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Staff Development Series

Adapting to a Changing Work Environment

Office moves, new co-workers, or updates to your job description can all change your work environment. At this Staff Development session, the facilitators will engage you in thinking about the impact of these changes on your work flow, communication, and relationships. They will also walk with you through an overview of the process of building a "public work environment." You will leave the session with a framework of tools for navigating workplace changes as a team with your colleagues.

About the facilitators:

Dennis Donovan works in the Center for Democracy and Citizenship, and also teaches community organizing at the U of M. He has previously worked with individual departments on campus to help them adjust to major changes in their areas, using a longer version of the process introduced in this session.

Jeff Rowdon works in the Information Technology department. At a previous job, he prepared ministry teams of 5-8 individuals for the dramatic change of working closely together as they traveled the United States for a year at a time.

Date: Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Time: 8-9:30 a.m.

Room: Riverside Room, 3rd floor - Christensen Center

Here is a link to RSVP- we hope to see you there!

http://augsburg.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_8qDdyT9bTN9KbU9

Please contact Tracy Christianson or Erin Voss with any questions.

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Community Building Series

2012-13 Reading Circle
Seth Godin's Linchpin: An Unsettling Call to Be Indispensable
Facilitator: Ashok Kapoor
Schedule: Thursdays, 3:30-5 p.m.
(September 20, October 18, November 15, February 7, and March 14)
Location: Augsburg Room-Christensen Center
First Reading: Chapters 1-4

In our society linchpins are those individuals that hold things together. Yes, organizations might succeed or thrive for a while without them, but eventually as pressure is applied and structures are tested, things will fall apart. Godin clearly illustrates that we are in a critical time in history when a new breed of worker and leader are required. We need linchpins to solve our problems, keep us connected, and inspire us with art. People who are linchpins are creative, good at connecting with others, and able to see solutions like no one else. They truly are indispensable.
As Seth Godin explains this concept to his readers, he turns their minds upside down in order to convince them that they are in some way capable of being one. He explains how we got here, criticizing the public education system for creating cogs to fill factories and consumers to buy what they produce. He argues that we get exactly what we focus on. In the end we wind-up with drones that do what they are told.

There is no shortage of pundits today that criticize the flaws of our education system, but few will offer a solution. He challenges teachers to inspire student to think instead of follow rulebooks and ace tests. He even goes as far as telling us to give ourselves a D for the rut we have fallen into.

Linchpin could be Mr. Godin's greatest work so far. He treats the subject with history and sociology as well as a compelling mix of fact, story and philosophy. Using examples that will both shock and inspire, Linchpin leaves you feeling like you have no choice but to reassess your current situation and make the changes he so eloquently urges us toward.

All faculty and staff are invited to participate in reading circles during the year. These circles are funded by Work Culture grants and led by faculty and staff. You are expected to attend at least four sessions and prepare by reading and identifying issues you'd like to discuss.

If you'd like to attend, please register with Sarah Hedstrom (hedstrom@augsburg.edu) and pick up a book. Let her know if you prefer to receive an e-book.

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Inclusiveness Series

2012-13 Reading Circle
Susan E. Pick and Jenna Sirkin's Breaking the Poverty Cycle: The Human Basis for Sustainable Development
Facilitators: Matt Maruggi and Joe Underhill
Schedule: 12-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays
October 10-Marshall Room
November 7-Riverside Room
December 5-Riverside Room
January 23-Riverside Room
Batalden Convocation, February 20 at 10 a.m.

Pick and Sirkin show how IMIFAP, a Mexican NGO, has employed a development strategy to encourage the establishment of a participatory, healthy and educated citizenry. IMIFAP was founded in 1984. Through its health promotion and poverty reduction work it has reached over 19 million people in 14 countries. Its mission is to enable society's poor and vulnerable to take charge of their lives through helping them develop their potential. The program strategy is grounded in Amartya Sen's approach to sustainable development through expanding individual's capabilities and freedoms.

The central premise of the book is that enhancing skills, knowledge and reducing psychological and contextual barriers to change are central (and often neglected) aspects of sustainable development.. Through powerful testimonies, the book shows how the IMIFAP "I want to, I can" programs assists people in taking the control of their lives. Our discussion will examine how this approach can apply to our work at Augsburg.

Susan Pick, a professor of psychology at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, will give the Batalden Symposium in Applied Ethics on February 20.

All faculty and staff are invited to participate in reading circles during the year. These circles are funded by Work Culture grants and led by faculty and staff. You are expected to attend at least four sessions and prepare by reading and identifying issues you'd like to discuss. If you'd like to attend, please register with Sarah Hedstrom (hedstrom@augsburg.edu) and pick up a book. Let her know if you prefer to receive an e-book.

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Leadership Series

2012-13 Reading Circle
Julie Clow's The Work Revolution: Freedom and Excellence for All
Facilitator: Paul Terrio
Schedule: Tuesdays 8:30-10 a.m.
(October 2, November 6, December 4, January 8, February 5, March 5, April 2)
Location: Augsburg Room – Christensen Center

Embrace connectivity, increase empowerment, and achieve better work-life blending.

We live in a new age of global organizations, hyper-access to information, and accessibility to tools that enable us to bring any idea life. Strangely, our workplaces are lagging behind the promise of this open and collaborative world. Most organizations are rule-based, top-down, dreary environments optimized for conformity and little else. The Work Revolution creates a compelling portrait of a different kind of work.

"I believe freedom in the workplace is worth fighting for and every person and every organization can be excellent."

Julie Clow articulates the rules we follow today in our work force, the reasons they no longer work, and what we can do instead. The Work Revolution deconstructs the magic behind thriving, liberated organizations (such as Google, which is repeatedly named as the Best Workplace) into clear principles that any individual, leader, and organization can adopt to create sustainable and engaging lives.
• Provides actionable changes anyone can make, regardless of where they work, to create a more sustainable work-life blend
• Details concrete ways to influence existing organizations to change
• Guides leaders to make tangible changes in their teams to enable greater autonomy and impact
• Outlines organizational culture principles that support and nurture high-performance and healthy environments, providing clear options for instituting cultural change based on specific organizational challenges

Rejecting productivity Band-Aids and quick fixes, The Work Revolution conceptualizes a completely new workplace that embraces the always-connected reality to create organizations in which high achievers can sustainably thrive.

All faculty and staff are invited to participate in reading circles during the year. These circles are funded by Work Culture grants and led by faculty and staff. You are expected to attend at least four sessions and prepare by reading and identifying issues you'd like to discuss. If you'd like to attend, please register with Sarah Hedstrom (hedstrom@augsburg.edu) and pick up a book. Let her know if you prefer to receive an e-book.

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Leadership Series for Chairs

2012-13 Reading Circle
Don Chu's The Department Chair's Primer: What Chairs Need to Know and Do to Make a Difference
Facilitators: Joan Kunz and Merilee Klemp
Schedule: Thursdays 3:40-5 p.m. (Dates TBD)

The Department Chair Primer provides the practical information that chairs need to do their jobs well. Many of the book's ideas come from practicing chairs and are proven strategies for dealing with a variety of issues. Each chapter details a particular problem, includes a brief introduction to the topic, provides tips on how to deal with the situation, and concludes with targeted questions for further consideration. Its concise format is ideal for busy chairs which need a brief but informative resource.

The readings will serve as a catalyst for conversations among chairs about how to be more effective.

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Community Building Series

2012-13 Reading Circle
Andrew Delbanco's College: What It Was, Is, and Should Be
Facilitator: Doug Green
Schedule: Tuesdays 3:30-5 p.m.
(September 25, October 16, November 20, February 19, March 26, April 16)
Location: Lindell 301

As the commercialization of American higher education accelerates, more and more students are coming to college with the narrow aim of obtaining a preprofessional credential. The traditional four-year college experience--an exploratory time for students to discover their passions and test ideas and values with the help of teachers and peers--is in danger of becoming a thing of the past.

In College, prominent cultural critic Andrew Delbanco offers a trenchant defense of such an education, and warns that it is becoming a privilege reserved for the relatively rich. In arguing for what a true college education should be, he demonstrates why making it available to as many young people as possible remains central to America's democratic promise.

In a brisk and vivid historical narrative, Delbanco explains how the idea of college arose in the colonial period from the Puritan idea of the gathered church, how it struggled to survive in the nineteenth century in the shadow of the new research universities, and how, in the twentieth century, it slowly opened its doors to women, minorities, and students from low-income families. He describes the unique strengths of America's colleges in our era of globalization and, while recognizing the growing centrality of science, technology, and vocational subjects in the curriculum, he mounts a vigorous defense of a broadly humanistic education for all. Acknowledging the serious financial, intellectual, and ethical challenges that all colleges face today, Delbanco considers what is at stake in the urgent effort to protect these venerable institutions for future generations.

All faculty and staff are invited to participate in reading circles during the year. These circles are funded by Work Culture grants and led by faculty and staff. You are expected to attend at least four sessions and prepare by reading and identifying issues you'd like to discuss. If you'd like to attend, please register with Sarah Hedstrom (hedstrom@augsburg.edu) and pick up a book. Let her know if you prefer to receive an e-book.

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St. Hildegard von Bingen - September 17

If you have ever had classes in the Music building you may have noticed a large tapestry hanging in the west stairwell. The tapestry, which depicts a vision of Lucifer ("light bearer") and his followers being distorted from bright stars to darkness; cast out of Heaven to the chaos of the sea, is a reproduction of an illumination attributed to the 12th century Rhineland magistra, Hildegard von Bingen whose Feast Day is September 17.

While revered as a local saint for nearly 900 years, she was finally recognized officially in May 2012 by Pope Benedict. On October 7 an even rarer honor will be bestowed upon her as she is named 35th Doctor of the Church--placing the spiritual meaning revealed by her writings on par with the likes of Augustine, Albert the Great, Thomas Aquinas, Pope Gregory I, Isidore of Seville et al.

Take some time to learn about the historical Hildegard by
http://www.hildegardsociety.org/faq.html

Reflect on her music (and text)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAZ-WioATC8

Read her works (preferably from the CCCM and in Latin - and be wary of a lot of the English language stuff written in the past 30 years.

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Lost Kindle Touch - Reward

I am asking for help finding my Kindle Touch. I last had it in my possession on or around Thursday/Friday Sept. 13 or 14. It is registered as "Matt's Kindle" and has a John Kennedy, Leadership book as well as my Recovery Bible. Please help! Contact me at bratlie@augsburg.edu or 612.655.7308

Thank you in advance,
Matt

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Academic Advising Walk-In Hours

During the fall semester, Academic Advising will have walk-in hours in Lindell 221 Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - noon, and 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Students can stop in to ask quick questions or chat without an appointment during these times. As always, students can always make an appointment for more in-depth conversations, or for appointments outside of these hours.

Questions? Call 612.330.1025 or stop by our office in the Gage Center on the Link level of the Library.

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Smoking in Designated Areas Only Policy

Smoking is permitted in designated areas only on the Augsburg Minneapolis campus. The 10 designated areas are:

1. Plaza area outside the Ice Arena.
2. Designated area in front of Si Melby.
3. Bench area outside of the Music building.
4. North side of the walkway entrance to Foss.
5. Oren Gateway Center near Lot H.
6. 7th Street side of the Library.
7. Quad: patio area near Christensen
8. Christensen Center vent area.
9. Urness/Mortensen: east side of 10 minute parking zone.
10. Bench area between Anderson and Luther Hall.

No smoking in/near building entrances except in a designated area. Smokers should use receptacles for cigarette butts.

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Reminder: Fulbright Apps Due Internally Sept. 24

Interested in studying, researching, or teaching abroad? This is a friendly reminder that Fulbright applications are due internally by September 24.

Questions? Contact the URGO office at urgo@augsburg.edu.

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Youth and Family Ministry Meeting

Are you interested in learning more about Augsburg's Youth and Family Ministry major? Please join us for dinner on Thursday, September 20. We will meet at the information desk in Christensen at 5:45 p.m., and we'll treat you to Pizza Luce. This will be a time to meet other students in the program and makes some plans for this new academic year. Contact Jeremy Myers (myers@augsburg.edu) to RSVP or if you have any questions.

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Egyptian Constitution Day Talk

Monday, Sept. 17, 2012, 12-1:30 p.m.

Shaping Egypt's Political Future - from the streets of Cairo to the new Constitution

Join us for our annual observance of Constitution Day with a presentation on the recent travels of Augsburg students and faculty to Egypt and an update on the current political developments, including the drafting of the new Egyptian Constitution.

Mohamed Sallam and Joe Underhill will share photos, stories, and observations on the evolving political landscape in Egypt, with an emphasis on the relationship between religion and politics in the post-revolutionary context.

Inshaa'Allah (God willing) we will have kusheri and shai (the unofficial Egyptian national dish and beverage, both pre- and post-revolution) and time for questions and discussion following the presentation.

http://web.augsburg.edu/academicaffairs/EgyptianConstitutiontalkflyer.pdf

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Social Work Majors and Interested Others Event

Have you considered becoming a social worker?

Come to Lindell (Library) 301 on Thursday, Sept. 20, at 5:30 p.m. and learn about the social work major. Eat Pizza, meet other majors, and visit with faculty and staff.

What Social Workers Do

There are two main types of social workers: direct-service social workers, who help people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives, and clinical social workers, who diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional issues.

Work Environment

Social workers work in a variety of settings, including mental health clinics, schools, hospitals, and private practices. They generally work full time and may need to work evenings and weekends.

How to Become a Social Worker

A bachelor's degree is required for most direct-service social work positions, but some positions and settings require a master's degree. Augsburg College offers both degrees.

The median annual wage of social workers was $42,480 in May 2010.

Job Outlook

Employment of social workers is expected to grow by 25 percent from now to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth will be due to an increase in demand for health care and social services but will vary by specialty.

Come and learn more about this fascinating profession and meet the other majors, faculty and staff. Food is provided.

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Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie

Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie will be speaking at Augsburg College on Thursday, September 20, in Sateren Auditorium from 1:30-3 p.m. He will speak about Minnesota's voting history and our rights and responsibilities as voters. There will be more details coming. Plan to bring yourselves, your classes, friends and family. Mark your calendars.

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Students for Obama Meeting

In 2008, Barack Obama won young voters by a 2:1 margin, and he needs the same level of support in 2012. Students for Obama is a critical part of the campaign's efforts to connect young voters and turn them out on Election Day. Every day that goes by is an opportunity to engage new voters, and recruit volunteers. SFO meets Mondays at 9 p.m. in the Fish Bowl. Learn how to get involved with the campaign. Class credit is available for some students.

The stakes are too high and the alternative is too extreme. If young people turn out to vote, the President will win Minnesota. You will decide this election.

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Alexander Speaks on "The New Jim Crow…"

Here is your chance to hear Michelle Alexander, a dynamic author, attorney, and professor, speak on "The New Jim Crow System in the United States." Alexander's first book, The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness, has initiated conversation across the nation.

Thursday, September 27, 2012
7:30 p.m.
1514 Englewood Ave, St. Paul, 55104
Hamline United Methodist Church

What is Jim Crow?
"Jim Crow was the name of the racial caste system which operated primarily, but not exclusively in Southern and border states, between 1877 and the mid-1960s. Jim Crow was more than a series of rigid anti-black laws. It was a way of life." Read more at http://www.ferris.edu/jimcrow/what.htm or check out http://www.pbs.org/wnet/jimcrow/

This event is free and open to the public but requires tickets. Tickets are available beginning September 10 at Hamline University's Anderson Center Information Desk. For more information, contact Hamline U's Hedgeman Center for Student Diversity Initiatives and Programs at 651-523-2421.

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For Rent: January 2013 through May 2013

Well maintained 2 story home in south Minneapolis- Powderhorn neighborhood.
2 bedrooms, office, 3 season porch, full furnished, washer and dryer on premise. ½ block from 38th St. bus line, and 2.5 short blocks from the Chicago Ave bus line. Quiet setting and great neighbors. For more information, please call 612-823-0299.

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