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Public Safety and Facilities Announcements

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Teaching and Learning

TOMORROW is Fellowship Friday

submitted by maherk@augsburg.edu

Fridays | “Fellowship Fridays” | 2 pm – 3 pm, ZOOM

CTL is joining Bridget Robinson-Riegler, Psychology Professor and member of Faculty Senate, to bring you Fellowship Fridays support sessions. All faculty members and teaching staff are invited to gather and share their experiences with teaching, learning, and advising in this strange new world. – we’ll trade ideas, advice, highs, lows, successes, and failures – or maybe we’ll just plain old vent. Most importantly, we will attempt to inoculate ourselves against one of the more insidious side effects of this pandemic – isolation. So grab a cup of coffee or tea, or pour a glass of wine, and Zoom in to support your fellow instructors and work through this challenging time together.

Fellowship Fridays (can only be viewed with any Augsburg address)

Dr. Vivian Feng Receives Grant to Continue Analytical Chemistry Research

submitted by mayper@augsburg.edu

Vivian FengDr. Vivian Feng, Associate Professor of Chemistry, has received a new research grant that will allow her to conduct another five years of research in analytical chemistry. She will assess the molecular-level interactions between bacterial species, such as Shewanella oneidensis and Bacillus subtilis, and engineered nanoparticles.

Dr. Feng will lead undergraduate researchers to collect and analyze the resulting measurements. This work is a key component of the University of Wisconsin’s Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology (CSN), which recently received a five-year renewal to continue its research, education, and public engagement activities, at a sum of $4M per year. Among the ten other collaborating universities within the center, Augsburg is the only primarily undergraduate institution. Dr. Feng’s grant award totals $400,000.

Read more about the Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology here:  https://susnano.wisc.edu/ (This is supported by the National Science Foundation under award number CHE-2001611.)

Grants and Sponsored Programs

Dr. David Crowe Awarded Funding to Continue Mental Health Research

submitted by mayper@augsburg.edu

Dr. David Crowe, Associate Professor of Biology, has received a new subaward from the University of Minnesota, allowing him to continue his research about cortical system dysfunction in psychiatric disease. Dr. Crowe will be responsible for the processing and analysis of data associated with the NeuroPlasticity Research in Support of Mental Health (NeuroPRSMH) center at the University of Minnesota Medical School. NeuroPRSMH received a Silvio O. Conte Center grant valued at $15M from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), which will fund Dr. Crowe’s work, totaling $95,000, until spring 2025. The title of the impactful new research study is “Dysfunctional State Representations in Psychosis: From Neurophysiology to Neuroplasticity-based Treatment.”

More about the overall project can be found here: https://med.umn.edu/news-events/u-researchers-receive-15m-nimh-grant-study-psychosis (This is supported by the National Institutes of Health under award number P50MH119569.)

Grants and Sponsored Programs

Focus on Feedback: July 28 – 30

submitted by maherk@augsburg.edu

Next Tuesday – Thursday, Tech Tuneups & Tips and Practical Pedagogy will be devoted to Feedback. These are all offered at 10 am, and you can find more information and links via the CTL page below.

Tech Tuneups & Tips, Tuesday, July 28: Feedback Part 1: Monitoring Student Progress: If you are used to seeing your students regularly in the f2f classroom, the transition to an online modality can be unsettling. This session focuses on ways the data available to you in Moodle can help ensure that you keep track of your students’ progress. The first 15 minutes will focus on Activity Completion, a user-friendly report that can give you an “at-a-glance” view of students’ engagement. The rest of the hour will focus on other Moodle activities and tools (logs, the attendance activity, the gradebook) that will provide you with feedback on how your students’ are navigating the semester.

Practical Pedagogy, Wednesday, July 29: ‘Wise Feedback’ in the Remote Teaching Environment: In this session we’ll talk about the “Wise feedback” strategy of responding to student work in a way that makes it more likely students — especially at-risk students — will engage with your feedback and be motivated to and confident that they can meet high expectations.

Tech Tuneups & Tips, Thursday, July 30: Feedback Part 2: Keeping Students Apprised of their Progress: Timely feedback is essential in motivating students to continue to engage in an online class. Previous sessions have introduced asynchronous active learning technologies that can provide immediate feedback (e.g., the Moodle lesson, H5P Interactive video, VoiceThread LTI, Moodle quizzes). This session will give you a “student’s perspective” on Moodle grading as well as important strategies for ensuring students’ have an accurate sense of their grades throughout the semester.

Center for Teaching and Learning

Forum Podcast Ep. 40 – The Ubiquity of Masculine Leadership Traits

submitted by gocmen@augsburg.edu

In this episode of The Forum Podcast, Team Dynamics co-founders Trina Olson and Alfonso Wenker explore how US-based workplaces reinforce preferences for whiteness and masculinity in talent recruitment, hiring, and promotion.

https://forumworkplaceinclusion.org/articles/p40/

TODAY at 10 a.m. : Moodle Advanced Grading and Effective Moodle Assignments

submitted by maherk@augsburg.edu

Rubrics and Grading Guides are a method for evaluating work, but they are also extremely useful in coaching students through the planning and developing stages of an activity. This session focuses on how you can leverage these advanced grading tools, as well as other features of the Moodle Assignment activity to provide the details your students require for successful completion.

Tech Tune-ups & Tips every Tuesday and Thursday at 10 am.

Come Zoom with the E-learning Team as they offer two 60-minute sessions each week on how to maximize your use of Moodle and learning technologies as you get ready for classes this Fall. Each session will open with 15-minutes of “pertinent tips & best practices” about important Moodle features/resources. The final 45 minutes will provide training on a specific learning experience or tool.

Tech Tune-ups & Tips (can only be viewed with an Augsburg address)

General Announcements

Matching Fund for Donations in Response to the George Floyd Murder

submitted by alamilla@augsburg.edu

We have established a fund of $20,000 to match donations from students, faculty and staff to nonprofit organizations in the Twin Cities that are doing important work to combat racism, meet the needs of our neighbors, and help to rebuild communities and businesses. We have chosen four organizations with which Augsburg has important ties and we now are ready to launch the matching fund.

Any gift to one or more of these four organizations from a member of the Augsburg community will be matched dollar for dollar. The four organizations are:

MIGIZI (migizi.org): MIGIZI was founded in 1977 as Migizi Communications, Inc., with a goal of countering the misrepresentations and inaccuracies about Native people in the media. MIGIZI’s first weekly radio production, The Native American Program, set the stage for First Person Radio and its nationally distributed programming. Today, First Person Productions is a multimedia training effort for Native youth aimed at providing state-of-the-art storytelling skills, enhancing self-esteem and improving academic performance. Additional MIGIZI efforts address youth needs in jobs, culture, leadership and more. MIGIZI’s building was destroyed in the violence that ensued after George Floyd’s murder.

JUXTAPOSITION ARTS (juxtapositionarts.org): Juxtaposition Arts develops community by engaging and employing young urban artists in hands-on education initiatives that create pathways to self-sufficiency while actualizing creative power. Black, POCI and other youth are already building the abundant and just future they envision. Help amplify the creativity of young artists in ways that improve our city.

PILLSBURY UNITED COMMUNITIES (pillsburyunited.org): Pillsbury United Communities co-creates enduring change toward a just society. Built with and for the people we serve, our united system of programs, neighborhood centers, and social enterprises empowers individuals and families across the region to own their future on their own terms. The Brian Coyle Center in Cedar-Riverside is one of Pillsbury’s community centers.

NORTHSIDE ACHIEVEMENT ZONE (northsideachievement.org): The Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ) exists to permanently close the achievement gap and end generational poverty in North Minneapolis. Together with our partner organizations, we are walking side by side with low-income families as they put their children on a path to college.

To qualify for matching funds, Augsburg community members should make a gift to one of these organizations between now and the end of July and send a copy of a donation receipt to Cyndi Berg (bergc2@augsburg) in the President’s office. Please note:request for matching funds, in the subject line. After August 1, we will total the gifts to each of the organizations and send matching funds equal to the total donated.

The matching funds are made possible through gifts to the President’s Strategic Fund, which were contributed by alumni and friends of Augsburg this past spring.

This matching fund program is simply one way in which the Augsburg community can take concrete action to live up to our personal and institutional commitments to the values of anti-racism and community building. We believe that Augsburg is called to be a neighbor to the communities that surround our campus.

Free COVID-19 Testing at People’s Center

submitted by carlson2@augsburg.edu

People’s Center Health Services (one block from Augsburg on Riverside) has drive-up COVID-19 testing that is first-come, first-serve (no appointment necessary). Available Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30am to 3:45pm; Thursdays from 8:30am to noon. The testing is free if you are uninsured; if you have insurance your insurance will be billed but there will be no charge to the patient. See link below for more information and a new patient registration form to complete and bring to the appointment.

People’s Center COVID-19 Testing

CWC’s 24/7 Urgent Phone Counseling Service

submitted by carlson2@augsburg.edu

During summer sessions, CWC’s after-hours urgent phone counseling service, ProtoCall, is available 24/7 to support students. Just call CWC’s main phone 612-330-1707 and choose Option 1 to talk to a trained mental health counselor for coping support.
For ongoing phone counseling this summer when CWC is closed, Walk In Counseling is providing free, confidential phone counseling (with ongoing appointments available). For other low cost counseling centers in the community, click on the link below.

Low Cost Counseling in the Community

HR and Payroll Reminders

submitted by cswanson@augsburg.edu

Forms Deadline
To ensure timely processing of payroll for the 7/31 pay date, if you have forms to send, please submit all forms to HR by noon on Friday July 24. This includes retirement, direct deposit and tax withholding changes, and stipend payments. Email hr@augsburg.edu if you have questions or need help.

Three pay periods in July
Please note: July has three pay periods this year, so the 7/31 pay check for benefits eligible employees may not include some benefits deductions. (Benefits are deducted from the first two pay periods per month.)

Timesheet Deadlines changing to Monday of Pay Weeks
Starting with the 8/14 pay date, please note that all timesheet submissions AND approvals will be moving to Mondays during pay weeks.

Secure Link
To protect your information, forms containing sensitive data such as banking or social security numbers should not be emailed; please contact Human Resources at hr@augsburg.edu to receive a secure delivery link for submission.

Thank you so much! -Your HR & Payroll Team

Plan Ahead for Study Abroad/Away: Virtual Appointments Open Now

submitted by leess8@augsburg.edu

Study Abroad & Away is operating remotely this summer and we have appointments available via Zoom! Our staff and peer advisors are here to support you – and summer is a great time to plan ahead for your study abroad/away adventure!

Choose from semester and short-term programs in the US and internationally in Spring 2021 and beyond. Short-term courses for spring break and summer 2021 will be traveling to Guatemala, New York City, Cuba, Germany, and Italy.

Our advisors are here to help every Auggie – whether you’re just getting started with Study Abroad & Away, or you already have a program chosen. Schedule an appointment here:

https://go.oncehub.com/StudyAbroadAwayAppointments

You can also send us an email: abroad@augsburg.edu, or stop by our website, below.

Learn more about Study Abroad and Away

Star Tribune and MN Urban Debate League Sponsor Criminal Justice Reform Essay, Video, and Audio Contest

submitted by chavezm@augsburg.edu

The killing of George Floyd and the unrest that followed have created a long-delayed but urgently needed discussion on police brutality, inequities in the criminal justice system and racial injustice more broadly.

The Minnesota Urban Debate League and Star Tribune Opinion believe in the power of young minds and voices. We want the best ideas of students between the ages of 10 and 18 about how our communities can continue the hard work of responding to these crucial challenges.The task is to create an original written essay, video or audio file which describes one or two specific changes our community, state or nation should make to reduce racial inequities and injustices in the criminal justice system.Top submissions as determined by a group of judges from the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota will be published in the Star Tribune and shared with leaders across our state and nation

The submission should be entirely created by students, although others may teach new skills, such as operating a camera, microphone or computer software. Submissions must come from young people between the ages of 10 and 18, using their age as of Dec. 31, 2020. You may also submit a group project with up to six friends (seven people total).
Written essays must be no more than 700 words, typed, double-spaced and in 12-point font. Video and audio submissions should be no longer than two minutes and must be submitted in a file format that can be uploaded to YouTube. Any materials from other people (research, writing, video or audio clips, etc.) must be given credit either in the submission or in an additional text document not more than 50 words long.

How Students Can Enter:

Questions can be sent to essaysubmissions@startribune.com. To enter, students should fill out the form below and submit your essay, video or audio file by Aug. 16. This is their chance to be passionate, be creative, and use their own personal experiences as evidence to argue for change in our community.

More Info

Event Announcements

Augsburg TRIO McNair Scholars Present Their Research, July 23

submitted by crombie@augsburg.edu

This Thursday, July 23, from 9:00am to 1:00pm, Augsburg McNair Scholars will present their summer research projects. All are welcome to attend!

This is a virtual event, use the following link to join:
https://augsburg.zoom.us/j/5948623288

9:00 – 10:10 Introductions (NSMSCS):
Falak Tawakalna: Incorporating R-language and data science in the Chemistry curriculum (Dr. Vivian Feng)
Nichelle Camden: Designing Fluorescently-Labeled Myosin Constructs (Dr. Ben Binder)
Anahi Cantoran: Active learning vs. Traditional lecturing: Assessing student learning gains in small introductory biology classes at Augsburg University (Dr. Jennifer Bankers-Fulbright)
Q & A / Evaluations

10:10 – 10:20 BREAK

10:20 – 11:30 Introductions (SSHA):
Joseph Gaskill: Decolonizing Our Syllabi: An Analysis of Contemporary & Introductory Anthropology Texts From a Decolonial Perspective (Dr. Matt Sumera)
Nou-Chee Chang: Analyzing Graphic Novels to Teach the Deconstruction of Gender in the Classroom: Anya’s Ghost, The Witch Boy, and Nimona (Dr. Adriane Brown)
Melisa Robles Olivar: Gordita, Brown and Latinx: Instagram Latinx users decolonizing the body with a Decolonized Embodied Pedagogy (Dr. Adriane Brown)
Q & A / Evaluations

11:30 – 11:40 BREAK

11:40 – 12:50 Introductions (SSHA):
Jennifer Medina: A Comparative Analysis of Newspaper Coverage of Homelessness During the 2020 Pandemic: A Global Perspective (Dr. Diane Pike)
Salma Ahmed: Addiction and Substance Abuse in Muslim American Communities: barriers of shame and mental health stigma in seeking treatment (Dr. Ankita Deka)
Quin Nelson: Understanding Modern Perspectives on Bipolar Disorder Stigma in Minnesota (Dr. Melissa Hensley)
Q & A / Evaluations

We encourage audience participants to stay the full 1 hour and 10 minutes to hear the introduction & complete evaluations.

Each presentation will be 10-15 minutes so we do not want people to pop into a session as time between speakers may vary slightly.

McNair Scholars Program Website

Next Week from The Forum – Global Citizenship: Whole World Sensibilities and Responsibilities

submitted by gocmen@augsburg.edu

When: July 30, 2020 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Cost: $30 Suggested Donation
Level: Intermediate
Track: Global Diversity
Presenters: Khadija Ali, Global Language Connections | Shawntera M. Hardy, PolicyGrounds Consulting | Mark Ritchie, Global Minnesota

Global citizenship and interconnectivity allows us to experience and impact the world in more expansive ways than ever before. However, with this new international reach, comes responsibility for simultaneously caring for both our local communities and for others on the planet impacted by our actions or decisions. Given these new realities, how do we ensure our practices and solutions meet increasingly complex challenges at the local and planetary levels?

https://forumworkplaceinclusion.org/dibs/global-citizenship/

“Resilience Skills for College Students in Uncertain Times”

submitted by carlson2@augsburg.edu

Are you attending college this year? Whether a first-year or continuing student, in times of a worldwide pandemic and massive civil unrest, developing and enhancing Resilience Skills is more important than ever. This live, online, experiential playshop provides an introduction to natural ways of restoring resilience skills we all need to thrive, including managing energy, calming the mind, and enhancing connections. Each module in this three-part course includes didactic information, large and small group discussions, and mindful movement instruction.

“Surviving through Thriving: Resilience Skills for College Students in Uncertain Times”
Given by: Partners in Resilience (local Minneapolis natural mental health group)
Tuesdays, August 11, 18 and 25, 6:00-7:30 p.m
Cost: $49. Full or partial scholarships available. No eligible student turned away for inability to pay.
LGBTQ2S+ and BIPOC are most welcome.
Contact tom@tomglaserLP.com to apply.

Surviving through Thriving Group link

Keeping Track of Auggies

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Classifieds

Somali Translator Needed for Food Distribution Site

submitted by crombie@augsburg.edu

The People’s Library Mutual Aid food and supply distribution site is looking for a Somali translator to assist with visitors on-site. Duties would include providing assistance with taking food/supply orders, explaining the items available, answering questions, and minor conflict resolution.

Currently the distribution site is located on the Minneapolis College of Art and Design campus in Minneapolis and distribution days are Tuesdays and Thursdays. However, the location will be changing the beginning of August (but will remain in the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis).

While there is the possibility of a small stipend for their work, most of it would be on a volunteer basis (and as much time as the person is able to commit).

If you are interested in this volunteer position, please contact Lara Crombie at crombie@augsburg.edu

Mutual Aid Website

Somali Translation Needed for Campus Kitchen

submitted by jacobsn@augsburg.edu

Campus Kitchen is looking for translation help from 2 Somali-speaking students two Saturdays this summer from about 2:15-2:45pm. The students would ask residents questions during a fresh produce distribution in Cedar-Riverside. We’d provide a $50 Target giftcard to each student. Email jacobsn@augsburg.edu if you’re interested or know someone who might be.