The Daily Bruin

For the past year or so, many of us have been playing with ChatGPT, trying to make it do things for us.

Thinking and Learning with AI, a course that will be offered this spring, turns that play-based learning into its own class.

Individual assignments will ask you to make ChatGPT do real academic assignments. In the process, we’ll learn both practical skills for prompting while exploring deeper questions about what it means to think, learn or know something. The course will center around a human-centered design project in which we will work with George Fox faculty and staff to create an AI-powered solution to a real business process.

There are no prerequisites other than a spirit of adventure. No programming is required, but if you know how to program — or if you want to learn — you can have even more fun.

Please contact Travis Ross at tross@georgefox.edu with any questions.

The Open Study Table will be closed during finals week. We will open again in week two of the spring semester.

If you have any questions, please contact Heather Harney at hharney@georgefox.edu.

‘Tis the season to be jolly! Wrap up the last week of classes with a festive bash hosted by the Arts & Crafts Club, Comic Book Club, and Critical Hit Club this Sunday, Dec. 10, from 5 to 8 p.m. in Hoover 203.

It’s going to be a tree-mendous time. Deck the halls with DIY ornaments, make Santa and elf hats that sleigh the fashion game, warm up at our hot chocolate bar, play some reindeer games, watch a Christmas flick, and more!

If you have questions, you can email Lilly at lmcafee19@georgefox.edu. We hope to see you there!

Get ready for the Garden Olympics! These games will be hosted by the Stewards of Sustainability Club in their garden, located next to Bauman Auditorium and Roy Apartments, tomorrow (Saturday), Dec. 9, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Whether you are a seasoned gardener or simply enjoy the thrill of leaping into piles of leaves and playing in the mud, all are invited to participate. Compete in a series of fun activities for a chance to win great prizes while helping the club prepare the garden for winter.

All gardening tools and gloves will be provided, along with donuts and hot cocoa to combat the cold. Mark your calendar and be part of the Stewards of Sustainability Club’s grand finale for the semester!

Please sign up for the event here. More information is provided on the form.

Further questions can be emailed to Lilly at lmcafee19@georgefox.edu.

Come together next Thursday, Dec. 14, at 11:30 a.m. in Canyon Commons for a complimentary lunch with your peers.

New employee introductions, announcements and campus updates from university leadership will start at noon. There will be specialty hot cocoa, cider and popcorn for you to enjoy. Watch the livestream here if you’re unable to join us in person.

Contact Carly Reumann at creumann@georgefox.edu if you have questions.

Calling all freshmen! Join us in Canyon Commons 101 and 102 tonight (Friday) at 7 p.m. to decorate cookies and watch “Elf” with your classmates.

It’s a great way to celebrate the holidays and unwind before finals.

Email Janessa at jantemann23@georgefox.edu if you have questions.

The IT Department currently has iMac, PC laptop and MacBook computers for sale. We have 2015 MacBooks, 2015 iMacs, a few 2013 Mac Pros, and HP Elitebook 1040 G3 laptops available.

The computers have been reset to factory settings and have the highest operating system that will work with the hardware of the device. The best uses are web browsing, streaming and applications that do not require a newer operating system. Some versions of Microsoft Office may not run on these devices.

Please note that these computers are sold “as is.” We do not provide support or maintenance on these machines, or perform updates of any kind, and cannot guarantee the manufacturer will have parts available. The laptops come with a power supply. The iMacs and Mac Pros come with power cord, keyboard and mouse.

Computers are sold on a first-come, first-served basis at the Service Desk. We are not able to hold computers unless payment has been made. We accept debit and credit cards for payment.

Our hours of operation can be found at it.georgefox.edu. If you have any questions, please contact the Service Desk at servicedesk@georgefox.edu.

The Office for Spiritual Life is looking for Life Group leaders for the spring of 2024. The program will last from the week of Jan. 29 through the week of March 18. Life Groups are small groups of undergraduate students who meet together for prayer, Bible study and fellowship. Groups meet weekly for 60 to 90 minutes.

This spring, our groups will be either in person or completely via Zoom (this provides access for our George Fox Digital students). Life Groups through the Office for Spiritual Life led by a George Fox staff or faculty member will be SPIL-credit eligible to encourage students to engage in spiritual formation experiences that are participatory and provide ongoing community.

To sign up, please fill out this form by Jan. 3.

Please email Cyndi at cmurillo@georgefox.edu if you have any questions.

The Psychology Club invites you to participate in cookie decorating and card making in Hoover 103 on Thursday, Dec. 7, at 4:30 p.m.

This is a great way to have fun and show gratitude to those who have helped you throughout the term, and there will be good company and music. We would love to have you!

If you have any questions, contact Kalysta Conrad  at kconrad21@georgefox.edu.

Are you interested in studying abroad, but it just doesn’t work with your major and schedule?

Check out the Center for Study Abroad’s summer programs, including Lithuania’s new Baltic Summer Study & Serve program. It is a five-week program with two courses offered and accommodations provided. It includes a weeklong trip to Latvia, Estonia and Finland, as well as another independent weekend trip during your time there.

To learn more, swing by our office in Minthorn or email Lynn Scott at lscott@georgefox.edu or David Martínez at dmartinez@georgefox.edu.

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 the end of the day today (Thursday), Dec. 7. Temporary part-time employee timesheets should also be forecasted, locked and approved by today.

Regular employee timesheets and student timesheets can be locked at the end of the month as usual. The student payday will be Friday, Dec. 15, and the regular employee payday will be Thursday, Dec. 21.

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

The Bruin Community Pantry is making some changes soon. Starting Jan. 8, 2024:

• Students and employees from George Fox will be required to show their student or employee ID card before entering the food bank.
• Community members will be welcome to come to the food bank one day a week, during our open hours on Wednesdays.
• There will be a two-bag maximum per household per visit.

These changes are due to the lack of affordable food from YCAP and the Oregon Food Bank, plus the increase in clients using our food bank.

As always, if people need access to food outside of our normal hours, please email bruincommunitypantry@georgfox.edu to make arrangements to access the food bank.

The Nursing Club is hosting a Christmas party in Roberts 117 tomorrow (Friday) at 5 p.m. Come for fun, snacks and community!

At the end of the party, we will be caroling at the Chehalem and Avamere assisted living communities.

Reach out to Payton at pwalker21@georgefox.edu if you have questions.

Embark on a cultural journey Friday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. by taking part in Squid Games: Fusion Edition. The event features traditional games from all around Asia.

Join us in partnership with the Asian American Fusion Club, conquer the challenges, and see if you have what it takes to claim a prize or $300. Are you up for the adventure? Sign up as teams ahead of time using this link.

Check out the Activities Weekly email for more details on upcoming events.

Finals week events:

• Late Night Breakfast: Monday, Dec. 11, at 9:30 p.m. in Canyon Commons
• Taco Truck: Tuesday, Dec. 12, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of Edwards
• Christmas Cookie Decorating: Wednesday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Hadlock Student Life Office
• Mythical Mini Donuts: Thursday, Dec. 14, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of Edwards
• Hot Cocoa: Friday, Dec. 15, 10 a.m. to noon on the Quad

Contact activities@georgefox.edu with any questions.

The Office for Spiritual Life is looking for staff and faculty members to participate in our new “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 over a span of eight weeks within the semester. The program will begin the week of Jan. 29 and end the week of March 18.

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.

If interested, please fill out this application by Wednesday, Jan. 3. Your involvement will make a meaningful impact on our students’ lives.

Please email Cyndi at cmurillo@georgefox.edu if you have any questions.

Bon Appetit will have normal hours in Canyon Commons and the Bridge Cafe Monday through Thursday during finals week. On Friday, Dec. 15, the Bridge Cafe will close early, and Canyon Commons will have early hours for lunch and dinner.

The Maker’s Market will have adjusted hours starting Wednesday, Dec. 13, and it will close early Friday.

Please visit georgefox.cafebonappetit.com for more information, or email andersonk@georgefox.edu with questions.

Most of us feel too busy to even think about taking time out to relax. But in reality, regular relaxation is crucial. If we don’t stop regularly to ”refuel,” we risk emotional and physical burnout. Even a small investment of 5 to 10 minutes a day can have a huge return.

Canopy is sponsoring a webinar, “Relaxation Rx,” which includes demonstrations of relaxation techniques that provide immediate as well as long–term benefits. You’ll also learn how to detect burnout ”triggers” and discover ways to regain a sense of balance and motivation. You’ll leave feeling recharged and better able to tackle daily demands.

The webinar is available on-demand in December at this link.

If you have questions, contact rwoodral23@georgefox.edu.

The Portland Writing Center is open for appointments during finals week from Sunday, Dec. 10, through Wednesday, Dec. 13.

We offer 50-minute appointments over Zoom or asynchronously. To schedule an appointment, please go to the TracCloud icon on your Canvas Dashboard or visit traccloud.georgefox.edu.

If you have any questions, please contact Heather Harney at hharney@georgefox.edu.

Talk with first-year engineering students from 5 to 6 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday), Dec. 7, as they display their oscillating air engine designs in the Maker Hub.

Then, from 6 to 8 p.m., watch them compete with their air engines for maximum speed, coast, air efficiency, power and craftsmanship in the Wobble-Off. All are welcome!

Contact Jennifer McCollum at jmccollum@georgefox.edu if you have any questions.

The Academic Resource Center (ARC) will be open Monday through Wednesday of finals week.

We offer 25- or 50-minute appointments. Go to the TracCloud icon on your Canvas Dashboard or visit traccloud.georgefox.edu to schedule your appointment.

If you have any questions, please contact Heather Harney at hharney@georgefox.edu.