University closes tomorrow for mid-semester holiday

Wednesday, October 14th, 2026

Campus offices will be closed tomorrow (Friday) for the mid-semester holiday. The Murdock Library will be closed, but the 24-hour space will remain open.

The Bruin Store will also be closed on Friday.

Sign up today for Wednesday’s Estate Planning Seminar

Wednesday, October 14th, 2026

Spots are still available for our upcoming free estate planning seminar on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 3 to 5 p.m. in Roberts Center 170, presented as a community service by attorney Stephen C. Palmer.

If you are looking to protect your assets, minimize estate taxes, and ensure your loved ones are taken care of, there is still time to reserve your seat. Following great feedback from our spring session, this presentation returns to guide you through the essentials of wills, living trusts, probate, guardianship, inheritance tax and more.

The seminar is open to all George Fox employees, their family members, and the surrounding community. Refreshments will be provided. Capacity is capped at 75 attendees, so we encourage you to register soon to guarantee a spot.

Registration Details

  • Sign-up form: All attendees must register in advance here.
  • Faculty and staff drawing: University employees who register and attend will be automatically be entered into a drawing to win a $250 gift card.

If you have any questions, please contact Aga Kasprzyk at akasprzyk@georgefox.edu.

Participate in a campus-wide earthquake drill this morning at 10:15 a.m.

Wednesday, October 14th, 2026

We live in an active seismic zone. October is Emergency Preparedness Month, and during this time 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 get ready to drop, cover, and hold on during the Great ShakeOut!

How to participate:

At 10:15 a.m. this morning, 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.

Hadlock will have adjusted hours tomorrow for mid-semester break

Wednesday, October 14th, 2026

The Hadlock Student Center will be open tomorrow (Friday) from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., followed by our regular weekend hours of 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday.

Contact Kelsey Cantrall at kcantrall@georgefox.edu with any questions. 

Explore your retirement planning options this month with resources and tools from Nationwide

Wednesday, October 14th, 2026

October is National Retirement Security Month, and we want to ensure our George Fox faculty and staff feel equipped and confident about their financial future. Whether you are years away from retirement or approaching it soon, having a clear strategy keeps you grounded in your long-term goals.

We invite you to explore the dedicated tools and planning resources provided through Nationwide this month to help secure a strong financial foundation for you and your loved ones.

Contact Aga Kasprzyk at akasprzyk@georgefox.edu for more information.

Keep Your Computer Happy: The Weekly Restart

Tuesday, October 13th, 2026

Did you know that simply clicking “Shut Down” or closing your laptop lid doesn’t install vital background updates? To keep your machine running quickly and securely, it needs a true Restart.

A proper restart applies pending security patches, clears system memory, and fixes minor glitches that build up over the week.

Your Action Item: Please restart your computer once a week (Friday afternoons are a great time to build the habit!).

  • First: Save your work!
  • Windows: Start menu > Power icon > Restart
  • Mac: Apple icon > Restart

Need help? Contact servicedesk@georgefox.edu. Thank you for helping keep our campus secure!

Wellness Wednesdays: Rooted & Resilient – Bruin Discounts

Tuesday, October 13th, 2026

Anchor your budget this semester by taking advantage of exclusive Bruin Discounts. Staying rooted in smart stewardship helps you stay resilient against inflation, offering savings on local dining, services and entertainment right here in our community.

To learn more about your perks, go to the Wellness webpage.

Join a conversation exploring Christian perspectives on serving LGBTQ+ neighbors

Tuesday, October 13th, 2026

Join Jason Fileta and Kara Martin on Tuesday, Oct. 27, for a conversation about how Christians can uphold their theological convictions while embracing human rights, dignity and justice for LGBTQ+ neighbors.

Through Christian perspectives on faith, hospitality and human rights, the presenters will explore ways to foster compassionate and respectful engagement across differing theological perspectives.

This event will be held in Stevens 209 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Contact Kim Rapp at rappk@georgefox.edu for more information.

Attend the annual Dalton Lecture next Thursday to learn about marine conservation

Tuesday, October 13th, 2026

Join the biology and biochemistry program for the 15th Annual Dalton Lecture featuring Dr. Robert D. Sluka, lead scientist of the A Rocha Marine Conservation Program. He’ll present a lecture, titled “Creatureliness and Marine Conservation: Is a Manatee Really My Neighbor?,” on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 7:30 p.m. in Bauman Auditorium.

Dr. Sluka will share about how acknowledging ourselves as fellow creatures can transform our approach to ocean conservation. Admission is free, and the event is open to the public.

There will be an earlier bonus afternoon lecture at 3 p.m. on “Hope for the Ocean,” also in Bauman. Chapel credit will be given for the evening lecture.

Contact Amanda Harris at amandah@georgefox.edu with any questions.

Attend the Multiplication Conference on campus this month for free

Tuesday, October 13th, 2026

You’re invited to attend the Multiplication Conference: Multiplying Leaders to Multiply Disciples, happening on the university’s Newberg campus Tuesday, Oct. 27, through Thursday, Oct. 29. Get ready to explore God’s call, grow as a leader, and discover practical next steps for making disciples wherever he sends you.

Registration grants access to the in-person conference as well as online resources, including the online conference a few weeks later. This is a great way to engage on an international level with people from North America, Latin America, Africa, Europe and Asia.

George Fox and Portland Seminary students can attend for free! Register here using discount code GFSTUDENT26 to receive 100% off your registration. For students who are not on a meal plan, please use the following code, which will cover the cost of the conference but not meals: GFMEALSONLY.

Registration is also free for George Fox employees! Register here using discount code GFUSTAFF to receive 100% off your registration.

Come ready to be challenged, encouraged and equipped to take your next step! Contact Jonelle Retsema at jretsema@georgefox.edu with any questions.  

Come hear Joel Mayward speak on ‘The Value of Interdisciplinary Scholarship’ at faculty lecture Oct. 20

Monday, October 12th, 2026

Jason Brummit, Nathan Slegers, and the Faculty Scholarship and Achievement Committee invite you to join them for the Fall Faculty Lecture on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 6 p.m. in the Art & Cinematic Arts Building’s Cinema Screening Room 105.

Dr. Joel Mayward, PhD, associate professor of humanities and cinematic arts, and winner of the 2025-26 Faculty Achievement Award for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship, is the featured faculty speaker. He will share on the topic “Breaking Silos, Building Bridges: The Value of Interdisciplinary Scholarship.”

Synopsis: What do theology, philosophy, movies, pop music, poetry, television, Quaker spirituality, Latino/a culture, youth ministry, sexuality, church leadership, and diversity all have in common? They’re all topics Mayward has published or presented on as part of his ongoing academic research.

He will share about his interdisciplinary approach to scholarship, as well as his vocational journey from youth pastor to theologian and film scholar. The event is also a celebratory book launch of his latest publication, Religious Cinema for Non-Believers: Film Criticism as Spiritual Practice (Cascade Books, 2026). We’ll be giving away copies of the book in a raffle, and you can also purchase the book for a discount.

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

Contact Sarah Taylor at taylors@georgefox.edu with any questions.

Feeling like your perspective on AI isn’t being heard? Join a one-time focus group today!

Monday, October 12th, 2026

In an effort to capture the breadth of community perspectives, the AI teaching-learning team is calling all interested staff and faculty in Newberg and the Portland Center to a focus group session for sharing concerns about the way AI interfaces with our work at George Fox.

The session will be held in person today (Tuesday) from 2 to 3 p.m. (note updated time) in Wood-Mar Conference Room 201. We want to receive input on how you are feeling; moving forward with wisdom and grace requires hearing a range of perspectives and concerns.

We will aggregate the data to keep your insights anonymous. To sign up, reach out to Allen Jones at ejones@georgefox.edu.

Attend a Title IX Town Hall tomorrow to learn about George Fox’s approach to sexual misconduct

Sunday, October 11th, 2026

In the last few weeks, we have seen an increase in questions about our Title IX process, policy, and practices. In light of the violent and disturbing incident recently reported at Cornell University, students all over the country have been sharing their own experiences with sexual assault on college campuses.

Students at the University of Oregon have called for accountability after five sexual assaults were reported in the first week of school. Some students at George Fox have expressed fear, skepticism that the university takes allegations of sexual misconduct seriously, or confusion regarding our process for responding to misconduct.

To address these concerns directly, we are hosting a Title IX Town Hall tomorrow (Tuesday) from 7 to 9 p.m. in Canyon Commons 101. At this event, students can learn more about George Fox University’s community approach from Title IX staff and members of our spiritual life and student life teams.

George Fox condemns all forms of sexual misconduct and sexual violence, and strives to provide safety and care for all of our students. This forum will provide the opportunity to ask questions (anonymously if students prefer), learn about our processes, and understand the measures we take to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.

We hope you’ll join us for this important and timely conversation. Contact Crystal McGowen at cmcgowen@georgefox.edu with any questions.

Congrats to our first Miles for Meals Challenge weekly raffle winner

Thursday, October 8th, 2026

We’re excited to announce the first winner of our weekly prize drawing for the Miles for Meals Challenge! Congratulations to Courage Mudzongo, who has won a $50 Amazon gift card. Visit the People and Culture office to claim your prize.

The top three teams so far:
1. Centennial Tower Trekkers (331,540 total steps)
2. Bruin Boulevard Striders (257,147 total steps)
3. Stevens Steppers (226,880 total steps)

Don’t forget: There are three more weeks of prizes to come. Stay active and keep logging miles for your chance to win.

Weekly prizes are awarded randomly just for participation. Grand prizes will be awarded at the end to the top individual stepper and the team with the highest average steps.

The deadline to register is this Saturday, Oct. 10. If you have not registered and are planning on it, be sure to do that as soon as possible.

If you have questions about registering, please email the Wellness Committee at bewell@georgefox.edu.

Feeling like your perspective on AI isn’t being heard? Join a one-time focus group Tuesday

Thursday, October 8th, 2026

In an effort to capture the breadth of community perspectives, the AI teaching-learning team is calling all interested staff and faculty in Newberg and the Portland Center to a focus group session for sharing concerns about the way AI interfaces with our work at George Fox.

The session will be held in person in Wood-Mar Conference Room 201 this Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 3 to 4 p.m.

We want to receive input on how you are feeling. Moving forward with wisdom and grace requires hearing a wide range of perspectives and concerns! We will aggregate the data to keep your insights anonymous.

To sign up, reach out to Allen Jones at ejones@georgefox.edu.

Be sure to use Concur for personal reimbursements

Wednesday, October 7th, 2026

All George Fox employees (with a George Fox employee ID number and a George Fox email address) need to submit their personal reimbursements (including vehicle mileage reimbursement) through Concur.

If you would like to have training or have any questions on the use of Concur, please contact Kathi Becker at 503-554-2166 or kbecker@georgefox.edu.

Important reminder about emergency evacuation drill procedures

Wednesday, October 7th, 2026

As we enter October, our facility will be conducting mandatory emergency evacuation drills throughout the month. Regular drills ensure that all faculty, staff, students and visitors know exactly how to react quickly and safely in a real emergency.

What You Need to Do During a Drill

When the alarm sounds, please execute the following evacuation protocol immediately:

1. Pause & Prepare:

  • Stop all activities instantly.
  • Calmly collect essential personal items (e.g., keys, wallet, mobile device) only if they are immediately within reach.
  • Do not return to desks or offices to retrieve belongings.

2. Exit via Marked Routes:

  • Never use elevators during an evacuation drill.
  • Proceed to the nearest designated emergency exit or stairwell.
  • Walk at a steady pace – do not run or push.
  • Close doors behind you as you leave to help contain smoke or hazards.

3. Report to Your Assembly Point:

  • Head directly to your assigned exterior Assembly Point.
  • Keep roadways and walkways clear for emergency responders.

4. Check In with Your Building Monitor:

  • Once at the assembly area, check in with your designated building monitor for headcounts.
  • If you’re faculty with a class, please take a headcount and report any missing students to the building monitor.
  • Remain at the assembly point until safety officials give the official “All Clear” signal to re-enter.

What You Need to Know Before the Drill Starts

1. Locate Your Evacuation Map:

  • Review the emergency evacuation diagram posted near stairwells and main corridors in each building.

2. Identify Two Routes:

  • Always know your primary exit route and a secondary alternative in case the primary route is blocked.

3. Need Assistance?

  • If you or someone in your department requires mobility support during an evacuation, notify your building monitor prior to the drill.

Thank you for your active participation and commitment to maintaining a safe learning and working environment!

Questions? Contact Kim Knoernschild at kknoernschild@georgefox.edu.

Homecoming and Family Weekend starts tomorrow

Wednesday, October 7th, 2026

We are excited to welcome George Fox families, alumni and our local community to the Newberg campus this weekend, Oct. 9-11, for Homecoming and Family Weekend.

Thank you for putting on your best George Fox welcome and helping families navigate campus as needed. We want to provide the most hospitable and fun experience possible for our visitors!

Also, remember to take great care in encouraging those students who may not have a family member who can attend.

If you missed a chance to register but would like to join us, we invite you to register in person on the first floor of the Stevens Center on Friday, Oct. 9, from 3 to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 10, from 9 to 11 a.m.

To register in person or view the schedule, click here. Questions? Email parents@georgefox.edu or alumni@georgefox.edu.

Bring your kids to Volleyball Youth Night and watch the game for free

Tuesday, October 6th, 2026

Join us in the Miller Gymnasium on Friday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m. for an exciting night of volleyball, fun and team spirit.

Bring your kids out to cheer the Bruins on and experience the game with us. It’s Volleyball Youth Night, so kids and the parents who bring them get in free.

Grab your family, wear your favorite Bruins volleyball gear, and come support the George Fox volleyball team!

Contact Gracie Bearden at gbearden23@georgefox.edu with any questions. 

Join Quaker worship in the chapel this morning

Tuesday, October 6th, 2026

All are welcome to join the Quaker worship group in the chapel today (Wednesday) from 11 to 11:30 a.m. This will be a quiet time of waiting and communion with Christ inwardly. Afterwards, a page of The Saint John’s Bible will be turned for those who are interested.

Alternative chapel credit is available.

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