Friday, January 12, 2018

submitted by nguyenj@augsburg.edu

Happy Friday and congratulations on making it to the end of the first full week back to campus!
Stop by the Cupboard today from 9:30am-11am and 12pm-1:40pm to grab a free tote bag that was donated by Campus Ministry! Also come in to grab food items and free reusable water bottles and thermos provided by the Environmental Stewardship Committee. Water bottles and thermos are on the counter top and tote bags on the top shelf!

Please email me with any questions, comments, or concerns at nguyenj@augsburg.edu.
Thank you!

submitted by yangss6@augsburg.edu

Students can now apply for the 2017-18 NASA Space Grant Undergraduate Scholarship Program at Augsburg College. This scholarship program supports the advancement of academically focused undergraduates seeking professional careers in the natural sciences, especially space physics & engineering, mathematics, and science/mathematics education.

This competitive program awards 6 scholarships for spring semester, 2018, in the following areas:
**Emerging Scholarship (Sophomore-Junior). Four scholarships of $1000 to encourage students whose course of study shows progress in meeting the criteria of this scholarship program.
**Enhanced Scholarship (Sophomore-Senior). Two scholarships of $2000 to support students who have shown considerable progress in meeting the criteria of this scholarship program.

Strong candidates for the grant will be students who…
-are a sophomore, junior, or senior majoring in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, computer science, pre-engineering, or mathematics/science education;
-can demonstrate strong academic performance and leadership within their major area; and
-show an interest in contributing to NASA’s mission.

Please note that students from traditionally underrepresented groups in science and mathematics fields are especially encouraged to apply. No applicant shall be denied consideration based on race, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, or ability.

Deadline for application: Friday, January 19, 2018.

More information about the scholarship, along with links to the application packets, can be found at the NASA Scholarship Information. If you need this information in alternative form, please contact STEM programs at stem@augsbug.edu

Questions? Please contact STEM Programs at stem@augsburg.edu.

NASA Space Grant Undergraduate Scholarship

submitted by yangss6@augsburg.edu

Are you an underrepresented student pursuing a degree in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)? If so, you might be eligible to participate in LSAMP North Star STEM (NSS). Augsburg’s LSAMP NSS program is designed to help STEM students succeed through peer mentoring, workshops, research opportunities, industry visits, and conference travel. LSAMP NSS funding opportunities include:

-Professional development stipends (up to $500) for participation in LSAMP NSS programming
-Travel funding for professional STEM conferences (including airfare and lodging)
-Academic year or summer research funding (contingent on mentor match)

STEM majors at Augsburg: biology, biopsychology, chemistry, computer science, environmental studies, mathematics, physics

LSAMP NSS eligibility:
-Full-time student pursuing a STEM major.
-US citizen or permanent resident.
-Underrepresented in STEM as defined by the National Science Foundation (NSF). This includes being Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Native American, Alaska Native or Pacific Islander.

The Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) is an initiative funded by the NSF to support underrepresented students pursuing a STEM degree. Minnesota’s LSAMP program is called the North Star STEM Alliance and includes 17 colleges, universities and community organizations.

If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please contact us at stem@augsburg.edu or complete the following application: https://northstarstem.org/augsburg/apply.

Please note that funding through NSF requires citizenship or permanent residence, but all students are welcome to participate in programming.

North Star STEM Application

submitted by stepanek@augsburg.edu

Starting in January 2018 the Business Office will begin rolling out an electronic invoice approval process for all departments. The goals of this process are to decrease the time needed to process vendor payments, decrease paper and storage costs, and improve controls.

Accounts Payable invoices that you receive should be scanned and emailed to: accountspayable@Augsburg.edu. Please scan invoices individually.

Paper invoices can also be routed to Accounts Payable at Campus Box 308. You can also contact the vendor to have invoices directly emailed to accountspayable@augsburg.edu.

For individuals who were not able to attend the training sessions offered in December and January the approval instructions can be found in the “Administrative Accounting” folder on the “Orgs” drive. There are two sets of instructions – one for those who use Agresso Web and one for those who have the client version of Agresso installed on their computer.

If you have questions or would like to schedule individual training for your department please contact Kris Hogan at hogank@augsburg.edu or at 612-330-1088.

submitted by tilton@augsburg.edu

Stop by the Christensen Center Lobby today from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and meet with representatives from:

The Fund for the Public Interest is a national nonprofit organization working to increase the visibility, membership and political power of the nation’s leading environmental and progressive groups. We work alongside groups such as U.S. PIRG, Environment America, Environmental Action and Fair Share on a wide range of campaigns, including protecting our environment, getting big money out of politics, stopping the overuse of antibiotics and investing in early childhood education. Right now we are working on a campaign with Environment Minnesota to hold polluters accountable when the break the law.
Many companies have been getting away with violating the clean air and clean water acts, and the federal government is doing to little to enforce these laws. So, Environment Minnesota and some of our partner groups are working on civilian lawsuits against big polluters across the country, in order to get them to stop dumping harmful pollution. We are hiring campaign staff to build the resources, visibility, and public support it takes to win. Work to make a difference, build your resume and make money along the way.

submitted by hollandk@augsburg.edu

Attention Augsburg sophomores and juniors with a strong interest in peace and justice issues are invited to apply for the 2018 Peace Scholar Program! Two students will be selected to join a group of a 16 students taking courses in Oslo, Norway at the International Summer School and the Nansen Dialogue Center in June & July 2018. Program and tuition costs are covered by the program (students cover the cost of their airfare). The Peace Scholars take a leading role in promoting student participation in the Nobel Peace Prize Forum, hosted each year by Augsburg University, and spend a few hours each month working in the Peace Prize Forum office.
• 2 courses at the University of Oslo Summer School (a highly international program with students from over 100 countries)
• 1-­‐‑week residency at the Nansen Dialogue Center in Lillehammer
• Visits and meetings with Norwegian politicians, peacemakers, and activists
• Once in a lifetime opportunity!
Full information, including application materials, can be found at application/overview) also: http://studyabroad.augsburg.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram&Program_ID=39620#DATES
and are due by Feb. 1st.
Any questions or inquiries can be directed to Bettine Hermanson: hermansb@augsburg.edu or Joe Underhill: underhil@augsburg.edu or at 330-­‐‑1318.

submitted by greena@augsburg.edu

The first phase of implementing our Policy on Bottled Water, approved in May 2017, was to eliminate bottled water from on-campus catering (Thanks, A’Viands!). We are now on to the next phase in implementing this initiative – no longer using Augsburg funds to purchase individual bottles/cases of water: Augsburg will use already available local tap water and eliminate the sale, reimbursement, and provision of bottled water on campus. This policy aims to reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions, and supports the provision of water as a human right and not a commodity.

Beginning February 1, 2018, Augsburg will no longer use or reimburse University funds for purchases of individual bottled water for on-campus use (except for athletic events). You may have been purchasing individual bottled water in the following ways:

Expense reports
P-Cards
Staples
Petty Cash
Invoices

Watch for the retrofit of drinking fountains to include water filling stations in various spots on campus!

If you have questions or would like support finding alternatives to bottled water for your department, feel free to contact the Environmental Stewardship Committee: environmentalstewardship@augsburg.edu. We are happy to help brainstorm ideas as we move towards loving our local water! And please share your own creative solutions so we can celebrate together!

Learn more about the Policy, our local tap water, and the network of institutions implementing similar policies on the Environmental Stewardship Committee website: http://www.augsburg.edu/green/water-and-energy-conservation/bottled-water-policy/. Student project updates, including water quality testing in our buildings and a re-usable bottle share program, will be available soon.

Special thanks to Administrative Accounting and Purchasing for supporting implementation, and thanks to all of you for your cooperation and creativity as we #LoveLocalWater together!

submitted by greena@augsburg.edu

The first installment of the Environmental Stewardship Committee’s Love Local Water blog series, written by Fall 2017 ENV students, explores the health and safety of bottled vs. tap water.

Read the blog!

submitted by thompsoc@augsburg.edu

My name is Cody Thompson and I am a Senator on the Augsburg Day Student Government. I would like to learn more about your experience at Augsburg. How can ADSG and myself work toward making the change you want to see on campus? I have a few brief questions for you. Feel free to respond to my email – thompsoc@augsburg.edu!

1. How do you identify your gender?
2. What year are you at Augsburg?
3. What do you like and/or admire about Augsburg?
4. What would you like to see improved, changed, and/or implemented at Augsburg?

I am happy to talk on the phone (612-469-5174), text, email, or meet in person! I look forward to hearing from you!

Best,

Cody

submitted by moralesj@augsburg.edu

Augsburg University and Midcontinent Communications (Midco) have recently formed a partnership which will provide opportunities for underrepresented students to earn a scholarship, explore a career in business/IT, and gain relevant work experience.

This semester, up to 4 students will be selected for the honor of becoming the first cohort of Midco Scholars. Each Scholar will have a $2,500 scholarship applied to their student account and will also have the opportunity to apply for a full-time Summer 2018 internship with Midco either in their Sioux Falls, SD or Edina, MN offices. (Internships will more likely take place in Sioux Falls, so applicants should be available to live in Sioux Falls for the summer – housing is available).

Ideal candidates for the Midco Scholars Program will:

-Be a Junior in good standing at Augsburg (anticipated graduation in Dec 2018 or May 2019)
-Have a major or minor in MIS, Computer Science, Mathematics, Finance, Accounting, Marketing, Data Analytics or other business related fields
-Be authorized to work in the United States for the duration of a summer internship and provide documents to verify work authorization

Underrepresented students, including students of color, low-income (Pell Grant eligible/Dream Grant eligible), and/or first generation college students are highly encouraged to apply.

Interested students should review the following link for more information and to apply: https://goo.gl/forms/EpztJz00p9BWrxA63

Applications are due Monday, January 29th. Any questions please contact Janet Morales (moralesj@augsburg.edu or 612-330-1792)

submitted by brauer@augsburg.edu

Want more singing in your life?
Can’t get enough of choir? OR…
Can’t fit a choir into your schedule but still want to sing with people?
Join the MUS 342: Choral Conducting LAB CHOIR!

30 minutes every Wednesday afternoon; 2:15pm – 2:45pm, starting Jan. 24!
Anderson Music Hall, Choir Room (M3)

Learn a few songs, taught and conducted by your peers with a fun, low-key performance in April.
Snacks provided each week!

Questions? Email Tim Buzza at buzza@augsburg.edu

submitted by yangss1@augsburg.edu

Study abroad for two weeks in summer 2018:
DIVERSITY AND INEQUALITY IN GLOBAL PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE IN THAILAND & LAOS

Course: SWK 280 (elective credit for non-majors, requirement for social work majors). It also fulfills Augsburg Experience!

This program explores diversity and social inequality as a prerequisite to professional social work practice in a global context – specifically, in the context of Southeast Asia and Hmong culture. A critical dimension of professional practice is competence in work with diverse populations. The course introduces students to key theories and constructs undergirding cultural competence, including social construction theory, social contact theory, aversive racism, implicit bias, and micro-aggressions. Additionally, course introduces key social work practice models and frameworks as they pertain to cultural competence, including systems theory, ecological framework, strengths perspective and person-in- environment.

Applications are due on January 15, and SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE!

Email abroad@augsburg.edu, or come and talk to the Study Abroad/Away Office for more details! We are located in Oyate Commons, in the lower level of Christensen Center.

Check here for program details, scholarship info, and application

submitted by yangss1@augsburg.edu

Study abroad for two weeks in summer 2018:
ECONOMICS AND SOCIAL CHANGE IN GREECE

Join this two-week course to participate in an amazing learning experience in beautiful Greece! Students will obtain an understanding of Greek history, Greek culture and how that has led to the current Greek business/economic model. Talking with people from various sectors of the community about how their lives have changed in an economic downturn and hearing stories from local people about economic and social relationships will help students understand the complexity of history and culture that has resulted in the contemporary culture and identity of Greece.

Applications are due January 24, 2018

Email abroad@augsburg.edu, or come and talk to the Study Abroad/Away Office for more details! We are located in Oyate Commons, in the lower level of Christensen Center.

Check here for program details and application information

submitted by yangss1@augsburg.edu

Study abroad for two weeks in summer 2018:
MUSIC THERAPY IN CHINA: CHONGQING BURN CAMP

Course options:
-MUS 374, -MUS 474, or MUS 582. It also fulfills Augsburg Experience

Music therapists benefit greatly from exploring the evolution of music from one generation to the next, the way in which music is integrated into everyday life, and its role in health, healing, and well-being in China. Through visits to hospitals, clinics, musical venues, conservatories, and community organizations that provide health related care, students experience the interplay of music and healing practices in China. Students also engage in direct dialogue with Chinese music therapists and other rehabilitation therapists. The program allows participants to reflect on their own musical roots, and to discover how their own musical preferences have developed based on cultural experiences. We will also visit other locations of interest such as The Great Wall, Old-Town Beijing, Dazu Rock Carvings, Yangtze River Cruise and more.

Applications are due March 15, 2018

Email abroad@augsburg.edu, or come and talk to the Study Abroad/Away Office for more details! We are located in Oyate Commons, in the lower level of Christensen Center.

Check here for program details and application information

submitted by yangss1@augsburg.edu

Students interested in a once-in- a-lifetime opportunity to travel the length of the Mississippi River as part of a full semester of courses should check out Augsburg’s River Semester program for Fall 2018. Students in the program will spend 100 days paddling from the Twin Cities, to St. Louis, Memphis, and beyond, before returning to the Twin Cities in December.

Courses offered include:

POL 241 Environmental and River Politics (meets Liberal Arts Foundation for Social and Behavioral Sciences)
ENV 310 Environmental Studies Field Seminar. Study grassroots organizing and meeting with stakeholders throughout the watershed.
ENV 120: Environmental Science (Science w/ Lab)
BIO 495: Topics:
POL/ENV/BIO 499 Directed Research Project (possible Keystone credit)
POL/ENV 399 Internship (with a river-related organization; some internships are paid)
KEY 490 Keystone
Other courses and specialized curriculum available by special arrangement
This program also fulfills Augsburg Experience requirement

Thanks to a generous donation from Pentair, there are a limited number of scholarships of up to $5,000 toward the program fees.

Apply by March 15, 2018

Full information and details at http://www.augsburg.edu/river or by contacting the Augsburg Study Abroad/Away Office in Christensen Center or Prof. Joe Underhill at underhil@augsburg.edu

River Semester Information and Application

submitted by yangss1@augsburg.edu

Earn language, Art, Keystone, or Internship credit in Mexico this summer:
AUGSBURG CGEE IN MEXICO: LANGUAGE AND CULTURE IN MEXICO

CGEE in Mexico offers five 3 1/2 week sessions (blocks) focusing on Spanish language and Mexican culture in which students can take one course per session, and take up to five courses throughout the summer. This community-based program includes homestays, a trip to Mexico City, optional weekend excursions, and numerous guest speakers designed to help students learn about history, culture, and contemporary struggles for peace, justice, and human rights.

Spanish language courses at all levels beginning to advanced, as well as specialized Spanish courses in Business Spanish, Spanish for Ministry, and Spanish for Healthcare Professionals can be combined with internships in those fields to create a truly customized summer experience.

2018 PROGRAM DATES
The summer is organized into five blocks, you may take anywhere from one to five blocks. Students who wish to take an internship must enroll for at least two blocks:
Block I: May 2-27
Block II: May 23-June 17 (KEY 490 offered only during Block II)
Block III: June 13-July 8
Block IV: July 5-29
Block V: July 25-August 19

Applications are due March 15, 2018

Scholarships are available!

Students eligible for Summer Pell Grants, may apply the summer grant funds to this program if they attend at least two Blocks.

Email abroad@augsburg.edu, or come and talk to the Study Abroad/Away Office for more details! We are located in Oyate Commons, in the lower level of Christensen Center.

Check here for program details, scholarship info, and application