CWC Will Be Closed for Winter Break

submitted by phalp1@augsburg.edu

CWC is currently closed for Winter Break. We will be returning on January 20th when classes start. If you have questions, please contact Ellie Olson, director of CWC at eolson@augsburg.edu. **Email and phone message will only be checked periodically**

If you are in need of an urgent appointment or counseling, we have an After Hour Urgent Phone Counseling service available 24/7/365 days (just call 844-287-6962). It is a 24 hours phone service and free for all Augsburg students. We also have BetterMynd – a virtual therapy platform available. You can registered here: https://www.augsburg.edu/cwc/counseling/bettermynd/

Otherwise, you can visit our website for more crisis support: https://www.augsburg.edu/cwc/crisis-support/

Off campus, Walk-In Counseling Center is also available and free to use, please visit: https://walkin.org/join-counseling-now-by-phone-or-computer/

For self-help and referral, please visit: https://www.augsburg.edu/cwc/self-help/

No Package Delivery During Winter Break

submitted by longj@augsburg.edu

We will not have package deliveries during Winter Break. Shipping/Receiving will be open our regular hours (weekdays 10am to 3pm), but will not be delivering packages around campus. If you order supplies please come to Shipping/Receiving to pick up when you receive the email from us letting you know your package has come in.

We do not have storage space for a large number of packages and can only keep items for two weeks. Please let us know if you are expecting any perishable, temperature sensitive or living packages so arrangements can be made. We are not able to refrigerate packages in Shipping/Receiving. Please contact us if you need to make other arrangements, mailship@augsburg.edu. We will resume deliveries after Winter Break, 1/20/2026.

Central Services Hours during Winter Break

Closed 12/24/25, 12/25/25, 12/31/25 and 1/1/25

Copy Center: Weekdays 9am to 4pm
Mailroom: No public hours. Please stop into the Copy Center or email mailship@augsburg.edu if you have questions.

Shipping/Receiving: Weekdays 10am to 3pm, No package delivery during break.

Shipping/Receiving

Financial Aid Wins “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader” Holiday Competition

submitted by voravone@augsburg.edu

At the annual Augsburg Admissions office holiday party on Thursday, December 18th, a game of “Are you Smarter Than a Fifth Grader” was played between the Financial Aid office and the Admissions office. Competition became extremely intense and a slow motion capture camera was used to ensure fair judgement of the first contestant to hit the buzzer (the table).

At first, the Admissions Office was promising because of the sheer numbers they had over Financial Aid. After 18 agonizing questions, Financial Aid pulled ahead being 11-7. The last question was worth five points. In an amazing feat, the Financial Aid team showed their true power in knowledge and trampled over the Admissions team, ending on a high note of 16-7.

Congratulations to the champions of trivia of 2025: Financial Aid!!
Bragging rights for the year!

Call for Proposals: Sabo Community Changemakers and East Phillips Neighborhood Institute Projects

submitted by gilmerje@augsburg.edu

Over the last two months, the Sabo Center has hosted our inaugural Community Changemakers collaborators, the East Phillips Neighborhood Institute, for six talks and three workshops. We’re now inviting proposals from our campus community, including students, staff, and faculty, for collaborative projects with EPNI in the spring semester. Sabo Center staff will lead this work and provide support.

These projects work to build relationships with EPNI staff to share their knowledge and experience, and to provide experiential and community engaged learning experiences for our campus communities. Proposals may be organized around an event, course development, lesson plan, campus project or whatever else you might imagine.

Some examples for potential projects might include:

→ connecting a student group or class to work with Forest Hunt to revitalize the Indigenous Student Plot in the Community Garden
→ bringing Sean Lim to your class or student organization to collaboratively plan and complete an art project (banner, screen prints, stickers, buttons) around an issue or event
→ invite Kieran Morris to class to talk about the uses and importance of community gardens and urban farms for building and sustaining communities
→ work with EPNI and Sabo Staff to develop a new course or lesson plan

Applications will be accepted until Friday, January 2nd. Please submit your proposal using the short Google Form linked below or email Jenean Gilmer to discuss your ideas. Reach out with any questions or concerns to gilmerje@augsburg.edu.

Google Form for project proposals: https://forms.gle/iTzetmGn6bjQEpiu5

Read more about the East Phillips Neighborhood Institute (https://linktr.ee/epnifarm) and Community Changemakers (https://www.augsburg.edu/sabo/community-changemakers/).

Supporting Cedar-Riverside and the Twin Cities

submitted by gilmerje@augsburg.edu

Please fill out this short Google (https://forms.gle/ERKpZ9voyvVYjrPJ8) to let us know your interest and availability to provide support for community members on campus and in our neighborhood. This is a mutual aid project led by the Sabo Center at Augsburg University. The Sabo Center is in relationship with organizational partners in Cedar-Riverside and works to connect our campus to the neighborhoods we’re a part of to provide learning opportunities and meaningful support to our partners.

TWIN CITIES AND OUTER RING SUBURBS: A coalition of groups has created this volunteer form which offers a bunch of ways to get involved, from delivering groceries to offering rides to ICE Watch to translation services and much more:
https://defend612.com/

MINNEAPOLIS: Donate to Senator Zaynab Mohamed’s Food Drive: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6oLQ_YltXc7R7UFNsoVuq8yq5AcP7UxGJy6y0hCc-ShX28w/viewform

LAKEVILLE: Drop off goods or donate to a church that is organizing food drop offs for ICE-affected folks. Ways to help in Lakeville:
– Drop off protein-focused donations in Lakeville (DM @kidspluscoffee for the address) – – Send a contribution via Venmo: Taylor-Durry (Every penny will be used to buy protein and essential items and receipts will be posted on @kidspluscoffee Instagram)

PRIOR LAKE: Donate to fundraisers for communities affected by ICE, like this one for a mosque that burned down in Prior Lake: https://www.launchgood.com/v4/campaign/respond_masjid_hamza_school_fire

Please reach out to Jenean Gilmer, gilmerje@augsburg.edu with any questions or concerns.

TODAY Is the Last Day: In-Store Book Return and Buybacks

submitted by leedoua@augsburg.edu

Today is the last day for on-campus buybacks and rental returns!

Date: December 15 – 19
Time: 9am – 4pm
Location: Campus Store
Not around? Sell and return online at augsburg.ecampus.com

PLEASE NOTE: Rental returns to Augsburg University Online Bookstore are due by December 26—drop them off with ease at the Campus Store.

Visit Online Bookstore

Inspiring Stories from Faculty and Staff

submitted by myers@augsburg.edu

A couple times a month we gather in the chapel at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesdays to hear a member of our community share a story about how they thrive, find meaning, and work for a better world. These are the How We Thrive talks, formally know as vocation chapels.

Below you will find a link to the talks that were given this fall semester. All of these were beautiful stories of hope, challenges, perseverance, and healing. If you are need of some inspiration, I encourage you to take a listen. These were our speakers:

Eve Christensen, September 24th.
Amy Cooper, October 22nd.
Yacoub Aljaffery, November 12th
Vanessa Marr, December 3rd

How We Thrive – Fall 2025

New Staff Positions This Week (2)

submitted by hr@augsburg.edu

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

12/15/2025: Senior Administrative Coordinator, Institutional Advancement
https://jobs.smartrecruiters.com/AugsburgUniversity-MinneapolisMN/744000098969195-senior-administrative-coordinator-institutional-advancement-
12/15/2025: Evening Public Safety Officer
https://jobs.smartrecruiters.com/AugsburgUniversity-MinneapolisMN/744000098967460-evening-public-safety-officer

Search Augsburg Job Postings

New Student Position: Student: Scene Shop Technician

submitted by hr@augsburg.edu

The Theater Department is seeking to hire student employees to serve as scene shop technicians for the academic year. Essential duties include, but are no limited to:

– Building and executing the construction and painting of the sets, installing lighting and sound for all theater department productions and events.
– This position requires some of physical work and the ability to lift at least 20 pounds.
– Training will be provided
– Students will fulfill a weekly schedule of 6-10 hours per week. There will be an ebb and flow of hours based around production schedules.

Work-study eligible students welcome.

Compensation and Benefits

– Rate of Pay: $15.97/hour
– Minnesota Sick and Safe Time
– Not eligible for health insurance benefits

View Job Posting

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

December 25 Vikings Tickets for Sale

submitted by isaacson@augsburg.edu

Have out of town family or football fan on your list and want to give them a unique gift? I’m selling our 2 tickets for the Vikings / Lions game at US Bank Stadium on 12/25 at 3:30 pm. Seats are in Section 138 Row 19 Seats 3 and 4. Asking face value: $199 each. Bonus: Snoop Dogg half-time concert! Email me with questions at isaacson@augsburg.edu

Submit a Nomination for SEED Coalition Civic and Community Engagement Awards

submitted by finka2@augsburg.edu

The SEED Coalition issues annual awards for community and civic engaged students, educators, and community partners. The Sabo Center is soliciting nominations for the following awards:

Student Civic Leadership Award (student): Recognizes a student or group who model civic responsibility and leadership through initiative, collaboration, and community building, integrating civic engagement into their college experience.

Civic Educator Award (staff or faculty): Recognizes a faculty or staff member who models civic responsibility by supporting students’ civic development and strengthening a culture of engagement on campus through their teaching, mentorship, or leadership.

Community Partner Award (community partner): Recognizes a community-based partner or organization that enriches both educational and community outcomes through sustained, reciprocal partnerships with a college or university.

Community Collaboration Award (student, staff, faculty, department, or community partner): Recognizes a project or initiative co-created by campus and community partners that showcases meaningful collaboration and exemplifies the campus’s civic and community engagement, contributing to both student learning and community well-being.

Individuals can self-nominate or be nominated by another person.

Nominations due February 1st, 2025.

Award Nomination Form

Announcing the Strommen Center Faculty Fellows

submitted by musto@augsburg.edu

We’re excited to announce the six faculty members who will be joining us in January for the Faculty Fellowship. These faculty members were nominated by the school directors, department chairs, and their colleagues across campus. Please congratulate them and keep an eye out for Days in May when our fellows will be presenting their work!

The fellows are:
Gabriella Amberchan; Chemistry
Nimanthi Atukorala; Computer Science and Data Science
Jeffery Clement; MIS
Kaamil Haider; Art & Design
Melissa Hensley; Social Work
Amy Nelson; Nursing
Shayna Sheinfeld; Religion

Faculty accepted but unable to join this cohort:
Mallory Alekna; Music, Human Development, and Learning

Learn more about the Strommen Faculty Fellowship

TRIO Student Support Services Accepting Applications for Spring 2026

submitted by rodrig@augsburg.edu

TRIO/SSS is pleased to announce that we are accepting applications for the Spring 2026 semester.

All Augsburg TRIO/SSS participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents or refugees pursuing their first bachelor’s degree. Participants must be incoming or currently enrolled Augsburg students. All program participants must demonstrate academic need for program services and meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Low-income student: a student whose family meets federal income eligibility guidelines, as verified by Augsburg.

• First-generation college student: a student where neither custodial parent/guardian has graduated from a four-year institution at the time of the student’s enrollment in the TRIO/SSS program.

• College student with documented disability, as verified by the CLASS office.

Students must also have a commitment to their college success. Applications will be available until January 15, or until the program is full. Space is limited. Priority will be given to first year students and transfer students.

Questions? Email triosss@augsburg.edu or stop by our office in LIN 201

TRIO Student Support Services Website

Interested in Discussing Islamophobia? Click Here

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 45 minutes to an hour 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.

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

Faculty and Staff Holiday Party – TODAY

submitted by bergc2@augsburg.edu

Faculty and Staff Holiday Party
Thursday, December 18, 2025 | 3–5 p.m.
Hoversten Chapel | Foss Center

You are invited to attend the annual faculty and staff holiday party! Celebrate the completion of a successful semester and the holiday season with colleagues on campus. Light food and beverages will be provided.

If you need accommodations, please call the University Events department at 612.330.1104 or email events@augsburg.edu.

To support our community, please consider bringing nonperishable food or hygiene product donations for Campus Cupboard. A list of preferred/needed items is linked below.

Suggestions for donations to Campus Cupboard

Fulfill Gen Ed Requirements with Language Study

submitted by reinhard@augsburg.edu

Did you know that 9 out of 10 employers rely on employees with language skills other than English? Study a language to enhance your resume and your future.

As you finalize your registration plans for spring semester, keep these ideas in mind:

In the 2025 catalog, both SPA 111 and 112 fulfill EITHER Language & Oral Communication OR Local & Global Perspectives. Take 111 and 112 and you will complete both of these General Ed. requirements!

In the pre-2025 catalog, SPA 111 fulfills Modern Language 1 and SPA 112 completes Modern Language 2.

To see language classes offered in the spring semester, go to the Registrar’s site and search for Languages and Cross-Cultural Studies.

TRIO Student Support Services Accepting Applications for Spring 2026

submitted by rodrig@augsburg.edu

TRIO/SSS is pleased to announce that we are accepting applications for the Spring 2026 semester.

All Augsburg TRIO/SSS participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents or refugees pursuing their first bachelor’s degree. Participants must be incoming or currently enrolled Augsburg students. All program participants must demonstrate academic need for program services and meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Low-income student: a student whose family meets federal income eligibility guidelines, as verified by Augsburg.

• First-generation college student: a student where neither custodial parent/guardian has graduated from a four-year institution at the time of the student’s enrollment in the TRIO/SSS program.

• College student with documented disability, as verified by the CLASS office.

Students must also have a commitment to their college success. Applications will be available until January 15, or until the program is full. Space is limited. Priority will be given to first year students and transfer students.

Questions? Email triosss@augsburg.edu or stop by our office in LIN 201

TRIO Student Support Services Website

December 25 Vikings Tickets for Sale

submitted by isaacson@augsburg.edu

Have out of town family or football fan on your list and want to give them a unique gift? I’m selling our 2 tickets for the Vikings / Lions game at US Bank Stadium on 12/25 at 3:30 pm. Seats are in Section 138 Row 19 Seats 3 and 4. Asking face value: $199 each. Bonus: Snoop Dogg half-time concert! Email me with questions at isaacson@augsburg.edu

Announcing the Strommen Center Faculty Fellows

submitted by musto@augsburg.edu

We’re excited to announce the six faculty members who will be joining us in January for the Faculty Fellowship. These faculty members were nominated by the school directors, department chairs, and their colleagues across campus. Please congratulate them and keep an eye out for Days in May when our fellows will be presenting their work!

The fellows are:
Gabriella Amberchan; Chemistry
Nimanthi Atukorala; Computer Science and Data Science
Jeffery Clement; MIS
Kaamil Haider; Art & Design
Melissa Hensley; Social Work
Amy Nelson; Nursing
Shayna Sheinfeld; Religion

Faculty accepted but unable to join this cohort:
Mallory Alekna; Music, Human Development, and Learning

Learn more about the Strommen Faculty Fellowship

Reminder: On-Campus Textbook Buybacks and Rental Returns

submitted by leedoua@augsburg.edu

On-campus buybacks and rental returns is happening THIS WEEK!

Date: December 15 – 19
Time: 9am – 4pm
Location: Campus Store
Not around? Sell and return online at augsburg.ecampus.com

PLEASE NOTE: Rental returns to Augsburg University Online Bookstore are due by December 26—drop them off with ease at the Campus Store.

Visit Online Bookstore

Submit a Nomination for SEED Coalition Civic and Community Engagement Awards

submitted by finka2@augsburg.edu

The SEED Coalition issues annual awards for community and civic engaged students, educators, and community partners. The Sabo Center is soliciting nominations for the following awards:

Student Civic Leadership Award (student): Recognizes a student or group who model civic responsibility and leadership through initiative, collaboration, and community building, integrating civic engagement into their college experience.

Civic Educator Award (staff or faculty): Recognizes a faculty or staff member who models civic responsibility by supporting students’ civic development and strengthening a culture of engagement on campus through their teaching, mentorship, or leadership.

Community Partner Award (community partner): Recognizes a community-based partner or organization that enriches both educational and community outcomes through sustained, reciprocal partnerships with a college or university.

Community Collaboration Award (student, staff, faculty, department, or community partner): Recognizes a project or initiative co-created by campus and community partners that showcases meaningful collaboration and exemplifies the campus’s civic and community engagement, contributing to both student learning and community well-being.

Individuals can self-nominate or be nominated by another person.

Nominations due February 1st, 2025.

Award Nomination Form

Kavira Health – Primary and Urgent Care Webinar

submitted by vachta@augsburg.edu

Employees enrolled in Augsburg’s medical plans are eligible for free or low-cost primary and urgent care through Kavira Health.

Kavira Health is a membership-based primary and urgent care clinic that provides everyday medical care through both virtual visits and in-person home visits.

Haven’t explored all that Kavira offers yet? Or maybe you’re curious about how to make the most of your membership? Join a December 30-minute refresher webinar!

Tuesday, December 23, 9-9:30 AM
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_119bsEHZR7u1gH80cmemww

Join Kavira Webinar

New Staff Positions This Week (2)

submitted by hr@augsburg.edu

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

12/15/2025: Senior Administrative Coordinator, Institutional Advancement
https://jobs.smartrecruiters.com/AugsburgUniversity-MinneapolisMN/744000098969195-senior-administrative-coordinator-institutional-advancement-
12/15/2025: Evening Public Safety Officer
https://jobs.smartrecruiters.com/AugsburgUniversity-MinneapolisMN/744000098967460-evening-public-safety-officer

Search Augsburg Job Postings

Submit a Nomination for SEED Coalition Civic and Community Engagement Awards

submitted by finka2@augsburg.edu

The SEED Coalition issues annual awards for community and civic engaged students, educators, and community partners. The Sabo Center is soliciting nominations for the following awards:

Student Civic Leadership Award (student): Recognizes a student or group who model civic responsibility and leadership through initiative, collaboration, and community building, integrating civic engagement into their college experience.

Civic Educator Award (staff or faculty): Recognizes a faculty or staff member who models civic responsibility by supporting students’ civic development and strengthening a culture of engagement on campus through their teaching, mentorship, or leadership.

Community Partner Award (community partner): Recognizes a community-based partner or organization that enriches both educational and community outcomes through sustained, reciprocal partnerships with a college or university.

Community Collaboration Award (student, staff, faculty, department, or community partner): Recognizes a project or initiative co-created by campus and community partners that showcases meaningful collaboration and exemplifies the campus’s civic and community engagement, contributing to both student learning and community well-being.

Individuals can self-nominate or be nominated by another person.

Nominations due February 1st, 2025.

Award Nomination Form

Faculty and Staff Holiday Party – December 18

submitted by bergc2@augsburg.edu

Faculty and Staff Holiday Party
Thursday, December 18, 2025 | 3–5 p.m.
Hoversten Chapel | Foss Center

You are invited to attend the annual faculty and staff holiday party! Celebrate the completion of a successful semester and the holiday season with colleagues on campus. Light food and beverages will be provided.

If you need accommodations, please call the University Events department at 612.330.1104 or email events@augsburg.edu.

To support our community, please consider bringing nonperishable food or hygiene product donations for Campus Cupboard. A list of preferred/needed items is linked below.

Suggestions for Campus Cupboard donations

Open Mic Night – Thursday, December 18

submitted by starckl@augsburg.edu

Come mark the end of finals week with a warm and cozy evening of stories and poetry. All faculty, staff, and students are welcome to share their work, or simply to listen. (Participants will be limited to five minutes at most, so be sure to time yourself when practicing!)

We’ll be in Foss Theater at 5pm on Thursday, 12/18. There will be snacks!

Sign up here

Fulfill Gen Ed Requirements with Language Study

submitted by reinhard@augsburg.edu

Did you know that 9 out of 10 employers rely on employees with language skills other than English? Study a language to enhance your resume and your future.

As you finalize your registration plans for spring semester, keep these ideas in mind:

In the 2025 catalog, both SPA 111 and 112 fulfill EITHER Language & Oral Communication OR Local & Global Perspectives. Take 111 and 112 and you will complete both of these General Ed. requirements!

In the pre-2025 catalog, SPA 111 fulfills Modern Language 1 and SPA 112 completes Modern Language 2.

To see language classes offered in the spring semester, go to the Registrar’s site and search for Languages and Cross-Cultural Studies.

No Package Delivery During Winter Break

submitted by longj@augsburg.edu

We will not have package deliveries during Winter Break. Shipping/Receiving will be open our regular hours (weekdays 10am to 3pm), but will not be delivering packages around campus. If you order supplies please come to Shipping/Receiving to pick up when you receive the email from us letting you know your package has come in.

We do not have storage space for a large number of packages and can only keep items for two weeks. Please let us know if you are expecting any perishable, temperature sensitive or living packages so arrangements can be made. We are not able to refrigerate packages in Shipping/Receiving. Please contact us if you need to make other arrangements, mailship@augsburg.edu. We will resume deliveries after Winter Break, 1/20/2026.

Central Services Hours during Winter Break

Closed 12/24/25, 12/25/25, 12/31/25 and 1/1/25

Copy Center: Weekdays 9am to 4pm
Mailroom: No public hours. Please stop into the Copy Center or email mailship@augsburg.edu if you have questions.

Shipping/Receiving: Weekdays 10am to 3pm, No package delivery during break.

Shipping/Receiving

Save the Date for Commencement at US Bank Stadium: May 7, 2026

submitted by commencement@augsburg.edu

There will be one in-person commencement ceremony in 2026 (both undergraduate and graduate students) at US Bank Stadium. Students will be able to request tickets starting in February.

Thursday, May 7, 2026
US Bank Stadium
401 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55415

Please bookmark the commencement website, where you can find the latest updates, information, and FAQs. For information not found on the website, please contact commencement@augsburg.edu.

Visit the Augsburg commencement website.

Lindell Closed December 20 – January 4 for Winter Break

submitted by vanclev1@augsburg.edu

Lindell Library will be closed beginning Saturday December 20 through Sunday January 4 for winter break. Library hours are always visible at library.augsburg.edu/hours

If you have items that are due during this time, please try to return them on or before Friday, December 19 or email the library if you can’t: https://augsburg.libanswers.com/form?queue_id=7358.

Have a restful break!

Call for Proposals: Sabo Community Changemakers and East Phillips Neighborhood Institute Projects

submitted by gilmerje@augsburg.edu

Over the last two months, the Sabo Center has hosted our inaugural Community Changemakers collaborators, the East Phillips Neighborhood Institute, for six talks and three workshops. We’re now inviting proposals from our campus community, including students, staff, and faculty, for collaborative projects with EPNI in the spring semester. Sabo Center staff will lead this work and provide support.

These projects work to build relationships with EPNI staff to share their knowledge and experience, and to provide experiential and community engaged learning experiences for our campus communities. Proposals may be organized around an event, course development, lesson plan, campus project or whatever else you might imagine.

Some examples for potential projects might include:

→ connecting a student group or class to work with Forest Hunt to revitalize the Indigenous Student Plot in the Community Garden
→ bringing Sean Lim to your class or student organization to collaboratively plan and complete an art project (banner, screen prints, stickers, buttons) around an issue or event
→ invite Kieran Morris to class to talk about the uses and importance of community gardens and urban farms for building and sustaining communities
→ work with EPNI and Sabo Staff to develop a new course or lesson plan

Applications will be accepted until Friday, January 2nd. Please submit your proposal using the short Google Form linked below or email Jenean Gilmer to discuss your ideas. Reach out with any questions or concerns to gilmerje@augsburg.edu.

Google Form for project proposals: https://forms.gle/iTzetmGn6bjQEpiu5

Read more about the East Phillips Neighborhood Institute (https://linktr.ee/epnifarm) and Community Changemakers (https://www.augsburg.edu/sabo/community-changemakers/).

Supporting Cedar-Riverside and the Twin Cities

submitted by gilmerje@augsburg.edu

Please fill out this short Google (https://forms.gle/ERKpZ9voyvVYjrPJ8) to let us know your interest and availability to provide support for community members on campus and in our neighborhood. This is a mutual aid project led by the Sabo Center at Augsburg University. The Sabo Center is in relationship with organizational partners in Cedar-Riverside and works to connect our campus to the neighborhoods we’re a part of to provide learning opportunities and meaningful support to our partners.

TWIN CITIES AND OUTER RING SUBURBS: A coalition of groups has created this volunteer form which offers a bunch of ways to get involved, from delivering groceries to offering rides to ICE Watch to translation services and much more:
https://defend612.com/

MINNEAPOLIS: Donate to Senator Zaynab Mohamed’s Food Drive: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6oLQ_YltXc7R7UFNsoVuq8yq5AcP7UxGJy6y0hCc-ShX28w/viewform

LAKEVILLE: Drop off goods or donate to a church that is organizing food drop offs for ICE-affected folks. Ways to help in Lakeville:
– Drop off protein-focused donations in Lakeville (DM @kidspluscoffee for the address) – – Send a contribution via Venmo: Taylor-Durry (Every penny will be used to buy protein and essential items and receipts will be posted on @kidspluscoffee Instagram)

PRIOR LAKE: Donate to fundraisers for communities affected by ICE, like this one for a mosque that burned down in Prior Lake: https://www.launchgood.com/v4/campaign/respond_masjid_hamza_school_fire

Please reach out to Jenean Gilmer, gilmerje@augsburg.edu with any questions or concerns.

Inspiring Stories from Faculty and Staff

submitted by myers@augsburg.edu

A couple times a month we gather in the chapel at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesdays to hear a member of our community share a story about how they thrive, find meaning, and work for a better world. These are the How We Thrive talks, formally know as vocation chapels.

Below you will find a link to the talks that were given this fall semester. All of these were beautiful stories of hope, challenges, perseverance, and healing. If you are need of some inspiration, I encourage you to take a listen. These were our speakers:

Eve Christensen, September 24th.
Amy Cooper, October 22nd.
Yacoub Aljaffery, November 12th
Vanessa Marr, December 3rd

How We Thrive – Fall 2025

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

Submit a Nomination for SEED Coalition Civic and Community Engagement Awards

submitted by finka2@augsburg.edu

The SEED Coalition issues annual awards for community and civic engaged students, educators, and community partners. The Sabo Center is soliciting nominations for the following awards:

Student Civic Leadership Award (student): Recognizes a student or group who model civic responsibility and leadership through initiative, collaboration, and community building, integrating civic engagement into their college experience.

Civic Educator Award (staff or faculty): Recognizes a faculty or staff member who models civic responsibility by supporting students’ civic development and strengthening a culture of engagement on campus through their teaching, mentorship, or leadership.

Community Partner Award (community partner): Recognizes a community-based partner or organization that enriches both educational and community outcomes through sustained, reciprocal partnerships with a college or university.

Community Collaboration Award (student, staff, faculty, department, or community partner): Recognizes a project or initiative co-created by campus and community partners that showcases meaningful collaboration and exemplifies the campus’s civic and community engagement, contributing to both student learning and community well-being.

Individuals can self-nominate or be nominated by another person.

Nominations due February 1st, 2025.

Award Nomination Form

Faculty and Staff Holiday Party – December 18

submitted by bergc2@augsburg.edu

Faculty and Staff Holiday Party
Thursday, December 18, 2025 | 3–5 p.m.
Hoversten Chapel | Foss Center

You are invited to attend the annual faculty and staff holiday party! Celebrate the completion of a successful semester and the holiday season with colleagues on campus. Light food and beverages will be provided.

If you need accommodations, please call the University Events department at 612.330.1104 or email events@augsburg.edu.

To support our community, please consider bringing nonperishable food or hygiene product donations for Campus Cupboard. A list of preferred/needed items is linked below.

Suggestions for donations to Campus Cupboard

TRIO Student Support Services Accepting Applications for Spring 2026

submitted by rodrig@augsburg.edu

TRIO/SSS is pleased to announce that we are accepting applications for the Spring 2026 semester.

All Augsburg TRIO/SSS participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents or refugees pursuing their first bachelor’s degree. Participants must be incoming or currently enrolled Augsburg students. All program participants must demonstrate academic need for program services and meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Low-income student: a student whose family meets federal income eligibility guidelines, as verified by Augsburg.

• First-generation college student: a student where neither custodial parent/guardian has graduated from a four-year institution at the time of the student’s enrollment in the TRIO/SSS program.

• College student with documented disability, as verified by the CLASS office.

Students must also have a commitment to their college success. Applications will be available until January 15, or until the program is full. Space is limited. Priority will be given to first year students and transfer students.

Questions? Email triosss@augsburg.edu or stop by our office in LIN 201

TRIO Student Support Services Website

REMINDER: On-Campus Textbook Buybacks and Rental Returns

submitted by leedoua@augsburg.edu

On-campus buybacks and rental returns is happening THIS WEEK!

Date: December 15 – 19
Time: 9am – 4pm
Location: Campus Store
Not around? Sell and return online at augsburg.ecampus.com

REMINDER: Rental returns to Augsburg University Online Bookstore are due by December 26—drop them off with ease at the Campus Store.

Visit Online Bookstore

Fulfill Gen Ed Requirements with Language Study

submitted by reinhard@augsburg.edu

Did you know that 9 out of 10 employers rely on employees with language skills other than English? Study a language to enhance your resume and your future.

As you finalize your registration plans for spring semester, keep these ideas in mind:

In the 2025 catalog, both SPA 111 and 112 fulfill EITHER Language & Oral Communication OR Local & Global Perspectives. Take 111 and 112 and you will complete both of these General Ed. requirements!

In the pre-2025 catalog, SPA 111 fulfills Modern Language 1 and SPA 112 completes Modern Language 2.

To see language classes offered in the spring semester, go to the Registrar’s site and search for Languages and Cross-Cultural Studies.

Inspiring Stories from Faculty and Staff

submitted by myers@augsburg.edu

A couple times a month we gather in the chapel at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesdays to hear a member of our community share a story about how they thrive, find meaning, and work for a better world. These are the How We Thrive talks, formally know as vocation chapels.

Below you will find a link to the talks that were given this fall semester. All of these were beautiful stories of hope, challenges, perseverance, and healing. If you are need of some inspiration, I encourage you to take a listen. These were our speakers:

Eve Christensen, September 24th.
Amy Cooper, October 22nd.
Yacoub Aljaffery, November 12th
Vanessa Marr, December 3rd

How We Thrive – Fall 2025

No Package Delivery During Winter Break

submitted by longj@augsburg.edu

We will not have package deliveries during Winter Break. Shipping/Receiving will be open our regular hours (weekdays 10am to 3pm), but will not be delivering packages around campus. If you order supplies please come to Shipping/Receiving to pick up when you receive the email from us letting you know your package has come in.

We do not have storage space for a large number of packages and can only keep items for two weeks. Please let us know if you are expecting any perishable, temperature sensitive or living packages so arrangements can be made. We are not able to refrigerate packages in Shipping/Receiving. Please contact us if you need to make other arrangements, mailship@augsburg.edu. We will resume deliveries after Winter Break, 1/20/2026.

Central Services Hours during Winter Break

Closed 12/24/25, 12/25/25, 12/31/25 and 1/1/25

Copy Center: Weekdays 9am to 4pm
Mailroom: No public hours. Please stop into the Copy Center or email mailship@augsburg.edu if you have questions.

Shipping/Receiving: Weekdays 10am to 3pm, No package delivery during break.

Shipping/Receiving

Call for Proposals: Sabo Community Changemakers and East Phillips Neighborhood Institute Projects

submitted by gilmerje@augsburg.edu

Over the last two months, the Sabo Center has hosted our inaugural Community Changemakers collaborators, the East Phillips Neighborhood Institute, for six talks and three workshops with EPNI staff. We’re now inviting proposals from our campus community, including students, staff, and faculty, for projects to be completed in collaboration with EPNI in the spring semester.

These projects work to build relationships with EPNI staff and community members and bring their knowledge and experience to campus while providing experiential and community engaged learning experiences for our campus communities. Proposals may be organized around an event, course development, lesson plan, campus project or whatever else you might imagine.

Some examples for potential projects might include:

→ connecting a student group or class to work with Forest Hunt to revitalize the Indigenous Student Plot in the Community Garden
→ bringing Sean Lim to your class or student organization to collaboratively plan and complete an art project (banner, screen prints, stickers, buttons) around an issue or event
→ invite Kieran Morris to class to talk about the uses and importance of community gardens and urban farms for building and sustaining communities

Applications will be accepted until Friday, January 2nd. Please submit your proposal using this short Google Form or email Jenean Gilmer to discuss your ideas. You can find additional details in the form to submit proposals. Please reach out to Jenean with any questions or concerns at gilmerje@augsburg.edu.
Sabo Center staff manage the project with support from the Sabo Center Community Engagement Council. Questions can be directed to Jenean Gilmer, gilmerje@augsburg.edu.

Google Form for project proposals: https://forms.gle/iTzetmGn6bjQEpiu5

Read more about the East Phillips Neighborhood Institute (https://linktr.ee/epnifarm) and Community Changemakers (https://www.augsburg.edu/sabo/community-changemakers/).

Supporting Cedar-Riverside and the Twin Cities

submitted by gilmerje@augsburg.edu

Please fill out this short Google (https://forms.gle/ERKpZ9voyvVYjrPJ8) to let us know your interest and availability to provide support for community members on campus and in our neighborhood. This is a mutual aid project led by the Sabo Center at Augsburg University. The Sabo Center is in relationship with organizational partners in Cedar-Riverside and works to connect our campus to the neighborhoods we’re a part of to provide learning opportunities and meaningful support to our partners.

TWIN CITIES AND OUTER RING SUBURBS: A coalition of groups has created this volunteer form which offers a bunch of ways to get involved, from delivering groceries to offering rides to ICE Watch to translation services and much more:
https://defend612.com/

MINNEAPOLIS: Donate to Senator Zaynab Mohamed’s Food Drive: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc6oLQ_YltXc7R7UFNsoVuq8yq5AcP7UxGJy6y0hCc-ShX28w/viewform

LAKEVILLE: Drop off goods or donate to a church that is organizing food drop offs for ICE-affected folks. Ways to help in Lakeville:
– Drop off protein-focused donations in Lakeville (DM @kidspluscoffee for the address) – – Send a contribution via Venmo: Taylor-Durry (Every penny will be used to buy protein and essential items and receipts will be posted on @kidspluscoffee Instagram)

PRIOR LAKE: Donate to fundraisers for communities affected by ICE, like this one for a mosque that burned down in Prior Lake: https://www.launchgood.com/v4/campaign/respond_masjid_hamza_school_fire

Please reach out to Jenean Gilmer, gilmerje@augsburg.edu with any questions or concerns.

On-Campus Textbook Buybacks and Rental Returns

submitted by leedoua@augsburg.edu

The semester is winding down, and you should, too. On-campus buybacks and rental returns are here! No box. No label. No stress.

Date: December 15 – 19
Time: 9am – 4pm
Location: Campus Store
Not around? Sell and return online at augsburg.ecampus.com

REMINDER: Rental returns to Augsburg University Online Bookstore are due by December 26—drop them off with ease at the Campus Store.

Visit Online Bookstore

Faculty: Have You Tried Notebook LM Yet?

submitted by hadjiyanis@augsburg.edu

Dear Faculty,
We wish you well as you wrap up the semester. It is a busy time of year, so we wanted to share a couple of quick, high-impact ways to use NotebookLM, as a follow up to our introduction of the tool. We hope you take a moment to try them out!

1. Create Study Guides: Upload a dense reading and ask NotebookLM’s Studio feature to generate custom Flashcards or a full FAQ document for your students.

2. Audit Your Readings: Put all your course sources into one notebook and ask it to identify overlap between readings or highlight key debates for class discussion.

Here is an easy way to get started using Notebook LM:

Upload: Choose one long PDF or Google Doc you’re using in your next lesson.
Prompt: Use the chat to ask: “What are the five most essential points in this document?”
Save: Pin the response as a Note in your notebook to use as a quick prep summary.

For a complete overview of features and how to use the Studio mode for things like video overviews and reports, watch this guide: The Ultimate Guide to Google NotebookLM -All 2025 Updates

As always, feel free to reach out to one of us if you have any questions or have any exciting new examples of eLearning tools you’d like to share!

Your eLearning Team, Susan, Jad, Shane, Nathan

The Ultimate Guide to Google NotebookLM -All 2025 Updates

Fulfill Gen Ed Requirements with Language Study

submitted by reinhard@augsburg.edu

Did you know that 9 out of 10 employers rely on employees with language skills other than English? Study a language to enhance your resume and your future.

As you finalize your registration plans for spring semester, keep these ideas in mind:

In the 2025 catalog, both SPA 111 and 112 fulfill EITHER Language & Oral Communication OR Local & Global Perspectives. Take 111 and 112 and you will complete both of these General Ed. requirements!

In the pre-2025 catalog, SPA 111 fulfills Modern Language 1 and SPA 112 completes Modern Language 2.

To see language classes offered in the spring semester, go to the Registrar’s site and search for Languages and Cross-Cultural Studies.

TRIO Student Support Services Accepting Applications for Spring 2026

submitted by rodrig@augsburg.edu

TRIO/SSS is pleased to announce that we are accepting applications for the Spring 2026 semester.

All Augsburg TRIO/SSS participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents or refugees pursuing their first bachelor’s degree. Participants must be incoming or currently enrolled Augsburg students. All program participants must demonstrate academic need for program services and meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Low-income student: a student whose family meets federal income eligibility guidelines, as verified by Augsburg.

• First-generation college student: a student where neither custodial parent/guardian has graduated from a four-year institution at the time of the student’s enrollment in the TRIO/SSS program.

• College student with documented disability, as verified by the CLASS office.

Students must also have a commitment to their college success. Applications will be available until January 15, or until the program is full. Space is limited. Priority will be given to first year students and transfer students.

Questions? Email triosss@augsburg.edu or stop by our office in LIN 201

TRIO Student Support Services Website

Support Local Businesses

submitted by peacock@augsburg.edu

Small businesses in our neighborhood are hurting right now as many residents are afraid to leave their homes. These businesses need the support of the Augsburg community. Walk over the I-94 pedestrian bridge and enjoy coffee and pastries at Rebecca’s Bakery on Franklin Avenue. Cross Riverside Avenue and do some holiday shopping at Sisterhood Boutique for gently used clothing and accessories. Head down Riverside Avenue and enjoy a delicious meal at Oasis Mediterranean Grill, Dilla’s, Sagal, or any of the other terrific restaurants located in Cedar Riverside. For a list of Augsburg Local businesses, go to the link below.

Augsburg Local Businesses

Submit a Nomination for SEED Coalition Civic and Community Engagement Awards

submitted by finka2@augsburg.edu

The SEED Coalition issues annual awards for community and civic engaged students, educators, and community partners. The Sabo Center is soliciting nominations for the following awards:

Student Civic Leadership Award (student): Recognizes a student or group who model civic responsibility and leadership through initiative, collaboration, and community building, integrating civic engagement into their college experience.

Civic Educator Award (staff or faculty): Recognizes a faculty or staff member who models civic responsibility by supporting students’ civic development and strengthening a culture of engagement on campus through their teaching, mentorship, or leadership.

Community Partner Award (community partner): Recognizes a community-based partner or organization that enriches both educational and community outcomes through sustained, reciprocal partnerships with a college or university.

Community Collaboration Award (student, staff, faculty, department, or community partner): Recognizes a project or initiative co-created by campus and community partners that showcases meaningful collaboration and exemplifies the campus’s civic and community engagement, contributing to both student learning and community well-being.

Individuals can self-nominate or be nominated by another person.

Nominations due February 1st, 2025.

Award Nomination Form

Faculty and Staff Holiday Party – December 18

submitted by bergc2@augsburg.edu

Faculty and Staff Holiday Party
Thursday, December 18, 2025 | 3–5 p.m.
Hoversten Chapel | Foss Center

You are invited to attend the annual faculty and staff holiday party! Celebrate the completion of a successful semester and the holiday season with colleagues on campus. Light food and beverages will be provided.

If you need accommodations, please call the University Events department at 612.330.1104 or email events@augsburg.edu.

To support our community, please consider bringing nonperishable food or hygiene product donations for Campus Cupboard. A list of preferred/needed items is linked below.

Suggestions for donations for Campus Cupboard

TOMORROW: We Support Our Somali Neighbors Day of Action

submitted by gilmerje@augsburg.edu

Community Response Network Presents: We Support Our Somali Neighbors Day of Action. Dress for the weather. Prepare to support local businesses. Take the Lightrail to Cedar Exit. Limited parking available.

Saturday, December 13, 12-3 p.m.

Brian Coyle Neighborhood Center
420 15th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55454

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

Inspiring Stories from Faculty and Staff

submitted by myers@augsburg.edu

A couple times a month we gather in the chapel at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesdays to hear a member of our community share a story about how they thrive, find meaning, and work for a better world. These are the How We Thrive talks, formally know as vocation chapels.

Below you will find a link to the talks that were given this fall semester. All of these were beautiful stories of hope, challenges, perseverance, and healing. If you are need of some inspiration, I encourage you to take a listen. These were our speakers:

Eve Christensen, September 24th.
Amy Cooper, October 22nd.
Yacoub Aljaffery, November 12th
Vanessa Marr, December 3rd

How We Thrive – Fall 2025

Supporting Cedar-Riverside

submitted by gilmerje@augsburg.edu

Please fill out the short Google form linked below to let us know your interest and availability to provide support for community members on campus and in our neighborhood. This is a mutual aid project led by the Sabo Center at Augsburg University. The Sabo Center is in relationship with organizational partners in Cedar-Riverside and works to connect our campus to the neighborhoods we’re a part of to provide learning opportunities and meaningful support to our partners.

Please reach out to Jenean Gilmer, gilmerje@augsburg.edu with any questions or concerns.

Google Form

Fulfill Gen Ed Requirements with Language Study

submitted by reinhard@augsburg.edu

Did you know that 9 out of 10 employers rely on employees with language skills other than English? Study a language to enhance your resume and your future.

As you finalize your registration plans for spring semester, keep these ideas in mind:

In the 2025 catalog, both SPA 111 and 112 fulfill EITHER Language & Oral Communication OR Local & Global Perspectives. Take 111 and 112 and you will complete both of these General Ed. requirements!

In the pre-2025 catalog, SPA 111 fulfills Modern Language 1 and SPA 112 completes Modern Language 2.

To see language classes offered in the spring semester, go to the Registrar’s site and search for Languages and Cross-Cultural Studies.

Faculty and Staff Holiday Party – December 18

submitted by bergc2@augsburg.edu

Faculty and Staff Holiday Party
Thursday, December 18, 2025 | 3–5 p.m.
Hoversten Chapel | Foss Center

You are invited to attend the annual faculty and staff holiday party! Celebrate the completion of a successful semester and the holiday season with colleagues on campus. Light food and beverages will be provided.

If you need accommodations, please call the University Events department at 612.330.1104 or email events@augsburg.edu.

To support our community, please consider bringing nonperishable food or hygiene product donations for Campus Cupboard. A list of preferred/needed items is linked below.

Suggested donations for Campus Cupboard

TODAY: Meet Your Own Language: Discover the Hidden Side of How You Speak

submitted by aljaffer@augsburg.edu

You are warmly invited to join us for the ESL 320 Linguistics Final Project Showcase!

Date: Thursday, December 11
Time: 2:00–3:30 p.m.
Location: Hagfors Lobby

Students in ESL 320: Linguistics will be presenting and displaying their final projects. You’ll find engaging activities and informative displays on phonology, morphology, syntax, and language acquisition—projects designed not only to teach, but also to help you see your own language in new and thought-provoking ways.

All students, faculty, and staff are invited to stop by, show support for our ESL 320 students, and learn from their hard work and insight. Come walk around, ask questions, participate in activities, and celebrate our students as they thrive and share their learning with our community.

Inspiring Stories from Faculty and Staff

submitted by myers@augsburg.edu

A couple times a month we gather in the chapel at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesdays to hear a member of our community share a story about how they thrive, find meaning, and work for a better world. These are the How We Thrive talks, formally know as vocation chapels.

Below you will find a link to the talks that were given this fall semester. All of these were beautiful stories of hope, challenges, perseverance, and healing. If you are need of some inspiration, I encourage you to take a listen. These were our speakers:

Eve Christensen, September 24th.
Amy Cooper, October 22nd.
Yacoub Aljaffery, November 12th
Vanessa Marr, December 3rd

How We Thrive – Fall 2025

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

Submit a Nomination for SEED Coalition Civic and Community Engagement Awards

submitted by finka2@augsburg.edu

The SEED Coalition issues annual awards for community and civic engaged students, educators, and community partners. The Sabo Center is soliciting nominations for the following awards:

Student Civic Leadership Award (student): Recognizes a student or group who model civic responsibility and leadership through initiative, collaboration, and community building, integrating civic engagement into their college experience.

Civic Educator Award (staff or faculty): Recognizes a faculty or staff member who models civic responsibility by supporting students’ civic development and strengthening a culture of engagement on campus through their teaching, mentorship, or leadership.

Community Partner Award (community partner): Recognizes a community-based partner or organization that enriches both educational and community outcomes through sustained, reciprocal partnerships with a college or university.

Community Collaboration Award (student, staff, faculty, department, or community partner): Recognizes a project or initiative co-created by campus and community partners that showcases meaningful collaboration and exemplifies the campus’s civic and community engagement, contributing to both student learning and community well-being.

Individuals can self-nominate or be nominated by another person.

Nominations due February 1st, 2025.

Award Nomination Form

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

TRIO Student Support Services Accepting Applications for Spring 2026

submitted by rodrig@augsburg.edu

TRIO/SSS is pleased to announce that we are accepting applications for the Spring 2026 semester.

All Augsburg TRIO/SSS participants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents or refugees pursuing their first bachelor’s degree. Participants must be incoming or currently enrolled Augsburg students. All program participants must demonstrate academic need for program services and meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Low-income student: a student whose family meets federal income eligibility guidelines, as verified by Augsburg.

• First-generation college student: a student where neither custodial parent/guardian has graduated from a four-year institution at the time of the student’s enrollment in the TRIO/SSS program.

• College student with documented disability, as verified by the CLASS office.

Students must also have a commitment to their college success. Applications will be available until January 15, or until the program is full. Space is limited. Priority will be given to first year students and transfer students.

Questions? Email triosss@augsburg.edu or stop by our office in LIN 202

TRIO Student Support Services Website

The Annual Memorial Hall Soiree Is on: Thursday, December 11, 3:30-5 pm – All Invited

submitted by devries@augsburg.edu

In these dark days of December, it’s important to gather together. So please join us in Memorial Hall for the annual holiday soiree ~

Everyone welcome — Students, Staff, Faculty, Friends …

Thursday, December 11
3:30 – 5:00 pm

Memorial 111 and spilling into the surrounding hallways

Pizza, holiday snacks, and beverages provided

Sponsored by the first and second floor departments and programs of Memorial Hall: American Indian, First Nation, and Indigenous Studies; Critical Race and Ethnicity Studies; Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies; History; Political Science; and Social Work

On-Campus Textbook Buybacks and Rental Returns

submitted by leedoua@augsburg.edu

The semester is winding down, and you should, too. On-campus buybacks and rental returns are here! No box. No label. No stress.

Date: December 15 – 19
Time: 9am – 4pm
Location: Campus Store
Not around? Sell and return online at augsburg.ecampus.com

REMINDER: Rental returns to Augsburg University Online Bookstore are due by December 26—drop them off with ease at the Campus Store.

Visit Online Bookstore

Support Local Businesses

submitted by peacock@augsburg.edu

Small businesses in our neighborhood are hurting right now as many residents are afraid to leave their homes. These businesses need the support of the Augsburg community. Walk over the I-94 pedestrian bridge and enjoy coffee and pastries at Rebecca’s Bakery on Franklin Avenue. Cross Riverside Avenue and do some holiday shopping at Sisterhood Boutique for gently used clothing and accessories. Head down Riverside Avenue and enjoy a delicious meal at Oasis Mediterranean Grill, Dilla’s, Sagal, or any of the other terrific restaurants located in Cedar Riverside. For a list of Augsburg Local businesses, go to the link below.

Augsburg Local Businesses

TODAY: Holiday Cookies and Drop-in Advising at the Study Abroad Office

submitted by morgans1@augsburg.edu

Are you considering studying abroad? Or, are you already accepted to a program and you have questions? Please stop by the Study Abroad Office tomorrow from 10 am – 1 pm for our drop-in advising event! Come and ask your questions and grab a cookie and tea!

We look forward to seeing you tomorrow and stay warm.

New Staff Positions This Week (2)

submitted by hr@augsburg.edu

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

12/03/2025: Senior Administrative Coordinator, Institutional Advancement
https://jobs.smartrecruiters.com/AugsburgUniversity-MinneapolisMN/744000096873265-senior-administrative-coordinator-institutional-advancement-
12/03/2025: Academic Advisor
https://jobs.smartrecruiters.com/AugsburgUniversity-MinneapolisMN/744000096868125-academic-advisor

Search Augsburg Job Postings

New Student Positions This Week (2)

submitted by hr@augsburg.edu

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

12/04/2025: Student: CLASS/Groves Access Assistant, Academic Year 2025-26
https://jobs.smartrecruiters.com/AugsburgUniversity-MinneapolisMN/744000097066966-student-class-groves-access-assistant-academic-year-2025-26
12/02/2025: Student: Community Service Officer
https://jobs.smartrecruiters.com/AugsburgUniversity-MinneapolisMN/744000096701420-student-community-service-officer

Search Augsburg Job Postings

Supporting Cedar-Riverside

submitted by gilmerje@augsburg.edu

Please fill out this short Google form to let us know your interest and availability to provide support for community members on campus and in our neighborhood. This is a mutual aid project led by the Sabo Center at Augsburg University. The Sabo Center is in relationship with organizational partners in Cedar-Riverside and works to connect our campus to the neighborhoods we’re a part of to provide learning opportunities and meaningful support to our partners.

Please reach out to Jenean Gilmer, gilmerje@augsburg.edu with any questions or concerns.

Sisterhood Boutique Pop-Up Sale – December 10

submitted by peacock@augsburg.edu

Sisterhood Boutique, a social enterprise run by and for entrepreneurial young women from the Cedar Riverside neighborhood, will be on campus Wednesday, December 10th for a Pop-Up Sale. Browse their curated racks of affordable, stylish clothing and accessories in the Christensen Center Lobby from 11am-1pm. They will also be accepting donations of gently used clothing and accessories. The sale is presented by Augsburg Local, an effort to support locally owned businesses located close to campus.

Augsburg Local Businesses

New Staff Positions This Week (3)

submitted by hr@augsburg.edu

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

12/03/2025: Senior Administrative Coordinator, Institutional Advancement
https://jobs.smartrecruiters.com/AugsburgUniversity-MinneapolisMN/744000096873265-senior-administrative-coordinator-institutional-advancement-
12/03/2025: Academic Advisor
https://jobs.smartrecruiters.com/AugsburgUniversity-MinneapolisMN/744000096868125-academic-advisor
12/02/2025: Overnight Public Safety Officer
https://jobs.smartrecruiters.com/AugsburgUniversity-MinneapolisMN/744000096689509-overnight-public-safety-officer

Search Augsburg Job Postings

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

Submit a Nomination for SEED Coalition Civic and Community Engagement Awards

submitted by finka2@augsburg.edu

The SEED Coalition issues annual awards for community and civic engaged students, educators, and community partners. The Sabo Center is soliciting nominations for the following awards:

Student Civic Leadership Award (student): Recognizes a student or group who model civic responsibility and leadership through initiative, collaboration, and community building, integrating civic engagement into their college experience.

Civic Educator Award (staff or faculty): Recognizes a faculty or staff member who models civic responsibility by supporting students’ civic development and strengthening a culture of engagement on campus through their teaching, mentorship, or leadership.

Community Partner Award (community partner): Recognizes a community-based partner or organization that enriches both educational and community outcomes through sustained, reciprocal partnerships with a college or university.

Community Collaboration Award (student, staff, faculty, department, or community partner): Recognizes a project or initiative co-created by campus and community partners that showcases meaningful collaboration and exemplifies the campus’s civic and community engagement, contributing to both student learning and community well-being.

Individuals can self-nominate or be nominated by another person.

Nominations due February 1st, 2025.

Award Nomination Form

PA Program Coffe Fundraiser Last Day TODAY

submitted by olsenkat@augsburg.edu

LAST DAY!

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.

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.

Fundraiser Flyer

Faculty and Staff Holiday Party – December 18

submitted by bergc2@augsburg.edu

Faculty and Staff Holiday Party
Thursday, December 18, 2025 | 3–5 p.m.
Hoversten Chapel | Foss Center

You are invited to attend the annual faculty and staff holiday party! Celebrate the completion of a successful semester and the holiday season with colleagues on campus. Light food and beverages will be provided.

If you need accommodations, please call the University Events department at 612.330.1104 or email events@augsburg.edu.

To support our community, please consider bringing nonperishable food or hygiene product donations for Campus Cupboard. A list of preferred/needed items is linked below.

Suggested donations for Campus Cupboard

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

Staff Senate Happenings TODAY and Thursday

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.

Monthly Brown Bag Lunches:
Our next monthly lunch is tomorrow, December 9th at Noon in the Cafeteria. Join Us!

Next Up: Open House with Lindell Library

When: Thursday, 12/11 from 9:30 – 11
Where: Lindell Library Clubhouse (First Floor)

What to expect:
Complimentary donuts and refreshments
A firsthand look at latest improvements and enhancements
Optional behind-the-scenes tours of our archives (a rare peek into our collection!)
Don’t forget to make a reading plan for winter break!
We can’t wait to see you there!

Call for Proposals: Sabo Community Changemakers and East Phillips Neighborhood Institute Projects

submitted by gilmerje@augsburg.edu

Over the last two months, the Sabo Center has hosted our inaugural Community Changemakers collaborators, the East Phillips Neighborhood Institute, for six talks and three workshops with EPNI staff. We’re now inviting proposals from our campus community, including students, staff, and faculty, for projects to be completed in collaboration with EPNI in the spring semester.

These projects work to build relationships with EPNI staff and community members and bring their knowledge and experience to campus while providing experiential and community engaged learning experiences for our campus communities. Proposals may be organized around an event, course development, lesson plan, campus project or whatever else you might imagine.

Some examples for potential projects might include:

→ connecting a student group or class to work with Forest Hunt to revitalize the Indigenous Student Plot in the Community Garden
→ bringing Sean Lim to your class or student organization to collaboratively plan and complete an art project (banner, screen prints, stickers, buttons) around an issue or event
→ invite Kieran Morris to class to talk about the uses and importance of community gardens and urban farms for building and sustaining communities

Applications will be accepted until Friday, December 12th. Applicants will receive responses on Friday, December 19th. Please submit your proposal using the Google Form linked below or email Jenean Gilmer to discuss your ideas. You can find additional details in the form to submit proposals. Please reach out to Jenean with any questions or concerns at gilmerje@augsburg.edu.

Google Form for project proposals: https://forms.gle/iTzetmGn6bjQEpiu5

Read more about the East Phillips Neighborhood Institute (https://linktr.ee/epnifarm) and Community Changemakers (https://www.augsburg.edu/sabo/community-changemakers/).