Index

Public Safety and Facilities Announcements

Parking Enforcement Notice – Towing

submitted by hartkop1@augsburg.edu

There have been ongoing issues of over-parking in Lot K. Moving forward, we will be towing immediately any person not parking in a designated parking space across campus. The over-parking is causing issues with the flow of traffic around campus and ability of people to come and go from parking spaces as they are being blocked in by over-parkers.

Teaching and Learning

Interested in a Career in Public Service? Apply for an Obama Voyager Scholarship

submitted by devries@augsburg.edu

Do you find yourself drawn to community-engaged work and a career in public service? Have a strong academic record? Just want to know more about options for your future?

Consider applying for a scholarship through the Obama Foundation.

The Obama Voyager Scholarship Program is a two-year leadership development and scholarship program that offers substantial financial aid, an immersive work-travel experience, and a robust network of leaders and mentors.

To apply, you should be in your second year of undergraduate studies (in terms of timing, not credits.) Deadline: April 1, 2025. (The application is substantial, so you want to start now.)

If you want to know more, consult the website: https://www.obama.org/programs/
And get in touch with Prof. Jacqueline deVries, Director of Undergraduate Fellowships <devries@augsburg.edu>

https://www.obama.org/press-releases/obama-foundation-opens-applications-for-the-2025-2027-voyager-scholarship/

Assessment Day (March 4) Faculty and Staff Workshops

submitted by denkinge@augsburg.edu

Please join the directors of Faculty Development, Persistence & Graduation, and Assessment for discussions on Tuesday, March 4th from 11am – 1pm in Oren 114. No classes are held on this day to allow first- and second-year students to participate in Career Exploration day activities (night classes are held as scheduled).

At 11am, we’ll discuss a comprehensive analysis of predictors of student success and persistence. This year the Office of Planning and Effectiveness gathered data from across campus on how academic engagement, social belonging, financial needs, and a host of other factors predict student success measures such as course completion, year-to-year retention, and on-track graduation status. These results offer new clarity around our student population, and during this session we will discuss how these findings can be used to guide data-driven solutions to increase student success.

After lunch, the Director of Assessment will lead an open forum on a new, Moodle-based assessment process of General Education Learning Outcomes, set to begin in the fall of 2025. All faculty who regularly teach in the General Education curriculum are encouraged to attend to learn more about the process, provide feedback, and ask questions as we develop this new streamlined approach to measuring student achievement in our core curriculum.

RSVP for Assessment Day Sessions

TODAY 12:30 pm: Navigate for Student Success Workshop

submitted by lloydr@augsburg.edu

Navigate for Student Success Workshop will be Feb 26, 12:30 to 1:30 pm on Zoom. Join Kelsey Richardson Blackwell for an overview of the ways that Navigate can help support student success.

And don’t forget the Navigate-ness Greatness Prize!
All faculty who completes their midterm progress reports Spring 2025
will be entered in drawing for $50 Visa Gift Card.

Navigate Workshop Zoom link

Final Weeks – Faculty Distinguished Contributions Award Nominations

submitted by lloydr@augsburg.edu

Celebrate the achievements and contributions of your colleagues and professors. Nominations for the 2025 Faculty Distinguished Contribution Awards are open now through March 10.

There are 7 award categories: Scholarship, Service to the University, Service to the Community, Innovations in Teaching, Teaching: Adjunct or Part-time, Teaching: Full-time 5+ years, and Teaching: Full-time 5 years or less. Any members of the Augsburg community can serve as nominators.

Please find full descriptions and nomination forms linked below. Honor a faculty member with your nomination!

Faculty Distinguished Contribution Awards

General Announcements

Campus Bridging Initiative: March 10-14

submitted by finka2@augsburg.edu

College students are invited to join the Campus Bridging Initiative for an unforgettable experience connecting with students across urban and rural communities to strengthen our interdependence in a time of deep division. Civic Bridgers (http://www.civicbridgers.org/) covers all the costs for hotels, meals and local transportation, and participants receive a travel stipend. Needs-based scholarships to cover lost wages or childcare costs are also available. Students can apply here by February 28: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdtFga4-ZecJZ7Ia2ZBDFf09JDH_j2gVF4Vm1B5fO493BMbWQ/viewform

Internship Preparation Program Survey

submitted by guidettd@augsburg.edu

Help Shape Your Internship Success!

The Reell Office of Seeing Things Whole and the Strommen Center are launching an Internship Preparation Program here at Augsburg!

And we want your input!

Take this quick survey to help us tailor the program to your needs; whether you’re a first-year, sophomore, junior, or senior, and regardless of your internship experience.

✅ Your voice matters!

Thank you for your time!

For any questions, please reach out to cliftonk@augsburg.edu

Take this quick survey here!

Hungry for Hope: Letters to the Church from Young Adults Is Available for Preorder

submitted by weber3@augsburg.edu

Two of our authors are Augsburg Alums! Amber Kalina and J.D. Mechelke

In this remarkable volume, young adults voice their concerns and laments about the church’s
past and present, as well as their hopes and dreams for the church’s future. Unlike many current books on youth ministry, this is not a book about how to attract young adults back to church. Instead, it is an invitation to listen to young adults as they offer important insights regarding the capacity of the church—and the world—to flourish going forward.

The book’s contributors candidly discuss the issues that matter most to their generation: climate catastrophe, mental health, abuses of power, meaningful relationships, inclusion and liberation, and more. As they grieve how the church has caused harm and avoided hard truths, they also yearn for the church to better embody a community centered on Jesus. Driven by a deep hunger for hope, they explore how churches can become trustworthy partners in mending people’s relationships with God, with each other, and with the earth. This poignant, powerful book is essential reading for ministry leaders, congregations, youth groups, and anyone who cares about young adults’ engagement with Christianity.

Preorder on our new website!

New Staff Position: Director of Enrollment Analytics

submitted by hr@augsburg.edu

Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) at Augsburg University

The Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) division includes four uniquely equipped teams: Undergraduate Admissions, Graduate Admissions, SEM Operations, and Financial Aid.

The SEM division’s vision is to be a belonging organization that builds deeper relationships, changes systems, and dismantles the access barriers in higher education enrollment management.

Our SEM mission is to meet every student where they are with authentic presence, outreach, and engagement. Our nationally recognized Augsburg Applies to You platform supports this mission through direct admissions, success coaching, and academic belonging. We exist to deliver enrollment results, innovation, service, and the essential infrastructure to attract, meet the needs of, and enroll future graduates. We are a key partner in driving sustainable enrollment growth at Augsburg towards the
goal of becoming a medium sized university with 5,000 Auggies by 2030.

Summary of Position

The Director of Enrollment Analytics (Admissions and Financial Aid) is a transformative leadership role responsible for developing and implementing an advanced analytics infrastructure supporting strategy development, enrollment funnel performance, and sustain a framework to guide financial aid awarding and net-tuition optimization. This is a hands-on position, joining a newly reorganized strategic enrollment management operations team, reporting to the Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management. This role focuses on the quality and accuracy of enrollment data analysis in order to produce visual dashboards, forecasting, data-driven decision making, and utilization of evolving technologies like machine learning to enhance data. This position will harness data and analytics to shape, influence, and model strategic enrollment planning ideas in order to justify growth strategy implementation.

Primary Responsibilities

SEM Data Management and Integration

– Ensure accurate data imports and coding in collaboration with admissions reporting specialists.
– Mass manipulate SEM data, incorporate data into an effective analytical reporting.
– Replace, enhance, and evaluate data reporting previously provided by external partners
– Collaborate with Institutional Research and IT to ensure best practices and shared data principles.
– Coordinate, manage, and report on admissions/financial aid related student surveys in partnership with the Vice President.

SEM Data Reporting and Analytics

– Develop, automate recurring historical reports, prepare data visualizations for presentations, and establish SEM dashboards, ensuring the delivery of timely and relevant insights to SEM stakeholders.
– Collect, integrate, analyze, and report data from various contracted/partner services and other relevant data sets.
– Partner with the admissions and marketing areas to understand the prospective student journey, analyze data related to lead generation campaigns, counselor engagements, and enrollment funnel KPI’s.
– Establish SEM key performance indicators (KPIs) and develop metrics to measure performance and significant variances.
– Develop and maintain predictive modeling tools that will help create successful recruitment plans (graduate and undergraduate) needed to increase yield in order to achieve growth goals.
– Collaborate with the VPSEM to produce and maintain long-term forecast models for all enrollment segments.
– Analyzes indicators to understand how enrollment management strategy can impact second year student retention.
– Uses data reporting tools available through third parties such as the National Student Clearinghouse, College Board, ACT, and other related data sharing to analyze trends and inform strategies.
– Develop methods to identify SEM trends that are off track or inconsistent and implement early detection mechanisms.
– Conduct cohort reporting and create a comprehensive data dictionary to clarify definitions campus-wide.
– Run scenarios to assess impacts of changes or responses to external forces.

SEM Financial Aid Optimization

– Lead the effective use of all financial aid data, benchmarking, trend/predictive analysis, live aid modeling, award activity monitoring, tuition reset policy evaluation, FAFSA submission, yield, aid policy change impact, and budget performance.
– Propose data driven recommendations to set scholarship amounts, need matrices, and aid awarding parameters.
– Maintain Net Price Calculator and develop new management ideas that enhance unitization.
– Provide accurate and timely cohort-unfunded aid (net tuition revenue) forecasting data and analysis of any changes for financial reporting.
– Model financial aid adjustments, e.g., “If we add Promise to all, it would cost x dollars but retention should increase by y.”
– Benchmarks and analyzes industry data/competitors’ financial aid and scholarships strategies.

Additional Responsibilities

– Maintain knowledge about trends, industry news, and when possible, contribute expertise that positions Augsburg as an enrollment analytics leader.
– Supervises assigned staff and provide leadership for SEM Operations effectiveness.
– Collaborate with Institutional Research, Finance and IT on reporting, compliance and technology enhancements.
– Assist with various admissions and financial aid activities.
– Other duties as apparent or assigned by supervisor(s).

Work Environment and Physical Demands

– Typical work environment is an office. Sedentary work for long periods of time.
– Regular computer and phone use.

View Job Posting

Seeking Survey 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

Coral Reef Aquarium Open House – Thursday, 3-5 p.m. – Live Critters Under Microscopes

submitted by capman@augsburg.edu

This week Thursday, 3:00 – 5-00, Hagfors 204.

Come see our coral reef aquariums, which are home to a large diversity of live corals, fish, and other marine life.

This time we will have multiple kinds of marine life under microscopes, including beautiful live corals, a live sponge pumping water, cool tiny crustaceans, small brittle stars and sea stars, a sea urchin, fireworms, and nudibranchs.

Augsburg Coral Reef on Instagram

Kavira Biometric Screenings and Information Session

submitted by mitchmar@augsburg.edu

We are pleased to inform you that Kavira will be onsite to conduct wellness visits and an information session for employees enrolled in university health insurance plans.

Wednesday, February 26
– 10:00-2:00 Biometric Screenings, Nelson Room, Christensen Center
– 2:30 Information Session, OGC 114

What to Expect: During your 10-minute appointment with a Kavira nurse, the following health metrics will be collected:
– Height
– Weight
– Blood Pressure
– Cholesterol Panel

To ensure the most accurate blood sugar and cholesterol readings, we recommend fasting for at least 10 hours prior to your appointment. Blood tests will be performed via a simple finger prick, and you’ll receive your results immediately.

Cost: This appointment is completely free of charge to you!

Important: Please be sure to download the Kavira App before your scheduled appointment. By doing so, you’ll be able to sign consent for your care and access communication with the team through the app’s messaging system. This will help ensure a smooth and efficient process on the day of your visit.

To download the Kavira app: Search for “Kavira” in the App Store or Google Play Store. As this is a new app for the Kavira team, we kindly ask for your patience during the roll-out process. If you encounter any major issues, please let us know.

We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to stay on top of your health. Sign up today to secure your spot!

Sign Up for Biometric Screening

Career Exploration Day for First and Second Year Students – March 4

submitted by nguyenma@augsburg.edu

Augsburg’s Career Exploration Day is almost here, taking place on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Below is some information that will help you prepare for the event!

What is Career Exploration Day?
–This day is a required event for all 1st and 2nd year undergraduate students who started at Augsburg in fall semester 2023 or spring semester 2024 or later.

Students will explore potential majors and the various career opportunities associated with each major, set career goals and competencies they would like to develop, link their long-term goals with academic planning, and meet with faculty to help assist with their goals.

All classes prior to 5pm on March 4, 2025 will be canceled to ensure that students are able to attend this event.

Where do I check in?
–Students should check in at 9am in the Foss Center Atrium.

What is planned for the day?
–You’ll have the opportunity to attend workshops of your choice in the morning, and connect with Augsburg faculty in the afternoon. We encourage you to select the workshops that interest you prior to the event! Click for schedule: https://careers.augsburg.edu/career-exploration-day/

What if I’m not sure where to start?
–Feeling excited and maybe a little nervous about where to start as you think about Career Exploration Day? Don’t sweat it! We’ve got just the tool to empower you before our Career Exploration Day: Focus 2 Career. It’s your personalized roadmap to career success, packed with interactive assessments that help you uncover:
–Your unique interests, skills, and values
–Matching career paths and majors at Augsburg
–Actionable steps to explore your desired fields

First time using this tool? Follow the directions on this website to set up your account: https://careers.augsburg.edu/resources/focus-2-career-for-beginning-and-continuing-career-exploration/

Crafting Connections Staff Social

submitted by selinski@augsburg.edu

Take a break and join Graphic Designer and Staff Senate rep, Hayley Selinski, in the Marketing and Communications office for a fun and relaxing staff event! We’ll be getting creative with an easy and quick craft, enjoying some snacks, and connecting with coworkers in a casual, welcoming space. Questions? Email staffsenate@augsburg.edu

Please invite all of your Augsburg staff friends and join us in the Marketing and Communications Suite (Anderson Res Hall, Lower Level, Suite 25) from 1–3pm on Thursday, February 27.

Follow our calendar to stay updated on Staff Senate events!

Get Creative Work Published (with Joe Davis) – March 5

submitted by covalt@augsburg.edu

Thó Wiŋ Magazine will be hosting a publishing event on Wednesday, March 5th from 4-5pm in Hagfors 150B. Minneapolis-based poet Joe Davis will be leading a discussion on the publishing industry and what putting your art into the world looks like. Tea and brownies will be provided and attendees with have the opportunity to submit their work to Thó Wiŋ Magazine, as well as view what past issues of Augsburg’s official literary magazine have looked like.

If you are an author, poet, musician, or visual artist of any kind looking to get your work into the world, this event will contain valuable information on the processes of querying and publishing. We would love to see you all there! If you would like to attend, you can RSVP on Auggie Life: https://augsburg.campuslabs.com/engage/event/11096939

When: Wednesday, March 5th, 4-5pm
Where: Hagfors 150B

RSVP

Sverdrup Guest Lecture: “Leveraging EEG-Based Brain Measures to Identify Substance Abuse Risk”

submitted by yoon@augsburg.edu

Space is limited so please RSVP soon (https://tinyurl.com/EEG-Talk) to join the Psychology Department on Monday, 3/10 (10:30-11:30) for a talk by University of Minnesota Research Professor, Dr. Stephen Malone.

Over the course of 25 years, Dr. Malone has been an integral part of a unique program of research at the Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research aimed at better understanding substance use and abuse, its correlates, causes and consequences.

Dr. Malone, working with colleagues and students, has used EEG-related measures to uncover stable and predictive biomarkers of risk. In this talk, he will share some insights and discoveries from this work, offering a view of how brain activity can help us understand and predict substance use behaviors and substance-related problems. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from an expert in the field!

https://tinyurl.com/EEG-Talk

Submit Your Staff Appreciation Nomination

submitted by lenze@augsburg.edu

Hello from the Staff Senate!This year Augsburg Staff Senate will host an in-person Staff Appreciation Event on Wednesday March 26th from 3:00-4:30 p.m. in the Hoversten Chapel, Foss Hall.We are now accepting nominations to honor outstanding staff and outstanding newcomers at Augsburg. Nominations for the Outstanding Staff and Newcomer Awards are due no later than 5:00 p.m. on March 7, 2025. Nominations are welcomed from any current member of the campus community – staff, faculty, or students.The Staff Appreciation Program is intended to recognize staff members who have made an important contribution to the campus community over the past year. Recipients of the Outstanding Staff Award provide exceptional service to others, work collaboratively across divisions or departments, demonstrate a clear commitment to equity and inclusion, and enhance the objectives of their department and the mission of Augsburg University through creativity, innovation, and hard work.The Newcomer Award recognizes a staff person who has made a significant impact on campus life in a short amount of time. Staff who have been at Augsburg for two years or less (as of March 1, 2025) are eligible to receive this award.Staff Senate will award five Outstanding Staff awards and one Newcomer award during the in-person event on March 26th.

Click Here to Nominate an Outstanding Staff!

Interfaith Symposium – TOMORROW

submitted by truesmit@augsburg.edu

Join Us for the 2025 Interfaith Symposium on Thursday, February 27th at 11:00 am – noon in Hoversten Chapel. Class times will be adjusted to allow all students, faculty and staff to attend.

We are excited to welcome Valarie Kaur as the keynote speaker!

Speaker Bio: Valarie Kaur is a civil rights leader, lawyer, award-winning filmmaker, educator, and founder of the Revolutionary Love Project. Valarie became an activist when a Sikh father and family friend was the first person murdered in hate violence in the aftermath of 9/11. Since then, Valarie has led visionary campaigns to tell untold stories and change policy on issues ranging from hate crimes to digital freedom. Her work ignited a national movement to reclaim love as a force for justice. Today, the Revolutionary Love Project is seeding networked communities of practice across the country to build the beloved community. A daughter of Punjabi Sikh farmers in California, Valarie lifts up her vision for America in her acclaimed TED Talk and #1 LA Times Bestseller See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love. In Fall 2022, Valarie was honored at the White House in the first-ever Uniters Ceremony, recognizing her as a prophetic leader whose work is healing America. She is also the author of newly released Sage Warrior and children’s book World of Wonder.

For more information and to register visit: https://www.augsburg.edu/interfaith/about/interfaith-spring-symposium/
(Note – registration is required if you will attend virtually.)

Keeping Track of Auggies

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Classifieds

Pick-Up Girl Scout Cookies on Campus

submitted by hansonjl@augsburg.edu

Girl Scout Cookies can be picked up on campus! My daughter Eleanor, now a junior scout, asked me to share her cookie link. You can order for pickup, order to have them directly shipped to you, or use the link throughout the Cookie Sale to refill/stock-up.

Cookies are $6 a box. Cash or card accepted through the app and link.

To order now, use the link below. For campus pick-up, you can select “Have Girl Scout Eleanor deliver the cookies”. Please use your Augsburg email so we can follow-up.

Order Girl Scout Cookies