Index

Public Safety and Facilities Announcements

Timely Alerts and Advisories

submitted by westa@augsburg.edu

The Augsburg University Department of Public Safety seeks to issue timely alerts and advisories as required by federal law in order to provide the Augsburg community with information to increase the safety of people and property. These timely notices provide information available to Public Safety at the time the alert or advisory is issued which may include limited suspect or other information. If you have information related to crimes on Augsburg’s campus, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 612-330-1717.

Crime Alerts and Advisories are distributed for incidents that occurred on, or in areas immediately adjacent to, university property. Alerts may be distributed to all students, staff, and faculty, or they may be distributed to a localized area of the University if it is determined that the threat is specific to that particular area. Alerts may be posted in 8×11″ frames near campus building entrances, sent by e-mail, posted in A-Mail, and posted in the News & Announcements page of our website.
Information that requires immediate notification and response will be sent through our E2Campus mass notification system. You can sign up or update your settings by logging into Augnet and clicking “Emergency Notification” in the “Augnet Services” menu.
Please visit http://www.augsburg.edu/dps/ for further info.

How you can help prevent crime at Augsburg

submitted by westa@augsburg.edu

You Can Help Prevent Crime at Augsburg!

-Trust Your Instincts – If you sense trouble, get away

-Be Observant and Aware – Remain alert, be aware of your surroundings, observe the other people around you. Know who is around you. Be alert for suspicious behavior (e.g. a person wearing a long coat in the middle of summer).

-Walk Confidently and Do Not Make Yourself a Target – Robbers are looking for an easy target. Keep your head up and eyes alert and walk at a steady pace. Do not walk while looking at your phone and avoid carrying lots of packages or other belongings. Walk in groups whenever possible.

-If You are Robbed – Do your best to stay calm and remember: safety first! Follow the robber’s directions, but do not volunteer more than asked for. If you have to move, tell the robber what you are doing and why. Try to get a good look at the robber so you can describe them later. Give the robber time to leave and note the direction they travel.

-After a Robbery – CALL DPS OR THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY. Try to recall as much as you can about the robber including physical description, clothing, speech and mannerisms.

-Notify DPS of any concerning or suspicious activity immediately.

For more information on crime prevention, please contact the department of Public Safety by emailing publicsafety@augsburg.edu.

Teaching and Learning

Augsburg Named A Top Producer of Fulbrights

submitted by prosserj@augsburg.edu

Augsburg is proud to be included on the list of U.S. colleges and universities that produced the most 2017-2018 Fulbright U.S. Students recently announced by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program. Top-producing institutions are highlighted annually in The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Four students from Augsburg received Fulbright awards for academic year 2017-2018: Dustin Parks (Peru – Research Grant), Hannah Schmit (Czech Republic – English Teaching Assistantship), Hannah Frey (South Korea – English Teaching Assistantship), and Rachel Frantz (Malaysia – English Teaching Assistantship). You can read more about them on URGO’s blog (http://www.augsburg.edu/urgo/2017/06/26/meet-the-2017-2018-fulbright-scholars/).

The Fulbright Program provides participants—chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential — with the opportunity to exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns. Over 1,900 U.S. students, artists and young professionals are offered Fulbright Program grants to study, teach English, and conduct research abroad each year. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program operates in over 140 countries throughout the world.

If you are interested in learning more about the Fulbright program, please join URGO for our information sessions in April! The application process begins in the spring and students continue to work on their applications throughout the summer. Faculty may also encourage juniors, seniors, or alums who they think would be strong applicants to attend the sessions and meet with URGO.

General Announcements

Participate: Great Colleges to Work For Survey

submitted by peterlin@augsburg.edu

Augsburg University is participating in the 2018 Great Colleges to Work For survey. The survey opened Monday, February 19 and will remain open until Monday, March 5. Eligible participants received an email from ModernThink which contained a survey invitation and link to the survey.

Important things to note:
– Survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.
– Your responses to the survey will be completely confidential. ModernThink LLC, an independent survey firm, will not provide Augsburg with any information that would enable us to trace survey data back to any one individual.
– Your participation is very valuable and desired, but voluntary.
– Frequently Asked Questions and Answers on the HR Moodle site: http://web.augsburg.edu/hr/ModernThinkSurveyFAQs2018.pdf

Human Resources recognizes that many members of our community have work that does not require use of a computer, or who may not have a dedicated office. We will be hosting computer lab sessions for employees to ask any questions they might have, get assistance with the process, and complete the survey.

Final Lab Session (NOTE location change!):

March 2—10:00-11:00 am, Sverdrup Hall 201

Should you have questions, please contact Lisa Stock (stock@augsburg.edu or 612-330-1783) or Nicole Peterlin (peterlin@augsburg.edu or 612-330-1602) in Human Resources. Thank you for sharing your voice!

Make A Difference for Middle Schoolers (With Bonus Free Pizza)

submitted by froehlic@augsburg.edu

Do you want to earn service hours while making a difference for middle school students in the Twin Cities? Come judge debate rounds for the Minnesota Urban Debate League.

Middle school students will debate education reform, and we’re looking for caring students to judge them on their critical thinking, argumentation, and public speaking. No debate experience? No problem – we’ll train you. Judges also enjoy free pizza.

Volunteer shifts last from 3:15 – 7:30 PM.

We’re still looking for judges for the following tournaments (named for famous former debaters):

Thursday – 3/1: Rosalind Franklin Tournament
Thursday – 3/8: Rep. Patsy Takemoto Mink Tournament
Tues-Thurs 3/13-3/15: Justice Sotomayor Conference Championships
Tuesday – 3/20: Winona LaDuke Middle School City Championships

Please direct any questions to udlvolunteers@augsburg.edu, or stop by our office in Foss 18.

Click the link below for more information and to sign up:

Volunteer for Us

Music Therapy in China: Summer study abroad program

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

River Semester Fall 2018 – Apply Now

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

Mexico: Summer study abroad program

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

Great College to Work For Survey: 56%

submitted by peterlin@augsburg.edu

The Great Colleges to Work For survey is still in full swing and will close on March 5th (Monday)! We’ve been watching the numbers and we only a few days left. Only 56% of eligible faculty and staff have responded–but we know we’re capable of much more.

Lead by example, show your colleagues the importance of this survey, and provide YOUR feedback.

Event Announcements

What You Should Know About Social Security: Info Session

submitted by peterlin@augsburg.edu

Rhonda Whiteneck, Public Affairs Specialist with the Social Security Administration will present a comprehensive look at Social Security benefits and the role they play in retirement. The presentation will include a look at how your age at retirement affects your benefits, who else is eligible to receive a benefit, and how you enroll. In addition, Rhonda will discuss Medicare Parts A, B, C and D, touching on penalties, creditable drug coverage and how Medicare affects HSA participation.

Not sure if you should attend? Are you planning to retire – soon or sometime in the future? Do you have parents, friends, etc. who will be retiring and could use a few pointers? Are you unsure how your and your spouse’s Medicare benefits coordinate? Do you have an HSA and wonder what will happen to it when you reach Medicare eligibility age? If you answered yes to any of these, this seminar is for you!​

When: March 13th from 12:00-1:00 pm
Where: Hagfors 150A

Vocation Lunch with Robert Tom – March 29th

submitted by warnbers@augsburg.edu

Faculty and Staff – you are invited to attend the Christensen Center for Vocation’s Spring Vocation Lunch with robert tom, Augsburg’s Ceramics and Sculpture Professor! This event will take place on Thursday, March 29th from 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM in East Commons, Christensen Center.

The Christensen Vocation Lunch is an event that strengthens the concept of vocation at Augsburg for faculty and staff by providing role models from within the community to share a presentation on their sense of call and life journey.

To learn more about robert tom and to register, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-vocation-lunch-with-robert-tom-tickets-42754587121

Spaces are limited so please register soon. Note: upon completion of your registration, please be sure you receive a confirmation email and do not add the event to your calendar without completing the registration process.

If you have any questions, please contact the CCV office at (612) 330-1403 or email ccv@augsburg.edu.

We hope to see you there!

“Call to Prayer” Performance – Free student tickets

submitted by knutsonc@augsburg.edu

“Call to Prayer,” a joint performance by The Augsburg Choir & The National Lutheran Choir will be held right here at AUGSBURG!

Saturday, March 3 – 7:30 p.m.
Hoversten Chapel, Foss Center, Augsburg University
General Public: Tickets Required
FREE tickets available for Augsburg Students with ID
(No parking permit needed for Lot L)

More info and General Tickets

TODAY, 5:30pm – Action for human rights in Honduras

submitted by youngs@augsburg.edu

CALLING ALL HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS, ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVISTS, WORKERS, AND YOUTH TO SHOW SOLIDARITY WITH HONDURANS

WHEN: Friday, March 2, 2018
TIME: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
WHERE: Oren Gateway Center classroom 113

WHY:
The political reality in Honduras is serious. US involvement in funding and equipping the police and military has exacerbated state repression. Stand in solidarity with the Honduran people. Commemorate the indigenous and environmental leader, Berta Cáceres, on the second anniversary of her assassination, March 2.

WHAT:
1. See the film: Berta Didn’t Die, She Multiplied (30 min.)
2. Talk with Minnesota activists
3. Make signs defending human rights, denouncing government repression and supporting the Honduran people
4. Stand in solidarity (photo for social media)
Bring your camera or cell phone! HELP SEND THE MESSAGE AROUND THE WORLD.

Your help will be very appreciated.
FFI: Sherilyn Young, youngs@augsburg.edu, 651-224-7308, MN Hands Off Honduras

Next Week: Focused Conversations on Strategic Facilities Management

submitted by rjohn@augsburg.edu

Join the Focused Conversations next week on strategic facilities management. Beth Reissenweber, vice president of Finance & Administration and chief financial officer, and Rebecca John, vice president of Marketing and Communication, will lead the sessions on Tuesday, March 6, at 2 p.m. and Wednesday, March 7, at 12:30 p.m.

Both sessions are scheduled in Oren 100. The Tuesday session will be available via remote access; the link for that will be posted on the All Hands page.

To add a session to your calendar, click on the link on the Inside Augsburg calendar or the All Hands page (login required).

Keeping Track of Auggies

Congrats to Dr. Amanda Case on Her Recent Publication

submitted by walterj@augsburg.edu

Dr. Amanda Case, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, recently had her work published in the scientific journal Nature Chemistry. Follow the link below to read her article “Solution-phase reaction dynamics: Gaining control”. Dr. Case argues that using infrared light to control the outcome of a chemical reaction is problematic in solution because of numerous interactions and non-specific sample heating. Congratulations Dr. Case!

“Solution-phase reaction dynamics: Gaining control”

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