Office of the Registrar

From: Office of the President

Dear OSU Community Members,

We are pleased to announce that Oregon State University will hold its 155th commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 15, 2024 in Reser Stadium in Corvallis.

All on-campus and Ecampus students graduating between summer 2023 and summer 2024 are invited to participate in the Corvallis commencement ceremony.

The 23rd commencement ceremony for OSU-Cascades will be held on Sunday, June 16, 2024 in Bend. All OSU-Cascades students graduating between summer 2023 and summer 2024 are invited to participate in the Bend commencement ceremony.

We look forward to recognizing graduates’ academic success and celebrating with their families and friends this June. Visit the university-wide commencement ceremony website and the OSU-Cascades ceremony website for more information.

Thank you for your support and enthusiasm as we prepare to honor Oregon State’s 2024 graduates.

Sincerely,

Jayathi Y. Murthy, President

Edward Feser, Provost and Executive Vice President

From: Cascades Construction Project Manager

Impact Information:

Walk Path from Simpson Lot:

The walk path to/from the Simpson lot will stay open and passable for walking and biking but large dump trucks supporting the construction will be crossing over the pathway. In addition, this Wednesday (1/31) morning starting at 6:30AM until 12:00PM, Andersen Construction will be pouring concrete adjacent to the walk path. There will be an additional flagger at the intersection directing traffic so that concrete trucks can turn around and back up to the concrete pump. See attached map for reference. Use caution, stay alert, follow flagger direction and signage in/around the pathway and construction areas.

Construction Information:

You have likely seen the heavy earth moving equipment and the temporary construction fences our general contractor, Knife River, has setup around the campus. Knife River has begun excavating and sorting the construction and demolition waste in areas of the landfill north of the Century-Chandler parking lot.  As we begin this work we want to inform you about the nature of the work, important safety measures we are taking, and the things you can do for your own safety.

The nature of the work:

This section of the demolition landfill is largely made up of sawdust, cut ends of wood, and boiler ash from Bend’s previous sawmills. It also has some tires, carpet remnants, drywall, roofing, and other items someone would come across when they demolish a home or building. We are excavating this material, sorting it and re-landfilling it using modern techniques in another landfill area in the northwest corner of campus adjacent to the Simpson parking lot. Additional reclaimed soil, which will not include landfill materials, will be used to further fill in the pumice mine beyond the oval green.

Important safety measures:

Pedestrian safety – As noted above pedestrian traffic to and from the Simpson parking lot will be in close proximity to large trucks and other construction equipment moving between the two landfill areas.  Knife River will have flaggers on duty in the crossing where construction and pedestrian traffic meet.  Please stay on the path, follow the flaggers direction, and watch for construction vehicles while walking in this area.  This is not the area of campus to walk with your head down, focused on your phone or with earbuds in.  

Air quality – Some of the waste in the landfill being cleaned up is hot and will generate visible steam, especially in cold weather.  Heat builds up in this landfill as wood in the waste breaks down naturally, similar to what happens in a compost pile but on a larger scale.  Knife River will be using water to control the heat and to keep dust to a minimum.  As part of the health and safety plan developed by our environmental engineering firm in coordination with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, contractors will also be monitoring air quality at the excavation site and with monitors stationed around the perimeter of the work area.  The monitoring data helps us identify and control any unforeseen air quality impacts from the work.

Project Links:

Campus Development Video

Web Camera:  

This is an exciting milestone in the expansion of the campus, and we hope you enjoy watching the work while staying safe.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the construction team at the email/phone numbers below.

 Who to contact with questions/concerns:

• Jarrod Penttila - [email protected]

Associate Director of Capital Planning and Construction

Oregon State University – Cascades

541.706.2163

• Austin Williams - [email protected]

Construction Project Manager

Oregon State University – Cascades

541-706-2205

Thank you,

Austin Williams, Construction Project Manager
Oregon State University – Cascades, Mailing Address: CM 10, 1500 SW Chandler Avenue, Bend, OR 97702, 541-706-2205

From: Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President

Dear Oregon State University Community,

On December 8, 2023, Provost Feser announced the establishment of an AI@OSU Advisory Group that will facilitate the development of an institutional artificial intelligence (AI) strategy that aligns with OSU's new strategic plan, Prosperity Widely Shared: The Oregon State Plan. An AI@OSU Coordinating Team has also been created to serve as a think tank, identifying opportunities for OSU to explore engaging with or investing in AI programs, projects, processes, tools and activities; curating the Future AI website; and engaging the university.

We invite you to join us in exploring what Oregon State University's AI strategy should address and how we will transform OSU’s culture to incorporate AI in all aspects of our mission, values and vision.

To respond to this call, any faculty, staff or student can submit a 1-page Concept Paper at this SUBMIT LINK by the deadline of March 15, 2024, with ideas for how OSU can incorporate, integrate and deploy Artificial Intelligence to achieve the vision outlined in four broad AI domains: AI Education; AI Knowledge, AI Economy and Powered by AI. Note: the link above goes to a Microsoft Form that requires an ONID account.

Thank you for your time and efforts on behalf of Oregon State University!

Sincerely,

Vrushali Bokil, Chair - AI@OSU Advisory Group, Professor and Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, College of Science

Sam Williams, Chair - AI@OSU Coordinating Team, Executive Director, Business Architecture, University Information and Technology

From: Office of Institutional Diversity

Dear OSU students:

The Office of Institutional Diversity invites you to attend the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Keynote Address with Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor on Jan. 31, 2024 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the LaSells Stewart Center on the Corvallis campus.

Please register for the free keynote address, to be delivered in person and via livestream.

Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor is a scholar, author and activist, addressing Black politics, social movements and racial inequality in the United States. She is the Hughes-Rogers Professor of African American studies at Princeton University, and a contributing writer at The New Yorker.

Taylor’s keynote address, titled “The Radical King: Martin Luther King, Jr’s Quest to Reconstruct America”, will explore Dr. King's transformative vision for the nation that is just as relevant today.

Taylor is a 2021 MacArthur Foundation Fellow. She recently authored “Race for Profit: How Banks and the Real Estate Industry Undermined Black Homeownership”, and an expanded edition of her book “From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation” was released in 2021.

Commemoration Events

An important part of the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration are events organized by Oregon State community members across the state to collaboratively honor and carry forward the legacy of Dr. King. A full list of events is available here.

For more information on the 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration, please contact Miguel Arellano Sanchez via email at [email protected].

Accommodation requests related to a disability for the keynote event should be made by Jan. 20 to University Events at 541-737-4717 or events@oregonstate.edu.   

Warm regards,

The 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Committee, Office of Institutional Diversity

From: Chancellor and Dean & Senior Associate Dean

OSU-Cascades faculty, staff and students,

As many of you may have noticed, the recent severe winter weather has put significant stress on our campus facilities, as well as on buildings and facilities throughout Bend and Central Oregon.

At OSU-Cascades the heavy snowfall sustained over a course of days combined with unusually cold temperatures has impacted systems across multiple buildings, including heating, kitchen facilities, roofing, water supply and a fire suppression sprinkler system. The snowfall has also required significant snow removal across campus.

Thanks to hard work from facilities, operations, campus safety, dining and student life staff, we have been able to manage these issues, allowing us to maintain campus operations with minimal curtailments. I’m appreciative of the efforts of our faculty to work around these issues to deliver their courses and continue research efforts.

I’m also grateful to students who have accommodated the necessary changes with patience and understanding.

We ask for your continued flexibility through the coming weeks, as some of these issues may require more time before they are fully resolved. While indoor temperatures are stabilizing, some spaces (particularly in Obsidian Hall) may be slightly cooler than normal because of heating issues, so please be prepared and dress accordingly. Some spaces may be temporarily unavailable, requiring rescheduling, and relevant parties will be informed. Additionally, campus safety will be conducting fire watch patrols, as a precaution.

Again, thank you to so many faculty and staff whose tremendous hard work and resilience over the weekend and throughout the week allowed us to successfully manage these issues.

We’re proud of how our campus community has responded to this challenge, working as a team and supporting others when help is needed. 

Thank you all for your flexibility and understanding.

Sincerely,

Sherm Bloomer                                                                        Christine Pollard

Chancellor and Dean                                                               Senior Associate Dean

From: Office of the President

THURSDAY, JAN. 18 | 4:30-6 P.M.

President’s Winter Celebration
Memorial Union Lounge
Hosted by President Jayathi Y. Murthy

OSU faculty, staff and students are invited to gather for this annual university tradition to celebrate the winter season. Join President Murthy and other university leadership for conversation and reconnection with colleagues and students after the break.

Enjoy beverages and a selection of hors d’oeuvres as we welcome the start of another winter term and a new year! Enjoy the winter wonderland décor, take a selfie at the photo booth, and introduce yourself to President Murthy.

Accommodation requests may be made by calling 541-737-4717 or emailing [email protected].

From: Office of the President

Dear OSU Community Members,

With a heavy heart, I write to share news of the passing of Oregon State University President Emeritus John V. Byrne.

John served as OSU’s 12th president and over many decades significantly contributed to local and state civic causes. His life was distinguished by exemplary public service in Oregon and across the nation, scientific accomplishment, and the warm friendship he shared with colleagues, students, artists and community members.

His career at Oregon State University began in 1960 as a respected marine geologist and pioneering faculty member of what we now know as the College of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, serving as a department chair beginning in 1968 and college dean beginning in 1971. John served as Director of the Hatfield Marine Science Center, Dean of Research and later Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies. In 1981, he was nominated by President Ronald Reagan to serve as the third Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

While John’s academic career helped establish OSU’s international reputation in marine sciences, his tenure as OSU president from 1984 to 1995 was equally impactful. As president, he oversaw the implementation of OSU’s first strategic plan; strengthened OSU’s academic reputation; boosted fundraising and invested in technological infrastructure. John’s presidency is remembered for the expansion and renaming of the Valley Library; the addition of new buildings to support the colleges of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences and the construction and remodeling of athletics facilities; the restoration of an undergraduate honors program within the University Honors College; and the creation of an ethnic studies program.

Upon retiring as president, John remained a prominent member of the OSU community, participating in university and arts events with his beloved wife, Shirley, teaching in the Honors College, furthering his own scholarship, helping to found local arts organizations, and contributing to state and national commissions.

The university we know and love today would be unrecognizable without the many lasting contributions of President Emeritus John V. Byrne.

Please join me in sharing heartfelt condolences and support for his family and those within the OSU community touched by his passing.

Sincerely,

Jayathi Y. Murthy, President

From: Emergency Preparedness Manager

Dear Corvallis students,

Hers is some information about campus conditions today, Saturday, January 13, 2024.

• Campus and city roads/sidewalks are coated with ice and then covered with frozen rain, creating very slippery surface conditions.
• Avoid driving until the icy rain has stopped and deicing treatment can be applied to the roads.
• Minimize travel on campus.  Avoid walking on frozen grass and vegetation so it won’t be damaged.
• Expect icy rain all day Saturday.   

Today

Freezing rain and rain. Ice accumulation of a tenth to one half of an inch. Highs in the lower 30s. North wind 5 to 10 mph with gusts up to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation near 100 percent. Rainfall amounts around one inch.

Tonight

Freezing rain, rain, sleet with a slight chance of snow in the evening, then sleet, rain, freezing rain likely with a chance of snow showers after midnight. Little or no snow accumulation. Ice accumulation of up to a tenth of an inch. Lows around 19. North wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation near 100 percent. Rainfall amounts around a quarter of an inch.  https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?zoneid=ORZ008&zflg=1

• Monitor the OSU main website for updated campus status.  Or check the Campus Status Line at 541-737-8000.
• For more winter weather preparedness information, visit/download the HazAdapt app: https://app.hazadapt.com/hazards/extreme-cold 
• If you do have to go out, leave yourself plenty of travel time and plan your route. 
• Take a lesson from our Antarctic experts and do your best penguin walk to avoid falling (have you ever seen a penguin slip?). https://www.morrishospital.org/health-topics/to-stay-safe-on-snow-or-ice...

Thank you,

Mike Bamberger, CEM®, ORCEM, MEP, Emergency Preparedness Manager
Oregon State University, 601 SW 17th Street, Cascade Hall, Room 264, Corvallis, Oregon  97331

[email protected] | http://emergency.oregonstate.edu

Air Quality:  https://ehs.oregonstate.edu/aqi-map
Weather forecast:  http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/
Snow prediction:  http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/pwpf/wwd_accum_probs.php?fpd=24&ptype=snow&amt=1&day=3&ftype=probabilities
River height/stream gages: http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=pqr
Weather bulletins/updates:  https://www.facebook.com/NWSPortland?fref=nf

HazAdapt - Are you prepared? Download HazAdapt, your on-the-go hazard guide app for everyday emergencies and disasters.  https://app.hazadapt.com/

From: Transportation Manager & Interim Chief Operations Officer

Cascades Students,

Greetings from the campus operations team.  We hope you are enjoying the snow.  The operations team works hard during snow and ice events to keep the campus as safe as possible, and we would appreciate your help in two areas.

1. It is your responsibility to drive in a safe and prudent manner on university property.  University Standard: 07-025 Vehicle Use and Parking on University Property outlines responsibilities for operating a motor vehicle on campus.

Motorized Vehicle Responsibilities

5.4.1. Anyone operating a vehicle on university property must observe Signage, speed limits, barricades, bicycle lanes, crosswalks, stop signs, and all other parking and traffic signs and laws, and must drive in a safe and prudent manner. The speed limit is 15 mph unless Signage directs otherwise. Driving or parking vehicles on sidewalks, lawns, and other areas not designated for driving or parking is prohibited.

Willful violators will be referred to a student conduct officer and could be excluded from parking on campus, among other consequences.  To be clear, driving a vehicle on campus in a way that intentionally pushes the limits of its traction (i.e., intentional skids, drifts, cookies, donuts, j-turns, e-brake maneuvers, etc.) is NOT considered driving in a safe and prudent manner.  For other safe winter driving tips, please watch this short video from AAA.  

2. As the Campus Ops team works hard to keep streets, parking lots and sidewalks clear and safe, we could use your help identifying any problem areas.  If you notice a spot that is particularly slippery or that seems to have been neglected, the best way to get that information to the team quickly is to contact Campus Safety, either in person, or by calling 541.322.3110. 

Thanks for doing your part to keep the campus safe this winter.

Casey Bergh, Transportation Manager

Steve Pitman, Interim Chief Operations Officer 

From: Student Health Services

Dear OSU Students,

Oregon State University is committed to creating a campus environment that fosters wellbeing and supports healthy choices for living. Decisions about the use of alcohol and other substances remain a pressing concern for those on our campus, in our state, and across the nation. The information and resources provided in the attached annual university notification include offerings that may assist in the decision making process. The notification attached provides information about alcohol and substance use prevention and education resources, recovery resources for those who may be struggling with substance abuse or misuse, information regarding short and long-term health risks, as well as federal, state, local, and institutional sanctions.  

OSU provides prevention and education programs related to the use of alcohol and other substances to help community members with responsible use, including:

1. Student Health Services: The Health Equity & Wellness team supports the health and well-being of students through a variety of services, including alcohol and substance use prevention, education, counseling, and recovery support.  
2. OSU-Cascades Student Wellness: Student Wellness supports the emotional, social and physical well-being of OSU-Cascades students to help them reach their academic and personal goals and make the most of their educational experience.
3. Lyra Health: Oregon State University offers a comprehensive mental health and wellbeing benefit for employees through Lyra Health. This is a confidential and no-cost service for employees and their household members. Lyra Health offers a range of services, including access to a network of experienced and culturally responsive mental health professionals, therapists, and counselors who are available for in-person and virtual appointments. The Lyra platform also provides resources for self-guided support and emotional well-being tools to help members manage stress and improve their overall mental health. Employees have access to online resources and eight coaching or therapy sessions per a calendar year.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, help is available. Please see below for supportive resources. A more extensive list can be found in the attached report.

1. Student Health Services Substance Use Counseling: Short-term substance use counseling is available on the Corvallis campus through Student Health Services to students who have paid the health fee. Student Health offers individual sessions with a substance use counselor. These sessions are confidential and can help students create a personalized plan to meet their goals related to reducing or eliminating substance use. To make an appointment, call 541-737-9355.
2. The Joan and Tom Skoro Collegiate Recovery Program (CRP): The CRP seeks to engage and support the OSU community seeking recovery from substance use and those who are contemplating entering into recovery. For more information, call 541-737-9355, send an email to [email protected], or visit https://studenthealth.oregonstate.edu/crc
3. Recovery meetings: Recovery meetings are currently offered in person at the Memorial Union on the Corvallis campus multiple times throughout every week. For more information and an updated schedule, please email [email protected] or visit https://studenthealth.oregonstate.edu/crc
4. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is available on the Corvallis campus to students who have paid the health fee. CAPS is dedicated to addressing the challenges and difficulties students face. To schedule an appointment or learn about services, please visit: http://counseling.oregonstate.edu/ or call 541-737-2131.
5. OSU-Cascades Counseling: Counseling services are free for OSU-Cascades students. Please email [email protected] to make an appointment with a counselor.
6. Lyra Health: This is a confidential and no-cost service for employees and their household members to use. Substance use treatment is built into the Lyra offerings. During intake Lyra screens for substance abuse concerns using evidence-based measures. Lyra providers use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat substance use disorders to help members develop coping skills, prevent relapses, and reduce harmful behaviors. If members need in-patient or long-term care, Lyra’s Care Navigator Team offers high touch, concierge support to help to locate resources through the Advanced Care Coordination program. This includes finding, vetting, and obtaining spots in treatment facilities. Lyra can also give resources and support to family members as they go through the process. Lyra’s are Navigators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be reached via phone at or 1-877-235-7812 or e-mail at [email protected]. Detailed information about how to sign up with Lyra Health is located here: https://beav.es/lyra-health.
7. Employee health insurance coverage for treatment: PEBB Health Insurance plans (PEBB Statewide, Providence, Moda, and Kaiser) provide coverage for substance abuse treatment. For questions or assistance with reaching insurance navigators for each medical plan please contact Employee Benefits in University Human Resources at 541-737-2805 or [email protected].
8. Time off work: Employees seeking treatment for substance abuse may be eligible for time off from work through the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and/or Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA). Contact the Protected Leave Team in University Human Resources at 541-737-5964 or [email protected] for more information.

Please review the attached annual report for more information and reach out if you have any questions or needs. Remember, there is no shame in seeking support.

Warmly,

Amy Frasieur, MS, RDN, LD, she/her/hers
Director of Health Equity & Wellness, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Student Health Services, Oregon State University

From: Office of the President

Dear OSU Community Members,

I am pleased to share that OSU, WSU and all 10 universities departing the Pac-12 Conference announced an agreement in principle that ends litigation, achieves a fair resolution for each university, supports our student-athletes, and promotes the continuing vitality of the Pac-12 Conference.

This agreement marks a huge victory for our university and a significant step toward stabilizing the Pac-12 Conference and preserving its 108-year legacy. As I shared with you in the days following the momentous events of Aug. 4, we believe that preserving the Pac-12 is in the best interests of OSU student-athletes and our university. We will continue to do everything in our control to stabilize and rebuild the conference. Under the negotiated agreement, the departing schools have agreed to forfeit a portion of distributions over the remainder of the 2023-2024 year and provide specific guarantees against potential future liabilities. The conference retains its assets and all future revenues.

From the beginning, our highest priority has been the holistic development and well-being of student-athletes, including their ability to compete at the highest level possible. A scheduling agreement with the Mountain West Conference for the 2024 football season and plans with the West Coast Conference for 10 other sports provide that certainty while minimizing travel time for student-athletes, families and fans. In addition, these agreements allow us the flexibility to keep options open as we assess the future viability of the Pac-12.

Having secured governance of the Pac-12 as its sole board members, OSU and WSU now have an opportunity to chart an unprecedented path. Will this also mean a financial windfall for our athletics programs? No. In fact, the loss of the Pac-12 media rights deal means that our financial projections for 2025 and beyond remain the same, and conference revenues alone cannot make up the more than $40 million annual gap in OSU Athletics funding caused by the departing universities. We continue to need a combination of legislative, institutional and philanthropy support to sustain the program and put OSU in a stronger position for the next potential rounds of conference realignment.

As the state Legislature comes back into session in February, we will again ask for its support. We’ll continue to provide updates on this and other developments resulting from conference realignment at https://beav.es/TBs.

Sincerely,

Jayathi Murthy, President

From: Office of the President

Dear OSU Community Members:

Yesterday, the Washington Supreme Court gave Oregon State University and Washington State University a significant victory, denying a request to review last month’s superior court decision to grant us sole governance of the Pac-12 Conference Board as its only remaining members. We can now begin the hard work of protecting the conference’s assets, addressing its liabilities, ensuring accountability and charting the conference’s path.

This moment should not pass without recognizing the perseverance and strength of Beaver Nation. Thanks to your support for OSU student-athletes, coaches and athletics staff, we have now achieved what we set out to do.

The Beavers will continue to compete as Pac-12 teams into next year. Reser stadium will once again come to life with seven highly competitive home games and an unrivaled fan experience. OSU student-athletes will continue to thrive across 16 sports programs that prioritize their health and well-being, while competing at the highest level possible.

In this era of conference realignment, there is always uncertainty. The world cannot be exactly as it was prior to the momentous events of August 4th. But true to our values and clear in the purpose we share with our community and our state, we continue to rally and secure our own future. 

Go Beavs!

Jayathi Murthy, President

From: Office of the President

INVITATION
President Jayathi Y. Murthy invites you to the President’s Pie in the Plaza!

Tuesday, December 12

3:30-4:30 p.m.
SEC Plaza
Take a break from studying for a piece of pie and a hot beverage with the president and other senior leaders of the university.
For questions please contact Shari Brumbach by email or calling 541-760-6188.

From: Leadership

Dear Oregon State Colleagues:

Over the past two months, the conflict in Israel and Gaza has resulted in loss of lives, destruction and suffering that many members of our OSU community have felt personally and profoundly. In our ongoing work to support students and employees, we continue to hear how they are feeling within the OSU and local communities:

• “I have been shaken to my core and I don’t know who I can trust to understand what we’re going through.”
• “I feel like I’m constantly being looked at and judged for things I had no part in.”
• “I have family and friends who are suffering and I feel helpless here.”

Listening to these stories illuminates the various impacts of this conflict on members of our OSU community. It is essential we commit to understand each other as members of communities with diverse, interwoven histories and that we care for one another as members of a shared OSU community. This is what it means to live out OSU’s core values of accountability, diversity, integrity, respect and social responsibility.

Nationally and locally, this conflict has also resulted in serious incidents of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. Every OSU community member is entitled to an environment free of discrimination and harassment. We take very seriously any report of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. We will act quickly to investigate and hold parties accountable for incidents of unprotected speech and violations of law. Reports of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia can be made through the Bias Incident Response Program and the OSU Department of Public Safety.

OSU also is committed to protecting the ability of individuals and groups to engage and speak on topics of community interest, consistent with their rights and responsibilities. Coming together in dialogue and grief is an important part of finding support and maintaining community. If you have questions about university policies related to speech, please consult the university’s Principles on Freedom of Expression.

As our community continues to navigate this conflict and the impacts it is creating near and far, we encourage you to reach out to resources available to support your care and wellbeing:

• If you are a student in need of support, many options are available to you whether you are enrolled in Corvallis, Bend or online.
• If you are an employee in need of support, University Human Resources offers a comprehensive suite of care resources through Lyra Health, OSU’s new employee assistance program.

We know this is a challenging time, and we’re grateful for the support we have witnessed OSU community members providing each other. This is Beaver Nation – we care for each other when it’s needed most.

Sincerely,

Heather Horn, Vice Provost and Chief Human Resources Officer
Dan Larson, Vice Provost for Student Affairs & Senior Advisor to the Provost for Operations
Rick Settersten, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs
Scott A. Vignos, Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer

From: Office of the President

Dear OSU Community Members,

Today, we are pleased to announce plans for a 2024 football scheduling agreement with the Mountain West Conference that will position Oregon State and Washington State to continue to compete against some of the nation’s top athletic programs while creating new and exciting matchups for OSU student-athletes and fans. The Beavers and the Cougars continue to be eligible for the College Football Playoff.

This agreement represents an important step in our strategy to preserve options for the future viability of the Pac-12 conference. As we have stated from the beginning of the conference realignment process in August, our highest priority is the success of all OSU student-athletes, starting with their ability to compete – and win -- at the highest level possible.

We look forward to meeting new rivals on the field and bringing fans to Corvallis and Pullman from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. The complete 2024 football schedule and plans for our 15 other programs will be announced soon.

We are deeply grateful to you, Beaver Nation, for your steadfast support of our student-athletes. During this past football season, we felt your support at six sold-out games in Reser Stadium.

Millions of fans and alumni, across the country and around the world, cheered on our football team from afar and, indeed, made our last home game the highest-rated broadcast of the season for that timeslot. We know our fans will carry that enthusiasm into our other winter and spring sports as our teams seek championships over the rest of the academic year.

Football bowl matchups will be revealed on Sunday, December 3, and we are eager to learn the bowl destination for our team. Kefense Hynson, interim head football coach, will continue to lead the team through the bowl game. We’re excited about Tuesday’s announcement of Trent Bray as OSU’s new head football coach and are confident he will continue to build the program as we work swiftly to finalize our 2024 schedule with a balance of Power 5 matchups and Mountain West teams. 

Thanks to your support, we can all look forward to continued success and excitement across all OSU athletic venues this year and for years to come.

Go Beavs!

Jayathi Murthy, President
Scott Barnes, Vice President and Intercollegiate Athletics Director

From: Capital Planning and Construction

Impact Information:

Walk Path from Simpson Lot:

The walk path to/from the Simpson lot will stay open and passable for walking and biking but large dump trucks supporting the construction will be crossing over the pathway. When work is active, barricades will be in place to slow pedestrian and bike traffic. A flagger will also be present on the pathway and all traffic may be required to stop at times (including pedestrians and bikes). Use caution, stay alert, follow flagger direction and signage in/around the pathway and construction areas.

Construction Information:

You have likely seen the heavy earth moving equipment and the temporary construction fences our general contractor, Knife River, has setup around the campus. Knife River has begun excavating and sorting the construction and demolition waste in areas of the landfill north of the Century-Chandler parking lot.  As we begin this work we want to inform you about the nature of the work, important safety measures we are taking, and the things you can do for your own safety.

The nature of the work:

This section of the demolition landfill is largely made up of sawdust, cut ends of wood, and boiler ash from Bend’s previous sawmills. It also has some tires, carpet remnants, drywall, roofing, and other items someone would come across when they demolish a home or building. We are excavating this material, sorting it and re-landfilling it using modern techniques in another landfill area in the northwest corner of campus adjacent to the Simpson parking lot. Additional reclaimed soil, which will not include landfill materials, will be used to further fill in the pumice mine beyond the oval green.

Important safety measures:

Pedestrian safety – As noted above pedestrian traffic to and from the Simpson parking lot will be in close proximity to large trucks and other construction equipment moving between the two landfill areas.  Knife River will have flaggers on duty in the crossing where construction and pedestrian traffic meet.  Please stay on the path, follow the flaggers direction, and watch for construction vehicles while walking in this area.  This is not the area of campus to walk with your head down, focused on your phone or with earbuds in.  

Air quality – Some of the waste in the landfill being cleaned up is hot and will generate visible steam, especially in cold weather.  Heat builds up in this landfill as wood in the waste breaks down naturally, similar to what happens in a compost pile but on a larger scale.  Knife River will be using water to control the heat and to keep dust to a minimum.  As part of the health and safety plan developed by our environmental engineering firm in coordination with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, contractors will also be monitoring air quality at the excavation site and with monitors stationed around the perimeter of the work area.  The monitoring data helps us identify and control any unforeseen air quality impacts from the work.

 Project Links:

Campus Development Video

Web Camera:  

This is an exciting milestone in the expansion of the campus, and we hope you enjoy watching the work while staying safe.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the construction team at the email/phone numbers below.

Who to contact with questions/concerns:

• Jarrod Penttila - [email protected]

Associate Director of Capital Planning and Construction

Oregon State University – Cascades

541.706.2163

• Austin Williams - [email protected]

Construction Project Manager

Oregon State University – Cascades

541-706-2205

From: Office of Academic Affairs

Dear students,

The Student Learning Experience (SLE) survey is open until end of day (11:59pm) on Sunday, December 10, 2023.

The short survey should take you under three minutes per course and provides instructors with valuable insight. Please login at beav.es/Student-Learning-Survey or via the Student Learning Experience link in your Canvas course sites. For more information, check out the Student FAQs.

If you experience any technical problems, please contact [email protected].

I encourage you to take time to share your experiences. This information is very helpful to instructors as they consider updates and improvements to their courses.

Alix Gitelman, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs

From: Office of Institutional Diversity

Dear Oregon State students:

The Office of Institutional Diversity is honored to host the 42nd annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration at Oregon State University.

The Commemoration will open on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024 with the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Saturday of Service, hosted by Community Engagement & Leadership, and close with the Commemoration keynote address on Wednesday, Jan. 31. The Peace Breakfast and March will be Monday, Jan. 15.

Scholar Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor is the 2024 keynote speaker

Keeanga-Yamahatta Taylor will serve as this year’s Commemoration keynote speaker. Taylor is a scholar, author and activist, addressing Black politics, social movements and racial inequality in the United States. She is the Hughes-Rogers Professor of African American studies at Princeton University and a contributing writer at The New Yorker.

She is a 2021 MacArthur Foundation Fellow, and recently authored “Race for Profit: How Banks and the Real Estate Industry Undermined Black Homeownership”. Her talk will address the intersections of race and class in the pursuit of Black liberation. 

Taylor’s keynote address will be delivered on Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. in the LaSells Stewart Center on the Corvallis campus and streamed online. Registration is free and required.

Accommodation requests related to a disability for the keynote event should be made by Jan. 20 to University Events at 541-737-4717 or [email protected]. Sign language interpreting and live captioning will be provided.

Submit a Legacy Award nomination by Dec. 8

We are pleased to invite your nominations for the 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Legacy Awards.  

Nominations will be accepted for four awards – the Phyllis S. Lee Award, the Frances Dancy Hooks Award, the Oscar Humberto Montemayor Award and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Alumni Legacy Award. Each award is accompanied by a $500 stipend.

To learn more about these awards, and to submit a nomination, please visit the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Legacy Awards website.

Award nominations will be accepted until Dec. 8, 2023. Recipients will be announced at the Peace Breakfast.

Organize a Commemoration event by Dec. 22

An important part of the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration are events organized by Oregon State community members across the state to collaboratively carry on the legacy of Dr. King. Events in the past have included art shows, spoken word performances, interfaith celebrations, workshops, dialogues, lectures, panels and marches—just to name a few.

Colleges, departments, units, offices, clubs and individuals breathe life into the Commemoration by organizing events throughout the week. Oregon State community members are encouraged to work together to plan and host events. Event assistance may be available through the Office of Institutional Diversity; please contact us at [email protected].

Please visit the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Events website to submit your event. Event submissions will be accepted until Dec. 22, 2023.

Register for the Peace Breakfast by Jan. 5

All Oregon State community members are invited to observe Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at the annual Peace Breakfast on Monday, Jan. 15, in the CH2M HILL Alumni Center on the Corvallis campus. Registration is free and required by Sunday, Jan. 5. Childcare will be provided at no cost by KidSpirit.

Following the breakfast, all are invited to join in a peace march, led by OSU students, beginning at 11 a.m. along a 1-mile route concluding at the SEC Plaza with a brief program and refreshments. 

Accommodation requests related to a disability for the breakfast and march events should be made by Jan. 9 to University Events at 541-737-4717 or [email protected]. 

For more information on the 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration, please contact Miguel Arellano Sanchez, assistant director of outreach and chair of the event planning committee, via email, [email protected].

Warm regards,

The 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Committee, Office of Institutional Diversity

From: OSU-Cascades, Chief Operations Officer

Dear OSU-Cascades Community Members,

Please take a few moments to review how OSU-Cascades will notify students and employees if it becomes necessary to close, delay opening or curtail campus operations due to hazardous weather this winter. The information will be distributed or posted no later than 6 a.m. and earlier, when possible.

In the event of campus closure, delayed opening or curtailment at OSU-Cascades:

• Some classes may move to remote delivery via Zoom. Students should check their class Canvas site and/or look for an email message from the instructor to learn whether each class will be offered remotely or cancelled.

• Students who do not live on campus should not remain on campus or come to campus when a closure or curtailment is announced.

• Dining operations will normally remain open to support students living in the residence hall.

• Campus parking lots or sections of lots may be temporarily closed to contribute to safety and facilitate efficient snow removal. Please assist the snow removal effort by complying with lot closures and requests to move vehicles.

• Street parking on Chandler Avenue is restricted when the City of Bend declares a snow emergency. City declarations are independent of OSU-Cascades closure decisions. The campus may in some cases remain open or reopen during a snow emergency declared by the city.

OSU-Cascades uses the following communication channels to announce a campus closure, delayed opening or curtailment:

1. Emergency Status page and Home page  - The official time of the campus closure, delayed opening or curtailment will be posted on the Emergency Status web page and updated as necessary.  Announcements will also be noted in an alert bar on the OSU-Cascades home page.

2. OSU Alert - receive email, text and/or phone messages with details of the closure or curtailment. If you haven’t yet signed up, please do so now.

3. Recorded phone message - OSU-Cascades’ main phone line (541-322-3100) will have a recorded announcement.

4. Social Media - Facebook, Instagram and X. 

5. Local News Media - OSU-Cascades will provide information on closures, delayed openings and curtailment of operations to local media.

This information can also be found on our Weather Delays and Closures page.

During inclement weather or hazardous conditions, I encourage all students, faculty and staff to utilize this information and always carefully consider their personal safety and local conditions when making decisions about their commute to campus or movement on campus. Please be safe this winter.

Sincerely,

Steve Pitman, Interim Chief Operations Officer

From: Researchers - College of Health and the Oregon Policy Analysis Lab

Dear Student,

Researchers in the OSU College of Health and the Oregon Policy Analysis Lab are seeking current OSU students to participate in a research study about student food security. You are receiving this email because you are a registered OSU student.  

The purpose of this study is to help us better understand food security (food access and availability) among college students and to help us examine underlying factors related to food insecurity. Whether or not you consider yourself to be food secure or food insecure, this study would benefit from your participation.

Participation in this study involves:

●       A brief survey that will take about 15 minutes.

●       The opportunity to enter your email into a drawing for one of ten $100 gift cards.

For more information about this study, please contact principal investigator, Jenny Jackson, by phone at 541-737-4853 or by email at [email protected].  

To participate in the survey, please click on this link or copy and paste it into your browser.

https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cGZzGTllCLjBIHk

Thank you,

Dr. Jenny Jackson                                           Dr. Mark Edwards

College of Health                                            College of Liberal Arts

                  Co-Principal Investigators