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AugSTEM Scholarships for Auggie STEM students

The AugSTEM Scholarship application for 2014-2015 is now available at www.augsburg.edu/stem. Applications are due July 1. Come learn about more about the AugSTEM program and scholarships and find out if you are eligible!

AugSTEM Drop-In Day
April 16 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
STEM Programs Office, Science 154

If you cannot make it for the drop-in hours but plan to apply for the scholarship, please email stem@augsburg.edu to let us know of your intent.

The AugSTEM program is designed to support Augsburg juniors and seniors who wish to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Funded by the National Science Foundation, AugSTEM Scholars can receive up to $7,000 per year in financial support. Scholars also become a part of a vital STEM community at Augsburg with opportunities for research, faculty mentoring, and career development.

The AugSTEM scholar award is designated for students who are within five semesters of graduating. Applicants must be full-time students in a STEM major (biology, biopsychology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics and physics) with a 3.0 GPA within their major. This award is available for U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents who demonstrate financial need via FAFSA. Students who began their college careers at community colleges are encouraged to apply for this scholarship.

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Faculty - The ICD Grant Deadline is TODAY

The deadline for Integrated Course Design Grants is midnight on April 7. Please see the CTL website under "grant descriptions and applications" for more details. Apply!

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Faculty - Report Student Off-campus Research

Faculty, please follow the link below to record any students in your department who were accepted to off-campus summer research experiences this upcoming summer. URGO would like to congratulate them and offer them our services before they leave.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Aq7GIPcECuVAdHdQMWZ6VE50YnBFWXdxN2YtSjE3VlE&usp=sharing

Or email this information to urgo@augsburg.edu.

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Faculty - Apply for Summer Scholarship Grants TODAY

The deadline for Summer Scholarship Grants is midnight on April 7. Please see the CTL website under "grant descriptions and applications" for more details. Apply!

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2014 Distinguished Contributions Awards Announced

The Academic Affairs Office and the Center for Teaching and Learning are pleased to announce the recipients of this year's awards for Distinguished Contributions to Teaching and Learning. These awards recognize individuals who have made exemplary contributions to creating an engaging academic learning environment through teaching, scholarship, and mentoring and advising.

The 2014 recipients of the Distinguished Contributions to Teaching and Learning awards are:

For Excellence in Teaching
Stacy Freiheit, Associate Professor of Psychology

For Excellence in Mentoring and Advising
Shana Watters, Assistant Professor of Computer Science

For Excellence in Scholarship
Phillip Adamo, Associate Professor of History and Director, Medieval Studies

This year's recipients will be recognized at the Honors Convocation on April 11 and at the Faculty Recognition Luncheon on May 1. Please join us in congratulating the recipients of this year's Distinguished Contributions to Teaching and Learning awards!

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Faculty - Report Student Graduate School Acceptance

The URGO office needs your help to track graduate school acceptances for this year. Please follow the link below to report any students or alumni who were accepted to graduate school or professional school for the fall!

https://docs.google.com/a/augsburg.edu/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Aq7GIPcECuVAdHJkR3FNcm5Fa0owRzBNeV84cTVlTUE&usp=drive_web#gid=0

Or you can email urgo@augsburg.edu with this information.

Our goal is to have a complete record from each department.

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Great Colleges Survey: Share Your Voice

The 2014 Great Colleges to Work For Survey opened yesterday and will remain open until Friday, April 18.

The survey is open to all full time faculty and staff. The eligible participants will receive an email from ModernThink that will contain a survey invitation and link to the survey.

Important details you should know:
>Survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.
>Your responses to the survey will be completely confidential. ModernThink LLC, an independent survey firm, will not provide Augsburg College with any information that would enable us to trace survey data back to any one individual.
>Your participation is voluntary.
>Frequently Asked Questions and Answers posted on The HR Moodle https://moodle.augsburg.edu/moodlecommunity/course/view.php?id=329

Human Resources recognizes that many members of our community have work that does not require use of a computer, or who may not have a dedicated office. Therefore we will be hosting computer lab sessions for employees to complete the survey. This will also provide an opportunity for employees to ask questions they might have about the survey or who would like assistance with the survey process.

These sessions are scheduled at the following dates and times.
April 9: 2:30-3:30 p.m., Sverdrup Hall, Room 205
April 10: 11-12 p.m., Sverdrup Hall, Room 201
April 11: 8-9 a.m., Sverdrup Hall, Room 205
April 15: 4-5 p.m., Sverdrup Hall, Room 205

Should you have questions, please contact Lisa Stock (stock@augsburg.edu or 612-330-1783) or Katie Berggren (berggren@augsburg.edu or 612-330-1691) in Human Resources. Thank you in advance for your participation.

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Cap and Gown Information - Please Read

Congratulations everyone!

If you have pre-ordered (website) or emailed me your cap and gown request, they will be available to pick up on April 11 at 10 a.m. If you cannot pick up on April 11, you may pick up at any time up until April 25 when the store is open. If you would like it shipped to your home, you will need to email me your home address and phone number so that I may call for credit card information. There will be a $6.95 shipping charge.

Hoods - you will purchase at the bookstore, however we will keep them and deliver to departments the week of Graduation. Hoods need to be purchased by April 25!

Diploma Frames will be 20% off on April 11 and 12!

On April 11 and 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. our Grad Fair will be taking place in the bookstore. Several departments including - Event Services, Alumni Department, and Center for Vocation and Learning will be on site to answer any questions you might have. Rings and customized announcements will be available to order as well!

If you have any questions regarding cap, gowns or hoods, Please email me at forgey@augsburg.edu

Rochester students, I will be in Rochester on April 17 from 4-6:30 p.m. selling pre-ordered gowns. I will also bring diploma frames (20% off that day too!) and Alumni gear! Credit cards and checks will be accepted.

Pricing for students who ordered via website. Late orders on packages will have an additional $10 charge.

Bachelor cap, gown, tassel = $54.00
Master cap, gown, tassel, hood = $95.40
Bachelor gown only = $37.00
Master gown only = $42.00
Master hood only = $39.00
Keeper cap = $11.00
Tassel only = $11.00

All graduation regalia is taxable.

If you have not ordered and plan to walk, please email me ASAP so that I can ensure you have your cap and gown!
Congratulations on your graduation!

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Augsburg "Happy" Project

Inspired by Pharrell Williams's "24 Hours of Happy" project, the people of Augsburg College shared their best dance moves. In Pharrell William's words (@pharrell) "None of us are perfect, but we're all here. There's room under the sun for everyone. So let's do it...#HAPPY."

WATCH: Augsburg Happy Project: http://youtu.be/bhjNdC6U8NI

We would like to extend a special thank you to all of the Auggie alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends who contributed in the making of the Augsburg College "happy" project!

Learn more about the 24 Hours of Happy Project at: http://24hoursofhappy.com/

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Auggie Says...

Auggie Eagle is hanging out somewhere on campus today. Find him and be the first to Tweet out what "Auggie Says" using #AuggieSurvey and you will win a pair of movie passes. Plus watch Amail the rest of this week, for other chances to win too!

If you have questions contact Katie Berggren at Berggren@augsburg.edu

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TIAA-CREF Individual Counseling Sessions

TIAA-CREF regularly offers individual counseling sessions at no additional cost to you.

You can discuss your personal financial situation with an experienced TIAA-CREF Financial Consultant on a confidential basis. They are available to discuss how to help you achieve your financial goals by investing in financial solutions such as mutual funds, brokerage, life insurance and annuities.

Sessions will be:
Tuesday, April 29, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Sverdrup 102)
Wednesday, April 30, 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Sverdrup 102)
Thursday, May 1, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Sverdrup 102)

Space is limited so please RSVP as soon as you can.
To sign up call 1-866-843-5640, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (CT).

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Higher Learning Commission Quality Check-Up Visit

The following update is provided by President Paul Pribbenow and Provost Karen Kaivola.

Last week, the team of two AQIP reviewers met with dozens of faculty, staff, and board members as part of our Quality Check-Up Visit, the most recent step in our Higher Learning Commission (HLC) reaffirmation of accreditation. Topics covered in the 16 sessions held April 2-4 focused on continuous improvement and included specifics about the Augsburg 2019 strategic plan, the work of the Governance Task Force, assessment of student learning, retention and enrollment planning, the formation of the Office of Planning and Effectiveness, and the work on the redesign of the adult undergraduate program.

In their summary comments on Friday, the reviewers concluded by saying how impressed they were with the faculty, staff, administration, and board members they met. They said it was evident--as well as remarkable--how deeply people here align their work with the institution's mission. They also expressed appreciation for the openness and transparency of those participating in the discussion sessions.

On the whole, they affirmed that they saw evidence of good work and progress in a number of areas that were identified the 2013 Systems Appraisal, which is the feedback reviewers provided after evaluating the Systems Portfolio Augsburg submitted in November 2012. The reviewers noted in particular the development of a campus-wide strategic plan with specific objectives and metrics, commended the planning for and creation of the Office of Planning and Effectiveness to centralize institutional research, and affirmed our current efforts to make assessment of student learning more robust and systematic.

At the same time these visits were taking place, we learned that we had passed the HLC federal compliance evaluation with no issues. As a federally recognized accrediting agency, the HLC is required to assure that all its member institutions meet their Title IV program responsibilities and comply with the regulations that accreditors must enforce as part of their recognition by the U.S. Department of Education. Compliance with federal requirements is necessary to ensure that the College remains eligible for federal financial aid.

The next step in the reaffirmation of accreditation process is for the review team to summarize their observations, with special attention to progress made since the 2013 Systems Appraisal. Once that report is drafted, and the College has had an opportunity to respond to any misunderstandings or errors of fact, the report will be added to Augsburg's set of reaffirmation documents. Next winter, an HLC panel will review all the materials submitted since our last reaffirmation and advise us of our new reaffirmation status.

The preparation for this week's visit involved an extensive effort. Continuous improvement--as the AQIP reviewers affirmed during their visit--requires commitment and action from the entire organization. And so, we want to recognize Dean Amy Gort's leadership in this huge undertaking, the commitment of the Academic Affairs Office--Katie Bishop, Judi Green, Nate Hallanger, and Lori Peterson--in driving the completion of all the necessary work, the contributions of so many faculty and staff in compiling evidence and documentation in response to the 2013 Systems Appraisal, and all of the board, staff, and faculty members who made time to meet with the reviewers during the check-up visit.

We look forward to receiving the reviewers report in the next month or so and to continuing our collective work to ensure ongoing improvement in our work. Thank you.

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HSA Financial Forum Webinars

Do you have a HSA? Optum Health will offer three Financial Forum webinars to help you plan, save and pay for qualified medical expenses, and to potentially grow your savings tax-free by investing in mutual funds.

You will learn:
- Who is eligible to invest
- How to use the available educational and account management tools
- How to set up an investment account, select funds and allocate dollars
- How to transfer money between your HSA and investment account

Financial Forums have a 20/20 format -- taking only 40 minutes out of your day. The first 20 minutes are dedicated to discussing the HSA topic, with the last 20 minutes held for Q&A.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to take full advantage of the tax-free savings your HSA offers.

Times/Dates the forum is offered:
- Thursday, April 24 - 11:00 a.m.
- Wednesday, May 7 - 3:00 p.m.
- Thursday, May 22 - 3:00 p.m.

Space fills up quickly, so register today. For more information or to sign up, visit:
http://go.optum.com/4820_FS_Financial_Forum_Spring_2014-Employee/employee_invite1.pdf?elq_mid=4778&elq_cid=972371&elq_ck=701a0000002AIcBAAW&elq=c24539b2e703407eb3b85c15a5b8d2ed&elqCampaignId=1439

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Thanks for Accessibility Self-Audits

Thanks to the many faculty and staff who helped with physical accessibility self-audits of Foss, Music, Kennedy/Melby, Science, and Memorial:

Devon Ross, Sarah Griesse, Sheila Fox Wassink, Beth Carlson, Joanne Reeck, Jane Larson, Michael Bloomberg, Anne Lynch, Sonja Hagander, Justin Lind-Ayers, Franz Santander, Jeavonna Sutherland, Mark Cotton, Barb Harvey, Bonnie Tensen, Mike Grewe, Kristen Connell, Melodie Lane, Melissa Lee, Kristin Hanson, Lisa Stock, Tina Brauer, Carol Enke, Stacy Cutinella, Dionne Doering, Jody Sorenson and Joan Kunz.

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Philanthropy Week Lunch Was A Success

Thank you to everyone who participated in our inaugural Philanthropy Week lunch on Friday, April 4. We had a great turnout, with more than 50 faculty and staff writing handwritten notes to Augsburg donors to thank them for their gifts and encourage them to continue to support the College. In fact, many people kept saying, "I'm just going to write one more...."

You wrote 431 letters to Augsburg alumni, parents, and friends!

These letters will go in the mail on Monday. We will be able to track the donors who make a gift based on the handwritten notes you have sent, and will share the results with all of you in a few months.

We will definitely hold this event again in the future, but in the meantime, we welcome any feedback or ideas you have about how to improve this event (we know we definitely need a bigger space!)

Once again, thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to thank our donors and share with them how their gifts make a difference in our day-to-day work and strengthen our commitment to our students and our mission. Hearing firsthand from you makes a significant difference.

Finally, a special thank you to our Philanthropy Week Lunch hosts for creating a great turnout and for being so welcoming and informative.

Thanks again!

Martha

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Homecoming 2014 - Department Events

Is your department hosting an event during Homecoming Week 2014 -- September 21 - September 27? If so, the office of Alumni & Constituent Relations would like to help make it a success! We can help to publicize the event by including it in the Homecoming brochure which is mailed to over 22,000 Alumni, Parents and Friends of Augsburg! Perhaps your department is celebrating an anniversary or some significant milestone. Let us help you reach your target audience with the Homecoming brochure and website. Call us at 612-330-1085 or send an email to alumni@augsburg.edu with some brief notes about the event and we'll be in touch soon. Thank you!

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Health Commons Supply Drive

The Augsburg Central Health Commons is a community outreach program held at Central Lutheran Church in Downtown Minneapolis, which provides basic medical services and health education to people of diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds free of charge. The mission of the Health Commons is to promote health and healing in marginalized populations. Donations are the primary way that the Health Commons is able to provide these services to its visitors.

The Health Commons will be holding a Supply Drive, sponsored by MPIRG, during the week of April 7-11, 2014. Below is a list of items requested for donation:
-men's white socks (new)
-feminine pads (not tampons)
-large size diapers (size 4, 5, 6, or pull-ups)
-travel size shampoo
-travel size conditioner
-travel size soap
-travel size toothpaste
-travel size lotion
-deodorant
-razors
-cough drops
-baby wipes

Keep in mind that many of these items can be purchased for low cost at a local dollar store. If you are able to donate, your contribution is very much appreciated! Drop off boxes will be in Christensen Center and the residence halls all week. Health Common Supply Drive representatives will also be tabling in Christensen from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day of the week to provide more information.

Additionally on Tuesday, April 8, students dining in the cafeteria can substitute one meal for a bowl of rice. By substituting a meal we have the opportunity to experience and reflect on one of the daily struggles facing those experiencing homelessness. A'viands has generously agreed to donate proceeds from substituted meals to the Health Commons. If you want to participate in this event, you must sign up by Friday, April 4. Stop by SCI116 to sign up in person or send an email to belghoul@augsburg.edu to find a time to get yourself on the list.

If you are interested in learning more about homelessness please attend MPIRG's weekly meeting Thursday, April 10 at 5:30. Nursing faculty Katie Clark will be speaking. Questions on how you can contribute to the drive can be directed to Brittany Kimball at kimball@augsburg.edu, and questions about Homelessness Awareness Week can be sent to Emma Winegar at winegar@augsburg.edu.

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TOMORROW - Open House for Gus, 2 - 7:30 p.m.

Please join the Department of History tomorrow (Tuesday, April 8) as we honor Donald Gustafson. Gus is retiring in May after 53 years at Augsburg College. His only wish--other than to finish all his grading--is to see all of you! To that end, we are hosting an open house in the department hallway on the first floor of Memorial Hall. Join us from 2 - 7:30 p.m. that day as Gus holds court in his green office (Memorial 114B) one last time. We'll provide food and drink, but you and Gus will need to provide the great conversation and reminiscences.

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TONIGHT - Civil War Lecture, 7 p.m.

Please join students in HIS 331: The Civil War and Reconstruction as they welcome Augsburg alum and Regent Wayne B. Jorgenson '71 for a lecture in the Marshall Room tonight (Monday, April 7), at 7 p.m. Jorgensen, the author of Every Man Did His Duty: Pictures and Stories of the Men of the First Minnesota (2013), will present on "The First Minnesota Regiment in the American Civil War." All members of the Augsburg community--and the general public--are welcome.

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Open House Honoring Bruce Rowe

Please join us Friday, April 11, 5-8 p.m. in Oren Gateway Center Room 100 in honoring 30 years of service and upcoming retirement of Bruce Rowe, Facilities Department. Bruce has done an amazing job of keeping the Augsburg campus grounds looking beautiful in the growing season, and in keeping snow out of our way the rest of the time! Stop by to share stories and wish him well.

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MFA Mentor Jack El-Hai Wins Minnesota Book Award

MFA Mentor Jack El-Hai has won the Minnesota Book Award for Creative Nonfiction for his book "The Nazi and the Psychiatrist: Hermann Goering, Dr. Douglas M. Kelley and a Fatal Meeting of Minds at the End of WWII" (PublicAffairs Books/Perseus Books Group).

Jack's book tells the story of the remarkable relationship between Army psychiatrist Capt. Douglas M. Kelley and the elite of the captured Nazi regime, particularly Hermann Goering. His previous Book Award was for "The Lobotomist."

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Best of Augsburg Film Festival, Saturday April 26

You are invited to attend the Best of Augsburg Film Festival on Saturday, April 26 in Sateren Auditorium at 2 p.m. Selected works created by Augsburg students during the 2013-14 year will be screened. A panel of guest judges will be present and awards will be handed out.
Any questions or comments, or individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations, contact Dylan Lowry, Studio & Equipment Manager at lowry@augsburg.edu.

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Zyzzogeton Poster Session Friday, 2-4 p.m. in OGC

Augsburg student research will be on display at this year's Zyzzogeton Poster Session on Friday, April 11 from 2-4 p.m. in Oren Gateway Center. More than 70 students will be presenting work from a variety of disciplines. Faculty, students, alumni, and the public are all encouraged to come celebrate Augsburg undergraduate research at this festive event, complete with nachos, Italian sodas, and fruitful conversation. Nearly 400 people are expected to attend this year, so you won't want to miss out!

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Daily Chapel

Join us for worship in the chapel! Today we welcome Physics Professor Mark Engebretson to the pulpit. Dr. Roberta Kagin, Director of Music Therapy, will be playing the organ and student Alex Jamieson will sing. Professor Don Gustafson, History Department, will read the scripture.

Upcoming Daily Chapel:
Tuesday, 4/8: Convocation – No Chapel Service
Wednesday, 4/9, 10:40 a.m.: Rev. Dean Seal preaching, "Forgiveness - A Window
on Multifaith Conversation,"(Kaylie Johnson, trumpet)
Thursday, 4/10, 11:30 a.m.: Kacie Carlsted '14 preaching
Friday, 4/11, 10:40 a.m.: Morning Prayer (Leah Deschepper, flute & The
Riverside Singers) followed by C3: Christ,
Community and Coffee

Hoversten Chapel, Foss Center - Everyone is welcome!

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Invitation to a Public Panel by Twin Cities Chefs

Science 123 and the Campus Kitchen invite the Augsburg community to participate in our final homework assignment of the semester. Students in the course Science 123 are dining out in the city to see the food materials science they have learned about all semester put to practice. You can join them, support the local food scene, and then meet some of the chefs!

On April 23, (OGC 100, 7:00 - 8:00) we will have a conversation with Landon Schoenefeld (Haute Dish), Erick Harcey (Victory 44), Karyn Tomlinson (Borough) about creativity, food, science, and the careers of professional chefs. We encourage you to dine at any of these restaurants in preparation for the chef's panel. All are welcome. Please contact Ben Stottrup for details: stottrup@augsburg.edu.

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Student Recitals Time Changes for 4/7

Please note that student recitals for tonight, Monday, April 7 have been adjusted to the following time schedule: (All in Sateren Auditorium)
5:30 p.m. Katherine Zelz
7 p.m. Nick Pell & Chris Kopp
8:30 p.m. Ian Wilkinson

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Two Auggies Win Prestigious Physics Scholarship

Two Augsburg College students have been named Rossing Physics Scholars for 2014-2015. Juan Tigre '16 and Fik Beyene '16 will receive $10,000 and $7,000 respectively. Dixie Shafer and Kirsten O'Brien of Augsburg's URGO office shepherded Juan and Fik through the application process. Please congratulate all involved when you have the opportunity.

The Rossing Fund for Physics Education Endowment in the ELCA Foundation was established in 2005. Physics majors from across the 27 ELCA colleges and universities are eligible to apply. The fund was established by Thomas Rossing, a physicist who taught at St. Olaf and is professor emeritus of physics at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois.

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