Friday, February 6, 2026

Index

Public Safety and Facilities Announcements

No Postings

Teaching and Learning

General Announcements

Event Announcements

Keeping Track of Auggies

No Postings

Classifieds

Public Safety and Facilities Announcements

No Postings

Teaching and Learning

CTL AI Workshop (February 10, Zoom): Start or Finish an AI-informed Assignment Update

submitted by yoon@augsburg.edu

CTL AI Workshop: Tues 02-10, 3:40–4:40 (Zoom)

This session is open to any faculty who want a quick, practical on-ramp. It supports both:
• Starters: begin an AI-informed update to one assignment
• Finishers: finalize and submit an existing update

Focus: make one assignment “AI-informed” with a clear AI policy, a short student disclosure, and two transparent verification options (no AI detectors).

RSVP (helps us plan breakouts): https://forms.gle/TGyFizXooAidSdvWA
Details and resources: go.augsburg.edu/aipilot

AI Workshop details + RSVP

URGO Phase 1 Application Due TODAY

submitted by philldal@augsburg.edu

Phase 1 applications are due Friday, February 6 at 11:59 PM. Now is the time to connect with faculty members to explore the research and creative projects happening in your department.

The URGO Summer Research & Creative Activity Program is an 11-week, on-campus experience (May 18–July 31) that supports students conducting research or creative work alongside a faculty mentor. Full-time participants (400 hours) receive a $6,000 stipend plus a housing discount, while half-time participants (200 hours) receive a $3,000 stipend and a housing discount.

URGO Summer Research & Creative Activity Assistantships
URGO also offers assistantships for students interested in working as research assistants on ongoing faculty projects. This option involves a 100-hour summer commitment and includes a $1,500 stipend. Assistantships are a great way to explore research for the first time or to contribute to a focused component of a larger project.

The Summer Research Info Packet and Phase 1 application are available on URGO’s website, linked below. For questions, contact urgo@augsburg.edu.

URGO Website

Attention All GenEd Course Instructors

submitted by denkinge@augsburg.edu

Our assessment of General Education courses is off to a great start after the first semester of the new GenEd curriculum. This spring, we’re asking all GenEd course instructors to complete the short, Moodle-based rubric assessment for each student in their course at the conclusion of the semester.

For those who are new to the process, the Assessment Committee is hosting two workshops during community time in the coming weeks. All adjunct instructors are eligible for a $25 stipend for participating in either workshop. We will record portions of the Zoom workshop to share with those who are unable to attend.

– Friday, February 13, 12:20 – 12:50pm in Oren Gateway Center room 100 (Lunch provided!)
– Monday, February 16, 12:20 – 12:50pm on Zoom

All instructors who complete their GenEd course assessment at the end of the semester will be entered into a drawing for one of ten $50 gift cards to local restaurants. The 10 winners from the Fall 2025 semester were randomly selected during the last Assessment Committee meeting and will be announced at next week’s faculty meeting and contacted via email!

Click here to RSVP for a session

Free Trip to Washington D.C. and U.S. Holocaust Museum – Apply Soon

submitted by devries@augsburg.edu

Eligibility: Sophomores and above with at least a 3.0 GPA

When: Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Application due: February 22, 2026 at 9 pm

What: MINNE means memory in Norwegian. MINNE also stands for Minnesota Norway Education Israel & Holocaust Fellowship. MINNE fellowships support college students beyond the Jewish faith as they gain in-depth knowledge of the Holocaust. Fellowship recipients travel to the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. with the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas (JCRC) and then have the opportunity to travel to Israel.

For more information and to apply: https://jewishminneapolis.org/minnesota-norway-education-minne-israel-holocaust-fellowships/

Important Dates:
• Deadline for application submissions is February 22, 2026 at 9 pm.
• Selected students will be notified of award by March 2, 2026.

General Announcements

Important W-2 Tax and Wage Statement Updates

submitted by vachta@augsburg.edu

UPDATE: CORRECTED W-2s NOW AVAILABLE
The errors previously identified in Batch #03776 (regarding Group Term Life insurance calculations) have been resolved. Corrected W-2s are now available in Batch #04214. Paper statements will be sent via mail, unless you have opted out. Please allow 7-10 days for delivery.

EMPLOYEES NOT IMPACTED
Errors were only identified on W-2s that include Group Term Life (GTL) insurance. Student employees, adjuncts, and employees at less than 0.75 FTE are not impacted. These individuals may use their Batch #03776 W-2 to file taxes and will not receive a corrected statement.

IF YOU HAVE NOT FILED YOUR TAXES
You are now Ready to File. Please log into the ADP portal and ensure you are using the W-2 from Batch #04214 to complete your tax return. Paper statements will be sent via mail, unless you have opted out. Please allow 7-10 days for delivery.
Important: Discard any previous versions of your 2025 W-2 from Batch #03776 to avoid reporting inaccuracies.

We appreciate your continued patience as we work to make this right. Please reach out to payroll@augsburg.edu with any questions.

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

2nd Annual Auggie Baby Shark Contest – Call for Submissions

submitted by crombie@augsburg.edu

The 2nd Annual Auggie Baby Shark entrepreneur contest is now open for submissions! Hosted annually by the School of Business, this competition invites students to explore their entrepreneurial potential, identify new opportunities, and apply their skills and knowledge to launch a business or social enterprise. Selected teams will compete for a share of $10,000 in prize money.

COMPETITION DETAILS:
– Individuals and teams consisting of one (1) to four (4) students
– Open to Augsburg undergraduate and graduate students with a valid student ID
– Eligible participants must be registered for the current semester
– Not limited to business majors; all academic schools/disciplines will be considered
– Business Ventures for students focused on more traditional commercial opportunities. These can be business-to-consumer, business-to-business, technology-based ventures, and are typically for-profit models.
– Social Ventures for students whose ventures are primarily focused on solving significant social problems – such as poverty alleviation, social injustice, and environmental sustainability – using entrepreneurial methods to craft innovative solutions that are effective and scalable. These can be non-profit, for-profit, or a mixture of both (hybrid models).

Deadline to submit your concept for consideration: Friday, April 10, 11:59pm.

For more information and to access submission materials, please visit the link below.

Baby Shark Submission Information

Muslim Students: Click Here to Answer Some Questions About Islamophobia

submitted by khanss@augsburg.edu

As-salamualaikum! My name is Sana Khan and I am currently a clinical psychology doctoral study student at Augsburg University. I am conducting a research study about how the mental health and religiosity of Muslim college students is impacted by Islamophobia and I would love to have you be a part of my study! The study will consist of an initial screener to make sure eligibility criteria is met and then scheduling an interview in which I ask you questions about your demographics and experience as a Muslim college student as related to Islam, religiosity, and Islamophobia. The interview should take approximately 25 minutes to 35 minutes to complete. To thank you for your participation, upon completion of your interview, there will be an option at the end for you to enter your information to receive a $10 Visa gift card. If you are interested in participating, please contact me at my email listed below. I appreciate you taking time to consider being a part of my project. Please contact Sana Khan at khanss@augsburg.edu to determine eligibility.

Donate Professional Clothing to Support Augsburg Students

submitted by mendezm@augsburg.edu

Help Augsburg students put their best foot forward in interviews, internships, and professional events! The Strommen Center is collecting gently used business professional clothing to expand our Career Closet.

We’re looking for items in good condition (no holes, stains, or excessive wear), including:

– Collared shirts & blouses
– Suits & blazers
– Dresses & pencil skirts
– Dress pants & slacks
– Dress shoes
– Other accessories (belts, ties, scarves, etc.)
– Hangars

Drop-off location: Strommen Center for Meaningful Work (Christensen Center, Suite 100)
Drop-off hours: Monday–Friday, 10am – 3pm.

Your donation will help Augsburg students feel confident and prepared for their next professional opportunity. Thank you for supporting our Auggie community!

Auggie’s Path Tunnel and Skyway System Quiz

submitted by selinski@augsburg.edu

Think you know your way around campus? Staff Senate wants to test your knowledge of Augsburg’s tunnels and skyways with our Auggie’s Path Tunnel & Skyway System Quiz! From familiar hallways to the fastest fully indoor paths between buildings, this quick multiple-choice quiz will test your knowledge and help you discover smarter, warmer, and easier ways to navigate campus! Whether you’re a student, staff member, or faculty, take the quiz, learn the routes, and start moving through campus the Auggie way!

Bonus: Individuals who score 8/10 or higher will be entered into a drawing for one of ten $10 gift cards to local neighborhood businesses! Drawing date: Monday, March 2. Winners will be contacted via their Augsburg email to coordinate receipt of their gift card.

Join Augsburg’s Staff Senate for a guided tour of Auggie’s Path on Thursday, February 19 at 12:30 PM meeting in the lobby of Urness/Mort—a great way to get to know the route and possibly pick up a few helpful hints that could come in handy for this quiz!

Take the Auggie’s Path Tunnel & Skyway System Quiz!

Event Announcements

Annual Plant Sale – February 12

submitted by vaneck@augsburg.edu

FALL IN LOVE WITH A NEW PLANT!
The Biology Dept. Greenhouse is holding its annual plant sale.

Date: Thursday, February 12
Time: 10 a.m. — 2 p.m. (or sold out)
Where: Lobby of the Christensen Center

We’ll have easy-care houseplants, cacti and succulents, and carnivorous plants! Stocks of the most desirable species are limited, so get there early!

Cash, PayPal or Venmo accepted. Plant prices start at just $5. Funds raised directly support greenhouse operations and allow us to grow and care for our special plant collections.

Plant Sale Flyer

This Week – Come See the Student Led Play: STATIC

submitted by gebbengn@augsburg.edu

STATIC
by Lucía Salazar-Davidson and Kyle Hayes
directed by Lucía Salazar-Davidson

Come see STATIC, Augsburg’s Winter 2026 Student Production! Tickets are pay-what-you-can, with a minimum donation of $1. There will also be merchandise and snacks for sale in the lobby, with all profits going to support Twin Cities Trans Mutual Aid!

February 5–7 | 7 p.m.
February 8 | 3 p.m.
Tjornhom-Nelson Theater, Foss Center

A day at the state fair changes everything.
But are we certain we know what we know?

Lewis Palmer, radio-wave surfer and UFO enthusiast, works hard on his family’s sunflower farm, and has no plans to ever leave it. Joan Palmer, his younger sibling, wants to escape their rural South Dakota town at any cost, desperate to come out as queer and live free of the expectations of a suffocatingly close-knit community. On the one-year anniversary of their parents’ mysterious and untimely death, tensions rise to a snapping point as they deal with nosey neighbors, preparations for the state fair, and radio interference.

STATIC, a tragicomedy written by students Lucía Salazar-Davidson and Kyle Hayes, explores what we do in irredeemably harmful situations. Can we stay? Should we escape? What happens to the ones we leave behind? Through various misadventures, devastating miscommunications, a dash of music, and a sprinkle of sci-fi flair, this play aims to explore these questions.

TICKETS

STEM Alumni Gathering on February 12

submitted by moralesj@augsburg.edu

All current STEM students are invited to attend the 3rd Annual STEM Alumni Gathering which will take place on Thursday, February 12th from 5-7pm in Hagfors 150.

STEM alumni will be back on campus to share their stories of life after Augsburg. The evening will include time for an alumni panel, discipline specific table conversations, and unstructured mingling. All current STEM students are invited to come bring their questions and learn from the experiences of our alumni guests.

Registration is required. All students interested in attending should complete this registration form https://forms.gle/NeegyPPxz3kchVn28 as soon as possible.

STEM Alumni Gathering Registration Form

We Need You – Call for Staff and Faculty Proposals: Career Exploration Day – March 3

submitted by carrigan@augsburg.edu

We are excited to invite staff and faculty to submit presentation proposals for Career Exploration Day on Tuesday, March 3. All classes will be cancelled between 12pm and 5pm.

This campus-wide initiative is designed to support students in exploring career paths, connecting academic experiences to real-world opportunities, and building confidence in their future goals.

Goals of Career Exploration Day include:

– Meaningful Career Exploration: Providing sessions that help students explore career fields aligned with their interests and values, while gaining insight into how academic pathways translate into professional opportunities.
– Building Career Competencies: Supporting the development of essential skills, confidence, and self-awareness, such as communication, critical thinking, self-advocacy, and decision-making through interactive and hands-on learning experiences.
– Showcasing Partners: Engaging academic departments, campus partners, and employers to connect their work, programs, and expertise directly to students’ career development and future pathways.

We welcome session proposals that align with one or more of these goals. Presentations may focus on career pathways, transferable skills, industry insights, professional identity, or experiential learning opportunities connected to your role or department. Sessions may be informational, interactive, or discussion-based, and offered individually or collaboratively.
Interested in presenting?

Can’t present?
– Please encourage students in your classes/offices to engage with Career Exploration Day! This may take the form of a classroom announcement, a nudge to a student group, building a classroom assignment around the day, offering extra credit, meeting as a class and attending that afternoon or other ideas.

Please complete this short form by Sunday, February 8th 11:59pm.
Proposal form listed below!
Thank you for your consideration, and we hope you’ll join us.

Career Exploration Day 2026 Proposals

Friday, February 13: Employer Tabling: Jovie

submitted by carrigan@augsburg.edu

Jovie serves Edina, Minneapolis, Bloomington, Hopkins and surrounding areas by providing reliable in-home child care. Whether you need full-time, part-time, after school, or weekend childcare services, we work with you through each step of hiring the right nanny or babysitter for your family. Our professional in-home nannies and sitters are vetted and trained for your family’s safety and security. Are you looking for work as a professional nanny or sitter? Jovie of Edina offers reliable nanny and babysitting jobs with full or part-time schedules. We provide support, training, and technology tools in rewarding jobs with children.

Employer Tabling: Jovie

Tuesday, February 10: Employer Tabling: Breakthrough Minneapolis at Blake

submitted by carrigan@augsburg.edu

Come meet a possible employer, Breakthrough Minneapolis at Blake, on Tuesday Feb. 10 in the Christensen Center Lobby from 12-2pm!

Breakthrough Minneapolis at Blake, is an educational nonprofit that partners with Americorp. Its overall mission is to launch high potential middle school students on the path to college, while also inspiring talented high school and college students to pursue careers in education.

Our Breakthrough summer teachers are creative, diverse, intelligent, and motivated. They represent many academic and personal backgrounds, but share a commitment to students and closing the opportunity gap.

Employer Tabling: Breakthrough Minneapolis at Blake

Come Hear Tara Mader Share Her Story

submitted by myers@augsburg.edu

How We Thrive
Stories of what it means to thrive – together.
Wednesday Feb 11 | 12:00 p.m. | Hoversten Chapel

Tara Mader joined the Kinesiology Department in 2018. She has a passion for teaching and mentoring students in STEM, embracing the learning that can come from experiences. Tara is also a founding member of the mindfulness team on campus, responsible for helping to bring Mindfulness Mondays to chapel each week. She champions the importance of self-care and taking time for rest and reflection. Her talk will focus on her own journey towards embracing smallness and the freedom it provides in our daily lives.

QIPOC General Meeting: Craft Night

submitted by kelleyf@augsburg.edu

Hi QIPOC family! To start our events this spring, we have a craft night for our general meeting on Wednesday, February 11th, from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm in the Lindell Library 301 meeting room. We will have supplies to make bracelets, collages, and to take and decorate Polaroid photos. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Hope to see you beautiful people there!

RSVP Here 🙂

Greenhouse First Friday – TODAY

submitted by vaneck@augsburg.edu

The Augsburg Biology Department’s rooftop greenhouse grows an appreciation for and deeper understanding of the plants of our planet. The greenhouse is open to the Augsburg campus community on the first Friday of every month this semester, from noon to 3pm. The Augsburg community is invited to come see what we’ve got growing on, enjoy the tropical atmosphere and marvel at hundreds of plant species from all over the world.

First Friday kicks off for 2026 today, February 6, 12pm—3pm. The greenhouse is located on the 4th floor of the Hagfors Center.

Stay updated on greenhouse activities by following us on Instagram!

Keeping Track of Auggies

No Postings

Classifieds

Disabled Student Looking for a Student PCA

submitted by dipaolaz@augsburg.edu

Hi, my name is Zander. I am a Senior, and I am 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 when my main PCA needs a day off or can’t make it that day for different reasons. 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. I will work with your schedule. You will schedule a time to come whenever it fits your schedule on a day my PCA can’t come. If you are interested in helping me out and scheduling an interview, contact me at (612)430-3233 or dipaolaz@augsburg.edu.