Category: Teaching and Learning

submitted by denkinge@augsburg.edu

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

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

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

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

Click here to RSVP for a workshop

submitted by mollberg@augsburg.edu

The Augsburg Writing Center is Now Open!

We will close at 6pm today due to a scheduling conflict. We will resume regular hours on Thursday.

The Augsburg University Writing Center is open and be ready to support your writing this semester! Our usual hours are Sunday–Thursday, 2–8 p.m. (in-person only). We are located across from Advising on the second floor of the library. Our Online Writing Center will open February 8th, available 6-8pm.

At the Writing Center, trained peer tutors work with writers at all levels and in all disciplines. Whether you are just beginning an assignment and need help generating ideas, in the middle of a draft and looking for feedback on structure or clarity, or polishing a final version before submitting, our tutors are here to help. They can also support you in developing stronger arguments, refining your style, citing sources, and building effective revision strategies.
You can bring in any kind of writing project—course essays, research papers, lab reports, resumes, personal statements, creative pieces, or even application materials. No matter the stage of the process or the type of writing, tutors provide constructive, supportive feedback that is focused on helping you grow as a writer.

Stop by during open hours to meet with a tutor and make the most of your writing this semester!

https://sites.augsburg.edu/writingcenter/

Posted onFebruary 3, 2026
Email a correction for this post: The Writing Center Is Open
Posted on

submitted by philldal@augsburg.edu

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

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

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

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

URGO Website

submitted by devries@augsburg.edu

Eligibility: Sophomores and above with at least a 3.0 GPA

When: Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Application due: February 22, 2026 at 9 pm

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

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

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

submitted by yoon@augsburg.edu

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

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

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

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

AI Workshop details + RSVP

submitted by lynchss7@augsburg.edu

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

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

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

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

URGO Website

submitted by mollberg@augsburg.edu

The Augsburg Writing Center is Now Open!

The Augsburg University Writing Center is open and be ready to support your writing this semester! Our hours are Sunday–Thursday, 2–8 p.m. (in-person only). We are located across from Advising on the second floor of the library. Our Online Writing Center will open February 8th, available 6-8pm.

At the Writing Center, trained peer tutors work with writers at all levels and in all disciplines. Whether you are just beginning an assignment and need help generating ideas, in the middle of a draft and looking for feedback on structure or clarity, or polishing a final version before submitting, our tutors are here to help. They can also support you in developing stronger arguments, refining your style, citing sources, and building effective revision strategies.
You can bring in any kind of writing project—course essays, research papers, lab reports, resumes, personal statements, creative pieces, or even application materials. No matter the stage of the process or the type of writing, tutors provide constructive, supportive feedback that is focused on helping you grow as a writer.

Stop by during open hours to meet with a tutor and make the most of your writing this semester!

https://sites.augsburg.edu/writingcenter/

submitted by mollberg@augsburg.edu

The Augsburg Writing Center is Now Open!

The Augsburg University Writing Center is open and be ready to support your writing this semester! Our hours are Sunday–Thursday, 2–8 p.m. (in-person only). We are located across from Advising on the second floor of the library. Our Online Writing Center will open February 8th, available 6-8pm.

At the Writing Center, trained peer tutors work with writers at all levels and in all disciplines. Whether you are just beginning an assignment and need help generating ideas, in the middle of a draft and looking for feedback on structure or clarity, or polishing a final version before submitting, our tutors are here to help. They can also support you in developing stronger arguments, refining your style, citing sources, and building effective revision strategies.
You can bring in any kind of writing project—course essays, research papers, lab reports, resumes, personal statements, creative pieces, or even application materials. No matter the stage of the process or the type of writing, tutors provide constructive, supportive feedback that is focused on helping you grow as a writer.

Stop by during open hours to meet with a tutor and make the most of your writing this semester!

https://sites.augsburg.edu/writingcenter/

submitted by philldal@augsburg.edu

URGO Summer Research & Creative Activity Program — All Disciplines Welcome!
Phase 1 applications are due Friday, February 6 at 11:59 PM. Now is the time to connect with faculty members to explore the research and creative projects happening in your department.

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

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

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

URGO Website

submitted by yoon@augsburg.edu

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

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

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

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

AI Workshop details + RSVP

submitted by yoon@augsburg.edu

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

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

Focus: make one assignment “AI-informed” with a clear AI policy, a short student disclosure, and two transparent verification options (no AI detectors).
RSVP (helps us plan breakouts): https://forms.gle/TGyFizXooAidSdvWA
Details and resources: go.augsburg.edu/aipilot

AI Workshop details + RSVP

submitted by lynchss7@augsburg.edu

Check out URGO’s January newsletter for information on great opportunities such as URGO Summer Research, Nationally Competitive Scholarships, and Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) off-campus!

URGO January Newsletter

submitted by lynchss7@augsburg.edu

URGO Summer Research & Creative Activity Program — All Disciplines Welcome!
Phase 1 applications are due Friday, February 6 at 11:59 PM. Now is the time to connect with faculty members to explore the research and creative projects happening in your department.

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

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

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

URGO Website

submitted by yoon@augsburg.edu

CTL AI Workshop: Tues 02-10, 3:40–4:40 (Zoom)
This session is open to any faculty who want a quick, practical on-ramp. It supports both:
• Starters: begin an AI-informed update to one assignment
• Finishers: finalize and submit an existing update

Focus: make one assignment “AI-informed” with a clear AI policy, a short student disclosure, and two transparent verification options (no AI detectors).
RSVP (helps us plan breakouts): https://forms.gle/TGyFizXooAidSdvWA
Details and resources: go.augsburg.edu/aipilot

AI Workshop details + RSVP

submitted by philldal@augsburg.edu

Check out URGO’s January newsletter for information on great opportunities such as URGO Summer Research, Nationally Competitive Scholarships, and Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) off-campus!

URGO January Newsletter

submitted by lynchss7@augsburg.edu

Check out URGO’s January newsletter for information on great opportunities such as URGO Summer Research, Nationally Competitive Scholarships, and Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) off-campus!

URGO January Newsletter

submitted by lynchss7@augsburg.edu

GO Summer Research Phase 1 Application
submitted by crombie@augsburg.edu

URGO Summer Research & Creative Activity Program — All Disciplines Welcome!
Phase 1 applications are due Friday, February 6 at 11:59 PM. Now is the time to connect with faculty members to explore the research and creative projects happening in your department.

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

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

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

URGO Website

submitted by crombie@augsburg.edu

URGO Summer Research & Creative Activity Program — All Disciplines Welcome!
Phase 1 applications are due Friday, February 6 at 11:59 PM. Now is the time to connect with faculty members to explore the research and creative projects happening in your department.

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

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

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

URGO Website

submitted by philldal@augsburg.edu

Check out URGO’s January newsletter for information on great opportunities such as URGO Summer Research, Nationally Competitive Scholarships, and Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs) off-campus!

URGO January Newsletter

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.

Registrar’s site

submitted by philldal@augsburg.edu

Happy New Year from URGO! We hope everyone has a great start to their semester! Please check out URGO’s January Newsletter to learn more about URGO Summer Research, updates on nationally competitive scholarships, and off-campus Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU’s)!

URGO January Newsletter

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.

Registrar’s site

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.

Registrar’s site

submitted by crombie@augsburg.edu

URGO Summer Research & Creative Activity Program — All Disciplines Welcome!
Phase 1 applications are due Friday, February 6 at 11:59 PM. Now is the time to connect with faculty members to explore the research and creative projects happening in your department.

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

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

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

URGO Website

submitted by philldal@augsburg.edu

Happy New Year from URGO! We hope everyone has a great start to their semester! Please check out URGO’s January Newsletter to learn more about URGO Summer Research, updates on nationally competitive scholarships, and off-campus Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU’s)!

URGO January Newsletter

submitted by devries@augsburg.edu

HIS 440: Black Migrations to the United States (Prerequisite: ENL 111)
Spring 2026

Tuesday / Thursday 10:10 11:40AM (on campus)
Taught by Prof. Ibrahim Hirsi

Course Description

Immigration shaped this country. An estimated 48 million people in the United States identify as Black. Their migrations—forced and voluntary—began in 1619 and continue to the present day. They came from Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, and South and Central America. Many are descendants of enslaved people; others have emerged from places like Somalia and Ethiopia and Ghana and Jamaica. This course provides an overview of the journeys and experiences of African Americans and Black migrants and examines their unbroken ties—imagined and real—to the African continent. The course draws from a wide range of interdisciplinary sources, exposing students to major historical themes and significant Black figures. Through lectures, discussions, and thesis-driven writing assignments, students gain a substantive understanding of the African diaspora’s historical formation and develop critical reading and writing skills essential to successful careers.

Prof. Ibrahim Hirsi completed his Ph.D. in Immigration History at the University of Minnesota, after working as a journalist for the Sahan Journal, MinnPost, and Minnesota Public Radio. In addition to English, he speaks Somali, Arabic, and Swahili.

submitted by crombie@augsburg.edu

URGO Summer Research & Creative Activity Program — All Disciplines Welcome!
Phase 1 applications are due Friday, February 6 at 11:59 PM. Now is the time to connect with faculty members to explore the research and creative projects happening in your department.

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

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

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

URGO Website

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.

Registrar’s site

Registrar’s site

submitted by philldal@augsburg.edu

Happy New Year from URGO! We hope everyone has a great start to their semester! Please check out URGO’s January Newsletter to learn more about URGO Summer Research, updates on nationally competitive scholarships, and off-campus Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU’s)!

URGO January Newsletter

submitted by devries@augsburg.edu

HIS 440: Black Migrations to the United States (Prerequisite: ENL 111)
Spring 2026

Tuesday / Thursday 10:10 11:40AM (on campus)
Taught by Prof. Ibrahim Hirsi

Course Description

Immigration shaped this country. An estimated 48 million people in the United States identify as Black. Their migrations—forced and voluntary—began in 1619 and continue to the present day. They came from Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, and South and Central America. Many are descendants of enslaved people; others have emerged from places like Somalia and Ethiopia and Ghana and Jamaica. This course provides an overview of the journeys and experiences of African Americans and Black migrants and examines their unbroken ties—imagined and real—to the African continent. The course draws from a wide range of interdisciplinary sources, exposing students to major historical themes and significant Black figures. Through lectures, discussions, and thesis-driven writing assignments, students gain a substantive understanding of the African diaspora’s historical formation and develop critical reading and writing skills essential to successful careers.

Prof. Ibrahim Hirsi completed his Ph.D. in Immigration History at the University of Minnesota, after working as a journalist for the Sahan Journal, MinnPost, and Minnesota Public Radio. In addition to English, he speaks Somali, Arabic, and Swahili.

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.

Registrar’s site

submitted by crombie@augsburg.edu

URGO Summer Research & Creative Activity Program — All Disciplines Welcome!
Phase 1 applications are due Friday, February 6 at 11:59 PM. Now is the time to connect with faculty members to explore the research and creative projects happening in your department.

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

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

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

URGO Website

submitted by bergmanr@augsburg.edu

Looking for a 2-credit class to round out your spring schedule? Love the music of Taylor Swift? Then you should register for MUS408 Current and Future Issues in the Music Industry (MW 2:20-3:20 pm, Scott LeGere). This spring this topics course will focus on “Taylor Swift: The Myth of Genius and the Repeatability of Success.”

Don’t have any background in music business? No problem! We won’t be talking about the music business per se, but about resilience, courage, community, and other career development related issues. The material should be relevant and fun for a wide variety of students. Our text will be a recent release from Harvard Business Review, “There’s Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift” along with some other materials.

For questions or more information please reach out to Scott LeGere: legere@augsburg.edu

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.

Registrar’s site

Registrar’s site

submitted by bergmanr@augsburg.edu

Looking for a 2-credit class to round out your spring schedule? Love the music of Taylor Swift? Then you should register for MUS408 Current and Future Issues in the Music Industry (MW 2:20-3:20 pm, Scott LeGere). This spring this topics course will focus on “Taylor Swift: The Myth of Genius and the Repeatability of Success.”

Don’t have any background in music business? No problem! We won’t be talking about the music business per se, but about resilience, courage, community, and other career development related issues. The material should be relevant and fun for a wide variety of students. Our text will be a recent release from Harvard Business Review, “There’s Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift” along with some other materials.

For questions or more information please reach out to Scott LeGere: legere@augsburg.edu

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.

Registrar’s site

submitted by bergmanr@augsburg.edu

Looking for a 2-credit class to round out your spring schedule? Love the music of Taylor Swift? Then you should register for MUS408 Current and Future Issues in the Music Industry (MW 2:20-3:20 pm, Scott LeGere). This spring this topics course will focus on “Taylor Swift: The Myth of Genius and the Repeatability of Success.”

Don’t have any background in music business? No problem! We won’t be talking about the music business per se, but about resilience, courage, community, and other career development related issues. The material should be relevant and fun for a wide variety of students. Our text will be a recent release from Harvard Business Review, “There’s Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift” along with some other materials.

For questions or more information please reach out to Scott LeGere: legere@augsburg.edu

submitted by lloydr@augsburg.edu

Intended as an interactive complement to the Moodle Basics online course, this Zoom session will introduce you to the tools needed to be proficient at Moodle as an Augsburg instructor. This interactive session will acquaint you with some best practices of online course design and delivery.

https://augsburg.zoom.us/j/93871930543?pwd=U2pcnRiabRDCrA3l8NhFED2VfuyUYW.1&jst=2

submitted by lloydr@augsburg.edu

This professional development workshop will focus on trauma exposure response and the Trauma Stewardship model, which covers the effects of navigating traumatic realities/crises and offers both short- and long-term supportive tools and resources to those impacted.

All faculty and staff are invited to attend this Zoom workshop.
https://stthomas.zoom.us/my/jksmeet

Offered through the generous contribution of Entia Consulting, and facilitated by:

Dr. Christina Holmgren

Laura Livalska

Dr. Jayne K. Sommers

submitted by bergmanr@augsburg.edu

Looking for a 2-credit class to round out your spring schedule? Love the music of Taylor Swift? Then you should register for MUS408 Current and Future Issues in the Music Industry (MW 2:20-3:20 pm, Scott LeGere). This spring this topics course will focus on “Taylor Swift: The Myth of Genius and the Repeatability of Success.”

Don’t have any background in music business? No problem! We won’t be talking about the music business per se, but about resilience, courage, community, and other career development related issues. The material should be relevant and fun for a wide variety of students. Our text will be a recent release from Harvard Business Review, “There’s Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift” along with some other materials.

For questions or more information please reach out to Scott LeGere: legere@augsburg.edu

submitted by lloydr@augsburg.edu

This professional development workshop will focus on trauma exposure response and the Trauma Stewardship model, which covers the effects of navigating traumatic realities/crises and offers both short- and long-term supportive tools and resources to those impacted.

All faculty and staff are invited to attend this Zoom workshop.
https://stthomas.zoom.us/my/jksmeet

Offered through the generous contribution of Entia Consulting, and facilitated by:

Dr. Christina Holmgren

Laura Livalska

Dr. Jayne K. Sommers

submitted by bergmanr@augsburg.edu

Looking for a 2-credit class to round out your spring schedule? Love the music of Taylor Swift? Then you should register for MUS408 Current and Future Issues in the Music Industry (MW 2:20-3:20 pm, Scott LeGere). This spring this topics course will focus on “Taylor Swift: The Myth of Genius and the Repeatability of Success.”

Don’t have any background in music business? No problem! We won’t be talking about the music business per se, but about resilience, courage, community, and other career development related issues. The material should be relevant and fun for a wide variety of students. Our text will be a recent release from Harvard Business Review, “There’s Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift” along with some other materials.

For questions or more information please reach out to Scott LeGere: legere@augsburg.edu

submitted by lloydr@augsburg.edu

Intended as an interactive complement to the Moodle Basics online course, this Zoom session will introduce you to the tools needed to be proficient at Moodle as an Augsburg instructor. This interactive session will acquaint you with some best practices of online course design and delivery.

https://augsburg.zoom.us/j/93871930543?pwd=U2pcnRiabRDCrA3l8NhFED2VfuyUYW.1&jst=2

submitted by bergmanr@augsburg.edu

Looking for a 2-credit class to round out your spring schedule? Love the music of Taylor Swift? Then you should register for MUS408 Current and Future Issues in the Music Industry (MW 2:20-3:20 pm, Scott LeGere). This spring this topics course will focus on “Taylor Swift: The Myth of Genius and the Repeatability of Success.”

Don’t have any background in music business? No problem! We won’t be talking about the music business per se, but about resilience, courage, community, and other career development related issues. The material should be relevant and fun for a wide variety of students. Our text will be a recent release from Harvard Business Review, “There’s Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift” along with some other materials.

For questions or more information please reach out to Scott LeGere: legere@augsburg.edu

submitted by lloydr@augsburg.edu

This professional development workshop will focus on trauma exposure response and the Trauma Stewardship model, which covers the effects of navigating traumatic realities/crises and offers both short- and long-term supportive tools and resources to those impacted.

All faculty and staff are invited to attend this Zoom workshop.
https://stthomas.zoom.us/my/jksmeet

Offered through the generous contribution of Entia Consulting, and facilitated by:

Dr. Christina Holmgren

Laura Livalska

Dr. Jayne K. Sommers

submitted by lloydr@augsburg.edu

Intended as an interactive complement to the Moodle Basics online course, this Zoom session will introduce you to the tools needed to be proficient at Moodle as an Augsburg instructor. This interactive session will acquaint you with some best practices of online course design and delivery.

https://augsburg.zoom.us/j/93871930543?pwd=U2pcnRiabRDCrA3l8NhFED2VfuyUYW.1&jst=2

submitted by lloydr@augsburg.edu

This professional development workshop will focus on trauma exposure response and the Trauma Stewardship model, which covers the effects of navigating traumatic realities/crises and offers both short- and long-term supportive tools and resources to those impacted.

All faculty and staff are invited to attend this Zoom workshop.
https://stthomas.zoom.us/my/jksmeet

Offered through the generous contribution of Entia Consulting, and facilitated by:

Dr. Christina Holmgren

Laura Livalska

Dr. Jayne K. Sommers

submitted by bergmanr@augsburg.edu

Looking for a 2-credit class to round out your spring schedule? Love the music of Taylor Swift? Then you should register for MUS408 Current and Future Issues in the Music Industry (MW 2:20-3:20 pm, Scott LeGere). This spring this topics course will focus on “Taylor Swift: The Myth of Genius and the Repeatability of Success.”

Don’t have any background in music business? No problem! We won’t be talking about the music business per se, but about resilience, courage, community, and other career development related issues. The material should be relevant and fun for a wide variety of students. Our text will be a recent release from Harvard Business Review, “There’s Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift” along with some other materials.

For questions or more information please reach out to Scott LeGere: legere@augsburg.edu

submitted by bergmanr@augsburg.edu

Looking for a 2-credit class to round out your spring schedule? Love the music of Taylor Swift? Then you should register for MUS408 Current and Future Issues in the Music Industry (MW 2:20-3:20 pm, Scott LeGere). This spring this topics course will focus on “Taylor Swift: The Myth of Genius and the Repeatability of Success.”

Don’t have any background in music business? No problem! We won’t be talking about the music business per se, but about resilience, courage, community, and other career development related issues. The material should be relevant and fun for a wide variety of students. Our text will be a recent release from Harvard Business Review, “There’s Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift” along with some other materials.

For questions or more information please reach out to Scott LeGere: legere@augsburg.edu

submitted by lloydr@augsburg.edu

This professional development workshop will focus on trauma exposure response and the Trauma Stewardship model, which covers the effects of navigating traumatic realities/crises and offers both short- and long-term supportive tools and resources to those impacted.

All faculty and staff are invited to attend this Zoom workshop.
https://stthomas.zoom.us/my/jksmeet

Offered through the generous contribution of Entia Consulting, and facilitated by:

Dr. Christina Holmgren

Laura Livalska

Dr. Jayne K. Sommers

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

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.

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

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

submitted by mollberg@augsburg.edu

The writing center is here to help you with all of writing needs for final papers and projects. We are open Wednesday and Thursday this week 5-8pm (in-person only). We will close for the semester on December 19th.

We are located across from Advising on the second floor of the library.

At the Writing Center, trained peer tutors work with writers at all levels and in all disciplines. Whether you are just beginning an assignment and need help generating ideas, in the middle of a draft and looking for feedback on structure or clarity, or polishing a final version before submitting, our tutors are here to help. They can also support you in developing stronger arguments, refining your style, citing sources, and building effective revision strategies.

You can bring in any kind of writing project—course essays, research papers, lab reports, resumes, personal statements, creative pieces, or even application materials. No matter the stage of the process or the type of writing, tutors provide constructive, supportive feedback that is focused on helping you grow as a writer.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

submitted by mollberg@augsburg.edu

The Writing Center is closed today. Please check A mail for our availability tomorrow.
Thank you!

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

submitted by philldal@augsburg.edu

Hello Auggies! In this month’s URGO Newsletter, we are drawing your attention to upcoming
deadlines for two nationally competitive scholarships: Boren and Goldwater. These are great
opportunities for undergraduates. As you may recall, last year, two Auggies received the
prestigious Goldwater Scholarship! Additionally, URGO 2026 Summer Research Applications
are now open! You can learn more about them in our newsletter and access the link to apply!

URGO Newsletter

submitted by yoon@augsburg.edu

Time: Today (Tue 12/9), 2:00–2:50 pm
Format: Zoom session led by a BoodleBox representative

Session is open to faculty from ALL divisions. It will be especially relevant for SoNS and HSS faculty who are participating in, or considering, the AI-Informed Assignment Pilot, but any Augsburg faculty member curious about the tool is welcome to attend.

We have a *limited pool of pre-paid* BoodleBox seats for early adopters in the pilot. SoNS and HSS faculty who are developing Spring artifacts will be prioritized for those seats; if there is additional capacity, interested colleagues from other divisions may also be able to use the tool.

If you would like to attend, please email me (yoon@augsburg.edu) by 1:30 pm today, and I will send you the Zoom calendar invite.

For background on the AI-Informed Assignment Pilot, visit the hub at go.augsburg.edu/aipilot.

Many thanks,
Henry

AI-Informed Assignment Pilot overview and sign-up

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

submitted by lynchss7@augsburg.edu

Hello Auggies! In this month’s URGO Newsletter, we are drawing your attention to upcoming
deadlines for two nationally competitive scholarships: Boren and Goldwater. These are great
opportunities for undergraduates. As you may recall, last year, two Auggies received the
prestigious Goldwater Scholarship! Additionally, URGO 2026 Summer Research Applications
are now open! You can learn more about them in our newsletter and access the link to apply!

URGO Newsletter

submitted by yoon@augsburg.edu

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

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

This year Augsburg is piloting an AI-Informed Assignment project in the School of Natural Sciences (SoNS) and Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS). The pilot focuses on one concrete task: updating a single existing assignment so that your AI policy is transparent, students can briefly provide evidence of any AI use (if allowed), and compliance with that policy is gradable – all without the use of AI-detectors.

At the Quick-start workshop, please bring one existing assignment that could benefit from a clearer AI policy. By the end of the hour, you should have a solid draft of an “AI-informed assignment update,” plus a plan to finalize it in January or to apply the approach to another assignment.

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

AI-Informed Assignment Pilot overview and sign-up

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.

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

submitted by philldal@augsburg.edu

Hello Auggies! In this month’s URGO Newsletter, we are drawing your attention to upcoming deadlines for two nationally competitive scholarships: Boren and Goldwater. These are great opportunities for undergraduates. As you may recall, last year, two Auggies received the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship! Additionally, URGO 2026 Summer Research Applications are now open! You can learn more about them in our newsletter and access the link to apply!

URGO Newsletter

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.

submitted by yoon@augsburg.edu

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

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

This year Augsburg is piloting an AI-Informed Assignment project in the School of Natural Sciences (SoNS) and Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS). The pilot focuses on one concrete task: updating a single existing assignment so that your AI policy is transparent, students can briefly provide evidence of any AI use (if allowed), and compliance with that policy is gradable – all without the use of AI-detectors.

At the Quick-start workshop, please bring one existing assignment that could benefit from a clearer AI policy. By the end of the hour, you should have a solid draft of an “AI-informed assignment update,” plus a plan to finalize it in January or to apply the approach to another assignment.

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

AI-Informed Assignment Pilot overview and sign-up

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

submitted by mollberg@augsburg.edu

The Writing Center will be closed today, 12/4. We will reopen for the week on Sunday 12/7. Please come see us!

The Augsburg University Writing Center is ready to support your final papers and projects this semester! Our hours are Sunday–Thursday, 5–8 p.m. (in-person only). We are located across from Advising on the second floor of the library.

At the Writing Center, trained peer tutors work with writers at all levels and in all disciplines. Whether you are just beginning an assignment and need help generating ideas, in the middle of a draft and looking for feedback on structure or clarity, or polishing a final version before submitting, our tutors are here to help. They can also support you in developing stronger arguments, refining your style, citing sources, and building effective revision strategies.
You can bring in any kind of writing project—course essays, research papers, lab reports, resumes, personal statements, creative pieces, or even application materials. No matter the stage of the process or the type of writing, tutors provide constructive, supportive feedback that is focused on helping you grow as a writer.

Stop by during open hours to meet with a tutor and make the most of your writing this semester!

submitted by yoon@augsburg.edu

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

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

This year Augsburg is piloting an AI-Informed Assignment project in the School of Natural Sciences (SoNS) and Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS). The pilot focuses on one concrete task: updating a single existing assignment so that your AI policy is transparent, students can briefly provide evidence of any AI use (if allowed), and compliance with that policy is gradable – all without the use of AI-detectors.

At the Quick-start workshop, please bring one existing assignment that could benefit from a clearer AI policy. By the end of the hour, you should have a solid draft of an “AI-informed assignment update,” plus a plan to finalize it in January or to apply the approach to another assignment.

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

AI-Informed Assignment Pilot overview and sign-up

submitted by reinhard@augsburg.edu

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.

submitted by lynchss7@augsburg.edu

URGO SUMMER RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY PROGRAM: All disciplines welcome!
Phase 1 applications are due February 6th at 11:59 PM, so start talking with your faculty members now to learn about the research or creative activities happening in your department.
The URGO Summer Research/Creative Activity Program is an 11-week, on-campus program (May 18th – July 31st) where students are funded to conduct research with a faculty mentor. URGO provides full-time summer researchers (400 hours) with a $6,000 stipend and housing discount, while half-time researchers (200 hours) receive a $3,000 stipend and a housing discount.
URGO SUMMER RESEARCH/CREATIVE ACTIVITY ASSISTANTSHIPS
URGO also provides funding for students to work for a professor as a research assistant on an ongoing research project. This is a 100-hour commitment over the course of the summer and comes with a $1,500 stipend. This is an excellent opportunity to try out research for the first time or focus on a specific aspect of a research project.
The Summer Research Info Packet and Phase 1 application can be found on URGO’s website, linked below. If you have questions, email urgo@augsburg.edu

URGO Website

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

submitted by yoon@augsburg.edu

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

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

This year Augsburg is piloting an AI-Informed Assignment project in the School of Natural Sciences (SoNS) and Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS). The pilot focuses on one concrete task: updating a single existing assignment so that your AI policy is transparent, students can briefly provide evidence of any AI use (if allowed), and compliance with that policy is gradable – all without the use of AI-detectors.

At the Quick-start workshop, please bring one existing assignment that could benefit from a clearer AI policy. By the end of the hour, you should have a solid draft of an “AI-informed assignment update,” plus a plan to finalize it in January or to apply the approach to another assignment.

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

AI-Informed Assignment Pilot overview and sign-up

submitted by reinhard@augsburg.edu

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.

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

submitted by mollberg@augsburg.edu

The Augsburg University Writing Center is open and be ready to support your writing! Our current hours are Sunday–Thursday, 5–8 p.m. (in-person only). We are located across from Advising on the second floor of the library.

At the Writing Center, trained peer tutors work with writers at all levels and in all disciplines. Whether you are just beginning an assignment and need help generating ideas, in the middle of a draft and looking for feedback on structure or clarity, or polishing a final version before submitting, our tutors are here to help. They can also support you in developing stronger arguments, refining your style, citing sources, and building effective revision strategies.
You can bring in any kind of writing project—course essays, research papers, lab reports, resumes, personal statements, creative pieces, or even application materials. No matter the stage of the process or the type of writing, tutors provide constructive, supportive feedback that is focused on helping you grow as a writer.

Stop by during open hours to meet with a tutor and make the most of your writing this semester!

submitted by yoon@augsburg.edu

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

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

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

AI-Informed Assignment Pilot overview and sign-up

submitted by yoon@augsburg.edu

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

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

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

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

AI-Informed Assignment Pilot overview and sign-up

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

submitted by yoon@augsburg.edu

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

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

This year Augsburg is piloting an AI-Informed Assignment project in the School of Natural Sciences (SoNS) and Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS). The pilot focuses on one concrete task: updating a single existing assignment so that your AI policy is transparent, students can briefly provide evidence of any AI use (if allowed), and compliance with that policy is gradable – all without the use of AI-detectors.

At the Quick-start workshop, please bring one existing assignment that could benefit from a clearer AI policy. By the end of the hour, you should have a solid draft of an “AI-informed assignment update,” plus a plan to finalize it in January or to apply the approach to another assignment.

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

AI-Informed Assignment Pilot overview and sign-up

submitted by mader@augsburg.edu

On behalf of the Batalden Fellows of Applied Ethics, I would like to invite you to participate in a survey about ethics at Augsburg. This survey will ask you about your experiences with and hopes for conversations on ethics in your courses and around the institution.

We would request that you complete the survey by Wednesday Nov. 26th.

Please note there is also an option to indicate your interest in participating in upcoming focus groups where we can delve deeper into key areas identified by the survey. If you do not wish to include your email with the survey but would like to participate in the focus groups, please send an email to any of the fellows or reply to this email.

Thanks so much for your time; we look forward to learning from you!!!

Best wishes during this busy time of the semester,
The Batalden Fellows
(Jacqui deVries, Soebin Jang, and Tara Mader)

Survey Link

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

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

submitted by mollberg@augsburg.edu

The Augsburg University Writing Center is open and be ready to support your writing! Our hours this week will be 5–8 p.m on Tuesday 11/25 and on Wednesday 11/26 (in-person only). We are closed for the rest of the holiday week, but will open again on Monday, 12/1.

We are located across from Advising on the second floor of the library.

At the Writing Center, trained peer tutors work with writers at all levels and in all disciplines. Whether you are just beginning an assignment and need help generating ideas, in the middle of a draft and looking for feedback on structure or clarity, or polishing a final version before submitting, our tutors are here to help. They can also support you in developing stronger arguments, refining your style, citing sources, and building effective revision strategies.
You can bring in any kind of writing project—course essays, research papers, lab reports, resumes, personal statements, creative pieces, or even application materials. No matter the stage of the process or the type of writing, tutors provide constructive, supportive feedback that is focused on helping you grow as a writer.

Stop by during open hours to meet with a tutor and make the most of your writing this semester!

submitted by devries@augsburg.edu

HIS 440: Black Migrations to the United States (Prerequisite: ENL 111)
Spring 2026

Tuesday / Thursday 10:10 11:40AM (on campus)
Taught by Prof. Ibrahim Hirsi

Course Description

An estimated 48 million people in the United States identify as Black. Their migrations—forced and voluntary—began in 1619 and continue to the present day. They came from Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, and South and Central America. Many are descendants of enslaved people; others have emerged from places like Somalia and Ethiopia and Ghana and Jamaica. This course provides an overview of the journeys and experiences of African Americans and Black migrants and examines their unbroken ties—imagined and real—to the African continent. The course draws from a wide range of interdisciplinary sources, exposing students to major historical themes and significant Black figures. Through lectures, discussions, and thesis-driven writing assignments, students gain a substantive understanding of the African diaspora’s historical formation and develop critical reading and writing skills essential to successful careers.

Prof. Ibrahim Hirsi is completing his Ph.D. in Immigration History at the University of Minnesota, after working as a journalist for the Sahan Journal, MinnPost, and Minnesota Public Radio. In addition to English, he speaks Somali, Arabic, and Swahili.

submitted by yoon@augsburg.edu

Quick info…

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

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

This year Augsburg is piloting an AI-Informed Assignment project in the School of Natural Sciences (SoNS) and Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS). The pilot focuses on one concrete task: updating a single existing assignment so that your AI policy is transparent, students can briefly provide evidence of any AI use (if allowed), and compliance with that policy is gradable – all without the use of AI-detectors.

At the Quick-start workshop, please bring one existing assignment that could benefit from a clearer AI policy. By the end of the hour, you should have a solid draft of an “AI-informed assignment update,” plus a plan to finalize it in January or to apply the approach to another assignment.

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

AI-Informed Assignment Pilot overview and sign-up

submitted by mader@augsburg.edu

On behalf of the Batalden Fellows of Applied Ethics, I would like to invite you to participate in a survey about ethics at Augsburg. This survey will ask you about your experiences with and hopes for conversations on ethics in your courses and around the institution.

We would request that you complete the survey by Wednesday Nov. 26th.

Please note there is also an option to indicate your interest in participating in upcoming focus groups where we can delve deeper into key areas identified by the survey. If you do not wish to include your email with the survey but would like to participate in the focus groups, please send an email to any of the fellows or reply to this email.

Thanks so much for your time; we look forward to learning from you!!!

Best wishes during this busy time of the semester,
The Batalden Fellows
(Jacqui deVries, Soebin Jang, and Tara Mader)

Survey Link

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

submitted by devries@augsburg.edu

HIS 440: Black Migrations to the United States (Prerequisite: ENL 111)
Spring 2026

Tuesday / Thursday 10:10 11:40AM (on campus)
Taught by Prof. Ibrahim Hirsi

Course Description

An estimated 48 million people in the United States identify as Black. Their migrations—forced and voluntary—began in 1619 and continue to the present day. They came from Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, and South and Central America. Many are descendants of enslaved people; others have emerged from places like Somalia and Ethiopia and Ghana and Jamaica. This course provides an overview of the journeys and experiences of African Americans and Black migrants and examines their unbroken ties—imagined and real—to the African continent. The course draws from a wide range of interdisciplinary sources, exposing students to major historical themes and significant Black figures. Through lectures, discussions, and thesis-driven writing assignments, students gain a substantive understanding of the African diaspora’s historical formation and develop critical reading and writing skills essential to successful careers.

Prof. Ibrahim Hirsi is completing his Ph.D. in Immigration History at the University of Minnesota, after working as a journalist for the Sahan Journal, MinnPost, and Minnesota Public Radio. In addition to English, he speaks Somali, Arabic, and Swahili.
Posted on November 21, 2025 Email a correction for this post: Need Another Upper-Division Course? Consider HIS 440: Black Migrations to the United States

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submitted by musto@augsburg.edu

The Strommen Center is launching a fellowship for faculty members! This three-day fellowship workshop will help faculty members identify the role they play in fusing career development in the Augsburg experience through curriculum development integration and, in doing so, provide equitable career development for all students. This fellowship will help develop skills in articulating how curricula aligns with the world of work and ensures that all students have access to the tools and resources necessary for post-graduation success.

Upon completion of all fellowship requirements, participating faculty will receive a $300 stipend for workshop participation and $200 for completion of career-integrated assignment or activity that the faculty members plan to implement either in the Spring 2026 semester or throughout the 2026-2027 academic year. We will celebrate their work at the end of the semester during Days in May.

The workshops run from January 13th through the 15th from 9am – 11:30am each day.

We are seeking nominations from colleagues, department chairs, and/or school directors for this opportunity. The Strommen Center will share with both the nominator and the nominee if they have been selected for the fellowship. We hope to have one faculty member for each of the five schools for this initial cohort and will be accepting nominations through November 26th.

Nominate your colleagues for the Strommen Faculty Fellowship!

submitted by devries@augsburg.edu

HIS 440: Black Migrations to the United States (Prerequisite: ENL 111)
Spring 2026

Tuesday / Thursday 10:10 11:40AM (on campus)
Taught by Prof. Ibrahim Hirsi

Course Description

An estimated 48 million people in the United States identify as Black. Their migrations—forced and voluntary—began in 1619 and continue to the present day. They came from Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, and South and Central America. Many are descendants of enslaved people; others have emerged from places like Somalia and Ethiopia and Ghana and Jamaica. This course provides an overview of the journeys and experiences of African Americans and Black migrants and examines their unbroken ties—imagined and real—to the African continent. The course draws from a wide range of interdisciplinary sources, exposing students to major historical themes and significant Black figures. Through lectures, discussions, and thesis-driven writing assignments, students gain a substantive understanding of the African diaspora’s historical formation and develop critical reading and writing skills essential to successful careers.

Prof. Ibrahim Hirsi is completing his Ph.D. in Immigration History at the University of Minnesota, after working as a journalist for the Sahan Journal, MinnPost, and Minnesota Public Radio. In addition to English, he speaks Somali, Arabic, and Swahili.