Archived Student Email Logs 2022-2023

From: Office of the President

Dear OSU Community Members,

With great excitement and appreciation, I write to share incredible news about Oregon State University.

Last night, the university and the OSU Foundation launched “Believe It: The Campaign for Oregon State University” – OSU’s second university-wide fundraising and engagement campaign. The campaign seeks to raise $1.75 billion to support OSU priority initiatives – including student access and success, faculty positions, academic programs, research, statewide community engagement programs, OSU Athletics and facilities on our Corvallis campus and at OSU-Cascades in Bend.

Please join me in celebrating a remarkable accomplishment: More than 56,000 people have already made gifts to the Believe It campaign totaling more than $1 billion.

I share my heartfelt appreciation to all who have contributed to this fundraising and engagement campaign so far – and believe so profoundly in Oregon State University and its mission to provide excellent teaching, transformative research, and service and engagement across Oregon and beyond. I also thank the leaders and staff of the OSU Foundation and those who support the university through their service and engagement as employees and volunteers.

The foundation has received $100 million in gifts to launch OSU’s new Collaborative Innovation Complex – a $200 million research and education center. This center will harness one of the nation’s most powerful supercomputers and team-based interdisciplinary research in artificial intelligence, materials science and robotics. And it will bring together students, faculty, staff and partners to solve the world’s greatest challenges, in areas such as climate science, oceanography, sustainability and water resources. The center also will help advance Oregon’s valued semiconductor industry and economy.

This center is supported by a transcendent $50 million gift by OSU College of Engineering graduates Jen-Hsun and Lori Huang. You may know that Jen-Hsun is the founder and CEO of NVIDIA. The Huangs’ gift is thrilling, and their message of belief in OSU is powerful and inspiring. In recognition of their gift, OSU will name the CIC: The Jen-Hsun and Lori Huang Collaborative Innovation Complex.

Last night, Jen-Hsun shared that he envisions the complex as a spaceship to propel OSU students and faculty to new heights and incredible achievements. He said: “These are extraordinary times for Oregon State. These are extraordinary times for the students, the teachers and the researchers of Oregon State.”

We are so appreciative of Jen-Hsun and Lori’s support of the CIC and OSU’s university-wide research and education commitment. Learn more about the CIC from this university news release and please keep up with CIC developments by following this university website and by following on Twitter @OregonStatePres.

The heart of OSU is all the students we teach in person and online through Ecampus, from engineers and oceanographers to writers, musicians and economists; from science and public health majors to pharmacists to veterinarians; from educators to business majors to foresters and agriculture majors.

This university commitment is supported by the incredible Believe It campaign. This commitment also is embodied in the leadership and philanthropy of OSU graduate Pat Reser, who has invested significantly in the arts to ensure that Oregon State will not only be a globally recognized research university, but a university that also provides its students with access to extraordinary opportunities in the arts.

Last night, in recognition of Pat’s leadership gift, we announced that the arts and education complex under construction on the Corvallis campus will be called the Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts.

I am so appreciative of Pat and her support for arts programs, faculty, students and facilities that over the past decade totals more than $36 million in transformative gifts.

I am confident that the Believe It campaign and the philanthropic and service contributions of donors and stakeholders will continue to advance the impact and momentum of this incredible university.

With such support – and with incredible faculty, staff and students – OSU will continue to expand pathways for success for all learners and contribute to the prosperity of communities throughout Oregon, the nation and the world.

None of this is possible without your collective engagement – your knowledge, your energy, your enthusiasm, your commitment and your service.

At Oregon State University, we are better together, and together we will continue to achieve the unbelievable.

Sincerely,

Jayathi Y. Murthy, President

From: Associated Students of Oregon State University

Dear OSU Students,

We write to you today to express our support for all students currently being affected by the violence in Iran, as students, women, and young people are protesting for a more open, just, and free Iranian society. We stand with you in the struggle for freedom of expression and the expansion of fundamental human rights.

We have heard from a significant number of international students that this violence is negatively impacting them deeply. We wanted to let you know of some student support resources that ASOSU is offering at this time that could be of help.

The ASOSU International lounge will be located in MU 115 (The room to the left of the main lounge area). The hope is that during this pilot year we will be able to gather student usage and needs by doing programming, recording attendance, and sending out surveys from this space. We are in the process of hiring student workers to staff this lounge, but it is currently open and will remain an open lounge during the Memorial Union’s hours of operation. This space will serve as a gathering area for the international community on campus.

In conjunction with this, ASOSU is also launching a pilot program for a Disabled student cultural lounge, we do not currently have a dedicated space to run this out of, but will be hiring workers to specifically advocate and push for the addressing of this group’s needs. If you are interested in learning more you can keep an eye on our website (asosu.oregonstate.edu) as well as our social media @asosugov

There will be a demonstration in solidarity with the Iranian People on Monday October 17 from 2-3 pm at the MU steps, if you wish to express your support for this community and impacted Students and community members, please feel free to join!

If you have any questions about the International lounge or Disabled Students lounge, or anything else, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected]

Best,

Matteo Paola                           JoJo Namuddu                                                                                Angelina Wescott
ASOSU President                     ASOSU International &  Multicultural Coordinator                      ASOSU Public Relations Director

From: Office of Institutional Diversity

Dear OSU Community Members,

I write to express Oregon State University’s support for students, faculty, staff and OSU community members who are affected by violence in Iran that has accompanied demonstrations across the country.

In the past few weeks, over 185 people have been reported to have been killed while protesting the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died in custody after being jailed for allegedly defying the state dress code for women. These demonstrations have been largely led and organized by women from across Iranian society who seek expanded rights and accountability.

We mourn for Mahsa, her family and those who have been impacted by this violence. And we stand in support of those in Iran and around the world who seek the expansion of fundamental human rights and rights to free expression.

This violence has significantly affected many OSU community members, including those whose families are in Iran and those who graduated from Iranian universities where violence has occurred. Communications between Iranians studying or working at OSU and family members back home also have been impeded.

The situation in Iran continues to evolve and the university will continue to directly support affected OSU community members. For those seeking additional support, students should visit the OSU Student Resources site and employees can connect with the university’s Beyond Benefits Employee Assistance Program.

As community members, we can each engage by learning more about these events and seeking out opportunities to provide care and support for those affected within the Oregon State University community and beyond.

Sincerely, Scott A. Vignos, Interim Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer

From: Office of the President

Dear OSU Community Members,

Today, throughout Oregon State University and across the country, we celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Occurring each year on the second Monday in October, this day provides an important opportunity to celebrate the resilience and ongoing contributions of Native and Indigenous communities, while reflecting on the legacy and continuing impacts of colonialism.

Because of efforts led by OSU students in 2015, Corvallis was among the first cities in Oregon to formally acknowledge Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This year, all OSU community members are invited to attend an Indigenous Peoples’ Day commemoration today at 5:30 p.m. at the LaSells Stewart Center on the Corvallis campus. A live-stream of the event will be available at: https://beav.es/53C.

This year’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day also marks an important step forward for OSU’s commitment to Native and Indigenous communities. I am pleased and honored to announce today the formation of the Oregon State University President’s Commission on Indigenous Affairs.

This commission will work directly with the president, provost, vice president and chief diversity officer, university leaders and community members to:

• Advance positive institutional change to support Indigenous students, faculty and staff.
• Promote excellence in Indigenous research and scholarship.
• Cultivate a university culture that honors and values Indigenous perspectives and knowledge.

As a land-grant institution created by the 1862 Morrill Land Grant Act, Oregon State University has a special obligation to serve and be of enduring benefit to Tribal nations and Indigenous communities in Oregon and throughout the country. In 2018, OSU adopted a land acknowledgement making clear its commitment to Indigenous communities within and beyond the university.

To advance this commitment, OSU has sought to make the university more accessible to Native and Indigenous learners by:

• Providing in-state tuition to any enrolled member of a federally recognized Tribe across the nation, which complements a state of Oregon program that provides support for the full cost of college attendance to enrolled members of the nine federally recognized Tribes of Oregon.
• Increasing opportunities for Native and Indigenous student success through the New Beginnings for Tribal Students program, the opening of the Dr. Larry Griggs Center for Black and Indigenous Student Success, and creating an Indigenous Mental Health and Wellness position in Counseling and Psychological Services;
• Cultivating spaces for community building through the Kaku Ixt Mana Ina Haws and the munk skukum Living-Learning Community;
• Elevating Indigenous scholarship and research opportunities through a new Indigenous Studies minor in the School of Language, Culture and Society; hiring the first associate dean and director for Tribal initiatives in the College of Forestry and offering courses that incorporate and amplify traditional ecological knowledge.

The President’s Commission on Indigenous Affairs will provide additional opportunities to make positive change within the university and build strong, enduring relationships with Native and Indigenous communities at OSU and throughout the state and country.

The President’s Commission on Indigenous Affairs joins two other presidential commissions ­–  the President’s Commission on the Status of Women and the President’s Commission on the Status of Black Faculty and Staff Affairs – that contribute to advancing the university’s inclusive excellence mission in unique and important ways.

I am honored to acknowledge Indigenous Peoples’ Day and look forward to collaborating with members of the new President’s Commission on Indigenous Affairs.

Sincerely,

Jayathi Y. Murthy, President

From: Office of the President

Dear OSU Community Members,

The 2022 Oregon General Election will be held Nov. 8, 2022, and we hope that everyone eligible to vote in Oregon will participate in the democratic process and exercise their right to vote. In order to participate in the Nov. 8 election in Oregon, you must be registered to vote by Oct. 18.

Oregon residents can register to vote, confirm or update their voter registration, and learn more about voting by visiting the state’s election website.

Please note:

• If you have moved, changed your name and/or signature, or changed your party affiliation since the last election, you should fill out a new voter registration.
• Students may register to vote using a university address or a permanent home address. If you choose to register using your permanent home address but would like your ballot sent to your school address, you will need to apply for an absentee ballot.
• If your residential address differs from your mailing address – for example, you are a student or professional staff member who lives in a residence hall – both addresses must be included when you register to vote. The residential address determines the voting district and the mailing address ensures that you receive your ballot.

Democracy in America relies on voter participation. We are fortunate to live, work and go to school in a state that makes participation easy. Please take the time to register to vote and cast your ballot in the November general election and future elections.

Sincerely,

Jayathi Murthy, President, Oregon State University

Kate McTavish, President, OSU Faculty Senate

Matteo Paola, President, Associated Students of Oregon State University (ASOSU)

Taha Elwefati, President, Associated Students of Cascades Campus (ASCC)

From: Division of Student Affairs

Dear OSU Community Members,  

We are quickly approaching the launch of Oregon State’s second university-wide fundraising and engagement campaign to support strategic OSU initiatives.

Philanthropic donations to the campaign will raise funds for student scholarships and endowed faculty positions, support construction of new and renovated buildings, and invest in success for student-athletes and Beaver athletics. Engagement goals of the campaign seek to involve alumni and OSU stakeholders in efforts to support student success, enhance diversity and inclusion and advocate on behalf of the university.

OSU’s first university-wide campaign ended in December 2014 having raised $1.142 billion. It provided support for more than 600 scholarship funds, 79 endowed faculty positions, more than two dozen facility projects and other university priorities.

The launch of second campaign coincides with this year’s Homecoming Weekend Oct. 14-16. It will include the reveal of a stunning art installation on the north side of the Memorial Union Quad, a campaign launch dinner and celebration funded by donors on Friday, Oct. 14, and game-day when OSU plays the Washington State Cougars on Saturday, Oct. 15.

The campaign launch dinner will require the installation of a large tent now underway within the Memorial Union Quad. This will result in the MU Quad and its central pathways being blocked through Oct. 21. We recognize that the MU Quad provides key pathways and is a central gathering place for Corvallis campus student activity. Thank you for your patience in navigating any disruption within this area.

While pathways reaching across the center of the Quad will be closed, the path in front of the Memorial Union will remain open for foot traffic as will the SEC Plaza and the brick mall area located on the east side of the Quad. A fence is located around the affected area of the Quad to contribute to safety and security, and enable the operation of equipment needed for installing and removing the tent. 

We are pleased to share that the campaign kickoff also coincides with the reveal of a significant lighted public art sculpture within the Sequoia tree grove on the north side of the MU Quad. This sculpture has been created by acclaimed national artist John Grade and is sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts, the Provost’s Office and other OSU partners in collaboration with the College of Forestry. During installation, climbers will work carefully within the trees to suspend the sculpture and not harm the trees. The outdoor sculpture will remain in place until Dec. 31, 2023, and will include opportunities for arts education programs involving OSU students and local K-12 students.

We share with you our enthusiasm for the launch of the university and OSU Foundation’s next fundraising and engagement campaign and our appreciation for donor, stakeholder and volunteer support for Oregon State University students, faculty, facilities, programs and strategic initiatives.

Sincerely,

Dan Larson, Vice Provost, Student Affairs

Mike Green, Vice President, Finance and Administration

From: University Relations and Marketing

2022 Annual Security & Fire Safety Reports

Notice of Availability

The 2022 Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports include important safety information, a wide range of current security policies, fire safety practices, helpful university and local resources, crime prevention programs, and crime and fire statistics for 2021, 2020, and 2019.

Oregon State University publishes these reports in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. These reports are available without charge. Please click on the links below to immediately access digital copies.

• 2022 Corvallis Campus, Hatfield Marine Science Center, and OSU at Eastern Oregon University Report
• 2022 OSU-Cascades Campus Report

Paper copies of these reports will be provided upon request and can also be obtained at the following locations:

• Corvallis: 200 Cascade Hall, 601 SW 17^th St.
• Bend: 108 Obsidian Hall, 1500 SW Chandler Ave.
• Newport: Director’s Office, 2030 SE Marine Science Dr.
• La Grande: 205 Badgley Hall, One University Blvd.
• Emailing clery.compliance@‌oregonstate.edu

For more information about Clery Act compliance at Oregon State University, please visit https://clery.‌oregonstate.edu/. Here are full URL links to both reports as well:

• https://clery.oregonstate.edu/sites/clery.oregonstate.edu‌/files/2022_asfsr_combined_final.pdf
• https://clery.oregonstate.edu/sites/clery.oregonstate.edu‌/files/2022_asfsr_cascades_final.pdf

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Steve Clark, University Relations and Marketing at 541-737-3808 or [email protected].

From: Division of Student Affairs

Dear OSU Community Members,

The past several years have challenged our community in countless ways, especially when it comes to student mental health. Even before the pandemic, student mental health needs were steadily increasing, both nationally and here at Oregon State. Longstanding OSU resources designed to support students — like Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS), the Student Care Team and Student Health Services — have been stretched to keep up with increasing student needs. Because of this, we have heard of student hesitancy to seek CAPS services due to concerns about wait times. Additionally, community members have requested that OSU provide increased support for students experiencing crisis.

In response, we are pleased to announce two new resources designed to address these concerns that will be available this fall: OSU Assist and Anytime Anywhere: MySSP @ OSU.  

OSU Assist: Mobile Crisis Response

OSU Assist is a multi-disciplinary support team that provides compassionate mobile crisis response and wraparound services for students facing mental health challenges or experiencing other forms of distress. This team brings together new personnel and existing university services to support students facing challenges. By calling 911 or 541-737-7000, OSU Assist will be dispatched in crisis situations that meet certain criteria. This could include instances of suicide ideation, substance abuse issues, survivors seeking support and welfare checks. The team provides serve on the Corvallis campus from Wednesday through Sunday, 1 p.m. to 1 a.m., with hours anticipated to expand in future terms. For more information on this service, visit our website, contact Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Student Care Services Aubrie Piper or attend one of the informational sessions noted below. 

 Anytime Anywhere: MySSP @ OSU App

Anytime Anywhere: MySSP @ OSU is an app that gives all OSU students, including Ecampus students, immediate access by text or phone with a licensed mental health counselor, 24/7 (MySSP stands for “My Student Support Program”). The app makes it easy to schedule short-term counseling appointments with the same ongoing counselor and provides educational materials covering mental health topics. Students can communicate with a counselor in five different languages (Mandarin, Cantonese, French, Spanish or English); additional language options are available upon request. Students can download the Anytime Anywhere: MySSP @ OSU and learn more about the service at beav.es/anytimeanywhere. For questions, please contact Bonnie Hemrick, assistant director of mental health promotion. 

 Supporting Students in Crisis: Informational Sessions

To learn more about these resources and additional OSU support services, we encourage you to attend any of the upcoming informational sessions:

• Monday, Oct. 3, 3:30-5 p.m., Memorial Union 109
• Wednesday, Oct. 12, 3:30-5 p.m., Memorial Union 109
• Tuesday, Oct. 25, 3:30-5 p.m., Memorial Union 109
• Thursday, Nov. 17, 3:30-5 p.m., Zoom | Register for this session

We hope that these new resources will be an important addition to our expanding network of support services. OSU is committed to continually strengthening its culture of care so that we can better assist our students’ evolving needs.       

Supportively,

Dan Larson, Vice Provost for Student Affairs

Kevin Dougherty, Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students 

Ian Kellems, Executive Director of Counseling & Psychological Services

From: Office of Department of Public Safety

Content Warning: This notice contains information that may cause distress.

Dear OSU Corvallis Community Members,

I regret to inform you of a serious off-campus incident that occurred Monday evening, Sept. 26, involving an Oregon State student, who was struck by a vehicle and seriously injured. This incident occurred at approximately 6:21 p.m. at the intersection of Northwest 26^th Street and Northwest Harrison Boulevard.

Based upon initial information gathered during the investigation, Corvallis Police detectives are seeking a beige or champagne-colored, full-size sport utility vehicle similar to a Chevrolet Tahoe, or a beige or champagne-colored full-sized pickup truck with a canopy. Currently, investigators do not have a license plate or make and model for the vehicle. Corvallis Police detectives are seeking any information related to this incident or vehicle, and any video recordings or photographs that may contain images of this or a similar vehicle.

If you have information related to this incident, knowledge of who might have information, or were a witness to this incident, please immediately contact Corvallis Police Detective Mark Smith at 541-766-6976 or by email at [email protected].

If you are impacted by this incident, and need assistance, the following services are available to students and university employees:

• Students may access mental health resources through Counseling and Psychological Services, https://counseling.oregonstate.edu/.
• The Center for Advocacy, Prevention & Education, https://studenthealth.oregonstate.edu/cape, is a confidential resource to support survivors of interpersonal violence.
• The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access, https://eoa.oregonstate.edu/, assists OSU community members by seeking to ensure equitable and inclusive environments for all.
• The OSU Bias Incident Response Hotline is a resource staffed by providers with expertise in bias and may be contacted 24-hours a day by calling 541-737-1731.
• Employees may access care through the Beyond Benefits Employee Assistance Program, https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/current-employees/health-wellness-work-life/employee-assistance-program/beyond-benefits.
• OSU Assist provides mobile crisis response for mental health matters and other forms of distress. It can be reached via Public Safety at 541-737-3010.
• The OSU Department of Public Safety, https://publicsafety.oregonstate.edu/, may be reached 24-hours a day by calling 541-737-7000.

Shanon Anderson, AVP for Public Safety and Chief of Police

Oregon State University, 601 SW 17^th Street, Cascade Hall, Corvallis, Oregon  97331, Phone:  541-737-7854 | Dispatch: 541-737-3010 https://publicsafety.oregonstate.edu/

From: Student Affairs, Faculty Affairs, Human Resources

Greetings OSU Students, Faculty and Staff,

Welcome to the start of the 2022-23 academic year.

In looking at the year ahead -- and the importance of integrating learning, work, family and community, we want to share and highlight a number of unique services and programs that OSU offers on the Corvallis and OSU-Cascades campuses in support of families and those with dependent care needs.

 BABy@OSU  – Corvallis campus

These are summer and winter workshops designed to assist students and employees who have taken a leave of absence for the arrival of a new child and are returning to their work and studies.

Family Resource Center Connections Series – University wide

The Family Resource Center offers ongoing opportunities for connection and support such as Beaver Family Connections to learn about important stages in your child’s development and ElderCare Connections for information on caring for an aging loved one. Other welcoming groups include Employee Parent Connections, Student Parent Connections and Beaver Dads. Virtual programming is available to anyone with an OSU email address.

New Early Care and Education opportunities – Corvallis campus

In addition to long-standing child and youth care programs (Azalea, Beaver Beginnings, Child Development Center and KidSpirit), OSU is providing expanded Our Little Village (OLV) short-term reservable child and youth care, and is launching Dixon Kits, a new infant toddler early care and education program.

Early Care and Education – OSU-Cascades campus

Little Beavs offers full day early care and education centrally located on campus that serves infants through preschool aged children. 

 Care.com – University wide

Care.com offers a web-based listing of services including child care, elder care, pet and house sitting housekeeping services and more. Visit Care.com/OSU to create a free profile using your ONID email address.

 Flexible Work Arrangements  – University wide

In support of work-life balance, OSU offers flexible work arrangements (FWA) in situations where there is a mutual benefit to the employee and university.

 Lactation Support – University wide

OSU’s campuses offer well-appointed lactation rooms, in addition to the Corvallis campus offering free lactation parking permits to facilitate on campus nursing sessions. MilkStork, a breastmilk shipping service, is available to employees and students. For additional information and to obtain a free copy of Nursing Mother, Working Mother contact the Family Resource Center at 541-737-4906 or [email protected]

 Family Spaces – Corvallis campus

The Family Resource Center located within Champinefu Lodge and the Memorial Union Family Lounge, located within the west side of the MU’s main floor living room are comfortable places to spend time with young children. The Family Resource Center offers convenient dedicated parking, kitchen, dining and living rooms, lactation room, shower and laundry facilities, and an outdoor picnic area.

Work Life Webinars – University wide

To help support your work and personal life, OSU offers monthly webinars on a variety of work life topics. Webinars can be viewed and registered for here. If you are not able to watch in real time, links to register enable viewing the recorded webinar within 24 hours.

The Family Resource Center and the University Human Resources Office of Work-Life offer additional programs and support of employees, students and their families, as well as referrals to other campus and community resources. Additionally, please be on the lookout for the calendar of events for next month’s celebration of National Work and Family Month.

Wishing you all the best as we look ahead to another exciting academic year.

Heather Horn, Associate Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

Dan Larson, Vice Provost for Student Affairs

Rick Settersten, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs

From: Office of the Dean of Students

Dear OSU Students,

Welcome back for an exciting and busy academic year at Oregon State University. We are writing to share a reminder regarding religious holidays that university community members may observe, and to confirm that the university is committed to providing support for students, faculty and staff whose observance of their religious beliefs may have an impact on classes, schedules and dietary needs. 

We have requested that faculty and supervisors work with all undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of learning modality, as outlined in OSU’s Religious Accommodation of Students Policy. It is incumbent on the student making the request to notify their faculty member or supervisor as soon as possible prior to the need for accommodation. Students should work directly with their faculty member or supervisor on these requests according to the religious accommodation policy. Meanwhile, faculty and staff are able to approve requests for religious accommodations without consultation, but must first contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access when denying a request.

Because some holidays align closely with the start of the academic year, we recognize it may not always be possible for students to contact faculty and staff for accommodations. For this reason, we have requested that faculty work with students who miss required assignments and activities due to these religious holidays, and provide accommodations to make up any missed work deliverables or course materials within a reasonable amount of time.

Below we provide information regarding dining and food options available on the Corvallis campus 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 the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access.

We wish you all a great start to fall term.

Kevin A. Dougherty, Ed.D., Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs, Dean of Students, [email protected]

Corvallis Campus Resources

Quiet Spaces:

Quiet spaces are offered on the third floor of the Student Experience Center (hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and in the International Living Learning Center (ILLC) Multi-Faith Room, located on the fourth floor. Foot-washing stations are located in the restrooms on the fourth floor of the ILLC. Residence Hall lounges are available to serve as quiet spaces for on-campus residents, as well. No reservations are required and these spaces are available on a first-come, first serve basis.

Dining and Food Options:

Any residential student in Corvallis practicing a faith-based diet, and 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 centers; or who needs to discuss access to space for meal preparations, etc., should visit the housing portal and fill out a dietary needs request for assistance.

Food in all UHDS dining centers is labeled for dietary preferences and allergen needs. UHDS carries many Halal-Friendly 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: https://uhds.oregonstate.edu/menus/nutrition-info-and-special-dietary-needs

OSU-Cascades Resources

Any residential student at OSU-Cascades practicing a faith-based diet, and who needs to develop a plan that will meet dietary needs for upcoming holidays and beyond, should contact Lori Waters, director of auxiliary services, for assistance with special food needs.

Sara Holtzman, wellness coordinator, 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]. Thank you.

From: Public Safety

OSU Community Members,

Welcome to the new academic year. We are excited to see so much activity and energy on Oregon State University’s Corvallis campus.

The safety of the OSU community is a top priority of the university and the Department of Public Safety. At OSU, public safety is a shared responsibility, and we ask for your collaboration.

Students, faculty and staff can contribute to their own and others’ safety by being aware of their surroundings and reporting suspicious behavior or the presence of unusual or suspicious items. If you see something, say something.

The Department of Public Safety is always available to help and respond to your needs. For non-emergency help, please call 541-737-3010. If it’s an emergency, call 541-737-7000 or 911. You may also visit the Department of Public Safety web page to learn more about the Department of Public Safety, and to find information about safety-related topics.

If you do report a matter of concern, please focus on describing the behavior when identifying and describing suspicious activity. Be prepared to describe “Who, what, when, where and why.” For example: Share who you saw. (And also share who else saw the incident you are reporting.)  What did you see? When did you see it? Where did you see it? Why did it appear suspicious or unusual to you?

To help in reporting an item considered suspicious, evaluate if the item is hidden, obviously suspicious and something not typically seen or used within a location. If you see or discover a suspicious item, do not touch it, tamper with it or move it. Call 911 and report the item immediately.

Here are some additional resources to help you this year:

·       OSU Assist provides mobile crisis response for mental health matters and other forms of distress. It can be reached via Public Safety at 541-737-3010.

·       Counseling and Psychological Services offers students mental health support.

·       ASOSU SafeRide is a free service providing OSU students alternative transportation services around campus and within Corvallis and the surrounding area.

·       Guardian App, new this year, is a free service that provides one-button emergency calling and the ability to create a Virtual Escort from your contacts.

·       Beyond Benefits Employee Assistance Program provides resources for OSU employees, including mental health support.

To contribute to your safety and awareness, please sign up for OSU Alert, the university’s text and email alert service that provides time-sensitive information. We encourage you to add a mobile phone number that receives text messages so you can get an urgent message if an incident is under way. If asked for an institution after logging in with your ONID account, please type in “Oregon State University.”

Thank you for your help in contributing to safety within the OSU community.

Shanon Anderson, Associate Vice President for Public Safety and OSU Chief of Police

Kevin Dougherty, Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

From: Leadership - Office of the President

INVITATION

You are invited to an ice cream float social with new president, Jayathi Y. Murthy.

September 21

3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

MU Quad

Stop by for a treat on your first day of classes and meet the 16^th president of OSU.

Questions about the event may be directed to Shari Brumbach by email or calling 541-760-6188.

From: Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President

Dear OSU Community Members,

Welcome to fall and to the start of the new academic year. I write to provide you with updated community health and resource information, including guidance on COVID-19 and Monkeypox (MPV), as well as other ways we all can support our own wellness and community health.

We have launched a new website, Beaver Healthy, that includes information on COVID-19, MPV and influenza, as well as more general health and wellness guidance. All university-level COVID-19 information provided by University Human Resources (for employees) and Student Health Services (for students) is provided on this site. Guidance and information that is campus or location specific is noted and linked.

As you prepare for fall, please familiarize yourself with the Beaver Healthy website and the guidance provided. The following are highlights on our current measures associated with COVID-19 and MVP.

 General COVID-19 information:

The incidence of COVID-19 in Oregon is trending down as of Sept. 12, 2022. Most Oregon counties are within the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) designation of “Low Community Level.” While the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is predicting an increase in COVID-19 cases at the end of September due to waning immunity and people increasingly congregating indoors, there are currently no new variants of concern on the horizon. An updated bivalent booster that targets the current Omicron variant will be available in the days ahead at OSU’s vaccine and booster clinics. Information on vaccine clinics is available on the Beaver Healthy website.

OSU’s COVID-19 response plan is informed by the ACHA’s COVID-19 Considerations for Institutions of Higher Education, Fall 2022. Because the CDC and OHA are no longer providing COVID-19 guidance for higher education institutions, individual universities have greater flexibility to organize their response based on their unique circumstances and locations.

There are four COVID-19 strategies currently operative at OSU, subject to change:

 1.    Isolation:

·       General guidance: Individuals who test positive must isolate for five days. If they have no symptoms or their symptoms are resolving, they may end isolation on day six, provided they wear a well-fitting face covering or mask for five additional days when around others.

·       Classroom setting: As they would if impacted by other illnesses, students testing positive for COVID-19 should contact their teaching instructors to communicate that they will not be able to attend class while symptomatic or in isolation, and to work out arrangements to keep up with coursework. Instructors should not transition their full courses to remote learning if multiple students are in isolation and instead should consult with their unit head before making changes to course delivery.

·       On-Campus housing: Students who test positive will primarily isolate in place, which is in alignment with the ACHA guidance.

2.    Positive case notification:

·       Positive case notification requirements for employees remain in place with modifications. Employees who test positive must inform their supervisor, who must then inform those who were directly exposed to a person with COVID-19 (close contacts) and those present in the affected areas, without identifying the infected employee. Positive COVID-19 notification forms are no longer required. Guidance for employees and supervisors will be included on the HR website.

3.    Testing:

·       While supplies last, OSU will continue to provide free at-home antigen test kits at multiple locations on the Corvallis and Bend campuses. Information on test kit distribution locations is included on the Beaver Healthy site.

4.    Vaccine:

·       There remains strong public health rationale to require vaccinations, and at minimum, the primary series of COVID-19 vaccine. As a result, OSU’s policy requiring proof of primary vaccination series remains in place. Staying up to date on vaccines is the best way to support your immune response and protect against more serious illness. Being up-to-date on your vaccines is widely recommended by CDC, the OHA, and local public health authorities throughout Oregon. 

·       Monthly COVID-19 vaccination clinics are scheduled at the Memorial Union on the Corvallis campus and are promoted on the Beaver Healthy website, as well as on OSU Today. These clinics will provide the new bivalent booster that targets the current Omicron variant. OSU-Cascades will hold a vaccination clinic in October that will dispense flu shots as well.

General MPV Status Update:

 OSU’s MPV (hMPVX/Monkeypox) plan is informed by ACHA’s Emerging Considerations for Addressing MPV in Higher Education Settings guidance as well as guidance from our local public health authority. All MPV information provided by OSU is located on OSU’s Student Health Services (SHS) website.

Per the CDC, MPV is not considered a significant risk on college campuses, but there are community groups that may be impacted and should be aware of current information about MPV. We are sensitive to the need to provide this critical education without stigmatizing members of the community.

Plans are underway to provide education on MPV to the broader community, with Student Health Services (SHS), Samaritan Health Services, the College of Public Health and Human Sciences, OSU Extension, OHA and county health authorities all contributing. Guidelines on how to manage infection and exposure in university residential settings are based on the recent ACHA considerations and CDC guidance for congregate living settings.

We have learned a great deal as a university community over the past few years. As we enter the new academic year in a much stronger place, we are pleased to offer new tools and information to contribute to personal and community wellness. As always, please reach out if you have any questions. Let’s continue working together to support individual and community health.

Thank you,

Dan Larson, Vice Provost for Student Affairs, OSU Coronavirus Response Coordinator

From: Office of the President

Dear OSU Community Members,

I am thrilled to join the university community, begin my service as Oregon State University’s 16^th president and engage as a new Oregonian.

I greatly appreciate the warm welcome I have received from so many faculty, staff, students, donors and alums, and from all corners of the OSU community.

I thank Becky Johnson for her leadership as interim president this past year and President Emeritus Ed Ray for his many contributions and visionary guidance during his 17 years as president. I also thank members of the OSU Board of Trustees for their thoughtful leadership and service.

I look forward to joining you at University Day activities Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at the LaSells Stewart Center as we begin the new academic year with an awards celebration, keynote speech, panel discussion, a prize drawing, and an OSU community lunch served by me, other university leaders, and University Housing and Dining Services staff.

In the weeks ahead, I also will be pleased to meet you, learn from you and engage with you to help advance the university’s mission of service to the state, Oregonians, the nation and the world.

A top priority of my service as president will be personal engagement – my engagement throughout OSU campuses in Bend and Corvallis, at university locations statewide, and with community, business and education partners across Oregon and beyond.

While I begin my role as a president, please know that I am first and foremost a teacher. I am inspired by students, and I am committed to advance success for all students, most importantly their graduation. Without question, students taking classes on our Corvallis and Bend campuses and through Ecampus distance learning are the heart of this great university. In the years ahead, lifelong learning delivered by the university for all ages across Oregon will grow in importance.

I recognize that commitment and action are needed to advance inclusive excellence, which must define OSU and the university’s teaching, student services, research and community service.

As Oregon’s statewide land grant university, OSU is ideally qualified to advance the ideal that higher education is a public good. As your president, I will increase access to public higher education throughout the state by working with the governor, legislators and state leaders, as well as leaders at other Oregon universities and community colleges.

As I look around this phenomenal university, I see evidence everywhere of great momentum and excellence.

Working with OSU faculty and staff, administrators, donors, alumni and stakeholders, I pledge to build on this excellence and momentum by helping advance the incredible teaching, research discovery, innovation, scholarship and engagement occurring throughout OSU.

We will do this by investing in and continuing the impressive work of Strategic Plan 4.0. In the months ahead, we will work together to fashion an updated university roadmap: Strategic Plan 5.0. We also will advance the excellence, work and impact of the university and student success by engaging with the OSU Foundation in launching the university’s next comprehensive fundraising campaign on Oct. 14.

All of this important work cannot be done alone.

Although I have only been part of this community a short while, I clearly see that in true Beaver spirit, we are better together. And it is through collaboration that we accomplish great things.

I hope to see you soon throughout Oregon State University and across this great state.

Sincerely, Jayathi Y. Murthy, President

From: Office of the President

Dear OSU Community Members,

As I conclude my service today as Oregon State University’s interim president, I write to share my heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity to serve OSU and the university community as president this past year. I am retiring from a career that began in 1984 as an assistant professor in the OSU College of Forestry and led to my work in university administration and service as OSU-Cascades’ leader beginning in 2009.

It has been a true honor to serve in each of these roles and help advance OSU’s mission throughout Oregon and beyond. My life at OSU – and any achievements that have occurred during my time in Corvallis and at OSU-Cascades – have been supported by the collaboration and encouragement of many colleagues, community members, friends and diehard Beavers. You all mean so much to me. Thank you.

Oregon State University is an exceptional institution thanks to the hard work of many. Each day as interim president, I have been inspired by everyone engaged in this great university. I have been impressed by the outstanding contributions that the university provides to this state and the world. These are impacts that I am fully confident will grow with the leadership of incoming President Jayathi Murthy and the OSU Board of Trustees; with the support of the OSU Foundation and OSU Alumni Association; and with your continued engagement.

OSU’s future will continue to be guided by an unwavering commitment to inclusive excellence and success for all.

The past few years have been challenging for all of us. There are many complex and important issues that must be addressed for all people and our world to prosper. I am confident and proud in knowing that this great university and each of you will help to address these matters.

Remember, while we have more work to do, we are stronger and better working together as a community.

While I am retiring to spend more time with family and friends, I assure you that I always will remain a proud and supportive member of Beaver Nation. Lori and I look forward to seeing you at future OSU activities and athletics events in Bend, Corvallis and throughout Oregon.

Sincerely,

Becky Johnson, Interim President

From: Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President

OSU Community Members,

The country of Pakistan is currently experiencing unprecedented flooding because of heavy monsoon rains and accelerated snow melt.

By some estimates, one-third of the country, an area the size of Oregon, is flooded. Thirty-three million people have been impacted and casualties are rising. The flooding also has created significant secondary impacts including lack of access to clean water, food, shelter and medicine.

The impact of the flooding in Pakistan is felt directly at OSU given the number of OSU students, faculty, staff, exchange visitors, alumni and volunteers who call Pakistan home or have family members who live in the country and region. I ask faculty and supervisors of OSU community members with ties to Pakistan to please extend appropriate care and flexibility to employees and students affected by this tragedy.

Impacted OSU students needing assistance may contact the Office of International Services by emailing [email protected]. Additionally, the university is reaching out directly to students from Pakistan to extend offers of care and support. I encourage employees needing support to reach out to the Beyond Benefits Employee Assistance Program.

Sincerely, Edward Feser, Provost and Executive Vice President