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Teaching and Learning

Study Abroad in the Netherlands This Summer

submitted by starckl@augsburg.edu

There’s still time to apply for a short-term study abroad experience in the Netherlands during Summer Term 1!

You’ll earn eight credits (4 in sociology / urban studies, and 4 in English) in just one month. You’ll spend two weeks on campus and two weeks in Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

Check out the description below:

Although many of us may be feeling fear or despair about the global climate crisis and our ability to address problems such as rising sea levels, global warming, and persistent inequalities, this study-abroad experience centers on imagination, invention, tangible change, and hope for our collective future. In our on-campus class sessions and our two weeks in the Netherlands, we’ll discuss sustainability challenges such as energy, water, food, waste and pollution, housing, and transportation. Then we’ll explore the ways in which artists, scientists, and other creative minds have addressed those challenges in fiction, poetry, policies, and practices in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. How can speculative literature and sociology help us invent and imagine new solutions to urban problems? What ideas from Rotterdam and Amsterdam might be implemented in the Twin Cities? What kinds of futures can we imagine for our rapidly changing world, and how do we transform those visions into a new reality?

Learn more and apply here!

General Announcements

Augsburg Music Ensembles Open to All Augsburg Students

submitted by brauer@augsburg.edu

Do you sing or play an instrument? Are you looking for a fun way to build community and round out your course schedule? Please consider joining an Augsburg music ensemble! Augsburg Ensembles are open to all Augsburg students and can be taken for either 1 or 0 credits. To meet the LAF Fine Arts requirement, students must register for 1 credit for 4 semesters. Reach out to Ensemble Directors for more information.

AUGSBURG GLOBAL HARMONY CHOIR
Director: Shekela Wanyama, wanyama@augsburg.edu
MUE 111-B Augsburg Choir, Sec II: Global Harmony Choir, M/W/F 4:50-5:55 pm

The Augsburg Global Harmony Choir is open to all students who sing. If interested, please contact Dr. Shekela Wanyama wanyama@augsburg.edu.

CONCERT BAND
Director: Dr. Kenneth Green, green5@augsburg.edu
MUE 141-A Concert Band M/W/F 3:10-4:40 pm

The Augsburg Concert Band is open to all Augsburg students who play brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. If interested, please contact Dr. Kenneth Green green5@augsburg.edu.

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Director: Dr. Mark Elliot Bergman, bergman1@augsburg.edu
MUE 121-A Orchestra, Th 5:30-8:20 pm

The Augsburg Symphony Orchestra is open to all Augsburg students who play string, woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. If interested, please contact Dr. Mark Elliot Bergman bergman1@augsburg.edu.

AUGSBURG JAZZ
Director: Dr. Kenneth Green, green5@augsburg.edu
MUE 143-A Jazz Band T/Th 3:40-5pm

The Augsburg Jazz Ensemble is open to all Augsburg students who play saxophone, trombone, trumpet, piano, electric guitar, electric bass, or drum set. If interested, please contact Dr. Kenneth Green green5@augsburg.edu,

AUGSBURG UNIVERSITY FLUTE ENSEMBLE
Director: Trudi Anderson, anders10@augsburg.edu
MUE 396-A Flute Ensemble, M 4:45 – 6:15

The Augsburg Flute Ensemble uses the entire family of flutes from piccolo to contrabass, and welcomes any flutist within the Augsburg community. If interested, please contact Trudi Anderson, anders10@augsburg.edu.

https://www.augsburg.edu/music/ensembles/

Hospicing Modernity Reading Group for Staff and Faculty – Spring Semester

submitted by gilmerje@augsburg.edu

The Sabo Center is hosting a reading group for the 2021 book, Hospicing Modernity: Facing Humanity’s Wrongs and the Implications for Social Activism by Vanessa Machado de Oliveira.

This book helps us learn how to:
Reimagine how we respond to crisis and relearn how to interact with difference, uncertainty, complexity, and failure
Expand our capacity to hold personal and collective space for pain and grief
Interrupt our satisfaction with modern-colonial desires that cause harm
Create space for change that isn’t driven by desperate hope or a fear of desolate hopelessness

We’re tentatively planning to gather the week of February 17th, the first full week of March, the week of March 24th, April 7th and 28th.

Please know that space is limited, we cannot guarantee a place for everyone. Email Jenean Gilmer (gilmerje@augsburg.edu) with any questions. To express interest, please fill out this form:

https://forms.gle/rpr9j5E3N5s8AByw7

Seeking Nominations for the Sabo Center Engagement Committee

submitted by gilmerje@augsburg.edu

The Sabo Center is forming an advisory council to grow more and better collaborations, make our work more diffuse around campus and in our neighborhoods, and bring more voices into our processes and planning. This is an opportunity for staff, faculty, students and community members to learn more about and contribute to community-engaged work at Augsburg, build relationships, and share ideas and experiences in ways that can help inform our work.

The Sabo Center Engagement Council (SCEC) will support and guide community engagement and changemaking work at Augsburg and in our neighborhoods. The SCEC is not a decision-making body. Staff, Students, Faculty and Community Members are eligible for nomination.

Expectations:
– Attend three committee meetings throughout the spring semester of 2025.
– Advocate for community-engaged work broadly across campus and beyond.
– Serve 2 year terms. We are tentatively planning for meetings the weeks of February 17th, March 17th, April 14th, and an informal gathering at the end of April.

Students & members of the community outside Augsburg are eligible for an honorarium to support their participation.

If you would like to nominate yourself or others, please fill out the short form linked below by January 24th. Nominees will be informed of acceptance by January 31st, 2025.

https://forms.gle/uvo2BgCg1tztxhuH9

Participants Needed for Mental Health Study

submitted by stevenss@augsburg.edu

Are you between the ages of 18 & 25?

You are invited to participate in a study investigating emotion and mental health!

ENTER A RAFFLE FOR 1 of 8 $25 VISA GIFT CARDS!

Access the study here: https://augsburg.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0idiuYgLQrXZfym

Please contact the study’s primary investigator with any questions at
stevenss@augsburg.edu

Thank you!

https://augsburg.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0idiuYgLQrXZfym

Auggies Vote: Special Election January 28

submitted by farrisr@augsburg.edu

On January 28, a special election will be held for Minnesota Senate District 60, which encompasses Augsburg and other portions of south, northeast, and southeast Minneapolis. This special election is taking place due to the recent death of State Senator Kari Dziedzic.

Augsburg will have a polling location inside Christensen Center for students who reside on campus or in the local precinct. Absentee and in-person early voting options will be available beginning on January 22.

You can register to vote on election day. An Augsburg student ID will work as proof of identity to register if you are voting on campus or in the city of Minneapolis.

See the candidates and learn more about this special election.

Meet the New Library Crew

submitted by vanclev1@augsburg.edu

Please join the library staff in welcoming our new Instruction and Outreach Librarians!

We are thrilled to resume library instruction and drop-in research support at the Service Desk starting on 2/3. They are excited and eager to meet you!

Kira Cronin-Hennessy (they/them)
Email: cronink@augsburg.edu
Liaison to: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Kira holds a B.S. in Linguistics and Psychology from UW-Madison and an MLIS from the University of Maryland. Their graduate work includes special collections and archives. Originally from the Twin Cities, Kira is excited to connect the Augsburg community with library resources.

Tanya Gunkel (she/her)
Email: gunkel@augsburg.edu
Liaison to: School of Business
Tanya brings over 15 years of experience in education, including TRIO programs. She holds an M.Ed. in School Counseling from Montana State University, along with an MLIS. Most recently, she served as the Educational Materials Center Librarian at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Tanya is passionate about supporting student and staff success.

Megan Schierenbeck (she/her)
Email: schieren@augsburg.edu
Liaison to: School of Health and the School of Natural Sciences
Megan is a graduate of St. Catherine University’s MLIS program with a background in academic libraries and educational software. Her interests include student wellness, reducing research anxiety, and promoting information evaluation techniques. Megan is eager to help students thrive at Augsburg.

Sara Fillbrandt (she/her)
Email: fillbran@augsburg.edu
Liaison to: Schwartz School of the Arts
While Sara has been part of the library team since 2023, she now takes on the role of liaison for the Schwartz School of the Arts. Sara brings over 10 years of experience in higher education, holds an MLIS, and earned an MAEd from Hamline University. She has done phenomenal work improving the library website and Idun, our institutional repository.

Link to the Library Staff Contact Page

Library Staff Page

Seeking Research Participants

submitted by wurstera@augsburg.edu

Hello, my name is Ashley Wurster and I am currently a clinical psychology doctoral student at Augsburg University. I am conducting a research study about how episode patterns in schizophrenia may affect stigmatization levels among mental health practitioners and the general public in Minnesota, and I would like to include you in my research. The study will be completed exclusively online and consist of a survey about your demographics and your experiences with and attitudes on schizophrenia/severe mental illnesses. It should take about 10-15 minutes to complete. To thank you for your participation, there will be an option at the end of the survey to have a $2 bill mailed to you. If you are interested in participating, please use the link below to access the surveys. I appreciate you taking the time to consider participating in this important research.

https://augsburg.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3gayud3UI1r7sYC

Event Announcements

Augsburg Theater Presents an Original Student-Produced Play

submitted by borden@augsburg.edu

Tian
by Johanna Caroline Schön
directed by Kayla Marie Mielke and Johanna Caroline Schön

February 13–16 | 7:00 p.m.
Tjornhom-Nelson Theater
Augsburg Students $3; General Admission $5

Who owns history? And who is allowed to tell its stories? The student-written piece “Tian” centers around these fundamental questions. This conflict becomes clear when the audience is led through the life of romantic poet Karoline von Günderrode by two characters with two very different claims to Karoline’s story: Bettine von Arnim, contemporary and close friend of Karoline, who wants to paint a strong, feminist picture; and the Playwright whose goal is to create an enticing, heart-wrenching play. The audience finds themselves in the in-betweens of history, whilst being part of Karoline’s personal journey filled with struggles, doubt, and dreams.

Follow on Instagram @tiantheplay

Tickets

LGBTQIA2S+ Staff and Faculty Lunch

Join PRISM (Proudly Reflecting Identities, Stories, and Movements), an affirming and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ staff and faculty to connect, celebrate, and support one another in fostering a vibrant and welcoming community.

Our first meeting will be 12:30-1:30pm on January 29th. We’ll meet for a BYO Lunch in the Oren Gateway Center – Room 100.

Please reach out to Ian Heseltine with any questions.

Staff Social – Next Wednesday, January 29

submitted by cliftonk@augsburg.edu

New Year, New Connections: Staff Social Event (Wednesday, January 29th)

Kick off 2025 by strengthening bonds and building new connections! Join Staff Senate for a cozy social to reconnect, share winter break stories, and foster relationships. Enjoy warm conversations, tasty treats, and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for engaging with colleagues across departments.

Wednesday, 1/29
1-3:30pm
Chapel

Staff Senate will provide a few fun giveaways, just be present to win.

Questions? Email staffsenate@augsburg.edu

National Lawyers Guild: Repression Resilience Workshops

submitted by rodriguc@augsburg.edu

Join the MN National Lawyers Guild in a 4-part training series to build resilience to repression of the Palestine Solidarity movement.

Jan 23: Government vs. You
6:30pm-8pm
University Baptist Church

Feb 6: Zionists vs. You
Feb 20: University vs. You
Mar 6: ICE vs. You

National Lawyers Guild Facebook Event

Save the Date: Cedar-Riverside Time Machine, Friday, February 21

submitted by gilmerje@augsburg.edu

Friday, February 21, 2025/ Doors: 6:00 PM / Show: 7:00 PM
All Ages, FREE

This is a seated show with general admission and first-come-first-served seating. The Cedar is happy to reserve seats for patrons who require special seating accommodations. To request access accommodations, please go to our Access page.

WBBA Community Archive Project Presents in collaboration with Our Streets MN, the University of Minnesota Public History program, the Liberal Arts Engagement Hub, Morgan Adamson, and many neighbors. We turn our projector and pull back the curtains for another installment of this special variety show on the history of the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood.

Featuring more stories from the neighborhood and our many fascinating neighbors.

This event is FREE. Please register in advance. Donations are accepted to support more free community programming at The Cedar.

RSVP

Virtual Court Watch Training Organized by Minnesota Freedom Fund – Monday, February 3, 7 – 8:30 p.m. CST

submitted by gilmerje@augsburg.edu

Court watching is a tactic to raise public awareness about our current legal system and also to hold the system accountable through witnessing, documenting, and sharing out. This is a powerful and critical tool for organizing because so much harm is never witnessed and then goes unchecked! Court watching is a tool of PEOPLE POWER against those in power!

MN Freedom Fund’s court watching program specifically watches bail hearings in Hennepin and Ramsey Counties. We are hoping to raise awareness about the injustices and disparities in this specific legal system moment. We want to establish a regular presence in court to hold the system players accountable and inspire more passion for local pre-trial changes! This training will be on how to court watch with MFF and then we’ll have shifts for you to sign up for right away!

No prior experience needed!

Sign up here!

Alternative Spring Break Trip to Atlanta, GA

submitted by dames@augsburg.edu

Augsburg students have the opportunity to spend their spring break in Atlanta, Georgia, March 15th-22nd, serving the community with a variety of local organizations. This trip is sponsored by Campus Ministry and is available to all Augsburg students as an Augsburg Experience.

Registration Process:

Bring $75 downpayment** and copy of health insurance card to Janice Dames in Campus Ministry Office, 104 Foss. **The $75 is non-refundable if you withdraw from the trip and we are unable to fill your spot with another student off the wait-list.

Dates of Trip: March 15-22, 2024
Destination: Atlanta, Georgia

Cost: $275, includes most lodging, transportation, and most meals. Please register by February 24, 2025. Please let us know if the cost presents a barrier to participation for you (scholarships are available).

Sponsored By: Campus Ministry
Questions: Contact Pastoral Intern, Lucas Carlson at carlso30@augsburg.edu or Pastor John Schwehn at schwehn@augsburg.edu or stop by Campus Ministries in Foss 104
The trip is available as a 0-credit class that fulfills the Augsburg Experience requirement. Please indicate on the online registration form if you would like more information about using this trip as an Augsburg Experience.

Register for Alternative Spring Break Trip

Tuesday, January 28: Focused Conversation on Five Schools

submitted by farrisr@augsburg.edu

All faculty and staff are invited to the January Focused Conversation next week. Join Provost Paula O’Loughlin and the school directors (Vanessa Bester, Jeanne Boeh, Lori Brandt Hale, Chris Houltberg, and Ben Stottrup) for updates about Augsburg’s five-school model.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025
12–1:00 p.m.
Marshall Room or via Zoom

To view the Focused Conversation schedule and access the livestream link, visit the All Hands page.

All Hands | Inside Augsburg (login required)

Echoes from the Horn: Somali Lives in Cinema – February 2, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

submitted by gilmerje@augsburg.edu

The Cedar Cultural Center
416 Cedar AvenueMinneapolis, MN, 55454United States
All Ages, Seated

$5 Youth under 21 years of age
$8 for Cedar-Riverside Residents
$10 General Admission

This is a seated show with general admission, first-come-first-served seating. The Cedar is happy to reserve seats for patrons who require special seating accommodations. To request access accommodations, please go to our Access page.

The Qalanjo Project Presents: Echoes from the Horn: Somali Lives in Cinema – a special program of the Black Europe Film Festival of Minneapolis and Saint Paul.

The Qalanjo Project is a Somali cultural organization and creative arts studio located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This special Sunday program will feature films and discussions that highlight Somali filmmakers’ contributions and explore the Somali diaspora’s diverse narratives from The Cedar screen!

We will be joined in person by Abdulkadir Ahmed Said, Warda Mohamed, and Salad Hilowle. There will be additional workshops and community activities hosted by The Qalanjo Project with these incredible artists during the festival and after.

The estimated run time for the films is ~ 2 hours and 15 minutes, with a short opening introduction, a brief panel, and Q&A after the screenings with a total program time of 3.5 hours.

Learn more here!

Keeping Track of Auggies

Nominate an Auggie for the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards

submitted by jonesma@augsburg.edu

Now is the time to nominate Auggie alumni for the various 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards! Nominations are open for the First Decade Award, the Distinguished Alumni Award, the Spirit of Augsburg Award, and the Distinguished Service Award. Awards will be presented at Homecoming in October 2025.

2025 Distinguished Alumni Nomination Form

Classifieds

Disabled Student Looking for Backup PCA

submitted by dipaolaz@augsburg.edu

Hi, my name is Zander I am a junior and I am also disabled and in a wheelchair I am looking for a backup PCA. I have a PCA come every day to help me with certain tasks in my dorm room. You would come with my main PCA needs a day off or can’t make it that day. Some of the tasks would entail refilling water bottles, refilling humidifiers, and making a bed expect this to take 15 or 30 minutes out of your day However you will schedule a time to come whenever it fits your schedule. and you will be paid $13 a day. If you are interested in helping me out and scheduling an interview contact me at (612)430-3233 Or dipaolaz@augsburg.edu.