Use precaution with freezing temperatures this week

Sunday, January 12th, 2025

Due to the forecasted freezing temperatures this week, we want to remind everyone to take extra precautions when out and about.

Parking Lots: Parking lots and walkways may become slippery as freezing temperatures cause surfaces to ice over. Please drive cautiously and reduce your speed in parking areas to prevent accidents.

Shaded Areas: Be especially cautious in shaded areas, as they will freeze first and stay icy longer. These spots can be particularly dangerous, so stay alert for any hidden patches of ice.

Stairs and Walkways: Stairs, handrails and walkways are more likely to accumulate ice. Please use handrails when available, take small, careful steps, and wear shoes with good traction to avoid slips and falls.

Your safety is our priority. Please stay vigilant and take your time when moving around in these conditions. Stay warm and safe!

Reminder: Richter proposals are due Jan. 27

Sunday, January 12th, 2025

Richter Scholars proposals will be due Monday, Jan. 27, 2025. The Richter Scholars program distributes funds to support student research activities that are devised, initiated and carried out by individual student researchers, with mentorship, guidance and expertise provided by a faculty mentor.

The purpose of these funds is to support educational research opportunities that encourage the practices of independent thought, leading to independent achievement and personal responsibility. For the purpose of this program, research is defined as a knowledge-generating activity that is designed to provide new information on a topic, tool or process, and that proceeds according to established and accepted research methods.

Before preparing a proposal, please read through the full proposal guidelines, eligibility requirements, and review criteria at this link.

All submissions will be electronic through Smartsheet, due Monday, Jan. 27, 2025. The Smartsheet link can be found on the website and will be activated when the spring semester begins.

For more information, contact Vetta Berokoff at vberokof@georgefox.edu.

Don’t forget to schedule a retirement consultation with our Nationwide rep

Sunday, January 12th, 2025

Phillip Carbajal, George Fox’s Nationwide retirement specialist, continues to offer on-site days to provide you with an opportunity for a personalized one-on-one conversation. He will be on the Newberg campus this Thursday, Jan. 16.

This retirement consultation is a relaxed and friendly way to explore your options and get answers to your questions about planning for the future. It’s your time to learn helpful strategies and feel confident that you’re making the most of your retirement benefits, all with expert support.

Sign up today at this link!

Make note of these payroll deadline reminders

Sunday, January 12th, 2025

As we enter into the new year, please keep in mind the payroll processing deadlines. For student payroll, all timesheets, check requests, and tax/direct deposit forms must be submitted and through the approval process by the third business day of the month to be paid on the student payday of the 15th.

For the regular employee payroll, all timesheets, check requests, contracts, tax/direct deposit forms, retirement contribution updates, and PCFs must be submitted and through the approval process by the 18th of each month to be included on that month’s payroll.

Your timely submission helps us process payroll efficiently and ensures accuracy without delays. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact payroll@georgefox.edu.

Schedule a consultation with our retirement specialist

Thursday, January 9th, 2025

Phillip Carbajal, George Fox’s Nationwide retirement specialist, continues to offer on-site days to provide you with an opportunity for a personalized one-on-one conversation.

This retirement consultation is a relaxed and friendly way to explore your options and get answers to your questions about planning for the future. It’s your time to learn helpful strategies and feel confident that you’re making the most of your retirement benefits, all with expert support.

Sign up today at this link!

Faculty: Register now for ‘Deep Dive’ retreat in May

Thursday, January 9th, 2025

All Faculty: This is a friendly reminder to register now for one of the best ways to conclude the academic year. The “Deep Dive” offers the opportunity to work on a project, delve into research, or dedicate time to a course in a serene and inspiring environment.

In addition to solo work, you can collaborate, rest, and play with your colleagues. For a more reflective experience, a self-guided spiritual retreat is available. Of the faculty who attended last year, 95% said they would return, and one faculty member wrote that it was their best experience in nine years at George Fox.

Here is the basic info:

  • Dates: Monday, May 12 (4 p.m. check-in) to Thursday, May 15 (9 a.m. check-out)
  • Location: Washington Family Ranch, 1 Muddy Road, Antelope, OR 97001
  • Rooms: Lodging assignments are dependent on tracks. Most people will be sharing a room with one person.

Tracks

  • Track One: Guided intensive to work collaboratively on your first Faculty Growth Plan
  • Track Two: Guided intensive to work collaboratively on your Third-Year Review Portfolio
  • Self-guided: Open to all faculty to work on a professional project

The registration deadline is Friday, April 18, 2025. Questions? Email Michelle Kang at mkang@georgefox.edu.

The Oregon Symphony returns to Bauman Auditorium Jan. 31

Thursday, January 9th, 2025

Tickets for the Oregon Symphony concert on the Newberg campus will be available on Tuesday, Jan. 21. The concert is free to George Fox employees.

George Fox and Austin Industries will host the Oregon Symphony for its 37th annual performance in Bauman Auditorium on Friday, Jan. 31, at 8 p.m. This year’s program features Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances, a masterful blend of nostalgic reflection and the vibrant energy of his adopted homeland. The evening will also honor the Lunar New Year with a special performance by Wu Man, acclaimed by The Wall Street Journal as “the world’s greatest pipa player.”

A limited number of tickets are provided for George Fox employees at the half-time level and above, including emeriti employees. There will be a waitlist for adjuncts or if you would like additional tickets. Complimentary tickets are limited to two per employee and can be picked up in the president’s office (Stevens 330).

Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis starting Tuesday, Jan. 21, at 2 p.m. following the all-employee meeting. Any available tickets on Monday, Jan. 27, will go to those on the waitlist. Reservations over the phone may be taken for Portland Center employees only.

Questions? Please contact Carly Reumann at creumann@georgefox.edu or 503-554-2101.

Get discounts on activities and more with Providence’s ‘2025 New Year’s Guide’

Thursday, January 9th, 2025

Providence Health Plan members: Check out LifeBalance’s 2025 New Year’s Guide, which features discounts on a wide range of activities, experiences, travel, nutrition, lodging, outdoor gear and more.

It’s a great way to have fun this winter and jump into healthier habits without breaking the bank. Use the above link to explore different categories that can help you make good on your health and fitness intentions this year.

Register for Providence’s goal-setting class as a new year begins

Thursday, January 9th, 2025

Join Jennifer Lundman, MSW, NBC-HWC, in a three-week Providence Basecamp series designed to help identify a goal that purposefully connects with you. This complimentary class also explores a variety of goal-setting models where you’ll experiment with each to find which one works best.

This virtual series is hosted on Wednesdays starting Jan. 22, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Registration is required. Use this link to learn more and register.

Questions about your finances? Join free estate planning seminar on campus Jan. 23

Wednesday, January 8th, 2025

Do you have questions about your finances? You can protect your assets, minimize estate taxes, and take care of the people and causes that matter to you.

We’ll show you how. Join us on Thursday, Jan. 23, from 10 a.m. to noon in Canyon Commons for a free estate planning seminar. Light refreshments will be provided.

The event is provided as a service to the community by George Fox University and Stephen C. Palmer, Attorney at Law.

Please RSVP to Tracy Fabel, associate director of planned giving, at tfabel@georgefox.edu or 503-544-2130.

All are invited to join in serving on MLK Day Jan. 20

Wednesday, January 8th, 2025

On the MLK Day holiday (Monday, Jan. 20), the Office for Spiritual Life invites students and employees to join us for a day of community service and learning with SOLVE and other community partners in Portland. Space is limited, so be the first to sign up! Please complete this form to register.

Here is a tentative schedule of the MLK Day plan:

  • 9 a.m.: Meet up, continental breakfast and departure from SpiL (Barclay) House; on the drive to Portland, we’ll listen, reflect and discuss a sermon by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
  • 9:45 a.m.: Meet at Irving Park in Portland for orientation
  • 10 a.m.: Join with SOLVE for MLK Day service project (beautification/litter clean-up
    project)
  • Noon: Lunch and discussion on service as an opportunity for spiritual connection and growth
  • 1 p.m.: Visit community partner organization serving Portland
  • 2 p.m.: Debrief and drive back
  • 2:45 p.m.: Arrive back at Newberg campus

Undergraduate students who participate will be eligible to receive chapel-elective credit for participation. RSVP on Helper-Helper.

Contact Rusty St. Cyr for more information at rstcyr@georgefox.edu.

Info on how to prepare outgoing department mail

Wednesday, January 8th, 2025

As we begin a new year, please take a minute to review the requirements for outgoing department mail. Particularly, we want to remind everyone that outgoing mail should be bundled and that the proper account string information needs to be included with each bundle of mail.

For more details, please refer to our website.

Acquaint yourself with Hadlock’s offerings this Thursday

Monday, January 6th, 2025

Feeling intimidated by the Hadlock Student Center? We want to help you feel comfortable and confident!

If you’re a George Fox staff or family member and have been wanting to check out Hadlock, join us for an open house/orientation this Thursday, Jan. 9. Drop by anytime during your lunch break, between noon and 1 p.m. No pressure: We just want to give you a chance to explore the space, ask questions, and try things out!

Come try out the climbing wall, learn how to use the lockers, test out the equipment, play some pickleball – whatever’s been holding you back, we want to help remove those barriers. We’re here to make Hadlock feel like home for you!

Feel free to reach out to Kelsey Cantrall at kcantrall@georgefox.edu with any questions.

Plant Services’ work order system currently undergoing an update

Monday, January 6th, 2025

The work order system utilized by Plant Services (TMA) is undergoing a major version update. As a result, work orders will not be processed during the conversion. For urgent work requests during this time, please email plantservices@georgefox.edu directly. We ask that users refrain from logging into the system until the update is fully complete.

The conversion process is expected to take a few days, assuming no unforeseen issues arise. Another announcement will be posted when the updated system is online. Thank you.

Do you want to mentor a student during the spring semester?

Sunday, January 5th, 2025

The Office for Spiritual Life is looking for staff/faculty members to participate in our “SpiL Mentoring” program this spring.

This program will provide the opportunity for students to have meaningful conversations about faith and life while receiving encouragement and support from a George Fox staff or faculty member. Students in the program will be matched with a dedicated staff or faculty member, with whom they will have weekly meetings lasting approximately one hour, spanning a duration of eight weeks within the semester. The program will begin the week of Feb. 3 and end the week of March 24.

To support you in your mentoring role, we will provide a booklet with weekly suggested spiritual formation practices for you to engage in with your mentee. Additionally, there will be a training session prior to the start of the program to ensure you feel prepared and equipped.

We’re looking for staff/faculty who would like to serve as mentors. If you’re interested, please fill out this application by Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Your involvement will make a meaningful impact on our students’ lives.

Contact Cyndi Murillo at cmurillo@georgefox.edu if you have any questions.

Read President Baker’s latest blog post sharing Christ’s presence in difficult times

Sunday, January 5th, 2025

After his father’s passing, President Robin Baker has been deeply moved by the outpouring of support from the George Fox community. This past Christmas was uniquely challenging as his mother, at age 87, underwent a risky procedure that required emergency surgery.

Her fragile state in the ICU left the Baker family unsure how to comfort her, but music became a source of healing and a reminder of Christ’s presence. You can read President Baker’s post on his Reflections blog here.

Providence Health Plan members: Set your goals while saving with LifeBalance

Thursday, January 2nd, 2025

Check out LifeBalance’s 2025 New Year’s Guide, which features discounts on a wide range of activities, experiences, travel, lodging, outdoor gear and more. It’s a great way to have fun this winter and jump into healthier habits without breaking the bank.

Use the above link to explore different categories that can help you make good on your health and fitness intentions this year.

Please note new procedures for when severe weather hits

Wednesday, December 18th, 2024

If severe winter weather makes travel to or from campus unsafe, the provost will make the decision to announce a shift to remote classes and work. In nearly all cases, classes will continue to be offered online, and employees will work remotely. 

In the case of a delayed in-person start, university offices will not open until an announced time in the day, most often 10 a.m. or noon. Students, faculty and staff are not required to report to campus prior to the announced start time but are expected to attend class online or work remotely before the start time. If in-person classes will not be held and university offices will be closed all day, students, faculty and staff are expected to attend class online or work remotely. 

Those who cannot perform their duties at home should report to campus if they can arrive safely. If an employee cannot arrive safely or must remain home for any other reason, they may use a sick or vacation day to cover the absence. If no vacation is available, the employee can make up hours during the same week or record the time off without pay. 

The following is our process for announcing when there is a delayed in-person start or a shift to remote classes and work. The provost will make the decision by 6:30 a.m. for the Newberg campus and Portland Center for daytime classes or 2:15 p.m. for evening classes. Decisions on weekend classes and at the Redmond site will be made by the professor. 

Stay notified. Here’s how to find out if a decision has been made when severe weather occurs:

  • Visit the George Fox Flashalert.net page. This is the first site updated. Enter your email address to create an account and receive notifications from FlashAlert Messenger.
  • If you wish to receive a notification on your mobile device, download the FlashAlert smartphone app for iOS or Android. Either log in or create an account if you haven’t already. 
  • Listen to local radio and television stations or visit their websites (this info comes via Flashalert).
  • Call the George Fox University switchboard at (503) 538-8383.

More information on this change in procedure can be found on our winter weather policy page.

Be sure to drop off December deposits by noon tomorrow

Wednesday, December 18th, 2024

The finance office will be closed Dec. 24 through Jan. 1 for Christmas break. Deposits that need to have a December 2024 date must be brought to the finance office no later than noon tomorrow (Friday). If it arrives later, it will go into a deposit for January 2025.

Please note our new location is 1515 Portland Road, formerly known as the “Sleep Center.”

Please look around your desks and file cabinets to see if there are any lingering items that need to go to the bank. If you are taking extra time off during the Christmas and New Year holiday, please send your deposits over before you leave.

If you have any questions about deposits, please contact Heather Groenlund at 503-554-2173. Thank you, and have a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!

Note: For all deposit-related inquiries, please use our new email: deposits@georgefox.edu. Thank you!

Holistic health webinar focuses on ways to relieve stress

Tuesday, December 17th, 2024

Are you making an impact on your overall well-being by tackling your stress levels? Canopy offers a great Holistic Health for Stress Relief webinar taught by Michelle Martin, CIHC.

Martin talks about mindfulness exercise as well as physical, mental, spiritual and alternative forms of relief. She also discusses how to integrate these processes.

We encourage you to listen and learn some easy steps to relieve your stress in mind, body and soul – especially before the Christmas holiday!