Nov. 24, 2020 Voiland College This Week

Go Cougs!

Team Zephyr, composed of bioengineering students Katie Lober, Jackson Rieb, and Sarah Schroeder won the Jones Milestone Accelerator Pitch Demo.

Noel Schulz talks about her experiences as a woman in engineering. She shares ways to encourage girls and women to enter and stay in the science and engineering fields on WSU Magazine’s Buzzsprout Podcast.

Norbert Kruse was honored for his contributions to catalysis research in the recent issue of Topics in Catalysis.

Voiland College now offers one-year, non-thesis master’s degrees in chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, engineering, environmental engineering, materials science and engineering, and mechanical engineering.

Dan “Annie” Du and Yuehe Lin were named as Highly Cited Researchers.

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Events

Tuesday, December 1 @ 11 AM

AGI-ESIC FA20 Seminar Series – “HELICS-based co-simulation with transactive microgrids using grid-edge devices” by Dr. Trevor Hardy (PNNL) and Monish Mukherjee, PhD Candidate (ESIC/WSU).

Tuesday, December 1 @ 1:10 PM

Learning management system training: Blackboard learn grade center:
We’ll explain different setup options, show how to grade and comment on student work, and demonstrate how to use the electronic rubric.

Tuesday, December 1 @ 6 PM

Northwest Faculty Exchange Lecture Series Waterscapes: The Dynamic Moving Whole:
The NW Faculty Exchange is an active venue to engage in collaborative conversations relevant to landscape architecture in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. and British Columbia.

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Opportunities

Workday Training: Complete by Dec. 11

Training is available to all WSU employees to help prepare for the switch to Workday. The Modernization Initiative recommends employees complete their review of these training essentials prior to December 11, 2020.

Here are answers to the top questions asked about Workday training.

Canvas Starts Spring 2021

With full access to the Canvas pilot, all WSU instructors have the option to migrate their Blackboard courses over to the new Learning Management Software (LMS) for the upcoming spring semester, which they can do by contacting their department’s course scheduler or campus scheduler. Faculty and staff will also soon be able to request a “sandbox” course. Visit WSU Insider or AOI to learn more and sign up for Canvas training.

Graduate Job Placement “Tip Line”

Voiland College Career Services has a “tip line” to help track student & graduate placement! If you know of an upcoming or recent graduate who accepted a job, is heading to graduate school, or has other post-graduation plans- let us know! Please send student name, company/grad school, job title & any other known information to: vcea.jobs@wsu.edu.

Research Funding and Awards

Visit Voiland College’s website or The Office of Research Advancement and Partnerships for lists of some of the national major research funding opportunities. Here are a few upcoming opportunities:

• New Faculty Seed Grants – Letter of Intent due Dec. 4 by 5 pm – Full Proposals due Feb. 12.
• Murdock Equipment Proposals – up to $900K – requires 1:1 cost share.
• JCATI Grants – Proposals due Feb. 26.

Many funding opportunities from government agencies and private foundations. Search for funding on Pivot using the institutional access login.

Office of Research Guidance

The Office of Research posts all guidance for on-site research, scholarship, and creative activities during the Covid-19 pandemic on their website.

Cougar Card Replacement

WSU Cougar Card readers on the exterior of the PACCAR, Sloan, Dana, ETRL, and EE/ME buildings will be replaced early next spring, likely in February/March 2021.

WSU Cougar Card Center, in the basement of the Compton Union Building (CUB), is offering a free Cougar Card in-person replacement if your current card does not have the proximity capability. If you’re not sure if your card has a proximity chip in it, you can call 335-CARD (335-2273) and they can tell you if your card has it or not over the phone.

Crimson Spirit Award

Have you noticed a WSU employee going out of their way to help a colleague or customer? Nominate them for the Crimson Spirit award to recognize their excellent service. Submit a nomination.

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Graduate Student Opportunities

Opportunities for VCEA graduate students.

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Be Safe Cougs

Guidance for Holiday Celebrations

With the holiday season approaching, Washington State University encourages all members of its communities to follow state guidance aimed at protecting public health.

The state of Washington recently released new guidance on celebrating the holidays during the ongoing pandemic. The guide includes tips on having conversations with family and friends about the risks associated with COVID-19 as well as a safety checklist for gatherings.

Governor’s Travel Advisory for Non-Essential Travel FAQs (Updated 11/16)

Please review and familiarize yourselves with the Governor’s Travel Advisory for Non-Essential Travel FAQs and the November 15, 2020, COVID-19 guidance:

I live outside of Washington State, am I required to self-quarantine to travel to my WSU work location in Washington?

No, the travel advisory (PDF) does not apply to “essential travel”. “Essential travel” includes: work and study, critical infrastructure support, economic services and supply chains, health, immediate medical care, and safety and security.

If I have traveled outside of Washington State for non-essential travel, what should I do?

Recommends self-quarantine for 14 days after arrival. Communicate and coordinate with your manager/supervisor regarding teleworking and/or leave options and follow proper call-out procedures as needed. “Non-essential travel” includes: includes travel that is considered tourism or recreational in nature. Refer to Leave and Work Options for Faculty and Staff for additional information regarding leave usage.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions related to COVID-19 Leave and Work.

COVID-19: Stay Safe –Stay Healthy Guidance from the governor’s office (PDF) including the November 15, 2020, COVID-19 Guidance on indoor social gatherings and other restriction modifications.

Please contact HRS if you have any questions.