The Daily Bruin

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.

Make tracking your workload easier with BetterCampus (previously BetterCanvas) – a free Chrome browser extension. It gives you dark mode, customized grade and to-do lists on your dashboard, and visual task progress bars.

Search “BetterCampus” in the Chrome Web Store or follow this link to install it in seconds!

Quick Tip: If Canvas ever acts up during an assignment upload, just temporarily toggle the extension off.

Contact Jordan West, learning support services success specialist, with feedback or questions at jwest@georgefox.edu.

In an effort to capture the breadth of community perspectives, the AI teaching-learning team is calling all interested staff and faculty in Newberg and the Portland Center to a focus group session for sharing concerns about the way AI interfaces with our work at George Fox.

The session will be held in person today (Tuesday) from 2 to 3 p.m. (note updated time) in Wood-Mar Conference Room 201. We want to receive input on how you are feeling; moving forward with wisdom and grace requires hearing a range of perspectives and concerns.

We will aggregate the data to keep your insights anonymous. To sign up, reach out to Allen Jones at ejones@georgefox.edu.

As we approach the middle of the semester, we can be grateful that many students are thriving. A few, however, might be struggling with the demands of college, family, health or personal care. 

If you have concerns about a traditional undergraduate student, log into Fox360 (Fox360.georgefox.edu) to submit an “alert” for the student. Submit alerts for concerns in the following areas:

• Academic: Missing multiple classes; consistently poor academic performance
• Behavioral: Concerning or disruptive behaviors in or outside of class, frequent absence from scheduled work shifts
• Emotional: Mental health concerns (e.g., depression, anxiety); unusual emotional expression; suicidal ideation
• Physical: Medical concerns; extreme changes in grooming, personal care
• Social: Personal, social, or family concerns that are affecting well-being and performance

Some notes about alerts:

• If a student is enrolled in your course but hasn’t attended class or engaged in George Fox Digital online activity, submit an alert.
• Student employee supervisors and other non-faculty are invited to submit alerts for the reasons above.

The Student Support Network will assign a “case manager” to follow up with students. Case managers will do our best to give updates to faculty and employees who submit alerts or provide feedback.

You are welcome to contact Jere Witherspoon at jwithers@georgefox.edu to inquire about the status of a student.

This Fox360 Quick Guide provides a visual overview of the Fox360 system; more details about using Fox360 are available in this Google Doc.

Concerns about graduate and AOD students should be communicated to department chairs.

If you have questions or would like more information regarding Fox360, contact Megan Fisher at mfisher@georgefox.edu.

Student Support Network members:

• Angeleen Umfleet: Student Care – George Fox Digital
• Crystal McGowen: Assistant Director of Inclusive Excellence
• David Johnstone: Director of Commuter Life
• Gracie Flynn: Career & Academic Planning Center Assistant Director
• Hailey Swenson — Associate Athletic Director of Operations
• Jere Witherspoon: Student Care Specialist
• Joel Mayward: Assistant Professor of Christian Ministries, Theology and the Arts
• Lorinda Dunning: Associate Director of Student Accounts
• Mark Pothoff: Dean of Students
• Megan Fisher: Director of Student and Family Care
• Nancy Fawver: Senior Associate Registrar
• Nathan Geer: Director of Residence Life
• Rick Muthiah: Director of Learning Support Services
• Rusty St. Cyr: Campus Pastor
• Zanne Backous: Multicultural Programs Coordinator

Are you between the ages of 55 and 90? Kinesiology students are looking for volunteers to participate in a senior research study comparing two exercise programs and their effects on strength, balance, mobility, and physical activity habits in older adults.

Interested in participating? Contact us by emailing Tinley Taylor at ttaylor23@georgefox.edu or Kiley Harris at kharris23@georgefox.edu.

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.

Don’t miss your chance to hear from all six candidates vying for the three contested positions on the Newberg City Council in this fall’s election. Everyone is invited to the Newberg Candidates Forum tonight (Monday) from 6 to 7:45 p.m. in Bauman Auditorium.

Mayor Bill Rosacker is running for re-election against current city councilor Elise Yarnell Hollamon. They will be joined at the forum by four candidates for two city council seats. Incumbent Robyn Wheatley faces challenger Larry Hampton, while Britta Mansfield faces Leisha Adams for an open seat.

All six candidates will get opportunities to make brief statements and answer questions crafted by the forum organizers.

If you are registered to vote in Newberg, this is a crucial opportunity to be an informed voter. You are also welcome to come if you are curious about what issues face our host city, and what ideas candidates are bringing to address them.

The forum is hosted by three co-sponsors: the Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Newberg City Club, and George Fox University.

For more information, contact Professor Emeritus of Politics Ron Mock at rmock@georgefox.edu.

You’re invited to join us for an off-campus retreat this Thursday, Oct. 15, through Saturday, Oct. 17.

These retreats are thoughtfully designed for a small group of 10 to 12 students. Participants can expect to enter into a slower pace to engage in various spiritual practices that refresh their mind, body and spirit.

Additionally, students will have the opportunity to create connections with fellow students and staff, fostering a sense of community and support.

You must fill out an application to express interest in attending. You will receive a confirmation email to let you know you’ve been selected to attend, and you’ll then secure your spot with $20. The $20 covers food, lodging and transportation. The last day to sign up is today (or until spots are filled).

Chapel credit is offered for those who attend. Click here to sign up. 

Questions? Contact Cyndi Murillo at cmurillo@georgefox.edu. 

Looking for a place to connect, grow in your faith, and build community this fall? Life Groups are back!

Life Groups are small groups of undergraduate students who meet weekly for five weeks for prayer, Bible study, and fellowship. Each meeting is one hour, and participating students are eligible to receive spiritual life credit.

The second session of Life Groups begins soon and will run for five weeks from Oct. 19 through Nov. 16.

Sign up by this Friday, Oct. 16.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the spiritual life office at spirituallife@georgefox.edu.

The George Fox dance team is hosting a bake sale on the quad today (Monday) from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.!

We’re raising funds to go on a worship dance retreat to learn about the difference between dancing to a worship song and worshiping through dance. So come on out, buy a sweet treat, and support our effort to learn more about how dancing can be used to glorify the Lord!

Contact Sarah Niemela at sniemela25@georgefox.edu with any questions.

Our main physical therapist at the George Fox Physical Therapy Community Clinic is gone on maternity leave. However, during this time, we are pleased to welcome another physical therapist who will be providing part-time coverage on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays beginning in early November. If you are in need of physical therapy, please take advantage!

We also have a new faculty member and PT, Dr. Ashlee Baltich, who specializes in pelvic floor and women’s health, including low back, hip, and pelvic conditions. She is currently looking for a few patients over the course of the year and will be providing pro bono care.

We look forward to continuing to serve our community and provide quality physical therapy care to any and all who need it!

If you are interested in scheduling an appointment or have questions, please contact the clinic at 503-554-2479 or physicaltherapy@georgefox.edu.

Interested in continuing your education in psychology? Join the George Fox Psi Chi chapter from 3 to 4 p.m. in Roberts 103 tomorrow (Tuesday) for an informational meeting hosted by PsyD Director Elliot Lawless and Admissions Chair Greg Fischer.

We will give an overview of the PsyD program as a whole, relay admissions and interview advice from industry professionals, and address any further questions you may have.

This will be a great opportunity to polish your graduate application before the fall deadline.

Questions? Contact Melody West at mwest23@georgefox.edu. 

Stop by the Bridge Cafe and Maker’s Market tomorrow (Saturday) to grab some extra coffee, snacks and treats to keep you fueled while enjoying all the Homecoming and Family Weekend festivities!

The Bridge Cafe will be open from 8 to 11 a.m., and the Maker’s Market from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Share the George Fox experience with the next generation of Bruins! The admissions office is looking for overnight hosts for Bruin Preview at the end of this month, on Thursday, Oct. 29, and Friday, Oct. 30.

Show a prospective student what it’s really like to live on campus – plus, receive chapel elective credit for participating.

Have questions? Reach out to visit@georgefox.edu

Click here to sign up.

We’re excited to announce the first winner of our weekly prize drawing for the Miles for Meals Challenge! Congratulations to Courage Mudzongo, who has won a $50 Amazon gift card. Visit the People and Culture office to claim your prize.

The top three teams so far:
1. Centennial Tower Trekkers (331,540 total steps)
2. Bruin Boulevard Striders (257,147 total steps)
3. Stevens Steppers (226,880 total steps)

Don’t forget: There are three more weeks of prizes to come. Stay active and keep logging miles for your chance to win.

Weekly prizes are awarded randomly just for participation. Grand prizes will be awarded at the end to the top individual stepper and the team with the highest average steps.

The deadline to register is this Saturday, Oct. 10. If you have not registered and are planning on it, be sure to do that as soon as possible.

If you have questions about registering, please email the Wellness Committee at bewell@georgefox.edu.

Come celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day this Monday, Oct. 12, at 6 p.m. at the Intercultural Resource Center (the building with a red door across the street from Pennington).

There will be good food, beading, and conversation to celebrate Indigenous cultures in Oregon and beyond!

Everyone is welcome! Please RSVP here if you plan on attending.

If you have any questions or have a culture you would like to represent at the celebration, reach out to Nizhonii Taylor at taylorn25@georgefox.edu. We look forward to seeing you there.

In an effort to capture the breadth of community perspectives, the AI teaching-learning team is calling all interested staff and faculty in Newberg and the Portland Center to a focus group session for sharing concerns about the way AI interfaces with our work at George Fox.

The session will be held in person in Wood-Mar Conference Room 201 this Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 3 to 4 p.m.

We want to receive input on how you are feeling. Moving forward with wisdom and grace requires hearing a wide range of perspectives and concerns! We will aggregate the data to keep your insights anonymous.

To sign up, reach out to Allen Jones at ejones@georgefox.edu.

All six candidates vying for the three contested positions on the Newberg City Council in this fall’s election will be on campus in Bauman Auditorium this Monday, Oct. 12, from 6 to 7:45 p.m. for this fall’s Newberg Candidates Forum.

Mayor Bill Rosacker is running for re-election against current city councilor Elise Yarnell Hollamon. They will be joined at the forum by four candidates for two city council seats. Incumbent Robyn Wheatley faces challenger Larry Hampton, while Britta Mansfield faces Leisha Adams for an open seat.

All six candidates will get opportunities to make brief statements and answer questions crafted by the forum organizers.

If you are registered to vote in Newberg, this is a crucial opportunity to be an informed voter. You are also welcome to come if you are curious about what issues face our host city, and what ideas candidates are bringing to address them.

The forum is hosted by three co-sponsors: the Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Newberg City Club, and George Fox University.

For more information, contact Professor Emeritus of Politics Ron Mock at rmock@georgefox.edu.

Don’t miss the first-ever Harvest Block Party!

Want to experience a pumpkin patch right here on campus? Come out to the chapel lawn tomorrow (Friday) at 7 p.m. We’ll have a live band, pumpkin patch, dark maze, sweet treats, and so much more. Tickets for food trucks are limited, so make sure to get there early.

Want to be a part of our upcoming events and get early access to the action? Sign up using the links below to secure your spot.

You spoke up and we listened. Last year, the No. 1-requested event by the student body was Speed Dating, and we are here to make it happen for you. Sign up to be a part of this first-time event, happening on Friday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. (Space will be limited and will be first come, first served.)

Ever wanted to watch a movie and be a part of the action? Join us for our 4D dinner experience on Friday, Nov. 6, in Canyon Commons to watch Ratatouille while eating food inspired by the movie. Sign up here to reserve your seats. (Seats will be limited, as this event includes a full dinner.)

In a few weeks we have our annual Fox Got Talent event on Thursday, Nov. 12! Want to compete to win the ultimate prize of $500 and show off your talent? Click this link to audition!

Upcoming events:

• Speed Dating: Friday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. in Klages
• Haunted House: Friday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m. in HMS
• 4D Dinner: Friday, Nov. 6, at 8 p.m. in Canyon Commons

Contact activities@georgefox.edu with any questions! Check out the Activities Weekly email for more details on these events.