Archive for May, 2020

Schedule a financial planning session with TIAA representative

Sunday, May 31st, 2020

We know that there is a lot of uncertainty in the world today. And just as we have for more than 100 years, TIAA is here to help you.

You can access virtual counseling by phone or on any device, and get advice and education about your retirement savings, managing debt and your investment strategy. Both are highly secure and private.

When you meet virtually with a financial consultant, you’ll get answers to these questions:

  • Am I saving enough?
  • Should I change or rebalance my investment strategy?
  • Am I on track to meet my retirement goals?

Financial advice is available as part of your retirement plan at no additional cost. Take advantage and schedule a virtual counseling session. RSVP today, as spots are limited. Register here or call 800-732-8353 on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

Contact Kara Holcombe (kholcombe@georgefox.edu) with any questions.  

A renewed call for justice and reconciliation

Saturday, May 30th, 2020

President Robin Baker, Chief Diversity Officer Rebecca Hernandez and Seminary Dean MaryKate Morse have shared a response to the racial tragedies unfolding across our country. 

The university is planning a time of prayer for our country. For those who wish to participate in a virtual prayer gathering, please contact Rebecca Hernandez (rhernandez@georgefox.edu).

Share your sentiments with Linda Samek

Thursday, May 28th, 2020

As Linda Samek leaves the position of provost, we would like to gather words of thanks, photos, stories, memories, and other sentiments from the George Fox community to share with her. Please take a moment to contribute through this Google Form.

If you would like to submit a brief self-made video, please send it directly to aao@georgefox.edu no later than Monday, June 8. Any questions can be directed to Audrey Wrede at aao@georgefox.edu.

Have questions about CARES Act funds? Visit this FAQ page

Thursday, May 28th, 2020

COVID-19 has brought many challenges, including additional costs due to the disruption of campus operations. We know that many students have questions about the CARES Act and Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) that were allocated by the government as a result.

The Department of Education has issued guidance on disbursing these funds. George Fox University is working diligently to ensure that their regulations regarding disbursement of these funds are met.

The university is now sending out funds from the CARES Act to eligible students. If you have any questions about eligibility and these funds, please visit the CARES Act Grant FAQ.

CARES Act funds being distributed to eligible students

Thursday, May 28th, 2020

COVID-19 has brought many challenges, including additional costs to students due to the disruption of campus operations. The university is now disbursing Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) from the CARES Act to eligible students.

If you or students in your sphere have any questions about eligibility and these funds, please visit the CARES Act Grant FAQ.

Schedule a financial planning meeting with a TIAA representative

Wednesday, May 27th, 2020

We know that there is a lot of uncertainty in the world today. And just as we have for more than 100 years, TIAA is here to help you.

You can access virtual counseling by phone or on any device, and get advice and education about your retirement savings, managing debt and your investment strategy. Both are highly secure and private.

When you meet virtually with a financial consultant, you’ll get answers to these questions:

  • Am I saving enough?
  • Should I change or rebalance my investment strategy?
  • Am I on track to meet my retirement goals?

Financial advice is available as part of your retirement plan at no additional cost. Take advantage and schedule a virtual counseling session. RSVP today, as spots are limited. Register here or call 800-732-8353 on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

Contact Kara Holcombe (kholcombe@georgefox.edu) with any questions.  

Final reminder to turn in your deposits

Wednesday, May 27th, 2020

If your contract ends soon and/or you will not be on campus through the summer, please bring over any cash or checks before you leave.

Please look around your desks and file cabinets to see if there are any lingering items that need to be deposited. Checks dated prior to June 30, 2020, must be deposited in the current fiscal year.

If you have any questions about deposits, please contact Heather Groenlund at 503-554-2173. Thank you and have a great summer!

New educational grant program available to veterans

Tuesday, May 26th, 2020

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is now accepting applications for a new grant program aimed at helping Oregon veterans complete their educational goals.

The Veteran Educational Bridge Grant Program provides financial assistance to veterans who are unable to complete their education due to the unavailability of one or more required classes.

Eligible student veterans may receive grants of up to $5,000. Recipients must be a veteran eligible for GI Bill® benefits, must be an Oregon resident and must be enrolled in an Oregon-based academic program that is approved by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

For more information about the Veteran Educational Bridge Grant Program, or to apply, visit the ODVA website. Questions may also be directed to ODVA’s Veteran Educational Bridge Grant coordinator, Scott Salazar, at ebg@odva.state.or.us or by phone at 503-373-2338. 

Upgrade to Zoom 5.0 as soon as possible

Tuesday, May 26th, 2020

Important Notice: Make sure you upgrade to Zoom 5.0 as soon as possible. After May 30, 2020, all Zoom accounts that are on older versions will receive a forced upgrade when trying to join meetings, which may cause delays. 

To upgrade, open the Zoom app and left-click on your initials in the upper right corner of the app, then select “Check for Updates.” Install if available.

If you have any questions, please contact the Service Desk at servicedesk@georgefox.edu or 503-554-2569.

Have questions from all-employee meeting?

Tuesday, May 26th, 2020

Do you have questions following Tuesday’s virtual All-Employee Meeting? (Watch it here if you missed it.) Share your questions with President Robin Baker by filling out this form.

Have you had a change in your financial situation?

Monday, May 25th, 2020

Have you or your family had a situation come up where your FAFSA information no longer correctly reflects your family financial picture? Our financial aid experts can evaluate your circumstance to see if any changes are applicable to your financial aid.

If you or your family has experienced a highly unusual circumstance that is not reflected on your FAFSA, such as loss of income, job loss, medical bills, etc., complete the 2020-21 Professional Judgment Assessment. A committee will review the circumstances, and your financial aid counselor will contact you regarding next steps.

In the event of job loss or reduction of income, we will make the final evaluation three months after the date of the loss or reduction, though our team can help give estimates and guidance in the meantime. 

Please note: Not all Professional Judgment Assessments result in additional financial aid. 

If anything else comes up, talk to us! We are here to help. You can reach out to us at finaid@georgefox.edu or 503-554-2302.

Virtual all-employee meeting scheduled today

Monday, May 25th, 2020

President Robin Baker will host a virtual all-employee meeting today (Tuesday). The meeting will be available at this link beginning at 10 a.m. this morning. As was the case last month, the password to join is provided on the meeting site.

Fire systems testing scheduled in residence halls this week

Monday, May 25th, 2020

The campus fire sprinkler system will be tested today (Tuesday) through Friday, May 29. Residential areas affected include Le Shana, Carey, Beebe, Willcuts, Edwards Hall, Gulley, Macy, Sutton, and Hobson halls.

The inspector will need to enter every area, so please make sure that your belongings do not block access. Every sprinkler head in the building will be inspected, and a flow test will occur. When the flow test runs, the fire alarm will sound. The alarm may sound several times during the day, but will not alert the fire department.

The testing is scheduled over the entire week, but the time will be divided among the buildings listed (so it won’t take the entire week to test one building). The final schedule is determined by the inspector and has not been released to the university. Some buildings may take longer to inspect than others, so we thank you in advance for your patience. 

Contact Dixie Downey (ddowney@georgefox.edu) with any questions.

FoxTALE maintenance scheduled tomorrow morning

Monday, May 25th, 2020

FoxTALE will be unavailable tomorrow (Wednesday) from 6 to 8 a.m. (Pacific Time) for scheduled maintenance. We apologize for any inconvenience this causes.

Questions? Email servicedesk@georgefox.edu or call 503-554-2569.

Fire systems testing scheduled this week in campus buildings

Monday, May 25th, 2020

The campus fire sprinkler system will be tested today (Tuesday) through Friday, May 29. Buildings affected are EHS, Stevens, Hadlock, Hoover, the Roberts Center, and the Wheeler Sports Center.

Every sprinkler head in the building will be inspected, and a flow test will occur. When the flow test runs, the fire alarm will sound. The alarm may sound several times during the day, but will not alert the fire department.

The testing is scheduled over the entire week, but the time will be divided among the buildings listed (so it won’t take the entire week to test one building). The final schedule is determined by the inspector and has not been released to the university. Some buildings may take longer to inspect than others, so we thank you in advance for your patience.

Contact Dixie Downey (ddowney@georgefox.edu) with any questions.

Show your appreciation of Linda Samek

Monday, May 25th, 2020

As Linda Samek leaves the position of provost, we would like to gather words of thanks, photos, stories, memories, and other sentiments from the George Fox community to share with her. Please take a moment to contribute through this Google Form.

If you would like to submit a brief self-made video, please send it directly to aao@georgefox.edu no later than Monday, June 8. Any questions can be directed to Audrey Wrede at aao@georgefox.edu.

University closes Monday to observe Memorial Day

Thursday, May 21st, 2020

All university offices in Newberg and at regional sites will be closed this Monday, May 25, to observe the Memorial Day holiday.

Fire systems testing scheduled in residential buildings next week

Thursday, May 21st, 2020

The campus fire sprinkler system will be tested Tuesday, May 26, through Friday, May 29. Residential areas affected include Le Shana, Carey, Beebe, Willcuts, Edwards Hall, Gulley, Macy, Sutton, and Hobson halls.

The inspector will need to enter every area, so please make sure that your belongings do not block access. Every sprinkler head in the building will be inspected, and a flow test will occur. When the flow test runs, the fire alarm will sound. The alarm may sound several times during the day, but will not alert the fire department.

The testing is scheduled over the entire week, but the time will be divided among the buildings listed (so it won’t take the entire week to test one building). The final schedule is determined by the inspector and has not been released to the university. Some buildings may take longer to inspect than others, so we thank you in advance for your patience. 

Contact Dixie Downey (ddowney@georgefox.edu) with any questions.

Fire systems testing scheduled next week in campus buildings

Thursday, May 21st, 2020

The campus fire sprinkler system will be tested Tuesday, May 26, through Friday, May 29. Buildings affected are EHS, Stevens, Hadlock, Hoover, the Roberts Center, and the Wheeler Sports Center.

Every sprinkler head in the building will be inspected, and a flow test will occur. When the flow test runs, the fire alarm will sound. The alarm may sound several times during the day, but will not alert the fire department.

The testing is scheduled over the entire week, but the time will be divided among the buildings listed (so it won’t take the entire week to test one building). The final schedule is determined by the inspector and has not been released to the university. Some buildings may take longer to inspect than others, so we thank you in advance for your patience.

Contact Dixie Downey (ddowney@georgefox.edu) with any questions.

Need payment tips? Check out this resource

Thursday, May 21st, 2020

Do you owe a balance after your financial aid offer? We can help! For tips and help on paying the gap, please see some helpful tips on Ways to Fill the Gap.

Questions? Contact Janet Herron at jherron@georgefox.edu.