No postings

Study in Iceland -- Leifur Eriksson Foundation

The Leifur Eiríksson Foundation funds scholars from U.S. universities for graduate research or study at universities in Iceland, and scholars from universities in Iceland to conduct research or study at universities in the United States.

Recipients are chosen by the Foundation's Board of Trustees. Up to $25,000 in project costs, including travel to and from the research or study site will be paid on the scholar's behalf.

The Leifur Eiríksson Foundation funds scholarly exchanges between students of the United States and Iceland. One-year awards of up to $25,000 will be granted based on the criteria stated within this document. Funds may be extended beyond the one-year period in circumstances where reasonable progress has been made toward completion of study and additional time is required. Funding extensions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Awards are intended to defray, but not exceed, the cost of attendance, research and study. Award levels will be set, and may be adjusted, by the Leifur Eiríksson Foundation based on a complete accounting of all funds available to applicants. All successful applicants will be required to submit a report upon the completion of their research or study, with emphasis placed on the use of funds supplied by the Leifur Eiríksson Foundation.

Applications must be received by December 5, 2008. Supporting documents, i.e. letters of reference and transcripts, must be received no later than December 13, 2008.

If you have any questions about this or any other scholarship or fellowship program, contact Dixie Shafer in the URGO office at: shafer@augsburg.edu, or x1447.

Back to top

Introduction to Moodle Gradebook

If you are interested in learning more about Moodle gradebook please join us for a hands-on session on Thursday, Oct. 16 from 1 - 2 p.m. in Foss 22A. Moodle gradebook has been updated this year and offers new features including options for updating individual grade entries in one location.

During this session we will discuss and practice:
• Setting up grading categories
• Setting up individual assignments
• Understanding weighting options
• Providing feedback for students

Please RSVP to this session by emailing krenz@augsburg.edu or strom@augsburg.edu.

Back to top

Faculty-led Study Abroad Programs Info Session

Have experience living and working abroad? Or an area of academic interest with an international connection? Want to bring experiences abroad to your students while engaging them in experiential learning? Then leading a short-term study abroad program might be for you! The Augsburg Abroad office is starting to think about Faculty-led study abroad programs for 2009-2010 and would like to invite Augsburg faculty to our info session!

Come to learn about successful past programs, brainstorm new program ideas, and get your questions answered. We'll also discuss the proposal process and provide proposal writing tips. If you are interested in learning more about leading programs or have an idea for a course abroad, please consider attending!

Faculty-led Study Abroad Programs Info Session
Date: Wednesday, October 22
Time: 10:45 to 11:45 am
Location: OGC 100

Proposal forms will be available in a few days in the public drive, as well as at the info session. The deadline for faculty to propose a course abroad for the 2009-2010 academic year is December 15, 2008.

To learn more about the SIX wonderful undergraduate faculty-led programs abroad in winter break (January) and in the summer (either as WEC spring trimester or Summer session courses), check out our website: http://www.augsburg.edu/augsburgabroad/

Questions? Contact Andrea Wojtanowicz, Faculty-led Programs Coordinator, at wojtanow@augsburg.edu or extension x1669.

Back to top

Frame of Mind

Come for the conversation...

Space is still open for those interested in attending Frame of Mind this Thursday (10/16). The evening's selection is entitled, "Is Google Making Us Stupid?"

Event starts at 4:45 (light supper) at the Augsburg House.

Call 330.1212 to sign up!

Back to top

Biology Colloquium - TONIGHT

Project Piaba: A Conservation Project Along the Rio Negro (Amazon Rainforest)
A talk by Randy Carey

Project Piaba is a Brazilian organization dedicated to conservation efforts that benefit not just the ecology of the rainforest but also the welfare of the people who live there. The Project focuses on the native collection of fishes for the aquarium trade emphasizing responsible harvesting of an annually renewable resource while returning fair compensation to the fishermen. This results in respect for the natural habitats -- rather than deforestation. Randy Carey spent two weeks with Project Piaba on an expedition along the Rio Negro, photographing and collecting information for a published multi-part series of articles. This photo-intensive talk shows life in the rainforest and discusses some of the Project's work.

Randy Carey is an expert in Characin fishes, a very diverse family of mostly small tropical fishes that includes many well-known aquarium fish such as neon and cardinal tetras, as well as some more notorious fish such as piranhas. He is also an expert fish breeder, having successfully spawned and reared over 200 different species. He regularly provides photos and articles for a national aquarium magazine, and his current project is a book on aquarium fish, slated for national distribution next year.

The colloquium will be held Wednesday, October 15 at 7 p.m. in SCI 123. Refreshments will be provided.

Back to top

Courage and Renewal Retreat Series

I invite you to participate in a retreat series beginning later this month. Courage and Renewal consists of five retreats, which focus on the personal and professional renewal of teachers, administrators, and other professionals. Each retreat consists of carefully designed individual, small, and large group activities around seasonal themes, which make use of the power of poetry, stories, art, nature, and guided reflection on personal and professional questions. The retreats offer an opportunity to slow down and listen to ourselves within a supportive community. All activities are invitational and there is ample personal time for reflection and renewal. Past participants have unanimously said this in the most significant professional development they have experienced.

Retreat Dates:
October 30-November 1, 2008
January 15-17, 2009
May 14-16, 2009
August 6-8, 2009
October 8-10, 2009

Each retreat begins with dinner on Thursday evening and concludes at noon on Saturday. The cost is $300.00 for double occupancy, meals and materials. Single occupancy rooms are available at extra cost. Augsburg has a fund available which has partially subsidized the fee for this retreat series. I can give you more details on this reimbursement opportunity. Participants are asked to commit to attendance at all retreats.

Please contact me if you have interest in participating or if you have additional questions.
petrich@augsburg.edu
330-1593

Back to top

Fall Gathering - Oct. 22

Please mark your calendars for the Fall All Staff/Faculty Gathering on Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the East Commons. We will be serving yummy pies and beverages! Door prizes and a chance to meet new staff members. sponsored by: Staff Senate
Questions e-mail staffsenate@augsburg.edu

Back to top

Spanish Conversation this Thurs.

Please join us for the Spanish conversation group that meets every Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. in the Riverside Room, on the 2nd floor of the Christensen Center. Drop in for 10 mins. or for the whole 90 mins. - whatever works for you! Whether you're fluent in Spanish or just starting a beginning class, this will be a good practice experience. Bring your lunch if you want. We look forward to seeing you there! Questions? Contact Emiliano Chagil, Anita Fisher or Kate Reinhardt.

Back to top

Apple Picking

Join campus ministry to enjoy some free fall fun at Afton Apple Orchard! Meet at the campus ministry office at 1 pm on Saturday, October 18. Bring money if you plan to buy extra apples or other goodies.

Back to top

Diversity Committee Meeting -- TODAY

Campus community members are invited to the Diversity Committee meeting on Wed., Oct. 15, 3-4:30 pm in the Riverside Room. Kathy Rumpza, Institutional Advancement will present their work on analyzing Augsburg's media imagery for diversity content. Other individuals from administrative divisions will talk about their work.

Back to top

Dining Menu -- Oct. 15

LUNCH:
Soup
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Cucumber Soup

The Grille
Chicago Italian Beef
Veggie Burger
Fries

Marketplace Entrees
Grilled Ham Steak w/ Honey-Mustard Sauce
AuGratin Potates
Vegetable
Dinner Roll

Sweet Peppers Deli
Eggplant Mozzarella Cheese Sandwich

Bravo Italiano
Assorted Pizza
Pesto Turkey w/ Angel Hair Pasta

World Flavors
Fire Grilled Caesar Salmon or Chicken Salad w/ Garlic Bread Stick

Fit Choices 4 Life
Potato w/Leeks

Vegé
BBQ Lentils
With Steamed Brown Rice

DINNER:
Soup
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Cucumber Soup

The Grille
Corn Dog
Steak Fries

Marketplace Entrees
Italian Spaghetti & Spicy Meatballs
Tofu Marinara Spaghetti
Veggie
Dinner Roll

Sweet Peppers Deli
BLT Wrap

Bravo Italiano
White Pizza
Mostaccoli w/ Basil Pesto & Parmesan Cheese

World Flavors
Chicken & Vegetable Lo-Mein made to order

Fit Choices 4 Life
Roasted Vegi Tacos

Vegé
Chicken Tortilla Soup

Back to top

Goverment Job/Internship Fair

Government Job/Internship Fair Friday, October 24, 2008
10:00-3:00 p.m.
U of M, Coffman Union
Allows candidates to pursue professional opportunities and internships in all levels of government. We would like you to register with CSWL at tilton@augsburg.edu. This event is free and open to all.

Questions, email tilton@augsburg.edu

Back to top

Student Webmail Issues

Students, if you get a blank message, or only a partial message when checking your Webmail, try switching to a slightly simplified view of Webmail and see if that works better.

To switch to the Basic interface:

1)Log into Webmail.
2)Click on the Settings button at the top of the screen.
3)Click on the Interface Style button at the left side of the screen.
4)Change the drop-down menu to read "Basic (Any browser)"
5)Click the Save Settings button on the left side of the screen.

The change should take effect immediately. If you have any questions you can call the Tech Desk at 612-330-1400.

Back to top

be-WISE-er Education Program -- TONIGHT

Come join the Student Network for Abuse Prevention (SNAP)from the University of Minnesota tonight in the Century Room for a high energy, engaging, interactive program surrounding making choices about alcohol. The student led group will discuss stages of alcohol use, debunks myths, train students about alcohol poisoning and more.

The program is sponsored by the Center for Counseling & Health Promotion which is launching its own peer health education group that will focus on alcohol education.

Please plan to come to the be-WISE-er program tonight from 7 - 8 p.m. in the Century Room. Any questions, please call the CCHP office at 612-330-1707.

Back to top

Transportation Fair -- TODAY

Representatives from Metro Transit, Metro Commuter Services, HOURCAR, Scooterville, bikers and others will be available in the Christensen Center lobby from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM to answer questions that faculty, staff and students have about alternative commuting possibilities. Avoid the high price of gas, traffic congestion and stress of driving by finding a more economical and less stressful commuting option. Representatives will help you find the best fit for your commute.

Back to top

Nuruddin Farah & "The Power of Words" -- TODAY

Today, October 15, Augsburg College is hosting the award-winning Somali writer, Nuruddin Farah. The event, "The Power of Words," will include Farah's reading from his latest novel, "Knots," as well as time for discussion and book-signing.

Date: Today, Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Times:
6:00 – 7:30 p.m. - Reading and discussion
7:30 – 8:30 p.m. - Reception and book signing
Location:
Augsburg College
Hoversten Chapel in the Foss Center
625 22nd Avenue So., Minneapolis (corner of Riverside & 22nd Ave)

Mr. Farah is the author of ten novels, including "Knots". His novels have been translated into more than twenty languages and have won numerous awards. Mr. Farah has been noted for his unique representation of the postcolonial experience in Africa; he depicts the vicissitudes of family life in the face of the withering effects of patriarchy, colonization, and state-sanctioned terror. His approach closes an important gap in the dominant anti-colonial discourse inspired by Franz Fa non's theories, which glossed over the hegemonic devastations of traditional African patriarchy.

Farah was named the 1998 laureate of the Nested International Prize for Literature, "widely regarded as the most prestigious award after the Nobel" (The New York Times). Born in Baidoa, Somalia, Mr. Farah has lived in exile in many African countries, including Ethiopia, Gambia, Sudan, Uganda, and Nigeria. He now lives in Cape Town, South Africa.

According to Michele Levy in "World Literature Today" (Sept/Oct 2007), through the "quest" of its remarkable heroine Cambara, Farah's "Knots" "explores the impact of diaspora and globalization on Somalis at home and abroad, portrays how civil war brands psyches and cities, and expands our distant vision of Mogadishu."

This event is sponsored by the following Augsburg departments and organizations: Work Culture @ Augsburg, International Student Organization, Pan-Afrikan Center, English Department, Office of International Programs, Center for Service, Work and Learning, and World Visions Book Group.

Back to top

UIC-Team Augsburg Fitness Challenge

Augsburg Associate Professor Joyce Pfaff is teaching in China this fall and the faculty and staff at UIC (United International College) have issued a "Fitness Dual". The challenge will begin Wed., Oct. 15 and end on Wed., Dec. 31. To be a part of Team Augsburg, all you need to do is send an email to fitness@augsburg.edu saying you want to be part of the team. Next you'll need to keep track of your daily fitness points and report them to the same email every Wednesday. A point is earned for a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise in 1 day. A maximum of 1 point per day can be earned. ANY form of exercise counts - even 3 -10 minute workouts. Pilates, yoga, walking the dog, bicycling to work . . all forms of exercise count!
Joyce and I will be relaying the weekly "scores" to make the challenge more interesting and perhaps motivating. And one last thing, the winners WILL take a home a prize. Join Team Augsburg today!

Back to top

Beyond Party Lines

On Wednesday October 29, State Representatives Steve Simon (D) and Pat Garofalo (R) will be on campus to hold a bipartisan discussion involving local political issues such as transportation and the gas tax. The event will close with an open floor for inquiries from audience members. There is no fee for entrance and the "debate" is open to the public. Details are as follows:

Beyond Party Lines
Featuring State Reps Steve Simon and Pat Garofalo
Sateren Auditorium
Oct. 29, 7:30pm-9:30pm

Back to top

Hispanic Heritage in America: Present and Future

Hispanic Heritage in America: Present and Future

The Things We Care About

This is an important year for all. The country will elect new leaders and as one political era ends another begins. As the fastest-growing, wealth-building and achieving minority group, Hispanics could hold great power election day. If recent speeches are any indication, the candidates are paying attention. One candidate said "I know how powerful this community is. Just think how powerful you could be on November 4th if you translate your numbers into votes." Another one said "I know the people, I know the patriotism, I know the loyalty, I know the respect for the family, the advocacy for life."

As Americans it should come as no surprise that Hispanics' concerns are those of the rest of the country. Hispanics are wringing their hands along with many as home values drop, record number of foreclosures, school-teachers struggle to meet the needs of too many students with too little money, and as jobs are lost. Although these issues are of concern to many, Latinos have a specific experience when it comes to each. According to shared values or collective ideals, the following is a selection of the things they have said are important: education, immigration reform, the economy, jobs, healthcare and housing.

Education: whether the issues is the controversial No Child Left Behind Act, underpaid teachers or even safety in schools, education is always a top concern for Latinos of all walks of life. According to a survey conducted by the Pew Hispanic Center, 93 percent of respondents said that education was extremely or very important and rated as the top issue even when compared with the cost of living, the war in Iraq or immigration. A 2005 study reports that Hispanics made up 19 percent of the nation's elementary and high school population; the number of students is growing, but a significant percentage do not graduate from high school and in some areas the drop-out rate is close to half. A study reports however that the number of Latino public high school graduates will rise by more than half or by 54 percent in the years ahead as non-Hispanic white graduates decline.

Immigration: as the country has become more wound up over border security, many have argued that the word "immigrant" has become synonymous with "Hispanic" and "Latino" in the public discourse and the media. This issue and the heated atmosphere it generates affect more than the undocumented. U.S. Latinos (citizens and legal residents) are feeling a chill from their non-Hispanic countrymen. In a survey of Hispanics by the Inter American Development Bank, 68 percent of respondents said they considered discrimination against immigrants to be a major problem. An equal percentage reported that it was a major problem for them and their families, up from 37 percent in August 2001. A Hispanic Governor recently said: "I have been troubled by the demonization of immigrants – especially Hispanics – by too many in this country." The numbers reveal a rapid and dismaying trend. For example the FBI's Hate Crimes Statistics Report from November 2007 detailed that in 2006, 62.8 percent of victims of crimes "motivated by a bias toward the victim's ethnicity or national origin" were Hispanic. It's considerably more than the 51.5 percent in 2004.

The economy and jobs: Hispanics throughout the country are concerned with the increasing number of job losses. The Pew Hispanic Center reported that in the first quarter of 2003 Hispanic unemployment rose to 6.5 percent, higher than the national average of 4.7 percent. For most immigrants lately the toll has been especially hard and the Center reports that their jobless rate is at 7.5 percent.

The issues of rising unemployment and reduced wages are not only harmful for U.S. economy they also affect immigrants' native countries. Immigrants have pumped billions of dollars into those economies through remittances to relatives. The total sent to developing nations in 2007 is estimated at $251 billion (Mexico alone received $25 billion). However as money becomes harder to earn, remittances to some countries have slowed; Mexico dropped by 3.4 percent in 2008, according to World Bank.

Healthcare: the cost of basic medical care is rising and recent studies report that many Hispanics simply forgo medical attention even when it is needed. With limited access to healthcare the fact is Hispanics are more likely than non-Hispanics to develop chronic diseases such as diabetes in later life. This is especially critical among adults who lack a regular health care provider or the 11 million Hispanics without medical coverage that accounts for the 25 percent of the nation's uninsured population. Furthermore and unfortunately this is a trend being passed on to the next generation of Latino children who represent 38.8 percent of the 9 million uninsured children in the country.

The housing crisis: millions of people are losing their homes, and again Hispanics are no exception. Considering that home ownership is a key component to building wealth, many Latino's long-term financial health hinges on their ability to own and keep a home. A study reports that one in 12 loans to Latinos will end in foreclosures, evidence that Latino foreclosures have not yet peaked.

In November, therefore, all Hispanics or Latinos hopefully through their votes express a new direction for our country, our families and our children. Our patriotism and loyalty should translate into advocacy for life and for creation in this America the beautiful!

(Note: This article was adapted and modified from an editorial published by HISPANIC magazine, September 2008, pp.46-50)

Back to top

Tickets on Sale for "Found"

Tickets are now on sale for Found, directed by Randy Reyes.
Available performance dates are Tuesday October 21, Wednesday October 22, and Thursday October 23 at 8 p.m. (please note that the performance time has changed from what was printed in our season brochure. Performances will begin at 8 p.m., not at 7 p.m. as was printed).

Tickets are on sale for
$5 for General Public
$4 for ACTC faculty and staff
$2 for Augsburg students and children under 12
All Augsburg students need to bring their student ID.

To make a reservation, please call 612-330-1257 with your name, phone number, the amount of tickets you would like and the type of tickets you would like. (If your call is received later than 3 p.m. the day of an evening performance, your reservation will not be taken.)

Back to top

Student of Color Study Abroad Scholarship

Join Augsburg Abroad, Financial Aid, Ethnic Student Services, TRiO/SSS and program faculty for an informational session to learn more about the Summer Study Abroad Scholarship (sponsored by Lutheran Brotherhood/Thrivent)for Summer Session I & II Faculty-led Study Abroad Programs.

Information sessions:

Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at 3:30 PM in the Marshall Room
Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 4:45 PM in the Minneapolis Room

Eligible Programs:
1. Ancient and Modern Egyptian Identity: Egypt
· SOC 195 and HIS 195 (2 credits)
2. Biodiversity and Environmental Politics: New Zealand/Cook Islands
· POL 241/INS 342or BIO 495 (1 credit)
3. Social Welfare and Culture: China (Seniors only)
· SW 295 (1 credit)

Award Amounts
Scholarships of $1000 and up will be awarded to eligible students. Amount awarded is determined by financial need.

Eligibility Requirements
The following criteria must be met:
The applicant is a student of color
The applicant demonstrates financial need
The applicant demonstrates academic need (credits needed for graduation)
The applicant must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher

How to Apply
Come to an information session to find out more....
Applications will be available at the sessions and posted online on 10/20.

Back to top

Reminders about Recent Emails Asking for Passwords

Over the past few weeks we've seen a few emails sent to campus email addresses asking for your passwords. These are commonly known as phishing scams. These often take the form of emails that look legitimate but are asking for personal information, often for "verification." These emails are trying to "bait" you to give up personal information (that's why phishing sounds like fishing).

The best thing to do is to just delete them. If you're not sure if an email is legitimate, faculty and staff can always contact their LFC and students can contact the Tech Desk ( 612-330-1400, techdesk@augsburg.edu ) to ask.

Here are some general rules to keep in mind:

- The Augsburg IT department would never send out a generic email asking for your password, username, or date of birth.

- If it sounds suspicious, then it probably is a scam.

- Emails from a .com address would not be from Augsburg.

Back to top

Scholarship for Accounting and Finance Major

Institute of Management Accounts

The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) is pleased to offer scholarships to students who are accounting and finance major. An IMA student member pursuing study in accounting or finance as an undergraduate or graduate student is eligible for the Memorial Education Fund (MEF) Scholarship and the Stuart Cameron and Margaret McCloud Scholarship.

MEF Scholarships range from $1,000 to $2,000. One student will be chosen from the MEF Scholarship pool of applicants to receive the SCMS Scholarship in the Amount of $5,000. The SCMS Scholarship recipient will also receive lodging, transportation, and registration costs for both the IMA Annual Conference and Exposition and the IMA Student Leadership Conference.

The application is available on the IMA website at www.imanet.org/scholarships. Please note that the deadline for the scholarship applications is February 15, 2009. All materials must be postmarked on or before that date to be eligible.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jodi Ryan at 800-638-4427 ext 1556 or email her at jryan@imanet.org.

Back to top

No postings

American Soles for Brazilian Souls -- TONIGHT

http://www.augsburg.edu/athletics/sportsnews/101508volleyball.html

Augsburg volleyball team to hold "American Soles for Brazilian Souls" promotion on Wednesday 10/15

MINNEAPOLIS (10/15/08) -- The Augsburg College volleyball team will be collecting used tennis shoes to be donated to underprivileged children in Brazil during Wednesday's (10/15) home match against St. Olaf at Si Melby Hall at 7 p.m., as part of the "American Soles for Brazilian Souls" promotion. Fans will receive one free admission for each pair of tennis shoes donated to the cause.

The promotion was spawned during the Auggie volleyball team's trip to Brazil in May. The team took part in a service project during the trip, a clinic for underprivileged children in a community on the edge of Rio de Janerio, and many of the children were either barefoot or clad in flip-flops. The effort was started by Cindy Jenkins, mother of Augsburg player Julie Jenkins (SR, Edina, Minn.), who accompanied the team on the trip.

"Our trip to Brazil in the spring really opened our eyes to the amount of poverty that exits in the world. Our hearts were really touched by the people of Brazil, particularly the children, and we wanted to find a way to give back," said Augsburg head coach Jessica Rinehart.

Jenkins and the team have already collected volleyball equipment and clothing from volleyball clubs and other college teams in the Twin Cities, which will also be donated to the cause through the efforts of the Brazilian tour guides who led the Auggies during their May trip.

For more information or to donate to the Brazilian cause, contact Rinehart at 612-330-1541 or rinehart@augsburg.edu.

Back to top

Speaker Jeff Janssen, Leadership Presentation

Jeff Janssen, nationally recognized authority on team building and sport psychology will be speaking in the Foss Center this Sunday, October 19th, from 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Three time NCAA National Championship Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski said, "I loved Championship Team Building. It is obvious that Jeff Janssen has done a great deal of work on the subject."
All Augsburg students, faculty and staff are invited to attend.

Back to top

Auggie Athletics Update

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

Tuesday, October 14:
Men's Soccer -- Augsburg 1, St. Scholastica 1 (2OT)
http://www.augsburg.edu/athletics/msoccer/0809statistics/101408stscholastica.html


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

Wednesday, October 15:
Volleyball vs. St. Olaf, Si Melby Hall, 7 p.m. -- LIVE AUDIO: http://www.augsburg.edu/athletics/liveaudio/

Friday, October 17:
Women's Soccer at Bethel, 4 p.m.
Men's Soccer vs. Bethel, Edor Nelson Field, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 18:
Men's/Women's Cross Country at Carleton Invitational, 10 a.m.
Football vs. Concordia-Moorhead, Edor Nelson Field, 1 p.m. -- LIVE AUDIO: http://www.augsburg.edu/athletics/liveaudio/
Men's Soccer vs. Clarke (Iowa), Edor Nelson Field, 7 p.m.

Sunday, October 19:
Women's Soccer vs. Clarke (Iowa), Edor Nelson Field, 12 p.m.

Back to top

Attention Hunters

Seeking venison, will pay by the lb. or share processing fees, cuts negotiable. Please contact Shan at X1512 or luckert@augsburg.edu. Thanks!

Back to top