Index

Public Safety and Facilities Announcements

Building Access During Thanksgiving Holiday

submitted by erchula@augsburg.edu

On Thursday 11/26 and Friday 11/27 building access will be disabled for all students, staff and faculty due to the University observed holidays. Residence halls will remain open to residential students, and staff and faculty with 24/7 access or who have arranged for access over the holidays will retain access. Normal COVID access will resume Saturday 11/28.

If you have any questions or need to arrange access to a building over the holiday, please email publicsafety@augsburg.edu.

Teaching and Learning

“Take 2” Minutes for a Tech Teaching Tip from Doug Green

submitted by maherk@augsburg.edu

“Take 2” is a new weekly series of 2-minute videos by Augsburg Faculty sharing a remote learning teaching tip. In this episode, Doug Green (English) shares how he uses Zoom chat to provide timely feedback and gather helpful information from students. NOTE: You can see ALL of the past episodes of the “Take 2” series at http://go.augsburg.edu/take2

“Take 2”: Doug Green on using Zoom Chat for quick feedback and sharing information

Update on CTL Professional Development Grants for Faculty

submitted by maherk@augsburg.edu

Faculty, please look to https://inside.augsburg.edu/ctl/grants/grant-applications/ for updates on professional development grants for 2020-2021.

– As in past years, professional development funds are capped at $1,500 (prorated by FTE) for the year (from June 20, 2020 to May 21, 2021).

– Up to $150 can be reimbursed for Professional Memberships. (There is a form linked on the CTL Grant Applications page to submit your request.) CTL cannot cover any fees towards licensures. The funds for memberships are a part of the $1,500 cap.

– No physical travel is being funded until further notice.

– Also until further notice, CTL is only approving applications for conferences/events at which the applicant is presenting (not merely participating).

– Information regarding Adjunct Professional Development Grants can be found at https://inside.augsburg.edu/ctl/grants/professional-development-for-adjunct-union-members/. Adjuncts should use the same Professional Travel Grant form (linked on the CTL Grants page) for conferences. The Workshop Attendance Form should still be submitted for CTL Workshops and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion workshops that are stipend-eligible.

Since the application form has been down for several months, if anyone has presented at a conference since June 2020 without applying for funds, you can submit the application now. If eligible, we will approve retroactively and reach out to you regarding you reimbursement. Contact ctl@augsburg.edu with any questions.

CTL Grants

Updates from the Academic Affairs Committee

submitted by maherk@augsburg.edu

On Monday, November 23, AAC approved a new course proposal from Leon van Eck. BIO 444: Genomics and Biotechnology is a new upper division Biology course and lab designed to fill a gap in the current Biology course offerings at Augsburg.

At the same meeting, History 186/187/188/189/190 were approved as LAFs. All of these new 100-level topics courses will meet Humanities LAF learning outcome requirements.

The committee had the opportunity to meet with faculty representatives regarding the CRES (“Critical Race and Ethnicity Studies”) proposal. They will be back for the next meeting on December 7, when AAC will vote on the proposal. CRES will be presented to Faculty Senate after working through AAC.

Committee information including proposal forms, meeting minutes, and AAC archives can be found at https://inside.augsburg.edu/facultysenate/aac/. There is also a link to the AAC Tracking Summary, which you can click on below.

AAC Tracking Summary (can only be viewed with an Augsburg email address)

Laptop and Hotspot Loan Information

submitted by matthias@augsburg.edu

Need a laptop or hotspot for your coursework this Spring semester? If so, requests can be submitted beginning Tuesday, December 1st by going to https://go.augsburg.edu/studentlaptop Augsburg is committed to providing this resource so students can successfully navigate the technical hurdles of this pandemic. Requests will be processed on the basis of need, but please note that we do have a limited number of devices and may run out. Any laptops and hotspots loaned out for the Fall semester will need to be returned to the library by December 18th.

Student Access to Laptops and Internet

Mayo College of Medicine and Science Virtual Info Session

submitted by kundell@augsburg.edu

Interested in applying to the Mayo Clinic of Medicine and Science? Tune in via Zoom on December 3rd at 2:30 p.m. to hear Ashya Burgess, Admissions Recruiter, share information on Mayo’s medical program as well as their Master’s of Physician Assistant, Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia, Doctor of Physical Therapy, and PhD in Biomedical Science graduate programs.

Contact urgo@augsburg.edu with any questions.

Zoom Meeting Link

Apply for a Boren Scholarship to Cover Language Learning Abroad

submitted by kundell@augsburg.edu

The Boren Scholarship program is an initiative by the US Federal Government to increase the study of languages by individuals committed to public service careers. The Boren Awards fund intensive language study abroad for U.S. undergrad and grad students. After graduation, Boren winners complete one-year minimum of paid work in the federal government, in areas like national defense, diplomacy, and intelligence. STEM majors can apply for summer scholarships too! The Boren Scholarship can be used to cover a variety of study abroad experiences, including their Flagship Language Initiative programs and others. URGO and Study Abroad provide joint advising on this program and will work with all applicants to select the program, develop budgets and write the application essays.

Scholarship amounts:
Up to $25,000 for 25-52 weeks (preferred)
Up to $12,500 for 12-24 weeks
Up to $8,000 for 8-11 weeks (STEM majors only)

If you are interested, here are your next steps:
• Check out the Boren website (https://www.borenawards.org/) to learn about languages you can study and preferred countries!
• Let us know your interest by contacting Dixie Shafer (shafer@augsburg.edu) or Andrea Dvorak (dvorak@augsburg.edu).
• DUE January 20: send a draft of your application to urgo@augsburg.edu or dvorak@augsburg.edu – we will work through several drafts from this point to ensure that you submit the strongest application possible.

General Announcements

Plan ahead for study abroad in summer 2021

submitted by leess8@augsburg.edu

Check out the short-term study abroad programs coming up for Summer 2021. Now is a great time to plan ahead! ALL programs fulfill your AUGSBURG EXPERIENCE requirement, as well as other classes:

Apply by January 22, 2021

—CUBA—
Community, Arts, and Culture in Cuba – Summer
THR 295 (Fine Arts)

—GERMANY—
Science and Religion in Germany – Summer
REL 205 (Search for Meaning II) and/or CHM 102 (Lab Science) or SCI 490 (Keystone for Science majors)

—ITALY—
Writing la Dolce Vita: Food, Art, and Culture in Italy – Summer

HIS 170 — Food: A Global History (Humanities LAF)
HIS 440 — Upper Division Topics Course
ENL 221 — Writing about Art and Popular Culture
ENL 324 –Creative Non-Fiction

–MEXICO– (Apply by March 1)

Augsburg CGEE: Language and Culture

Augsburg CGEE: Medical Spanish and Clinical Observership

—SOUTH AFRICA—

Music Therapy in South Africa – Summer
MUS 374 or 474: Music Therapy Practicum (1 credit)
MUS 511: Music Therapy Practicum (0 credits), or
MUS 582: Transcultural Music Therapy (4 credits), or
MUS 511 and MUS 582 (total 4 credits)

Get detailed information about these short term programs

2020 Holiday Shipping

submitted by suter@augsburg.edu

As we are getting close to the 2020 holiday season the main shipping carriers have published their guidelines to have packages arrive by Christmas time. So if you are planning to send packages make sure to get packages in before the following dates.

All dates listed are recommended send-by dates for contiguous US destinations. These dates are not guaranteed so earlier is always better.

UPS
Dec 15 – Ground
Dec 21 – 3 Day Select
Dec 22 – 2nd Day Air
Dec 23 – Next Day Air

FedEx
Dec 15 – Ground/Home
Dec 21 – Express Saver
Dec 22 – 2Day
Dec 23 – Overnight

USPS
Dec 15 – Retail Ground
Dec 18 – First-Class
Dec 19 – Priority
Dec 23 – Priority Express

Thank You
Central Services Staff

Augsburg Faculty and Staff Anti-Racism Training

submitted by reeck@augsburg.edu

Attention University Faculty and Staff – Please remember to sign-up for the required Augsburg Faculty and Staff Anti-Racism Training. Click the link below to visit the Equity and Inclusion Initiatives Department Anti-Racism Training Webpage for more information and to register!

https://inside.augsburg.edu/diversity/george-floyd-initiatives/anti-racism-training/

New student payment portal coming December 2, 2020

submitted by krajewsk@augsburg.edu

Our student payment portal from Cashnet is being updated on December 2 to a modern mobile-friendly interface. All the current functions will still be there. It will just look quite different.

This page shows how it will look.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vR9IHfWwCI-0OAP29EXUs2LWqtR3u_Gqk7Z077Y1LiVlBqLoUqPGCJZ7UY7ULIdrCb5eFForXnaE6yx/pub

New student payment portal

Sign up for the Minneapolis Moment Theatre Project

submitted by lewisgg@augsburg.edu

The Minneapolis Moment is a one-minute play project attempting to continue dialogue rooted in the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the resulting uprisings in a time of pandemic and divisive federal elections. We’ll borrow the model of the Every 28 Hours Plays to create, select, and perform one-minute plays over Zoom or other video media to share with the Augsburg and Minneapolis communities.

The Minneapolis Moment will engage student, staff, and faculty in order to perform selected one-minute plays from the Every 28 Hours Plays and to write and perform new one-minute plays based on experiences since the murder of George Floyd. The goal is to facilitate critical dialogue and reflection by providing multiple viewpoints and multiple experiences.

The design of the project allows participants to start working in December 2020 and continue into the spring semester of 2021 with three or four performances building on each other and able to be broadcast virtually to be in alignment with essential health measures to protect against the pandemic. The idea is to have three or four performances with several one-minute plays and then ultimately to collect and edit them into one larger video. Participants can be involved in only one writing and performance cycle or in them all—it will be up to them. All Augsburg students, staff, and faculty will be welcome to participate.

Sign up or show your interest here!

Got Problems? Count on TutorMe for Free

submitted by trancc@augsburg.edu

Students – don’t forget about TutorMe! It is available to Augsburg students 24/7 and offers tutoring in over 300 subjects from qualified tutors. Students are able to use 3 hours a week; 3 one hour sessions or 6 thirty-minute sessions. You can find TutorMe on Moodle by clicking any of your classes! At the top left of your screen there is an orange tab to see the side panel of resources. As you scroll down, you will see the “Augsburg Tools” section and underneath is TutorMe. For more information on other tutoring and academic skills options, please click “Tutoring & Academic Skills Information”.

Academic Skills & Tutoring Information

Free Smart Phone App for Mental Health Skills — TAO

submitted by carlson2@augsburg.edu

Augsburg recently expanded our wellness and mental health services to give the Augsburg community access to a free service called TAO. The TAO app includes over 150 brief, effective educational sessions that include videos and interactive worksheets, that can be accessed 24/7 on your computer or smartphone. Units include “Let Go and Be Well”, “Calming Your Anxiety, “Leave Your Blues Behind” and “Improving Your Mood”, “Interpersonal Relationships and Communication”, and “Evaluating My Alcohol and Drug Use”.

To sign up use link below and sign up using your Augsburg email to access the free services.

Follow CWC on Instagram for more mental health and wellness resources: #augsburgcwc

TAO Online Mental Health Skills Training

Podcast of the Liturgy of the Hours

submitted by dames@augsburg.edu

You are invited to listen to a podcast of the Liturgy of the Hours presented by Luther Seminary Chapel: https://liturgyofthehours.libsyn.com/advent-vespers-year-b-week-one-0. This Week: Tom Witt & Mary Preus offer Unfailing Light: a liturgy written by Susan Briehl & Marty Haugen. Even now, as the pandemic explodes in our communities, as stress and anxiety draw nearer, as the longest night approaches: Christ is our light. Prayer that goes with you wherever you may be. The Liturgy of the Hours is an ancient practice of prayer throughout the day to help keep track of time.

Thanksgiving Communion Service Online

Need Health Insurance? Open Enrollment Open Now

submitted by detloff@augsburg.edu

Do you need insurance? You can sign up for 2021 private health and dental insurance through MNsure now through December 22, 2020. Are you ready?

Click the link below for info on how to sign up. If you have questions about whether you might qualify for these plans, or for Medical Assistance (free insurance for those meeting income guidelines), contact Health Access MN at 651-645-0215 for free, expert enrollment assistance.

MN Sure Open Enrollment

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNSURE/bulletins/2a750d9

Event Announcements

Focused Conversation on Working with MDH: Next Week

submitted by wegenke@augsburg.edu

Wednesday, December 2
10-11 a.m.
Join Alicia Quella, director of physician assistant studies program, and Elaine Eschenbacher, director of the Sabo Center for Democracy and Citizenship, for a discussion about what we’ve learned from working with the state government during a pandemic. Alicia has served as the university’s liaison to the Minnesota Department of Health, and for several months, Elaine has been on a special assignment with the State of Minnesota’s COVID-19 Testing Workgroup.

To view the Focused Conversation schedule and access the live-stream link, visit the All Hands page (log in required).

All Hands Page

Forum Webinar – Eight Strategies for Creating a More Inclusive Volunteer Program

submitted by gocmen@augsburg.edu

When: December 17, 2020 11:00 am – 12:00 pm CST
Level: Introductory
Track: D&I Strategy
Presenter: Lisa Joyslin, Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration
Cost: Free

Many organizations struggle to engage volunteers who reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of the communities they serve. In response to this issue, the Minnesota Association for Volunteer Administration (MAVA) recently embarked on a research study which resulted in the development of a set of eight strategies for creating a more inclusive volunteer program within nonprofit and government organizations. These strategies serve as a starting point for leaders who are seeking concrete next steps to better engage volunteers from racially diverse and immigrant communities.
In this interactive session, you’ll learn about the eight strategies, share your own experiences, and create an action plan for launching a more inclusive volunteer program within your own organization.

Learning Outcomes
Identify the barriers that racially and ethnically diverse communities face when trying to volunteer
Learn about concrete strategies for creating a more inclusive volunteer program
Create an action plan to determine next steps for inclusive volunteer engagement at your organization

https://forumworkplaceinclusion.org/webinars/eight-strategies-for-creating-a-more-inclusive-volunteer-program/

Do you need more poetry in your life?

submitted by starckl@augsburg.edu

Join us for a Zoom reading with local poet and MFA mentor Heid E. Erdrich on Tuesday, December 1st, at 7pm. Heid’s new poetry collection, Little Big Bully, was published earlier this fall.

Hope to see you there!

https://augsburg.zoom.us/j/93744301609?pwd=OG9PWFRYOXpMMUoxUWtLa2NSdnVZZz09

Meeting ID: 937 4430 1609

Passcode: 757329

https://augsburg.zoom.us/j/93744301609?pwd=OG9PWFRYOXpMMUoxUWtLa2NSdnVZZz09

Keeping Track of Auggies

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Classifieds

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