Subject: Required Information for Spring Course Evaluations
Submitter: Theresa L Martin, Administrative Assistant, Center for Teaching and Learning

Message: On-line Course Evaluation Information

April 10, 2006

Dear Colleagues:

As we complete WEC Winter Trimester (54% response rate overall - moving in the right direction) and move to Spring terms, we offer this update and set of recommendations for conducting course evaluations this next round; the day term dates are from April 14 to April 28. Spring WEC dates will be advertised at the end of May.

First, we and some of the research suggest that a clear statement to students of the value and use of this information is critical. We believe such a uniform approach may bolster response rates and may provide a consistent campus-wide approach to prompting students to fill out the evaluation. If students begin to hear a shared sense of commitment to what we learn from their efforts, that common commitment can strengthen the project. Also, we encourage you to individualize your discussion with students by sharing with them how you use this information; you might perhaps indicate what you changed last time for this term and highlight any particular type of feedback that might be useful.


Thus, we strongly encourage you to engage the following practices to increase the chances of a good response rate.

- Explain the shared rationale and then offer your individual comments. Be constructive and thank them for taking the time to do this.

The statement below is a concise reminder for students of the value we place in their helpful and honest feedback. Please consider using it as a basis for your class conversation.

"The faculty of Augsburg College value the opinions of the students who take our courses, and we try to improve our courses and our teaching in response to their thoughtful evaluations. Please take the time in the next two weeks to complete the on-line evaluation of your courses. Your response will be read by your professors and by college administrators. We appreciate your effort; it helps support the college's dedication to and understanding of excellent and diverse teaching."

- Remind students twice--once at the beginning of week one and again at the start of week two. Remind students about the multiple locations to access the form: email and on their Moodle site.

Other suggestions are:

- Consider letting the class out 10-15 minutes early one day in exchange for the time you are asking them to put in completing the evaluation. This seemed to work incidentally and we are interested in seeing if it makes a difference.
- Next term, put "course evaluation completion" on your syllabus as part of the last weeks of course work; this may help to send the message of importance and expectation.

The On-line Working Group continues to monitor the project and will be meeting in May to do more extensive data analysis and work on next steps in the pilot. If you have interest or comments, please do not hesitate to contact Diane (pike@augsburg.edu) or Scott krajewsk@augsburg.edu) Any member of the committee is happy to talk with you.

You will have access to your evals right after your grades are turned in - there will be no delay as there was from Fall.

Finally, there is no single form that accomplishes what we should expect in terms of understanding how well we serve students. Please use paper and pencil in-class forms as needed to collect information about specialized questions regarding your course; this data can important information for you but need not be institutionally processed. Any time after about 2/3s of the way through course should get you much of what you need. We ask you not to do any sort of evaluation during final exam slots.

Thank you for your efforts in sustaining and improving teaching and learning at Augsburg College.

Scott Krajewski, Diane Pike, Stu Stoller, Pam Weiss,
Carol Knicker, Ken Erikson, Bob Cowgill

Subject: Summer Reseach Due Date Extended: April 21
Submitter: Theresa L Martin, Administrative Assistant, Center for Teaching and Learning

Message:
The application deadline has been extended to April 21 and the eligibility guidelines have been revised for Summer Research proposals. You may apply if you are in your first year of employment at Augsburg or if you received an award last year, Summer 2005. Other criteria are:

SELECTION CRITERIA:

Quality Criteria. Preference will be given to proposals that show evidence of thorough preparation and that meet the following criteria:
- Clear statement of realistic goals and objectives
- Appropriate and detailed project method/plan for achieving the goals and objectives
- Explanation of advance preparation and planning
- Clear description of the project's assessment
- Detailed timeline and budget

Other Criteria. Additional criteria that may influence the Committee?s decision include:
- Use of language and terminology that are clear to non-experts
- Necessity for funding for project completion
- Please attach a curriculum vita.

FUNDING: Up to $2000 per grant.
Source: Grangaard Faculty Development Fund. 2-3 additional awards may be granted.
Funding decisions are made by the Faculty Development Committee. All funds must be requested by the end of the fiscal year in which the grant is awarded.

APPLICATION: Please use the Research Application form that is available by calling Terry Martin, x1229 or at the CTL website. Please send the completed application as an e-mail attachment to martin@augsburg.edu.

Extended Application Date: April 21 for the summer 2006.

Accountability:
- Completion of the following:
-Professional Development evaluation form and assessment as described in the project application
- Sharing the results with the Augsburg Community via:
-Presentation of a community discussion, Scholarship Fair, or another venue approved by the FacDev Committee.

Subject: StepUP Presentation TODAY
Submitter: Theresa L Martin, Administrative Assistant, Center for Teaching and Learning

Message: An invitation to faculty and staff from StepUP...

Come Relax On the Academic Counselor's Couch: A StepUP Perspective on Learning and Recovery
Presented by Jennifer Zotalis, Academic Skills Coordinator, StepUP Program

Want to learn more about the foundations of college level learning assistance?
Curious about its application for students in recovery? Interested in hearing the latest about the StepUP Program?

Join us for an hour of coffee, cookies and a presentation (with discussion)
comparing the theories and practices behind academic counseling for the general student population and academic counseling for students in recovery.

Please join us Monday, April 10, at 3:45 P.M. in East Commons of the Christensen Center. RSVP to Kathy Fagen, Administrative Assistant for the StepUP Program (#1405, fagen@augsburg.edu)

Subject: Humanities and Fine Arts Gathering -- April 11
Submitter: Jacqueline R deVries, Associate Professor and Chair of History, History

Message: All faculty in the Humanities and Fine Arts are invited to our spring gathering on Tuesday, April 11, from 3:15 to 4:30 in Lindell 301. Refreshments will be served. Members of the IT staff will show us examples of the cool ways our colleagues across campus are using technology (and Moodle!) to enhance course content and heighten student engagement. The presentation will begin at 3:30 p.m. Hope you can make it!

Subject: Poster Making Workshops Today, Tomorrow and Wed.
Submitter: Dixie Shafer, Director, Office for Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunity

Message: Do your research posters look like your paper pasted to tagboard? Then this session is for you.

Graphic Design Professor John McCaffrey and URGO Director Dixie Shafer will be hosting 3 research poster making workshops. We will cover the do's, laugh about the don'ts, critique some samples and break you of your habit of "overtextifying." We will also be available to answer specific questions about your poster design.

Faculty, Staff and Students are welcome to join us in Sverdrup 205:

Monday, Noon to 1:00 p.m.
Tuesday, 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Questions: contact shafer@augsburg.edu

Subject: Staff Changes in Day Admissions
Submitter: Carrie M Carroll, Director, Admissions

Message: There have been a few changes in staffing for the Day Admissions Department. We are delighted to welcome two new hires to our office! They are:
Keith McCoy x1577 mccoyk@augsburg.edu
Richard Webb x1047 webbr@augsburg.edu
They are both familiar faces to Augsburg and we are ecstatic that they are able to bring their experiences to the Day Admissions Office.
We have also hired an intern to assist us while Marissa is on maternity leave. Chris Belbeck, Augsburg senior, is available at x1589.
Please welcome our new staff!

Subject: MUSIC! UPBEAT!
Submitter: Brenda M Valentine, Office Coordinator, Center for Global Education

Message: Klezmerica will be performing at Our Savior's Lutheran Church on Friday, 4/21/2006 at 7:30 p.m.

The Center for Global Education will have a silent auction of items from all around the world: Mexico, Namibia, Hawaii, and many other countries! All proceeds will go to the Mary Witt Scholarship Fund to help students from underrepresented groups.

Please come to this wonderful night of entertainment and fun!
Our Savior's Lutheran Church is located at 2315 Chicago Ave in Minneapolis

Tickets are $10
Please call Brenda to purchase tickets or for more information!
612-330-1159

Subject: Environmentalism Speaker Tonight at 7:30
Submitter: Thomas S Ruffaner, Day Custodial Supervisor, Custodial Services

Message: William Cronon, renowned environmentalist and author will speak at Macalester College on Monday, April 10th at 7:30 p.m. in the Weyerhaeuser Memorial Chapel. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in the environmental movement to hear someone who has much to share on the subject. William Cronon was a member of the Yale University's History Department for over 10 years. He became the Frederick Jackson Turner Professor of History, Geography and Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin - Madison in 1992. He was President of the American Society for Environmental History and currently serves as general editor of the Weyerhaeuser Environmental Books Series for the University of Washington Press. He has also served on the Governing Council of the Wilderness Society since 1995 and on the Board of the Trust for Public Land since 2003.

Subject: Does the Lilly Program Owe You a $5 Coupon?
Submitter: Diane R Glorvigen, Lilly Program Assistant, Exploring Our Gifts

Message: Are you a freshman or junior who recently completed an on-line survey for the Lilly Program? If so, thank you so much!!! If you have not yet picked up your complimentary $5 coupon for the Augsburg Coffee Shop, we would love to give it to you. Just visit us in Memorial 231. Here are the directions:

Enter Memorial from the quad through the door that is closest to Christensen Center. Go up the stairs to the second floor. As soon as you walk through the doorway, turn right and take 4 steps. There it is!

The best hours to pick up your coupon are as follows: Wed. 2:30 - 4:30, Thurs. noon - 4 , or Fri. 10:30 - 12:30. However, you can try other times, too. Look for Diane or Ryan. If you cannot find Diane or Ryan, then check Prof. Tranvik's office next door (Mem 230).

We look forward to meeting you and thanking you in person!

Subject: Ombuds needed
Submitter: Ann L Garvey, Dean of Students, Academic and Student Affairs

Message: Applications are invited for the Augsburg Student Ombuds. The Augsburg Student Ombuds is a designated neutral or impartial dispute resolution practitioner whose major function is to provide confidential and informal assistance to students (Day, WEC, and Graduate) of Augsburg College. The Ombuds may serve as counselor, go-between, mediator, informal fact-finder, or upward feedback provider. The ombudsperson's function is located outside the ordinary line management structure. The ombudsperson has access to anyone in the organization including the chief executive officer.

Pay is $800/semester.
Complete and return the application form and a copy of your resume to Ann Garvey, Dean of Students, by Friday, April 22, 2006. the complete description and application can be found at http://web.augsburg.edu/~garvey/Ombudspdapp06.doc

Additional Responsibilities
1. Schedule and keep routine weekly hours so that students and other Augsburg community members can access services and assistance.
2. Publicize services of the Ombuds Office through the web and respond to email inquiries.
3. Attend activities fair, health fair, new student orientation, etc., to promote office and services.
4. Meet monthly with the Dean of Students to review issues and student concerns in general. Contact Dean of Students as needed for assistance with specific issues.
5. Meet each semester with the President to discuss issues and concerns brought forward by students.
6. Attend workshops and trainings as determined.

Contact current Ombuds Paul Cumings for more information.

Subject: An Invitation from the Augsburg Stewards....
Submitter: Solveig M Mebust, Student

Message: Allow us to extend to you the opportunity to become an Augsburg Steward. Our mission: to engage students in the mission of Augsburg College in order to cultivate pride in place and purpose. Applications are available to interested first-, second-, and third-year students at the Welcome Desk; in the office of Marc Skjervem, Director of Student Activities; and the office of Heidi Breen, Alumni Relations (1st floor of Science Hall).

Please apply by 4 p.m. on April 18th, 2006. Applications can be returned to the office of Marc Skjervem (Auggie's Nest in the basement of Christensen Center).


Augsburg Stewards: Sustaining the Flame

Subject: A Spanish Program in KAUG beginning April 13
Submitter: Emiliano Chagil, Director, Hispanic-Latino Student Services

Message: Spanish Radio Program: "Hablemos Español! (Let's Speak Spanish!)
One hour/weekly (11-12noon): Beginning Thursday, April 13, 2006

The format for this Spanish program will be covered by items such as:

- Introduction: biographical information about host: Emiliano Chagil, the Hispanic/Latino Program and Augsburg College

- Listening: the host will read articles from local bilingual newspapers: social, cultural and religious

- Interactive: answer questions from students or staff who are learning Spanish; all inquiry will be recommended to be in Spanish

- Interviews: Hispanic/Latino students on campus about country of origin, family history and the Minnesota experience, and faculty members

- Entertainment: Latin Music from folk or pop artists

Subject: Exit Loan Counseling for Seniors
Submitter: Elizabeth N Bassani, Financial Aid Counselor, Enrollment Center

Message: Exit Loan Counseling is required of all graduating seniors who have taken out a Federal Stafford loan at Augsburg. One of the easiest ways to satisfy this requirement is by going online to www.mapping-your-future.org and clicking on Student Loan Counseling Interview and then selecting Stafford Exit. We will receive notice that you have completed the required Exit Counseling and make note of it on your student account. If you would prefer to do something more personal you can attend one of our Exit Loan Counseling sessions this month. Our first session is today, April 10th at 12 p.m. in Science 123. You will be given useful information about repaying your student loans and student loan consolidation.

Subject: FREE CONCERT!!!
Submitter: Ted A Jedlicki, Student

Message: The ASAC Music Committee brings national artist Ben Lee to Augsburg's Spring Music Jam on Saturday, April 22, 2006 as part of ASAC's Spring Fling week. The FREE concert will start at 5:30 p.m. in Lot E in front of Mortensen Hall. Ben Lee is most well know for performing the songs "Catch My Disease" and "Gamble Everything For Love" and can be heard on 89.3 The Current, Cities 97, and Drive 105.

Also in concert will be Useless, the rock band featuring members of the national band Flipp, the Augsburg Battle of the Bands winner Accident Waiting to Happen, and local bands Capitol Jay and the New Monarchs. Dinner will be moved outside this evening for the event. Visit http://www.augsburg.edu/ASAC/ for more info.

Subject: Science Labs and Registration
Submitter: Wayne Kallestad, Registrar, Registrar's Office

Message: Students must register for both a lecture section and a lab section if the science course (BIO, CHM, PHY, SCI) has a lab as part of the course credit. Please log onto AugNet Records and Registration to view your scheduled science class. If you are not registered for both lecture and lab, please do so as soon as possible.

Registrar

Subject: Auggie Athletics Update
Submitter: Donald W Stoner, Sports Information Coordinator, Public Relations and Communication

Message: Auggie Athletics Update (click on link for story/stats):

Friday, April 7:
Softball -- Augsburg 6-5, Bethel 7-2
http://www.augsburg.edu/athletics/softball/0506statistics/040706bethel.html

Saturday, April 8:
Baseball -- Augsburg 2-10, Buena Vista (Iowa) 6-4
http://www.augsburg.edu/athletics/baseball/0506statistics/040806buenavista.html

Softball -- Augsburg 3-8, Macalester 1-5
http://www.augsburg.edu/athletics/softball/0506statistics/040806macalester.html

Men's Golf -- Augsburg at Augustana (Ill.) Invitational
http://www.augsburg.edu/athletics/mgolf/0506statistics/040806augustana.html

Track and Field -- Augsburg at Hamline Invitational
http://www.augsburg.edu/athletics/track/0506statistics/040806hamline.html


Upcoming Schedule:
http://www.augsburg.edu/athletics/

Tuesday, April 11:
Baseball at St. Mary's, 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 12:
Softball at St. Mary's, 4 p.m.

Saturday, April 15:
Men's/Women's Track and Field at Gustavus Invitational, 10:30 a.m.
Baseball vs. Gustavus, Parade Stadium, 1 p.m.
Women's Golf at Carleton Spring Invitational, Northfield GC, Northfield, Minn.

Sunday, April 16:
Women's Golf at Carleton Spring Invitational, Northfield GC, Northfield, Minn.

Monday, April 17:
Men's Golf at Gustavus Adolphus Spring Classic, Le Sueur, Minn.

Tuesday, April 18:
Softball vs. St. Catherine, University of Minnesota Jane Sage Cowles Stadium, Minneapolis, 7 p.m.
Men's Golf at Gustavus Adolphus Spring Classic, Le Sueur, Minn.

Subject: Bell qualifies for NCAA outdoor track nationals
Submitter: Donald W Stoner, Sports Information Coordinator, Public Relations and Communication

Message: ST. PAUL, Minn. (4/8/06) -- Tonnisha Bell (Sr., Minneapolis, Minn./Washburn HS) set a school record and clinched an automatic qualifying berth in the NCAA Division III outdoor track and field national championships with a 11.95-second, winning effort in the women's 100-meter dash, leading the Augsburg College track and field teams at the Hamline University Invitational on Saturday.

Bell broke the old school record of 11.96 seconds, set by Astrid Larssen in 1998, and topped the NCAA automatic qualifying standard of 11.97 seconds. Her time currently stands as the fastest time nationally among Division III women, according to the Raceberry Jam website.

Bell will compete in her eighth NCAA national championship meet -- every indoor and outdoor national meet during her career -- May 25-27 at Benedictine University in Lisle, Ill. It is the third straight year she has qualified for the outdoor national tournament in the women's 100-meter dash. Bell is a three-time All-American (all in the indoor 55-meter dash).

For more on Saturday's meet, click here:
http://www.augsburg.edu/athletics/track/0506statistics/040806hamline.html

Subject: Free Rent!!
Submitter: Colby J Smith, Student

Message: *FREE RENT!!*
- 2 BR Apt. within walking distance of Augsburg's campus
- Free Rent for live-in PCA -- Assist with daily living skills for male quadriplegic student
- Primary requirement of live-in PCA is being present during overnight hours.
- Any student interested, but is currently contracted to residence life, an arrangement could be made with the school so a student could gain release from his or her contract without penalty.
- Live-In PCA may also earn income for providing assistance.
- For more information or to express interest please contact:

* smithc4@augsburg.edu *
952-942-5878 and ask for Colby