Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Index

Public Safety and Facilities Announcements

Teaching and Learning

General Announcements

Event Announcements

Keeping Track of Auggies

Classifieds

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Public Safety and Facilities Announcements

Riverside Ave Traffic Impacts Due to Steam Line Work

submitted by farrisr@augsburg.edu

Starting this week, our steam provider, Cordia, will replace the steam line below Riverside Ave. The project is expected to take 2–4 weeks with lane closures starting on the south side of Riverside. We do not expect any impacts to heating or hot water on campus, but traffic and sidewalk access along Riverside will be affected by the construction during this period.

Updated Guidance for COVID-19 and Other Respiratory Viruses

submitted by farrisr@augsburg.edu

On March 1, 2024, the CDC released updated respiratory virus guidance in response to the decreasing risk that COVID-19 poses to the population. This updated guidance includes strategies to protect people at highest risk of getting seriously ill and applies to COVID-19 as well as other common viral respiratory illnesses like flu and RSV.

Students, faculty, and staff no longer need to complete the Augsburg self-reporting form following a positive COVID-19 test or exposure. Please follow CDC recommendations to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses when you’re sick.

STAY HOME WHEN YOU’RE SICK
Stay home and away from others (including people you live with who are not sick) if you have respiratory virus symptoms that aren’t better explained by another cause, including fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, among others.

WHEN SYMPTOMS IMPROVE
You can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, BOTH are true: your symptoms are getting better overall AND You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).

TAKE PRECAUTIONS
When you go back to your normal activities, keep in mind that you may still be able to spread the virus that made you sick, even if you are feeling better. Take added precautions for the next 5 days, such as wearing a high-quality, well-fitting mask and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors.

Learn more about preventing the spread of respiratory viruses from the CDC.

Teaching and Learning

Are You 55+ or Know Someone Who Is? Help Us Study Interactions with Others

submitted by goffe@augsburg.edu

We are looking for adults aged 55+ to participate in research on Social Interactions with Others by engaging in a structured conversation with another person virtually using Zoom. If you know someone who is 55+ you can let them know about this A-mail and see if they might be interested in participating. The experiment takes about an hour, and as a benefit for participating you will receive a $5 Target gift card, or we will make a $5 donation in your name to Open Arms of MN which provides meals to terminally ill and homebound Minnesotans. Plus there will be one randomly selected grand prize winner on June 1st who will also receive a $100 Target Gift Card!

The basic technology skills required are:

* Have a valid email address.
* Participants must have access to a computer as this study can only be performed using a computer (desktop or laptop). We don’t recommend using a phone.
* Your computer must have camera and microphone abilities.
* Individuals need to be able to fill out an online survey. You will be asked to complete short online surveys before and after the online Zoom conversation session.
* Participants need the ability to use email, have reliable internet access, and be able to download and access the Zoom application on their computer. If needed, we can help you get connected with Zoom in advance of your participation.

If you are interested in participating in our study, please click the link below, fill out the consent form, and complete a preliminary online survey. Afterwards, a member of our research team will reach out to find a time to schedule your session to participate.

Participate in Research on Social Interactions

Get Paid to Teach, Study, Research, or Carry Out a Creative Project Abroad: Apply for a Fulbright

submitted by goffe@augsburg.edu

Fulbright gives you the opportunity to teach, research, study, or carry out a creative project abroad for an academic year. The process of applying is invaluable and winning the award is a life changing experience.
To be eligible and competitive you need to be:
– A U.S. Citizen or national
– Hold a 3.0 or higher GPA for serving as an English Teaching Assistant
– Hold a 3.5 or higher to conduct research or attend graduate school
– Active member in the Augsburg community or your home community
– Effective skills to serve as a cultural ambassador of the U.S. to your host country
If you are a junior or senior you would be working this summer on your application for an early fall submission. If you are awarded the Fulbright you would most likely leave the following summer.
If you would like to learn more about the Fulbright program, please schedule an appointment with Dixie Shafer, Augsburg’s Fulbright Program Advisor, by clicking the link below.

Meet with Dixie

Paid GU SIM Patient Opportunity (4/9)

submitted by olsenkat@augsburg.edu

The Augsburg PA program is seeking people who can become pregnant who are interested in being a genitourinary (GU) simulated patient/model for our Physician Assistant students. The model/patient will provide students with the opportunity to examine reproductive anatomy and learn to perform a thorough and patient-centered pelvic and speculum exam.

GU simulated patients need to have an intact uterus, cervix, and ovaries (no history of hysterectomy). Reimbursement is $65 per pelvic exam, with an average of 6-7 exams per session. The lab day will be 4/9/24 from 1-4.

Because this is a hands-on and involved lab practice, patients must be comfortable with a full pelvic and speculum exam. Prior exam experience is preferred. Any questions or concerns can be directed to paprog@augsburg.edu.

Interested in Research and Graduate School? Apply to the TRIO McNair Scholars Program

submitted by crombie@augsburg.edu

Augsburg’s TRIO McNair Scholars Program is recruiting students for Fall 2024 admission. Eligible applicants will be at Junior status by the end of Spring 2025 and available to conduct full-time research Summer 2025. Students from all majors are welcome to apply, though preference is given to applicants that are interested in pursuing a doctoral (Ph.D.) degree. The priority deadline to apply is March 28; however, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all participant slots are filled.

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 coursework, academic advising, workshops, and involvement in undergraduate research and other scholarly activities. 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 ($6000) with an Augsburg faculty member during Summer of 2025.

The McNair Scholars Program is federally-funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Therefore, to be eligible, applicants must be first-generation (neither parent graduated from a four-year college or university) 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). Unsure if you qualify? Please visit the link below for more information on eligibility requirements.

If you’re interested in learning more about McNair, please contact Lara Crombie, Program Coordinator, crombie@augsburg.edu.

Determining McNair Eligibility “Cheat Sheet”

Go Abroad This Fall Semester — Apply by April 1

submitted by hildena@augsburg.edu

Missed your chance to go abroad this fall semester? Not quite!

Applications are STILL OPEN for Augsburg CGEE’s Study Center spring semester programs in Mexico, Central America, Northern Ireland, and Southern Africa until April 1st

Why choose an Augsburg CGEE Study Center program? Earn Augsburg credits, complete multiple LAF graduation requirements, and get an Augsburg experience abroad!

Our programs are nationally-known, focus on peace, social justice, and community engagement. Northern Ireland, Southern Africa & Mexico also offer INTERNSHIPS!

Learn more and apply here!

GenEd Revision – First Faculty Reading

submitted by boylek@augsburg.edu

Dear Augsburg Community,

Thank you to everyone who attended the February Focused Conversation on General Education Revision. The session was well-attended and we appreciate everyone’s continued engagement on this important initiative.

In the next step of the shared governance process, the general education revision proposal will be formally introduced to the faculty at the upcoming faculty meeting on March 20th. An overview of the shared governance process and a link to the proposal are available below:

Shared Governance Overview
January: Academic Affairs Committee vote (6 in support; 0 opposed; 1 abstention)
February: Faculty Senate vote (10 in support; 1 opposed; 0 abstentions)
March 20th: Faculty first reading
April 10th: Faculty second reading and vote
May: Board of Regents vote

2023 General Education Revision Proposal: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OUs01m4YcduyY4EPnGLBxPIpnm8pxBxBSvXeHG9Dz7U/edit?usp=sharing

Information sessions about proposed revisions to our general education curriculum will be offered in early April; details are forthcoming.

With gratitude,
Stacy (freiheit@augsburg.edu)

The General Education Advisory Group (aka GenEd(it) Group)
Amanda Case, Kristen Chamberlain, Jennie Diaz, George Dierberger, Darcey Engen, Salma Caamir, Marah Jacobson, James Vela-McConnell, Stacy Freiheit (GenEd Director)

Resources
GenEd(it) Comment Box:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScLbGTjRopXvqXaW_kqlP-XW7J4sKR64JJT9FpBGSQptWLaSw/viewform?usp=sf_link

General Education Revision 2023 Community Moodle page (self-enrollment is available):
https://moodle.augsburg.edu/community/course/view.php?id=530#section-10

General Education Revision 2023 Google Drive:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1wAwd6cW63GwAQTMUzB-U9ocd7kpZzM7T?usp=sharing

General Announcements

TRIO/Student Support Services New Assistant Director

submitted by cheathak@augsburg.edu

Congratulations to Xia Xiong-Vang ’05 (sociology and communications) as she takes on new leadership as Assistant Director of TRIO/Student Support Services (SSS). In addition to continued advising of program participants and overall day-to-day programming, Xia will assume the coordination and implementation of Summer Bridge, a four to five week academic “camp” for up-to 25 TRIO/SSS-eligible incoming first year students to help them ease their transition to Augsburg University.

Xia is an alumna of our TRIO/SSS program and also holds a master’s from the University of Minnesota in Educational Psychology, Counseling, and Student Personnel. Xia has been with Augsburg’s TRIO/SSS program as full-time staff since 2014.

We are fortunate that Xia agreed to take on this new responsibility in work and partnership with our low income and first generation population!

New Sabo Director Named

submitted by gubrud@augsburg.edu

Assistant Professor of Social Work, Alex Fink, has accepted the position of Faculty Fellow and Director of the Sabo Center beginning June 1, 2024. Congratulations to Alex and a big thank you to the Sabo Center staff (Marisa Benasutti, Jenean Gilmer, Steve Peacock and Latoya Taris-James) who helped in this process and have kept Sabo Center running smoothly since Elaine Eschenbacher’s departure.

ALAS Board Member Application

submitted by kaulsa@augsburg.edu

ALAS is accepting applications to be a part of next year’s board! Being a part of the board has countless benefits, such as improving your leadership and teamwork skills, and having the chance to make a difference in your community. Apply by March 20th by using the link provided or checking the link on our instagram @alas.augsburg

Application Link

Construyendo Exito: Latinx Networking

submitted by hernaner@augsburg.edu

We are excited to extend an invitation on behalf of Augsburg Latin American Students (ALAS) and Sembrando Nuestro Futuro (SNF) to our Networking event, Construyendo Exito: Latinx Networking. This event aims to foster connections and empower Latinx college students in an evening with inspiration, idea exchange, and career exploration. This event is open to all Latinx college students surrounding the Augsburg University community.

Event Details:
Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024
Event Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Doors Open at 3:30 PM)
Location: Chapel, Foss Center 625 22nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55454
Parking will be available in lot L; please refer to the campus map for more information.

It will be an honor to have your presence at this memorable event, we encourage you all to come and empower the Latinx community! If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us at alas@augsburg.edu and snfuturo@augsburg.edu.

Best regards,

2023-2024 Planning Committee

Amy Gochez (Vice-President of ALAS), Veronica Arellano Martinez (Event coordinator of SNF), José Ramirez (Community Outreach of SNF), Gustavo Cano-Garnica (Treasurer of ALAS and SNF), Gerardo Rodriguez Rangel (Historian of SNF), Sebastian Hernandez (Community Outreach of SNF), Erika Hernandez (Advisor)

Register Here!

Calling All Students: Take the Textbook Affordability Survey

submitted by alexank@augsburg.edu

Calling all students! You are invited to take the very short Textbook Affordability Survey sponsored by Augsburg’s Textbook Affordability Working Group. You can take the survey at the link below.

We are seeking to understand how textbook and course materials costs affect students at Augsburg University. The survey is anonymous, but it does use your email address to ensure that we don’t get duplicate responses.

If you have questions about this survey or the Textbook Affordability Working Group, please contact Karen Alexander, alexank@augsburg.edu, or Sara Fillbrandt, fillbran@augsburg.edu.

Textbook Affordability Survey

New Staff Positions This Week (2)

submitted by hr@augsburg.edu

The following Augsburg Staff positions were posted within the past 7 days:

03/11/2024: Academic Advisor, TRIO/Student Support Services
– https://jobs.smartrecruiters.com/AugsburgUniversity-MinneapolisMN/743999973218164-academic-advisor
03/11/2024: Assistant Football Coach
– https://jobs.smartrecruiters.com/AugsburgUniversity-MinneapolisMN/743999973108473-assistant-football-coach

Search Augsburg Job Postings

Event Announcements

Friday: Biophysics Week Affiliate Seminar Event

submitted by stottrup@augsburg.edu

This week is Biophysics Week, and Augsburg is hosting an Affiliate Event with the Biophysical Society. Anna Gaffney, a University of Chicago graduate student, will share her research in lipid monolayer reorganization, elasticity, and phase transitions with Augsburg University undergraduates. All are welcome! The seminar begins Friday at 11:20 in Oren Gateway 201. The abstract and title are below.

TITLE: Relaxing Under Stress: Developing a Generalized Material Model for Highly Compressed Lipid Monolayers

ABSTRACT: Lipid monolayers are membranes that self-assemble at the air-water interface and are found biologically in the ears, eyes, and lungs. Studying their responses to mechanical forces and stress can supply information to both the lipid and thin sheet fields. Mechanically, highly compressed lipid monolayers can be represented as elastic sheets. In this sense, at some critical stress, these sheets must undergo instabilities. Some do this through out-of-plane collapse, while others relax in-plane. This in-plane relaxation is experimentally observed with fluorescence microscopy (FM) and is characterized as reorganization of condensed domains within a softer matrix. These different modes of instability are accessible by tuning lipid monolayer softness, inspiring our search for a generalized material model with similar tunability. The elastic models that are currently used to describe out-of-plane collapse have been unsuccessful in capturing in-plane relaxation. We hypothesize this is because the matrix is relaxing through strain localization in the form of shear banding. Simulation results from models that incorporate FM-derived condensed domain morphology show that if we trigger shear banding in the matrix around domains, the domains can reorganize and reproduce the experimental in-plane relaxation morphology. Our findings expand understanding of lipid monolayer mechanical response and can be applied to broader research in other thin sheet systems as well.

Latinx Culture Showcase

submitted by rendona@augsburg.edu

ALAS is thrilled to announce the upcoming Latinx Culture Showcase, an event dedicated to celebrating the rich and diverse cultures of Latin America. This gathering aims to bring our community together in a spirit of unity, pride, and appreciation for our heritage.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, March 23, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Doors open at 4:30 PM
Location: Sateren Auditorium
Rehearsal Date/Time
March 19th From 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM at OGC
March 23rd 1:00- 2:30 PM at Sateren Auditorium.

Floreciendo Juntos: Latinx Banquet

submitted by alarcon8@augsburg.edu

Join ALAS and LSS for our Annual Latinx Banquet, Floreciendo Juntos: LatinX Banquet Celebration. The purpose of this event is to celebrate and uplift the Latinx community by acknowledging graduating students and awarding students for their accomplishments.

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, April 27, 2024
Event Time: 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Doors Open at 3:30 PM)
Location: Chapel, Foss Center 625 22nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55454
Parking will be available in lot L; please refer to the campus map for more information.

The deadline to submit your registration form is Friday, April 5th, 2024.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us at alas@augsburg.edu

RSVP Form

Racialized Musical (His)tories by Dr. Ewell 3/21

submitted by mendezm@augsburg.edu

RACIALIZED MUSICAL (HIS)TORIES Guest Lecture by Dr. Philip Ewell on Thursday, 3/21, 2-3:30pm,

Guest Lecture – Dr. Phillip Ewell
2-3:30pm, Thursday, March 21st
Sateren Auditorium

In certain languages the words for “history” and “story” are the same, as in French (histoire) or Russian (история). “History” usually implies an accurate account of past events, while “story” usually refers to events that may or may not accurately reflect on the past, embellished as necessary by a “storyteller.” But in this distinction, race is rarely mentioned. Anyone, irrespective of race, can write histories or tell stories, yet with remarkable consistency in the academic study of music in the U.S., our histories have been written by white persons, usually men, passing from generation to generation with little divergence from narratives of “great works” of the “western canon.” And when a nonwhite voice challenges the white narrative, efforts to stifle that voice are swift and severe. In this talk I’ll expand on music’s histories and stories, and explain why the common American music curriculum is still segregated along racial lines. I’ll then suggest that we need to desegregate it and foreground race in our discussions so that all racial musics, and musical races, have a seat at the table and a voice in the conversation.

For more information: https://www.augsburg.edu/music/2024/02/12/racialized-musical-histories/

Join Us for Interfaith Just Peacemaking: Muslim and Christian Resources for Restorative Justice

submitted by truesmit@augsburg.edu

Professor Najeeba Syeed will be the featured speaker at the sixth annual Terence Nichols Memorial Symposium lecture. The topic will be Interfaith Just Peacemaking: Muslim and Christian Resources for Restorative Justice.

When: Wednesday, April 17th, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Where: University of St. Thomas, John Roach Center 126
2115 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105

Free and open to the public. For more information and to register, visit:

https://uofstthomasmn.my.salesforce-sites.com/summit__SummitEventsRegister?instanceID=a0zHq00000B2EBRIA3&_gl=1*jtrr4i*_ga*MjA4ODkyNjcxNS4xNzEwMjk3NDU4*_ga_B7VNHGCX7P*MTcxMDI5NzQ1OC4xLjAuMTcxMDI5NzQ1OC4wLjAuMA

Pan-Asian Student Services – Noodle on It Event

submitted by vangpa@augsburg.edu

Join Pan-Asian Student Services for the first part of a two part series called “Noodle on It!” This series is intended to explore the Asian Identity and promote critical dialogues with peers, faculty and staff. Enjoy an instant ramen (unique Asian brands) lunch while hearing from Professor Ly Nguyen. Questions? email vangpa@augsburg.edu

Check out the flyer

Keeping Track of Auggies

Augsburg Now Spring 2024 Is Live

submitted by johnsok@augsburg.edu

Read the latest issue of the digital Augsburg Now magazine! You’ll see how Auggies are making a difference in the world—from a professor donating a kidney for a student to an alumna working at the intersection of water, climate change, and conflict. And, of course, you’ll find alumni news, a message from President Paul Pribbenow, and much more.

Augsburg Now Spring 2024

Classifieds

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