The Daily Bruin

Your Providence Health Plan provides important support through the Care Management Diabetes Program. This comprehensive program is designed to assist you if you are newly diagnosed, at risk, or living with prediabetes, offering focused help particularly for managing Type 2 diabetes.

You will have access to crucial resources, including:

• Certified nurse diabetes educators
• Registered dietitians
• Provider coordination
• Assistance in identifying resources for exercise and overcoming barriers to nutritious food

This program is available to help you take action toward achieving optimal health and effective diabetes management. Find out more here.

This Wellness Wednesday, we’re introducing the Providence Basecamp recipe collection, a valuable resource designed to emphasize how your food choices significantly impact your overall health and disease risk.

This valuable resource emphasizes how your food choices significantly impact your overall health and disease risk. The collection offers flavorful, heart-healthy ideas inspired by the Mediterranean diet:

• Maximizing flavor with spices and less sodium
• Prioritizing fresh over processed foods
• Offering comforting dishes with less saturated fat
• Being mindful of your grocery budget

We encourage you to explore the main categories or use the search bar to find new recipes that support various dietary needs (with modifications often noted). The collection also offers cultural notes for familiar flavors, making it easier than ever to find delicious meals that contribute positively to your well-being.

Now that December is here, it’s time to start celebrating Christmas! To commemorate the occasion, the marketing communications department has created a special webpage – complete with information about this week’s Christmas-related events, reflections on the significance of the holiday, and videos that capture the spirit of the season.

Be sure to check it out!

Get ready to spread some holiday cheer! In the spirit of the season, we’re holding a Bruin Pantry Drive at this week’s annual Christmas Extravaganza.

While we are grateful for any donation, the pantry is currently running low on several essential items that keep our students nourished. Please consider bringing one or more of the following to the Extravaganza:

• Shelf-stable milk and alternative milk products
• Gluten-free and dairy-free items
• Ramen
• Boxes of cold cereal
• Canned protein and any kind of canned meals
• Cooking and baking essentials like spices, baking soda/power, etc.
• Individual snacks

Drop off any donation at the Pantry Drive booth at Thursday’s Christmas Extravaganza and receive an extra festive treat! Thank you for making the Bruin community stronger this Christmas season!

The annual campus-wide Christmas Extravaganza is taking place this Thursday, Dec. 4, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. All staff and faculty are invited, and families are welcome!

A Christmas tree-lighting service with carols and Scripture reading will be held inside the chapel from 4:30 to 5 p.m. A countdown to light the Christmas tree outside the chapel will follow the service.

The extravaganza begins at 5 p.m. with seasonal activities for the whole family, including “Santa’s Workshop” in the Maker Hub, horse-drawn carriage rides, music performances in the chapel, festive treats and more!

Help spread health and wellness across the globe by supporting students and faculty from the university’s School of Physical Therapy as we travel to Uganda, Africa, this May.

We will be partnering with local leaders and advocacy groups to provide training, education and instruction in the treatment and management of children/people in need of physical therapy, working with patients in rural communities.

So, grab your friends and sign up for the 2025 Christmas Jingle 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 9 a.m.! The run will be around the George Fox campus, starting in Stoffer Stadium. Come join us dressed in your holiday cheer!

The cost is $20 for students, $30 for community members, and $10 for children under age 10. This includes a free T-shirt! Sign up at this link. All proceeds will go toward our trip.

Questions? Contact Carleigh DeLapp at cdelapp20@georgefox.edu.

This is a friendly reminder that all Bruin Bookstore rentals are due on Friday, Dec. 12. If you have any questions, please email Kristin McGuirk at kmcguirk@georgefox.edu.

Would you like to sell your art at the Christmas Extravaganza Holiday Hangout on Thursday, Dec. 4? It only costs $10 to rent a table to sell your art to students, staff and the local community.

This year, Holiday Hangout is combining with the Christmas Extravaganza, which will feature a tree-lighting ceremony, carriage rides and lots of other fun activities. The art market will take place in Klages with tables for students and staff to sell their work. This event is attended by students, staff and Newberg locals, so all tables will receive lots of traffic.

Fill out this form to rent a table.

Swing by the Bruin Bookstore or visit us online to take advantage of our Cyber Monday 30% off sale! Come by the store between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. – or visit our online site 24/7 – to save 30% on your favorite Bruin gear!

Please note the accelerated payroll deadlines for December. Due to Christmas break, we will have fewer days to process the December payroll. Please have all check requests submitted and approved by Monday, Dec. 8.

Employees with timesheets that span Nov. 16 to Dec. 15 should forecast their hours, lock and have their timesheets approved by Dec. 8. Automated emails will be sent according to these accelerated deadlines.

Regular employee and student timesheets can be locked at the end of the month as usual. The student payday will be on Monday, Dec. 15, and the regular employee payday will be on Tuesday, Dec. 23.

Questions? Contact the payroll team at payroll@georgefox.edu.

Please note the change of hours at the Hadlock Student Center over the Thanksgiving holiday:

• Today (Wednesday): 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Tomorrow (Thursday) through Saturday, Nov. 29: Closed
• Sunday, Nov. 30: 2 to 10 p.m.

The holiday season is here. It’s a time for travel, celebration and connection. Whether you’re spending time with family and friends or taking time to recharge at home, Providence Health Plan wants to help you feel your best all season long with a variety of care options.

From virtual visits to urgent care, Providence Health Plan helps you get the care you need whenever you need it.

• ProvRN: Have a question? Speak with a registered nurse anytime, any day. It’s an easy first step to find out if you need in-person care. Have your member ID ready and call 503-574-6520 or 800-700-0481 (TTY 711). Available 24/7.
• *ExpressCare Virtual: Appointments at your fingertips! With ExpressCare Virtual, you can get on-demand care within minutes through your tablet, smartphone or computer to treat conditions like a cold, rash, pink eye and more. Available seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• *ExpressCare Clinics: Need care now? Get same-day, in-person appointments when your regular provider isn’t available to treat common conditions like colds, stomach aches and more. Available seven days a week at convenient locations.
• Primary Care: Your go-to for all things health. Your Primary Care Provider (PCP) is your partner in health and is the provider you see most often. Visit them for check-ups, managing chronic conditions, screenings and more.
• Urgent Care: Quick care when you need it. Urgent care is available when you can’t wait for a primary care appointment for minor injuries, cuts, burns, sprains, imaging and more. Find an urgent care near you at providencehealthplan.com/findaprovider.
• Emergency Care: Serious symptoms? When you need immediate care for something life-threatening, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

Not sure where you should go for care? Check out this flyer to help you find the best option based on cost and your symptoms.

*ExpressCare Virtual and ExpressCare Clinic services are no cost with most plans. High-deductible health plan members must first meet their plan deductible, then services are covered in full.

The Department of Art and Design is launching its sixth photo contest to remember John Bennett. John impacted our community for nearly 15 years until his passing in 2017.

If you are a current or former student of George Fox, submit your best “It’s All About the Light” photograph via this link.

The contest will close on Monday, Dec. 1. This year, three winners will receive gift certificates for ThinkTank camera bags.

Contact Adam Long at along@georgefox.edu for more information.

Are you ready to decorate for the Christmas season? While the use of artificial trees is encouraged, live Christmas trees may be used if the following specifications and safety rules are strictly followed.

Guidelines for Live Christmas Trees

• Registration: You must register your live tree prior to its arrival on campus via this registration form.
• Location: Live trees are not permitted in individual offices or residential living spaces.
• Placement: Trees may not block means of egress (hallways, doors or emergency doors). They must also be kept three or more feet away from heaters, radiators and other heat sources.
• Watering: Please check your tree’s water level daily and keep the tree stand full of fresh water at all times.
• Lights: Christmas tree lights must be turned off before leaving the office or every evening in residence halls.
• Sensitivity: Please be aware that live trees may cause sensitivity issues for some individuals.
• Removal deadline: Live trees must be removed before winter break (Dec. 12 for student areas and Dec. 23 for offices).
• Other decorations: For other decorating, follow these general safety guidelines. Take care to use UL-approved lights and never use open flames or candles.

Thank you for helping us ensure a safe festive environment! If you have any questions, contact Kim Knoernschild, our environmental health and safety specialist, at kknoernschild@georgefox.edu.

FoxLink is our new online hub that connects students with alumni and industry professionals for networking and mentorship. It’s a powerful way for your students to find guidance and connect with alumni in their field who have already “raised their hand” to help.

The platform is secure, exclusive to our community and designed to make trusted connections easy.

Sign up at foxlink.georgefox.edu today, select “Faculty/Staff” and explore it for yourself!

For questions and resources to share with students, reach out to Britnee Ely at bely@georgefox.edu.

Please note the accelerated payroll deadlines for December. Due to Christmas break, we will have fewer days to process the December payroll. Please have all check requests submitted and approved by Monday, Dec. 8.

Employees with timesheets that span Nov. 16 to Dec. 15 should forecast their hours, lock and have their timesheets approved by Dec. 8. Automated emails will be sent according to these accelerated deadlines.

Regular employee and student timesheets can be locked at the end of the month as usual. The student payday will be on Monday, Dec. 15, and the regular employee payday will be on Tuesday, Dec. 23.

Questions? Contact the Payroll Team at payroll@georgefox.edu.

Come visit the Bruin Bookstore to take advantage of these sales, in store or online. Happy Thanksgiving!

• Nov. 23 through Dec. 1: 20% off Owala water bottles and 25% off OnHand and Belkin accessories
• Nov. 25: Airpods 4 for $79
• Online only Nov. 28 through Dec. 1: Black Friday sale, 20% off one item, 25% off two items, 30% off three items.

Before you start shopping those Black Friday sales, here’s an item you should add to your Christmas list: YakTrax! These grippy straps wrap around your shoes and provide added traction for walking on ice. Don’t let slips and falls ruin your holiday plans. Tell Santa to get you a pair this winter!

Warning: Without special treads for ice you can expect loss of balance and potential strains, sprains or fractures, as most shoes do not have adequate traction for icy conditions.

This message is brought to you by your friends at Plant Services who care for the campus sidewalks.

If severe weather makes travel to or from campus unsafe this winter, 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 are not held that 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 time 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.

Have you noticed how Gemini keeps appearing in new places? Google continues to advance Gemini, and we’re here to help you keep up!

Gemini 3.0 Pro

Google has released Gemini 3.0, and it is automatically available to everyone in our George Fox community! At least for the moment (competition is good), Gemini 3.0 represents the state-of-the-art for publicly available AI capability.

• In Gemini chat, select “Thinking” mode to see what the new Gemini can do.
• Google “AI Mode” searches will automatically use Gemini 3.0.

See more in the official announcement.

Gemini in Chrome

Gemini can work directly within your Chrome web browser, including filling simple forms, navigating websites, and interacting with Google Workspace apps like Docs, Gmail, etc. See the Gemini button in the top right of your browser.

See more in the Gemini in Chrome announcement and learn more here.

As long as you are using Chrome and Gemini AI through your georgefox.edu account, the data is not used to train Google’s AI and is protected in our Google Workspace.

Contact us at servicedesk@georgefox.edu with any questions or check the George Fox IT: AI website.