News and Notes: September 4, 2020

The university has developed a data dashboard that will be updated weekly to inform the public about test results and other information about the university’s COVID-19 status. The student data includes both surveillance testing to continuously gauge the prevalence of COVID-19 in asymptomatic students and testing among students who sought tests because of symptoms or another reason. The data is being shared in a way that protects individuals’ medical and educational privacy — and will help inform university decision making related to on-campus operations, health and safety measures and more throughout the autumn semester. The dashboard includes data on: 

• Ohio State test results
• The number of students currently in on-campus isolation or quarantine housing 
• The availability of personal protective equipment on campus
• The status of enhanced cleaning measures on campus
• Ohio’s statewide case count, for reference
• The rate of transmission in the state
• Statewide hospital capacity

Are you wondering how to encourage your youth to wear a face-covering? Check out this video created by one of our own as one youth shares what has helped her, and how you as the guardian can support them through the transition of learning how to feel comfortable wearing their face covering. The video was recently highlighted by the Crane Center for Early Childhood Research and Policy. You can access the video here.

The Farm Science Review Education committee continues to work in preparation for the 2020 FSR show. Although the show will be virtual, we believe this may be the largest, single educational event for the Farm Science Review and possibly ANR Extension. We are extremely proud and thankful for everyone stepping up to the plate to make this happen. Keep up-to-date by visiting here. 

As with the beginning of most school years, we have and will continue to see an increase in the number of electronic “phishing” attempts on students, faculty, and staff alike. Phishing scams are a form of “Social Engineering,” in which someone attempts to trick you into giving them your sensitive information – usernames and passwords, access to your computer, or even in some recent cases, false claims that attempt to extort money. Many of these scams are carried out through email, but also often come through text messages, regular voice calls, or social media. Messages can look as if they have come from a familiar institution or an individual that you trust.  

A common theme of these messages is to play on your emotions, sometimes including disturbing or enticing information that provoke you to act. They may try to create a false sense of urgency by saying "your account will be deleted," "you are over your email storage space," or “we have compromising information of you.”  They often urge you to act immediately to "update" or "verify" your account information. Often, they will urge you to send money or cash a check as well. 

Some things you can do: 

• Always think before you act. Be wary of communications that implore you to do so immediately or warns of negative consequences if you do not act now. 

• If it looks suspicious (even if you know the person or source), please contact the IT Service Desk for verification and advice before taking any action. 

• Do not provide your login credentials or any personal information. The Ohio State University will NEVER ask for your account information by email or phone. 

• If you receive a suspected phishing message, please use the "Report Phishing" button to report it so that the message can be stopped from possibly fooling someone else!  If you don't have access to the "Report Phishing" button, you can also forward the message to report-phish@osu.edu. 

The Ohioline landing page has been reformatted in a small way that should make a big difference. With a more prominent search bar and tips for searching, it is easier now for clients to search for the information they want. New, peer-reviewed and accessible information is added regularly. Recent additions include Effective 4-H Club Meetings, Management Considerations for the Cribbing Horse, Double-Cropping Soybean Following Small Grains, Important Considerations of an Oil and Gas Lease, etc. 

Slow Food Columbus is proud to once again co-host a lecture series with Ohio State's Anthropology Public Outreach Program (APOP). Inspired by Slow Food USA's Manifesto for Equity, Inclusion, and Justice, this series draws on the collective experiences of panelists, who will share how these themes are manifested in their work. Each event will take place on the third Tuesday of the month, beginning with our Equity event on Sept. 15, with each one on CarmenZoom from 6-7:15pm. The entire series is free and open to the public, but advanced registration is required.  

On Sept. 15, Whitney Gherman FCS Extension Educator Marion County join a panel of experts to discuss “Seeking Good, Clean, and Fair Food for All: Equity. Inclusion. Justice." More information at here.

To achieve a fairer, more equitable and just society, conversations about race, inequity and difference are critical. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the Drake Institute for Teaching and Learning, and University Libraries have created a respectful dialogue toolkit with strategies, webinars and events for engaging these meaningful conversations. 

Read more here.

The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services has developed a Back to School Resources for families. Please share with those in your communities or networks that may find this helpful. Available here.