The Daily Bruin

Today (Thursday) is the last day to get 25% off of Champion-brand clothing in the Bruin Bookstore. Take advantage of this discount while you can!

Everyone is invited to “Be Renewed” Chapel this morning (Thursday) to hear from Shelbi Shutt, a pastor, speaker, writer and disability advocate who is helping people come alive to the power of God’s presence in and through their weakness. Join us at 10:50 a.m. in the chapel.

Shelbi has been featured on John Mark Comer’s Practicing the Way curriculum, at the Alpha Conference, and many other places. You won’t want to miss her message! Everyone is invited. Email Jamie at jamiej@georgefox.edu with any questions.

Professors will be entering midterm grades in MyGeorgeFox by today (Wednesday). These midterm grades provide important insight into your academic progress in your courses.

If your midterm grade is a D or an F, immediately schedule a meeting with your professor to discuss your path to improvement. If, after that discussion, it seems unlikely you can raise your grade, contact your CAP coach as soon as possible to explore the implications of withdrawing from the course.

A few points to consider:

• If you withdraw from a class, your transcript will show a “W,” and your GPA will not be affected.
• If you receive an F in the course, your GPA will suffer.
• The last day to withdraw from a class is Sunday, Dec. 7.

In some instances, it might make sense to withdraw from one class now so you can focus on other courses. Please consult with your faculty advisor or your CAP coach.

At this point in the semester, students who withdraw from some but not all of their classes will not have any changes made to their financial aid or student account charges.

If you are currently on a financial aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Warning or SAP Academic Plan, check with your financial aid counselor to confirm whether withdrawing from any courses will affect your financial aid. If you have any concerns about your SAP standing or academic plan, please contact your financial aid counselor.

If your professor has not yet posted a midterm grade, check Canvas to see your current standing. If you have any questions about your progress or are unsure how you’re doing, please reach out and schedule a conversation with your professor as soon as you can.

Instructions for withdrawing from a class can be found here.

Academic resources for students are easily accessible on campus:

• The ARC (Academic Resource Center)
• Tutoring labs and centers

Failing all courses and not completing the semester will likely affect your financial aid package. If you have federal financial aid and are not passing any classes, contact your student accounts advisor immediately to address potential financial penalties.

Additional information regarding grades and withdrawing from classes:

• Please be advised that the university has extended the class withdrawal deadline for the benefit of our students. The new deadline is now the Sunday before the last week of class. For full-semester classes, this is the end of week 15 rather than week 10.
• For classes that meet in shorter sessions within the semester, you can find their specific withdrawal deadlines listed in the class details on class.georgefox.edu.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Jere Witherspoon at studentlife@georgefox.edu.

Come join us this Saturday, Oct. 18, at a Habitat for Humanity construction site! You can make a difference by serving alongside a local, hardworking family striving to achieve home ownership. Ten volunteers are needed. No experience is needed, and chapel credit is offered!

You can sign up for a full shift from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., or a half shift from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1 to 5 p.m.

Please reach out to clucas22@georgefox.edu with the time you are available to serve and to receive more details on how to register.

The deadline to update your login method is almost here! To better protect your account and university data, the SMS (text message) and phone call methods are being deprecated. Please read the critical information below to avoid an interruption to your account access.

FAQ

Q: I’m already using Okta Verify or Google Authenticator. Am I good to go? A: Yes! If you already approve your logins with the Okta Verify or the Google Authenticator app, you don’t need to do anything. Thank you for being proactive!

Q: What happens if I don’t set up OKTA Verify? A: You will be locked out of your George Fox account. Access to Canvas, MyGeorgeFox, your email, and other services will be interrupted. You will have to call the Service Desk at 503-554-2569 for assistance.

Q: I need to switch. Where do I start? A: Go to login.georgefox.edu > settings > security methods on your computer. On your smartphone, install the Okta Verify app and add an account (+). Follow the prompts for setup and allow it to send you a simple, push notification that is far more secure than a text message.

No smartphone?

If you do not have a smartphone or are unable to use biometrics for verification, please email servicedesk@georgefox.edu. We have alternative solutions available to ensure you maintain secure access to your account.

We’re Here to Help!
Don’t wait until it’s too late! If you need help getting set up or have questions about your specific situation, our Service Desk team is ready to assist you. You can call at 503-554-2569 or email at servicedesk@georgefox.edu.

Do you long for time and space to be still and experience Christ’s presence with others? All are welcome to join Quaker worship in the chapel from 11 to 11:30 a.m. today (Wednesday). Elective chapel credit is available for students.

Contact Jay Miller at jaym@georgefox.edu with any questions.

The 2026-27 FAFSA is open, and now is the time to complete it! It’s important to file by Jan. 31 to meet school and state deadlines for access to various types of financial aid.

If you file by Dec. 1, you’ll be entered into a drawing for the chance to win one of five $500 Early FAFSA Filer Scholarships we are giving away! The drawing is open to returning George Fox University traditional undergraduate students who file their FAFSA by 11:59 p.m. (pacific time) on Dec. 1, 2025. 

Questions?

Check out our “FAFSA Frequently Asked Questions“ page, and our tips and tricks for the FAFSA article, which explains some common FAFSA issues and how to solve them.

Need hands-on help?

We’re hosting a FAFSA Workshop to help you get all of your questions answered by one of our financial aid counselors. Bring your laptop and drop by!

When: Noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20

Where: Intercultural Resource Center (IRC) in the Moore House (#26 on the campus map).

Visit us

You can visit the financial aid office on the first floor of the Stevens Center during our drop-in hours (Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or schedule an appointment via phone or Zoom. See our contact page for more info. We’re here to help!

In our busy lives it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but finding small, positive moments can significantly improve our well-being. According to researchers like Barbara Fredrickson, these fleeting bits of happiness act like “nutrients for psychological health,” helping us become more resilient over time.

To cultivate these moments, consider these simple strategies:

• Find “reverse pet peeves”: Author Bree Groff defines these as small things that bring you a disproportionate amount of joy. While a pet peeve might be a minor annoyance like finding a sock on the floor, a reverse pet peeve could be something as simple as the satisfaction of a perfectly organized drawer or the sound of rain hitting the window.
• Do something “slo-mo”: Dr. Sue Varma, a clinical professor of psychiatry, suggests intentionally slowing down a routine task to half-speed. This practice of mindfulness can improve your psychological health. For instance, instead of rushing through making coffee, you might slowly grind the beans, savoring the aroma, and carefully pour the water, focusing on the process.
• Find “the sliver”: If a big joy like a weekend getaway isn’t possible, author Bree Groff suggests finding a “sliver” of that experience. Instead of an elaborate dinner out, you could make a fancy sandwich at home and eat it on your nicest plates. If you love long hikes in the mountains, you could take a short walk in a local park and appreciate the sounds of nature.

These small, intentional actions can improve your well-being and help you find a little more joy in your day.

These suggestions are inspired by the article “Happiness Doesn’t Have to be a Heavy Lift” in The New York Times (June 26, 2025).

Professors will be entering midterm grades in MyGeorgeFox by today (Wednesday). These midterm grades provide important insight into a student’s academic progress in your courses.

If a student’s midterm grade is a D or an F, they are encouraged to immediately schedule a meeting with their professor to discuss their path to improvement. If, after that discussion, it seems unlikely they can raise their grade, encourage them to contact their CAP coach as soon as possible to explore the implications of withdrawing from the course.

A few points to consider:

• If a student withdraws from a class, their transcript will show a “W,” and their GPA will not be affected.
• If a student receives an F in the course, their GPA will suffer.
• The last day to withdraw from a class is Sunday, Dec. 7.

At this point in the semester, students who withdraw from some but not all of their classes will not have any changes made to their financial aid or student account charges.

If a student is currently on a financial aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Warning or SAP Academic Plan, they are to check with their financial aid counselor to confirm whether withdrawing from any courses will affect their financial aid. Any questions about SAP standing or academic plan can be directed to their financial aid counselor.

Academic resources for students are easily accessible on campus, so encourage students to use them:

• The ARC (Academic Resource Center)
• Tutoring labs and centers

Additional information regarding grades and withdrawing from classes:

• Please be advised that the university has extended the class withdrawal deadline for the benefit of our students. The new deadline is now the Sunday before the last week of class. For full-semester classes, this is the end of week 15 rather than week 10.
• For classes that meet in shorter sessions within the semester, specific withdrawal deadlines are listed in the class details on class.georgefox.edu.

If a student has any questions or needs assistance, please have them contact Jere Witherspoon at studentlife@georgefox.edu.

Jason Brummit and the Faculty Scholarship and Achievement Committee invite you to join them for the Fall Faculty Lecture on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 6 p.m. in Hoover 105.

Abraham Kang, PhD, associate professor of biomedical engineering, and winner of the 2024-25 Faculty Achievement Award for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship, is the featured faculty speaker.

Dr. Kang’s lecture, “Advancing Biomedical Engineering Through Student-Led Research and Innovation,” will showcase several student-led projects that span fundamental science, engineering, and medical devices.

Please join us as he illustrates how mentoring young investigators not only accelerates biomedical discovery but also prepares the next generation of engineers and scientists to solve challenges at the intersection of science, engineering, medicine, and human health.

The university and surrounding community are invited, and refreshments will be provided. We hope you are able to support Abraham by attending.

If you have questions, email Laurie Fair at lfair@georgefox.edu.

Guten tag! If you speak German, the English Department invites you to join both faculty and peers for casual conversation every Thursday. Join us for a relaxed, fun time to get to know one another and connect through the German language.

Whatever your level of German, you are welcome to join us at 1 p.m. in the Armstrong house to connect with fellow Deutschsprechern. Tschüss!

Join us for a webinar on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 11 a.m. featuring Ruben Halperin, the medical director at Providence Health Plan. He’ll discuss cancer screenings, the pivotal role of preventive care, and the benefits of having a dedicated primary care provider to guide you through your health journey.

You can access the webinar here.

¿Quieres hablar Español? The English Department welcomes you to La Sobremesa, a chance to casually practice Spanish with peers and faculty.

Join us every Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. in the Armstrong House. All language levels are welcome.

We hope to see you there. Chau!

We live in an active seismic zone. During Emergency Preparedness Month, we practice the proper response to ensure that when a real earthquake strikes, our immediate instinct is to protect ourselves and effectively prevent injury. So this year, during the Great Shakeout, get ready to drop, cover, and hold on!

How do I participate? At 10:16 a.m. this Thursday, Oct. 16, stop what you are doing and get under a table or desk. Cover your head with your arms or hands.

If you are in the quad, move away from buildings toward the center of the quad. If you are in a lab, turn off the gas and get down. Think and practice what you would need to do if we were to experience an earthquake for one minute.

These steps increase your chances of surviving if a real earthquake strikes.

If you have questions on how to participate in the Great Shakeout, reach out to Kim Knoernschild at kknoernschild@georgefox.edu.

The “Work Safe, Be Well” initiative is focused on the vital connection between workplace safety and overall well-being. We’re asking, “What’s health got to do with workplace safety?” The answer is: everything.

Your personal health—how you manage stress, what you eat, and how much you sleep—directly impacts your focus, your energy, and ultimately, your safety and productivity on the job.

To help you understand this important connection, we encourage you to explore the valuable resources provided by SAIF on their dedicated webpage. Take a moment to browse the topics, learn the simple steps you can take to make a positive change in your own life, and share this essential information with your colleagues.

Let’s work together to make this a safe and healthy semester for everyone!

Questions? Contact us at bewell@georgefox.edu.

– The Wellness and Safety Committees

The first Providence Medicare 101 webinar took place yesterday. This free educational session covered the different parts of Medicare (the A, B, C and Ds), the key differences between Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Supplement, and when you should enroll for Original Medicare.

If you missed this valuable, no-pressure overview, you are invited to attend the next session on Monday, Nov. 10, at 5 p.m. You can register for the next webinar here.

We also want to remind you that open enrollment for Medicare begins tomorrow (Wednesday). This is your critical window to compare health and drug plans for the upcoming year. To prepare, log in or create your Medicare account at medicare.gov/plan-compare before tomorrow. This will make comparing plans based on your specific prescriptions much easier.

Have question about Providence Medicare options? Contact Providence Medicare expert Jasmyn Sprague at 360-909-6699 or jasmyn.sprague2@providence.org.

The George Fox theatre department invites you to see its fall 2025 production, Havurah, presented through the Big Bridge Theatre Consortium.

Written by Margot Connolly and directed by Ben Tissell, the play tells the story of life at Crosby College, a small liberal arts university, where two student clubs strive for connection and comfort in difficult times.

When a tragedy occurs in the local Jewish community, members of the Havurah club are left reeling. The Christian social justice club wants to help, but struggles to know how. Deeply relevant and strikingly realistic, Havurah depicts the complexities and possibilities of connecting with others in times of grief.

The show opens on Thursday, Oct. 23, and closes on Nov. 2. Evening shows start at 7:30 p.m., and weekend matinees start at 2 p.m. Employees are entitled to one complimentary ticket, and students may attend free on either Thursday. You may reserve tickets here.

Dr. Ron Clark, a theology professor at George Fox and founder of Agape Community Ministries, will join us this Thursday, Oct. 16, at 4:30 p.m. in Canyon Commons for a conversation about healthy masculinity.

This conversation is for both men and women and will unpack how to have healthy partnerships with members of the opposite sex. Chapel credit is available.

The Maker Hub is planning its fifth annual Santa’s Workshop event! For the uninitiated, the Maker Hub and the university special events crew partner up each December to host a joint Santa’s Workshop making event during the campus-wide Christmas Extravaganza.

The Maker Hub’s portion of this event involves hosting hundreds of students, employees, families, and community members who come and make various Christmas gifts using Maker Hub equipment. It’s a blast!

As this event continues to grow in popularity, we are searching for a team of people to help plan the activities and execute the event. If you enjoy making things, teaching others how to make things, and you are overflowing with Christmas-themed ideas and visions that are begging for a creative outlet, this is the opportunity for you!

Please contact Nick at nsullivan@georgefox.edu if you are interested in joining the Santa’s Workshop team. Looking forward to an exciting time of making and fellowship this December!

The Department of Biological and Molecular Sciences invites you to the 14th annual Dalton Lecture this Thursday, Oct. 16, at 7:30 p.m. in Bauman Auditorium.

This year’s lecture features Dr. Thomas Rizzo speaking on “Molecular Asymmetry and the Enigma of Life’s Origins.” Dr. Rizzo will also give a science lecture that day at 3:30 p.m. in Bauman Auditorium.

Both lectures are open to the public and free of charge. Chapel credit will be given at the evening event. More details are available here.