The Daily Bruin

The November Health Challenge ends this Saturday, Nov. 30! There’s still time to prioritize your well-being and enter to win incredible prizes.

What to do?
Complete the online health assessment. It only takes 10 to 15 minutes to make a meaningful impact on your health journey.

What happens next?
Next week, all participants will receive an email to select their preferred prize basket, and then we’ll draw the winners in a raffle. Don’t miss out!

Let’s finish strong together – your well-being matters. Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with health and gratitude!

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. 9. Employees with timesheets that span Nov. 16 through Dec. 15 should forecast their hours, lock, and have their timesheets approved by Dec. 9. Automated emails will be sent according to these accelerated deadlines.

Regular employee timesheets and student timesheets can be locked at the end of the month as usual. The student payday will be on Friday, Dec. 13, and the regular employee payday will be on Monday, Dec. 23.

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

Join Providence physicians Dr. Daniel Kelly, Dr. David Merrill, and Dr. Walavan Sivakumar as they lead a community lecture on holistic treatments for dementia, memory loss, depression, and advanced brain tumor therapies.

This group of physicians also discuss strategies to maintain and improve quality of life. Use this link to watch the recorded webinar.

Menopause is a natural biological process, but it often comes with challenges that can impact one’s professional and personal life. Symptoms are widespread and vary from person to person. In this webinar, Providence wellness professionals discuss common issues related to menopause and aging, and ways to support a mentally and physically healthy transition.

Use this link to watch the recording, and download the informational flyer to share with your loved ones.

Whether you’re looking to form a more consistent movement routine or seeking social connection with a group of like-minded individuals, the Heart to Start program can support you. This program is aimed at helping you build a foundation of movement that can support your wellness journey.

Registration for this program is free and includes virtual or in-person participation. The 12-week program starts on Saturday, Dec. 1, and is available to everyone. Learn more and register here.

Contact Aga Kasprzyk at akasprzyk@georgefox.edu if you have questions.

Don’t want to lose access to your George Fox email on Canvas, Zoom, or other apps that use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)? If you only use Okta Verify or Google Authenticator, the app will transfer to your new phone but not the account information. 

Before purchasing a new phone, set up either SMS (text message) or voice call authentication so you don’t get locked out. 

Manage your verification methods by following the steps we have included.

1. Go to login.georgefox.edu
2. Click your name in the upper right corner
3. From the drop-down menu, select Settings
4. Scroll down to the section labeled Security Methods

Note: Multi-factor Authentication is required for security purposes and it is impossible to disable it. We do not have any verification methods that are sent via email.

If you got a new phone and activated it without SMS or voice call set-up, then you must contact the Service Desk.

Questions regarding MFA? Contact the Service Desk at servicedesk@georgefox.edu or 503-554-2569.

The Bruin Bookstore is having an online Black Friday sale, with deals up to 30% off. Use the code BLACKFRIDAY24 to get 20% off one item, 25% off two items, or 30% off three or more items. This deal applies to clothing and gifts.

Building on the recently released Interim AI Guidance for George Fox, are you curious about how AI might reshape the way you teach, work, and connect with others? Let’s explore it together.

I’d be excited to sit down with you or your teams and offer hands-on learning designed to meet your unique needs. I want to be adaptable to your time, whether it’s a one-on-one conversation, or a department lunch meeting, I’m happy to drop in and share knowledge.

Together, we’ll:

• Understand AI’s Role: Break down how tools like ChatGPT function, unpacking their strengths, limitations and biases in clear, accessible ways
• Build Confidence Through Practice: Learn to craft effective prompts and experiment with real-world applications, such as writing emails, developing study guides, or streamlining workflows.
• Develop Critical Perspectives: Dive into case studies that challenge us to evaluate AI’s capabilities, identify biases, and understand its boundaries.
• Innovate with Purpose: Explore advanced tools like custom GPTs and Co-Pilots to unlock new possibilities for creativity, efficiency, and decision-making.

What These Trainings Are Not
These trainings will be all about exposure to AI tools and their practical applications for higher education professionals. While we’ll explore AI’s strengths and limitations, this is not a deep dive into pedagogy, governance, or debates on academic integrity. Instead, we’ll focus on equipping you with hands-on knowledge to navigate and leverage today’s AI tools, because today’s AI is the worst it will ever be!

AI isn’t here to replace the human touch – it’s a tool to enhance your work, deepen connections, and amplify your impact. Let’s partner together to uncover how AI can empower you and your department to thrive.

Email me, Bryan Dennis, at bdennis@georgefox.edu and let’s find a time that works for you!

The Bruin Bookstore will be closing at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27, and closed all day Thursday, Nov. 28, through Sunday, Dec. 1. Have a great Thanksgiving!

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!

The finance office will be closed Nov. 28 through Dec. 2 for Thanksgiving! Deposits that need to be made in the month of November must be dropped off at the finance office no later than 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27. If it arrives later, it will go into a deposit for December 2024.

Please note our new location is 1515 Portland Road (formerly known as “the Sleep Center”). If you are taking extra time off during the Thanksgiving 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 wonderful Thanksgiving!

President Robin and Ruth Baker cordially invite employees to their home for a Christmas Open House on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 4 to 6 p.m. There will be a chili bar, hors d’oeuvres, and sweet treats for everyone to enjoy. The Baker home is at 701 E. Franklin St. in Newberg.

The Christmas Open House follows the 2:30 p.m. matinee performance of our Christmas Concert, “The Sounding Joy,” in Bauman Auditorium on Sunday, Dec. 8. Tickets are now on sale, and employees are entitled to two complimentary tickets. Reserve tickets here.

If you cannot get tickets for Sunday’s matinee performance, you can reserve two complimentary tickets for the 7:30 p.m. performance on either Friday, Dec. 6, or Saturday, Dec. 7. Each employee should obtain their ticket using their George Fox email address.

Once you select the seat you would like to reserve, you will then choose “employee comp” from a pricing option list. Employees and students can also attend a free family-friendly dress rehearsal at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5.

Questions? Contact Carly Reumann at creumann@georgefox.edu.

During the first week of December, internationally recognized Scottish photographer Kieran Dodds is coming to George Fox to engage with the community in a variety of ways. One way is through his “Gingers of America” project. Willing photo subjects can register for consideration on his website by clicking “Get Involved.”

Dodds seeks out people with interesting stories as photo subjects and conducts interviews during the shoots. He will be scheduling portrait sessions for Dec. 3-4. This opportunity is open to everyone with red hair, so help spread the word!

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

The finance office will be closed Nov. 28 through Dec. 2 for Thanksgiving! Deposits that need to be made in the month of November must be dropped off at the finance office no later than 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27. If it arrives later, it will go into a deposit for December 2024.

Please note our new location is 1515 Portland Road (formerly known as “the Sleep Center”). If you are taking extra time off during the Thanksgiving 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 wonderful Thanksgiving!

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 tomorrow (Friday) at 5 p.m. will be included in the Nov. 26 check run.
• All other requests received after tomorrow (Friday) will be included in our regularly scheduled check run on Dec. 5.

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

Would you like to sell your art at the Christmas Extravaganza Holiday Hangout on Thursday, Dec. 5? All you need is $10 to rent a table and as much art as you would like to sell to fellow 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. Our 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.

Exciting news! Sixty-nine of your colleagues have already stepped up for their health by completing the online health assessment. Now it’s your turn! Together, let’s set a goal of reaching 80 participants by the end of this week.

Why take the assessment?

• It’s quick! Just spend 10 to 15 minutes to gain valuable insights into your well-being.
• It’s rewarding! Enter the raffle for valuable prize baskets.
• It’s empowering! Use the results to set personal health goals and take small yet significant steps toward improving your overall well-being.

We’re so close to our goal. Take the assessment today and tell your coworker if it was worth it!

Get ready for the annual UREC “Gearage Sale” in Hadlock Student Center today (Wednesday) through this Friday night, Nov. 22! The sale opens at 8 a.m. this morning, so don’t miss your chance to score amazing deals on gently used outdoor gear, fitness equipment, and UREC swag.

Whether you’re gearing up for your next adventure or looking to update your workout routine, we’ve got something for everyone. Don’t miss out on unbeatable prices and exclusive finds! See you there.

If you have questions, contact Jacob Loomis at jloomis@georgefox.edu.

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.

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. 5th!