Monday, December 1, 2025

Index

Public Safety and Facilities Announcements

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Teaching and Learning

General Announcements

Event Announcements

Keeping Track of Auggies

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Classifieds

Public Safety and Facilities Announcements

No Postings

Teaching and Learning

AI-Informed Assignment Pilot: Quick-Start Workshop for SoNS/HSS Faculty (December 8)

submitted by yoon@augsburg.edu

Who: SoNS and HSS faculty
What: AI-Informed Assignment Quick-start workshop (update one existing assignment)
When/where: Monday, December 8, 3:30–4:30 p.m., Marshall Room
Details and sign-up: http://go.augsburg.edu/aipilot
Stipend: for each completed assignment update (up to two per faculty member)

Description
Are you teaching in SoNS or HSS and wondering how to set a clear AI policy for one assignment without redesigning your whole course?

This year Augsburg is piloting an AI-Informed Assignment project in the School of Natural Sciences (SoNS) and Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS). The pilot focuses on one concrete task: updating a single existing assignment so that your AI policy is transparent, students can briefly provide evidence of any AI use (if allowed), and compliance with that policy is gradable – all without the use of AI-detectors.
At the Quick-start workshop, please bring one existing assignment that could benefit from a clearer AI policy. By the end of the hour, you should have a solid draft of an “AI-informed assignment update,” plus a plan to finalize it in January or to apply the approach to another assignment.

To learn more or indicate interest, visit the pilot page at http://go.augsburg.edu/aipilot. The site links to a brief Overview and Starter Kit, and to a single Intake & Submission Form you can use to sign up for the workshop, request a consult, or request an optional pre-paid BoodleBox seat (a faculty-only AI tool). Participation in this round is limited to SoNS and HSS faculty.

AI-Informed Assignment Pilot overview and sign-up

Interested in Working with Young People? Consider a Youth Studies Minor Class This Spring

submitted by finka2@augsburg.edu

Youth Studies 220 (YST 220) will provide students with practical perspectives and experiences in work with children and youth from interdisciplinary perspectives. We will cover both theoretical frameworks for liberatory and culturally grounded work with youth and focused examinations of different types of youth work. Throughout the course, we will consider how our own positionality and experiences affect our engagements in work with youth and children.

The course is offered in Spring 2026 from 3:40-5:10PM on Tuesdays/Thursdays and is taught by Professor Kao Nou Moua.

Why a Youth Studies Minor?

This minor prepares you to work with and advocate for youth more effectively. You will develop knowledge and skills for working with young people from a variety of professions, including:

Teacher
Social Worker
Therapist
Nurse
Religious Leader
Scientist
Youth Program Coordinator

This minor can enrich many majors! This includes:

Social Work
Education
Psychology
Nursing
Sociology
Communications
Environmental Studies
Theater
Urban Studies
Critical Race and Ethnic Studies
Religion

Youth Studies Minor

General Announcements

Invitation to Participate in Research: Tinder Use and Mental Health Outcomes

submitted by bloyere@augsburg.edu

My name is Evan Bloyer, and I am a graduate student in the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology program here at Augsburg University. My clinical research project is understanding how Tinder use impacts mental health outcomes, particularly self-esteem and body esteem. I have received Augsburg University’s IRB approval and am able to collect data from eligible participants. To participate, please click on the link below. Email me at bloyere@augsburg.edu for any questions or concerns. If you participate, you will be eligible for a raffle for one of four $25 Amazon gift cards.

Mental Health Survey

Scam Email: Research Opportunity

submitted by musto@augsburg.edu

You may have received an email over the last few days about a research opportunity that references the Strommen Center or staff member Gina Musto. This email did not come from the Strommen Center or any of its staff. If you received this email, please mark it as spam and cease any communication you have had with the person emailing. If they ask for bank account information or other details; stop immediately – our office will never ask for this information and no employer will ask for this via email.

Keep in mind that any communication from our office with either come through Handshake or an augsburg.edu address. For more information on how to spot scam job opportunities, please visit our resource below.

Identifying Fraudulent Job & Internship Posts Resource

All Employees: Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave (MN PFML) Acknowledgment

submitted by vachta@augsburg.edu

All employees will soon be receiving an official email request to acknowledge information regarding the Minnesota Paid Family & Medical Leave (MN PFML) program.

What to Expect
From: Augsburg Online Forms
Subject: Action Required: Minnesota Paid Leave (Effective Jan 1, 2026)

The email contains important compliance information about the new MN PFML program that is effective beginning January 1, 2026. Use the provided link to review benefits and payroll deductions under PFML and acknowledge receipt within 14 days.

Questions?
If you have any questions about the MN PFML program or the required acknowledgment process, please contact Human Resources hr@augsburg.edu or 612-330-1058

Learn about MN PFML

Welcome Rahfat Hussain (CFO)

submitted by rjohn@augsburg.edu

Please extend a warm welcome to Rahfat Hussain, who joins us today as chief financial officer for both Augsburg and Luther Seminary. Rahfat brings extensive higher education and non-profit financial leadership expertise, most recently serving as CFO at the Minnesota Historical Society. Prior to that position, he served for 17 years in various financial roles at the University of Minnesota, including being named the inaugural director of the Finance Operations Center, a centralized shared services operation for the university. We are grateful for our collaborative partnership with Luther Seminary and are thrilled to have found in Rahfat an experienced, energetic leader ready to step into the unique role of CFO for both institutions.

Welcome, Rahfat!

Invitation to Participate in Research: Tinder Use and Mental Health Outcomes

submitted by bloyere@augsburg.edu

My name is Evan Bloyer, and I am a graduate student in the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology program here at Augsburg University. My clinical research project is understanding how Tinder use impacts mental health outcomes, particularly self-esteem and body esteem. I have received Augsburg University’s IRB approval and am able to collect data from eligible participants. To participate, please click on the link below. Email me at bloyere@augsburg.edu for any questions or concerns. If you participate, you will be eligible for a raffle for one of four $25 Amazon gift cards.

Mental Health Survey

Event Announcements

TODAY – EPNI Finance Talk (Noon) and Screen Printing Workshop (6 pm)

submitted by gilmerje@augsburg.edu

Join the Sabo Center Community Engagement Council’s Community Changemakers and the East Phillips Neighborhood Institute in welcoming Daneil Colten Schmidt and Sean Lim to campus.

Daniel Colton Schmidt: Finance & Fundraising for Community Movements
Monday, December 1, Noon – 1:00pm
Oren Gateway Center, Room 100
Daniel writes grants and speaks with philanthropists and investors; while also striving to protect the neighborhood from predatory financial interests. He studied Ecological Economics at Hampshire College in Massachusetts.

Sean Lim: Movement Art Workshop – Screen-printing Posters
Monday, December 1, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Christensen Center, East Commons
Sean works with EPNI, Spill Paint Not Oil and other community groups & Movements to make art that draws attention to social and political problems. Learn how to screen print and bring a Campus Kitchen poster home!

Stay tuned for a call for project proposals with EPNI in December! Funding and support will be available for course engagements, events, campus projects and whatever else you might dream up with the amazing team of peeps who work with EPNI.

Visit https://linktr.ee/epnifarm to learn more about EPNI.

Learn more about Community Changemakers here: https://www.augsburg.edu/sabo/community-changemakers/

From Heart to Hands Benefit – Arts and Crafts Market at the MPLS American Indian Center December 6-7

submitted by gilmerje@augsburg.edu

Join us for two days of art, creativity, and celebration of local Indigenous artists and makers. The From Heart to Hands Arts & Crafts Market highlights handmade work rooted in culture, tradition, and contemporary expression. Whether you are looking to support local artists, find meaningful gifts, or simply spend time in community, we hope you will join us!

December 6th and 7th, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Minneapolis American Indian Center — Two Rivers Gallery
1530 E. Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN

This event supports and uplifts Indigenous artists connected to the American Indian Cultural Corridor and the broader community. Your presence and participation directly contribute to sustaining this work.

Happiness Gym at the Mixed Blood Theatre, Through December 7

submitted by gilmerje@augsburg.edu

The Mixed Blood Theatre cordially invites you and the Augsburg Community to attend our production of The Happiness Gym – A National New Play Network Rolling Premiere, based on an original concept by Ken Weitzman! Co-directed by Alejandro Tey and Mark Valdez. This production uses the tenets of positive psychology to craft exercises that engage the Twin Cities community in uses of good news, gratitude, and connection.

Link to register: https://mixedblood.com/the-happiness-gym/

Come to the Happiness Gym if:
You believe there is revolution in meaningful connection.
Need a break from the 24 hour news cycle.
Burnout threatens to pull you from the people and causes you care about.
You want to cultivate happiness using science!

PRICING
Free. Our work is guided by deep community engagement and rooted in Radical Hospitality. We eliminate barriers that prevent people from participating due to lack of resources, racism, physical accessibility, gender discrimination, or other barriers. Tickets are available at no cost to attendees.

Calling All Storytellers

submitted by starckl@augsburg.edu

Do you love hearing good stories? Do you have a poem to share? Are you looking for a creative arts break during the last week of classes?

Whether you come just to listen or to perform your work, we hope that you’ll join us for an open mic night in Sateren Auditorium on Wednesday, December 10th at 7pm. Hosted by the Narrative Arts Department of the Schwartz School of the Arts, this event will gather together creative writers, filmmakers, and performers for a cozy evening of inspiration and community.

If you’re interested in sharing your work at the event, please let us know via this Google form. If you’re still deciding–or just want to come to listen and applaud and have a snack or two–please mark your calendars for December 10th!

Sign up here!

Wednesday at 12:30: Focused Conversation with Paul Pribbenow and Paul Cerkvenik

submitted by farrisr@augsburg.edu

All faculty and staff are invited to the December Focused Conversation on Wednesday, December 3. Join President Paul Pribbenow and Minnesota Private College Council President Paul Cerkvenik for a conversation about how Augsburg engages public policy issues on behalf of our students and higher education.

December Focused Conversation: Public Policy Engagement
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
12:30–1:30 p.m.
Marshall Room or via Zoom

Please note that an earlier version of the Zoom registration showed the wrong time; some folks who registered early may have received an 11:30 calendar appointment. The Focused Conversation will begin at 12:30 p.m.

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

All Hands | Inside Augsburg (login required)

Courageous Voices: Immigrant Stories of Belonging and Strength

submitted by aljaffer@augsburg.edu

Please join us for Courageous Voices, an evening of storytelling and conversation that centers the gifts our immigrant and refugee communities bring to Minneapolis—language, culture, family networks, resilience, and hope at the Chapel of Augsburg. The program is led by Yacoub Aljaffery and presented in collaboration with the THRIVE program of education.

On this night, Areli will share her first-generation journey and the strength she draws from family, and Fadumo will reflect on moving from a refugee camp to a life of service and leadership. We’ll also hear from five high school students from Hiawatha Academies in a live panel—lifting up the assets they carry and the futures they are building.

This event is for everyone—students, staff, neighbors, and friends. Come to listen, learn, and celebrate the stories that shape our campus and our city.

When: Thursday, December 4, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Where: The Chapel

All are welcome! We will see you all there, inshallah!

Open House with Strommen Center This Wednesday

submitted by cliftonk@augsburg.edu

Staff Senate is bringing colleagues together by creating intimate opportunities to connect, collaborate, and discover the amazing work happening across our campus.

Our Next Open House is with the Strommen Center this Wednesday 12/3 from 10-11am.
Swing through for some treats and connect with each other and Strommen Staff.

Additional December Connecting Opportunities:
Our next monthly Brown Bag Lunch is December 9th at Noon in the Cafeteria.

Lindell Library Open House: Thursday, December 11 from 9:30 – 11:00am
Time to learn more about all the Library offers, especially before many take a break over the holidays. Be sure to leave with some reading recommendations (and books) too!

Keeping Track of Auggies

No Postings

Classifieds

PA Program Coffee Fundraiser: November 24–December 9

submitted by olsenkat@augsburg.edu

It’s that time of year – PA Program Holiday Coffee Fundraiser!

Support the PA Program, get yourself and your loved ones a gift, and help raise money for the St. Paul International Institute of Minnesota, which aids with job training and resources.

Sales goes now until December 9th.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/augsburg-university-physician-assistant-coffee-sale

Bags are 19.50 per 12 oz of Medium Roast regular or cold brew and available for pick up Dec 15-18 in the PA breakroom in the basement of Riverside Park Plaza.

Don’t want coffee, but want to support? We accept direct donations though the site! Share with any friends and family looking for a boost this winter.

Coffee Flyer

Vikes vs Commanders Tickets – Sunday, December 7

submitted by isaacson@augsburg.edu

Here’s your chance to see the Vikings and Commanders next Sunday, December 7th. Due to a holiday event conflict, I’ve got two tickets available for 12/07. Section 119, Row 38 Seats 3 and 4 on the main concourse end zone. Will sell for $250 total given the team’s struggles (face value is $170 each for this game). Tickets can be transferred electronically, email me at isaacson@augsburg.edu for details.