Launch of 2024-25 FAFSA application has been delayed until December

Sunday, October 1st, 2023

October is here, which usually means the FAFSA application is launching. However, this year there will be a delay in the opening of the FAFSA application due to some significant changes resulting from the FAFSA Simplification Act.

This act aims to streamline the financial aid application process and make it more user-friendly as well as expand eligibility for federal financial aid for students. In light of these changes, the FAFSA application for the 2024-25 year will not be available until sometime in December.

While no firm date has been set, we are committed to keeping students and families updated about the changes in timeline and process this year. To learn more about FAFSA Simplification and how it may impact our students and families, visit our 2024-25 FAFSA Simplification webpage.

Check out Providence’s guide on making your time count

Sunday, October 1st, 2023

We all can struggle with completing all that is on our to-do lists, whether that’s at home or at work. Creating to-do lists, organizing, prioritizing and celebrating the little wins can really make a difference in our daily lives.

View this helpful guide from Providence’s “Well-Being Watch” for tips on how to truly make your time count as we head into the busy fall season. This resource is available to everyone, not just Providence members!

Participate in new ‘FIT Project’ program to learn health and wellness with your family

Sunday, October 1st, 2023

If you are interested in learning about wellness, consider participating in the FIT Foundations program from the Providence Heart Institute. This family-focused lifestyle training program is designed to help families become their healthiest through a community approach to wellness, fitness, and nutrition education.

Basecamp’s team of experts is here to help guide you through a 12-week on-demand program, where families learn about a health or well-being topic and then complete the weekly activity together. This program is free, open to the public, and self-led, so you can choose the day and time that works best for your family.

The program is launching today (Monday), so register now at this link!

Register for the ‘REJUVENATE’ conference on Nov. 4 if you are interested in youth ministry

Sunday, October 1st, 2023

The School of Theology is hosting REJUVENATE, a one-day youth ministry training conference for any and all Christian adults shepherding and serving young people: pastors, nonprofit leaders, educators, coaches, counselors — really anyone who cares about adolescents!

The event will be on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Canyon Commons. The keynote speakers are Kara Powell from the Fuller Youth Institute and 40-year youth ministry veteran Mark Oestreicher (“Marko”). The cost is $20 and includes lunch.

We hope to rejuvenate those serving in youth ministry so they can continue to guide the next generation for Christ!

Find more info on this website and register here today! If you have any questions, email Joel Mayward at  jmayward@georgefox.edu.

Attend or watch tonight’s presentation of Richard J. Foster Award in Spiritual Formation

Wednesday, September 27th, 2023

Come see renowned Christian author, teacher and alumnus Richard J. Foster present an award in his name to pastor and fellow author Joshua Choonmin Kang tonight (Thursday) at 7 p.m.

The presentation in Canyon Commons will be followed by Kang’s lecture, “Deep-Rooted in Christ,” and a reception. Kang will also speak in chapel this morning at 10:50 a.m. in Bauman Auditorium.

Can’t make today’s session? You can register to watch it at this link.

A selection committee selected Kang as the 2023 recipient of the Richard J. Foster Award in Spiritual Formation. The award recognizes those whose intellectual and practical work helps others come into an ongoing transformational relationship with Jesus Christ. More info about the award and this year’s events can be found at this link.

Kang is the founding pastor of New Life Vision Church in the Koreatown area of Los Angeles, and the author of more than 80 books in Korean, including Solitude of a Leader, with over 1.5 million copies in print.

Contact Sarah Taylor at taylors@georgefox.edu for more information.

Join in on Homecoming events this Thursday through Saturday

Tuesday, September 26th, 2023

Join us for Homecoming this Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 28-30! Visit homecoming.georgefox.edu for scheduled activities and locations. We are looking forward to a wonderful time together!

Here are a few highlights:

Thursday

  • Chapel: Hear 2023 Richard J. Foster Award in Spiritual Formation recipient Joshua Choonmin Kang speak at 10:50 a.m. Return that night for the 7 p.m. awards presentation in Canyon Commons.

Friday

  • “Friday Flowers” in Memory of Grandpa Roy: Join us at 11:30 a.m. in the quad for this second annual tradition
  • “Navigating the ChatGPT Revolution”: Hear President Baker address the challenges and opportunities AI brings to higher education at 2 p.m. in Canyon Commons
  • Sports Hall of Fame Reception: 7 p.m. in Canyon Commons
  • Homecoming Concert: 7:30 p.m. in Bauman Auditorium

Saturday

  • Bruinpalooza on the Quad: Join us for a celebration of Bruin pride from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.! The event includes popcorn, cotton candy, free hotdogs, inflatables, games, faculty meet-ups, and more. And the goats are back!
  • Football vs. Lewis & Clark: 4 p.m. in Stoffer Stadium

If you have any questions, contact Holly Anderson at handerson@georgefox.edu.

Get a discounted massage and help fund a service trip to Uganda

Monday, September 25th, 2023

Do you have stress, aches, pains, or just want to feel relaxed? Come by to get a massage from a Doctor of Physical Therapy student!

Our mission is to improve our community’s health by offering discounted massages to students and employees ($25) and community members ($30). We are offering 25-minute massages on Monday, Oct. 16, from 2 to 6 p.m. in the Medical Sciences Building (448 Werth Blvd. in Newberg).

Your contribution will help fund our medical service trip to Uganda. Donations are also welcome; there will be a tip jar on site! You can register for a massage using this Google Form.

Promote civility, interfaith cooperation and religious freedom, plus earn a $50 gift card

Monday, September 25th, 2023

The George Fox Civility Project has some $50 Amazon gift cards available for those volunteering to participate in a focus group this Thursday at either 4 or 6:30 p.m.

The focus groups are part of a national study of the potential for interfaith cooperation on important social or political issues. Focus group participation is open to anyone who has an evangelical Christian faith, is politically right-of-center, and has not had extensive experience with Muslim cultures. There are a few slots left that can be filled by George Fox employees.

For more information, or to sign up, visit the Civility Project website at this link, or email Ron Mock at civility@georgefox.edu The gift cards are first-come, first-served, so sign up now!

Do you know the three ways you can prevent Medicare fraud?

Monday, September 25th, 2023

The best way to avoid Medicare fraud? Help prevent it in the first place. Follow these three tips to protect yourself from scammers:

  1. If you get a call, text or email asking for your Medicare Number, don’t respond. Don’t give your Medicare card or Medicare Number to anyone except your doctor or people you know should have it. Remember, Medicare will never call you unprompted and ask you for your personal information.
  2. Check your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) or claims statements carefully. If you see a charge for a service you didn’t get or a product you didn’t order (like a COVID-19 over-the-counter test), it may be fraud.
  3. If you suspect fraud, report it at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Visit Medicare.gov, the official source for Medicare information, to learn more about preventing Medicare fraud.

Watch this video to see how you can shut down Medicare fraud and abuse, and visit this link to learn more.

Learn everything you need to know about student loans through this free webinar

Monday, September 25th, 2023

Attend a free webinar about student loans! You can register for either the session on Oct. 10 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. or the session on Oct. 19 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. 

This workshop explains key differences between federal and private student loans, and compares eligibility, interest rates, repayment plans and more. Participants will learn how to choose the option that best suits their needs. Register here.

Check out ‘The Wall Street Journal’ with free access through the library

Sunday, September 24th, 2023

The library provides access to The Wall Street Journal. Sign up at this link to turn on your access.

You can download the WSJ app here and read more about this program at this link. If you have questions, contact a librarian at researchhelp@georgefox.edu.

‘Stand with Students’ in a new way through opportunities to give

Sunday, September 24th, 2023

Join our community as we “Stand with Students” in a new way by giving! There are so many opportunities to give that support students. Here are a few ideas!

  • The Student Fund: This fund supports scholarships and a number of programs that aid students every day.
  • Bruin Community Pantry: The BCP supports students who have limited access to healthy food and educates them on healthy eating habits through cooking demonstrations and educational programming.
  • Student Emergency Fund: This fund supports students in need who are experiencing financial hardship.
  • Scholarships: 100% of George Fox students receive scholarship aid that enables them to attend George Fox and pursue a life of purpose where God has called them.

To give through a payroll deduction each month, fill out this form.
Note: Login using the “Google” button next to the general login. Use your George Fox email.

Questions? Contact Carlee Reed at 503-554-2120 or email creed@georgefox.edu

All are invited to see Richard Foster present award next Thursday

Tuesday, September 19th, 2023

Come see renowned Christian author, teacher and alumnus Richard J. Foster present an award in his name to pastor and fellow author Joshua Choonmin Kang next Thursday, Sept 28, at 7 p.m.

The presentation in Canyon Commons will be followed by Kang’s lecture, “Deep-Rooted in Christ,” and a reception. Kang will also speak at chapel earlier that day at 10:50 a.m. in Bauman Auditorium.

Can’t make Thursday’s session? You can register to watch it at this link.

A selection committee selected Kang as the 2023 recipient of the Richard J. Foster Award in Spiritual Formation. The award recognizes those whose intellectual and practical work helps others come into an ongoing transformational relationship with Jesus Christ. More info about the award and this year’s events can be found at this link.

Kang is the founding pastor of New Life Vision Church in the Koreatown area of Los Angeles, and the author of more than 80 books in Korean, including Solitude of a Leader, with over 1.5 million copies in print.

Contact Sarah Taylor at taylors@georgefox.edu for more information.

Memorial Service for Dealous L. Cox to be held on Friday

Tuesday, September 19th, 2023

Longtime George Fox University Board member and former chair, Dealous (“Dea”) Cox, passed away on Friday. His memorial service will be held at Reedwood Friends Church (website at this link) this Friday, Sept. 22, at 11 a.m., with viewing hours beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Reedwood will provide lunch for those present. All are welcome. Graveside will be held at the Newberg Friends Cemetery at 3 p.m. 

The address to Reedwood Friends Church is 2901 S.E. Steele St., in Portland.

Join focus group for a civility research project on religious freedom

Sunday, September 17th, 2023

Would you like to help promote religious freedom AND reduce polarization tearing America apart? Volunteer to participate in a national research project focus group on the George Fox campus.

Focus groups will take place in two sessions on Thursday, Sept. 28, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

The George Fox Civility Project is working with scholars from the University of Cincinnati and Catholic University in Washington D.C., to explore the potential for cooperation on religious freedom issues for Christians and Muslims. If you are theologically evangelical and politically right-of-center, without extensive experience with Muslim cultures, we need you.

Contact Ron Mock at civility@georgefox.edu to sign up. Students and employees are all welcome!

Show that you ‘Stand with Students’ at next week’s all-employee meeting

Thursday, September 14th, 2023

Wondering about the yellow shoes you’ve seen popping up all over campus?

This year, our fall campaign, “Stand with Students,” kicks off with some fun community building. Grab your yellow sneakers, or get a sweet deal on these yellow shoes (please note updated link from yesterday’s announcement), to show how you “Stand with Students” this year.

Wear your shoes to our all-employee meeting on Thursday, Sept. 21, and learn more about the many ways you can support students this year across campus.

Join us in our “Stand with Students” campaign this fall!

Questions? Contact Carlee Reed at creed@georgefox.edu.

Participate in Peace Fair activities and hear President Baker speak this Saturday

Thursday, September 14th, 2023

George Fox University President Robin Baker will be speaking at the unveiling of Newberg’s new dynamic wind-powered sculpture on Saturday, Sept. 16, at the Chehalem Cultural Center.

The ceremony will happen shortly after 10 a.m. in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Newberg 5K Run/Walk for Peace. The run is in memory of Denise Bacon, a longtime Rotarian and Newberg City Council member.

There will also be a Peace Fair with fun activities for kids and adults from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Peace Fair is open to families free of charge.

Guidelines regarding service animals on campus

Thursday, September 14th, 2023

As service animals and emotional support animals become more common in public venues, a few guidelines will be helpful to promote positive experiences for students, faculty and staff within the George Fox community. These guidelines are intended to protect the rights and safety of all community members.

  • No one should interact with a service animal or emotional support animal unless given permission by the handler.
  • In situations where it is not obvious that the dog is a service animal, employees may ask two specific questions:
    (1) Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
    (2) What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
  • Staff are not allowed to request any documentation for the dog, require that the dog demonstrate its task, or inquire about the nature of the person’s disability (see ADA guidelines here).
  • If a dog is not trained to perform work or a task, an employee may ask the handler not to bring the animal into the room or building. Emotional support animals that provide comfort but do not perform a task are not service animals.

More information about service animals and emotional support animals is available at this link.

If you have questions related to a service animal or emotional support animal on campus, please contact Rick Muthiah, director of Learning Support Services, at rmuthiah@georgefox.edu.

RSVP today for student supervisor training session on Oct. 3

Wednesday, September 13th, 2023

Do you supervise student employees on campus? Join us on Tuesday, Oct. 3, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. for a training in Canyon Commons 101! We will be covering some foundational practices, growing our supervising skills, and talking about unique student opportunities and experiences on campus.

If you haven’t already, feel free to RSVP through this link, and contact Kelly Peterson at kpeterson@georgefox.edu with any questions.

Reminder: Richter Scholar proposals are due Oct. 23

Wednesday, September 13th, 2023

Richter Scholar proposals are due Monday, Oct. 23 at 5 p.m. The Richter Scholars program at George Fox distributes funds to support student research and/or projects that are devised, initiated, and carried out by individual students, with mentorship, guidance, and expertise provided by a faculty mentor.

The purpose of these funds is to support educational research/project opportunities that encourage the practices of independent thought leading to independent achievement and personal responsibility. For the purpose of this program, research/project 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 methods.

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

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