The Daily Bruin

The annual campus-wide Christmas Extravaganza is a wonderful time for everyone across the university to come together and celebrate the Christmas season.

The Extravaganza begins at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5, with many of the beloved attractions returning! There will be carriage rides, baby goats, s’mores, fire pits, “Santa’s Workshop” in the Maker Hub, ornament and cookie decorating, music performances in the chapel, lots of delicious treats, and more!

We are in need of volunteers to help make this event a success and a blessing to our campus community and their families. Please email Liz Garland in the president’s office at lgarland@georgefox.edu if you would like to sign up for a volunteer shift. There are many time slots and assignments available, and you can choose the volunteer assignment that works best for you.

We’re looking forward to bringing an evening full of Christmas cheer to campus on Dec. 5!

In preparation for the Thanksgiving holiday and the university closing on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 28-29, Accounts Payable will be processing the check run on Tuesday, Nov. 26. Please take note of the following deadlines:

• All payment requests received by Friday, Nov. 22, by 5 p.m. will be included in the Nov. 21 check run.
• All other requests received after Friday, Nov. 22, will be included in our regularly scheduled check run on Dec. 5.

Questions? Please contact us at accountspayable@georgefox.edu. Happy Thanksgiving!

The library will close early at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27, and will remain closed Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 28-30. It will reopen at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1. The 24-hour space will remain open.

The Bruin Bookstore is offering two sales events next week (Nov. 18-22):

• 20% off Nike, League, Legacy and Fall Rush brands in-store and online
• Apple Appreciation Event: Save 10% on Mac and iPad products, new models included. Online only.

Come stop by our table in Canyon Commons today (Thursday) at lunch to write a letter of gratitude to our local police department! It is the season of thanksgiving, so let’s extend some thanks to the first responders who keep our wonderful Newberg community safe.

Our table will be out from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and we will have candy! See you there!

As part of our “Stand Tall, Don’t Fall” campaign, we’re sharing key tips for choosing the best winter footwear to keep you safe and steady on your feet.

When selecting winter shoes, focusing on the tread is crucial for safety and stability. Look for soles with deep, multi-directional lugs that can grip slippery surfaces like snow and ice. A rubber compound that stays flexible in cold weather will help maintain traction, even in freezing temperatures. Shoes with a textured, zigzag, or wave pattern offer better footing by channeling water away from the sole, reducing the likelihood of slipping.

The right tread design can make a big difference in how securely you move through winter conditions. Together, we can make the campus safer during this rainy season by preventing slips and falls!

Share the joy of the Christmas season with George Fox Christmas cards! ‘Tis the season to send some cheer! George Fox Christmas cards for the 2024 season are now available to order. Quantity is limited. The cost is approximately $1.40 per card. Envelopes included.

• Order Deadline: Please place your orders by Wednesday, Nov. 20.
• Pick-Up Date: Cards will be ready for pickup on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Dec. 3.

If your department wants to place an order, please email Brandy at bdonavant@georgefox.edu with your desired quantity and full accounting string.

View the Christmas card cover and inside design.

May you be filled with the joy of Christmas this season!

Who was George Fox? In commemoration of the 400th anniversary of his birth, Dr. Robynne Rogers Healey of Trinity Western University will be giving a public lecture at 7 p.m. in Hoover 105 on Tuesday, Nov. 19, about the evolving legacy of George Fox University’s namesake. This lecture is part of the President’s Speaker series.

Contact Jay Miller at jaym@georgefox.edu for more information.

Ready to watch a talent show you won’t forget? Join us this Friday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. for Fox Got Talent in Bauman Auditorium. Watch our students and your peers compete to win $500, and vote for your favorite act!

As the end of the semester approaches, students are juggling large projects, papers, and exams. Many may find themselves overwhelmed, struggling to figure out how to start or effectively manage their workload. Goblin Tools could be a helpful resource to recommend to students, especially those who may benefit from a structured approach to their tasks.

Goblin Tools is an AI-supported platform designed to aid with executive functioning — a skill set many students rely on heavily during finals season. The “Magic To-Do List” feature allows students to break down complex assignments into smaller, manageable steps, assess task difficulty, and set time estimates. This can be especially valuable for those needing extra guidance in planning and organizing their work.

Consider suggesting Goblin Tools to students who might benefit from an extra layer of support in managing their end-of-semester workload. This tool could help them start assignments earlier, reduce stress, and stay on track through finals!

Please review university policies and your course guidelines about appropriate use of AI tools with students. Review the AI for Student Success page for resources on responsible AI use to support student learning.

Contact Rick Muthiah, director of Learning Support Services, with feedback or questions at rmuthiah@georgefox.edu.

We are in need of several volunteers to serve as ushers at midyear commencement on Saturday, Dec. 14. We will hold two separate ceremonies in Bauman Auditorium: one for undergraduate students at 11 a.m. and one for graduate students at 3 p.m. Come help us greet our guests, hand out programs, direct graduates’ family and friends to their seats, and make graduation a special event for everyone!

It’s fun to be part of our students’ graduation experience, and all George Fox employees who volunteer to participate as ushers will receive a $50 gift card for each ceremony they assist with. Sign up for both ceremonies, and lunch will be provided too!

Please contact Laurie Fair at 503-554-2140 or lfair@georgefox.edu if you would like to volunteer to serve our grads and their families on this memorable day!

University Recreation will be hosting a “Women’s Lift Night” in the Hadlock Student Center from 7 to 11 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22. This night will be the perfect opportunity to check out the fitness center and engage in numerous activities.

There will be a specialized HIIT class, fitness center orientations, snacks and drinks. For the HIIT class, please sign up on IMLeagues. RSVP to participate in the event as a whole, but showing up the day of is also encouraged. Come check it out!

Contact Nathanael Freeman at freemann@georgefox.edu with any questions.

Come join your George Fox peers and the communication studies faculty on Sunday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m. in Hoover 210 for a casual evening of dessert and conversation about how to navigate communication dynamics with friends and family during the holiday season.

Please RSVP here so we can get an accurate headcount and ensure we have a productive conversation!

If you have any questions, please reach out to Arielle Hodges at ahodges@georgefox.edu or Sarah Hanna at shanna@georgefox.edu. We look forward to seeing you there!

Join us tomorrow (Wednesday) in Hoover 250 from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. for a time of worship, listening to God’s Spirit, and seeking to discern God’s truth together. Nathanael Ankeny will be hosting. Chapel credit will be offered.

Please reach out to Nathanael at nankeny@georgefox.edu with any questions.

We are excited to announce that in May of 2025 students and faculty from the Doctor of Physical Therapy program will be heading to Uganda again for a medical service trip!

We will be partnering with local leaders and advocacy groups (Legal Action for Persons with Disabilities, LAPD, The Paul Lokech Foundation) to provide training and collaborate in the treatment and management of people/children with disabilities.

The trip is being funded by donations and fundraisers, with our first one being through Panda Express on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Visit any Panda Express nationwide that day and order online with this code to support our trip! Thank you in advance!

Providence Basecamp brings nutrition education and Providence experts together for a multi-event focus on heart-healthy nutrition. Join Jamie Libera, RD, LD, CCTD, on Wednesday, Nov. 13, from noon to 1 p.m. as she discusses this month’s topic, “Nutrition Facts and Myths.”

Then on Monday, Nov. 18, from noon to 1 p.m., join Registered Dietitian Kayla and Chef Tim, as they make a delicious ramen. Both are complimentary virtual events available to everyone. Register here.

If you have questions, email Aga Kasprzyk at akasprzyk@georgefox.edu.

Come join Erika Barber, MD, from the George Fox Physician Assistant/Associate (PA) Program on Thursday, Nov. 21, from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m. in Canyon Commons 102 and 103 for a presentation on the normal physiology behind the monthly female reproductive cycle.

See how modern applications of this knowledge can empower patients in fertility awareness and also be a tool for healthcare providers in addressing common areas of women’s health.

This presentation is intended for both men and women and especially geared toward healthcare professionals and students interested in healthcare and wellness.

If you have any questions, please contact Erika Barber at ebarber@georgefox.edu

November is National Diabetes Month. Providence Health Plan provides continuous support to you by offering complimentary or discounted health and wellness resources to encourage a healthy lifestyle.

Support and care for diabetes
Diabetes is a serious and complicated condition but it doesn’t have to control your life. Providence offers support and education for diabetes, whether you have had diabetes for some time or are newly diagnosed. Arming yourself with the information, regular health care and a little motivation, you can learn to manage diabetes. Use this link to learn more about what services are provided close to you.

H.E.A.L program
The Healthy Eating and Active Lifestyle (H.E.A.L.) program supports people with prediabetes or high risk for type 2 diabetes to achieve lasting lifestyle changes through guided weight loss, healthy eating, and activity. Participants receive group webinar sessions with optional one-on-one coaching and can continue monthly with their coach after the first 16 weeks. Learn more here.

Diabetes self-management
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or want a deeper understanding of diabetes, it’s never too late for diabetes self-management education and support. Talk with expert Michelle D Stancil, MS, BSN, RN , CDCES, about diabetes care and education programs for managing diabetes. This is a free virtual event that will be held tomorrow (Tuesday), from 11 a.m. to noon. Learn more and register here.

If you have questions about any of this information, email Aga Kasprzyk at akasprzyk@georgefox.edu.

There’s still time to join our November wellness challenge and be entered to win some amazing prize baskets! Simply complete the online health assessment by the end of the month.

This quick assessment is designed to help you pinpoint areas that might need a little extra care and offer personalized guidance on next steps. Prioritize your well-being, and let the raffle be a fun bonus for taking that first step!

Next week, we’ll send out a Google Form for you to choose your preferred prizes for the raffle.

Jump in today and give yourself the gift of health! Questions? Contact Aga Kasprzyk at akasprzyk@georgefox.edu.

This is a friendly reminder to complete your open enrollment by Nov. 22. All benefits-eligible employees are required to submit their elections, whether or not you’re making changes.

If you’re considering a plan change, please verify that your preferred providers are included under the new plan. We’re here to help with any questions, so don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance! Make an appointment for a consultation here.

You still need to complete open enrollment even if:

• You don’t have health insurance through George Fox
• You were hired this year and already completed your new hire enrollment
• You don’t have an FSA

Thank you for your attention to this important process.