Monday, October 7, 2024

Index

Public Safety and Facilities Announcements

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Teaching and Learning

Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. Webinar: Introduction to Cursive Writing Analytics

submitted by lloydr@augsburg.edu

This session will introduce a new tool Augsburg is piloting for the ’24/’25 school year. It leverages Moodle’s text editor (TinyMCE) to provide insights into student effort and revisions for writing in your Moodle classroom. While not an AI classifier, it does provide new essential data for understanding the student’s writing process and verifying the source of their submission, no matter your course policy towards generative AI.

Joe Thibault, Cursive CEO & Shane Sletten, Elearning

Webinar link

Wednesday, October 16, 8:30 a.m., Cursive Webinar II: Moodle Assignments for Any AI Policy

submitted by lloydr@augsburg.edu

We’ll quickly revisit new writing-focused data in the Augsburg Moodle before turning to AI-use policy approaches for your course (including the AI Assessment Scale). With the remaining time, we’ll discuss assignment designs you might use to assist students in exploring writing with generative AI in explicitly permitted, responsible, and verifiable ways.

Facilitators: Joe Thibault, Cursive, CEO & Shane Sletten, Elearning

Cursive Webinar link

GenEd Update

submitted by boylek@augsburg.edu

Dear Augsburg Community,

Implementation planning for our new undergraduate general education curriculum, planned to be offered starting in fall 2025, is underway. In an initial implementation step, the Academic Affairs Committee (AAC) voted in support of the General Education Course Migration Proposal, a proposed plan for how all 475 current general education courses would be reorganized into the new general education curriculum. Next steps in general education implementation include updating the degree audit and general education resources, and developing new course offerings.

Please refer to the General Education Revision 2023 Moodle Site or Google Drive for additional information and resources about this initiative.

With gratitude,
Stacy Freiheit, General Education Director

General Education Revision Proposal
https://docs.google.com/document/d/19JvqeGzndvpBVzxTTHIx73yCCrjm0QrU8sM1byBln3s/edit

General Education Revision Moodle Site
https://moodle.augsburg.edu/community/course/view.php?id=530

Examining Trends from NSSE / FSSE 23-24

submitted by denkinge@augsburg.edu

Please join the Assessment Committee and Center for Teaching and Learning from 2:30 – 3:30pm on Wednesday, October 16th, in Sverdrup 208 for an opportunity to discuss the results of a recent pair of high-quality institutional surveys of students and faculty.

In the spring of 2024, First Year and Senior students completed the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). This survey measures students’ perception of Academic Challenge, Student-Faculty Interactions, Quality of Interactions, and experience with High Impact Practices. Meanwhile, faculty provided their perception of students’ course experiences on the Faculty Survey of Student Engagement (FSSE). The combined NSSE-FSSE results offer a unique opportunity to directly compare student and faculty perspectives on a wide range of academic issues. Whether you teach in upper or lower-division courses – and regardless of your academic discipline – these data offer something for everyone.

Please RSVP for the event here

URGO Academic Year Research Funds

submitted by crombie@augsburg.edu

URGO has limited funding for academic-year research grants for undergraduates who wish to gain research experience with an Augsburg faculty member. Students are paid $1,200 for 80 hours of research. Research must be completed by May 10, 2025 and stipend or reimbursement checks will be distributed after submission of a project completion report, approved by the faculty mentor.

Please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and funds will be awarded as they are available. Student-faculty research teams are encouraged to submit proposals as soon as possible.

If you have any questions about academic year research funding, please contact urgo@augsburg.edu.

URGO Academic Year Research Application 2024-2025

General Announcements

Complete the Online Survey about Bike/Pedestrian Bridge Alternative Designs

submitted by peacock@augsburg.edu

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) is planning to replace the bike/pedestrian bridge over I-94 located adjacent to the Augsburg campus. Four preliminary alternative designs have been created for a new bridge. MNDOT is seeking feedback on the alternative designs from users of the bridge. To provide input on design options for the bridge, take a few minutes to complete the online survey found on the MNDOT project page (link below).

MNDOT Project Page

First-Generation Survey for Augsburg Faculty and Staff

submitted by crombie@augsburg.edu

In recognition of First-Generation College Celebration Day (Nov. 8), the departments of TRIO Student Support Services, TRIO McNair Scholars, and Multicultural Life will be hosting events that highlight the first-generation college experience during the week of November 4. These events will be geared to students, but all of the Augsburg community is welcome to attend. More information will be provided in the upcoming weeks.

In addition to this programming, we’re asking faculty and staff to complete this brief First-Generation Augsburg Community Survey. The information collected will be used to create ongoing resources and support for first-generation students here at Augsburg. Please provide as much information as you’re comfortable sharing. NOTE: This is the same survey we released last year, so if you already submitted a response, no need to do so again (unless you’d like to update your responses)!

If you have any questions or comments about this survey or about the Augsburg First-Generation project, please contact Lara Crombie, TRIO McNair Scholars Program (crombie@augsburg.edu).

First-Generation Augsburg Community Survey

Complete Service Hours with the MN Urban Debate League This Fall

submitted by froehlic@augsburg.edu

Our students are brilliant – help them polish their skills so they can shine! ⭐

The Minnesota Urban Debate League, a program of Augsburg University, is looking for caring volunteers who can help local high school students improve their argumentation skills as they debate about the implications of AI.

No experience is required! We’ll train you how to run the round, pick the winner fairly, and provide useful feedback for improvement. Judge virtually on upcoming Fridays or in-person in the Twin Cities Metro on upcoming Saturdays.

Plus, thanks to funding from the AmeriCorps Volunteer Generation Fund, we can provide transportation if needed!

Relevant Dates:

• Friday, Oct. 25th: 3:15-8:15 PM (Virtual)
• Saturday, Oct. 26th: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (In-Person, Roseville)
• Friday, Nov. 8th: 3:15-8:15 PM (Virtual)
• Saturday, Nov. 9th, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM (In-Person, Central HS)
• Saturday Nov. 23rd, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM (In-Person, UMN Campus)

Learn more and sign up for shifts on this page: https://mnudl.augsburg.edu/volunteer-opportunities/

Questions? Reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator at udlvolunteers@augsburg.edu.

Have You Tried Ordering Einstein’s on the App?

submitted by johnsok@augsburg.edu

Did you know that you can order from Einstein’s and Nabo on the order+eat app?

When you place your order through Einstein’s or Nabo, you will be provided an estimated completion time. You can pick your order up at Einstein’s in Christensen Center or Nabo in Oren Gateway Center by going through the line and providing your name/order number.

Download the order+eat app!

Apply Today And Shape the Future of STEM

submitted by xiongcc3@augsburg.edu

Are you ready to impact the STEM community? Whether you want to guide others or seek guidance, Augsburg’s STEM Peer Mentorship Program is your opportunity!
For Mentors:
If you’re a rising junior or senior in a STEM major with experience and a passion for leadership, become a mentor! Help first-year and sophomore students navigate their academic and professional paths.
Benefits:
Lead and Inspire: Shape the future of STEM students.
Share Knowledge: Provide advice on internships, scholarships, and more.
Expand Your Network: Build meaningful connections.
Commitment: 3-4 hours per month, including one-on-one and group meetings.
For Mentees:
If you’re a first-year or sophomore in a STEM major, a mentor can guide you through internships, scholarships, and coursework, helping you thrive.
Benefits:
Gain Insight: Receive valuable advice and support.
Navigate Your Path: Make informed decisions about your academic and career goals.
Build Connections: Connect with professionals and peers.
Commitment: 3-4 hours per month, including meetings with your mentor and group sessions.
How to Apply: Complete the STEM Peer Mentorship Application to join us starting Fall 2024. For questions, email stempeer@augsburg.edu.
Apply Today and Shape the Future of STEM!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdTqFUMS-q2Ytr5nVccWfkcUm-5bd9d8ia56CKVVD4nRJ3NZA/viewform?usp=sf_link

New Staff Positions This Week (2)

submitted by hr@augsburg.edu

The following Augsburg Staff positions were posted within the past 7 days:

10/01/2024: Senior Admissions Counselor
https://jobs.smartrecruiters.com/AugsburgUniversity-MinneapolisMN/744000017745795-senior-admissions-counselor
09/30/2024: Assistant Sports Information Director
https://jobs.smartrecruiters.com/AugsburgUniversity-MinneapolisMN/744000017398064-assistant-sports-information-director

Search Augsburg Job Postings

Event Announcements

Sophomore BSW Orientation Happening Soon

submitted by hensleym@augsburg.edu

The Social Work Department will be holding two Social Work Major Orientation sessions for sophomores coming up in the next couple of weeks. One will be on-campus in the Marshall Room from 4 to 5 pm on October 15. The other meeting will be on Zoom on October 16 from 2:30 to 3:30 pm.

Here is the link for the Zoom meeting:

Join Zoom Meeting https://augsburg.zoom.us/j/99643838496?pwd=PcaeXPtZ4z2o5A8pDooFPEjM86Onas.1

If you plan to major in social work, then you will want to attend one of these meetings. We’ll be explaining the social work candidacy process and discussing the supporting courses as well as upper-division social work courses.

You can contact Dr. Melissa Hensley (hensleym@augsburg.edu) with any questions about these sessions.

Love to Draw or Paint? Volunteer with the MNUDL on October 14

submitted by froehlic@augsburg.edu

Volunteer: Decorate Bowling Pins for our Rosebowl Debate Tournament

The Minnesota Urban Debate League is a program of Augsburg University. We provide academic competitive debate to Twin Cities middle and high school students.

At our Rosebowl Tournament, held over Halloween weekend each year, debaters compete for our decorated bowling pin trophies. We painted a record number of bowling pins last year, and the tournament keeps growing.

We’re looking for volunteers with an artistic eye who want to paint spooky and creative designs on the pins. You’re invited to join us at the Marshall Room in the Christensen Center at Augsburg University for drop-in decorating hours from 4:00-7:00 PM on Monday, October 14th!

Please sign up to attend via Eventbrite so we know how many supplies to get!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/volunteer-decorate-bowling-pins-for-our-rosebowl-debate-tournament-tickets-1037075319197

Uncovering Vocation Chapel Tuesday: Christopher Smith

submitted by dames@augsburg.edu

Please join us on Tuesday, October 8 at 11:30 for our next Uncovering Vocation chapel. Dr. Christopher Smith is an associate professor of Secondary Mathematics Education and will share his story. Originally from Old Hickory, TN, he did his BS in Mathematics from Purdue University and his PhD in Secondary Mathematics Education from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and now resides in Spring Lake Park, MN with his wife and daughter. He is in his 13th year at Augsburg University.

Living Stories Chapel on Wednesday: Dr. Tamara Gray

submitted by dames@augsburg.edu

Please join us on Wednesday, October 9 at 10:40 am for our first “Living Stories” chapel of the semester. Our speaker will be Dr. Tamara Gray who will speak on Islam. She is a founder of Rabata, an organization dedicated to promoting positive cultural change through creative educational experiences. As executive director, faculty, and chief spirituality officer, she focuses on uplifting Muslim women within community and without. She has a special interest in digital spaces in faith communities. Dr. Tamara Gray holds a doctorate in leadership from the University of St. Thomas, a master’s degree in Curriculum Theory and Instruction from Temple University and spent twenty years in traditional learning spaces studying Islamic sciences, Quran, and Arabic in Damascus, Syria.

Wednesday: Focused Conversation on “Through Truth to Freedom”

submitted by farrisr@augsburg.edu

All faculty and staff are invited to the first October Focused Conversation on Wednesday, October 9. President Paul Pribbenow will lead a conversation about “Through Truth To Freedom: Reconciling a University’s Past, Present, and Future,” a new book of essays written by members of the Augsburg community. These essays address diverse aspects of Augsburg’s saga, including our connection to place, our faith tradition, our distinctive educational mission, our commitment to social justice for our students and community, and our consistent focus on welcoming those who are “first” to pave a path forward.

Wednesday, October 9, 2024
12:00 p.m.
Marshall Room and via Zoom

To view the Focused Conversation schedule and access the livestream link, visit the All Hands page.

All Hands | Inside Augsburg (login required)

Keeping Track of Auggies

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Classifieds

ISO: Paper and Plastic Bags for Food Distribution

submitted by crombie@augsburg.edu

Looking to get rid of your “bag of bags?” We’ll take them! Community Aid Network MN (CANMN) is a Minneapolis-based grassroots mutual aid group that distributes free food and supplies every week to individuals and families in need.

Ask: plastic and paper bags; standard grocery size preferred

Drop-off bags in Hagfors 101 suite (Tuesday-Friday, between 9am-5pm)

Email Lara, crombie@augsburg.edu, with any questions or visit CANMN’s website (see link below)

CANMN Website