The Daily Bruin

Swing by Room 155 in the Portland Center today (Tuesday) from 9 a.m. to noon for our open enrollment and benefits support event! This is your chance to get one-on-one guidance from benefits experts in the Office of People and Culture, who will help you make confident choices for your upcoming year of benefits.

Bring your laptop if you’d like hands-on assistance with the online enrollment process, or just drop in to explore wellness resources, enjoy some giveaways, and connect with colleagues in a friendly, supportive atmosphere.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to get all the support you need in one place. See you there!

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.

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.

Portland Center: Don’t miss the open enrollment and benefits support event happening tomorrow (Tuesday) from 9 a.m. to noon in Room 155!

Receive personalized assistance from George Fox benefits experts ready to guide you through your options for the upcoming year. Bring your laptop for hands-on help with the online enrollment process, explore health and wellness resources, enjoy giveaways, and connect with colleagues in a relaxed setting.

This is a great opportunity to get the support you need to make informed choices. See you there!

We’re excited to announce the winner of the Wellness Committee table raffle from Wednesday’s Health and Benefits Fair! The relaxation chair experience offered a perfect way to unwind from daily stresses, and we hope it provided a refreshing break for everyone who stopped by.

Congratulations to our lucky winner, Karen Toohey! Please come by the Office of People and Culture, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., to pick up your spa basket.

Thank you to everyone who attended Wednesday’s Health and Benefits Fair! With over 100 participants, it was wonderful to see so many engaged in learning about their benefits, connecting with colleagues, and enjoying the event. Congratulations to our five door prize winners of $100 Fred Meyer gift cards!

• Charlene Magueri
• Carrie Kisling
• Nancy Favwer
• Amanda Chan
• Danae Moore

Winners can pick up their prizes at the People and Culture office Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. We hope the fair was both informative and enjoyable, and we look forward to continuing to support your well-being!

This is one final reminder encouraging you and your loved ones to join us for Employee Family Day at the Hadlock Student Center tomorrow (Saturday)! Enjoy a variety of activities and games available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Family members and kids of all ages are welcome as long as the related employee is present. Please note that waivers are required for family members, so be sure to check the age-specific guidelines. Complete a guest waiver here.

If you have any questions, email Joe Thouvenel at jthouvenel@georgefox.edu.

With November’s wet weather, slippery surfaces are more common on campus. As part of our “Stand Tall, Don’t Fall” campaign, let’s stay vigilant to keep everyone safe.

How you can help:

• Spot a wet or slippery area? Report it immediately to Plant Services at 503-554-2010 or use our Online Safety Hazard Reporting Tool.
• Walk with extra caution near entrances, sidewalks and high-traffic areas
• Remind friends and colleagues to stay alert for wet areas and keep pathways clear

Together, we can make campus safer during this rainy season by preventing slips and falls!

The Multiplication Conference happening Nov. 13-15 presents a unique opportunity for faculty to engage with key leaders in the church-planting movement, featuring speakers that include Rick McKinley (founding pastor of Imago Dei), Dave Ferguson (Exponential), President Robin Baker, and Portland Seminary Dean Tammy Dunahoo.

Hosted at George Fox in partnership with Portland Seminary, the event will explore the role of education and spiritual formation in equipping the next generation of church leaders and planters. As faculty, you’ll gain valuable insights into how your academic influence intersects with the mission to spread the gospel through new church plants.

Join us in shaping future leaders for a movement of multiplication! Register to secure your spot here. Faculty and employees are invited to attend the conference at no cost (excluding food) by using the code “campus24.”

If you notice your Office app asking you to activate the license, or it says ‘view only’ and is not working correctly, sign in to Office by using your full email on the Microsoft screen. That should tell Microsoft which school you work for, then the George Fox SSO page will appear.

Only enter your username. It may autofill your whole email and cause an “Unable to Sign In” error. You can skip the Microsoft two-factor security for now.

Don’t miss today’s Health and Benefits Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Canyon Commons! This event has it all: free flu and COVID shots (just bring your insurance card), delicious healthy snacks, and plenty of chances to connect with colleagues.

Try your luck at our raffles to win exciting prizes, including special baskets for health assessment challenge participants! Plus, explore a wide range of benefits and wellness resources focused on mental health, preventive care, and more. Swing by to make the most of your benefits, enjoy community time, and snag some great giveaways!

You’re invited to our open enrollment and benefits support event on Tuesday, Nov. 12, from 9 a.m. to noon in the Portland Center’s Room 155. This three-hour event is designed to provide you with all the resources and support you need to make informed benefit choices for the upcoming year.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Personalized assistance – Benefits experts from the Office of People and Culture will be available to answer your questions, guide you through benefit options, and offer tips for making the best selections for your needs.
• Hands-on help – Bring your laptop if you’d like assistance with the online enrollment process! Our team will be ready to walk you through any steps you may need help with.
• Wellness resources and giveaways – Discover valuable health and wellness resources and giveaways.
• Connect with colleagues – Stop by to connect with coworkers, ask questions, and gain clarity on your benefits in a relaxed, friendly setting.

Don’t miss this chance to get the support you need to make the most of your benefits!

Questions? Contact Aga Kasprzyk at akasprzyk@georgefox.edu.

Join us on Wednesday, Nov. 20, from noon to 1:15 p.m. for our Fall Lunch and Learn: “Applications of Large Language Models (LLMs),” presented virtually by George Fox Digital Data Analytics Adjunct Faculty Dr. Ernest Bonat.

Presentation Description
This presentation delves into the transformative impact of Large Language Models (LLMs) across various industries and their diverse applications in natural language processing (NLP). Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how LLMs, such as GPT, BERT, and T5, are shaping the future of AI-driven solutions by automating complex tasks that involve language understanding and generation. This presentation will include real-world case studies and live demonstrations of LLM applications.

Target Audience
This presentation is ideal for professionals, researchers, and students in AI, machine learning, and data science fields, as well as industry and academia leaders seeking to explore how LLMs can transform their business and university operations.

RSVP here to receive the Zoom link. Contact Aurae Beidler at abeidler@georgefox.edu if you have questions.

For those who missed Nathan Slegers’ faculty lecture on Tuesday, Oct. 22, here is a link to the Vimeo recording of “The Art of the Three: How Engineering and Ingenuity is Decoding the Science of Basketball Shooting.”

Nathan’s research makes the science of basketball shooting quite intriguing … check it out!

Help us understand heart coherence in people with psychological trauma by participating in this doctorate research study. As a participant, you will undergo four 15-minute sessions of heart rate variability training. Whether you currently live with chronic pains or not, you are welcome to join us!

To thank you for participating, you will receive a $5 compensation at the end of the fourth session.

To participate or obtain more information, contact Sijia Wu at 971-379-3799 or email swu22@georgefox.edu.

All Campus United Apparel brand items will be 25% off online and in-store at the Bruin Bookstore from Nov. 7-11.

Are you a veteran graduating this semester? We want to extend our heartfelt congratulations as you approach this major milestone! It’s an incredible achievement, and we are so proud to celebrate your success with you.

To honor your service and accomplishments, we invite you to pick up a veteran’s honor cord to wear at your graduation ceremony.

Please stop by the student accounts office on the first floor of the Stevens Center on the Newberg campus to collect your cord. We’re open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and we’d love to see you before the ceremony.

If you are a faculty or staff member who is also a veteran and haven’t received your honor cord yet, please feel free to come by and pick one up as well.

Once again, congratulations on reaching this incredible achievement! Contact veterans@georgefox.edu with any questions.