The Daily Bruin

Join us for the upcoming fall play, Shakespeare in Love!

Performances will run from Thursday, Nov. 5, through Sunday, Nov. 8, and Wednesday, Nov. 11, through Sunday, Nov. 15, in Wood-Mar Auditorium. Tickets are on sale now.

George Fox employees receive complimentary tickets for their immediate family by entering their employee email at checkout. George Fox students can attend the Wednesday or Thursday night performances for free.

You may purchase and/or claim your free your tickets here. For more information, please contact the box office at 503-554-3400.

Play Synopsis: Young Will Shakespeare has writer’s block. The deadline for his new play is fast approaching, but he’s in desperate need of inspiration. That is, until he finds his muse, the feisty, brilliant and beautiful Viola. This crafty young woman is Will’s greatest admirer and will stop at nothing (including breaking the law) to appear in his next play.

Against a bustling background of mistaken identity, ruthless scheming and backstage theatrics, Will’s love for Viola quickly blossoms, inspiring him to write his greatest romantic masterpiece yet.

Campus offices will be closed tomorrow (Friday) for the mid-semester holiday. The Murdock Library will be closed, but the 24-hour space will remain open.

The Bruin Store will also be closed on Friday.

We live in an active seismic zone. October is Emergency Preparedness Month, and during this time we practice the proper response to ensure that when a real earthquake strikes, our immediate instinct is to protect ourselves and effectively prevent injury.

So this year get ready to drop, cover, and hold on during the Great ShakeOut!

How to participate:

At 10:15 a.m. this morning, stop what you are doing and get under a table or desk. Cover your head with your arms or hands. If you are in the quad, move away from buildings toward the center of the quad. If you are in a lab, turn off the gas and get down.

Think and practice what you would need to do if we were to experience an earthquake for one minute. These steps increase your chances of surviving if a real earthquake strikes.

If you have questions on how to participate in the Great Shakeout, reach out to Kim Knoernschild at kknoernschild@georgefox.edu.

Join Jason Fileta and Kara Martin on Tuesday, Oct. 27, for a conversation about how Christians can uphold their theological convictions while embracing human rights, dignity and justice for LGBTQ+ neighbors.

Through Christian perspectives on faith, hospitality and human rights, the presenters will explore ways to foster compassionate and respectful engagement across differing theological perspectives.

This event will be held in Stevens 209 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Contact Kim Rapp at rappk@georgefox.edu for more information.

Join the biology and biochemistry program for the 15th Annual Dalton Lecture featuring Dr. Robert D. Sluka, lead scientist of the A Rocha Marine Conservation Program. He’ll present a lecture, titled “Creatureliness and Marine Conservation: Is a Manatee Really My Neighbor?,” on Thursday, Oct. 22, at 7:30 p.m. in Bauman Auditorium.

Dr. Sluka will share about how acknowledging ourselves as fellow creatures can transform our approach to ocean conservation. Admission is free, and the event is open to the public.

There will be an earlier bonus afternoon lecture at 3 p.m. on “Hope for the Ocean,” also in Bauman. Chapel credit will be given for the evening lecture.

Contact Amanda Harris at amandah@georgefox.edu with any questions.

You’re invited to attend the Multiplication Conference: Multiplying Leaders to Multiply Disciples, happening on the university’s Newberg campus Tuesday, Oct. 27, through Thursday, Oct. 29. Get ready to explore God’s call, grow as a leader, and discover practical next steps for making disciples wherever he sends you.

Registration grants access to the in-person conference as well as online resources, including the online conference a few weeks later. This is a great way to engage on an international level with people from North America, Latin America, Africa, Europe and Asia.

George Fox and Portland Seminary students can attend for free! Register here using discount code GFSTUDENT26 to receive 100% off your registration. For students who are not on a meal plan, please use the following code, which will cover the cost of the conference but not meals: GFMEALSONLY.

Registration is also free for George Fox employees! Register here using discount code GFUSTAFF to receive 100% off your registration.

Come ready to be challenged, encouraged and equipped to take your next step! Contact Jonelle Retsema at jretsema@georgefox.edu with any questions.  

Jason Brummit, Nathan Slegers, and the Faculty Scholarship and Achievement Committee invite you to join them for the Fall Faculty Lecture on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 6 p.m. in the Art & Cinematic Arts Building’s Cinema Screening Room 105.

Dr. Joel Mayward, PhD, associate professor of humanities and cinematic arts, and winner of the 2025-26 Faculty Achievement Award for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship, is the featured faculty speaker. He will share on the topic “Breaking Silos, Building Bridges: The Value of Interdisciplinary Scholarship.”

Synopsis: What do theology, philosophy, movies, pop music, poetry, television, Quaker spirituality, Latino/a culture, youth ministry, sexuality, church leadership, and diversity all have in common? They’re all topics Mayward has published or presented on as part of his ongoing academic research.

He will share about his interdisciplinary approach to scholarship, as well as his vocational journey from youth pastor to theologian and film scholar. The event is also a celebratory book launch of his latest publication, Religious Cinema for Non-Believers: Film Criticism as Spiritual Practice (Cascade Books, 2026). We’ll be giving away copies of the book in a raffle, and you can also purchase the book for a discount.

The university and surrounding community are invited, and refreshments will be provided. We hope you are able to support Joel by attending.

Contact Sarah Taylor at taylors@georgefox.edu with any questions.

In the last few weeks, we have seen an increase in questions about our Title IX process, policy, and practices. In light of the violent and disturbing incident recently reported at Cornell University, students all over the country have been sharing their own experiences with sexual assault on college campuses.

Students at the University of Oregon have called for accountability after five sexual assaults were reported in the first week of school. Some students at George Fox have expressed fear, skepticism that the university takes allegations of sexual misconduct seriously, or confusion regarding our process for responding to misconduct.

To address these concerns directly, we are hosting a Title IX Town Hall tomorrow (Tuesday) from 7 to 9 p.m. in Canyon Commons 101. At this event, students can learn more about George Fox University’s community approach from Title IX staff and members of our spiritual life and student life teams.

George Fox condemns all forms of sexual misconduct and sexual violence, and strives to provide safety and care for all of our students. This forum will provide the opportunity to ask questions (anonymously if students prefer), learn about our processes, and understand the measures we take to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.

We hope you’ll join us for this important and timely conversation. Contact Crystal McGowen at cmcgowen@georgefox.edu with any questions.

Don’t let distance be a barrier to your academic goals. The Virtual Learning Center (VLC) offers online appointments (Google Meet or Asynchronous) for writing consultations and academic coaching.

Whether you need feedback on an assignment or a strategy session about time management, the VLC is ready to help you conquer your academic challenges. To schedule an appointment, click on the TracCloud icon on your Canvas dashboard.

If you have any questions, email Heather Harney at hharney@georgefox.edu or vlc@georgefox.edu.

Join us in the Miller Gymnasium on Friday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m. for an exciting night of volleyball, fun and team spirit.

Bring your kids out to cheer the Bruins on and experience the game with us. It’s Volleyball Youth Night, so kids and the parents who bring them get in free.

Grab your family, wear your favorite Bruins volleyball gear, and come support the George Fox volleyball team!

Contact Gracie Bearden at gbearden23@georgefox.edu with any questions. 

All are welcome to join the Quaker worship group in the chapel today (Wednesday) from 11 to 11:30 a.m. This will be a quiet time of waiting and communion with Christ inwardly. Afterwards, a page of The Saint John’s Bible will be turned for those who are interested.

Alternative chapel credit is available.

Contact Jay Miller at jaym@georgefox.edu with any questions.

We are excited to welcome George Fox families, alumni, students and our campus community to the Newberg campus this coming weekend, Oct. 9-11, for George Fox Homecoming and Family Weekend!

Whether “family” means parents, a spouse, friends, grandparents or anyone else you consider family, we encourage you to invite them out to join in on the fun. There will be concerts, games, athletic events, and plenty of opportunities to spend quality time together on campus.

Even if your family isn’t able to make it, we would still love for you to join in on the festivities.

You can register in person on the first floor of the Stevens Center during the following times:

• Friday, Oct. 9, from 3 to 6 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 10, from 9 to 11 a.m.

For full event schedule details or to register online, please visit this webpage.

Questions? Reach out to parents@georgefox.edu or alumni@georgefox.edu.

The Department of English and Languages invites you to its third annual Eclectic Texts Conference, themed “Unmasked: Superheroes, Supervillains, and the Fight for Hope!”

The conference will take place Nov. 20-21, and we will be accepting proposals for papers until Oct. 19. Registration for the conference is now open, with early registration from now until Oct. 21. For the early-bird discount, use code SUPERearly for $5 off registration!

Contact the ETC team for more information at gfu-english@georgefox.edu. Registration is available here, and you can learn more at the ETC website.

In light of the national news regarding unfortunate incidents at Cornell University, we want to remind you that George Fox cares about your safety and is here to offer care and resources.

Should you experience or witness sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual violence, stalking, or any kind of sexual discrimination, the Title IX office is here to help. We understand the news is alarming and are here to answer any questions about George Fox resources or policies, and to offer our utmost support.

The best thing you can do is talk to someone. Here is a list of campus resources that are here to assist:

• Confidential Advocate: A 100% confidential resource to help you determine what your options are
• SPIL: The Office for Spiritual Life offers confidential spiritual mentoring and guidance. 
• HCC: The Health and Counseling Center is available by appointment.
• Title IX Care Team: Find a list of safe faculty and staff on the George Fox website.
• Campus Safety: In any kind of emergency, call 503-554-2090.

Your safety matters, and the Title IX office is here to help you stay informed, feel safe, and connect with appropriate care.

Questions? Contact Crystal McGowen at cmcgowen@georgefox.edu. 

Know of any great George Fox-related stories? Students making a difference in their communities? An inspiring account of someone who has overcome obstacles or has had an amazing faith journey? A professor who exemplifies the Be Known promise?

If so, we in marketing communications want to hear about it! Please complete this form with the name of the person you wish to highlight, their contact info (if possible), and a few details about what makes their story compelling. We’ll take it from there!

Some folks may be featured in our blog and/or on our website. Still others may be featured in a video or in our university magazine. In short, we’re looking for stories that communicate why George Fox is such a special place.

Thanks for taking the time to share these stories with us!

Looking for help with brainstorming for your next project? Need help with your partially drafted paper? Feeling overwhelmed and stressed? Want to get on top of things before a test or midterm?

Make an appointment with the Virtual Learning Center for writing and general academic support. Meetings might include reviewing the assignment, discussing citation styles, or talking through the body paragraphs of your paper. All of our appointments are free, 50-minute Google Meet or asynchronous consultations.

You can schedule an appointment by clicking on the TracCloud icon at the bottom left corner of your Canvas course menu.

Questions? Email Heather Harney at hharney@georgefox.edu or the VLC at vlc@georgefox.edu

Please be aware that the official business mileage reimbursement rate for 2026 has been updated to 76 cents per mile ($0.76/mile).

Please ensure you use this updated rate when calculating mileage on all expense reimbursement forms moving forward.

Questions? Please reach out to AccountsPayable@georgefox.edu.

Just two weeks until the best weekend of the fall – Homecoming and Family Weekend Oct. 9-11!

Grab your family and friends for Bear Claws with President Baker, worship in the chapel, Bruinpalooza (a party on the quad!), Bruin athletics, and more. Then cap off Saturday night with Bruin Bingo led by the Student Activities team. You won’t want to miss it!

Heads-up: Remind your family to register, as the deadline is this Sunday, Sept. 27. Check out the full lineup of events at homecoming.georgefox.edu.

As The Undiscovered C.S. Lewis Conference unfolds this week, all are welcome to attend The Forge of Friendship, a documentary about the friendship between C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. It will be screened twice this week in conjunction with the conference. The screenings are today (Thursday) from 9:30 to 11 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 27, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in ART 105.

This event is open to students and the public, and holds up to 76 people. This is a multi-episode documentary to be launched next year. Join us for a sneak peek at this exciting new project!

Also in conjunction with the conference, the play The Fire and the Rose: T.S. Eliot and C.S. Lewis in Conversation will be open to the public tomorrow (Friday), from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the amphitheater (weather backup is chapel). Students and George Fox employees get free admission, but must register for a seat. Tickets are available here.

Need support with your academic journey? Our Virtual Learning Center (VLC) includes personalized writing consultations and academic coaching to help you succeed from anywhere.

Whether it is over Google Meet or asynchronously, our consultants are here for you. To make an appointment, go to the TracCloud icon on your Canvas dashboard, choose the Virtual Learning Center, and find a time that works best for you.

If you have any questions, please email Heather Harney at hharney@georgefox.edu or vlc@georgefox.edu.