https://beav.es/oS4
A gift for you
Many of you sent us feedback and suggestions about MyOregonState after our initial email in June. By far the most-requested enhancement request was "dark mode" and we heard you. Thanks to a talented student developer employee, dark mode for MyOregonState is here — enable it today in your profile menu!
What about that other portal?
Don't worry, you'll still be able to access MyOSU through September. However, starting today, MyOregonState is the official platform and we are beginning to retire the old MyOSU portal for good. You can learn more about the transition to MyOregonState here: https://is.oregonstate.edu/dx/my/launch
Have an idea for us?
We're always happy to hear from you. And if you have any suggestions on how we can make MyOregonState even better, let us know: https://beav.es/o5y.
Thanks,
dw
Derek Whiteside, Director, Web and Mobile Services
Oregon State University | University Information and Technology
Aug. 14, 2020
Oregon State University is announcing a revised Title IX Investigation and Resolution Process in response to the U.S. Department of Education’s new Title IX regulations that are effective Aug. 14, 2020 and apply to OSU. The new Title IX regulations redefine what behavior is federally prohibited.
We recognize that concern has been expressed regarding these federally required Title IX changes. We also write to share that OSU remains strongly committed to fostering safe and inclusive living, learning and working environments for all members of the university community through processes that are fair and equitable. For example, all university policies remain in effect regarding allegations of sexual misconduct and discrimination by students and employees and the existing expectations for behavior found in the Code of Student Conduct (Code) continue. What this means is that reports or concerns that allege violations of those policies or the Code that fall outside the new Title IX definitions will continue to be addressed through OSU’s existing student and employee sexual misconduct processes.
By way of background, the university’s Title IX process was formerly found in two documents titled “Sexual Misconduct and Discrimination Investigation and Resolution Process for Complaints against Students (Student Process)” and a similar “Sexual Misconduct and Discrimination Investigation and Resolution Process for Complaints against Employees (Employee Process).” OSU also updated University Policy 05-001, Sexual Misconduct and Discrimination to include the revised Title IX definitions of prohibited conduct. In addition, OSU is issuing a revised Code reflecting the changes required by the new Title IX regulations.
The revised Title IX Investigation and Resolution Process can be found here https://eoa.oregonstate.edu/sites/eoa.oregonstate.edu/files/title_ix_process_final_8.14.20.pdf
The university’s Title IX Investigation and Resolution Process includes these changes mandated by federal law:
Going forward, the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will continue to work in collaboration with the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards, the Office of the Dean of Students, Employee and Labor Relations within Faculty Affairs and University Human Resources, the Office of General Counsel, and the Office of Audit, Risk and Compliance. These partners will develop outreach programs and education opportunities to inform all members of our university community of our shared expectations for behavior and the processes that will be used for addressing allegations of sexual misconduct, including the new Title IX definitions.
Staff in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access, Student Conduct & Community Standards, and Employee and Labor Relations, are available to provide information, guidance and support.
We encourage you to reach out to Equal Opportunity and Access at [email protected] or by calling (541) 737-3556. You also may contact Student Conduct & Community Standards at [email protected] or by calling (541) 737-3656, if you would like to learn more about changes to the Code and the student process. If you have questions about the employee process, contact Employee and Labor Relations at [email protected] or by calling (541) 737-3103.
As the new academic year begins, we look forward to engaging with our new and returning students, academic faculty, professional faculty, graduate assistants, classified staff, and student employees and working to foster an environment that supports student and employee success.
Sincerely,
Kim D. Kirkland
Executive Director and Title IX Coordinator
Office of Equal Opportunity and Access
Oregon State University
Kevin A. Dougherty
Associate Vice Provost & Dean of Students
Oregon State University
Carol Millie
Director, Student Conduct & Community Standards
Oregon State University
Heather Horn
Associate Vice Provost-Sr. Director Employee & Labor Relations
Oregon State University
OSU community members,
I write you regarding the university’s efforts to improve public safety services on our Corvallis campus, including licensed law enforcement.
OSU considers the safety of all students, faculty, staff and visitors as a top university priority. As you may recall, university leaders and the OSU Board of Trustees decided in spring that public safety services on the Corvallis campus should include well-trained police officers, who are university employees and whose work each day supports the university’s educational mission and community values.
Here is an update on OSU’s efforts to advance public safety.
While at the university, Chief Rodriguez made significant progress with the development of our OSU police department and we are thankful for his efforts. We wish him the best as he pursues new opportunities.
I have directed that we begin a nationwide search to fill the permanent Associate Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police position. Until such time that this position is filled — or an interim appointment is made — Paul Odenthal, senior associate vice president for administration, will oversee the operations of the Department of Public Safety, including the current recruitment of sergeants and officers.
As you know, our contract with the Oregon State Police to provide licensed law enforcement services on our Corvallis campus ends on Dec. 31, 2020. Let me be clear about our plan to replace our contract with OSP: we will have a university-employed and directed police force serving the Corvallis campus and that serves the university’s educational mission and community values.
The safety and security of our campus requires us to be able to respond to criminal activity promptly with appropriately trained and equipped police. In order to protect our students, faculty, staff and visitors, we must be able to deter and intervene in criminal acts and properly investigate those acts. OSU’s public safety staff cannot adequately provide these services, nor can local law enforcement agencies.
OSU’s Corvallis campus police force will follow the best practices and standards for community policing within higher education. We will hire outstanding people and train them to operate in accordance with our educational values and policies. We will hold our force accountable to those values and policies, and we will fund, hire and train staff to prioritize student, faculty and staff engagement, transparency, inclusivity, equity, crime prevention and partnership with campus and area social and health services.
We also recognize it is important to appropriately fund wellness, mental health and other social services for our students, faculty and staff. An evaluation of campus mental health, wellness and other support programs is underway. Once completed, we will move to expand these services and increase collaboration among public health, student support services, police and public safety programs to improve how we address campus underserved community needs.
I understand and respect that some members of our university community hold different views about law enforcement than the approach I have described.
As we move forward, I ask that we continue to share our views on how OSU public safety programs can serve the university’s mission and values, and the safety of the OSU community. The opportunity to build a wholly new public safety program and police department will take all of us working together to get it right.
Sincerely,
F. King Alexander
President
Dear OSU Corvallis students,
We write to announce important decisions regarding instruction for the fall term.
Based on careful monitoring of the status of the COVID-19 locally, throughout Oregon and nationally, we have decided that OSU’s Corvallis campus will deliver approximately 90% of courses remotely in the fall, making it possible for you to live and study from home if that is the best option for you.
This approach will contribute to student wellness and educational success, help limit the density of activity on-campus and in the Corvallis community, and help minimize the possible spread of COVID-19. The university’s COVID-19 Safety and Success website and this video offer details on what OSU will look like this fall. The following provides an outline of fall term.
Choice: To the greatest extent practicable, we are providing you with the ability to decide the location that works best for you to pursue your studies. If you feel safest living at home and taking OSU courses remotely and online, almost all of our instruction will support that choice. If you choose to live on campus while you pursue your studies (mostly remotely or online), you are welcome at OSU.
Courses offered on-site will primarily be those that have a heavy experiential learning component, such as labs and field courses. Therefore, some students—especially advanced undergraduates and graduate students—may need to return to Corvallis to order to take those courses and continue progressing in their degree programs. The OSU Schedule of Classes lists the instructional modality or format for each course: on-site/in-person, remote, a blend of on-site/in-person and remote, and online through Ecampus. Regardless of instructional mode, courses will be compelling and engaging, supporting you in achieving your academic goals.
Living on campus: Residence halls will be open for students who decide that living on campus is their best and safest option. We will offer only single and double occupancy rooms and create space for use in isolating and quarantining, should it be needed. We have adjusted our First Year Experience Live-on policy so that all first-year students otherwise subject to this policy may make the choice to remain at home. If students elect to stay at home and attend OSU remotely, no exemption request is required. Students with a current UHDS contract who decide to stay home must cancel their contract by emailing [email protected].
Buildings with classrooms and teaching laboratories for in-person instruction and applied learning will be open during fall term, along with the Memorial Union, Dixon Recreation Center, Valley Library, buildings that provide students with student services and study spaces, child care, health and wellness, food services and emergency assistance. Student advising will be provided mostly remotely.
Financial assistance and student fees: The OSU Board of Trustees froze tuition rates for the 2020-21 academic year for continuing undergraduates enrolled at Corvallis, Bend, Portland and at Eastern Oregon University and we are increasing need-based financial aid assistance for eligible students. As well, fees associated with Student Fee-funded programs are now under review by student leaders. Information on any student fee reductions will be provided after student fee committees complete their review.
Living near campus. We know that many students remain in and around Corvallis during the summer months while others will return in fall in order to utilize the university’s facilities, information technology infrastructure, and support programs while taking remote or online courses. Therefore, the campus will be open under modified conditions to support those students, and we will have public health measures and COVID-19 testing protocols in place.
We ask all students and living in the Corvallis community to become a public health champion and vigilantly follow university and state guidelines indoors and outdoors regarding face coverings, social and physical distancing and indoor and outdoor social gatherings. In addition, we ask students this fall to conduct daily health screenings and stay home if they are experiencing symptoms of illness or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
Public health measures: In addition to face covering and physical distancing requirements, this fall OSU will provide enhanced cleaning protocols within university buildings; isolation and quarantine rooms in residence halls; improved HVAC filtration, where possible; expanded availability of hand sanitizer; and other public health measures recommended by local and state health officials. These measures are working well and have helped OSU to keep selected programs and services on-site and in-person over the summer.
On campus testing: We will test continuously for the prevalence of the virus that causes COVID-19 on the Corvallis and OSU-Cascades campuses and at the Hatfield Marine Science Center with the expert guidance of OSU researchers leading the TRACE-COVID-19 project. In addition to prevalence testing, we will monitor wastewater on our campuses and at HMSC for the presence of the virus. We are also exploring providing an initial test to students who choose to live on campus in Corvallis and students arriving from out-of-state hotspot communities.
We certainly had hoped that we would be at a different place in the national battle with COVID-19 by this point in the summer, such that we would be able to return to a significant complement of on-site and in-person instruction for fall term. However, we believe that in shifting to a primarily virtual instructional format, while also offering a limited mix of on-site teaching that facilitates students’ continued progress toward their degree, we will maintain a low density of activity on campus and help minimize the spread of COVID-19. Of course, we are prepared to pivot to fully remote operations if public health considerations dictate such a decision.
We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we adjust to ever-changing pandemic conditions and public health circumstances. Thank you in advance for remaining flexible and adaptable as we continue to prioritize your health and educational success.
As resilient members of Beaver Nation, we will continue to respond, adapt and recover from these challenging times and become an even stronger community and better university for our students and all we serve.
Sincerely,
F. King Alexander Edward Feser
President Provost and Executive Vice President
Dear OSU-Cascades students,
We write to announce important decisions regarding instruction for the fall term.
Based on careful monitoring of the status of the COVID-19 locally, throughout Oregon and nationally, we have decided that OSU-Cascades will deliver about half of all classes in blended or in-person formats. On-site courses will be coupled with remote learning options, making it possible for you to live and study from home if that is the best option for you.
This approach will contribute to student wellness and educational success, help limit the density of activity on-campus, and help minimize the possible spread of COVID-19. The university’s COVID-19 Safety and Success website and this video offer details on what OSU-Cascades will look like this fall.
Choice: To the greatest extent practicable, we are providing you with the ability to decide the location that works best for you to pursue your studies. If you feel safest living at home and taking OSU-Cascades courses remotely and online, almost all of our instruction will support that choice. If you choose to live on campus while you pursue your studies, you are welcome at OSU-Cascades.
About half of all classes will be offered in blended or in-person formats. In addition, almost all courses offered on-site will include a remote learning option. Some courses with a heavy experiential learning component, such as labs and field courses will require in-person learning. Therefore, some students—especially advanced undergraduate and graduate students—may need to be in Bend in order to take those courses and continue progressing in their degree programs. The OSU Schedule of Classes lists the instructional modality or format for each course: on-site/in-person, remote, a blend of on-site/in-person and remote, and online through Ecampus. Regardless of instructional mode, courses will be compelling and engaging, supporting you in achieving your academic goals.
Living on campus: Residence halls will be open for students who decide that living on campus is their best and safest option. We will offer only single occupancy rooms and create space for use in isolating and quarantining, should it be needed. We have adjusted our First Year Experience Live-on policy so that all first-year students otherwise subject to this policy may make the choice to remain at home. If students elect to stay at home and attend OSU-Cascades remotely, no exemption request is required. Students with a current housing contract who decide to stay home must cancel their contract through the myHousing portal.
Buildings with classrooms and teaching laboratories for in-person instruction and applied learning will be open during fall term. The Fitness Center, Beaver Dam and Study Grounds will be open as long as public health conditions permit. Co-curricular and extra-curricular programs will be offered in controlled, reduced density environments; transactional offices (cashier, transportation, front desk, etc.) will offer reduced in-person hours of operation; and remote services, including advising, will be provided remotely.
Financial assistance and student fees: The OSU Board of Trustees froze tuition rates for the 2020-21 academic year for continuing undergraduates enrolled at Corvallis, Bend, Portland and at Eastern Oregon University and we are increasing need-based financial aid assistance for eligible students. As well, fees associated with Student Fee-funded programs are now under review by student leaders. Information on any student fee reductions will be provided after student fee committees complete their review.
Living near campus. We know the majority of OSU-Cascades students live in and around Bend while others will return to the area in order to utilize the university’s facilities, information technology infrastructure, and support programs, or to take in-person classes. To serve these needs, the campus will be open under modified conditions to support those students and will feature public health measures and access to telemedicine through OSU Student Health Services.
We ask all students living in the Bend community to become a public health champion and vigilantly follow university and state guidelines indoors and outdoors regarding face coverings, social and physical distancing and indoor and outdoor social gatherings. In addition, we ask students this fall to conduct daily health screenings and stay home if they are experiencing symptoms of illness or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
Public health measures: In addition to face covering and physical distancing requirements, this fall OSU will provide enhanced cleaning protocols within university buildings; isolation and quarantine rooms in residence halls, HVAC filtration that meets CDC recommendations; expanded availability of hand sanitizer; and other public health measures recommended by local and state health officials. These measures are working well and have helped OSU-Cascades to keep selected programs and services on-site and in-person over the summer.
On campus COVID-19 testing: We will test continuously for the prevalence of the virus that causes COVID-19 on the Corvallis and OSU-Cascades campuses and at the Hatfield Marine Science Center with the expert guidance of OSU researchers leading the TRACE-COVID-19 project. In addition to prevalence testing, we will monitor wastewater on our campuses and at HMSC for the presence of the virus.
We certainly had hoped that we would be at a different place in the national battle with COVID-19 by this point in the summer, such that we would be able to return to a significant complement of on-site and in-person instruction for fall term. We believe that by shifting to an instructional model that reduces on-site teaching will maintain a low density of activity on the OSU-Cascades campus and help minimize the spread of COVID-19. Of course, we are prepared to pivot to fully remote operations if public health considerations dictate such a decision.
We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we adjust to ever-changing pandemic conditions and public health circumstances. Thank you in advance for remaining flexible and adaptable as we continue to prioritize your health and educational success.
As resilient members of Beaver Nation, we will continue to respond, adapt and recover from these challenging times and become an even stronger community and better university for our students and all we serve.
Sincerely,
F. King Alexander Edward Feser Becky Johnson
President Provost & Executive Vice President Vice President, OSU-Cascades
Office of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs
Dear Students –
I hope your summer is going well despite the current health crisis, and you are finding ways to safely enjoy summer. As fall approaches, we want to ensure you have up-to-date information on OSU’s planning for fall. With that in mind, we have set up a Safety & Success at OSU Instagram account. Follow this account to stay connected to Beaver Nation and for helpful tips and the latest updates related to campus operations.
We have updated our COVID-19 Safety & Success website where you will find in-depth information and ways we will support your success. This includes a dedicated Students website FULL of helpful information to support you academically. Additional social media pages you might want to follow are below. We will be using all of these channels to help you prep for a successful fall term!
OSU Registrar for registration information
Twitter: https://twitter.com/osu_registrar
Admissions information for new and incoming students
Twitter: https://twitter.com/beavervip
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beavervip
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beavervip/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeaverVIP/
Memorial Union for study and socially distanced in-person connection spaces
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OSUMU/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/osu_mu/
OSU Experience for information about how to engage on campus
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OSUexperience/?fref=ts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/osuexperience/
Recreational Sports to keep health and fitness part of your routine
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/osurecsports/?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OSURecSports
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/osurecsports/
Counseling & Psychological Services to stay updated on mental health resources
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CAPS.OSU
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OregonStateCAPS
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oregonstate_caps/
Student Health Services to keep your health top of mind
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OregonStateSHS/
University Housing & Dining Services for fun and informative campus information
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OSU.UHDS/?fref=ts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/osuhousing/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/osuhousing
INTO OSU for international student information
Twitter: https://twitter.com/into_osu?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intooregonstate/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/into.oregonstate/
WeChat: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/fLQobAPLzxd0EsKsJGSC8g
Sincerely,
Dan Larson
Vice Provost for Student Affairs
Oregon State University
Office of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs
studentaffairs.oregonstate.edu
On Friday, July 17th the nation lost two iconic civil rights leaders, the Reverend C.T. Vivian and Representative John Lewis. We ask the university community to join us in recognizing the significant contributions of both men who devoted their lives to social justice and whose sacrifices brought about changes to better the lives of African Americans and all Americans that we enjoy today.
At the young age of 23, Reverend C.T. Vivian participated in his first nonviolent action to desegregate lunch counters in Peoria, Illinois. He became a minister because of his conviction that racism and segregation were moral issues. In 1955, he co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in Nashville, Tennessee. The SCLC’s work centered on teaching students how to be leaders and activists to end segregation by engaging in a number of sit-ins and leading the first march of the Civil Rights Movement.
In 1961, he joined the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) members in the Freedom Rides in Jackson, Mississippi where he was violently beaten by police. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. asked him to assume leadership of the SCLC in 1963 and he worked alongside Representative John Lewis to advance and eventually pass the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts. After being punched by Sheriff Jim Clark on the steps of the courthouse in Selma he is quoted as saying, “You can turn your back on me, but you can’t turn your back on the ideals of justice…you cannot beat down justice.” President Barack Obama honored Reverend Vivian with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013.
As a college student, Representative John Lewis was a founder of SNCC and its first president. Additionally, he was one of the Freedom Riders. Representative John Lewis organized the March on Washington and delivered a stirring address to the nation on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. In 1965, he led the march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama a day that is forever remembered as “Bloody Sunday”. Representative Lewis was severely beaten that day by Alabama state police. The beatings he endured never dampened his pursuit for civil rights and voting rights.
Representative John Lewis introduced many pieces of legislation in congress. Legislation designed to support the poor, create jobs, gun control and universal health care. His legislation enabled the creation of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington. This bill was first introduced in 1988 and failed many times before President George W. Bush signed the bill in 2003.
Sadly, many of us have forgotten what these men had to endure to secure our civil and voting rights. They suffered beatings that we can only imagine today as our collective voices continue to denounce efforts to deny the rights of others to vote and in the Black Lives Matter movement across the country. Let us honor them by remembering to vote and encouraging others to do so. I end with the final words from his address on Washington:
“We will march through the South; through the streets of Jackson, through the streets of Danville, through the streets of Cambridge, through the streets of Birmingham. But we will march with the spirit of love and with the spirit of dignity that we have shown here today. By the force of our demands, our determination, and our numbers, we shall splinter the segregated South into a thousand pieces and put them together in the image of God and democracy. We must say: Wake up America! Wake up! For we cannot stop, and we will not and cannot be patient.” Rep. John Lewis, Speech at the March on Washington (28 August 1963).
Charlene Alexander, Ph.D.
Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer
Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President
20 July 2020
Dear OSU community,
President Alexander and I recently wrote with an update explaining the principles and indicators the university is using to monitor the status of COVID-19 and decide the level of onsite activity at OSU locations. We emphasized that the health of students, faculty, staff and community members remains our top priority as we navigate the pandemic.
In response to questions received since our message, we have created an additional tool to clarify how we are determining specific levels of university onsite activity. The tool defines four public health condition levels, from Level 1—a condition in which a reliable vaccine and/or treatment is available—to Level 4, in which the governor has issued a stay-at-home order because an outbreak of the virus is in imminent danger of overwhelming health response systems. Details on how the health condition levels are defined, the extent of onsite activity associated with each level, and the indicators we are using to monitor changes in level are available on the university’s COVID-19 Safety and Success website.
At present, the University has designated most of its locations statewide as operating at Level 2: COVID-19 cases are present but they are relatively few, protective measures are working, and public health systems have adequate capacity to respond. Looking ahead to fall term, a Level 2 designation means we will teach using a variety of modalities, with a majority of instruction held online and via remote means. At Level 2, research and engagement activities and programs may take place onsite when physical distancing and other health measures are effective in providing for health and safety.
At this time, trends in some OSU locations are tracking toward Level 3, a condition characterized by protective measures under significant stress and public health response systems at or near capacity. For locations designated at Level 3, fall term activities would be characterized by very limited in-person instruction and very low onsite density of OSU employees, students and visitors.
As COVID-19 conditions across the state change, we will consult local staff and health authorities and make decisions regarding changes in public health status levels for OSU locations. Our Safety and Success website will continuously update the current public health level for all OSU locations. In this video message, Dan Larson, vice provost for student affairs and OSU’s COVID-19 response coordinator, explains how OSU will utilize the Level 1-4 tool in evaluating conditions by county and determining the extent of local OSU onsite activities.
I want to stress the following:
As always, our responses to COVID-19 will remain in full alignment with the guidance provided by state and county health authorities. Please see the OSU COVID-19 Safety and Success website for additional information.
Sincerely,
Edward Feser
Provost and Executive Vice President
Oregon State University
Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President
624 Kerr Administration Building, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331
leadership.oregonstate.edu/provost
Dear OSU faculty, staff, and students,
Oregon State University believes that the safety of all students, faculty, staff and visitors is a top priority.
We recognize this is a unique and important time in the history of America. Much has changed as our nation and community grapples with the May 25 killing of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis police. At OSU, we are fully considering the implications of these events on our approach to public safety.
The university provides public safety services in many ways at OSU facilities throughout Oregon, including efforts to advance building safety, educational programs, campus patrols in Corvallis and Bend, support services to employees and students, emergency crime response and law enforcement services on the Corvallis campus, and collaboration with local agencies for fire and medical first response. OSU has a history of providing public safety services on its Corvallis campus since the mid-1930s and law enforcement services since 1974, including the Oregon State Police (OSP) providing licensed law enforcement services since 1989.
The provision of public safety on OSU’s Corvallis campus is transitioning while we engage our community in dialogue and manage the change from OSP providing law enforcement services on the Corvallis campus. As we take these steps, we assure that public safety services will reflect the university’s values and vision while supporting OSU’s teaching, learning and research.
With this in mind, we have reviewed our community dialogue and engagement plans to embrace further community input and feedback into the design of public safety programs and law enforcement services.
University leaders and the OSU Board of Trustees have determined that to serve OSU’s values and mission, address community needs and support public safety as a priority, it is important to bring law enforcement for the Corvallis campus in-house and provide university management of those services consistent with OSU’s values and principles and educational mission.
Given the requirements to implement its police services—and to ensure thorough and thoughtful community engagement—OSU extended its agreement with OSP for Corvallis campus law enforcement through the end of this year. To provide its own law enforcement services on Jan. 1, 2021, OSU will resume a comprehensive recruitment, hiring and training process for sworn officers that will include bias, diversity and de-escalation training.
We recognize the unique challenges of campus policing and are mindful of the national debate on best practices and standards for public safety within higher education. While the public often compares campus police with state or local law enforcement, there are distinct differences at OSU where campus partnerships are the foundation of public safety programs and law enforcement. We are committed to building trust through the sharing of information, transparency and open lines of communication and engagement with the campus community.
As OSU began to develop the structure of this new department, we did so intentionally with Corvallis campus community listening sessions in March and April. Data obtained from these listening sessions provided the OSU Public Safety Advisory Committee – a collection of faculty, students and staff—with an understanding of community sentiment regarding campus public safety. We also acknowledge the concerns shared recently by community members of color regarding policing. Community engagement has been and will remain a core part of the process to evaluate and recommend future public safety needs. Edgar Rodriguez, OSU’s new associate vice president for public safety and chief of police, already is meeting with many faculty, staff and students. Over the next month or more, he will hold meetings with more than two dozen OSU student, faculty, staff and community groups on the Corvallis campus to share his transition plan and receive valued community feedback to inform public safety programs and the future of OSU’s Department of Public Safety. This public safety outreach will include meetings with stakeholders at OSU-Cascades, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center.
We welcome this opportunity for engagement with Chief Rodriguez as it will help inform, guide and transform his department to advance inclusive excellence and contribute to the safety and success of all members of the Corvallis campus community.
We will continue to provide updates in the months ahead and encourage you to participate in upcoming public safety meetings and regularly visit an updated Department of Public Safety website to be launched on Monday, July 20. Thank you for your interest and engagement in this very important process for the university.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Green
Vice President for Finance and Administration
Chief Financial Officer
Office of the Vice President
Division of Finance and Administration
Oregon State University
640 Kerr Administration Building
Corvallis, OR 97331
Ph: 541-737-2447
July 15, 2020
Dear OSU students,
We recognize the many challenges students and employees face during the pandemic due to a lack of available childcare services, youth programs and other caregiver resources.
We write to share that we are providing additional support and new programs for parents and families by expanding our youth-related programs and childcare service offerings. We know these services will be very important with the expected fall hybrid delivery of K-12 education in the communities in which OSU community members live.
OSU Child Care Centers at the Corvallis campus:
Childcare centers nationally are especially hard during this pandemic, and OSU’s childcare centers are no exception. OSU is working with existing university-based third party childcare providers so that services will resume as soon as possible. With our support and facilitation, we are hopeful that these contractors will re-open both the Azalea Child Care Center and Beaver Beginnings Child Care Center within Oregon Health Authority guidelines in early August. Please contact the Family Resource Center for information on service levels, safety precautions and other details.
Short-Term Child Care Options:
NEW! The Family Resource Center (FRC) provides short-term drop-in care for OSU students, called Our Little Village (OLV). Due to COVID-19, this program is no longer a drop-in childcare program and will be provided on a reservation-only basis. The university is allocating funding to expand this program to support childcare services for faculty and staff and provide for more availability for students. Faculty and staff will be able to reserve 3.5-hour time slots, up to 3 times a week, at a reduced cost. This program continues to be no cost at time of service for student parents. A location for this new service will be announced and program details are under development. We anticipate this program being available in late summer, pending space readiness. Contact the Family Resource Center for more details and visit the center’s website for updates on this exciting new offering.
NEW! OSU’s Family Resource Center and KidSpirit will collaborate to offer a short-term reservable childcare program for school-aged children in Langton Hall. The program will offer childcare by reservation and is due to open in early September. OLV|KidSpirit will provide OSU faculty and staff short-term, hourly rate childcare that can be reserved morning or afternoon, for 3.5 hours per day Monday through Friday. For students who are parents, OLV childcare will continue be provided at no cost at time of service. For more information, please contact Kristi King, student family coordinator at [email protected].
NEW! The Family Resource Center is offering a new resource to facilitate connections between families in need of childcare. In addition, this program will help parents connect with other parents, enabling the sharing of tips, resources and solutions. One of these solutions could be to share the cost of childcare. Visit the Family Resource Center website for more information.
Care.com
Students at all OSU locations have free access to Care.com, which provides helpful childcare provider referrals. Additionally, students may view a parent resource guide created by Care.com to learn about finding summer childcare and to explore summertime activities and classes for kids.
Student Parent Connections
Connect with other OSU student parents on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon through Zoom. You can ask questions of other student parents, share resources, tell the group about your success and challenges as a student parent … and more! This is a great opportunity to meet other OSU Student Parents and build community. Contact Kristi King, Student Family Coordinator at [email protected] for the Zoom link and password. Kristi is also available for one-on-one consultation through email, phone or Zoom, if you want to learn more about how the programs/services offered through the Family Resource Center can support you during your time at OSU.
Student Child Care Assistance
The Family Resource Center offers childcare assistance each term. If you are paying for childcare (center-based, family provider, babysitter/nanny), after school care, summer programming, etc., you may qualify for need-based assistance. Learn more at: https://familyresources.oregonstate.edu/student-financial-resources.
Financial Assistance:
In collaboration with the OSU Foundation, the university is offering emergency financial assistance grants through Beavers Care. This fund helps students at all OSU locations with unexpected needs during this unprecedented time. Voluntary charitable donations and contributions from donors and others enable this fund to assist OSU students facing unexpected financial challenges. The program responds to specific needs related to the pandemic, so response is not available for general financial assistance.
Students should contact their college or the Financial Aid Office for more information.
As we progress through summer, we will continue to provide updates on these services and programs.
Sincerely,
Dan Larson
Vice Provost for Student Affairs
Coronavirus Response Coordinator
Oregon State University
Office of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs
studentaffairs.oregonstate.edu
Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President
14 July 2020
Dear faculty, staff and students,
I am very pleased to share that today the U.S. government rescinded proposed restrictions issued last week on international students taking online college courses while in the United States.
The new policy would have been effective for fall term, requiring international students to take at least one in-person class, even amid the pandemic. The policy threatened the education and wellness of OSU international students and hundreds of thousands of more students across the nation. Certainly, that was of great concern to all of us at OSU and caused needless stress for our nearly 3,400 international students.
This important, nationwide resolution was reached in a court case brought by Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. On Monday, OSU and 19 other west coast universities jointly filed a similar lawsuit in federal court in Eugene.
This resolution reinstates for now federal provisions adopted last spring that allow international students to take courses online while in the U.S. or abroad while retaining their immigration status. The willingness of the federal government to return to its March policy is heartening considering the serious harm the proposed restrictions would have had on students and many universities and colleges.
Oregon State University’s decision to support the needs of its international students by opposing the unfair federal restrictions in court was consistent with the mission of the university and the global economy and culture within the state of Oregon. We strongly believe that through the education of students from throughout Oregon, the nation and the world – and research, teaching and public engagement with international faculty, universities and communities – OSU advances its transformative impact as an internationally recognized 21st century university.
We will never waver in our support for our international students, faculty, staff and scholars.
Sincerely,
Edward Feser
Provost and Executive Vice President
Oregon State University
Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President
624 Kerr Administration Building, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331
leadership.oregonstate.edu/provost
Dear faculty, staff and students,
I am writing to share that today OSU – along with 19 other western United States universities – filed a lawsuit today in federal court in Eugene to keep the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from enacting proposed restrictions on international students taking online college courses while in America.
It is in keeping with Oregon State University’s mission as a global land grant university that we seek to protect the educational status of nearly 3,500 international students attending OSU. Here is a link to news release on the university’s case.
The federal government’s proposed restrictions are reckless and arbitrary, and without notice put at risk the education and wellness of thousands of international students.
As you know well, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, OSU and many U.S. universities and colleges transitioned in spring from in-person to remote instruction. At the time, the federal government provided more flexible immigration rules that allowed international students to take courses online while in the U.S. or abroad while retaining their immigration status due to the pandemic. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced it will issue new orders to reverse the COVID19-related flexibility provided since March.
If enacted, the federal order could unfairly force students to return to their home countries during a global pandemic and to relocate to their home countries – some of which have unstable political and public health conditions. Meanwhile, some students no longer have homes in those countries.
The federal government should not place such burdens on international students and America’s universities and colleges without notice, considerations of the impact and well-reasoned explanations, all of which he said are required by federal law.
I will continue to provide updates to the university community on this matter, as new information is available.
In closing, I want to be clear: enrolling and educating international students will remain a core element of the global mission of Oregon State University. As a former international graduate student myself, I want our international students to remain focused on their studies during this difficult period and not the arbitrary threats coming out of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Engagement of international students, researchers and educators in education and the open and interdisciplinary pursuit of research and discovery is foundational to OSU’s mission and the education of students from throughout Oregon, the nation and the world to succeed in a 21st century economy and culture.
Sincerely,
F. King Alexander
President
OSU faculty, staff and students,
University telecommunications staff will perform an upgrade to the OSU Corvallis campus telephone system on Saturday, July 11, 2020, that will result in the campus telephone system being out of service from 10 to 11 a.m.
One-Hour Service Impact:
During the outage, all campus telephones will be out of service. Any incoming calls will receive a busy signal until the system comes back up. This one hour outage will also apply to softphone programs that use web-based programs for making telephone calls.
Important Emergency Info:
During this outage, calls to the Corvallis campus Public Safety Department will be interrupted. If you have an emergency, please call 911 using your cell phone. For all non-emergency matters, call the Corvallis campus public safety dispatcher at 541-602-0419.
Throughout Saturday, July 11, OSU telecommunication staff will be performing additional upgrade activities. While no additional service interruptions are anticipated campus wide, it is possible that service to portions of campus may be affected for a short time. Updates on phone system status information on July 11 can be provided by going to: https://status.is.oregonstate.edu/.
If you find you are having any telephone service issues following the completion of Saturday’s upgrade maintenance, which is scheduled to be concluded at 7 p.m., please call 541-737-4357, or send an email to [email protected] or submit a TD ticket.
Thank you,
Steve Fowler
Mgr-Operations, Telecom & Data Centers
University Information and Technology
Oregon State University
541-737-9630
Dear OSU students,
As the university proceeds to gradually increase onsite activities in the weeks ahead to support summer and fall term programs, we want to assure you we are tracking the increased prevalence of COVID-19 cases across the country, as well as localized and regional outbreaks on college and university campuses.
Like you, we see disconcerting trends in states and regions that reopened quickly and, in some cases, with only limited public health measures.
We believe the public health measures we are taking at OSU to minimize student and employee density through remote work and instruction, face covering and physical distancing requirements, hygiene measures, contact tracing, and follow-up isolation and quarantine protocols will be effective as we slowly resume onsite activity.
In some cases, outbreaks observed elsewhere have been mostly contained utilizing these kinds of measures. Over the next month, we will observe how colleges and universities operating on semesters and returning to campus in early to mid-August finalize their plans. As those institutions decide whether and how to resume onsite activity, we will have the opportunity to apply their lessons learned to our own strategies.
We know that in-person engagement and activity is very important for undergraduate and graduate student learning, research and success. As such, we have a mission-centered obligation to consider every possible strategy to return to a level of onsite activity while also striving to preserve and protect the health of the OSU community.
At this time, and in consultation with county and state health authorities, we believe our plan to implement low density, mixed modality instruction and activities – facilitated by the public health measures noted above – is a sound approach. Yet, we recognize that we may need to alter our plan if the course of the virus changes in Oregon or experience elsewhere advises a different strategy. OSU’s Resumption Plan is designed to be flexible and anticipates the possible need for adjustments.
As we consider how to ramp up onsite activity, our principle guides will be indicators on the infection itself. As well, we will be guided by the readiness and capacity of the university and local counties to effectively respond to outbreaks through rapid testing of symptomatic and close contact cases, support county health authorities with contact case investigations, and isolate and contain cases.
We anticipate that by the middle of August, we will have a much better sense of the precise level of onsite instruction and activity that will be viable for fall term. However, if pandemic spikes and cases in Oregon, our neighboring states, and among many peer universities get much worse, we are prepared to act sooner regarding the precise level of onsite activity for the fall term.
We know the uncertainty this pandemic is introducing is challenging. But we believe it is critical that we continue to proceed cautiously, listen to and align with local and state public health authorities, and consider the many impacts of each decision we make.
In the coming days, we will provide you with more information on our resumption plan and associated public health measures, and we will provide regular updates through the summer. Please share your feedback and questions as we navigate this challenge by writing to [email protected].
Sincerely,
F. King Alexander
President
Edward Feser
Provost and Executive Vice President
Dear Corvallis students,
Hopefully you have settled into summer and were able to enjoy a short break after you finished spring term classes. OSU recognizes that spring term was perhaps your most challenging term and we want to thank you for your resilience, flexibility patience and dedication to your education during a pandemic.
COVID-19 has deeply affected our lives and our daily work. As we receive additional guidance from state and local health authorities, we are updating the university’s plans for to provide a safe and high quality environment for you to keep learning. This email serves as a follow up to information you received in late May about the fall schedule.
Remote learning sections
As of July 1, many courses that will be taught remotely in the fall are now designated that way in the Schedule of Classes. If you wish to check your courses, your schedule will list Remote Learning in the spot where you would normally see the building/room location if the course was scheduled to be held remotely. If there a building and room location is provided at this time, that means your class is scheduled to be held on-campus or at a site location.
We expect that nearly all courses identified as Remote Learning will remain remote. Some on-campus courses may shift to Remote Learning based on the changing public health environment, so it is important to regularly check your schedule.
Viewing this information online
If you wish to check your schedule, log into self-service to look at the meeting location for your classes. If you wish to use the schedule of classes online, you can select a section and then scroll down to the Meeting Info to look at the classroom location or Remote Learning notice.
Information will be continually updated in the Schedule of Classes over the summer, so it is important to check back periodically.
Fall term campus classes
We expect that by early August classroom assignments for on-campus classes will be completed. Out of an abundance of public health caution, classroom assignments will be made with the following values:
Your advisor is always your best point of contact for questions about your schedule and the Office of the Registrar also has significant information about classes on its website: registrar.oregonstate.edu. We encourage you to utilize resources available so that you are ready to start classes this fall.
Please enjoy your summer and be well.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Mathern
Associate Provost and University Registrar
Dear Oregon State University community,
I am very pleased to become a member of the OSU community and am inspired to serve as the university’s 15th president.
I look forward to working with each of you — and those we serve as Oregon’s statewide university — to advance the momentum and impact of this outstanding and internationally recognized land grant research institution. I pledge to listen and learn; to be accessible, transparent and accountable; and to engage as a partner.
Together, we will build on more than 150 years of faculty excellence, research scholarship and innovation, and outreach and engagement. By doing so, we will serve our mission to promote economic, cultural, social and environmental progress for the people of Oregon, the nation and the world.
I recognize and thank the OSU Board of Trustees and President Emeritus Ed Ray for their outstanding and difference-making leadership of OSU.
The times we live in — and that remain ahead — are like none other. As one of our nation’s great public universities, Oregon State University and our community must commit to reforming systemic racial issues here at home and across America.
As a land grant university, we must accept that the societal, public health and economic challenges of our state, nation and world are also OSU’s challenges and responsibilities. The tools that we have within the university are powerful: teaching, research and service. They also are intergenerational and, if we act, these tools will produce lasting positive impact within the university community and beyond for those that need assistance the most.
I encourage your engagement in addressing these challenges. And ask that you join me to advance OSU’s values of inclusivity and diversity — and a culture of collaboration and innovation — to provide for transformative education that is accessible and successful for all learners. However, it will be through action — not words or promises — that we will affirm that Black Lives Matter and end injustice, violence and racism across America. And create an inclusive community that provides justice, equal opportunity and lasting changes for Black, Indigenous, and people of color communities.
Today, our society faces additional challenges — both old and new. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed our nation and world to how vulnerable we are to current and future health crises. It has placed on display the vast health disparities that still plague Black, Hispanic, Indigenous and other underrepresented populations. The pandemic also has exposed vast disparities and has created a recession that will intensify the great divide in economic and educational opportunities among members of our society. And this divide will only grow due to unemployment and fiscal neglect of our public educational systems.
It is our responsibility as members of the Oregon State University community to address these challenges head on through teaching, research and public service.
As I look ahead, I am very impressed by how our university community continues to work effectively and collaboratively to address the fiscal and other impacts that the pandemic is causing for OSU’s educational, research, outreach, athletics and other programs. I thank each of you for your resilience and flexibility. The behavior of the virus will dictate what lies ahead and what actions will be needed. But I am confident that as students, faculty, staff and stakeholders, we will proactively seek to address matters of health and wellness, while sustaining and advancing student success, faculty excellence, research, and outreach and public service.
We will not achieve these outcomes alone. It will require the commitment of institutions and individuals. We will continue to work with communities, partners and higher education stakeholders statewide. We also must receive greater support from state and national leaders to address the impacts of the pandemic, provide for lasting social change, support student success for all learners, and advance research innovation and public service.
As a new Oregonian and as OSU’s 15th president, I am committed to working collaboratively with you by listening, learning and addressing these challenges and opportunities together.
Sincerely,
F. King Alexander
President
Dear OSU community members,
While I conclude my service today as OSU president, there are important actions underway, including next steps to advance diversity, equity and inclusion within Oregon State University.
President-elect King Alexander and I agree it will take each member of the university community to achieve transformational reform, support Black Lives Matter and end systemic inequality and discrimination against the Black community and other communities of color. We ask that you join us in committing to action and persistence to provide equal opportunity and success for all faculty, staff and students.
First, we fully support policing reform legislation adopted last week by the Oregon Legislature.
As well, OSU will utilize extensive community dialogue and engagement sessions to design future Corvallis campus public safety services and programs that are based on OSU community values and needs, and the educational mission of the university.
As a community, we will design a public safety program that includes Corvallis campus law enforcement services that provide for community oversight, accountability, transparency, ongoing community engagement and conversation, ongoing training, and a commitment to advancing inclusivity, diversity and justice, and ending bias in law enforcement. In doing so, we will change and continue to improve public safety within the university.
Community outreach sessions to help design public safety services will be held throughout July. Meanwhile, Edgar Rodriguez, OSU’s new associate vice president of public safety, will engage personally in meetings with the Associated Students of Oregon State University, the offices of Diversity and Cultural Engagement, including the seven student cultural resource centers, Equal Opportunity Access and Institutional Diversity, the Faculty Senate, student-athletes and many other faculty, staff and student organizations.
You likely know that we sought by July 1 to transition from contracted law enforcement services provided by the Oregon State Police.
Mindful of the change in policing long overdue and required in America – and fully emphasized by the May 25 killing of George Floyd by police – two weeks ago we put on hold the development of OSU’s law enforcement program and related hiring of personnel until we fully engage the community in dialogue and public safety design programs. At the same time, we must continue to protect the university community and provide emergency response to reported incidents on the Corvallis campus, including matters such as robbery, sexual assault, vehicle accidents, building and vehicle break-ins, and other reports of violence against people, while providing potential law enforcement response for the OSU research nuclear reactor.
Therefore, following the recommendation from Mike Green, vice president for finance and administration and the OSU public safety advisory committee – which is made up of faculty, staff and students – we will continue OSP services through Dec. 31, 2020. At that time, we will move to university-provided law enforcement services to be designed in the weeks ahead with community involvement.
On Thursday, July 2, from noon to 1 p.m., Mike Green, Edgar Rodriguez, and Paul Odenthal, senior associate vice president for administration, will hold a virtual community town hall on this public safety transition. Here is a link to that virtual community meeting: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/97869030477
The extension of OSP services will disappoint and concern some members of our university community and I sincerely appreciate that concern. At the same time, I ask that you trust that we are moving to address what must change and do so in a complete, transparent and caring manner that will provide long-term change while providing needed community protection.
Looking ahead, we will continue to engage in collaborative conversations with communities of color to address meaningful reform in other aspects of the university, including required training for all faculty and staff; hiring more Black faculty and staff; and improving the ways we support and increase the support of Black faculty, staff and students and other faculty, staff and students of color.
I know that much more is needed to advance diversity, equity and inclusion within OSU and share some of the efforts already underway.
This summer, we are launching Leading Change for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as a core offering in OSU’s Academic Leadership Academy. This program will help prepare academic unit leaders – including deans, school directors and department heads – to effectively lead the organizational change that is needed to achieve OSU’s diversity, equity and inclusion goals. The program complements additional trainings available from the offices of Faculty Affairs, Human Resources, Student Affairs, Institutional Diversity and Equal Opportunity and Access.
We are in the final stages of hiring a director for talent acquisition in the Office of Human Resources to develop and carry out strategies for increasing diversity in hiring. Much work has already taken place to review and improve our search and selection process. For example, this year the President and Provost’s Leadership Council spent the year developing toolkits for diverse faculty and staff recruitment and retention.
Within Counseling and Psychological Services, a current counselor vacancy will be redesigned to serve as a specialist in supporting Black/African-American students.
We know that We Have Work to Do to achieve an inclusive, diverse and equitable university culture that we are proud of. An example of such action – even if a small gesture – is that we announced jointly last week with the University of Oregon that we will discontinue the use of “Civil War” in promoting athletic events between OSU and UO. Additional actions being taken and planned by the university will be shared in the week ahead.
To be fully successful in advancing this work and outcomes will take the effort and engagement of every member of OSU community. Any less is not acceptable. We must each continue to be in conversation and action as a community to advance our goals and university values. We must persist, persist, persist!
I am confident that by working together, we can transform the university experiences of all students, faculty, staff, alumni, stakeholders, future members of the university community and Oregonians that we serve.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ray
President
Members of OSU community,
I am writing to share that Oregon State University and the University of Oregon have agreed that effective immediately the term “Civil War” will no longer be used to promote any athletic competition between the universities.
As you likely know, “Civil War” has been used for football and basketball games — and other sports competition — between OSU and UO since the phrase was first referenced in the 1930’s.
Changing this name is overdue as it represents a connection to a war fought to perpetuate slavery. While not intended as reference to the actual Civil War, OSU sports competition should not provide any misconstrued reference to this divisive episode in American history.
In recent years, some students, faculty, alumni, student-athletes, OSU stakeholders and community members have questioned the appropriateness of this term. That we did not act before to change the name was a mistake. We do so now, along with other important actions to advance equal opportunity and justice for all and in recognition that Black Lives Matter.
President-elect King Alexander and I are in full agreement with this decision. So is UO President Mike Schill, OSU Vice President and Director of Athletics Scott Barnes, and UO Athletics Director Rob Mullens, as well as numerous current and past student-athletes from both universities.
In the months ahead, OSU and the University of Oregon will engage collaboratively to involve their respective students, faculty, staff, student-athletes, alumni, donors, community partners and athletics sponsors to consider other, more appropriate names, if any, to call the athletics rivalry between our two great universities.
I encourage your support and engagement in this naming transition, as we work to identify other areas where our references, practices and norms do not represent our values of diversity and inclusivity.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ray
President
Dear OSU community members,
I write to provide additional information about the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on June 18 in Department of Homeland Security v. Regents of Univ. of California regarding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
The decision ensures that for the time being, the DACA program will continue. In its opinion, the court found that the manner used and the rationale offered by the Department of Homeland Security in 2017 to repeal DACA was “arbitrary and capricious,” and violated federal law. However, the court did not determine whether DACA should continue permanently, leaving that question to the presidential administration and Congress. Instead, the court made a procedural decision which has the effect — for now — of keeping DACA in place. It is possible that further attempts may be made by the presidential administration to curtail or end the program.
OSU President-elect King Alexander and I are in full agreement that students and employees with DACA, undocumented students, and students from mixed-immigration status families are valued and essential members of the university community. They are part of the fabric of this university. While the Supreme Court’s decision is undoubtedly a relief for them and their families, Dr. Alexander and I fully commit that the university’s work to support these OSU community members must — and will — continue.
Consistent with OSU’s land grant mission, the university is committed to providing access to higher education for all residents of Oregon. And OSU will continue advocating for federal legislative action to end the uncertainty and protect DACA recipients. We will advocate for maintaining DACA in partnership with state and Oregon Congressional leaders, the President’s Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, and the Association of Public Land Grant Universities.
As we learn more about the effects of the court’s decision, information will be updated on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Undocumented Student FAQs website.
OSU’s Dreaming Beyond Borders Resource Center — part of the university’s Educational Opportunities Program — at [email protected] and the Office of Human Resources at [email protected] remain available to provide guidance, support and referral to university resources for students and employees with DACA, undocumented students, and students from mixed-status families, regardless of location.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ray
President
Department of Public Safety
Dear OSU community members,
The Department of Public Safety wants you to know that we feel the pain, the outrage and the impact of the tragic and avoidable death of George Floyd. As a country, we have witnessed too many examples of this racist behavior, and it continues today despite demands from the public for police reform.
I am writing today to share my commitment and approach to community partnerships within the OSU community.
At this time, each of us bears the societal responsibility to do everything in our power to change the abhorrent reality confronting communities plagued with systemic inequality and discrimination against the Black community and other communities of color. We must rise and speak out. If not we are bystanders to prejudice, and we must commit to educating all on the importance of inclusivity and equality. We also need to actively protect those among us who are most vulnerable.
While I am new to Oregon State University, I know that we are a university founded on comprehensive excellence for all people. I also believe we must hold one another accountable for our actions and encourage courageous conversations about the most challenging topics that arise. And I believe that our public service foundation must be built upon trust, openness and civility to truly protect and serve our unique university community.
The foundation of public safety and law enforcement in a campus setting starts with building trust through sharing of information, being fully transparent, fostering positive and personal relationships, and maintaining daily lines of communication. I assure that at OSU, public safety will be in line with the university’s values and principles.
As OSU’s public safety leader, I shall set a clear expectation for the entire department on how we move forward with community engagement. My pledge to the university community is that we will create an approach to public safety that is friendly, caring, safe and understanding. In doing so, we will help all community members know they are welcome, safe and belong here.
We will hold all Public Safety Department employees accountable by developing measurable goals that are consistent with university values and build a system to ensure greater effectiveness and accountability to the OSU community through training, discipline, and commitment to achieve results.
One of my first initiatives will be to create a Community Oriented Results and Expectation Committee (CORE). The purpose of this committee is to collaborate with OSU community members to address their issues and concerns through cooperative effort and review of community needs, and by discussing expectations and responses relative to public safety services, quality-of-life issues and community-oriented policing. In the days and weeks ahead, I will continue to share my developing concepts and plans for public safety and Corvallis campus police services, and seek and listen to input from students, faculty and staff. Before then, I want the OSU community to know that I hear your concerns regarding Black Lives Matter, racial inequality and policing nationally. Please know that I will engage you in creating public safety and community policing services that represents what is best for the university, students, faculty and staff.
As a member of the OSU community myself – and in my role leading public safety – I look forward to building a personal and trusting working relationship with our student cultural resource centers, leaders within student government and all students, faculty and staff.
In closing, I want you to know that I chose to become a police officer 30 years ago after witnessing first-hand, the mistreatment of my father by police. I made a commitment to make a positive difference and be a public servant for my community.
I believed then – just as I believe now – that through transparency, accountability and collaboration with the very communities that we collectively serve, we can provide appropriate, trusted and valued community and public safety services. I remain committed to safety, diversity and inclusivity for all, and I am fully committed to help rebuild the law enforcement community across America into a noble and trusted profession.
Working together with university community members and collaborators, I am confident that we will set an exemplary standard and lead the way. Please join me in this effort and I invite you to reach out to me personally at [email protected].
Respectfully,
Edgar Rodriguez
Interim Associate Vice President of Public Safety and Chief of Police
OSU Department of Public Safety
Division of Finance and Administration
Oregon State University
200 Cascade Hall
Corvallis, OR 97333
Ph: 541-737-3010
OSU community members,
I am writing to share that the United States Supreme Court this morning released its opinion in the Department of Homeland Security v. Regents of the University of California case regarding the future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
We are strongly supportive and appreciative of the court’s opinion, which sustains DACA – an essential protection for approximately 700,000 DACA recipients nationwide, including valued members of the OSU community who are students, alumni and employee colleagues.
The Supreme Court’s ruling is greatly valued during these challenging times in America.
DACA is a program created in 2012 that provides temporary protection from deportation and eligibility to work for certain young undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as minors. In 2017, the federal government rescinded the DACA program. This rescission was challenged in court and is the subject of the Supreme Court opinion.
We are in the process of closely analyzing today’s opinion to determine its impact on OSU community members. In the coming days, we will provide additional information, resources and updates. Even then, I want to make clear that Oregon State University’s support for our DACA recipients remains strong and unwavering.
As I stated in a 2017 community message, OSU will continue to enroll and support DACA students, as well as undocumented students and students from mixed-immigration status families.
OSU’s Dreaming Beyond Borders Resource Center – part of the university’s Educational Opportunities Program – at [email protected] and the Office of Human Resources at [email protected] remain available to provide guidance, support and referral to university resources.
As members of the university community, I ask each of us to be informed about this development for DACA recipients and act with understanding and compassion. Faculty, staff, students and alumni can learn more by reviewing the university’s DACA and undocumented students FAQ web page.
I call upon each of us to remain committed to providing a safe and inclusive community where all can learn and thrive. Please join me in our efforts to support all Oregon State University students, graduates, employees and community members.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ray
President
MyOregonState is a new digital experience just for you, one that's modern, friendly and personalized. It will be officially replacing MyOSU this summer — and this is just the beginning.
Check out the beta version now at my.oregonstate.edu.
Trade in your browser bookmarks and sticky notes for MyOregonState
MyOregonState is here to help you navigate your digital campus life.
Really putting the "my" in MyOregonState
MyOregonState is designed for YOU. It goes where you go, whether that's on your laptop or phone, in the library or on the go. It's personalized and tailored to fit your preferences based on your profile. And there's a lot more coming; we're constantly developing new features — requested by you! — and working on ways we can enhance your Oregon State University digital experience.
We've been approved by your fellow Beavers
During fall 2019, we soft-launched a beta version of MyOregonState to small groups of students across campus. And according to them, we've passed the test and are ready to activate MyOregonState for everyone.
What about that other portal?
Don't worry, you'll still be able to access MyOSU through September. However, beginning August 19, 2020, MyOregonState will become the official platform and we will begin to retire the old MyOSU portal for good. You can learn more about the transition to MyOregonState here: https://is.oregonstate.edu/dx/my/launch
Have an idea for us?
We're always happy to hear from you. And if you have any suggestions on how we can make MyOregonState even better, let us know: https://oregonstate.teamdynamix.com/TDClient/1935/Portal/Requests/TicketRequests/NewForm?ID=ZpgUdtILMxQ_
Log in and experience the new MyOregonState today! And don't worry — if you don't access it over the summer, MyOregonState will be waiting for your return in the fall.
Thanks,
Derek Whiteside, Director, Web and Mobile Services
Oregon State University | University Information and Technology | 541-737-0729
OSU community members,
I write to invite you to join me on Wednesday, June 10, in a national daylong initiative to support Black students, faculty, staff and community members within Oregon State University and at U.S. colleges and universities.
Entitled #ShutDownSTEM, this effort importantly seeks to shine a light and help eradicate racism in American higher education and STEM programs.
As a university community completing spring term final examinations, thesis defenses, papers and projects, I encourage each of us to find time to participate in this movement. Each of us can pause to reflect on the injustice, violence and racism that has been seen across America; to reflect on — and listen to — the voices of anguish and protest that we have heard since the horrific May 25 killing of George Floyd by police in Minnesota; and to reflect on and commit to take action to provide real and lasting changes providing justice, safety and equality for the Black community throughout the university, in STEM and all OSU programs, in our communities and workplaces, and across the nation.
Together, let’s make Wednesday, June 10, about listening and altering the course of America. Such community opportunities have occurred the past two Sundays with peaceful protests in downtown Corvallis. And they occurred in a community gathering in front of the Memorial Union Monday night when hundreds of students, OSU employees and community members served as peaceful and diverse voices for real change.
Here are ways that you can help change higher education by engaging in #ShutDownSTEM:
Wednesday, June 10, is but one day and by itself is not enough. But by participating in initiatives such as #ShutDownSTEM, each of us can serve the future by helping to initiate lasting change.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ray
President
OSU Student Town Hall: Reflection on Racial Injustice
Wednesday, June 10, Noon-1 pm
ASOSU president Isabel Nunez Perez and Dr. Charlene Alexander, vice president and chief diversity officer, invite Oregon State University students to a virtual town hall event to discuss issues of race, protest and public safety. It is an opportunity for students to share, connect, reflect, and plan for the upcoming year.
This virtual event will feature ASOSU student leaders in conversation with Dr. Alexander. Please send questions in advance to the Office of Institutional Diversity, [email protected].
Pre-registration is required for this event: https://beav.es/4KM.
For requests related to accommodations, please email [email protected].
To our Oregon State Community,
Wake up. Speak up. We need to be better.
Our hearts are heavy with what has been happening around the country. There are no words that can express how difficult and surreal these times are. As the Associated Students of Oregon State University we are in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and are here to advocate for OSU students, especially in times like these. We mourn alongside you about the unjust stolen life of George Floyd. We must also say the names of Tony McCade, Duanna Johnson, Breonna Taylor, Trayvon Martin, Atatiana Jefferson, Korryn Gaines, Eric Garner, Sandra Bland, Michael Brown, Tanisha Anderson, Ahmaud Arbery and countless more...
We recognize that we cannot claim that we represent all the students of OSU if we do not speak about racial injustice and systems of violence and oppression that threaten our students. As the ASOSU we do not tolerate discrimination on the basis of ability, age, color, ethnicity, gender identity/expression, marital status, national origin, parental status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or veteran status...
As the ASOSU we condemn these actions that terrorize and traumatize our Black Students.
There are many systemic issues of injustice that damage the physical and psychological well-being of our Black Students. This is nothing new. Police brutality, intimidation, and acts of racism constantly pose a direct threat to our Black Students, faculty and staff. How do we expect generational trauma to remain bottled up? How can we expect these feelings of constant anger, belittlement and injustice to manifest themselves in a digestible way for mass media?
The current demonstrations have shown us that we are living in a global civil rights movement. These acts of solidarity have been nothing short of impressive, brave, beautiful and powerful. If you are participating in these demonstrations, please remember that we continue to be in a global pandemic and it is important to protect yourselves and others from COVID-19 by wearing a mask and following social distancing guidelines. Practice self-quarantine following participation and if you are able, and please get tested for the virus if you can.
Remember, this fight is a marathon, not a sprint.
We also understand that these past few months have been difficult - a worldwide pandemic has overwhelmed and thrown us into an uncertain future. This virus has further exposed the systemic inequalities in our society. We will get through this and come out STRONGER TOGETHER.
As the ASOSU, as your peers, as your neighbors, as your community, as students, as people, from the bottom of our hearts we are declaring our support. Our ASOSU administration is in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and are here to advocate for you.
Allies, please remember your place in these spaces of advocacy and recognize your privilege. Take the time to educate yourselves on the racist history of Oregon and this country. Find resources and organizations that you can help promote and contribute to.
Amplify and elevate Black voices, grassroots organizations and activists. Follow their leadership as you support this fight.
Faculty we ask you to listen to your students, to support and comprehend, but most importantly be HERE NOW for us. Students, we have attached an email template where you can insert your name and information to send to your professors. Additionally, here is some information about incompletes: https://registrar.oregonstate.edu/incomplete-grade-policy.
There’s so much that we want to do and provide you with, we want to go beyond making a statement and challenge ourselves as the ASOSU. We are currently brainstorming and researching ways to better provide sustainable resources to our Black Community.
As in the ASOSU mission, we are committed to the growth and development of our student body, and we are constantly looking to improve our engagement methods.
We welcome feedback and ideas for how we can help cultivate open communication between students and campus administrators.
Counseling and Psychological Services
Human Services Resource Center
SOL: LGBTQ+ Multicultural support Network
Diversity and Cultural Engagement
AYA: Womxn of Color support Network
Please take time for yourself and practice self-care.
ASOSU is here for YOU.
BLACK FUTURES MATTER. BLACK CHILDREN MATTER. BLACK DREAMS MATTER. BLACK TRANS LIVES MATTER. BLACK LIVES MATTER.
Isabel Nuñez Pérez Metzin Rodriguez
2020-2021 ASOSU President 2020-2021 ASOSU VicePresident
Please, do not hesitate to reach out to us at:
[email protected] and [email protected]
8 June 2020
Dear OSU students,
I am writing to share that we plan in late summer and fall term to gradually resume onsite instruction and in-person activity within OSU’s campuses and facilities for faculty, staff and students.
We believe that taking slow steps towards resuming onsite activity while following state and health authority guidance is critical to supporting student success while serving the university’s land grant mission.
This will require a commitment from each of us to embrace OSU’s comprehensive public health strategy and continue to address risks presented by the pandemic. Taking steps to minimize the risk of COVID-19 infections (or any other spread of disease) is a shared responsibility. This means adhering to OSU measures that are in keeping with national, state, and local health guidelines and requirements.
We will continue to emphasize a Culture of Care approach to respond to – and acknowledge – the many impacts that the pandemic is having on the lives of students, faculty and staff. Many in our community are physically disconnected from their family, friends and support networks and resources. Moreover, COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted those who are most at risk, including those with underlying medical conditions or other risk factors. Due to historic and systemic health disparities, communities of color are facing even greater impacts from the pandemic locally and across the nation.
At times such as these, it is critical that we continue institutional efforts to create safer, healthier and supportive living, learning and working environments, while individually committing to the respect, care and protection of those around us.
OSU's Resumption Plan provides guidance on how OSU onsite and in-person functions and activities will be phased beginning June 14, 2020, once Gov. Kate Brown’s Executive Order regarding the operation of higher education institutions expires. We will continue to update the Resumption Plan throughout the summer and adjust how and when we resume onsite activities as necessary, incorporating updated guidance from health authorities. In many cases, OSU’s standards may exceed statewide guidelines for colleges and universities.
Below are several highlights of this plan, which can be found on the OSU COVID-19 Resumption website.
Information and Reminders as we resume onsite activities:
Phased Resumption:
OSU is planning to resume onsite activity over three phases, with phase one called “Restricted Return.” The subsequent phases are called “Modified Operations” (July 14 to Aug. 31) and “Fall Operations” (beginning Sept. 1). During Restricted Return, the following guidelines apply:
In keeping with OSU’s Culture of Care commitment, I encourage that all members of the university community see their behaviors and commitment to public health in the context of the greater good. We are in this together. Our individual commitment to follow good public health measures will protect ourselves and others.
We recognize that resuming on-campus learning and engagement will bring some risk, just as will the reopening of the communities in which we live. We have the tools, knowledge and ability to mitigate risk if we do so together. Collaboration as has always been our way.
Sincerely,
Dan Larson
Coronavirus Response Coordinator
Vice Provost for Student Affairs
Dear OSU-Cascades community,
These are challenging times for many of us, but particularly for the Black community and other people of color. In addition to the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic – which disproportionately affect communities of color and include an increase in anti-Asian bias – our colleagues of color are facing brutal and constant reminders of the threats of racism.
Over the past week, we’ve witnessed a nation mourning the police killings of Black people including George Floyd, Tony McDade, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and most recently, David McAtee, and demanding an end to the systemic racism that has plagued this country since the arrival of the first white settlers.
First and foremost, I want to extend open-ended and open-hearted support to our students, staff and faculty of color, and encourage my white peers to do the same.
To our students and staff of color: I see you and I stand with you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for support, whether to me or to other resources.
To all my colleagues: We have work to do. As Vice President Becky Johnson mentioned in her recent message, we must all do our part to create a community that is equitable, inclusive and safe for all.
It is in that spirit that I share these resources to support our collective efforts to create a culture of care and a diverse, equitable, and inclusive campus. This collaborative living document includes opportunities to engage, connect, take care, read, and listen.
I invite you all to join me in creating a web of support for one another and showing up in solidarity with communities of color.
With gratitude,
Erin
Erin Rook | Diversity Coordinator
Pronouns: He/Him or They/Them
Oregon State University – Cascades
Dear Students,
We are writing to encourage you to read through the message Provost Feser sent last night—we’ve placed it below this message for your convenience. He wants you to be aware of the advice he gave the faculty, encouraging them to allow appropriate flexibility in the form and timing of assignments, final exams and other requirements.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to your instructors if you need this flexibility. Also remember that the option to switch to S/U grading is available to you through noon tomorrow, Friday, June 5.
Sincerely,
Alix Gitelman
Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education
Philip Mote
Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School
PROVOST FESER’S MESSAGE:
Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President
3 June 2020
Dear OSU Community,
I am writing on behalf of myself and President Ray regarding actions to be taken immediately here at Oregon State University to address the needs and concerns of our community. President Ray issued a statement on Sunday to address the changes in policing that must occur across this country and he has written to the National Governors Association to take up that call to action immediately. Here at Oregon State University, we must take action now.
The killing of George Floyd, repeated acts of police brutality against the Black community, and the disproportionate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on people of color: this is what systemic racism looks like. Blacks, African-Americans and other people of color live this tragedy—and are called upon to be the central agents in fighting it—every day. Those of us who identify as white and who believe ourselves allies in the fight against racism have the luxury of engaging in times and places of our own choosing, when we are able to muster the attention and energy from other concerns and causes, the foresight and understanding, or the courage. That too is what systemic racism looks like.
Our Black students, faculty, and staff are hurt, grieving, exhausted, frustrated and angry. What is playing out in our cities and in our media—yet again stark evidence of the creeping slowness by which our society is coming to grips with what it is and what it faces—is all too viscerally familiar. Yet our Black colleagues and students continue to work, teach, conduct research, serve Oregon’s communities, attend to their families and friends, and learn. Their bravery and resilience are humbling and an example for everyone.
Whatever the color of your skin, open your eyes and ears to your Black colleagues and students. See them, listen and seek to understand. Lend your voice to the cause of challenging systemic racism and police violence. Question and actively oppose historical, cultural and institutional practices that perpetuate racism. Bring your ideas, your time and your resources to help achieve real change within OSU and in America. I also ask our deans and department heads to recognize that our Black faculty need additional support and flexibility during this time.
As teachers, we oversee the progress of our students. These are trying times for them and they may need adjustments in how they meet their responsibilities. Whether you are teaching a campus-based remote class or on Ecampus, please allow appropriate flexibility in the form and timing of assignments, final exams and other requirements. Remind all of your students of their option to switch their courses to S/U grading—a policy put in place in response to COVID-19. They have this option through the end of this week. Encourage your students to talk with you. It is true that students must meet their academic responsibilities; yet, current circumstances warrant flexibility in how they meet those responsibilities.
Twelve weeks ago you began our sudden and massive shift to remote operations, supported by our dedicated staff. We now approach the end of this unprecedented spring term, deep in planning for what is next in our uncertain future. We are also faced with addressing intersecting and mutually compounding crises as a society and nation. It is almost trite to say that this is a challenging and stressful time.
But it is not equally challenging for all of us. Many of us experience privilege and safety simply by virtue of the color of our skin. Some of us do not. The lasting strength and positive impact of our university community depends on each and every one of us coming to terms with this fundamental injustice and at last addressing it with the commitment and urgency it demands.
Sincerely,
Edward Feser
Provost and Executive Vice President
624 Kerr Administration Building, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331
leadership.oregonstate.edu/provost
Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President
3 June 2020
Dear OSU Community,
I am writing on behalf of myself and President Ray regarding actions to be taken immediately here at Oregon State University to address the needs and concerns of our community. President Ray issued a statement on Sunday to address the changes in policing that must occur across this country and he has written to the National Governors Association to take up that call to action immediately. Here at Oregon State University, we must take action now.
The killing of George Floyd, repeated acts of police brutality against the Black community, and the disproportionate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on people of color: this is what systemic racism looks like. Blacks, African-Americans and other people of color live this tragedy—and are called upon to be the central agents in fighting it—every day. Those of us who identify as white and who believe ourselves allies in the fight against racism have the luxury of engaging in times and places of our own choosing, when we are able to muster the attention and energy from other concerns and causes, the foresight and understanding, or the courage. That too is what systemic racism looks like.
Our Black students, faculty, and staff are hurt, grieving, exhausted, frustrated and angry. What is playing out in our cities and in our media—yet again stark evidence of the creeping slowness by which our society is coming to grips with what it is and what it faces—is all too viscerally familiar. Yet our Black colleagues and students continue to work, teach, conduct research, serve Oregon’s communities, attend to their families and friends, and learn. Their bravery and resilience are humbling and an example for everyone.
Whatever the color of your skin, open your eyes and ears to your Black colleagues and students. See them, listen and seek to understand. Lend your voice to the cause of challenging systemic racism and police violence. Question and actively oppose historical, cultural and institutional practices that perpetuate racism. Bring your ideas, your time and your resources to help achieve real change within OSU and in America. I also ask our deans and department heads to recognize that our Black faculty need additional support and flexibility during this time.
As teachers, we oversee the progress of our students. These are trying times for them and they may need adjustments in how they meet their responsibilities. Whether you are teaching a campus-based remote class or on Ecampus, please allow appropriate flexibility in the form and timing of assignments, final exams and other requirements. Remind all of your students of their option to switch their courses to S/U grading—a policy put in place in response to COVID-19. They have this option through the end of this week. Encourage your students to talk with you. It is true that students must meet their academic responsibilities; yet, current circumstances warrant flexibility in how they meet those responsibilities.
Twelve weeks ago you began our sudden and massive shift to remote operations, supported by our dedicated staff. We now approach the end of this unprecedented spring term, deep in planning for what is next in our uncertain future. We are also faced with addressing intersecting and mutually compounding crises as a society and nation. It is almost trite to say that this is a challenging and stressful time.
But it is not equally challenging for all of us. Many of us experience privilege and safety simply by virtue of the color of our skin. Some of us do not. The lasting strength and positive impact of our university community depends on each and every one of us coming to terms with this fundamental injustice and at last addressing it with the commitment and urgency it demands.
Sincerely,
Edward Feser
Provost and Executive Vice President
624 Kerr Administration Building, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331
leadership.oregonstate.edu/provost
Oregon State students, faculty and staff,
I am very pleased to share that in collaboration with the OSU Foundation, we have surpassed our goal to raise $150 million for student success scholarships and initiatives.
Four years ago, I announced that the university would make student success a top priority and achieve new horizons of inclusive student success and excellence for all students. We committed to increase first-year retention rates and graduation rates and expand student experiential learning and other programs to help all students reach their full potential in the classroom, in the community and in life after graduation. As a first-generation student myself, I knew it was essential that OSU provide for the success of each and every student.
In response, the university launched the Undergraduate Student Success Initiative (USSI) and also made success for all undergraduate and graduate students a foundational element of OSU’s Strategic Plan 4.0. The OSU Foundation collaborated by quickly pledging to raise $150 million to support student success strategies and scholarships. Others, including the USSI Steering Committee, have also been leaders in addressing many factors related to student success.
Meaningful results are occurring as more students are completing their degrees. Our six-year graduation rate has improved from 63.3% to 67.1% with last year’s graduating class. First-year retention rates increased as well – from 83.4% in 2015 to 85.4% in 2018. These improvements are occurring with the leadership, engagement and passion for student success by our faculty, student advisors, Student Affairs staff and colleagues throughout the university.
In four years, generous philanthropic support from OSU alumni, faculty, staff and others has created more than 475 new scholarship and fellowship funds – nearly a 27% increase – as well as funds to support experiential learning, including internships and study abroad opportunities. In addition to need- and merit-based financial support, this philanthropy also provides emergency funding assistance.
While we have more work to do to advance student success at OSU, it is important to note improvements to date, thank our donors, celebrate this remarkable fundraising achievement and recognize the OSU Foundation for its outstanding leadership. For more details, please visit the foundation website, read the news release and view this video.
Recognizing that there is still unmet need, Oregon State has created a new match program by providing $10,000 in scholarship resources to students for each new qualifying endowed gift of $50,000 made by donors. The university will commit up to $1 million toward this effort, which will inspire at least $5 million in new endowed funds.
We know that our graduates are OSU’s most important contribution to the future. And by helping each and every OSU student meet their academic goals, we will advance OSU’s education, research and engagement mission.
I thank each of you for helping to advance the student success initiative so that we may provide a transformational experience for every student attending this great university.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ray
President
Dear OSU students,
I hope this note finds you well as we near the end of a very unusual spring term.
You may have already seen announcements within other sources, but I wanted to personally invite you to a student information session to be held this afternoon related to OSU’s resumption plans for on-campus student learning, activities, research and residential life.
The information session will include updates by ASOSU and university leaders, is specifically designed with student interests in mind, and will include time for you to ask questions, and share suggestions and any concerns.
The student forum takes place today, June 2, from 3 to 4 p.m., via Zoom at https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/95105825919.
Sincerely,
Dan Larson
Vice Provost
Student Affairs
Dear OSU-Cascades students,
I hope this note finds you well as we near the end of a very unusual spring term.
You may have already seen announcements within other sources, but I wanted to personally invite you to a student information session to be held this afternoon related to OSU-Cascades’ resumption plans for on-campus student learning, activities, research and residential life.
The information session will include updates by ASCC, campus and university leaders, is specifically designed with student interests in mind, and will include time for you to ask questions, and share suggestions and any concerns.
The student forum takes place today, June 2, from 4 to 5 p.m., via Zoom at https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/96666276545
Sincerely,
Becky Johnson
Vice President
OSU-Cascades
Dear OSU-Cascades students,
By now, you likely have heard about the tragic death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man in Minnesota, and the widespread outrage sparked by this latest violence against people of color in our country. I want to echo OSU President Ed Ray in expressing care for our colleagues of color and in calling us to act to create a different future.
As President Ray noted in his message sent Sunday, this violence is not new. Nothing will change unless we take action to eradicate racism and all forms of bias. He described some of the actions he is taking to advocate for police reform and to ensure that public safety at OSU is conducted in alignment with our values of promoting equity.
I implore each of you to reach out and support campus community and local community members of color during this time and find ways to contribute to a community that is equitable, inclusive and safe for all. I ask you to join me in taking advantage of trainings and programming offered on our campus, and I will ask Erin Rook to provide specific opportunities available to our community. These are offered regularly and can teach us to recognize bias - in ourselves and in others - and how to speak out when we witness discrimination or harassment.
As a society - and members of an OSU campus community - we must all do our part to ensure that everyone is safe and valued, and has the opportunity to realize their full potential.
Sincerely,
Becky Johnson
Vice President
Members of the OSU community,
The primary role of police in America is to provide for the safety of all people by protecting them from criminals and to hold each of us accountable to the law. We expect police to apprehend criminals and work within the legal system to make certain that justice is blind and all are held accountable to the law.
We all have watched in horror videos being replayed over the past week showing the life of George Floyd brutally taken from him by a white police officer in Minneapolis, Minn., while three other officers sworn to uphold the law looked on in indifference. The officer who killed Mr. Floyd was arrested and all four of the officers were fired, but the other three officers simply went home.
Sadly, this horrific event is just the latest in a seemingly endless stream of acts of violence against Black and other people of color by police who are sworn to protect and serve them.
Mr. Floyd’s death comes on the heels of the Feb. 23 fatal shooting of Ahmaud Arbery by armed white residents as he was out jogging in a neighborhood in South Georgia. As well, the March 13 death of Breonna Taylor, who was shot in her Louisville, Ky. home by police. And the reporting to police last week of an African American man threatening a white woman when in fact he was in New York City’s Central Park to watch birds and simply asked her to keep her dog on a leash.
We continually hear speeches and testimonials about how unacceptable and terrible these acts are and how our leaders feel the pain of the Black community. Yet, nothing changes much and we act as if these horrific events are singular or isolated events. But these are not one-offs. They are the product of a failed justice system that perpetuates racism in America and too often a culture of silence within police forces that protects incompetent and hateful people simply because they wear the badge. We are condemned to relive these tragedies unless we make real change a priority throughout this country.
America must be a land of personal and equal freedom, safety and opportunity for all people. And to be certain, the police exist to protect us from predators and not to control us. That attitude should be universal in this country regardless of who we are, where we live or what we look like.
But how can we expect America and all people who live here — including communities of color — to thrive in the midst of such violence and injustice? How many times must we write the same messages expressing our outrage and hurt, sharing our thoughts and prayers for those harmed, and pleading for an end to injustice? How many acts of discrimination, injury and death must occur before our country confronts the realities of the lived experiences of people of color in our society? All of this must stop and that requires action not speeches.
Policing is a local function, but our system of policing requires systematic change across the country. On Monday, I will write the National Governors Association and urge the association and other groups to develop rules, training programs and disciplinary codes for appropriate policing to be enforced throughout America and for unions to step up and support the justice system in weeding out bad officers. Most police are good, dedicated, under-paid and hard working men and women, who risk their lives every day for the well-being of all people. They deserve our thanks and respect and they should not be subject to public scorn because we are incapable of holding some police accountable to the laws of our country and communities simply because they wear a badge.
As a university community, we must join together to ensure that all members of the OSU community — students, faculty, staff and visitors — not only feel welcomed and safe, but experience our community as a place to thrive. Each and every member of our community must know they are valued, that they belong here, and that we celebrate the rich diversity that they bring to Oregon State University. We should not tolerate anything less.
Our new police chief, Edgar Rodriguez understands that police must be a community partner that provide a sense of safety in the university and broader community. As we hire officers for our police force, the Office of Institutional Diversity will continue to provide training to OSU public safety officers on implicit bias, foundations of power, privilege and oppression to ensure that our public safety practices are congruent with OSU’s values regarding inclusivity and opposing oppression. University leaders also will to seek to achieve agreements with police agencies in communities where OSU operates so that we may mutually advance inclusive justice for all people.
The novel coronavirus pandemic has made all of us look at the inequities in our society. We call people essential workers and yet we systematically pay them less than living wages and deny them critical health care and quality education for themselves and their children, and we act surprised that they are disproportionately vulnerable to death from the COVID-19 pandemic because of pre-existing conditions and that they are disproportionately people of color. When do we get disgusted enough with what we have created and say enough?
We have a policing problem in America, but it is part of a much deeper and broader failure of this society to live up to the promise of America, which continually eludes us.
As I prepare to step down as university president on June 30, I am confident that our university and the OSU community are in the right hands with incoming president King Alexander. He and I talk often and I know he shares my personal values and leadership commitment to inclusivity, safety and opportunity for all. I know that as OSU’s next president, he will be unwavering in helping advance the work of inclusive justice and opportunity for all that must be part of life within OSU — and across America. Together with Chief Rodriguez, he will help us move in the right direction in our little part of the world.
In closing, I ask that each of us continue to participate in dialogue, leadership and understanding as we seek to alter the direction of society. I know this will not happen overnight, but by God it needs to happen soon.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ray
President
Dear OSU-Cascades students,
I am writing to share information about summer sessions 4 and 5 and fall term.
With the best information we have available now, we are preparing summer and fall registration plans while prioritizing public health and personal safety on our campus for our students, faculty, staff and the public. Please note that these plans are subject to change pending higher education guidance anticipated from Governor Kate Brown and public health authorities.
Summer term:
Fall term:
I want to emphasize that our plans are being guided by principles regarding public health and safety, successful experiences for first-year and transfer students, and progression to graduation for all undergraduate and graduate students. There is a comprehensive listing of our principles on the Keep Learning website.
In closing, I am very impressed by your academic work, patience and commitment to public health during these challenging times. I recognize that students and faculty are achieving great feats this term by successfully completing courses remotely that typically are conducted on campus. Your transition and successful progress this term was nothing short of extraordinary.
I thank you for your continuing efforts and patience as we adjust academic programming and student services during this unprecedented situation.
Sincerely,
Becky Johnson
Vice President
Summer term:
Fall term:
We want to emphasize that our plans are being guided by principles regarding public health and safety, successful experiences for first-year and transfer students, and progression to graduation for all undergraduate and graduate students. There is a comprehensive listing of our principles on the Keep Learning website. We are very impressed by your academic work, patience and commitment to public health during these challenging times. We recognize that students and faculty are achieving great feats this term by successfully completing courses remotely that typically are conducted on campus. Your transition and successful progress this term was nothing short of extraordinary.
Thank you for your continuing efforts and patience as we adjust academic programming and student services during this unprecedented situation.
Sincerely,
Alix Gitelman
Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education
Rebecca Mathern
Associate Provost and University Registrar
Dear OSU Corvallis students,
We are writing to share information about summer sessions 4 and 5 and fall term for Corvallis campus as well as Portland and Hatfield locations.
With the best information we have available now, we are preparing summer and fall registration plans while prioritizing public health and personal safety for our students, faculty, staff and the public. Please note that these plans are subject to change pending higher education guidance anticipated from Governor Kate Brown and public health authorities.
Summer term:
Fall term:
We want to emphasize that our plans are being guided by principles regarding public health and safety, successful experiences for first-year and transfer students, and progression to graduation for all undergraduate and graduate students. There is a comprehensive listing of our principles on the Keep Learning website. We are very impressed by your academic work, patience and commitment to public health during these challenging times. We recognize that students and faculty are achieving great feats this term by successfully completing courses remotely that typically are conducted on campus. Your transition and successful progress this term was nothing short of extraordinary.
Thank you for your continuing efforts and patience as we adjust academic programming and student services during this unprecedented situation.
Sincerely,
Alix Gitelman
Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education
Rebecca Mathern
Associate Provost and University Registra
Dear OSU students,
We wanted to inform you about a change to our student information system that will result in displaying your photo ID to advisors and faculty as of June 1st. Previously you could opt-in to display this photo to your instructors and advisors. With a change in our student information system, we consulted ASOSU representatives about switching from an opt-in to an opt-out process for ID photos; ASOSU representatives supported this change.
Now your ID photo will display to your advisors and instructors in the student information system. *Please note: your student ID photo is not directory information and will not be released to those who do not have a legitimate educational interest.*
You have the ability to opt-out if you would like to starting June 1. To do so, go to the ‘Update Personal Profile’ section on the Welcome screen of MyOSU. Click ‘OSU Directory Preferences.’ [see image below]
Once you click this, it will take you to a screen in Online Services that says ‘Directory Profile,’ where you can decide what displays in the directory. At the bottom, you will see where it says ‘Photo Viewable.’ If you uncheck that box, your photo will not be viewable. **ID photos are not directory information and will not be displayed publicly.**
If you have questions about the change in this process, please contact the Office of the Registrar.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Mathern, PhD
Associate Provost and University Registrar
Oregon State University
Dear Students,
As we enter the weekend and fall registration opens, we want to update you on the current planning for fall term. This is an unprecedented time and that means some of our long-standing practices at OSU might change. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we aim to limit changes to the student experience but appreciate everyone’s flexibility where changes are necessary. Fall term course planning is being managed by several overarching principles.
Safety is the number one priority. That includes multiple strategies for how we support classroom teaching this fall such as: providing for physical distancing in and out of the classrooms, limiting large gatherings, careful room scheduling, and an aggressive cleaning and sanitation plan for campus. The second principle is prioritizing students’ progression towards degree; this can affect students differently.
Please understand that course offerings are subject to change based on health authority guidance, room availability, and instructor availability. Possible changes could include locations, times, and availability of courses. OSU is cautiously and intentionally moving ahead with the current updates for fall term registration:
As we have said earlier, your continued safety and progress toward your attainment of your educational goals are our top priorities. Other information about financial resources can be found on the financial aid website about COVID-19.
Sincerely,
Alix Gitelman
Vice Provost, Undergraduate Education
Rebecca Mathern
Associate Provost and University Registrar
Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President
14 May 2020
Dear OSU Students,
In the days ahead, we expect to receive additional guidance from Oregon Governor Kate Brown specific to the resumption plans of the state’s universities and colleges. This guidance will provide clarity on how OSU’s resumption activities may intersect with the reopening plans of counties in which the university operates. In the meantime, please be aware that OSU’s activities remain restricted until June 13 under Executive Order 20-09 to remote instruction and only on-site critical functions, regardless of the re-opening of any Oregon counties. As counties do reopen, the university will evaluate its activities within those counties we operate and advise our faculty, staff and students accordingly.
Thank you and stay well.
Dan Larson
Coronavirus Response Coordinator
Vice Provost for Student Affairs
624 Kerr Administration Building, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331
leadership.oregonstate.edu/provost
Dear OSU students,
I am pleased to announce that Edgar Rodriguez has been selected to serve as Oregon State University’s interim associate vice president for public safety and chief of police beginning May 25, 2020.
Edgar currently is the associate vice president and chief of public safety and emergency management at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut, where he has served in that role since 2014. He is responsible for the leadership, direction and administration of the university’s Department of Public Safety and develops and implements programs to ensure the safety and security of a diverse campus community.
Edgar’s appointment is a very important step in OSU’s process to establish a law enforcement department on the Corvallis campus that is in keeping with the university’s culture and educational mission.
As you are likely aware, the Oregon State University Board of Trustees last month approved the establishment of a Corvallis campus police department. The new department will operate within the Department of Public Safety and begin operations on July 1, as contracts with the Oregon State Police for law enforcement services end on June 30, 2020.
With more than 32 years of progressive law enforcement experience, Edgar brings a vast background and deep knowledge of campus-based engagement, public safety and community policing, law enforcement leadership and emergency management to Oregon State. Throughout his career, he has served in various positions with the Department of Public Safety at Quinnipiac University, the Connecticut State Police and the Beacon Falls Police Department in Connecticut.
Edgar is committed to establishing and fostering strong communications, engagement and positive working relationships with OSU students, faculty, staff and the greater Corvallis community. One of his top priorities will be to lead, train and equip licensed law enforcement employees as part of OSU’s public safety department.
His hiring is contingent on the completion of customary OSU hiring requirements over the next week.
Edgar is expected to serve in this interim role for two years, leading the university’s planning and development of community-based law enforcement and public safety services and programs on the Corvallis campus. Please join me in welcoming Edgar to Oregon State and Beaver Nation.
Sincerely,
Mike
Michael J. Green
Vice President
Chief Financial Officer
Office of the Vice President
Division of Finance and Administration
Oregon State University
640 Kerr Administration Building
Corvallis, OR 97331
Ph: 541-737-2447
The Office of the Registrar is launching a new online Change of Grading Basis form to better serve students when changing their grading basis (A-F to S/U or S/U to A-F).
This new process provides students and advisors with a seamless experience. Students are now able to:
• Choose desired grading basis from their online schedule of classes.
• Digitally sign and submit the form, which is routed to their advisors, from email.
• Receive email confirmation that the request was approved, denied or processed
For details on the step-by-step process to change your grading basis, visit our website here.
The deadline for students to select the S/U grading option for spring term 2020 is noon on Friday, June 5.
If you have questions or need assistance with the changing of grading basis process, please send an email to [email protected] or contact the Office of the Registrar at (541) 737-4331.
Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President
11 May 2020
Dear OSU students,
I am writing to update you on the university’s plan to resume in-person teaching during the last few weeks of summer and the fall term.
OSU is prioritizing your health and safety. On-site university activities will resume in phases. We are building the capacity to adjust our phasing to changes in the status of COVID-19 without disrupting your learning significantly.
Everything we do will be in alignment with guidance of the Oregon Health Authority and local health authorities.
Summer Term
Fall Term
Campus Life
Some aspects of your campus experience this fall will be different from previous terms as a result of COVID-19. But we are planning for much to be the same:
Public Health Measures
The following are public health measures we will have in place:
To view our detailed resumption plan, please visit the OSU COVID-19 website to view a PowerPoint presentation and video detailing the plan and check out responses to frequently asked questions. This site also includes a link to information about the federal CARES Act funding that OSU received to help students in need of financial assistance during this difficult time.
As members of Beaver Nation, we will take care of each other and continue to change the world for the better through our study, research and service.
Stay well and see you soon,
Edward Feser
Provost and Executive Vice President
624 Kerr Administration Building, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331
leadership.oregonstate.edu/provost
OSU faculty, staff and students,
Many members of the university community – both students and employees – continue to face serious personal, family and financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During this time, Beaver Nation’s caring, can-do and resilient spirit is stepping up remarkably to support those in need. I am writing with a deep sense of appreciation to share an update on such efforts underway, indicate how you can reach out for help if you are in need, and share how you might provide assistance if you are able.
We estimate that up to one-third of OSU’s students will be financially impacted by the pandemic. To date, more than 2,300 OSU students have applied for federal CARES Act and OSU emergency funding relief through the Financial Aid Office. Unfortunately, federal regulations do not allow us to distribute CARES Act funds to students enrolled solely in Ecampus prior to March 13, 2020, students who are not U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens, DACA and undocumented students, and those not eligible for federal financial aid.
As well, I know that some faculty and staff are experiencing hardship.
All OSU students and employees are important. To assist as many community members as possible, the OSU Foundation – in collaboration with the university – has launched a fundraising initiative called Beavers Care with donors contributing over $500,000 to date in emergency funding for students and employees. We also are committing additional institutional resources to support students in need.
While students should apply for assistance through the Office of Financial Aid, employees may apply for COVID-19 relief assistance through the Office of Human Resources.
I am grateful to the OSU Foundation and the many generous donors who have stepped forward to make contributions. University senior leaders and OSU Athletics coaches have joined me to personally pledge over $932,000 to support student emergency aid, faculty and staff assistance programs and the university’s auxiliary units most severely impacted by COVID-19.
You already may have made a gift. If you have not, I ask you to consider making a personal contribution to the Beavers Care initiative. I know these are uncertain times for each of us but believe that any amount you can pledge will make a difference for someone in need.
Today is an opportune time to do so as the world comes together in a global day of giving in response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19: #GivingTuesdayNow. By contributing online to Beavers Care, you can direct your gift to any OSU area you choose, including a student emergency fund in the Dean of Students’ Office, college or OSU unit of your choice, or the faculty and staff fund. You also can make a gift to Beavers Care through payroll deduction if you are an employee.
By collaborating, we will support those in need and inspire others to assist those among us who are struggling.
Thanks for all you do as members of the Oregon State University community. I hope that you, members of your family and your friends are well during these challenging times.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ray
President
We are here for you
Though I know that the spring term has presented many challenges, Oregon State University remains here for you with programs and services to assure your success.
Our offices are open remotely and ready to help regardless of your learning and living location. Below you will find a broad range of student support services and engagement opportunities to support you and help you stay connected. If you need assistance navigating university resources, please contact Student Care via text or Zoom.
Kevin A. Dougherty, Ed.D.
Associate Vice Provost and Dean of Students
Find connection
It's easy to feel disconnected from one another when we can't be together physically. Try meeting up with friends virtually at an Oregon State event, or show off your creative skills by sharing your art and craft projects with the Craft Center. For more ideas on how to connect with friends or family, or engage in some intentional time on your own, visit the OSU Experience website.
Academic support services
Finish spring term strong by utilizing OSU’s remote support services. The Academic Success Center can help with time management, motivation and studying strategies, while the Writing Center offers consultations and support to help throughout your writing process. Check out the Keep Learning site for a broad range of remote learning resources.
Lease and rental agreement assistance
ASOSU realizes the impacts of COVID-19 are numerous and unpredictable. The ASOSU Student Legal Services office is open and ready to assist if you are unable to pay rent due to loss of employment; have questions about the state of Oregon's eviction moratorium; need to know how to terminate your lease agreement early; or if you have a unique situation that needs legal consultation.
Your well-being
Wherever you are, OSU offers a broad range of resources for your well-being. BEavers Here Now livestreams 15-minute meditation sessions at 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The Beavers Belong Support Network creates connection and community through weekly peer-led groups. And wellness coaching offers support for navigating transitions and overcoming challenges.
Keep your career development on track
Many students are worried about how the COVID-19 pandemic will impact their post-graduate careers. The Career Development Center offers a number of resources to help you stay on track — from remote career workshops to résumé and cover letter advising sessions via Zoom to a micro-internship program that allows you to explore career paths.
Financial support resources
The COVID-19 pandemic has created financial uncertainty for many of our students. Oregon State University is here to help you learn about federal and local resources, including emergency funding. Need help navigating resources? Contact the basic needs navigator at the Human Services Resource Center for assistance filing for unemployment, applying for SNAP benefits and more.
Stay active
Spring has arrived, which means the sun is shining more, reminding us of the importance of staying active and getting outdoors. You can still go outside for a walk, run or bike ride — just remember to maintain a safe social distance of at least 6 feet. Recreational Sports offers lots of other options for staying active and engaged. You can take free fitness and training classes remotely, participate in virtual intramural sports or attend an Adventure Leadership Institute class that teaches outdoor preparedness skills.
Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President
4 May 2020
Dear OSU undergraduate and graduate students,
I am writing to update you that the university has now received federal funding for students available through the recently passed CARES Act, which offers financial relief due to COVID-19 impacts. The Office of Financial Aid is preparing to disburse these funds, which may be used to offset costs of housing, food, course materials, technology, health care and child care, among other eligible expenses.
To learn more about this program and apply for CARES Act assistance, please visit OSU’s CARES Act web page and apply using the emergency funding request. Note that there are eligibility requirements associated with the CARES Act, such as being eligible to receive federal financial aid and having a current FAFSA on file. If you have not filed a FAFSA for the 2019-20 academic year, you may still do so at this website.
Unfortunately, the provisions of the federal regulations do not allow OSU to distribute CARES Act funds to students enrolled solely in Ecampus, international students, DACA and undocumented students, and those not eligible for federal financial aid.
These students are also important members of the university community. To assist them and others, the OSU Foundation has launched a fundraising initiative called Beavers Care with donors contributing over $400,000 to date in emergency funding for students and OSU employees. In addition to the Beavers Care initiative, OSU is dedicating additional philanthropic and institutional funds to supporting students. To apply for this assistance, students should complete an emergency funding request through the Office of Financial Aid and may also learn more about assistance through their college advisors.
Please know that during this time of uncertainty, we’re here for you and remain committed to your well-being and doing all we can to assist you. Your continued safety and progress toward your attainment of your educational goals are our top priorities.
I hope you and your families are well.
Edward Feser
Provost and Executive Vice President
624 Kerr Administration Building, Corvallis, Oregon, 97331
leadership.oregonstate.edu/provost
Dear OSU community,
I know this message reaches you during challenging and uncertain times. The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting our own lives, and the lives of our families and loved ones, in ways that we continue to grapple with and understand.
I am heartened to observe the resilience of the Oregon State University community as we together respond to shifting needs and support efforts to mitigate the risk and spread of COVID-19.
During this remarkable time, our responsibilities include continuing to pursue and promote a culture of care for all, while protecting the health and well-being of all members of the OSU community. This means ensuring that equity remains at the heart of who we are and our work.
Colleges, numerous divisions, units and offices throughout the university are working to support students, faculty and students in this difficult time – from maintaining services to students facing food and housing insecurity, to facilitating the rapid movement of instruction to remote environments, and countless other incredible examples. These efforts are truly exceptional.
To support our community’s efforts, a group of OSU faculty and staff collaborated recently to reflect on a set of guiding principles. These principles are found on the Office of Institutional Diversity website. These principles are drawn from a set of foundational statements created by the Council of Chief Diversity Officers at the University of California, and were enhanced by OSU stakeholders with the permission of University of California colleagues. We encourage you to reflect on these principles as they articulate ways that each of us can advance a welcoming and supportive community of care and wellness for all during this difficult time.
Please visit the university’s COVID-19 website for up-to-date information on the university’s response to the pandemic and resources to support our collective work in this time. Please join me in addressing this crisis in a compassionate and inclusive fashion to help meet the needs of all members of our community.
Please be well.
Charlene Alexander, Ph.D.
Oregon State University
Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer
510 Kerr Administration Building
Corvallis Oregon 97331
Phone: 541-737-5936
Dear Students,
We've recently seen an uptick in employment scam emails targeting students. These are easy to spot when you know what to look for, but can be very dangerous if you don't know about them. If you see an email with any of the following traits, there's a good chance it’s a scam.
Legitimate employers won’t send you an email out of the blue asking you to do easy work for a high pay. If something seems too good to be true it usually is. If you receive an email like this that you’re suspicious of, please forward it as an attachment to [email protected] and we’ll be happy to take a look. If you’re looking for real jobs at OSU jobs.oregonstate.edu is one of the best places to start.
If you want more quick tips on cybersecurity check out our minisite: beav.es/infosec
What kind of stories do we see?
It was the first thing in the morning and I was trying to get through all of my email. I received yet another email from payroll for a document I needed to complete to start direct deposit for my student job, or so I thought. I rapidly read through the email, clicked the link, and tried to login, but it didn’t work. So I tried again. Then it hit me, this wasn’t a legitimate email. I read through the email again and it was embarrassing to notice how many signs were there that I had glossed over in my rush to get my direct deposit set up.
I got a Facebook message from a Professor at OSU, asking if I was interested in supporting a research project, and I was thrilled! The Professor let me know that they were travelling over the next several weeks and asked if I buy some supplies for them, and they would pay me back. I did as they asked and I was reimbursed. The professor then asked for my bank information so they could arrange for direct deposit…a week later, my bank called letting me know that someone was trying to empty my account! It turned out the “Professor” was a fraudster.
David McMorries | Chief Information Security Officer | Office of Information Security
| University Information and Technology | Oregon State University
1500 SW Jefferson Avenue | Corvallis, OR 97331 | Phone: 541-737-9561
OSU Students,
We hope your spring term is going well while we navigate the unprecedented circumstances of COVID-19. As we advance through the term, we would like to share a reminder regarding religious holidays which students may observe. Oregon State University is committed to providing support for students, faculty and staff in our community whose observance of their religious beliefs may have an impact on classes, schedules and dietary needs.
We request that faculty work with students as outlined in OSU’s Religious Accommodation of Students Policy. It is incumbent on the student making the request to notify the faculty member as soon as possible prior to the need for the accommodation. Students should work directly with their faculty member on these requests according to OSU’s religious accommodation policy. Meanwhile, faculty and staff are able to approve requests for religious accommodations but must first contact Equal Opportunity & Access if denying a request.
Because of the timing of some holidays, we recognize it may not always be possible for students to contact faculty and staff for accommodations in advance as outlined in our religious accommodations policy. For this reason, we request that faculty work with students who miss required activities due to these religious holidays, and provide accommodations to make up any missed work deliverables or course material within a reasonable amount of time. In particular, due to the unique circumstances of the university’s COVID-19 response, flexibility should be given to students and offices to navigate accommodation processes under changed circumstances.
In addition to the above information, with this email, we are providing information about different dining and food options available on our campuses in Corvallis and at OSU-Cascades.
If you have any questions, concerns or recommendations, please do not hesitate to directly contact the Office of the Dean of Students or OSU’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Access.
I wish you all a great remainder of your spring term.
Kevin A. Dougherty, Ed.D.
Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs & Dean of Students
Dining and Food Options: Corvallis UHDS and OSU-Cascades dining locations are open for take-out service spring term.
Food in all UHDS dining centers is labeled for dietary preferences and allergen needs. UHDS carries many Halal and Kosher certified packaged goods as well as a variety of whole foods (fruits, vegetables, dairy and grains) at Cascadia Market in the International Living Learning Center building. For more information about all available food options, restaurants and menus, please visit the University Housing & Dining Services website.
Any student in Corvallis practicing a Halal or Kosher diet who needs to develop a plan that will meet dietary needs for current holidays and beyond; who has suggestions about specific foods that could be added to our convenience stores and dining halls; or who needs to discuss access to space for meal preparations, etc., should contact Tara Sanders, registered dietitian in University Housing & Dining Services by calling 541-737-3915 (office) or 541-602-9736 (cell).
OSU-Cascades: Contact Dining Manager Marta Givens for assistance with special food needs. Housing Manager Amy Snyder can help students living on OSU-Cascades campus who need access to meal preparation space.
To request this information in an alternative format please contact [email protected].
OSU community members,
The 2020 Primary Election is right around the corner. Oregon’s vote-by-mail system makes it easy to exercise your right to vote even during these unprecedented times. In order to vote in the May 19 election, you must register to vote by Tuesday, April 28.
If you are not registered to vote, we encourage you to do so through ASOSU’s TurboVote. This system makes it efficient for OSU students, faculty and staff to register to vote, update registration information, and receive election reminders.
If you are already registered to vote in Oregon, please take a moment to review your voter registration information through the Secretary of State’s website.
It is especially important to ensure your mailing address is updated to where you will be in residence on May 19. In Oregon, it is legal to have ballots mailed to your current mailing address even if that location is different from your residential voting address. Additionally, if you have changed your signature, or party registration, you must update your voter registration information with the Secretary of State.
If you are registered in a different state and residing in Oregon, you will need to apply for an absentee ballot through your home county or state’s elections office. It is not legal for anyone, including the post office, to forward your ballot.
More information for student voters can be found here.
Please take the time to register to vote — and once registered, please participate in the election. If you have questions or need information about voter registration, please visit the appropriate elections office website:
Benton County Elections Department:
(541) 766-6756, https://www.co.benton.or.us/elections
Deschutes County Elections Department:
(541) 388-6547, https://www.deschutes.org/clerk/page/elections-and-voting
Lincoln County Elections Department:
(541) 265-4131, http://www.co.lincoln.or.us/clerk/election-history
For all other county elections offices in Oregon: http://sos.oregon.gov/elections/Pages/countyofficials.aspx
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ray
President
Oregon State University
Associated Students of Oregon State University
Associated Students of Cascades Campus
OSU Faculty Senate
United Academics OSU
SEIU Local 083
Coalition of Graduate Employees
Members of the OSU community,
I am writing to announce that this weekend Oregon State University scientists will launch a public health study in Corvallis to determine the community prevalence of the virus that causes COVID-19.
This effort is called TRACE-COVID for short and is among the first of its kind in the nation to understand an entire community’s COVID-19 wellness.
The study is evidence of how OSU faculty, staff, and community and private sector partners are quickly and effectively contributing to multiple efforts to reduce the risk and spread of the virus.
TRACE-COVID will launch in pilot phase on Sunday and beginning April 25 will safely test 960 local residents weekly at their households over four consecutive weekends. The results of the tests will be shared confidentially within 7 to 10 days with those tested and will be provided to the Benton County Health Department. Each week, the aggregate results of each weekend’s sampling will be shared on an OSU website thereby indicating if the prevalence of the virus in Corvallis is growing, staying the same or declining.
Importantly, this study will be among the nation’s first to measure the prevalence of the virus among people who are both symptomatic and asymptomatic. Most commonly now, tests are provided only to symptomatic individuals. With this more comprehensive information, public health and government leaders will be able to better guide efforts they are waging against the virus.
Here is a link to the TRACE-COVID website and a link to a news release being distributed to media nationally today.
We hope that OSU will find additional funding and partners to expand the TRACE-COVID study beyond Corvallis to other communities in Oregon and nationally.
Clearly, this type of information is vitally important – not only in real time data today – but to inform future decisions by Gov. Kate Brown and others to begin to re-open our communities and the state’s economy as social and physical distancing and other measures take hold and substantially reduce the risk of COVID-19.
TRACE-COVID is a joint effort by OSU’s colleges of Science, Public Health and Human Sciences, Agricultural Sciences and the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, and is in partnership with the Benton County Health Department. This effort is aided by a collaboration with Willamette Valley Toxicology Lab in Corvallis, which will run the diagnostic test samples provided by each community participant. The study is being initially funded by OSU and a grant from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, and has been aided by collaboration with the OSU Foundation and OSU Alumni Association.
Please join me in acknowledging the work being done throughout OSU to address the pandemic – and applauding the efforts of the TRACE-COVID team to understand the prevalence of the pandemic virus in the Corvallis community.
I am confident this work will help save lives and contribute to next steps to restore a new normal in our community.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ray
President
Dear OSU students,
There is a planned information systems maintenance outage planned between 6:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2020. Some of the tools that you use will be unavailable or will have limited functionality during this time.
Unavailable:
§ Scheduler
§ MyOSU
§ MyDegrees
Available (with limited functionality):
§ Canvas – available for normal schoolwork while some add-on tools will be unavailable
§ Student Registration, Student Records, Student Accounts Tool (also known as Online Services)
§ Duo self-service tools – only available for basic log in use.
During this planned outage, a maintenance screen will be displayed for MyOSU to provide links to commonly used systems and processes. If the maintenance work is completed sooner than planned, all systems will be returned to their normal operation and will be accessible as usual.
If you have questions regarding this message, or issues following the scheduled maintenance please contact the service desk at: http://beav.es/help
April 14, 2020
OSU Corvallis students,
As you may be aware, the Oregon State University Board of Trustees has approved the establishment of a Corvallis campus police department to be managed within the culture and educational mission of the university and its community. The new department will operate within the Corvallis campus Department of Public Safety and begin operations on July 1, 2020, as contracts with the Oregon State Police for law enforcement services end on June 30, 2020.
Community engagement plays an important role in this process, and input was initially gathered during four community listening sessions in March. You are invited to participate in two additional remote community input sessions to consider the values, principles and expectations regarding public safety and the new Corvallis campus police department. The OSU Public Safety Advisory Committee—made up of students, faculty and staff—will take stock of this input in providing final recommendations to university leaders.
In keeping with OSU’s commitment to reduce the risk and spread of COVID-19, these sessions will be conducted through Zoom.
Community Input Sessions:
OSU students, faculty and staff who wish to participate in these community input sessions can register here. Please visit the public safety website for more information.
I hope your remote learning experience and spring term have started well.
Sincerely,
Kevin A. Dougherty, Ed.D.
Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs
Dean of Students
OSU students,
As testing for the virus that causes COVID-19 becomes more available and frequent, we likely will hear of more positive cases of COVID-19 involving university students, faculty and staff.
While it is important to keep our community informed about COVID-19 matters involving the university, we do not believe it helpful to provide continued general university notifications for every positive future case involving an OSU student or employee. Such notifications will only duplicate daily COVID-19 updates being provided by the county and regional health authorities in which OSU has campuses and facilities.
As well, we believe that each of us already recognizes that communities worldwide are in a state of public health emergency where the risk is already high.
Going forward, OSU will focus its communications and support regarding positive cases to address the risk and spread of COVID-19 among potentially affected faculty, staff and students, who may have come in contact with those who test positive. While we do this -- and continue to collaborate with local county health departments– we will fulfill all applicable federal reporting requirements, such as Clery emergency notifications. Specifically, when a first COVID-19 case occurs for an individual working or studying at OSU’s campuses in Corvallis and Bend, and at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, a Clery emergency notification will be issued once, such as was the case with a communication sent Saturday, March 28, 2020, involving the OSU Corvallis campus. Beyond a first notice, future Clery emergency notifications will be issued, if the university determines such a notification is required due to the circumstances of a specific case, including the extent, immediacy or location of possible exposure, such as, for example, within an occupied residence hall.
By managing its general response and communications regarding positive cases in this way, OSU will provide immediate response, communications and service to those OSU units, locations and individuals who may have had a potential contact exposure. Privacy will continue to be maintained, and only broad details of where and when a potential exposure may have occurred will be provided to potentially affected faculty, staff and students. Support will be provided to potential contacts by the county health department and OSU departments. As is the case now, we will continue to contact and support deans and unit department leaders whose staff or student groups may have been exposed. Additionally, if potential exposure involves facilities owned and operated by the university, building and facilities will be further cleaned and sanitized.
In closing, we appreciate the commitment and efforts that each member of the OSU community is taking to reduce the risk and spread of COVID-19. Staying home and creating physical distance from people outside your household, monitoring yourself for symptoms of illness and seeking medical advice if you have concerns, and washing your hands frequently remain the best actions you can take.
Questions or comments may be sent to [email protected]. Questions regarding our communication process can be found on our COVID-19 website.
Sincerely,
Dan Larson Mike Green Steve Clark
COVID-19 Response Coordinator Vice President Vice President
Vice Provost Finance and Administration University Relations
Student Affairs and Marketing
10 April 2020
Dear OSU Students,
I am writing to make you aware of two key changes for summer term 2020:
1. Registration for summer term 2020 will open on Friday, April 24.
2. Summer sessions 1, 2, 3 and 6 (all with start dates in June) will be offered entirely remotely.
DETAILS
Summer term registration. We are delaying the start of summer term registration to April 24 to give faculty time to prepare for remote delivery of summer sessions 1, 2, 3 and 6.
Remote delivery. The four summer sessions that begin in June — sessions 1, 2, 3 and 6 —will be delivered remotely. For now, we are hopeful that the remaining two summer sessions — sessions 4 and 5 — may be offered face to face later in the summer, with a July and August start, respectively. Of course, our decision about sessions 4 and 5 will ultimately be based on health guidance from the state of Oregon and county health officials. We will make a final decision on the delivery of these two sessions by June 1, 2020.
We hope that if we can return to classroom delivery for sessions 4 and 5, some courses that involve lab work, site visits, internships, etc. can be held during the latter part of the summer.
I know that our shift to remotely delivered instruction has required you to adapt to many changes in a short period of time. Certainly it has been a challenge for our faculty and staff as well. However, we are seeing hopeful signs that the pandemic is slowly coming under control and fewer people are falling seriously ill. At OSU, in many different ways, we are doing our part to help that happen while also delivering our mission. Thank you for your understanding and good luck with your studies.
Edward Feser
Provost and Executive Vice President
10 April 2020
Dear OSU Students,
We know some of you may be facing significant financial challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact. Oregon State University is committed to doing all it can to help you navigate those challenges so that you may reach your educational goals.
Using funding through the federal CARES Act, institutional funds and philanthropy, we have assembled emergency financial assistance for currently enrolled students. If you need help, please reach out right away. Contact the Office of Financial Aid or the Human Services Resource Center in the Office of the Dean of Students:
§ https://financialaid.oregonstate.edu/financial-aid (look for the chat box where you can make specific inquiries)
§ https://studentlife.oregonstate.edu/hsrc
We applaud your resiliency and persistence during this difficult time and we stand behind you as you work to complete your education.
Sincerely,
Edward Feser
Provost and Executive Vice President
Mike Green
Vice President, Finance and Administration
April 10, 2020
Dear OSU students,
Welcome to the very different sunny days of spring term 2020.
COVID-19 has changed your spring … and mine. That means each of us must be physically distanced while socializing and engaging in recreation, sports, studying, volunteering and participating in group activities – including social gatherings -- indoors or outdoors.
This is not just a good public health practice. It is state law and university policy to reduce the risk and spread of a virus that nationally is killing more than 1,200 people each day. And I hope you agree, it’s our obligation to ourselves, our friends and community.
Until further notice, and in compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order, we are taking down the volleyball nets near Dixon Recreation Center and closing the gates to Student Legacy Park on the Corvallis campus. Meanwhile, in our communities in and around Bend, Newport and Corvallis, I ask each of us to show Beaver Nation pride and leadership by modeling appropriate social distancing measures in our communities. Social gatherings included. It is more important now than ever to take care of ourselves, be mindful of our friends and families, and support and maintain personal networks for overall health and well-being, while engaging in appropriate social distancing.
Thank you, Beaver Nation. For your patience and for doing your part each day to reduce the risk and spread of COVID-19.
Sincerely,
Dan Larson
Vice Provost for Student Affairs
Becky Johnson
Vice President, OSU-Cascades
OSU faculty, staff and students,
In light of Gov. Kate Brown’s announcement today extending social distancing and remote learning regulations for the state of Oregon through June 12, 2020, it is not possible to hold OSU’s Corvallis Commencement ceremony on June 13 or OSU-Cascades’ Commencement ceremony on June 14 in Bend.
Therefore, I write to share that Oregon State University’s 2020 Commencement exercises in Corvallis and Bend will be postponed until a later date, possibly to be held in the fall. This decision is in keeping with the university’s measures to help reduce the risk and spread of COVID-19 and is in compliance with Gov. Kate Brown’s executive orders addressing the pandemic.
This was not an easy decision to make. OSU Commencement is a tradition that was begun 150 years ago with three students and now celebrates the distinguished achievements of more than 7,000 graduates annually and is attended by more than 25,000 guests and university faculty and staff. Yet, postponing Commencement to a healthier time is the right choice and is strongly supported by our students. This postponement decision also acknowledges that the university has never cancelled Commencement in its history.
A survey recently conducted among Corvallis students on track to graduate this spring by the President’s Office and ASOSU President Rachel Josephson received more than 2,500 responses. Of this total, 66% supported rescheduling Commencement to a later date; 24% supported holding a virtual ceremony; and 10% supported cancelling Commencement as a result of COVID-19. At OSU-Cascades, a similar survey was conducted by the President’s Office, OSU-Cascades Vice President Becky Johnson and Associated Students of the Cascades Campus President Ben Chavez. The OSU-Cascades survey received several hundred responses, indicating 76% favored rescheduling Commencement to a later date; 10% favored holding a virtual ceremony; and 7% favored cancelling Commencement.
Moving forward, I will ask university staff to plan for Corvallis Commencement 2020 to be held on an alternative future date based upon our public health recovery from COVID-19 and the availability of Reser Stadium; and to plan for OSU-Cascades’ Commencement to be held on an alternative date based upon public health and the availability of a suitable location in Bend.
We will provide you information on these dates as soon as possible.
Until then, join me in continuing to support all OSU students on their path to graduate this spring and in future years.
And as the invited speaker for our Corvallis 2020 Commencement – and as an attendee at OSU-Cascades’ Commencement – I invite you to join me in being Beaver strong and Beaver loud when celebratory 2020 commencement events are held in future months for our more than 7,000 graduates.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ray
President
Dear OSU faculty, staff and students,
I write to share that the university’s Board of Trustees on Friday made several important decisions that fully serve the mission and values of Oregon State University.
In recognition of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on students and their families, trustees voted to freeze tuition rates for currently enrolled undergraduate students in Corvallis and Bend for summer session and the 2020-21 academic year.
The board also agreed to consider in late May whether OSU is financially able to provide tuition relief to new students enrolling this fall. As well, the board approved reductions in spring term 2020 student incidental fees for Corvallis and OSU-Cascades – following recommendations from student leaders at each campus. Here is a link to a news release regarding the full board meeting.
Each of the decisions regarding OSU’s COVID-19 response reflect the uncertainty of the times that we live in and the university’s commitment to assist students in their progress to graduation. These commitments include the Oregon State University Pledge for our graduate and undergraduate students. Even in times of global crisis, I believe that an OSU education and diploma remain a great value for all students and a pathway to success in life, career and community.
Teaching, research, Extension and community outreach continue throughout the university.
Last week, 1,300 OSU faculty and hundreds of graduate teaching assistants remarkably launched nearly 4,000 remotely delivered courses and sections. At its peak, remote teaching provided 1.5 million minutes of daily instruction to class sections large and small, including to 573 students participating remotely in a class section at one time. As well, OSU research and community service programs, such as OSU Extension, are being provided remotely as faculty and staff observe OSU’s social distancing and remote work policy.
At the same time, the university is actively evaluating steps to mitigate the significant financial impacts of the pandemic. Already this year, we froze compensation for senior administrative leaders, including the president, provost, vice presidents, deans, vice provosts and others. In the weeks ahead, we will evaluate fully and announce implementation of other specific measures that will rein in university expenses and reduce administrative costs.
On Friday, the Board of Trustees also voted to establish an OSU police department within our Corvallis campus Department of Public Safety as contracts with the Oregon State Police for law enforcement services end on June 30, 2020.
This decision is fully in keeping with the university’s values of being a safe and welcoming community for all. I support this decision and have been in frequent contact with president-elect King Alexander about public safety matters. We agree that public safety is the university’s first priority, and that public safety services at OSU should reflect and support the university’s culture and educational mission.
Four community listening sessions in March and work by the university’s Public Safety Advisory Committee, which I convened last fall, informed the board’s decision. Future community input sessions will be held this month to gather additional student and community input on priorities for public safety. Managing our own law enforcement, public safety services and values aligns Corvallis campus public safety with the University of Oregon and all Pac-12 conference members, which each operate their own departments.
In closing, please continue to join me in staying home. By doing so, each of us will help reduce the risk and spread of COVID-19. As I have said before, lives depend on our actions.
Please remain well during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ray
President
Hi Beavs,
To start, we hope that you are doing well as we all begin to navigate this very different spring term. We are writing to inform you of an 11.33% reduction for a new student incidental fee of $353.30 for spring term 2020 for OSU Corvallis students. The incidental fee funds the Associated Students of OSU, Family Resource Center, Human Services Resource Center, Student Experiences and Engagement, Performing Arts, Intercollegiate Athletics, Recreational Sports, and the Memorial Union.
To get here, we asked each unit’s budget manager to work with student leaders in their unit to come up with a reduction to their incidental fee following the principle of maintaining set operational costs, other fixed costs and student payroll in a proposed reduced budget. All reductions were created completely by the units and their student leaders themselves. We did this to ensure that units will be able to plan for and have a successful fall term; for fee-funded student employees to be able to retain their jobs; and to lessen the financial cost of this term for Corvallis students by only making cuts that do not disparage these units, which will still be offering many services at this time. We have created a centralized Canvas page for students to be able to access the services being provided by the various units receiving incidental fee funding.
After the reductions were finalized by each unit after being internally vetted twice, the Student Fee Committee approved the budget reduction and the ASOSU Congress unanimously approved a reduction resolution. The ASOSU President signed the resolution and it was approved by President Ray and then presented before the Board of Trustees for their final approval. We greatly appreciate the speed at which the student fee-funded units and students involved in this process worked to efficiently and effectively to create a new budget for this term to relieve some financial struggles during this difficult time.
For a more thorough update on the student fee, please visit: https://asosu.oregonstate.edu/covid-19
If you have any questions regarding this change and its impact to your student account, you can contact “Student Accounts” through the email: [email protected]. You can also visit their website at https://fa.oregonstate.edu/business-affairs/students. We welcome your questions during this time, and we are excited to share this fee reduction with you.
Best,
Safi Ahmad, Student Fee Committee Chair
Rachel Josephson, ASOSU President
Kylie Boenisch, ASOSU Vice-President
Dear OSU students,
We have now kicked off a term filled with rapid change, a focus on staying healthy individually and as a community, and the need for mutual support and resilience. These are challenging times for everyone, and Oregon State University is committed to ensuring your continued academic progress. To this end, I write to inform you of changes the university is making to provide you with more flexibility at this time. In addition to committing to the Oregon State University Pledge for graduate and undergraduate students graduating at the end of this term, we are taking the following actions.
There are some exceptions and considerations to spring term allowance for S/U grading. Unfortunately, due to program requirements, this option is not available to students within the colleges of Pharmacy or Veterinary Medicine. For graduate students, S/U grading only should be used in exceptional circumstances. Please talk with your major professor or program director prior to requesting the S/U grading option. More details about S/U grading will be shared in the near future on the Office of the Registrar website and from your advisor. Please look for that information in the next 10 days, as technical details are still being finalized. Additional policy accommodations for graduate students may be found at https://gradschool.oregonstate.edu/coronavirus-info-graduate-students.
I wish you and your families and friends continued good health during this time. Please utilize the OSU resources available to you, stay well, and know that we are here for you, proud of your achievements, and committed to doing all we can to ensure your academic success.
Sincerely,
Edward Feser
Provost and Executive Vice President
Students,
The official URL for Canvas recently changed. The new URL is https://canvas.oregonstate.edu.
As a result of this change, we discovered an issue with the integration between Canvas and Zoom. Depending on which Canvas link your instructor used when setting up Zoom sessions, you may not be able to see the Zoom meeting information for your course.
We're sorry about this...we know the last thing you need this term is a technical glitch.
If you can't immediately find your course Zoom info, look for details in the course calendar and/or announcements. If you are still unable to find the meeting information for your class, please contact your instructor for the link.
These are difficult times - we are here to support you and help you find success. If you require any assistance, please contact the Service Desk: https://is.oregonstate.edu/help.
Be well,
David McMorries, UIT COVID Coordinator
Oregon State University | University Information and Technology
Hello Fellow Beavers,
During this time of great uncertainty – both in the world and locally – we want you to know that we are in this together. As we adjust to our new realities, it is important to find new ways to stay connected and support each other’s needs, including health, remote learning, financial, and social distancing. Let’s commit to making personal decisions that take good care of ourselves and our community. To that end, we’ve included some suggestions below for ways you can cope with challenges you may face, as well as some resources. This list is just a starting point. As you figure out other helpful ways to cope and adjust, please consider sharing them with your friends, communities and on social media.
Things you can do to take care of yourself (source: CDC):
Some activities to combat social isolation:
Unity is an important aspect of wellness during these times.
Resources:
We wish you the best as we embark on spring term. We are all in this together!
Sincerely,
Dan Larson
Rachel Josephson
Vice Provost for Student Affairs
ASOSU President
OSU Corvallis community members,
We are informing the OSU Corvallis community that today the university was made aware that an Oregon State University Corvallis student has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.
The student self-isolated following testing the week of March 16, 2020, does not presently reside within the Corvallis community, does not present symptoms at this time and is reported to be doing well.
The university is working with the Benton County Health Department communicable disease team to assist the county in its standard case investigation processes, including examining any potential virus exposure involving this student and members of the Corvallis university community.
The Benton County Health Department will announce this case within its standard reporting schedule on Monday, March 30, 2020, at 1 p.m.
If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and have symptoms, stay home; avoid close contact with others; and contact your health care provider, Student Health Services, or an emergency medical care provider.
For more information about the university’s COVID-19 response and services, please visit this website.
For non-emergency medical assistance related to COVID-19, contact OSU Student Health Services by calling 541-737-7211 or the Oregon Health Authority by dialing 211.
Sincerely,
Dan Larson
OSU Coronavirus Coordinator
Vice Provost for Student Affairs
March 26, 2020
Dear OSU students,
In compliance with Oregon Gov. Kate Brown’s Executive Order 20-12, Stay Home, Save Lives, until further notice, Oregon State University faculty, staff and students are required to stay within their place of residence, with few exceptions.
During this time, OSU remains open as permitted by the governor’s Executive Order 20-09, and will continue to provide for remote instruction and continuity of research, service and operations. However, on-site access to OSU campuses and facilities will be greatly limited.
The keep learning web site has many resources for students, and the OSU Service Desk is your first stop if you need help with your personal devices or you need questions answered about Zoom, Canvas or other technologies.
For students who live on campus in Corvallis and Bend, OSU will provide spaces to support learning, housing and dining needs. Additionally, both OSU campuses will maintain modified mail and parcel shipping services, technology support, as well as building and campus security.
On the Corvallis campus, the following student services are provided to support critical learning activities:
On the Bend campus, the following student services are provided:
All in-person services are provided in accordance with appropriate social distancing requirements, which may include physical spacing between individuals, limited hours and services by appointment only. Please check online for the most current information for a service office.
It is critically important that all members of the OSU community practice social distancing. The university has implemented a Social Distancing Policy. On-campus or engaging in OSU activities, OSU community members are expected to comply with this policy until further notice. Specifically, OSU students are expected to maintain a distance of 6 feet between individuals to the greatest extent possible and be in compliance with requirements outlined in Gov. Kate Brown’s Executive Orders 20-09 and 20-12.
We know that this remains a challenging time for all. Thank you for your patience, flexibility and resilience as we all do our part to reduce the risk and spread of COVID-19.
Sincerely,
Dan Larson
OSU Social Distancing Officer
OSU Coronavirus Coordinator
Vice Provost for Student Affairs
Dear students,
We hope you are well and enjoying your spring break while adjusting to disruptions resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak. In anticipation of the need for continued precautions through spring term, we request your feedback on several alternatives regarding OSU-Cascades’ 2020 Commencement.
Oregon State University is deeply proud of you and every graduate. Commencement has long been one of our most important opportunities to celebrate student accomplishments. Indeed, the university has never failed to hold commencement. At this time, it appears likely that prohibitions on holding events with more than 25 people will continue into June. Unfortunately, it is clear we will be unable to hold our traditional commencement ceremonies in Corvallis and Bend.
In response, we are considering alternative ways to acknowledge our graduates and celebrate with them, while also ensuring OSU community members, family members and guests remain safe.
We welcome your feedback regarding three options for the 2020 OSU-Cascades Commencement:
1. A video-recorded ceremony held in June that would be digitally streamed for viewing. While details would have to be worked out, this option could include a commencement platform party and speaker, acknowledgement of awards, and reading of graduates’ names. Graduates, family members, friends and faculty would be able to watch the ceremony online.
2. A full commencement ceremony scheduled to be held on a later date, possibly in the fall 2020;
3. Cancellation without holding a 2020 Commencement ceremony.
We have set up the following survey link to provide for your feedback. The survey will be open for responses through Friday, April 3rd.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ray, President
Becky Johnson, Vice President OSU-Cascades
Ben Chavez, ASCC President
25 March 2020
Dear OSU faculty, staff and students,
President Ed Ray and I are pleased to announce that Oregon State University will no longer require that undergraduate applicants submit standardized test scores – the ACT or SAT – for freshman admission consideration.
This policy is effective for fall term 2021 and will allow students applying for admission the option of determining whether a standardized test score is reflective of their academic accomplishments and ability.
The university is implementing this change following broad consultation with university leaders and stakeholders, including OSU’s Board of Trustees, student leaders, alumni, and the Faculty Senate, which voted 70-1 in favor of this change on Feb. 13, 2020.
Across the nation, more than 1,000 four-year universities and colleges, including almost 400 top-tier four-year universities and colleges, have either abandoned standardized testing altogether or now provide students the option to take such tests.
Going to test-optional admissions is consistent with OSU’s values as a land grant research university that is committed to inclusive excellence. Research conducted nationally for many years has demonstrated that standardized admissions are very limited in predicting a students’ academic performance in college. As well, research shows that standardized tests results might not be inclusive.
The university’s decision follows extensive review of standardized testing and its reliability in undergraduate admissions. The leadership of Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Jon Boeckenstedt was instrumental in advancing this work. Vice Provost Boeckenstedt’s thorough white paper detailing the rationale behind test optional admissions helped guide the university’s deliberations.
In addition, today OSU joined all of Oregon’s public comprehensive universities and Oregon Health & Science University in announcing that, starting with fall term 2021 admissions, no Oregon public university will require freshman applicants to submit SAT or ACT scores to be considered for admission.
Eastern Oregon University, Oregon Institute of Technology, Southern Oregon University, Western Oregon University, and OHSU – for applicants applying to undergraduate nursing programs – had previously allowed students the option of not submitting test results. Oregon State University, Portland State University and the University of Oregon officially joined the other five Oregon institutions today.
More information on OSU’s test-optional admissions practices can be found on the university’s Admission Office website.
At a time filled with so much uncertainty in America and around the world, we are hopeful that OSU’s decision to allow undergraduate applicants the option of submitting standardized test results will serve as some relief for students and families as the nation and world battles the risk and spread of COVID-19.
President Ray and I assure all members of the university community – and prospective students and their families – that Oregon State University will continue to examine everything it does to ensure that OSU best serves students’ educational goals and provides maximum opportunity for all students to succeed.
Sincerely,
Edward Feser
Provost and Executive Vice President
Dear OSU faculty, staff and students,
Today, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown issued an executive order requiring Oregonians to stay home in response to the increasing spread and risk of COVID-19.
I fully support this order and thank the governor for her leadership and continued efforts to provide for public safety in these challenging times. I assure you that Oregon State University will comply with this and other executive orders.
As your president, please join me in complying with this order. It is our personal duty as clearly, lives are at stake at this time.
If you are already at home, stay there. If you are not at home, go home, and follow the governor’s order. For some students, I realize that home may mean residing with family within a student’s home community, in a rented residence nearby to OSU, or in a university residence hall.
Looking ahead, remain confident that OSU continues to operate and will assist fully all of our undergraduate and graduate students in their pathway to earn a valued, high-quality OSU degree.
Throughout OSU, faculty, advising staff and academic leaders are preparing to fully provide for remote classroom instruction and student support throughout spring term. Research faculty and staff are preparing to manage critical work. OSU Extension and outreach faculty and staff are preparing to provide critical community programming remotely.
Over the next two days, Provost and Executive Vice President Ed Feser and I have asked all OSU supervisors and leaders to complete a detailed plan to continue the critical onsite functions of the university on its campuses in Corvallis and Bend, and at facilities in all of Oregon’s 36 counties. This plan will be in compliance with the governor’s executive orders issued today and on March 18 that suspended in-person instruction and on-site operations at universities and colleges.
I realize that the work that each of our employees engages in is very important. But at this time of public health crisis, we must realize that some functions are more critical to be performed on-site, while others can be provided remotely from home. OSU’s continuity plan to be issued mid-week will define those critical on-site functions, roles and building locations.
For the foreseeable future, join me in staying home and remaining well. By doing so, each of us will reduce the risk and spread of COVID-19 locally and among colleagues at OSU, who are required to work on-site by their critical function.
Please stay out of community environments where maximum social distancing is not possible. I ask our students and employees to put spring break, social gatherings and family events on hold.
While the governor’s order provides for civil and criminal penalties for not complying with this order, I think we all know the most compelling reason to comply with this order: Lives depend on our actions.
Please continue to make a positive difference in this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ray
President
UPDATE SUMMARY
Dear OSU Students,
I hope each of you are doing okay during these challenging local and global times. I know that it has been a difficult end of winter term, and I am sorry for the disruption, anxiety, frustration and fear that you may feel.
We recognize that there is much uncertainty for each us, as well for our families and friends due to COVID-19. The reality is, it likely will be quite some time until we feel our community is back to normal.
I want you to know that we are here for you, and will do everything we can to help you advance in your progress to graduation and to stay engaged in the OSU community, albeit for now, remotely. Let’s stay connected, support each other, our families and friends, and keep ourselves and each other well.
SURVEY ASSESSES STUDENT NEEDS
Please visit this web page to participate in a survey to help us learn your plans for spring term. Your participation in this survey also will help inform an analysis of spring term incidental fees.
UNIVERSITY DEFINING CRITICAL FUNCTIONS
Pursuant to Gov. Kate Brown’s Executive Order issued Thursday, March 19, 2020, OSU is in the process of defining critical functions that will continue while others are suspended. Work by all university employees – including graduate teaching and research assistants – within all OSU campuses and facilities will be limited to critical functions. If you live off campus, do not come to campus unless you need to staff or access a critical function.
Critical functions will include, but not be limited to, the operation of university residence halls and student housing, dining services, selected administrative services, campus safety programs, some research activities and facilities, medical facilities, delivery of remote instruction, and other activities critical to OSU’s emergency response and resiliency efforts. Further information on critical functions will be available by Tuesday.
STUDENT HEALTH AND WELLNESS SERVICES REMAIN ACTIVE
Student Health Services and Counseling and Psychological Services will remain open for urgent medical and mental health care during spring break and spring term. Routine mental health and non-urgent medical care will be available via teleconference. Contact Student Health Services for additional information at 541-737-9355 and CAPS by calling 541-737-2131.
The Office of the Dean of Students is able to assist students during the COVID-19 outbreak remotely. If you would like to speak to someone from the Dean of Students office via Zoom chat or audio, please go to beav.es/4qQ. Staff are available via Zoom Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by e-mail at [email protected].
STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
Students who currently have a Federal Work Study (FWS) job located on campus may telecommute for spring term under certain circumstances. Consult with your supervisor for this option. The university will offer remote work opportunities as much as possible for non-work study student employment. Please consult with your supervisor to determine the options that may be available to you.
REMOTE TEACHING AND LEARNING GUIDANCE
The university has developed guidance for both remote learning and remote teaching.
Throughout these challenging and changing times, I continue to admire and appreciate support you offer each other, and the resilience of the OSU community. I assure you that everyone at Oregon State University is working to fully provide for progress to your degree completion and the success of all of our undergraduate and graduate students. Please continue to check OSU’s COVID-19 website for other important updates.
Stay well.
Dan Larson
Vice Provost for Student Affairs
Dear OSU-Cascades students,
First and foremost, I want to express my appreciation for the compassion and understanding you are showing each other during this unprecedented time. I'm seeing and hearing the problem-solving and creativity you are bringing as OSU-Cascades and the university as a whole responds to the COVID-19 outbreak, and as we move to full remote instruction for all of spring term.
You have been seeing updates about Oregon State’s university-wide response. As you read them, know that OSU-Cascades leadership is contributing to decision-making and that OSU's response is developed with you and our campus community in mind.
I know that it will be a challenge for some to adapt to remote learning, but I want to assure you that our faculty and staff are here to help you. Already, their work to transition to remote delivery of instruction includes:
* All courses, even lab classes, are being offered remotely this spring
* Remote internships will be offered when possible, while possible substitute courses will be offered when internships are not available.
Our small size gives us an advantage to make sure that you stay connected with your faculty and other students, even if it's through the use of remote instruction and advising. We are committed to keeping all of you on track for graduation, whether that's this spring or three years from now. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact your advisors or faculty.
Also, please be aware of changes in building hours and access on campus. For the most up to date information visit the OSU-Cascades COVID-19<https://osucascades.edu/coronavirus> web page for students. As always, be sure to check the OSU COVID-19 page<https://leadership.oregonstate.edu/coronavirus> for university-wide updates.
This is a challenging time for you, but we are committed to helping you get through this period in the best way possible. What we've seen from our students during the remote delivery of finals has already been impressive.
Meanwhile, I loved the quote in today's The Bulletin article from our student, Clare Rodman:
"It'll be something to grow and learn from," the first-year student said. "We're going to have to pull up our little bootstraps and get on with it."
I couldn't have said it better!
Sincerely,
Becky
Rebecca L. Johnson, Vice President
Oregon State University - Cascades
1500 SW Chandler Avenue, Bend, OR 97702
Suite OBSN 208 | T 541.322.3113
18 March 2020
UPDATE SUMMARY:
ALL REMOTE INSTRUCTIONAL DELIVERY FOR SPRING 2020
Effective Monday, March 30, and throughout spring term, all OSU campus instruction will be conducted remotely. This includes academic labs, testing during the term, and final examinations. Ecampus instruction remains unchanged.
Oregon State University will remain open.
At least through spring term, the university will continue critical activities of research, OSU Extension and engagement, student services, and general operations by adhering to social distancing and use of communications technology for meetings and conferencing. OSU is taking these steps informed by the public health guidance of our local county health departments, the Oregon Health Authority and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as state and federal officials.
OSU PLEDGE
Oregon State University is committed to ensuring every student reaches their academic goal.
OSU will assure that all undergraduate and graduate OSU students who are on an approved pathway to complete their requirements to graduate at the end of spring term 2020 – and whose graduation is impeded by OSU’s COVID-19 instructional delivery changes – will receive a scholarship to cover the additional tuition needed to complete their remaining credits in a subsequent term. Scholarships will be available for up to 8 credit hours and may be expanded as resources allow.
NO PENALTY FOR RESIDENCE HALL CANCELLATIONS
University residence halls and student housing on the Corvallis and OSU-Cascades campuses – and at HMSC – will remain open during spring term. Student residents who choose to engage in their remote academic learning from their home community will be able to cancel their OSU residence hall contract without penalty. If a student chooses to return to their home community during spring term, their housing fees will be refunded on a prorated basis.
We anticipate that on our Corvallis campus many students will remain in residence halls during spring term. Students who choose to return to their home community are asked to fully vacate their residence hall room in coordination with University Housing and Dining Services and staff at OSU-Cascades and HMSC. Until further notice, all OSU dining centers that remain open will be operated in compliance with the state of Oregon’s rules of take-out operation for restaurants that serve the public.
STUDENT SERVICES
Student services at all OSU campuses and centers will continue to be offered during spring term, although some will be offered at a reduced level. Fees may be revised accordingly.
In coordination with ASOSU and the Associated Students of Cascades Campus, OSU may propose to the university’s Board of Trustees at its April 3 meeting revised incidental fees for spring term. These revised student fees will recognize the variable service levels being provided to students while maintaining support for essential student health services and other programs.
Until further notice, Dixon Recreation Center on the Corvallis campus will not operate during spring term.
UNIVERSITY FACILITY AND BUILDING OPERATIONS
Most OSU buildings will remain open at some level to support ongoing teaching, research and engagement activities.
In the next 48 hours, the university will provide further clarification on what constitutes critical university staffing and services. In order to provide the OSU community and Oregonians we serve with clear information on the continuity of university, college, division, unit and program operations, we ask that building managers and appropriate leaders await further OSU guidance to be provided shortly.
EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE RELATED TO COVID-19 RESPONSE
Oregon State University appreciates the remarkable ongoing contributions of its employees. The university recognizes that during the nation’s – and the university’s – response to the COVID-19 outbreak, OSU employees will be impacted due to remote working measures, job assignment changes, hours worked, and family considerations, such as the closure of schools and childcare centers.
During spring term, the university will seek to retain the employment of its employees (which includes graduate assistants) and student workers. Employment will be determined by the university’s continued and required level of operations and OSU’s financial capabilities.
Employees, who are not able to work due to the university’s COVID-19 response or their own personal or wellness circumstances, may utilize the following university employee benefits (if eligible):
Additionally, as part of its COVID-19 response, OSU will provide 80 additional hours of paid leave to employees. This additional leave is based upon an employee’s full-time equivalent employment, so it will be prorated based upon an employee’s actual level of employment. This leave is not compensable, is only available for use during the university’s COVID-19 response, and cannot be reserved for use or paid out at some future time.
The university fully recognizes that the impact on OSU employees from COVID-19 may last for many weeks and months. To retain current employment at present levels beyond the leave benefits provided above, the university will require additional financial assistance from the Oregon Legislature and the federal government.
YOUR EFFORTS ARE IMPORTANT AND APPRECIATED
These steps will prompt many questions and cause disruption for all. I ask everyone to do their best to accommodate them.
Also, please continue to take appropriate personal and public health measures, and support other OSU community members, including the families of OSU employees affected by these measures and other measures required by the state of Oregon. And, check regularly the university’s COVID-19 website daily for updated information.
Thank you for all you do for OSU.
Edward Feser
Provost and Executive Vice President
16 March 2020
Updated Restriction: 25-person attendance limit on all OSU events applied immediately
Informed by March 15 guidance by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for large events and mass gatherings, and informed by a directive issued Monday, March 16, by Oregon Gov. Kate Brown, OSU has established immediately a prohibition on university-sponsored or sanctioned events of more than 25 people. The prohibition applies for an indefinite period. OSU’s previously announced prohibition was for no OSU events attended by 50 or more people beginning March 30 and extending through at least until April 30.
Meanwhile, OSU encourages that all events hosting 25 or fewer people be postponed or at least held in a location that allows for maximum social distancing, such as using a space that is twice the capacity of the number of those in attendance.
In-person final examinations:
Beginning Tuesday, March 17, all in-person winter term final exams will be scheduled in locations ensuring that no more than 25 students taking the exam are gathered. Students with in-person exams will receive guidance from their instructors regarding the location and time and date of their exam.
Remote Work and Delivery
OSU remains open at this time and continues to maintain essential university functions for education, research, Extension and outreach, and operations. The university will be open, and many offices, services and programs will be delivered remotely. To maximize the public health care benefits of social distancing and remote conferencing tools, faculty and staff should work remotely, where possible, and not engage in university-sponsored travel. Concerns with remote work should be discussed with your supervisor, who can work with the appropriate dean, vice president and vice provost to consider appropriate alternatives. In these cases, maximum social distancing measures must be employed. Employees are asked to utilize the guidance offered below if their job functions require on-site presence. Transition to remote work should begin immediately.
For all employees, especially those whose work cannot be done remotely -- or for employees whose work is deemed essential for operational continuity (including hourly, represented and student workers) – managers, employee supervisors and employees should develop plans to complete special assignments to enable the progress and services of respective OSU units.
We recognize that modifying and/or curtailing operations has implications for employment, and it is OSU’s hope and intent that all employees, including students, will remain employed. OSU employees engage in many different jobs and responsibilities. The work modifications we must make -- to advance public and personal health at this this time -- will vary. Employees must engage in ongoing communication with their managers and, if they work on campus or at an OSU facility, ensure their workspace is set up for maximum social distancing measures to reduce exposure. Subject to the needs of the university, managers should consider flexible work arrangements such as having employees work on-site with alternating or variable shifts, including fewer hours or fewer days to be worked. This can be coupled with remote work assignments, when possible, for the time not spent on-site. We also recognize that employees working remotely may also need to care for children who are not in school due to closures. As such, employees should work with their supervisor on how to best balance their duties while working remotely.
Buildings and Services Remaining Open
Most campus buildings will remain open during OSU’s COVID-19 response to support education, research, student services and operations.
As of March 16, 2020, on the Corvallis campus, this includes student housing and dining centers, health services, the Memorial Union, Valley Library, Dixon Recreation Center -- with restrictions, Transportation Services, and the Student Accounts and Payroll office, although some services and hours of operation may be modified. At OSU-Cascades, this includes the campus residence hall, Obsidian Hall, as well as Tykeson Hall, and services and hours of operation will be limited. Additional precautions are being taken for each facility that remains open, including precautions to limit viral and bacterial exposure. Users are also encouraged to follow CDC guidelines at all times when visiting any OSU facility.
Until further notice, most programs and services will utilize remote methods for teaching, testing and meetings. All OSU units are directed to update their individual websites to communicate how students, faculty/staff and community members are to access their services.
No Increases or Decreases in Tuition and Fees Anticipated for Spring Term
OSU’s provisions for remote delivery of teaching and education services for students during the COVID-19 outbreak are not the same as the educational services offered through Ecampus. While the “remote delivery” of instruction uses a similar platform and technology (video) as online instruction, remote delivery is a short-term and largely synchronous means of offering OSU’s 200 undergraduate degree programs and 100 graduate degree programs. There are significant added expenses associated with shifting to remote delivery of courses, especially on very short notice, as well as additional costs for necessary information technology. OSU’s current on-campus tuition and fee rates will not fully cover those expenses. At the same, we recognize that remote delivery does not offer the same student experience as in-class instruction, and we have received requests for tuition discounts.
While understanding the change in student experience, the rising costs facing the university are very real. Therefore, OSU does not anticipate decreasing spring term tuition and fees, nor will it increase them. Instead, the university will work with Oregon’s elected leaders and agencies to seek assistance to accommodate the increased costs of this temporary shift to remote delivery so that our current and future students are not unduly impacted.
Additionally, at the present time, we anticipate no major sustained changes in programs and services that are funded through student fees. While there will be a temporary reduction in some programs and services, the costs associated with these programs are largely personnel, and OSU remains committed to assuring our students are well-served and our employees remain employed as much as possible. Employees who are not serving in their normal capacities may be assigned to perform other duties within their units.
Why Students are Encouraged to Remain on Campus and in Corvallis and Bend
The university believes that traveling home is not a good practice for students, as returning to their home communities may mean students become exposed to the virus as they come into greater contact with more vulnerable groups, and then travel back to our campuses in Corvallis and Bend. Therefore, we continue to encourage students to remain on campus (or in the community, if living off campus) for the spring break, as well as spring term. University Housing & Dining Services is taking numerous efforts to help maintain a healthy living and dining environment. More information can be found here.
We encourage students and their families to make the best decision for their personal circumstances and the academic degrees students seek.
Sincerely,
Dan Larson
OSU COVID-19 Response Coordinator
Vice Provost for Student Affairs
Dear OSU students, faculty and staff,
In a time of great uncertainty, and given the continued unavailability of widely available testing, it is difficult to know the extent of exposure to COVID-19 in our university community, or about who may or may not have been exposed.
Information from public health authorities suggests that it is likely that some members of the OSU community have been exposed to others – locally, in Oregon, nationally or globally – who have contracted COVID-19. The University’s early adoption of precautionary measures, including our emphasis on social distancing, is intended to help minimize the speed and scope of transmission.
Under these circumstances, it is critical that everyone in the OSU community remain supportive of one another and as informed as possible. We provide the additional guidance below.
Guidance on Exposure
If you are a student and believe you have been exposed but show no symptoms, contact your primary medical care provider or Student Health Services at 541-737-2324, and self-isolate and monitor your wellness for 14 days. Students who live on campus should communicate their concern to University Housing and Dining Services for guidance. Students should also notify their course instructors and supervisors of their anticipated absence.
If you are an employee and believe you have been exposed but show no symptoms, contact your primary medical care provider, and self-isolate and monitor your wellness for 14 days. Employees should work with their supervisor to make arrangements to work from home.
Students or employees who believe they may have been exposed and have symptoms, should self-isolate and immediately call their health provider, Student Health Services, or an emergency medical care provider, as appropriate. Be aware that not everyone is being tested for COVID-19 right away. Testing depends upon symptoms that clinicians evaluate before deciding to test.
Students or employees who have general concerns about their health, potential exposure and COVID-19, may contact the Oregon Health Authority hotline, at 211.
If we become aware of a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the university community, we will work with local public health authorities on communications to the OSU community and containment measures.
Prevention Measures: SOCIAL DISTANCING
We ask that you follow OSU’s precautionary measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Information on those measures can be found here. Social distancing is the foundation of the university’s prevention and response strategy. You may learn more about social distancing by watching this video.
March 12 Information Session
If you were not able to attend or watch the live-streamed OSU Community Information Session, we encourage you to watch it here. We will continue to provide the OSU community updates and ways to stay well.
Stay informed!
COVID-19 resources and information may be found on this website. The information is updated regularly.
Be well!
Dan Larson
Vice Provost for Student Affairs
OSU Coronavirus Response Coordinator
Dear OSU faculty, staff and students,
I know we are all proud of the progress we have made in recent years to create a more just, inclusive and supportive university community. The COVID-19 pandemic represents a serious and real-time test for each of us regarding our commitment to collaborative community progress and support for each other.
While many in our state, nation and world are at serious health risk, I recognize that each of us is being inconvenienced in multiple ways.
As community members and as a university, I ask that each of us do our part to limit the spread and impact of COVID-19. On Wednesday, the university announced significant social distancing measures to substantially reduce interactions among people that might result in the spread of the virus. We are not closing our university at this time. It remains open. At the same time, we ask that our students and employees remain within their university community and not travel over spring break to decrease community spread of the virus locally, in our state or nationwide.
Limits on non-essential travel, work-related travel, elimination of athletic events, competitions, musical and theater productions, receptions and celebratory gatherings and even possible self-quarantines are turning our lives upside down. Yet, we must remember that by each of us committing to these actions, we can actually relieve suffering and the risk of death among the most vulnerable members of our community, who are more susceptible to COVID-19. This includes individuals who are older and those with health issues.
Unfortunately, we have no credible data at this time on the rapid spread of COVID-19, and there have been limited test kits available to date to confirm whether or not someone has the coronavirus. Therefore, at this time, we do not know accurately the extent or the rate of growth of infections. We do know that there are approximately 1 million hospital beds in the United States and the majority are being used every day. Lacking critical information, we do not know if access to healthcare facilities and to healthcare personnel will be overwhelmed by this pandemic. If that happens, extremely ill patients will not get the immediate attention they need.
Each of us can do our part by following personal healthcare instructions, following OSU’s guidelines and observing restrictions on social interactions to help flatten out the growth curve of infected members of our community. Flattening out the COVID-19 infection growth curve will reduce the risk that a growth in the number of infections among us will overwhelm the healthcare system
This is a real time opportunity for each of us to show that we are willing to be inconvenienced, disappointed and self-quarantined, if necessary, for that sake of those in our community who are most susceptible to this virus. Please join me in demonstrating how much we care about their health and safety. Please do all that you can to ensure that we do not fail this test.
Please take note of OSU communications on how OSU will continue to maintain operations by making adjustments in how classes, research, Extension and other programs and services are made available. I urge you to check the OSU COVID-19 website regularly for the latest updates.
I deeply believe in each of you and the power of all of us to make a positive difference in this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ray
President
11 March 2020
Oregon State University is committed to state, national and global efforts to reduce the risk and spread of COVID-19, while appropriately continuing the essential activities of teaching, research, OSU Extension and engagement. While at this time, the public health risk in Oregon from the coronavirus is lower than it is in other states, we became aware today of a presumptive COVID-19 case in Deschutes County and testing for a possible case in Benton County is underway.
Effective Saturday, March 14, OSU will move to a higher level of response that continues the essential operations of the university, but seeks to reduce the frequency of interactions among students, faculty, staff and visitors throughout all university campuses, centers, facilities and operations. Our focus is on continued university operations and social distancing.
In taking these steps, we remain mindful and informed by the public health guidance of our local county health departments, the Oregon Health Authority and the CDC.
Effective March 14, 2020:
We are taking these immediate steps while OSU employees and students prepare to take expanded public health measures at the start of spring term.
Effective March 30, 2020:
The status of these measures will be evaluated every two weeks.
We recognize such steps will prompt many questions and cause disruption. We ask for everyone to accommodate these changes, engage in and support appropriate support personal health measures, support as able other OSU community members, and frequently check the university’s COVID-19 website for updated information.
Given that OSU plans that all university operations will remain in effect, we anticipate the continued employment and benefits for all employees. During this time, the university will seek to continue the employment of its student workers.
The following provides additional information regarding important aspects of OSU’s COVID-19 response.
SOCIAL DISTANCING: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention define social distancing as avoiding crowds and mass public gatherings, and when possible, maintaining a distance of approximately six feet from others. Social distancing also means staying at home when ill, avoiding contact with people who have symptoms of illness, and not shaking hands.
FINAL EXAMS: Because OSU will administer final exams using a social distancing model, for those exams that must be held in-person, the university will seek to relocate final exams to locations where room capacity is three times the number of people registered to take that test. Faculty will notify students of changes in finals week logistics.
REMOTE TEACHING: Remote teaching delivery is when a faculty member facilitates the delivery of their in-person course instruction from a different location by using tools such as Canvas and Zoom. With the suspension of face-to-face meetings and the requirement for remote teaching, OSU will provide key resources available to faculty, staff and students. These include the following web pages: Keep Teaching, Keep Learning and Keep Working. If you have any questions or require any technology assistance, please contact the Service Desk. Additionally, there will be online and telephone resources readily available to help students navigate all aspects of online delivery, including Zoom.
Additional information on remote teaching is available for all students, faculty and staff within the university’s COVID-19 web page “Hot Topics” under remote teaching.
SPRING BREAK: We ask that OSU students, faculty and staff carefully evaluate Spring Break travel plans. If you are a student, please consider staying on campus or simply going home instead of traveling elsewhere during the break. OSU’s residence halls will remain open during spring break. If you are an employee, please consider remaining within your home community. We realize this may disrupt your plans, but broader travel within the U.S. and abroad brings additional risk of exposure to COVID-19, which includes the possibility of self-isolation upon return.
EVENTS: OSU’s future requirements regarding events is based upon the university’s interest in reducing the opportunity for COVID-19 to spread among people who gather in large public settings.
OSU recognizes that other universities, colleges, K-12 school districts, the state of Oregon and employers may at some time institute other requirements regarding the number of people in attendance at event. We also recognize that CDC guidance on crowd sizes may be different. In OSU’s case, university leaders believe that the facilities throughout the university can best accommodate our social distancing goals at a maximum of 50 people within OSU-sponsored events.
Information about the university’s COVID-19 response involving OSU Athletics events will be updated on Thursday, March 12.
Because COVID-19 remains a rapidly developing situation, it is important to check OSU’s page regularly, as well as advisories and warnings from the U.S. Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention prior to finalizing personal travel plans and undertaking travel.
Please utilize OSU’s dedicated non-emergency COVID-19 information line, which is available to assist faculty, staff and students with questions at 541-737-7211. You can also seek information through the questions and non-emergency contact form on the COVID-19 website. In the case of a medical emergency, call 911 or a nearby emergency medical facility.
The best preventive measures for COVID-19 and any communicable disease continue to be the practices you undertake as part of your daily routine, especially during flu season:
During this time of public health concern and changes in OSU’s operations, please remain mindful and supportive of members of the OSU community who may be more directly affected by the coronavirus situation. Also, it is important that we remain a united community. If you witness any acts of bias or discrimination related to COVID-19, please report them to the OSU Bias Incident Response team.
Thank you for your understanding and your continued work to keep the OSU community safe and healthy.
Sincerely,
Edward Feser
Provost and Executive Vice President
Dear Students,
The OSU COVID-19 response team is hosting a meeting for students, faculty and staff Thursday, March 12, to update the university community about work in progress to respond to the global health situation. The meeting will be livestreamed and take place from 11-11:50 a.m.in LINC 128.
Presenters include Dan Larson, vice provost for student affairs, who is leading OSU’s COVID-19 response, and Steve Clark, vice president of university relations and marketing.
Viewing via the livestream is encouraged. The livestream will be available at live.oregonstate.edu. The recorded video will be posted on the COVID-19 website.
If you choose to attend, please practice social distancing and spread out as much as possible in LINC 128. Organizers also are offering an alternative location to view the livestream in the Memorial Union Multipurpose Room 13, which will be configured to promote social distancing. Please remember to wash your hands before arriving if you choose to attend the meeting in person.
Sincerely,
Dan Larson
Vice Provost for Student Affairs
COVID-19 Response Coordinator
OSU students,
Oregon State University leaders recognize that the global coronavirus COVID-19 epidemic may require all of us to take unprecedented, aligned and localized responses to enable our students to continue to make progress in their studies.
These efforts may necessitate that all faculty, staff and students make adjustments in how we teach and learn within OSU.
Some universities nationally and globally already have announced decisions in response to high risk health circumstances within their immediate community. For example, the University of Washington announced today that through March 29, classes and finals will not be held in person and, where possible, will be provided by remote delivery.
To be clear, the state of Washington – particularly within the Seattle area – is experiencing a higher level of public health risk than Oregon. Decisions being made by the University of Washington and other universities, colleges and institutions in Washington are being guided by direction from the Washington Health Authority and local public health officials.
At this time, the public health risk in Oregon from the coronavirus is lower than it is in Washington, and in other states and nations where colleges and universities have curtailed holding classes, labs or exams in person.
Throughout all of Oregon State University, we are advised locally on levels of public risk and response by county health departments and the Oregon Health Authority. Yet, even while our current level of public health risk remains low, we must be prepared for the possibility of a localized outbreak.
In such case, it may become necessary to suspend face-to-face meetings and instruction for a period of time. While that time is not now within OSU, all OSU faculty and graduate teaching assistants are being asked to review how to deliver all courses remotely using Canvas, our learning management system, as well as Zoom, OSU’s web-conference tool. These tools already are available to all faculty and students. Meanwhile, as we provide additional coronavirus contingency plans, additional student and faculty support and training resources will be made available. Additionally, some of this information may not be relevant for our students who are solely learning at a distance currently, but we want to keep all of our OSU students informed.
We understand that this is a challenging situation and will take extra effort by all as we all collaborate continue providing students with the education they desire and deserve, while also keeping the university community safe and well.
More information and links to OSU’s new “Keep Teaching” website will provided soon.
Sincerely,
Dan Larson
OSU Coronavirus Coordinator
Vice Provost for Student Affairs
Dear OSU students,
EVENTS: OSU has no plans at this time to cancel any university activities, including classes or events. The university will make decisions about the implementation of closures and all community measures in close collaboration with health departments in Benton, Deschutes, Lincoln and other counties, and the Oregon Health Authority.
CONTINGENCY PLANNING: Oregon State University continues to develop proactive contingency plans for the coronavirus (COVID-19) as the global health situation evolves. Our efforts remain focused on supporting the well-being of the OSU community and continued university teaching, research, outreach, student services and other activities.
TRAVEL UPDATE: During the coronavirus situation, the university will follow recommended CDC, World Health Organization and U.S. State Department travel guidance, and university processes and policies for OSU-sponsored travel, while attempting to respect the individual judgment of faculty, staff and students engaged in domestic and international travel.
All travelers engaged in university-sponsored global travel are required to continue to use OSU’s international registry system. While the university discourages non-essential, university-sponsored employee travel to high-risk destinations designated by OSU’s international travel policy, employee travelers returning from OSU-sponsored travel to these destinations will be required to engage in 14-day home isolation and self-monitoring advised by the CDC and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Until further notice, the university prohibits OSU-sponsored travel by undergraduate and graduate students to high risk destinations designated by OSU’s international travel policy Presently, China, Iran, Italy, Mongolia, and South Korea are designated as high risk destinations for coronavirus.
At this time, OSU-sponsored study abroad programs within high-risk destinations have been either postponed or canceled.
Eligible employee or student reimbursements under the OSU travel policy for canceled or postponed OSU-sponsored travel or conferences will be honored by the university.
Meanwhile, the university urges all students and employees engaging in personal domestic and international travel to use their best judgment and follow recommended CDC, World Health Organization and U.S. State Department guidance.
Further travel updates will be provided as appropriate.
WELLNESS MEASURES: OSU locations are taking steps to reduce the potential spread of infection by increasing touch-point cleaning within university buildings by using disinfectants advised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to be effective on coronavirus. Touch points include doorknobs and handles, faucet handles, soap dispenser levers, paper towel dispenser controls, elevator button panels and light switches.
We also emphasize that if you are sick with any illness, please stay home and rest to take care of yourself and protect our community. Additionally, contact the Student Health Services Nurse Advice line at 541-737-2724. If you have questions about the coronavirus and are not sick, contact the Oregon Health Authority help line by calling 211 or visit the health authority’s website.
Remember that the best way to prevent the spread of any communicable disease is to continue these important practices:
To facilitate ongoing sharing of information about the virus, we have added a link on the OSU home page to a Coronavirus Updates and Resources page that provides detailed information; links to OSU, local, state and federal resources; updates on the latest federal travel restrictions; and previous university communications about the virus and other information.
As members of our OSU community, please join me in sharing empathy and support for our students and colleagues who may be directly affected by the coronavirus situation. Please stay mindful of your own wellness and attend to your health.
Sincerely,
Dan Larson
OSU Coronavirus Response Coordinator
Vice Provost for Student Affairs
Dear OSU Students,
On Feb. 24, 2020, I sent an update regarding negotiations between the university and the Coalition of Graduate Employees (CGE). In the message, I wrote that – among other things – CGE is seeking “an increase of 18.6% in minimum monthly graduate assistant salaries, from $3,922 to $4,650. This would result in an estimated additional annual expense of $2.2 million.”
“Minimum monthly” salary on a 1.0 full time equivalent (FTE) basis is the agreed benchmark used in the collective bargaining agreement and in negotiations at the table to set assistantship salaries. However, graduate assistants are appointed on a part-time basis, from 0.3 FTE to 0.49 FTE. Thus, the monthly earnings of an assistant at the contract minimum salary level currently ranges from $1,177 (0.3 FTE) to $1,922 (0.49 FTE) depending on an employee’s FTE status and part-time work responsibility. The actual average monthly salary for all assistants at OSU is $2,028, with a range across colleges of $1,599 to $2,375.
Given that most in our community are not directly familiar with the CGE contract language, my failure to clarify terms implied that assistants’ actual earnings are equivalent to the 1.0 FTE minimum rate. I regret that confusion; they are not. I should also emphasize that our best estimate of the $2.2 million annual cost of increasing the minimum rate by 18.6 percent is correct and is based on actual graduate assistant FTEs across the university.
We have updated the university’s bargaining website to ensure clarity around contract minimum and actual stipend levels. For details, please visit this link to the bargaining requests sought by CGE.
We will continue to provide the OSU community regular updates on graduate assistant bargaining, which you may follow on the university’s CGE bargaining website.
Sincerely,
Edward Feser
Provost and Executive Vice President
Dear OSU students,
Oregon State University continues to actively monitor the coronavirus COVID-19 global health situation, and we also are developing university contingency plans should a global pandemic or a widespread outbreak occur in the U.S. Our aim is to ensure the well-being of the university community and to enable the continuation of OSU teaching, research, outreach, student services and other activities.
We share this news not to create concern – there are still no confirmed COVID-19 cases in Oregon – but to indicate that prudent and significant university-wide planning is underway. We will share more information on this contingency planning effort over the next week.
To facilitate the on-going sharing of information about the virus, we have added a link on the OSU home page to a new page that provides detailed and up-to-date coronavirus information; links to OSU, local, state and federal resources; updates on the latest federal travel restrictions; and previous university communications about the virus and other information.
At the present time, restrictions apply for travel to China, Italy, Iran and South Korea. However, because this is a rapidly developing situation – and because U.S. officials believe the potential public health threat posed by the coronavirus is high – it is important to check OSU’s page regularly, as well as advisories and warnings from the U.S. Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention prior to finalizing travel plans and undertaking travel.
OSU also has established a dedicated non-emergency information line within Student Health Services to assist faculty, staff and students engaged in international and domestic travel and who may have coronavirus health concerns related to their returning to Oregon. In non-emergency cases, please e-mail: [email protected] or call 541-737-9931 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific Time, to receive support from a trained staff member. In the case of a medical emergency, call 911 or a nearby emergency medical facility.
Whether traveling in the U.S., abroad or staying home over spring break, the best preventive measures for any communicable disease continue to be the practices you undertake as part of your daily routine, especially during flu season:
• Wash your hands for 20 seconds or more with soapy water or use a hand sanitizer.
• Avoid sharing anything that has come in contact with another person’s saliva, whether in your own living or social environments.
• Cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue.
• Get adequate sleep and eat well-balanced meals to support a healthy immune system.
We also appreciate that this situation can be challenging for many members of our community who have family and friends in China and other countries more directly affected by the outbreak. Situations like these often involve a degree of fear and uncertainty, which means we must come together as a community to offer support those affected by the virus, and for those affected by actions such as travel bans. It is important that fear never be turned toward individuals or groups based on country of origin, appearance or other factors. We have a special responsibility to those who are far from home, who are concerned for loved ones who may be at risk, and who may be the least likely to have a local network of support. It is moments such as these in which our OSU community is called to support each and every member of the university.
Please remain mindful and supportive of members of the OSU community who may be more directly affected by the coronavirus situation. Thank you for your continued work to keep the OSU community safe and healthy.
Sincerely,
Dan Larson
Vice Provost for Student Affairs
___________________________________
Dan Larson
Vice Provost for Student Affairs
Oregon State University
24 February 2020
Oregon State University students,
As you may be aware, OSU is engaged in negotiations with the Coalition of Graduate Employees—the union that represents graduate research and teaching assistants at the university—to update the collective bargaining agreement between CGE and the university.
Of OSU’s approximately 4,850 graduate students, roughly 1,800 students hold appointments as teaching and research assistants, and are employed by the university and represented by CGE. CGE and the university have had a collective bargaining agreement since 2001, and bargaining teams from the union and OSU are meeting twice monthly to update the current agreement.
We look forward to achieving a good and sustainable agreement that builds on the excellent compensation, benefits and assistance that the university already provides graduate teaching and research assistants. Meanwhile, we recognize the outstanding contributions, dedication, and hard work of our graduate assistants in OSU’s classrooms and research.
In bargaining, the university must balance the cost of attendance for all OSU students, as well as manage competing financial pressures, such as challenges in state and federal support for higher education, and invest in priorities that advance the university’s mission and financial viability.
The current higher education environment is challenging. Mandated state public employee retirement and health insurance costs are rising. Enrollment growth—tuition from which now accounts for 70 percent of OSU’s education and general fund dollars—has slowed. And state funding is not keeping pace with service level costs. Meanwhile, OSU colleges, divisions and units are managing significant expense reductions that occurred in FY18, FY19, and this fiscal year, and that will be necessary again next year.
Within that environment, CGE has presented the university with economic proposals related to salaries, benefits and other requirements that would increase OSU’s expenditures by an estimated $45 to $54 million beginning next year, with most of the spending recurring annually.
To put this request in context, CGE’s requests represent more than 225% to 270% of the $20 million increase in education and general funding that the university anticipates this coming year for the Corvallis campus. And these requests would be above any investment the university would make for compensation and benefits for faculty, staff or other employees, and investments in strategic university priorities, including safety, infrastructure improvements and other needs.
Among other things, CGE is seeking:
For more information about CGE’s economic proposals and their estimated costs, please visit the university’s bargaining site related to graduate assistants.
Going forward, it is clear that CGE and the university must find common ground on these economic proposals. I assure you the university will pursue continued good faith bargaining to reach a fair and sustainable agreement.
As well, we will continue to provide the OSU community regular updates on graduate assistant bargaining. Along the way, please follow the progress of bargaining on the university’s CGE bargaining website.
Sincerely,
Edward Feser
Provost and Executive Vice President
Oregon State University students,
At OSU, student success is founded in student well-being.
Yet on our Corvallis and OSU-Cascades campuses – and across the nation – mental health issues among college students are a growing concern. For example, in 2018, nearly half of OSU students responding to a National College Health Assessment survey shared that at some point in that year they felt so depressed it was difficult to function.
It is clear that we must address mental health in new and more effective ways. Each of us can help by participating in a new online training program called Kognito, which offers OSU students an important way to support each other.
During the approximate 30-minute training participants engage in role-play simulations that will enable students to engage in challenging conversations with their peers about mental health. You can access Kognito here under Student Wellbeing and Support. The course is called “Recognizing and Supporting Students in Distress.”
Please join us by engaging in this voluntary training.
Sincerely,
Dan Larson Rachel Josephson Brian Chavez
Vice Provost President President
Student Affairs Associated Students Associated Students
Oregon State University Cascades Campus
OSU Corvallis students,
We invite you to help consider the future safety services and needs of Oregon State University’s Corvallis campus. While public safety at OSU is provided by many departments and programs, you may be aware, the university’s contract for licensed law enforcement services with Oregon State Police on the Corvallis campus ends on June 30, 2020.
The OSU Public Safety Advisory Committee—made up of faculty, staff and students—is leading an evaluation process to provide recommendations regarding transitional and long-term public safety services for the Corvallis campus.
Engagement and input from members of the Corvallis campus community are a key part of this evaluation process. OSU students, faculty and staff, as well as the public, are encouraged to participate in upcoming community listening and input sessions to be held at:
Additionally, we have created a public safety website to inform and engage members of the OSU Corvallis community. The website provides background information, updates and a comment form to submit input online as well.
We hope you will join us in this important process regarding public safety services on OSU’s Corvallis campus.
Sincerely,
Paul Odenthal Charlene Alexander
Advisory Committee Co-Chair Advisory Committee Co-Chair
Senior Associate Vice President Vice President
Administration Chief Diversity Officer
Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President
17 February 2020
Dear OSU Students,
While U.S. officials continue to believe that the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak represents a low risk to the U.S. public, the university is monitoring the global health situation closely and working with local public health care experts to provide prevention response, information and resources.
We also acknowledge that this situation can be unsettling for members of our community who have family and friends living in China or elsewhere.
As members of the OSU community, I ask you to join me in sharing support for our students and colleagues who are experiencing concern about the virus and the well-being of their friends, families and home communities affected by this illness. For example, many at OSU and INTO OSU have engaged personally and utilized social media and video messages to share our support.
A university response working group continues to monitor on a daily basis developments related to the virus and advise OSU leaders. The working group’s efforts are informed by an additional four sub-groups addressing associated issues of health care, communications, federal policy developments and international enrollment activities.
If you have concerns about the coronavirus or your personal wellness, please be aware of these important resources:
We will continue to provide updates related to the coronavirus. In the interim, please be mindful of your own wellness and supportive of others in the OSU community, who may be more directly impacted by the virus situation.
Sincerely,
Edward Feser
Provost and Executive Vice President
Oregon State University students,
As you likely know, the U.S. government implemented on Sunday night more stringent travel restrictions for individuals entering the United States from China due to the coronavirus.
Even with such measures, U.S. officials state that this novel coronavirus represents a low risk to the public in the U.S.
I am writing to share what the university is doing to monitor matters associated with the coronavirus, as well as support wellness among community members, and provide valuable information.
As members of the community, students’ greatest contribution at this time is to remain factually informed about the virus, mindful of the low level of risk in the U.S. associated with this virus, and encourage friends and fellow students to engage in personal good health practices.
OSU has formed a steering committee that is responsible for monitoring relevant coronavirus developments locally, within the U.S. and globally. The steering committee is made up of representatives from our Corvallis and OSU-Cascades campuses, will be in close coordination with the Benton County Health Department, and will involve others working in student health services, student affairs, international affairs, INTO OSU and other departments. This group will be assisted by OSU committees related to health care, communications, and federal policy and developments. These committees will meet daily – or as required – to recommend any OSU procedures, services and communications related to the coronavirus.
Until then, we encourage everyone to do the following:
Sincerely,
Dan Larson
Vice Provost for Student Affairs
Oregon State University students,
You likely are aware of increased media reports about a new coronavirus that originated in Wuhan, China. We are closely monitoring this evolving situation and want to assure you that currently risk to the OSU community is considered low.
We are writing to provide you information so you are aware of coronavirus symptoms and how to seek medical attention if needed.
The coronavirus now appears to be spreading from person to person, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), but the level of contagiousness has not yet been determined. It can take up to two weeks to develop symptoms of the virus, which include fever with a cough and/or shortness of breath. If you have concerns about your health due to possible exposure to the virus or following recent travel to China, please call the Student Health Services Nurse Advice Line at 541-737-2724. It is best to call in advance of visiting the student health center or external care providers, so precautions can be taken to minimize exposure to others.
The best preventative steps for any communicable disease include simple but important practices as part of your daily routine, especially during flu season:
We also want to update you on federal travel advisories regarding China and provide you information on OSU’s international travel policy.
China is currently designated a high-risk travel destination. The U.S. Department of State has issued an advisory to reconsider travel to China, and the CDC has issued an advisory to avoid nonessential travel to the country. As a result, and in accordance with the OSU International Travel Policy, any university-sponsored travel to China at this time requires a petition process. Undergraduate student travel requires approval by the Office of the Vice Provost for Student Affairs, and graduate student travel requires approval by a college dean. Please contact Samuel Gras, international health and safety coordinator, for information about the petition process and any travel-related questions.
We will continue to actively monitor this situation and advise you to visit the CDC website for the most current information on the coronavirus.
We thank you for your attention to your personal wellness and efforts to keep OSU community members safe.
Sincerely,
Dan Larson
Vice Provost
Student Affairs
Fellow students,
Welcome back! I hope that winter break treated you all kindly and that those few weeks away from school were restful. I am writing to encourage you to consider running for an open position in ASOSU’s upcoming election.
If you are interested in enacting change on campus, developing your leadership and communication skills, meeting other passionate and engaged folks, and getting involved here at OSU, I strongly urge you to run for a position.
Open positions include President and Vice President, who run together, Speaker of the House, Student Fee Committee Chair, Senator, Representative, and Student Fee Committee member at large. More information on each of these positions, including time commitment and eligibility requirements, is available in the ASOSU Elections Packet, found HERE. Pay rates are available in the ASOSU Constitution and Statutes, HERE. To run for an open position all candidates must attend an in-person ASOSU Elections information session or watch the online information session and fill out a Qualtrics form. Upcoming information sessions are:
The online information session can be found on ASOSU’s website, HERE. Registration for candidacy must be completed by January 15th at 5:00pm and can also completed on ASOSU’s Elections page.
With that, happy first week of the term & thank you for your time. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to any members of the elections committee or me at [email protected]. You are also more than welcome to visit us in SEC 250!
All the best,
Kylie Boenisch
ASOSU Vice President | Chief Elections Officer
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,
Oregon State University is required by federal law to provide information about the university’s alcohol and other drugs (AOD) policies. In addition, we also include information about OSU’s resources for our community members. Please see the attached document for this information. This annual notification is in compliance with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act. Thank you.
Wishing you a safe and healthy new year,
Kelly Hogan, MPH | Director | Prevention & Wellness
319 Plageman | 108 Memorial Place | Corvallis, OR 97331 | (541) 737-5667
Dec. 13, 2019
Dear OSU community members,
It is my pleasure to announce the appointment of Dr. F. King Alexander as Oregon State University’s next president beginning July 1, 2020.
Dr. Alexander’s selection concludes a national search launched last March following President Ed Ray’s announcement that he will return to a faculty teaching position on June 30. I thank President Ray for his leadership, many contributions and 17 years of exemplary service as OSU’s president.
As Oregon State’s 15th president, Dr. Alexander will continue the university’s commitment to advancing inclusivity, student success, faculty excellence, research discovery, access to higher education for all, and community outreach and engagement service throughout Oregon and globally.
Dr. Alexander is an accomplished academic leader and a nationally recognized advocate for public higher education, college affordability and the value of public research. He comes from Louisiana State University, Louisiana’s flagship university, where he has served as president and chancellor for six years.
Here is a link to a brief video message from Dr. Alexander upon his being selected to join OSU, as well as a link to the university’s news release on his appointment.
At LSU, Dr. Alexander’s leadership has contributed to graduating a record number of students and welcoming the most diverse freshman class in the school’s history. He also has guided significant advances in research innovation and grant-funded research, and initiatives supporting faculty excellence. While at LSU, he has worked tirelessly to champion student success and inclusive excellence, core values shared with Oregon State University.
Prior to LSU, Dr. Alexander served seven and a half years as president of California State University Long Beach, where he managed the university to its highest graduation rates in its history. Among his accomplishments in California is the creation of the Long Beach College Promise, a program to provide local students with greater opportunities to complete their higher education. Dr. Alexander’s efforts to advance student success and his advocacy for public higher education earned him “President of the Year” honors twice. This award is given by the entire student body of the California State Student Association, representing more than 440,000 students in the Cal State University system.
Before becoming president at Cal State Long Beach, Dr. Alexander served four years as president of Murray State University, where he received national recognition for significant increases in graduation rates.
Dr. Alexander is noted nationally for his strong advocacy of public higher education and the importance of land grant institutions in addressing the world’s greatest challenges through research, teaching and engagement. As a leader, he has developed a reputation for building trust, engaging others and working collaboratively. These characteristics position Dr. Alexander to be a valued member of the Oregon State University community. More information about Dr. Alexander and his transition to Oregon State University is available on the OSU Presidential Transition webpage.
Please join me in welcoming Dr. Alexander to the OSU community and the state of Oregon.
Sincerely,
Rani Borkar
Chair
OSU Board of Trustees
OSU faculty, staff and students,
I am pleased to invite you to attend a special OSU Board of Trustees meeting on Dec. 13 to consider the board’s appointment of OSU’s next president for a term starting July 1, 2020. The meeting will be held at 10 a.m. in the Memorial Union Horizon Room. Following the board meeting, trustees will host an OSU community and public reception in the main lounge of the Memorial Union at 10:45 a.m. to welcome our next president.
Below is a news release regarding these Dec. 13 events.
Many thanks to the members of the OSU community who helped the Board of Trustees with the Presidential Search process – through candidate nominations, input on the presidential leadership profile, participation in listening sessions, service on the search committee and stakeholder group, and countless other ways.
Sincerely,
Debbie Colbert
Secretary
OSU Board of Trustees
Dec. 5, 2019
OSU presidential search process concludes
CORVALLIS, Ore. – Oregon State University’s Board of Trustees will hold a special board meeting to consider the appointment and employment agreement of Oregon State University’s next president for a term starting on July 1, 2020.
The meeting begins at 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, in the Memorial Union Horizon Room on the OSU Corvallis campus.
The candidate under consideration for appointment will be introduced publicly at the Dec. 13 board meeting. If appointed, the candidate will succeed President Ed Ray, who announced in March that on June 30, 2020, he will step down as president after 17 years of service and join OSU’s teaching faculty.
Following the board meeting, trustees will host a reception in the main lounge of the Memorial Union from 10:45 a.m. to noon to welcome the president-elect. The reception is open to the public.
Action by the board in the meeting will conclude a national presidential search launched last spring with the formation of a 15-member search committee and the holding of community listening sessions to develop a presidential leadership profile to guide the recruitment process. The recruitment included an extensive interview process of candidates that involved the search committee, a broad group of stakeholders and trustees.
“Oregon State’s next president is positioned to lead a distinctive university that enjoys tremendous momentum and provides transformative impact in Oregon, nationally and globally,” said Rani Borkar, chair of OSU’s Board of Trustees. “OSU’s next president will continue to foster a university community that prioritizes diversity and inclusive excellence.”
The meeting is open to the public. The meeting agenda and details are available at http://oregonstate.edu/leadership/trustees/meetings. The meeting will be livestreamed https://live.oregonstate.edu/. If special accommodation is required, please contact 541-737-3449 or [email protected] at least 48 hours in advance.
Dear student,
The electronic Student Evaluation of Teaching (eSET) period is now open. To provide anonymous feedback about your courses, please go to myOSU – My Student Stuff – Student Evaluation of Teaching. Be aware not all courses may qualify for evaluation due to size or content.
The evaluation period ends Sunday, December 8th. For more information, visit the Office of Academic Programs and Assessment website for the eSET Student FAQ page at: https://apa.oregonstate.edu/eset/student-faqs or email us at: [email protected]
Thank you for evaluating your courses and helping improve the quality of teaching at Oregon State University,
Office of Academic Programs and Assessment
OSU community members,
As I indicated in my Nov. 25 communication to the university community, Oregon State University is assessing the safety services and needs of our Corvallis campus. This evaluation is occurring as OSU’s contract for licensed law enforcement services with Oregon State Police ends on June 30, 2020.
A Public Safety Advisory Committee — made up of faculty, staff and students — is leading this evaluation and will provide recommendations regarding transitional and long-term public safety services. The committee’s work is well on its way, and I am confident we will have comprehensive strategies for both the short and long term.
As part of this evaluation, this week I authorized Mike Green, vice president for finance and administration, and Paul Odenthal, senior associate vice president for administration, to enter into discussions with the city of Corvallis regarding the possibility of the Corvallis Police Department serving as a transitional campus licensed law enforcement service provider. The Public Safety Advisory Committee supports these discussions as part of its evaluation process.
These discussions do not constitute a commitment by either the university or the city. Meanwhile, our evaluation process will remain transparent and our campus community will be actively engaged. Likewise, the city wants full transparency as we move forward. As such, Mark Shepard, Corvallis city manager, briefed the city council at its meeting tonight that OSU and the city are exploring this option together.
I expect to receive final recommendations by Dec. 16 for public safety services that will become effective on July 1, 2020. Recommendations related to long-term campus safety needs and services are expected by the end of spring term.
I will continue to provide regular updates on the work of the advisory committee and share information about opportunities for community engagement and input — including future town hall meetings — regarding campus safety.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ray
President
Oregon State University colleagues,
Please join us in addressing the growing problem of food insecurity among OSU students.
Nationally, we know that two in five college students say they skip meals to pay for other essential expenses, including rent, utilities, tuition and textbooks. At OSU, many of our students are struggling with the same reality.
On Tuesday, Dec. 3, the OSU Foundation – in collaboration with the university – is participating in Giving Tuesday, an international day of philanthropy. That day, Beavers all over the world are collaborating to support university efforts to address student hunger at OSU.
You can help by making a contribution to Beavers Fight Hunger. Your support will directly fund resources for students within OSU's Corvallis campus Human Services Resource Center, such as the food pantry and other programs to help reduce food insecurity among our students. For example, a $20 contribution will provide a student with enough groceries from the food pantry for an entire month. Contributions also can be made to assist food insecurity needs among OSU-Cascades students.
By giving today, you can take advantage of a generous match provided by an OSU Foundation donor that will double your contribution.
Join us by making a donation. Let's all refuse to let OSU students go hungry by having to choose between food, textbooks, rent or utilities.
Thank you,
Dan Larson
Vice Provost, Student Affairs
Steve Clark
Vice President, University Relations and Marketing
OSU community members,
I am writing to update you on efforts to assess the safety values and needs of our Corvallis campus before OSU’s contract for licensed law enforcement services with Oregon State Police ends on June 30, 2020.
Vice President for Finance and Administration Mike Green has convened the university’s Public Safety Advisory Committee to lead this evaluation and provide recommendations regarding transitional and long-term public safety services. This committee will engage the university community extensively to inform its considerations and recommendations.
The advisory committee is made up of students, faculty and staff and includes representatives from ASOSU, the Faculty Senate, the offices and departments of Institutional Diversity, Public Safety, Faculty Affairs, Athletics, Student Affairs, Compliance, University Relations and Marketing, General Counsel and Finance and Administration.
Given the importance and complexity of campus safety matters, including law enforcement and other public safety services, the work of this advisory committee is essential. Its work will best serve our community and its values by considering near and long-term campus safety requirements and services. The advisory committee will make its recommendations to Vice President Green, who will then make final recommendations to me. These phased recommendations will first address safety needs and services for a two-year transition period beginning July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2022, and secondarily, for long-term public safety needs and services beginning July 1, 2022.
I expect to receive the committee’s recommendations by Dec. 16 for public safety services that will become effective on July 1, 2020. Recommendations related to long-term campus safety needs and services are expected by the end of spring term.
Oregon State’s values will serve as the foundation for the committee’s work. These values include striving for a welcoming, inclusive, diverse, respectful, trusting, safe and collaborative community. As well, the committee will conduct extensive community engagement processes, including launching a website and other forms of communication to seek input on values and principles, provide regular updates and gather community feedback.
Principally, we will continue to prioritize public safety as essential to teaching, learning, research, and outreach and engagement activities at Oregon State University. We also will continue to emphasize that campus safety is not just supported by licensed law enforcement services, but must be a commitment of all of us and the work of many departments and programs at OSU.
Going forward, we will provide regular updates on the work of the advisory committee and share information about opportunities for community engagement and input, including town hall meetings.
By working intentionally, collaboratively and transparently, I am confident we will make the right choices about advancing the safety of our university community for all.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ray
President
Dear OSU student,
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 (Public Law 93-380), as amended, Oregon Revised Statutes 351.065, and Oregon Administrative Rule 580-013-0005 of the State Board of Higher Education afford students certain rights with respect to their education records. They are:
The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-5920
1-800-USA-LEARN (1-800-872-5327)
Website: https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/index.html
For more information on FERPA or how to contact the Office of the Registrar with questions, please see the Office of the Registrar FERPA webpage.
Thank you,
Office of the Registrar
OSU students,
Oregon State University is committed to providing a healthy learning environment for its students and employees, and healthy community spaces for members of the public.
With this priority in mind, the university recently enacted an expanded policy prohibiting the use of any tobacco products on all university properties. OSU adopted a smoke-free campus policy in 2012 for all students, employees and visitors.
Oregon State is a national leader in research and teaching regarding healthy lifestyles. An OSU study in fall 2018 on the Corvallis campus showed strong support for a tobacco-free policy. Nearly two-thirds of students and more than two-thirds of faculty and staff participating in the study supported a tobacco-free policy.
The expanded policy applies to all forms of tobacco products, including chewing and dipping tobacco, hookah tobacco, other forms of tobacco and vaping products. Electronic cigarettes have been prohibited on OSU property since 2012. Additionally, all OSU-owned or controlled properties, including athletics venues, are subject to this expanded policy. For details, please read the entire policy.
OSU has begun implementing the tobacco-free policy with an educational emphasis on raising awareness of the policy and offering services to help those seeking to cease use of tobacco products. OSU Student Health Services has cessation nurses available who can help. Call 541-737-9355 for an appointment. There is no cost to students to access this support. Additional support to break a nicotine addiction includes Smokefree Oregon and 1-800-QUIT-NOW.
For more information about the policy, please contact Christopher Viggiani, director of university policy and standards, via email or at 541-737-2878.
Thank you for your collaboration in helping to keep the OSU community a healthy environment for all.
Dan Larson Rachel Josephson Brian Chavez
Vice Provost President President
Student Affairs Associated Students Associated Students
Oregon State University Cascades Campus
To the OSU Community:
Please remember to vote in the upcoming November 5th Special Election. In order to be counted, your ballot must be received by a County Elections Office or deposited in an official ballot drop site no later than 8:00 p.m. on Election Day: Tuesday, November 5th.
If you are mailing your ballot, please note that postmarks do not count. In order to ensure that it is received in time, mail it no later than today, Thursday, October 31st.
There is an official ballot drop site on the OSU Corvallis Campus: OSU Valley Library. Library hours of operation are:
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Closes at 10:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – no closing
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours, ballot box closes at 8:00 p.m.
For official ballot drop sites throughout Oregon: http://www.sos.state.or.us/dropbox/
Note: On Election Day all official ballot drop sites will be open until 8:00 p.m.
If you are registered to vote and have not received your ballot, contact your county elections office to check on your voting status:
Benton County Elections Department:
(541) 766-6756, https://www.co.benton.or.us/elections
Deschutes County Elections Department:
(541) 388-6547, http://www.deschutes.org/clerk/page/elections-and-voting
Lincoln County Elections Department:
(541) 265-4131, http://www.co.lincoln.or.us/clerk/election-history
For all other county elections offices in Oregon:
http://sos.oregon.gov/elections/Pages/countyofficials.aspx
You can also check the status of your ballot at My Ballot: http://www.oregonvotes.org/
If your ballot is from another county, you may drop it off at any official county ballot box, as long as you do so no later than 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 5th. The county receiving the ballot will route it to your home county for counting.
More information for student voters can be found here: https://sos.oregon.gov/voting/Pages/student-voters.aspx
For additional voting and election information from the Secretary of State’s website: http://www.oregonvotes.org/
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ray
President
OSU Corvallis students,
As you may know, Oregon State University will host the University of Washington in a nationally televised football game at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8.
Weeknight games may bring traffic congestion and parking challenges as 40,000 fans and faculty, staff and students gather on OSU’s Corvallis campus. Additionally, Oregon State will host many visitors for its annual fall Family Weekend Nov. 8-10.
Each of us can help lessen congestion by altering how we travel that day to and from the Corvallis campus, saving time, minimizing hassle and enabling an even better university, visitor and fan experience. We recognize our first priority is safety; followed by ensuring successful academic, research and university business operations; and showcasing Oregon State University and OSU athletics.
We offer a few considerations and options for commuting on Nov. 8:
For those attending the game, an Athletics shuttle service is available from the Benton County Fairgrounds ticket booth beginning at 4:30 p.m. It costs $5 and will run until an hour after the game ends.
Thanks for your help in making Nov. 8-10 an enjoyable weekend for students, visiting families and fans.
Dan Larson
Vice Provost
Student Affairs
23 October 2019
Oregon State community members:
We are pleased to announce the opening of nominations for the 2020 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Awards.
This year, nominations will be accepted for four awards – the Phyllis S. Lee Award, the Frances Dancy Hooks Award, the Oscar Humberto Montemayor Award, and for the first time the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Alumni Legacy Award. More information about all four awards can be found on the 2020 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Awards website.
Award winners and nominees will be honored at the 38th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Peace Breakfast on January 20, 2020.
Each award is accompanied by a $500 stipend.
Nominations will be accepted until Friday, November 15, 2019.
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Alumni Legacy Award
Established this year in partnership with the OSU Alumni Association, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Alumni Legacy Award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated a deep and abiding commitment to causes of social justice, diversity, equity and inclusion and who exemplify and enrich OSU’s values of community, diversity, respect and social responsibility in their broader community or organization.
Learn more and submit a nomination for the 2020 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Alumni Legacy Award.
The Oscar Humberto Montemayor Award
The Oscar Humberto Montemayor Award was created to honor Oscar, who served the Oregon State community with diligence and grace over a thirty-year career. The award honors an Oregon State student who embodies Oscar’s ethos of selfless service; steady, strong, considerate leadership; and trailblazing spirit and heart.
Learn more and submit a nomination for the 2020 Oscar Humberto Montemayor Award.
The Phyllis S. Lee Award
The Phyllis S. Lee Award honors a member of the Oregon State community who exemplifies Dr. Lee’s commitment and dedication to social justice and the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Learn more and submit a nomination for the 2020 Phyllis S. Lee Award.
The Frances Dancy Hooks Award
The Frances Dancy Hooks Award recognizes Oregon State students, staff or faculty who exemplify Frances Dancy Hooks’ work: building bridges across cultures, showing courage in promoting diversity, and proudly “Walking the Talk.”
Learn more and submit a nomination for the 2018 Frances Dancy Hooks Award.
Please reach out the Office of Institutional Diversity with any questions.
Warm Regards,
The Office of Institutional Diversity
The 2020 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee
To the OSU Community:
Ballots for the November 5th Special Election were mailed to most voters this week. If you are registered to vote and have not received your ballot, please contact your county elections office to check on your voting status:
Benton County Elections Department:
(541) 766-6756, https://www.co.benton.or.us/elections
Deschutes County Elections Department:
(541) 388-6547, http://www.deschutes.org/clerk/page/elections-and-voting
For all other county elections offices in Oregon:
http://sos.oregon.gov/elections/Pages/countyofficials.aspx
You can also check the status of your ballot at “My Vote”: http://sos.oregon.gov/voting-elections/Pages/default.aspx
In order to be counted, your ballot must be received by a County Elections Office or deposited in an official ballot drop site no later than 8:00 p.m. on Election Day: Tuesday, November 5th.
Note: Postmarks do not count. The ballot must be deposited or received by November 5th. If you are mailing your ballot, in order to ensure that it is received in time, mail it no later than Thursday, October 31st.
There is an official ballot drop site on the OSU Corvallis Campus: OSU Valley Library. Library hours of operation are:
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Closes at 10:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – no closing
For official ballot drop sites throughout Oregon: http://www.sos.state.or.us/dropbox/
Note: On Election Day all official ballot drop sites will be open until 8:00 p.m.
More information for student voters can be found here: https://sos.oregon.gov/voting/Pages/student-voters.aspx
For additional voting and election information from the Secretary of State’s website: http://www.oregonvotes.gov/
We hope you will take time to participate in the November 5th Special Election.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ray
President
OSU Corvallis campus faculty, staff and students,
Oregon State University was informed this week by Oregon State Police of the agency’s decision to terminate its law enforcement services for OSU’s Corvallis campus, citing the need to focus OSP personnel and resources on statewide policing needs.
We thank Oregon State Police and its many staff members and troopers who have served our Corvallis campus since the mid-1980’s.
To provide for an orderly transition of campus licensed law enforcement services, OSP personnel will remain on-campus, fully serving OSU until June 30, 2020.
Campus safety remains our highest priority. University administrators are actively evaluating short-term and long-term needs for campus law enforcement — and identifying and evaluating alternative service providers — to assure there is no lapse in service.
We will share more information as it is available.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ray
President
Welcome back, Beavs!
On behalf of ASOSU and Information & Technology, we hope that this new academic year has started smoothly for you all. We value your opinions and experiences, so we created a quick opportunity to provide feedback via survey focusing on your knowledge about the data that the University collects relevant to you and how you would like that information to be used. Logging into academic interfaces such as Canvas and MyDegrees, accessing Scheduler, and swiping your ID card at different locations are all actions that create a record of engagement for you.
Data security and transparency are important to both students and OSU. OSU seeks information on how you perceive the gathering of data and your thoughts about the ways that data could best support students’ learning experience and enhance your success. Your voice is critical to providing that support. Completing this survey will inform OSU about your knowledge, ideas, and concerns regarding student data collection, which will enable the university to better serve you in your courses and beyond.
The survey is anonymous and should take approximately 15 minutes to complete and will be open until the end of the day on November 8. Upon completion, you will have the option to enter a separate drawing to win one of twenty-five $20 Amazon gift cards. If you select the option to participate in one of the focus groups during winter term, you will have the opportunity to tell OSU more about your ideas on issues related to the collection and use of your data. The survey data will be analyzed and results shared later this year.
To access the survey, click here.
Thank you for your participation! Survey results will be communicated during winter term. For questions, please contact Robin Pappas, Instructional Innovation Program Manager for University Information & Technology: [email protected]. Questions you want to share with fellow students? Email [email protected].
Sincerely,
Rachel Josephson, ASOSU President and Kylie Boenisch, ASOSU Vice President
Brian Chavez, ASCC President
October 22, 2019
Oregon State University is pleased to announce the launch of a revised Code of Student Conduct to reflect a renewed Sexual Misconduct and Discrimination Investigation and Resolution Process for Complaints against Students (Student Process). The revisions are effective immediately and will continue to enhance the University’s ability to create and maintain a safe and equitable environment for our students to learn, explore, work, innovate and thrive. The revisions are a result of a thorough evaluation of Title IX requirements and OSU’s commitment to provide students with processes that are fair and equitable.
The renewed code’s key enhancements include:
The renewed student investigation and resolution process enhancements include:
The Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards in collaboration with the Office of Student Life and the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will continue to work with students, faculty and staff to develop outreach programs and promotions that inform all members of our community of our shared expectations for behavior and the processes that will be used for addressing allegations of student misconduct.
As the new academic year continues, we look forward to engaging with our new and returning students to campus and providing students with an environment that supports student success. The staff of Student Conduct & Community Standards is here to provide information, guidance and support. The Code of Student Conduct can be found here. We encourage you to reach out to our office at [email protected] or by calling (541) 737- 3656 if you would like to learn more about changes to the Code of Student Conduct and the Student Process.
Kevin A. Dougherty, Ed.D.
Associate Vice Provost & Dean of Students
Oregon State University
Carol Millie
Director, Student Conduct & Community Standards
Oregon State University
Kim D. Kirkland, Ed.D.
Executive Director and Title IX Coordinator
Office of Equal Opportunity and Access
Oregon State University
Dear Students,
OSU has been the victim of a recent spike in phishing emails as part of a nationwide malware campaign that is targeting universities. Many of these emails try to trick you into thinking something business related needs your attention. They also either have a link they ask you to click or an attachment to open, both of which are malicious.
Here is an example of this type of phishing email, pretending to be from Oregon State:
/sites/registrar.oregonstate.edu/files/image-album/phishing.png
If you receive any emails like this, or any other email that seems suspicious, please forward that message as an attachment to [email protected] . Please note that due to the high volume of messages we receive, our phishing response team won't be able to reply to every submission, but if you have specific questions please include them in your email and we'll respond.
If you have previously received a suspicious email and clicked on a link, or opened any attachments in a message like this please contact your local IT Support Team and they'll help you make sure your account and system stays safe.
If you're interested in learning more about this series of attacks, copy and paste the following urls into your browser to view the articles below:
https://www.cybereason.com/blog/one-two-punch-emotet-trickbot-and-ryuk-steal-then-ransom-data
https://securityboulevard.com/2019/10/a-closer-look-at-the-emotet-banking-trojan/
https://isc.sans.edu/diary/Emotet+malspam+is+back/25330
https://www.proofpoint.com/us/threat-insight/post/threat-actor-profile-ta407-silent-librarian
David McMorries | Chief Information Security Officer | Office of Information Security
University Information and Technology | Oregon State University
1500 SW Jefferson Avenue | Corvallis, OR 97331
https://uit.oregonstate.edu/ois
Oregon State University community members,
I am writing to share an update and my concerns regarding the off-campus arrest Sunday by Oregon State Police of an OSU student while riding her bicycle. And I write to offer my sincere interest in the well-being of our student involved in this matter.
The university remains engaged in gathering complete information about what occurred. Early this week in an effort to understand the full context of the event, we reviewed both the on-line videos posted by members of the public and body camera video footage of the entire episode provided by Oregon State Police.
Upon considering the context of these videos, we immediately communicated with law enforcement authorities sharing our concern regarding what was portrayed in the videos. We also asked that law enforcement policies and practices by Oregon State Police — and other local law enforcement agencies associated with OSU — be examined for evidence of implicit and explicit bias.
This week, university staff have offered support services to this student and other members of the OSU community affected by this matter. This includes sharing information about services available through ASOSU’s office of legal services.
We will continue to emphasize the need for law enforcement authorities to de-escalate situations involving OSU students. Let me be clear, this matter is sufficiently troublesome that unless its resolution is satisfactory to OSU, we will reassess the value of continuing a campus law enforcement service agreement with Oregon State Police.
At the same time, we recognize that a comment made earlier this week to a reporter that the university believed there was no indication of bias in this matter was inappropriate, hurt our community and should not have been made, as it added to the challenges of this week. This comment has since been clarified by the university’s spokesman in further statements to the media indicating OSU cannot judge bias based upon the video evidence.
Going forward, we will seek continued information to shed light on this situation, determine how implicit or explicit bias played a role, and communicate with law enforcement agencies to address our concerns. I and other university administrators will meet with students, faculty, staff and police to discuss and provide for programming that will inform and build safe and positive relationships between our students and law enforcement.
Along the way, I will update the community further on this matter and OSU’s continuing efforts with our faculty, staff, students and community partners to provide a welcoming, inclusive and safe community.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ray
President
OSU colleagues and students,
As you may recall, President Ray called upon the Oregon State University community last spring to help address the growing – and yet solvable - problem of food insecurity at OSU.
I am writing to update you on university efforts since then. While we have begun to better address the problems associated with hunger, we must remain just as focused on these efforts as we are on other aspects of student success.
We recognize that each day, too many of our students miss meals, worry about how to feed their families and face difficult decisions about how to spend limited funds on books and course materials, utilities or groceries. I hope we all agree that effective and complete learning cannot occur on a consistently empty stomach.
The efforts to address hunger will not solely be institutional. This fall, we will launch an OSU Food Insecurity Task Force made up of students, faculty and staff to strategically inform our efforts. ASOSU President Rachel Josephson and I have charged this task force, which will be co-chaired by Kevin Dougherty, associate vice provost for Student Affairs and dean of students, and Sarah Cunningham, OSU instructor and coordinator of the Food in Culture and Social Justice program. The task force will include university colleagues, who are conducting local and national research, scholarship and public policy work regarding food insecurity, as well as students and staff who are delivering campus-based programs and services. There is a role for each of us within the work of this task force. Those interested in contributing to this effort should contact Kevin to share ideas and become engaged.
Progress is being made to expand OSU’s food assistance programs in many areas, including:
Certainly, we have more to do to fully address the challenge issued by President Ray last spring. Working together, I am confident that we will. Meanwhile, I am encouraged by the growing level of community interest and engagement on these important topics to support all students and their needs both inside and outside of the classroom.
If you are personally interested in helping further, a few suggestions follow:
I look forward to working with you and all members of the university community to address food insecurity. Throughout the year, I will continue to provide updates as we make progress on this important issue.
Dan Larson
Vice Provost for Student Affairs
Oregon State University
OSU community members,
Welcome to the new academic year. As we mark the beginning of classes, we want to share a reminder that Oregon State University is committed to providing support for students, faculty and staff in our community whose observance of their religious beliefs may have an impact on classes, schedules and dietary needs.
We request that faculty work with students as outlined in OSU’s Religious Accommodation of Students Policy. It is incumbent on the student making the request to notify the faculty member as soon as possible prior to the need for the accommodation. Students should work directly with their faculty member on these requests according to OSU’s religious accommodation policy. Meanwhile, faculty and staff are able to approve requests for religious accommodations but must first contact Equal Opportunity & Access if denying a request.
Because of the timing of some holidays, we recognize it may not always be possible for students to contact faculty/staff for accommodations in advance as outlined in our religious accommodations policy. For this reason, we request that faculty work with students who miss required activities due to these religious holidays, and provide accommodations to make up any missed work deliverables or course material within a reasonable amount of time.
In addition to the above information, this email provides resources about Oregon State’s Corvallis and OSU-Cascades “quiet spaces,” which can be used for meditation, reflection and prayer. Additionally, with this email, we are providing information about different dining and food options available on our campuses in Corvallis and at OSU-Cascades.
If you have any questions, concerns or recommendations, please do not hesitate to directly contact the Office of Student Life or OSU’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Access.
Thank you for assisting our students in balancing their academic schedules, employment duties and religious observations. I wish you all a great academic year.
Kevin A. Dougherty, Ed.D.
Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs & Dean of Students
OSU Resources
Quiet Spaces:
Quiet spaces are offered on the Corvallis campus in the Student Experience Center 3rd floor (hours of operation are Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.) and the International Living Learning Center (ILLC) Multi-Faith Room, located on the 4th floor. The cultural resource centers have the following quiet spaces available: Asian & Pacific Cultural Center quiet space, Lonnie B Harris Black Cultural Center quiet space, Centro Cultural César Chávez quiet space, Ettihad Cultural Center quiet space, Native American Longhouse Eena Haws Sacred Space, Pride Center reflection garden, and Hattie Redmond Women's & Gender Center quiet lounge. For OSU-Cascades, a quiet space is offered on campus in the Reflection Room, Tykeson Hall 208. For all spaces listed, no reservations are required and are open on a first-come, first serve basis.
Dining and Food Options:
Any student in Corvallis practicing a Halal or Kosher diet who needs to develop a plan that will meet dietary needs for upcoming holidays and beyond; who has suggestions about specific foods that could be added to our convenience stores and dining halls; or who needs to discuss access to space for meal preparations, etc., should contact Tara Sanders, registered dietitian in University Housing & Dining Services by calling 541-737-3915 (office) or 541-602-9736 (cell).
Additionally, food in all UHDS dining centers is labeled for dietary preferences and allergen needs. UHDS carries many Halal and Kosher certified packaged goods as well as a variety of whole foods (fruits, vegetables, dairy and grains) at Cascadia Market in the International Living Learning Center building. For more information about all available food options, restaurants and menus, please visit the University Housing & Dining Services website.
Dining Manager Marta Givens ([email protected]) at OSU-Cascades will assist students with special food needs. Meanwhile, Housing Manager Heather Holton ([email protected]) can help students living in residence who need access to meal preparation space.
To request this information in an alternative format please contact [email protected].
Oregon State University students,
You may have seen or read recent news reports regarding a national outbreak of severe lung illnesses associated with vaping and the use of e-cigarettes.
This e-mail is to alert you that the Oregon Health Authority last week reported Oregon’s second vaping-related death. Nationwide, the federal Centers for Disease Control has reported 13 deaths and more than 800 cases of serious illness involving vaping. These cases are primarily youth and young adults.
In light of the growing number of cases and the ongoing investigation to determine the cause, the Oregon Health Authority is warning all Oregonians to stop using vaping products or e-cigarettes.
Those who want to break their nicotine addiction – or need help to stop vaping – should visit https://smokefreeoregon.com; call 1-800-QUIT-NOW; or see a health care provider about FDA-approved nicotine replacement options, such as skin patches, gum, lozenges, and medication. Student Health Services has cessation nurses available who can help – call to make an appointment: 541-737-9355. There is no cost to you as a student to access this support.
Here is additional educational information about vaping and e-cigarettes from the American Lung Association:
Sincerely,
Dan Larson
Vice Provost of Student Affairs
Jenny Haubenreiser
Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs
Executive Director of Student Health Services
2019 Annual Security & Fire Safety Report; 2018 & 2017 Updates
Notice of Availability
The 2019 Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports include the current security policies and the crime and fire statistics for 2018, 2017, and 2016 at each of the four Oregon State University campuses. Contact information for various campus and community resources related to crime prevention and survivor assistance is in the body and appendix of the reports.
Oregon State publishes these reports in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act.
Paper copies of these reports can be obtained at the following locations:
A copy of the annual report for any campus can also be requested by emailing [email protected]. These reports are available without charge. Please click on the links below to immediately access digital copies.
The flagship campus that's building a smarter, healthier, more prosperous and more just future.
The coastal campus and base for oceanographic research with a leading marine laboratory.
The result of a 30-year grassroots effort to bring a four-year university to central Oregon.
A program to serve the needs of communities in Eastern Oregon and the Intermountain West.
Updated 2018 and 2017 Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports – Notice of Availability
On September 26, 2019, Oregon State received revised crime statistics for 2016 and 2017 from Eastern Oregon University, where the OSU Agriculture and Natural Resources Program is co-located. In 2019, two additional public property liquor arrests in Corvallis were also found to have been reported in 2017. According to U.S. Department of Education policy, we are required to provide employees and students with an updated Annual Security and Fire Safety Report for 2018 and 2017. Below are links to these reports with updated statistics. To access these reports, please click on any of the links: 2018 Corvallis Campus ASFSR, 2018 OSU-EOU ASFSR, and 2017 ASFSR (OSU-EOU update).
If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Steve Clark,
University Relations and Marketing at 541-737-3808 or [email protected].
28 September 2019
Oregon State University community members,
We are pleased to inform you that an agreement has been reached on a two-year labor contract between Oregon’s seven public universities and SEIU, the union that represents classified employees. This agreement averts the possibility of a strike by classified workers that may have occurred early Monday morning.
Members of the bargaining teams representing the universities and SEIU reached the agreement early Saturday morning after bargaining throughout the day and night on Friday. SEIU members will vote to ratify the contract settlement in October, with implementation of the agreement’s terms in November. We thank all members of the bargaining teams for their exhaustive efforts since January.
We reiterate our respect for our classified colleagues and our appreciation of the many contributions they provide our students, the university and its mission.
The tentative agreement provides for:
We look forward to our continued collaboration with our classified colleagues, as well as with all university employees, students and stakeholders. It is this collaboration that makes Oregon State University the outstanding university that it is – and a very special place to learn, work, teach, conduct research, and engage in outreach to communities in Oregon and beyond.
Sincerely,
Edward Feser
Provost and Executive Vice President
Michael J. Green
Vice President, Finance and Administration
Oregon State University students,
We are writing to provide an update on contract bargaining occurring jointly between Oregon’s seven public universities and SEIU, the union that represents classified employees.
Classified colleagues provide important services at OSU, including working in our residence halls, dining centers, colleges, custodial and facility services departments, IT, enrollment management, libraries, student health services and many other divisions.
As of this morning, negotiations between the universities and SEIU continue, and we remain committed to reaching a settlement. We reiterate our respect for our classified employees’ labor rights and the many contributions that classified colleagues provide our students, the university and its mission.
While we are optimistic that we can reach agreement – and avoid a strike that union members have announced will occur Monday morning, Sept. 30 – we are writing to provide information as to how the university will operate should a strike occur.
In the event of a strike, we ask that everyone remain committed to preserving the friendly and collegial culture that exists among faculty, staff and students throughout the Oregon State University community.
If a strike occurs on Monday, we remind you that all students will be expected to attend classes. And student workers will be expected to report to their positions as scheduled.
Should a strike occur Monday, university operations will emphasize continuing the university’s essential teaching, research and outreach activities. We share that some operations will be affected:
We will continue to provide additional updates as information is available.
Sincerely,
Dan Larson
Vice Provost
Student Affairs
