Monday, February 2, 2026

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Public Safety and Facilities Announcements

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Teaching and Learning

The Writing Center Opens Tuesday February 3

submitted by mollberg@augsburg.edu

The Augsburg Writing Center is Now Open!

The Augsburg University Writing Center is open and be ready to support your writing this semester! Our hours are Sunday–Thursday, 2–8 p.m. (in-person only). We are located across from Advising on the second floor of the library. Our Online Writing Center will open February 8th, available 6-8pm.

At the Writing Center, trained peer tutors work with writers at all levels and in all disciplines. Whether you are just beginning an assignment and need help generating ideas, in the middle of a draft and looking for feedback on structure or clarity, or polishing a final version before submitting, our tutors are here to help. They can also support you in developing stronger arguments, refining your style, citing sources, and building effective revision strategies.
You can bring in any kind of writing project—course essays, research papers, lab reports, resumes, personal statements, creative pieces, or even application materials. No matter the stage of the process or the type of writing, tutors provide constructive, supportive feedback that is focused on helping you grow as a writer.

Stop by during open hours to meet with a tutor and make the most of your writing this semester!

https://sites.augsburg.edu/writingcenter/

CTL AI Workshop (February 10, Zoom): Start or Finish an AI-informed Assignment Update

submitted by yoon@augsburg.edu

CTL AI Workshop: Tues 02-10, 3:40–4:40 (Zoom)

This session is open to any faculty who want a quick, practical on-ramp. It supports both:
• Starters: begin an AI-informed update to one assignment
• Finishers: finalize and submit an existing update

Focus: make one assignment “AI-informed” with a clear AI policy, a short student disclosure, and two transparent verification options (no AI detectors).

RSVP (helps us plan breakouts): https://forms.gle/TGyFizXooAidSdvWA
Details and resources: go.augsburg.edu/aipilot

AI Workshop details + RSVP

Due February 6: URGO Summer Research Phase 1 Application

submitted by philldal@augsburg.edu

URGO Summer Research & Creative Activity Program — All Disciplines Welcome!
Phase 1 applications are due Friday, February 6 at 11:59 PM. Now is the time to connect with faculty members to explore the research and creative projects happening in your department.

The URGO Summer Research & Creative Activity Program is an 11-week, on-campus experience (May 18–July 31) that supports students conducting research or creative work alongside a faculty mentor. Full-time participants (400 hours) receive a $6,000 stipend plus a housing discount, while half-time participants (200 hours) receive a $3,000 stipend and a housing discount.

URGO Summer Research & Creative Activity Assistantships
URGO also offers assistantships for students interested in working as research assistants on ongoing faculty projects. This option involves a 100-hour summer commitment and includes a $1,500 stipend. Assistantships are a great way to explore research for the first time or to contribute to a focused component of a larger project.

The Summer Research Info Packet and Phase 1 application are available on URGO’s website, linked below. For questions, contact urgo@augsburg.edu.

URGO Website

General Announcements

Want to Improve Your Sleep?

submitted by phalp1@augsburg.edu

Before we start…

I want to acknowledge that many students are navigating a lot right now. With current events affecting our communities, stress, uncertainty, and disrupted sleep are very real — and it’s okay if things feel heavier than usual.

With that in mind, I’m sharing a gentle, optional invitation to participate in a Sleep Hygiene Education Project as part of my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) work. This project is designed to support college students who may be feeling overwhelmed, fatigued, or simply in need of rest.

Why consider joining?

Learn evidence-based strategies for better sleep

Receive a personalized sleep plan

Support focus, energy, and academic well-being

Opportunities to receive sleep-related items (Hatch alarm clock, blue-light glasses, aromatherapy, etc.

Participation is completely voluntary, and both undergraduate and graduate students are welcome. Choosing not to participate will not affect you in any way.

If and when it feels right for you, you can scan the QR code on the flyer or email me directly for more information. There is no pressure — your well-being comes first.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and please take care of yourselves and one another.

Warmly,
Nikki Truong
truongn@augsburg.edu

https://www.instagram.com/p/DT-oamgjUF3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Invitation to Participate in Research: Tinder Use and Mental Health Outcomes

submitted by bloyere@augsburg.edu

My name is Evan Bloyer, and I am a graduate student in the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology program here at Augsburg University. My clinical research project is understanding how Tinder use impacts mental health outcomes, particularly self-esteem and body esteem. I have received Augsburg University’s IRB approval and am able to collect data from eligible participants. To participate, please click on the link below. Email me at bloyere@augsburg.edu for any questions or concerns. If you participate, you will be eligible for a raffle for one of four $25 Amazon gift cards.

Mental Health Survey

Are You Muslim? Click Here to Answer Some Questions About Islamophobia

submitted by khanss@augsburg.edu

As-salamualaikum! My name is Sana Khan and I am currently a clinical psychology doctoral study student at Augsburg University. I am conducting a research study about how the mental health and religiosity of Muslim college students is impacted by Islamophobia and I would love to have you be a part of my study! The study will consist of an initial screener to make sure eligibility criteria is met and then scheduling an interview in which I ask you questions about your demographics and experience as a Muslim college student as related to Islam, religiosity, and Islamophobia. The interview should take approximately 25 minutes to 35 minutes to complete. To thank you for your participation, upon completion of your interview, there will be an option at the end for you to enter your information to receive a $10 Visa gift card. If you are interested in participating, please contact me at my email listed below. I appreciate you taking time to consider being a part of my project. Please contact Sana Khan at khanss@augsburg.edu to determine eligibility.

Important W-2 Tax and Wage Statement Updates

submitted by vachta@augsburg.edu

IDENTIFYING W-2 ERRORS
W-2s in Batch #03776 that include Plus GTL in the gross pay calculations contain errors. This impacts regular faculty and staff employed at over 0.75 FTE during 2025. DO NOT FILE YOUR TAXES YET.

EMPLOYEES NOT IMPACTED
Errors were only identified on W-2s that include Group Term Life (GTL) insurance. Student employees, adjuncts, and employees at less than 0.75 FTE are not impacted. These individuals may use their current W-2 to file taxes and will not receive a corrected statement.

IF YOU HAVE NOT FILED YOUR TAXES
Please do not file your taxes until you receive your corrected W-2c and an email from Augsburg Payroll stating you are Ready to File. This ensures your reporting is 100 percent accurate.

IF YOU HAVE ALREADY FILED YOUR TAXES
Please contact payroll@augsburg.edu immediately for instructions on the next steps for your specific situation.

TIMELINE FOR CORRECTIONS
ADP expects corrected W-2s to be available in the portal by Thursday, February 5. Paper statements will be mailed shortly after.

We appreciate your continued patience as we work to make this right. Please reach out to payroll@augsburg.edu with any questions.

Event Announcements

Supporting Our Neighbors: Cafe Joté – Wednesday at 9 a.m.

submitted by gilmerje@augsburg.edu

Businesses in Cedar-Riverside and Seward have been experiencing serious declines in sales–show up with your hearts and cash on Wednesday, February 4th at 9:00 am. We’ll meet at the Sabo Center in Oren Gateway Center (right across from Nabo Cafe) and will walk to Cafe Joté. They have some of the very best coffee in town, grab and go Ethiopian food, and cool gift-y stuff for sale. Cafe Joté is in the back of the brick building with the yellow KFAI sign on it in case you want to meet us there.

Stay tuned for more opportunities from the Sabo Center. We’re planning a date at a local spot once a week. If you would like to otherwise support neighborhood business, please check out our Augsburg Local website: https://www.augsburg.edu/sabo/programs/augsburg-local/. Lots of places have wonderful family platters that you can order for take-out, including Oasis, which is very close to campus. Email gilmerje@gmail.com with any questions or for recommendations!

If you would like to volunteer your time or share any skills/resources that you might have, please fill out this Google Form: https://forms.gle/o3NhLaz3Y7sSDXzd8

Blind Date With a Book Is Back at the Library

submitted by cronink@augsburg.edu

Whether you’re searching for true literary love or just a casual read, we’ve got something for you on the new Blind Date With a Book display. Each book, movie and game comes with a genre and description so you can be sure you’re finding the perfect match. Choose a date, check it out with the James self-service kiosk, and enjoy! This display will be up through late-February on the first floor of Lindell Library.

You could find your next five-star fave, don’t miss out!

Keeping Track of Auggies

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Classifieds

Valentine Treat Pre-Orders Close on Friday

submitted by chuma@augsburg.edu

There’s nothing like the Minneapolis community spirit to keep things bright. We’re down to the final days for Valentine’s Day treat box pre-orders! Show some love to an Augsburg-employee run business and treat yourself to something special. Pre-orders close Feb 6th—don’t miss out!

Pre-Order the Rose & Cocoa Box!

Chocolate Covered Strawberries for Valentine’s Day

submitted by martin31@augsburg.edu

$30 a dozen.
$40 for I ❤️ U box with 13-16 strawberries.
LIMITED SUPPLY I ❤️ U BOXES
PRE-ORDER NOW FOR VALENTINES DAY.
Free delivery available anywhere between Cambridge and the twin cities!
Made with your choice of dark, milk or white Ghirardelli chocolate!
Toppings include various sprinkles and drizzles.
Every box custom to your order!
Can do smaller boxes upon request just message!
Upgrades:
Keto chocolate and toppings+$5
Organic +$7
Homemade caramel drizzle with sea salt +$7
Food safe certified through the state of MN and registered cottage baker.

Order here

Disabled Student Looking for Student PCA

submitted by dipaolaz@augsburg.edu

Hi, my name is Zander. I am a Senior, and I am disabled and in a wheelchair. I am looking for a backup PCA. I have a PCA come every day to help me with certain tasks in my dorm room. You would come when my main PCA needs a day off or can’t make it that day for different reasons. Some of the tasks would entail refilling water bottles, refilling humidifiers, and making a bed. Expect this to take 15 or 30 minutes out of your day. I will work with your schedule. You will schedule a time to come whenever it fits your schedule on a day my PCA can’t come. If you are interested in helping me out and scheduling an interview, contact me at (612)430-3233 or dipaolaz@augsburg.edu.