Index

Public Safety and Facilities Announcements

Sign up for Augsburg Alerts/Keep up with weather-related changes to classes and operations

submitted by alamilla@augsburg.edu

Augnet ServicesDecisions to cancel classes are made by 6 a.m. for daytime classes and 2 p.m. for evening classes. The University uses the Augsburg Emergency Alerts system to communicate timely information on campus emergencies and class and facility changes due to severe weather. The Augsburg Emergency Alert sends subscribers a text, email, and phone call (subscribers determine which and how many alert types they wish). Only people signed up to these alerts receive them.

Register for Augsburg Alerts.

After the alert is sent out, information and updates about weather-related class cancellations and closures are posted on the “News” section of the Department of Public Safety website. This information is then shared with television and radio stations, and lastly on Augsburg’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.

 

TODAY/TOMORROW: Minneapolis and Rochester classes canceled and operations suspended.

submitted by alamilla@augsburg.edu

Augsburg University has canceled classes and suspended normal operations Tuesday and Wednesday at both the Minneapolis and Rochester locations because of severe cold. Students are encouraged to consult their course Moodle site and monitor email for any additional information and alternative coursework from their instructors.

See link for additional info

Teaching and Learning

Tech Tip Tuesday: Adding Images to Moodle

submitted by tensen@augsburg.edu

While images are not crucial to a good Moodle site, they can help focus students’ attention, break up blocks of text, and support your course content. It is easy to add images to a Moodle label, page, or any Moodle resource or activity using the content editor toolbar. [NOTE: We recommend you use the Firefox browser when adding images as it seems to work best with Moodle image insertion.]

Learn how to add an image

Using Online Discussions to Foster Quality In-Class Discussions

submitted by maherk@augsburg.edu

In this workshop, Lyz Wendland, Assistant Professor in the Department of Art and Design, will discuss her research that implements online pre-discussions for greater in-class participation. Come learn strategies, layouts, and rubrics that foster active class discussions. Attendees will be entered into a drawing for $5 A’viands gift card!

Wednesday, February 6th | Using Online Discussions to Foster Quality In-Class Discussions with Lyz Wendland | 3:30-4:30 pm, OGC 100

Zoom: https://augsburg.zoom.us/j/591383514

RSVP for Workshop

February 15 Grant Deadline is Not Far Off

submitted by maherk@augsburg.edu

Faculty, applications for the Scholarship Grant, the Integrated Course Design Grant, and the Provost’s Internationalization Travel Grant are due by Noon on Friday, February 15th. Find the grant descriptions and calls for proposals in the link below, and submit your applications soon!

Grant Applications and Calls for Proposals

Calling for Nominations for the Distinguished Contributions to Teaching and Learning Awards

submitted by maherk@augsburg.edu

The Office of Academic Affairs and the Center for Teaching and Learning invite your nominations for the annual Distinguished Contributions to Teaching and Learning Awards. Augsburg annually recognizes individuals or groups that have made exemplary contributions to creating an engaging academic learning environment through awards for teaching, scholarship, or service. All faculty or full-time staff who have been employed at the university for at least three years are eligible for the awards.

Further information and the nomination form are available in the link below.

Teaching Awards

Paid Fellowship for Trip to Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C.

submitted by obrienk@augsburg.edu

The MINNE Holocaust Fellows program annually selects college students to participate in a fully-paid, one-day trip to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C. to acquire a more in-depth knowledge of the Holocaust. Fellows tour the permanent exhibits and featured exhibits, as well as meet with a museum representative. Awards come through the MINNE Fund of the Minneapolis Jewish Federation, who has chosen Augsburg to be one of the select few universities to participate in the program. Multiple Augsburg students were selected last year for the trip.

The 2019 trip will take place on April 16th. Applications are due on February 28th and can be found at http://jewishminneapolis.org/minne/. If you would like to learn more about the program or would like advising on the application, please contact the URGO office at urgo@augsburg.edu or 612-330-1446.

Eligibility:
– U.S. Citizen
– Full-time student
– Sophomore or junior planning to graduate no earlier than Spring 2020
– 3.0 GPA or higher

Extended Deadline: URGO Phase 1 Application due February 5

submitted by obrienk@augsburg.edu

URGO PHASE 1 APPLICATION DEADLINE IS EXTENDED TO TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5th at 11:59pm. PHASE 2 APPLICATION DEADLINE REMAINS FEBRUARY 19th.

Are you looking for a paid summer research opportunity here on campus? URGO applications for 2019 summer research are now available on the URGO website at http://www.augsburg.edu/urgo/research/on-campus-research/ All fields of study welcome!

We have multiple summer opportunities available for students.

URGO SUMMER RESEARCH PROGRAM
The URGO Summer Research Program is an 11-week, on-campus program where students are funded to conduct research with a faculty mentor. Students receive support throughout the research process from their faculty mentor, a Speaker Series, and weekly seminars with fellow researchers. URGO provides full-time summer researchers (400 hours) with a $4,000 stipend and housing discount while half-time researchers (200 hours) receive a $2,000 stipend. The program runs from May 16th – July 31st.

URGO SUMMER RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIPS
URGO also provides funding for students to work for a professor as a research assistant on an ongoing research project. This is a 100-hour commitment over the course of the summer and comes with a $1,000 stipend. This is an excellent opportunity to try out research for the first time or focus on a specific aspect of a research project.

Phase 1 of the applications are due February 5th, so start talking with your faculty members to learn about what research is going on in your department!

Faculty: How URGO Can Support Your Research

submitted by obrienk@augsburg.edu

URGO’s summer research program is designed to both enhance undergraduate student learning and support faculty research here on campus. Faculty are the driving force behind the research program, and we want it to be as beneficial to you as possible.

Some of you may have already been approached by students who would like to do summer research through URGO. We encourage you to think about how these students might support your own research agenda. While some advanced students might have a project in mind, we have found that students benefit the most from working within a faculty member’s area of expertise.

While summer is the perfect time to push research projects ahead, we know all too well how quickly the time goes. We have research grants for 400, 200, and 100 student research hours that are designed to provide you with the optimal amount of student research support needed for your project. The 100-hour research assistantship, for example, is a particularly good fit if you have needs for data entry, transcription, or literature review.

To learn more about URGO summer research and working with a student, visit the “on-campus research” page on the URGO website: http://www.augsburg.edu/urgo

Phase 1 of summer research applications are due February 5th, with complete proposals due February 19th. If you have any questions about being a research mentor, please contact Dixie Shafer at x1447 or shafer@augsburg.edu

Amazing Resource for Busy Faculty

submitted by pippert@augsburg.edu

It’s not a Teaching Tip Tuesday, but this is too good to wait. Please take a moment to check out the K. Patricia Cross Academy. This free resource is designed for busy faculty. The site includes short teaching tip videos and downloadable resources that are applicable in a variety of courses. Take five minutes and see what you can learn!

K. Patricia Cross Academy

General Announcements

Remember Assessment Day

submitted by maherk@augsburg.edu

Assessment Day is February 26th from 10:50 am – 12:50 pm. Departments are encouraged to use this time to discuss or work on their annual assessment project. The Assessment Committee will also be conducting three workshops this year. Further information on the workshops, as well as an RSVP form are in the link below. Lunch is provided, so please submit the form if you plan to attend.

Assessment Workshops

Love Local Water initiative update

submitted by greena@augsburg.edu

As we move forward in our Love Local Water initiative, you’ll notice that Aquafina bottled water has now been replaced with Bubly (flavored sparkling water) or Lifewater (“enhanced” vitamin water) in vending machines. One more step closer to honoring our readily available, clean, local tap water! We recognize this is a complex process, with lots of questions and grey area. You may be wondering:

Q: Is all the water coming out of our drinking fountains and sinks actually safe to drink?
A: The places that students have tested on campus so far meet federal standards for key pollutants. Minneapolis tap water consistently meets standards. What are those standards anyways? Who determines them? What if what feels “safe” to me is different than the standards?

Q: Aren’t these new options just bottled water with a marketing twist?
A: Perhaps. What do you think? What about people who might not drink plain water but could stay hydrated by drinking these?

Q: Aren’t we encouraging more sugary beverage consumption by removing plain water as an option?
A: We don’t know yet what people’s purchasing habits will be, but we have data on which beverages were previously purchased. Do you know someone who needs a water bottle so they can get free water at the drinking fountains? Send them to the Campus Cupboard to pick one up!

Q: Why are we even doing this? Why does it matter?
A: Good question. Want to talk more about this? Contact environmentalstewardship@augsburg.edu.

Q: Why did you answer all these questions with more questions?
A: Because we are complex creatures living in a complex world in which environmental sustainability doesn’t usually fit nicely into “good” or “bad” actions and outcomes. And aren’t we all here to be critical thinkers amidst our thoughtful stewardship?

TRIO McNair Scholars Program Recruiting for Fall 2019

submitted by crombie@augsburg.edu

Augsburg’s TRIO McNair Scholars Program is recruiting students for Fall 2019 admission. Eligible applicants will be at Junior status by the end of Spring 2020 and available to conduct full-time research Summer 2020. We are particularly looking for students in STEM fields that are interested in pursuing doctoral degrees, but we will consider all majors EXCEPT most professional fields (including business, pre-law, pre-health).

The TRIO McNair Scholars Program works with students who are members of groups underrepresented in graduate education and who exhibit strong academic potential. The goal of the program is to prepare Scholars for graduate study through academics, involvement in undergraduate research and other scholarly activities. McNair provides coursework, workshops and advising in preparation for doctoral study. The program also assists with securing admission to and financial assistance for enrollment in graduate programs. Students will acquire the research skills necessary to succeed in graduate school through a paid research internship ($4000) with an Augsburg faculty member during the Summer of 2020.

The McNair Scholars Program is a federal TRIO grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Therefore, to be eligible, students must be first-generation (neither parent graduated from a four-year college) AND low-income AND/OR may be persons from groups underrepresented in graduate education. The Department of Education defines these groups as African-American, American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Hispanic/Latino. Additionally, applicants must be either U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents and maintain at least a 2.8 cumulative GPA (3.0+ preferred).

If you are interested in learning more about the McNair Scholars Program, please contact Lara Crombie, Program Coordinator, crombie@augsburg.edu. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about the program or if you’re unsure whether or not you qualify.

http://www.augsburg.edu/mcnair

Prepare Early – 280 employers will be attending the MN Private College Job & Internship Fair

submitted by tilton@augsburg.edu

If you are looking for an internship or graduating in the spring, you should attend the Minnesota’s Private Colleges annual JOB AND INTERNSHIP FAIR on Thursday, February 21 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. This fair stands out as one of the premier college/employer partnerships in the country. The exhibit hall is open from 9:00 a.m .- 2:00 p.m. (You can stay for as long as you are able)

It is NOT to early to start researching the employers that are registered. Visit the
http://mnpcfair.org/ to learn more about the fair.

WHY ATTEND THE FAIR?
*Explore opportunities in a variety of industries and majors.
*Chat with more than 275 employers – all under one roof!
*Open to undergraduate students (sophomores, juniors, and seniors) from the Minnesota Private Colleges.
*Get your free professional LinkedIn Photo taken at the fair!

REGISTER & PAY THE $12 FEE in Handshake

REGISTER & PAY THE $12 FEE in Handshake

Auggie Pride Awards – Taking Nominations for January

submitted by huynhn1@augsburg.edu

Staff Senate is seeking nominations for the Auggie Pride Award! The Auggie Pride Award is given to staff members who have gone above and beyond to serve Augsburg and fulfill its mission and values. Reasons to acknowledge a staff member can include a variety of things, such as the completion of a project, the implementation of an innovative idea, or simply giving directions to a lost campus guest.

If you have a colleague who you feel is deserving of this award, please nominate them by filling out the nomination form at http://www.augsburg.edu/staffsenate/auggie_pride/.

The Auggie Pride Awards are awarded monthly, throughout the academic year. More information can be found at inside.augsburg.edu/staffsenate

Event Announcements

Join Augsburg Admissions for a Documentary Screening on Jan. 31

submitted by asfeldk@augsburg.edu

You are warmly invited to attend an on-campus showing of the documentary titled, “The Test & the Art of Thinking.” The film addresses crucial questions about the SAT/ACT college entrance exams, including the value of the test score and what the test actually measures.

In 2018, Augsburg voted in favor of piloting a test-optional admission policy. The admissions department is organizing this thought-provoking opportunity as the institution continues to better understand the impact this policy has on applicants to the university.

When: Thursday, January 31st, 3:45 p.m.
Where: Hagfors 150A
Popcorn and beverages provided. Optional questions, comments, and discussion following the film.

Please RSVP here: https://goo.gl/forms/ukZaZ8UxMshvxviG2

Watch the preview here!

Staff Save The Date – March 7

submitted by stepkad@augsburg.edu

Each year, Augsburg University’s Staff Senate hosts a special event where staff are recognized for years of service, completion of the Diversity and Inclusion certificate program, and outstanding contributions to the campus community. The event includes refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres as well as a “candy bar.”

2019 Staff Appreciation Program
Thursday, March 7
3–4:30 p.m. | Foss Center, Hoversten Chapel

Learn more

Jane Austen scholar and Auggie Alum Devoney Looser to Present Austen Lecture Tuesday Feb. 5

submitted by cowgillr@augsburg.edu

Internationally prominent Jane Austen scholar (and Augsburg alum) Devoney Looser will give a scintillating presentation on Austen Tuesday February 5th at seven PM in Hagfors 150. Professor Looser, Foundation Professor of English at Arizona State University, is the author of The Making of Jane Austen, a Guggenheim Fellow, and a National Endowment for the Humanities Public Scholar. She will be available for conversation and a book signing after the lecture. Refreshments will be served. This event is sponsored by the Augsburg English Department.

Link this announcement to the website

Augsburg Wellbeing: Water you Drinking?

submitted by peterlin@augsburg.edu

Auggies: Join the Water you Drinking Challenge!

This 4 week online challenge is designed to help you feel better, look younger and have more energy. On top of that, by drinking enough water you can support your body in naturally maintaining or losing weight.

Details:

-Challenge Dates: February 4 – March 1, 2019 (4 weeks)

-Challenge GOAL: To be more intentional about drinking water – ideally 8 glasses or more, depending on your body. The focus will also be to reduce the consumption of sugary beverages

– We recognize that 8 glasses might be 7 glasses more than some are already drinking, so encourage smart water consumption throughout the challenge. That means listening to your body and, ideally, consuming more than you did previously.

-Each week of the challenge you will be asked to tally your total glasses of water consumed and complete a short check-in. Completion of check-ins will verify your participation in the challenge

Interested participants: Register at link below! The deadline to register is Thursday, January 31. On February 1st, you will receive your program packet via email along with a tracking log for you to keep up with the challenge. Each week, you will receive an email from NFP, our benefit’s broker and the challenge administrator, providing education and inspiration.

Don’t miss out on this exciting challenge that can help you jump-start your year with energy!

Water Challenge Registration

Free Bagels and Coffee for Your Opinions

submitted by bylh@augsburg.edu

The Center for Global Education and Exchange is hosting a focus group to help us develop new brochures for our study centers! We want to hear your opinions on study abroad/away brochure design and information. What would be helpful to know? What styles are most eye-catching?

This event is open to all students- even if you haven’t studied abroad/away, you are welcome to attend. We will have bagels and coffee for attendees

Join us Monday, February 4th, 10-11a.m., in the Marshall Room.

Please RSVP by Friday, February 1st: https://goo.gl/forms/WBaDdoC9yeYCZR3h1

Multicultural Dinner this Thursday-Free

submitted by truem@augsburg.edu

Food from 8 different West Bank restaurants will be served at the annual Multicultural Dinner at the Brian Coyle Community Center, 420-15th Avenue South this Thursday (January 31st) from 5-7pm. Cultural dance, spoken word and music will also be part of this great event. No charge. All are welcome!
Sponsored by many neighborhood partners including Augsburg University.
For more information or to volunteer at this event, please contact Mary Laurel True, truem@augsburg.edu

Keeping Track of Auggies

No Postings

Classifieds

Need a weekend or evening babysitter?

submitted by jacobsn@augsburg.edu

I’m Natalie Jacobson– I work in the Sabo Center as this year’s Campus Kitchen Coordinator through Lutheran Volunteer Corps (LVC). If anyone needs an occasional weekend or evening babysitter and lives in Minneapolis, feel free to contact me at natjacobson14@gmail.com. I have lots of experience working with kids of all ages!