Category: Public Safety and Facilities Announcements

Parking Permit Sales Date and Prices 2023-24

submitted by bierbaub@augsburg.edu

2023–24 PARKING PERMIT SALE DATES

Augsburg users will be able to buy a parking permit based on their academic or faculty/staff status on the following dates:

Tuesday, August 1, 2023
Faculty and staff (both full-time and part-time)
Adult undergraduate and graduate students
Seniors

Wednesday, August 2, 2023
Juniors

Thursday, August 3, 2023
Sophomores

Friday, August 4, 2023
First-year commuter students

PERMIT PRICES

Parking permit prices have remained the same as last year:

Student Resident: $195 semester/$390 year
Student Commuter: $179/$358
AU/Graduate: $61/$121
Adjunct Faculty or Part-Time Staff (below 0.5 FTE): $105/$210
Full-Time Faculty and Staff: $252/$504
Luther Underground: $470/$1,400
OGC Underground: $505/$1,515

Augsburg is moving to a virtual parking permit system with camera enforcement this fall. We expect this change to improve the parking experience on campus and enhance public safety. Please continue to watch A-mail for more details.

Parking on Campus

Attention Kia and Hyundai Owners

submitted by bierbaub@augsburg.edu

Attention Hyundai and Kia owners –

Augsburg has experienced a number of attempted and completed auto thefts on our campus. Almost all of these incidents involved either Kia or Hyundai vehicles. This is consistent with a trend that has been occurring within the City of Minneapolis as well as across the country. We strongly encourage owners of these makes of vehicles to take extra precautions. Use of a steering wheel lock or other anti- theft device is recommended. Such devices are available on-
line and at many auto part stores. We also suggest Hyundai and Kia owners check with their dealerships to see if there are any recalls or software upgrades available for their vehicle.

The incidents that have occurred on campus and in the surrounding community are under investigation by the Minneapolis Police. Augsburg Department of Public Safety continues to patrol the campus to both deter and detect criminal and/or suspicious activity. We urge anyone who observes suspicious behavior to contact us through Dispatch at 612-330-1717.

Attention Hyundai and Kia Owners

submitted by bierbaub@augsburg.edu

Augsburg has experienced a number of attempted and completed auto thefts on our campus. Almost all of these incidents involved either Kia or Hyundai vehicles. This is consistent with a trend that has been occurring within the City of Minneapolis as well as across the country. We strongly encourage owners of these makes of vehicles to take extra precautions. Use of a steering wheel lock or other anti- theft device is recommended. Such devices are available on-
line and at many auto part stores. We also suggest Hyundai and Kia owners check with their dealerships to see if there are any recalls or software upgrades available for their vehicle.

The incidents that have occurred on campus and in the surrounding community are under investigation by the Minneapolis Police. Augsburg Department of Public Safety continues to patrol the campus to both deter and detect criminal and/or suspicious activity. We urge anyone who observes suspicious behavior to contact us through Dispatch at 612-330-1717.

Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination No Longer Required for Students or Employees

submitted by farrisr@augsburg.edu

Following the end of the federal public health emergency for COVID-19, Augsburg no longer requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination for students or employees, effective June 1. While no longer required, the university strongly recommends that everyone stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines for their age group.

Students, faculty, and staff should also continue to complete the COVID-19 self-reporting form following a positive COVID-19 test or exposure to receive information and timelines for testing, isolation, and masking.

More information, including the self-reporting form, is available on the Outbreak Planning website.

Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination No Longer Required for Students or Employees

submitted by farrisr@augsburg.edu

Following the end of the federal public health emergency for COVID-19, Augsburg no longer requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination for students or employees, effective June 1. While no longer required, the university strongly recommends that everyone stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines for their age group.

Students, faculty, and staff should also continue to complete the COVID-19 self-reporting form following a positive COVID-19 test or exposure to receive information and timelines for testing, isolation, and masking.

More information, including the self-reporting form, is available on the Outbreak Planning website.

Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination No Longer Required for Students or Employees

submitted by farrisr@augsburg.edu

Following the end of the federal public health emergency for COVID-19, Augsburg no longer requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination for students or employees, effective June 1. While no longer required, the university strongly recommends that everyone stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines for their age group.

Students, faculty, and staff should also continue to complete the COVID-19 self-reporting form following a positive COVID-19 test or exposure to receive information and timelines for testing, isolation, and masking.

More information, including the self-reporting form, is available on the Outbreak Planning website.

Memorial Elevator Down for Repair

submitted by erchula@augsburg.edu

Late Thursday afternoon (May 18, 2023) the motor for the Memorial elevator burnt out rendering the elevator inoperable. Our elevator repair vendor has been out to look at the elevator and they have ordered a replacement motor, but there is currently no timeline for when the repairs will be completed.

In the meantime, the 2nd floor of Memorial is accessible via the Anderson Music Hall skyway (accessible from the Anderson Music Hall elevator). The 3rd floor will only be accessible via the stairs in Memorial until the elevator is repaired – please plan accordingly. If you need to move meetings to a more accessible space, please contact University Events for assistance in finding accessible rooms and reserving the space(s).

Steam Shutdown: TODAY

submitted by orchard@augsburg.edu

The steam shut down to repair the steam valves last week went very well and was successful. Unfortunately when the steam was turned back on another leak was identified in the Foss building. We have scheduled this repair with our mechanical contractor and Cordia, our steam supplier, for TODAY starting at 7 a.m. The shut down is anticipated to be from 4 to 6 hours to make the repair. This will affect the heat and hot water in all campus buildings except for OGC, Luther, and Hagfors Center.

If you have any questions please feel free to let Jim Orchard know at orchard@augsburg.edu.

Steam Shutdown: This Monday

submitted by orchard@augsburg.edu

The steam shut down to repair the steam valves this week went very well and was successful. Unfortunately when the steam was turned back on another leak was identified in the Foss building. The good news is that we are able to wait until after the students are gone to do the next shut down. We have scheduled this repair with our mechanical contractor and Cordia, our steam supplier, for Monday morning at 7 a.m. The shut down is anticipated to be from 4 to 6 hours to make the repair. This will affect the heat and hot water in all campus buildings except for OGC, Luther, and Hagfors Center.

If you have any questions please feel free to let Jim Orchard know at orchard@augsburg.edu.

TODAY – Heat and Hot Water Shut Off

submitted by rjohn@augsburg.edu

As previously communicated, this morning at 6 a.m., Augsburg shut off steam heat and hot water to much of campus in order to complete a needed steam valve repair in Urness Tower. This steam system shut off affects all buildings on campus EXCEPT Hagfors Center, Luther Hall, and Oren Gateway Center.

Below is a rough schedule of today’s repair timeline:
1) At 6 a.m. steam was shut off across the campus (except as noted above).
2) Our contractor is installing isolation valves in key locations on campus in order to restore steam to the portion of campus not affected by the valves in Urness. This will take approximately six hours.
3) Once the isolation valves are installed, steam will be restored to all buildings except Urness, Mortenson, Christensen, Old Main, and Anderson Residence Hall.
4) Our contractor will then replace the pressure valves in Urness, which they anticipate will take roughly another six hours. Once the valves are replaced, steam will be restored to the remaining campus buildings.

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate everyone’s efforts to accommodate this needed repair.

Heat and Hot Water Shut Off – MONDAY

Since early last week, we’ve had issues with the steam pressure valves in Urness Tower, which affects the hot water system in Urness, Mortensen Hall, Christensen Center, Old Main, and Anderson Residence Hall. We had hoped to delay scheduling the repair of this issue until after the end of the semester, but determined we need to be proactive because if the pressure valves fail to function, we would need to do an immediate shutdown of all heat and hot water on campus, with potentially a multi-day outage while we scheduled contractors for an emergency repair.

In order to repair the valves, our steam provider will need to shut off the steam system that provides heat and hot water to all buildings on campus except Hagfors Center, Luther Hall, and Oren Gateway Center. The buildings should maintain residual heat during the shut down, but students, faculty, and staff may want to plan to wear additional layers that day.

Below is a rough schedule of the repair timeline:
1) At 6 a.m. Monday, we will shut off the steam to the campus.
2) Our contractor will install isolation valves in key locations on campus in order to restore steam to the portion of campus not affected by the valves in Urness. This will take approximately six hours.
3) Once the isolation valves are installed, steam will be restored to all buildings except Urness, Mortenson, Christensen, Old Main, and Anderson Residence Hall.
4) Our contractor will then replace the pressure valves in Urness, which they anticipate will take roughly another six hours or so. Once the valves are replaced, steam will be restored to the remaining campus buildings.

Facilities Management has coordinated with several departments, including Residence Life, Dining, Athletics, and University Events, to plan ahead as much as possible for this needed repair. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate everyone’s efforts to accommodate this maintenance work.

Heat and Hot Water Shut Off Monday, April 24

submitted by rjohn@augsburg.edu

Since early last week, we’ve had issues with the steam pressure valves in Urness Tower, which affects the hot water system in Urness, Mortensen Hall, Christensen Center, Old Main, and Anderson Residence Hall. We had hoped to delay scheduling the repair of this issue until after the end of the semester, but determined we need to be proactive because if the pressure valves fail to function, we would need to do an immediate shutdown of all heat and hot water on campus, with potentially a multi-day outage while we scheduled contractors for an emergency repair.

In order to repair the valves, our steam provider will need to shut off the steam system that provides heat and hot water to all buildings on campus except Hagfors Center, Luther Hall, and Oren Gateway Center. The buildings should maintain residual heat during the shut down, but students, faculty, and staff may want to plan to wear additional layers that day.

Below is a rough schedule of the repair timeline:
1) At 6 a.m. Monday, we will shut off the steam to the campus.
2) Our contractor will install isolation valves in key locations on campus in order to restore steam to the portion of campus not affected by the valves in Urness. This will take approximately six hours.
3) Once the isolation valves are installed, steam will be restored to all buildings except Urness, Mortenson, Christensen, Old Main, and Anderson Residence Hall.
4) Our contractor will then replace the pressure valves in Urness, which they anticipate will take roughly another six hours or so. Once the valves are replaced, steam will be restored to the remaining campus buildings.

Facilities Management has coordinated with several departments, including Residence Life, Dining, Athletics, and University Events, to plan ahead as much as possible for this needed repair. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate everyone’s efforts to accommodate this maintenance work.

Dome Coming Down: Parking Impacts Tuesday–Wednesday

submitted by orchard@augsburg.edu

Spring is officially here: Augsburg’s dome is coming down this week. Contractors from Yeadon will be on campus Monday through Wednesday, April 17–19 to remove the dome and ready Edor Nelson Field for spring and summer use. Working with Augsburg Facilities and Athletic Facilities staff, crews will remove lighting and other fixtures on Monday, take the dome down on Tuesday, and re-install bleachers, wind screens, field pads, and goal posts on Wednesday. On-street parking on streets bordering the dome (Butler and 23rd) will be unavailable Tuesday, April 18, and Wednesday, April 19.

’Til Next Year, Dome

submitted by orchard@augsburg.edu

Spring is officially here: Augsburg’s dome is coming down next week. Contractors from Yeadon will be on campus Monday through Wednesday, April 17–19 to remove the dome and ready Edor Nelson Field for spring and summer use. Working with Augsburg Facilities and Athletic Facilities staff, crews will remove lighting and other fixtures on Monday, take the dome down on Tuesday, and re-install bleachers, wind screens, field pads, and goal posts on Wednesday. On-street parking on streets bordering the dome (Butler and 23rd) will be unavailable Tuesday, April 18, and Wednesday, April 19.

Why’s It So Hot in Here?

submitted by orchard@augsburg.edu

With temperatures reaching the 80s the past few days, many campus buildings have been uncomfortably warm this week. Unfortunately, when sudden hot weather arrives in spring, there isn’t an immediate way to switch from heating to cooling on campus. This transition is a multi-day process involving HVAC systems in buildings from very different eras, from Old Main to Hagfors.

We are currently targeting the week of April 24 to switch to cooling, pending temperatures at that time. The forecast for this weekend and next week involve significantly cooler and more seasonable temperatures. Thanks for your patience and understanding in the meantime.

Why’s It So Hot in Here?

submitted by orchard@augsburg.edu

With temperatures reaching the 80s the past few days, many campus buildings have been uncomfortably warm this week. Unfortunately, when sudden hot weather arrives in spring, there isn’t an immediate way to switch from heating to cooling on campus. This transition is a multi-day process involving HVAC systems in buildings from very different eras, from Old Main to Hagfors.

We are currently targeting the week of April 24 to switch to cooling, pending temperatures at that time. The forecast for this weekend and next week involve significantly cooler and more seasonable temperatures. Thanks for your patience and understanding in the meantime.

Priorities for Grounds and Street Maintenance This Spring

submitted by rjohn@augsburg.edu

This winter was harsh on the roadways and walkways in Minnesota, and Augsburg’s campus was no exception. Augsburg’s groundskeeping crew is now busy fixing potholes, repairing turf, treating ice spots, and cleaning up litter as the season’s snow melts. Read more about this team’s spring work on the Facilities Maintenance website (see link, below). ​​

Grounds Crew’s Priorities for Spring Campus Maintenance

Receiving Emails from MPS

submitted by bierbaub@augsburg.edu

Hello

Over the weekend, it appears a large number of Augsburg Fac/Staff members received emails from MPS about an expiring parking permit. If you did receive an email from MPS, please disregard it. Nobody’s permits are expiring. The emails were not generated by Augsburg’s Department of Public Safety.

DPS is currently in contact with MPS to see what exactly happened.

If you have any questions, please email parking@augsburg.edu.

Thanks

Virtual Classes and Operations Continue Today in Minneapolis and Rochester

submitted by rjohn@augsburg.edu

Classes and most campus operations remain virtual today, Thursday 2/23, in Minneapolis and Rochester because heavy snow and high winds are in the forecast. At this time, we expect normal operations to resume on Friday 2/24.

Students, please watch for communications from your instructors with more specific information or consult your course Moodle site for more details. Essential employees are advised to contact their supervisors with any questions. All other employees are encouraged to move meetings and work to a remote format.

For information on specific campus facilities, services and events, see the link below.

Also, this is a good time to sign up to receive campus emergency notifications if you haven’t already. Go to augsburg.edu/dps/emergency-preparedness/ for instructions.

Campus Facilities, Services, and Events Weather Updates

Virtual Classes and Operations Wednesday and Thursday in Minneapolis and Rochester

submitted by rjohn@augsburg.edu

Augsburg University has moved classes to a remote format today, Wednesday 2/22, and tomorrow, Thursday 2/23, and most operations will be virtual in Minneapolis and Rochester because heavy snow and high winds are in the forecast. At this time, we expect normal operations to resume on Friday 2/24.

Students, please watch for communications from your instructors with more specific information or consult your course Moodle site for more details. Essential employees are advised to contact their supervisors with any questions. Examples of essential services may include security, maintenance, residential and food service operations, and custodial services. All other employees are encouraged to move meetings and work to a remote format.

For information on specific campus facilities, services and events, see the link below.

Also, this is a good time to sign up to receive campus emergency notifications if you haven’t already. Go to augsburg.edu/dps/emergency-preparedness/ for instructions.

Campus Facilities, Services, and Events Weather Updates

More Information Regarding Last Thursday’s Emergency Notification

submitted by rjohn@augsburg.edu

On Thursday morning last week, the Augsburg Department of Public Safety sent a campus emergency notification reporting an armed suspect in the area of 25th and Riverside and informing students, faculty, and staff to avoid the area. DPS has posted a “Timely Notice” of the incident in compliance with the Clery Act (see the link below). The report notes that no weapon was found, no shots were fired, and no one was injured during this reported event.

If you did not receive any emergency notifications on Thursday, you should update your Emergency Notification registration:

Log into Inside Augsburg and click “Emergency Notification” in the left menu. You can add text and voice numbers as well as email addresses to receive future alerts.

Timely notice of February 9 incident

Auto Thefts on the Rise in Minneapolis 1st Precinct

submitted by erchula@augsburg.edu

In the first month of 2023 there have been 700 auto thefts, 33 car jackings and 260 thefts from motor vehicles in the Minneapolis 1st Precinct. Per the Minneapolis Police, many of these vehicles were stolen with a key or fob left in the vehicle, or when the vehicle was left running and unoccupied. Even for vehicles with fobs instead of keys, the vehicle can still be stolen and driven until it is shut off or runs out of gas.

You can help prevent auto thefts from occurring on our campus!
– Be aware of your surroundings
– Shut off your vehicle, lock the doors and take your key/fob with you – ALWAYS!
– Do not leave valuables, bags, backpacks, or similar items in plain view within your vehicle
– If possible, take extra measures to safe guard your vehicle(s), such as installing an alarm system or steering wheel locking device

By always following the tips above, even when using parking ramps or private garages, you reduce the risk of having your vehicle damaged or stolen.

Always report any suspicious activity immediately to the Department of Public Safety by calling 612-330-1717, or by using the Campus Shield safety app.

Building Access Pilot Feedback

submitted by erchula@augsburg.edu

For the Fall 2022 semester building access across campus was changed from having public access during typical business hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) to being on fob access only, which restricted public access to the majority of Augsburg facilities. This was a pilot program to see if limiting public access to Augsburg facilities affected the number of incidents reported on campus as well as the general feeling of safety on the Augsburg campus for our community. As we enter the second month of the Spring semester, the Department of Public Safety, along with the President’s Leadership Team and the Augsburg Space Committee will be reviewing data and community feedback to determine if it is in the best interest of Augsburg and our community to continue fob only access, revert to having public hours, or a mix of the two.

To that end, we are asking for more community feedback to include in our discussion. We would appreciate any feedback from all students, staff and faculty. What we are most interested in is how fob only access during the fall 2022 semester affected your academic studies/department work, has it had an impact on your view of safety/security on campus, and if it has created any hardships or issues for you and/or your guests. That being said, any and all feedback is welcome.

Please email any feedback directly to publicsafety@augsburg.edu.

Thank you, and stay safe!

Building Access Pilot Feedback

submitted by erchula@augsburg.edu

For the Fall 2022 semester building access across campus was changed from having public access during typical business hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) to being on fob access only, which restricted public access to the majority of Augsburg facilities. This was a pilot program to see if limiting public access to Augsburg facilities affected the number of incidents reported on campus as well as the general feeling of safety on the Augsburg campus for our community. As we enter the second month of the Spring semester, the Department of Public Safety, along with the President’s Leadership Team and the Augsburg Space Committee will be reviewing data and community feedback to determine if it is in the best interest of Augsburg and our community to continue fob only access, revert to having public hours, or a mix of the two.

To that end, we are asking for more community feedback to include in our discussion. We would appreciate any feedback from all students, staff and faculty. What we are most interested in is how fob only access during the fall 2022 semester affected your academic studies/department work, has it had an impact on your view of safety/security on campus, and if it has created any hardships or issues for you and/or your guests. That being said, any and all feedback is welcome.

Please email any feedback directly to publicsafety@augsburg.edu.

Thank you, and stay safe!

Building Access Pilot Feedback

submitted by erchula@augsburg.edu

For the Fall 2022 semester building access across campus was changed from having public access during typical business hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) to being on fob access only, which restricted public access to the majority of Augsburg facilities. This was a pilot program to see if limiting public access to Augsburg facilities affected the number of incidents reported on campus as well as the general feeling of safety on the Augsburg campus for our community. As we enter the second month of the Spring semester, the Department of Public Safety, along with the President’s Leadership Team and the Augsburg Space Committee will be reviewing data and community feedback to determine if it is in the best interest of Augsburg and our community to continue fob only access, revert to having public hours, or a mix of the two.

To that end, we are asking for more community feedback to include in our discussion. We would appreciate any feedback from all students, staff and faculty. What we are most interested in is how fob only access during the fall 2022 semester affected your academic studies/department work, has it had an impact on your view of safety/security on campus, and if it has created any hardships or issues for you and/or your guests. That being said, any and all feedback is welcome.

Please email any feedback directly to publicsafety@augsburg.edu.

Thank you, and stay safe!

Important: Minneapolis One-Sided Street Parking

submitted by bierbaub@augsburg.edu

Dear Fellow Auggies,

The City of Minneapolis announced today that starting Thursday, January 26 at 9:00 p.m., the streets of Minneapolis will be one-sided street parking until further notice. This is intended to keep city streets passable for emergency vehicles in light of the heavy snow accumulation this winter. Since many in our community park on the street, we want to make sure you are aware of this change and can plan appropriately.

From the City of Minneapolis announcement:

“When Winter Parking Restrictions begin tomorrow [Thursday], parking will be banned on the EVEN numbered side of non-Snow-Emergency routes until April 1, unless conditions allow the City to lift the ban earlier. Parking is allowed on Snow Emergency routes, parkways, and the ODD numbered side of non-Snow Emergency routes, unless otherwise posted. Drivers parking in Minneapolis must follow these Winter Parking Restrictions, or they could be ticketed and towed.”

Around Murphy Square, there are signs indicating which side is even or odd. More information is available in this story from KARE 11 and from the City of Minneapolis Winter Parking page.

If you have any questions concerning this news, feel free to email parking@augsburg.edu.

Drive safe everyone,

Branden Bierbaum

Plowing This Weekend: Clear Lot B by 10 p.m. Saturday

submitted by farrisr@augsburg.edu

This weekend, Facilities is planning on doing a significant amount of snow removal from the parking lots. One of the lots of concern is Lot B (behind Urness and Mortensen). To help make the process easier for the workers, Lot B is going to be shut down from Saturday, January 21, at 10 p.m. until Sunday, January 22, at 10 p.m.

This means that any vehicle in Lot B after 10 p.m. on Saturday may be subject to ticketing and/or towing to another lot at the owner’s expense. If you typically park your car in Lot B, you can park your vehicle in either Lot L or Lot D and won’t be ticketed.

If Lot B is finished before 10 p.m., there will be a mass email letting everyone know that the lot is open again.Please continue to monitor your email for any additional information.

Campus Map with Parking Lot Locations

Parking Lot Plowing This Weekend

submitted by farrisr@augsburg.edu

This weekend, Facilities is planning on doing a significant amount of snow removal from the parking lots. One of the lots of concern is Lot B (behind Urness and Mortensen). To help make the process easier for the workers, Lot B is going to be shut down from Saturday, January 21, at 10 p.m. until Sunday, January 22, at 10 p.m.

This means that any vehicle in Lot B after 10 p.m. on Saturday may be subject to ticketing and/or towing to another lot at the owner’s expense. If you typically park your car in Lot B, you can park your vehicle in either Lot L or Lot D and won’t be ticketed.

If Lot B is finished before 10 p.m., there will be a mass email letting everyone know that the lot is open again.Please continue to monitor your email for any additional information.

Campus Map with Parking Lot Locations

Holiday Building Hours

submitted by harri@augsburg.edu

On university-observed holidays, academic and administrative buildings will be locked with fob access turned off, except for essential staff and those who have been pre-approved. On non-holiday days, over break buildings will be accessible by fob during the regular building hours. Faculty and staff who need access to an academic/administrative building on the holiday should contact the Department of Public Safety. Resident students will continue to have access to their buildings as usual.
Augsburg University will observe the New Year holidays on these dates:
● Friday, December 30, 2023 (New Year’s Eve observed)
● Monday, January 2, 2023 (New Year’s Day observed)
For further detail on building hours over break please see Inside Augsburg.

Urness Hall Electrical Upgrades Continue Today

submitted by farrisr@augsburg.edu

This week, technicians will replace Urness Hall’s existing fuse boxes with circuit breakers—an upgrade that will modernize the current system and streamline electrical service going forward. From December 19–21, power will be shut off between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on three floors per day to complete these upgrades. The upgrades are scheduled for floors 1-3 on Monday, 4-6 on Tuesday, and 7-9 on Wednesday. Residence Life will communicate to any students on campus about the daily schedule.

Building Break Hours

submitted by harri@augsburg.edu

On university-observed holidays, academic and administrative buildings will be locked with fob access turned off, except for essential staff and those who have been pre-approved. On non-holiday days, over break buildings will be accessible by fob during the regular building hours. Faculty and staff who need access to an academic/administrative building on the holiday should contact the Department of Public Safety. Resident students will continue to have access to their buildings as usual.
Augsburg University will observe the Christmas and New Year holidays on these dates:
● Friday, December 23, 2022 (Christmas Eve observed)
● Monday, December 26, 2022 (Christmas Day observed)
● Friday, December 30, 2023 (New Year’s Eve observed)
● Monday, January 2, 2023 (New Year’s Day observed)
For further detail on building hours over break please see Inside Augsburg.

Urness Hall Electrical Upgrades Continue Today and Tomorrow

submitted by farrisr@augsburg.edu

This week, technicians are replacing Urness Hall’s existing fuse boxes with circuit breakers—an upgrade that will modernize the current system and streamline electrical service going forward. From December 19–21, power will be shut off between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on three floors per day to complete these upgrades. The upgrades are scheduled for floors 1-3 on Monday, 4-6 on Tuesday, and 7-9 on Wednesday. Residence Life will communicate to any students on campus about the daily schedule.

Urness Hall Electrical Upgrades This Week

submitted by farrisr@augsburg.edu

This week, technicians will replace Urness Hall’s existing fuse boxes with circuit breakers—an upgrade that will modernize the current system and streamline electrical service going forward. From December 19–21, power will be shut off between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on three floors per day to complete these upgrades. The upgrades will take place on floors 1-3 on Monday, 4-6 on Tuesday, and 7-9 on Wednesday. Residence Life will communicate to any students on campus about the daily schedule.

Augsburg Web Updates on December 22

submitted by singhj@augsburg.edu

On December 22, 2022, we will be performing a technical update to augsburg.edu. As a result, we are asking everyone to refrain from making any webpage updates on 12/22/2022. If you make updates on that day, they will need to be resubmitted on 12/23/2022 because the updates won’t carry over during the technical update. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Jasvir Singh, web manager, at singhj@augsburg.edu.

Urness Hall Electrical Upgrades, December 19–21

submitted by farrisr@augsburg.edu

Next week, technicians will replace Urness Hall’s existing fuse boxes with circuit breakers—an upgrade that will modernize the current system and streamline electrical service going forward. From December 19–21, power will be shut off between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on three floors per day to complete these upgrades. The upgrades will take place on floors 1-3 on Monday, 4-6 on Tuesday, and 7-9 on Wednesday. Residence Life will communicate to any students on campus about the daily schedule.

Urness Hall Electrical Upgrades, December 19–21

submitted by farrisr@augsburg.edu

Next week, technicians will replace Urness Hall’s existing fuse boxes with circuit breakers—an upgrade that will modernize the current system and streamline electrical service going forward. From December 19–21, power will be shut off between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on three floors per day to complete these upgrades. The upgrades will take place on floors 1-3 on Monday, 4-6 on Tuesday, and 7-9 on Wednesday. Residence Life will communicate to any students on campus about the daily schedule.

TODAY: Steam and Hot Water Shutoff, 8–10 a.m.

submitted by farrisr@augsburg.edu

This morning (December 12) steam and hot water will be briefly shut off for the majority of campus in order to repair a steam line in Si Melby Hall. The shutoff will begin at 8:00 a.m. Service will be restored when the repair is completed, no later than 10:00 a.m. Hagfors Center, Luther Hall, and Oren Gateway Center will not be affected.

Monday: Temporary Steam and Hot Water Shut Off

submitted by farrisr@augsburg.edu

On Monday, December 12, steam and hot water will be temporarily shut off for the majority of campus in order to repair a steam line in Si Melby Hall starting at 8:00 a.m.

Service will be restored when the repair is completed, no later than 10:00 a.m.

Hagfors Center, Luther Hall, and Oren Gateway Center will not be affected.

The Dome Returns

submitted by farrisr@augsburg.edu

Leaves are falling, birds are flying south, and it’s dark by 5:15 p.m. But the surest sign of winter arrives this week: Augsburg’s dome is going up.

Last week, athletic facilities staff undertook the multi-day process to convert Edor Nelson Field for winter use, taking down field pads, wind screens, goal posts, and the front section of the bleachers to be stored off-site until spring.

On Monday, the dome arrived in five pieces on flatbed trucks. Working with Augsburg facilities maintenance staff, installation crews from the manufacturer Yeadon will roll out each section on the field, secure the connections between them, and attach the dome doors (weather permitting).

After three days of prep and assembly, inflation only takes about three hours. Working around snow delays, the dome should be inflated later this week and open for use by Augsburg athletic teams, local leagues, and community members the week of November 21.

Facilities Blog

The Dome Returns

submitted by farrisr@augsburg.edu

Leaves are falling, birds are flying south, and it’s dark by 5:15 p.m. But the surest sign of winter arrives this week: Augsburg’s dome is going up.

Last week, athletic facilities staff undertook the multi-day process to convert Edor Nelson Field for winter use, taking down field pads, wind screens, goal posts, and the front section of the bleachers to be stored off-site until spring.

On Monday, the dome will arrive in five pieces on flatbed trucks. Street parking on Butler will not be available through Monday as cranes offload the dome sections. Working with Augsburg facilities maintenance staff, installation crews from the manufacturer Yeadon will roll out each section on the field, secure the connections between them, and attach the dome doors.

After three days of prep and assembly, inflation only takes about three hours. If the weather cooperates, the dome should be inflated by Wednesday night and open for use by Augsburg athletic teams, local leagues, and community members on November 21.

Facilities Blog

Christensen Center closing at 9 p.m. Thursday, October 27, and Wednesday, November 2

submitted by rjohn@augsburg.edu

Christensen Center will be closing for maintenance at 9 p.m. this evening, Thursday, Oct. 27, and again next week Wednesday, Nov. 2. Potential additional closures for follow-up work may be scheduled in Christensen in subsequent weeks. If building hours are affected by additional scheduled work, the adjusted building hours will be shared via A-mail. Facilities and University Events will coordinate these schedules in order not to disrupt events already planned in the building.

Christensen Center will reopen at its normal time tomorrow, Friday, Oct. 28, at 7 a.m.

Last Call to Clean Out Previous Memorial and Science Hall Offices

submitted by farrisr@augsburg.edu

The time has come to retrieve any remaining items that were left behind in Memorial Hall or Science Hall offices when Hagfors Center opened.

While the majority of moves were completed at the time, a few offices still contain books, equipment, and other objects belonging to their former occupants. Facilities will begin cleaning out and repurposing all spaces in these areas:

– Third floor of Memorial Hall
– Top two floors of Science Hall

If you want to retrieve anything that got left behind in the move to Hagfors, please do so by November 4, 2022. Contact DPS if you need help accessing an old office space.

Find more updates on the Facilities blog

Last Call to Clean Out Previous Memorial and Science Hall Offices

submitted by farrisr@augsburg.edu

The time has come to retrieve any remaining items that were left behind in Memorial Hall or Science Hall offices when Hagfors Center opened.

While the majority of moves were completed at the time, a few offices still contain books, equipment, and other objects belonging to their former occupants. Facilities will begin cleaning out and repurposing all spaces in these areas:

— Third floor of Memorial Hall
— Top two floors of Science Hall

If you want to retrieve anything that got left behind in the move to Hagfors, please do so by November 4, 2022. Contact DPS if you need help accessing an old office space.

Find more updates on the Facilities blog.

Last Call to Clean Out Previous Memorial and Science Hall Offices

submitted by farrisr@augsburg.edu

The time has come to retrieve any remaining items that were left behind in Memorial Hall or Science Hall offices when Hagfors Center opened.

While the majority of moves were completed at the time, a few offices still contain books, equipment, and other objects belonging to their former occupants. Facilities will begin cleaning out and repurposing all spaces in these areas:

– Third floor of Memorial Hall
– Top two floors of Science Hall

If you want to retrieve anything that got left behind in the move to Hagfors, please do so by November 4, 2022. Contact DPS if you need help accessing an old office space.

Get more updates on the Facilities blog

Last Call to Clean Out Previous Memorial and Science Hall Offices

submitted by farrisr@augsburg.edu

The time has come to retrieve any remaining items that were left behind in Memorial Hall or Science Hall offices when Hagfors Center opened.

While the majority of moves were completed at the time, a few offices still contain books, equipment, and other objects belonging to their former occupants. Facilities will begin cleaning out and repurposing all spaces in these areas:

– Third floor of Memorial Hall
– Top two floors of Science Hall

If you want to retrieve anything that got left behind in the move to Hagfors, please do so by November 4, 2022. Contact DPS if you need help accessing an old office space.

Facilities Management Blog

Parking Restrictions Friday (October 7)

submitted by bierbaub@augsburg.edu

Hello Everyone

On Friday (10/7), there is an All School Reunion taking place at Hagfors. With this event taking place, there will be some parking restrictions on 10/7. Please read through this very carefully:

1. By 3pm, all cars from 21st Ave & Lots D & A must be cleared
2. If any cars are in these spots by 3pm, they will be towed to Lot L at the owner’s expense. No exceptions
3. If you plan on attending the event, still park in Lot L. We are clearing the lots for those who are attending the event and not working with Augsburg as we are expecting quite a large turnout
4. There will continue to be A Mail postings and another email on Thursday with this information. We will also be posting ‘Warning Slips’ on cars in the lots. These Warnings aren’t actual violations and won’t be charged to your account.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email parking@augsburg.edu.

Have a good Homecoming week

Avoiding Ticketing and/or Being Towed

submitted by bierbaub@augsburg.edu

How to avoid getting ticketed and towed on campus

As an urban community, Augsburg continues to work hard to maintain ample and effective parking for our University. While embracing the city and urban environment, parking can be limited. Parking on Augsburg’s campus does require a valid Augsburg issued permit at all times your vehicle is parked in an Augsburg space/lot. Your permit must reflect the appropriate area you are parked in, or you may still be subject to ticketing and/or towing at your expense. Please take the time to look at our map of Augsburg’s Campus for locations of parking lots, and the type of permit required. If you bought a permit but haven’t picked it up yet, please go to the DPS Dispatch Center in the Urn/Mort lobby to retrieve it.

For additional information please email parking@augsburg.edu.

Ticketing Beginning Next Week

submitted by bierbaub@augsburg.edu

Starting on Monday (9/12), DPS will begin ticketing Lot B, 21st Ave & Underground Parking spaces. We will expand ticketing to the other lots once the additional Fac/Staff permits arrive (I just received confirmation that they were shipped last night and will be here early next week). If you have a temp Fac/Staff permit OR are on the ‘Waiting List’, you will not be ticketed since your vehicle is already in our system.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email parking@augsburg.edu.

Thanks

Faculty/Staff Parking Permits

submitted by parking@augsburg.edu

For faculty or staff who have not yet purchased a parking permit for the year:

At the moment, Public Safety has no supply of hanging Faculty/Staff parking tags. This does not mean we are out of available parking spaces, but it does mean we cannot process parking permit transactions until we receive a resupply of the tags because each transaction is associated with the unique code on each tag.

As a result, if you go to the Parking Services site (in the left menu on Inside Augsburg after you log in), it will report that all lots are sold out. It is not easy to reprogram that page, so please disregard that status for now and continue to park in the faculty/staff lots as needed. DPS has affirmed we will not ticket vehicles in the faculty/staff lots until we have a sufficient supply of permit tags and faculty and staff members have time to purchase their new permits. A new batch of 100 Faculty/Staff year permits will be shipped to Augsburg on September 9. Typically, it takes no more than a week for that shipment to arrive.

As soon as additional parking tags are available, we will load them into the Parking Services site and send a communication so staff and faculty can finalize their permit purchase. In the meantime, staff and faculty may email parking@augsburg.edu for a temporary, paper permit to use until the additional permit tags are available.

Shortage of Faculty/Staff Permits

submitted by bierbaub@augsburg.edu

Public Safety is currently experiencing a temporary shortage of Faculty/Staff parking tags. More tags have been ordered and are scheduled to arrive in early September. Until the new tags arrive those applying for parking privileges will be issued a temporary tag that will grant them the same access as the regular tag. If you’re on the waiting list, received temporary parking tags, or bought a fall permit but wanted a year, you will be contacted when the new tags arrive. We apologize for any inconvenience this temporary shortage may create. The current shortage of parking tags does not affect the number of available spaces.

Building Access Changes for the Fall ‘22 Semester

submitted by erchula@augsburg.edu

Beginning on Monday, August 29, all Augsburg Minneapolis Campus buildings will only be accessible by fob and will no longer be open to the public, with the exception of Christensen Center. This is a pilot program in response to a perceived increase of crime around campus as well as a couple of major incidents that occurred on campus during the Spring ‘22 semester. If you will be on the Minneapolis campus and do not currently have a fob, you can request a fob through the Access Request Form on the Public Safety website (link is below), or stop by the Public Safety office located in the Urness/Mortensen lobby for more urgent requests.

If you are hosting a public event on campus, let your University Events Coordinator know and they will work with Public Safety to adjust the appropriate building schedules. If you need a building to open to the public but are not working with University Events, email publicsafety@augsburg.edu with the requested date(s), time(s), and reason(s) for having the building open to the public.

The Department of Public Safety is also requesting feedback about the changes in building access and we will be reviewing the pilot throughout the Fall ‘22 semester. If you would like to provide feedback about the changes in building access, please email publicsafety@augsburg.edu and include “Building Access Feedback” in the subject line.

Access Request Form

Shortage of Faculty and Staff Permits

submitted by bierbaub@augsburg.edu

Public Safety is currently experiencing a temporary shortage of Faculty/Staff parking tags. More tags have been ordered and are scheduled to arrive in early September. Until the new tags arrive those applying for parking privileges will be issued a temporary tag that will grant them the same access as the regular tag. Those who receive temporary parking tags will be contacted when the new tags arrive. We apologize for any inconvenience this temporary shortage may create. The current shortage of parking tags does not affect the number of available spaces.

Facilities Updates: Many Moving Pieces as Fall Approaches

submitted by farrisr@augsburg.edu

As the start of the fall semester approaches, facilities, custodial, and maintenance staff are in full swing choreographing physical space needs on campus. Residence hall room turnovers are nearly complete as we transition between summer occupancy and fall move-in. Several office moves are also in progress, including updates to suite 23 in Anderson Hall lower level to house the Minnesota Urban Debate League team and an expansion of the Human Resources team into adjacent offices on the first floor of Memorial Hall. Electrical work in Christensen Center will begin soon to support new monitors in the Einstein Bagels space.

On the other side of campus, the lights will shine more brightly over Edor Nelson Field during evening athletic contests after a recent replacement. A new sound bar will follow later in the fall. Demo and construction have also begun on a project to expand the airlock entry for the athletic dome, which will facilitate entry for larger lifts to hang interior lights.

Find more campus updates on the Facilities blog.

Facilities Updates: Many Moving Pieces as Fall Approaches

submitted by farrisr@augsburg.edu

As the start of the fall semester approaches, facilities, custodial, and maintenance staff are in full swing choreographing physical space needs on campus. Residence hall room turnovers are nearly complete as we transition between summer occupancy and fall move-in. Several office moves are also in progress, including updates to suite 23 in Anderson Hall lower level to house the Minnesota Urban Debate League team and an expansion of the Human Resources team into adjacent offices on the first floor of Memorial Hall. Electrical work in Christensen Center will begin soon to support new monitors in the Einstein Bagels space.

On the other side of campus, the lights will shine more brightly over Edor Nelson Field during evening athletic contests after a recent replacement. A new sound bar will follow later in the fall. Demo and construction have also begun on a project to expand the airlock entry for the athletic dome, which will facilitate entry for larger lifts to hang interior lights.

Find more campus updates on the Facilities blog.

Advisory: Steam Lines Test Using Drones on Campus Tonight

submitted by farrisr@augsburg.edu

At approximately 10:30 p.m. tonight, Augsburg’s steam contractor will perform an infrared thermal test on the campus steam lines using drones. The test should take about 30 minutes, with drones flying 80–100 feet above campus. Permits are in place from the city to approve the use of drones. If you have any questions, please contact Facilities Management.

Facilities Updates: Locker Rooms and Light Bulbs

submitted by farrisr@augsburg.edu

In a fitting upgrade for the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the women’s locker room remodel in Si Melby Hall should be completed by the beginning of the academic year. The renovation includes much-needed improvements to the shower and toilet facilities, and each of Augsburg’s 12 women’s teams will have their own year-round team room going forward. The women’s locker room was constructed in 1979 in what was formerly a dirt-floor batting cage known as “the pit.” Prior to that time, the women’s teams used the men’s visiting team locker room. (Learn more and check out throwback images in Lindell Library’s women’s athletic archive: https://www.augsburg.edu/now/2019/04/22/womens-athletics-archive-nears-the-finish-line/)

On the sustainability front, the extensive project to install LED light bulbs and fixtures across campus is also nearing completion. These minor-seeming changes make a big difference. Along with upgrades to our HVAC equipment, improvements in energy efficiency mean that we will consume less electricity than we purchase from our solar partners going forward. We expect to receive annual refunds from Xcel Energy as a result. These anticipated refunds will not only cover the cost of the lighting and HVAC upgrades themselves—they’ll also pay for the new dome and turf on the athletic field.

Find more campus updates on the Facilities blog.

Facilities Updates: Locker Rooms and Light Bulbs

submitted by farrisr@augsburg.edu

In a fitting upgrade for the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the women’s locker room remodel in Si Melby Hall should be completed by the beginning of the academic year. The renovation includes much-needed improvements to the shower and toilet facilities, and each of Augsburg’s 12 women’s teams will have their own year-round team room going forward. The women’s locker room was constructed in 1979 in what was formerly a dirt-floor batting cage known as “the pit.” Prior to that time, the women’s teams used the men’s visiting team locker room. (Learn more and check out throwback images in Lindell Library’s women’s athletic archive: https://www.augsburg.edu/now/2019/04/22/womens-athletics-archive-nears-the-finish-line/)

On the sustainability front, the extensive project to install LED light bulbs and fixtures across campus is also nearing completion. These minor-seeming changes make a big difference. Along with upgrades to our HVAC equipment, improvements in energy efficiency mean that we will consume less electricity than we purchase from our solar partners going forward. We expect to receive annual refunds from Xcel Energy as a result. These anticipated refunds will not only cover the cost of the lighting and HVAC upgrades themselves—they’ll also pay for the new dome and turf on the athletic field.

Find more campus updates on the Facilities blog.

New Leadership Roles in Public Safety

submitted by rjohn@augsburg.edu

I am pleased to announce two new leadership roles in the Department of Public Safety.

First, Bob Harri joined Augsburg University this week as Director of Public Safety. Bob brings more than 25 years of experience in higher education and public sector safety. He has served as director of public safety at St. Catherine University and, most recently, at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Bob is committed to education, student engagement, and fostering a community of safety. He has taught safety and security in elementary school programs and college-level courses, and served for nearly a decade as an elected member of the public school board in Montrose, Minnesota. Bob has a bachelor’s degree from Moorhead State University and a master’s degree in criminal justice from Concordia University, St. Paul.

With Bob’s arrival, Tony Erchul has taken on a new position as Public Safety Policy and Training Manager. In this new role, Tony is responsible for public policy development for DPS as well as for the institution overall. He will organize and manage a professional training plan for all public safety staff, as well as assist in ensuring training related to work and personal safety, crime prevention, and emergency procedures for students, staff, and faculty across the university.

I am excited to have such strong public safety leadership in DPS and for the university overall. Please join me in welcoming Bob and congratulating Tony on his new role.

Facilities Updates: Locker Rooms and Light Bulbs

submitted by farrisr@augsburg.edu

In a fitting upgrade for the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the women’s locker room remodel in Si Melby Hall should be completed by the beginning of the academic year. The renovation includes much-needed improvements to the shower and toilet facilities, and each of Augsburg’s 12 women’s teams will have their own year-round team room going forward. The women’s locker room was constructed in 1979 in what was formerly a dirt-floor batting cage known as “the pit.” Prior to that time, the women’s teams used the men’s visiting team locker room. (Learn more and check out throwback images in Lindell Library’s women’s athletic archive: https://www.augsburg.edu/now/2019/04/22/womens-athletics-archive-nears-the-finish-line/)
 
On the sustainability front, the extensive project to install LED light bulbs and fixtures across campus is also nearing completion. These minor-seeming changes make a big difference. Along with upgrades to our HVAC equipment, improvements in energy efficiency mean that we will consume less electricity than we purchase from our solar partners going forward. We expect to receive annual refunds from Xcel Energy as a result. These anticipated refunds will not only cover the cost of the lighting and HVAC upgrades themselves—they’ll also pay for the new dome and turf on the athletic field.

Find more campus updates on the Facilities blog.

Facilities Updates: Summer in the Residence Halls, New Turf

submitted by farrisr@augsburg.edu

Five and a half weeks of summer camps and conferences kick off this week with wrestling camps and SOAR. Getting ready to welcome summer guests to the residence halls is a team effort across departments. Custodial and maintenance staff clean and fix up rooms after spring move-out, prepare spaces for summer residents, and stock cleaning supplies in Urness and Anderson. Residence Life and DPS staff organize keys and fobs. University Events staff collaborate with all these teams, prepare welcome kits, distribute keys and fobs to campers, and partner with Facilities to train student workers on OSHA regulations as part of their hospitality role for summer events. Kudos to everyone involved in making these summer programs a success!

Elsewhere on campus, new artificial turf has been unveiled on Edor Nelson Field following a five-week replacement project. With year-round availability thanks to the dome, the field is one of the most heavily used turf surfaces in the metro area. The new turf will benefit the five teams that share the field (football, softball, women’s lacrosse, and men’s and women’s soccer); Health, Physical Education, and Exercise Science classes; and community members and groups like the semi-pro Minneapolis City SC, who inaugurated the new surface last week. Notice a lot of bulging bags in Lot L during the project? Athletics partnered with FieldTurf to reuse the infill and rubber foam from the previous installation in 2013, which lowered the environmental impact of the replacement.

Find more campus updates on the Facilities blog.

Transitioning HVAC Systems on Campus

submitted by abounass@augsburg.edu

All campus building HVAC systems continue to be transitioned from heating to cooling. Because of weather being unpredictable this time of year, please plan to dress accordingly so that you can adjust for temperature variations in your office during this time. For staff working in buildings without air conditioning, please submit a work order to request window air conditioner installation.

Seasonal HVAC Building Transition Begins

submitted by abounass@augsburg.edu

All campus buildings are being transitioned from heating to cooling this week. Because of weather being unpredictable this time of year, please plan to dress accordingly so that you can adjust for temperature variations in your office during this time.

For staff working in buildings without air conditioning, please submit a work order to request window air conditioner installation.

Building HVAC Transition and Athletic Turf Replacement

submitted by abounass@augsburg.edu

All campus buildings are being transitioned from heating to cooling this week. Because of weather being unpredictable this time of year, please plan to dress accordingly so that you can adjust for temperature variations in your office during this time. For staff working in buildings without air conditioning, please submit a work order to request window air conditioner installation.

The athletic field replacement project begins on Monday, May 9th.

Hennepin County Moves to Medium COVID-19 Community Level

submitted by rjohn@augsburg.edu

The following information, as well as links to more detail and information about health risk factors, are published on Augsburg’s April 30 COVID-19 Dashboard: https://sites.augsburg.edu/outbreak-planning/covid-19-alert-levels-dashboard/

In the most recent CDC report of COVID-19 community levels by county, published Thursday, April 28, both Hennepin and Ramsey counties remained in the low range. However, Hennepin’s 7-day case rate per 100,000 was just below the threshold for the medium community level.

The day after the CDC report was published, the 7-day case rate in Hennepin County moved above 200 cases per 100,000 population. This represents a medium community level, although the status will not be updated on the CDC web site until this coming Thursday.

At a medium community level, the CDC recommends that people who are immunocompromised or have high risk for severe disease talk with a physician and consider precautions, such as masking indoors and regular testing. The CDC also provides an extensive list of health risk factors, which people are encouraged to review, as there are a number of conditions that can make COVID-19 more severe.

Additionally, the City of Minneapolis on Thursday issued a recommendation that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks indoors. This is not a mask mandate, but a strong recommendation from public health officials given the growing case rates in the city.

At this time, case numbers on campus remain low, and Augsburg is not implementing any new or additional COVID-19 requirements. We will continue to monitor the regional COVID-19 community levels and provide updates, as needed.

Augsburg’s April 30 COVID-19 Dashboard

Facilities Work in Christensen and Si Melby Starts Monday

submitted by farrisr@augsburg.edu

The tile work in the lower level of Christensen will begin at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, May 2. Access through the hallway space may be limited during this time.

Also beginning on Monday, May 2, the second phase of the renovation in Si Melby Hall will begin, primarily affecting the women’s locker room areas.