Published for faculty and staff by the Luther College Public Information office • Copy deadline: Friday, 3 p.m., 75-word limit • Phone: (563) 387-1865 • Email: <tuesday>
Note: All campus telephone numbers are in the 563 area code, all campus email addresses end in @luther.edu • ©2010
Early dismissal Nov. 24
In order to give staff more time to prepare for Thanksgiving, offices will close at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 24.
Most nonexempt employees scheduled to work eight hours on Wednesday will work six hours and receive two hours of holiday pay. Those employees who will have already worked their shift by 3 p.m. or those who must work their full shift because of the nature of their position will be given the option of taking two hours of paid time off on a different day.
If there are any questions, please contact your immediate supervisor or Human Resources.
We give thanks for all you do for Luther!
-President Torgerson and the Cabinet
Faculty/staff Christmas party
The faculty/staff Christmas party will be held Thursday, Dec. 16, in Dahl Centennial Union. Invitations will be sent the first week of December.
Task Group 150
Reminder: faculty and staff can track the work of TG150 by reviewing minutes posted on Katie under the course called Office of the President. There is also an anonymous questionnaire for posting suggestions on ways Luther might better use its resources. Click on the first topic, "Luther College—Using Resources Wisely."
Tuition benefit application due Dec. 1
Luther is pleased to be able to offer its faculty and staff a benefit that is highly unique in today's workplace: higher education for one's dependents. There is a two-step application process for the Tuition Benefit Program.
The first step, the application for Tuition Benefits, is due in Scot Schaeffer's office by Dec. 1. The form is available at https://www2.luther.edu/hr/tuition or in hard copy form from Scot, 387-1430.
Wear clean shoes at Legends
In order to use the Legends Fitness Center facilities, you must be able to change into a clean pair of shoes. The equipment and floors are taking a severe beating due to the dirt being brought into the facility.
Thanksgiving break hours
Legends Fitness Center
Tuesday, Nov. 23: close at 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 24: 6 a.m.-2 p.m. (no use of locker room until 8 a.m.)
Thursday-Sunday, Nov. 25-28: Closed
Regent's Center staff hours
Tuesday, Nov. 23: close at 7 p.m.
Wednesday-Sunday, Nov. 24-28: Closed
Regent's Center community hours
Tuesday, Nov. 23: 6-8 a.m. and 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Wednesday-Sunday, Nov. 24-28: Closed
Preus Library
Tuesday, Nov. 23: 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 24: 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 25-27: Closed
Sunday, Nov. 28: 6 p.m.-midnight
Dahl Centennial Union/Welcome Center
Tuesday-Wednesday, Nov. 23-24: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Thursday-Friday, Nov. 25-26: Closed
Saturday, Nov. 27: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 28: 8 a.m.-midnight (Welcome Center until 11 p.m.)
Oneota Market
Tuesday-Wednesday, Nov. 23-24: 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
Thursday-Sunday Nov. 25-28: Closed
Cafeteria
Tuesday, Nov. 23:
Dinner 5-6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 24:
Brunch 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Dinner 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m
Thursday-Friday, Nov. 25-26: Closed
Saturday, Nov. 27:
Brunch 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Dinner 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m
Sunday, Nov. 28:
Brunch 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Dinner 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
Marty's
Tuesday-Wednesday, Nov. 23-24: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Thursday-Sunday, Nov. 25-28: Closed
Book Shop
Tuesday-Wednesday, Nov. 23-24: 8:45 a.m.-4:45 p.m.
Thursday-Sunday, Nov. 25-28: Closed
Mail Center/SPO
Wednesday, Nov. 24: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Thursday-Sunday, Nov. 25-28: Closed
Farwell access doors locked during break
Farwell Hall access doors will be locked at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 24 and will remain locked until 10 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 28. Students will be able to access the building using their keys, however Luther faculty and staff should make other plans for parking during the break if they use the building elevator.
Children's bargain book blowout
Luther Book Shop is holding a bargain children's book sale offering hundreds of titles priced $1 and up. Great selection: includes holiday titles. Hurry in. The sale continues while supplies last.
Book Shop Advent calendars for sale
The Book Shop is selling Advent calendars with chocolate behind every window. Hurry, priced at $2.79 they will go fast.
Book Shop notifications available
Sign up to receive Book Shop emails notifying you of in-store promotions and events. Sign up on the Book Shop's homepage: http://www2.luther.edu/bookshop/.
Flexible benefit plan information
Current enrollees in the flexible benefit plan may visit www.myflexonline.com to view current contributions and claims. This is a useful site that gives a total pictures of an employee's health care and/or dependent childcare reimbursement plan. Claim forms may be printed from this site; and includes information about allowable expenses.
Health care reform information
With the passage of health care reform, effective Jan. 1, 2011 non-prescription drugs and medicines may not be reimbursed through Health Flexible Spending Accounts. However, non-prescription drugs and medicines can be reimbursed if a physician writes a prescription for them.
Habitat for Humanity staff positions
Applications are now being accepted for two paid staff positions with Habitat's spring break trip. Covered expenses for the selected staff member(s) include housing, meals and land transportation during the service trip. Staff will not be eligible for overtime pay, nor will they be paid more than their normal week's salary. For example, a part-time employees will receive their part-time salary. Applications are due Dec. 10. For more information and to apply visit: http://www.
luther.edu/habitat/springbreak/staffapplication/.
Chapel this week
Tuesday, Nov. 23: Tuesday Devos, CRH
Thanksgiving Break, Nov. 24-28: No daily chapel
Monday, Nov. 29: Mike Blair
Tuesday, Nov. 30: Tuesday Devos, CRH
NAA Winter Sports Luncheon Nov. 30
The Norse Athletic Association luncheon will be held Tuesday, Nov. 30 in Peace Dining Room at noon. Cost for lunch is $5. Come hear fall sports coaches wrap up their seasons, and winter sports coaches preview theirs. To reserve a seat, contact Mark Franzen, <franma03>.
Book signings on Dec. 4 at Book Shop
The Luther Book Shop will host two book signing sessions on Saturday, Dec. 4. The events are open to the public with no charge for admission.
Children's book author and illustrator Sue Cornelison will visit and sign copies of her book "The Twelve Days of Christmas in Iowa" as well as other books she has illustrated from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Gregg Narber will visit and sign copies of his book "Murals of Iowa 1886-2006," a comprehensive pictorial study of murals as community art from 3-4 p.m.
Position opening
Temporary 20 hour/week administrative assistant position available Jan. 1-May 31 in the Office of Assessment and Institutional Research. More information available on the hr website: https://www2.luther.edu/hr/staffvacancies/.
Amy Zalk Larson presented on interfaith engaging at a leadership development event for Lutheran high school students, the Council of Synod Lutheran Youth Organization Presidents, held at Camp Carol Joy Holling in Ashland, Neb., Oct. 28-30. The event focused on the theme "Reformation Now" and explored topics of service, mission and interfaith engagement. Aaidha Majdhy '11 and Luther alumna Alma Gast were co-presenters.
Mark D. Johns is the guest editor for a special issue of the journal Symbolic Interaction, 33(4), Fall 2010 titled "Inter-net, Inter-action."
Wintlett Taylor-Browne has been appointed to the Iowa District 1A Judicial Nominating Commission, a commission responsible for screening applicants and selecting nominees for district court judgeships. District 1A includes the counties of Allamakee, Clayton, Delaware, Dubuque and Winneshiek in Iowa. Each of Iowa's 14 judicial election sub-districts has a nominating commission consisting of 11 members.
Luther earns Fulbright recognition
Luther has been named by the Chronicle of Higher Education as one of the nation's top producers of Fulbright award recipients in the 2010-11 academic year. Luther was awarded four Fulbright awards. Luther recipients were Jaclyn Jirak, Laura Mohs, Brandon Reed and Carl Westphal. All four are serving as English teaching assistants in different countries. Jirak is in the Czech Republic, Mohs is in Bulgaria, Reed is in Indonesia and Westphal is in Egypt.
Men's and women's swimming and diving placed third of three teams at the St. John's Triangular Nov. 20. Earning first place finishes for the Norse were Elise DesRoches '11, one-meter and three-meter diving; Stephanie Drewes '12, 100-yard breaststroke; Erin Mykleby '12, 200-yard backstroke; Rachel Bruns '12, 100-yard freestyle.
Women's basketball lost to Wheaton Nov. 20, 53-66.
Men's basketball lost to St. Mary's Nov. 20, 59-67.
Men's cross country placed 26th of 32 teams at the NCAA DIII championships Nov. 20. Top finisher for the Norse was Erik Johnson '11 placing 103rd.
Women's cross country placed sixth of 32 teams at the NCAA DIII championships. The Norse had four runners place in the top 100, Emma Spoon '12 placed 36th; Ellie Neubauer '11; 60th, Kim Horner '11, 84th; Christina Storlie '13, 98th.
Home events this week:
Wrestling hosts UW-Eau Claire Nov. 23, 7 p.m.
Men's basketball hosts UW-Platteville Dec. 1, 7 p.m.
Seeking shoes for suicide awareness event
Have pairs of shoes you don't wear anymore? Active Minds at Luther is collecting shoes for an upcoming event on suicide awareness. If you would like to donate shoes, please drop off any shoes at Counseling Services in Larson Hall by Dec. 1. A selected amount of shoes will be donated to Goodwill after the event. Shoes do not need to be in wearable condition.
Scholarship deadline extended to Nov. 22
Wigeland/American-Scandinavian Foundation scholarship application deadline has been extended to Nov. 22. The Wigeland/American-Scandinavian Prize for Study in Scandinavia is open to students with at least one full year of full-time study at Luther with a minimum junior standing at the time of intended study, have demonstrated interest in concentrated study in Scandinavia, and present an outstanding academic record. Application forms available in the Dean's Office.
Ridge Road luminary display
For more than 20 years, Decorah's Ridge Road neighborhood has shared holiday cheer with its display of more than 1,200 luminaries. Come enjoy the sight Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 4-5, from 5-10 p.m.
Miller and Dieseth renovation plans
Luther has announced plans to renovate and improve Miller Hall and Dieseth Hall, the nine-story residence halls that house more than 700 students. Luther officials estimate the cost of renovating the two buildings, customarily called the "Towers residence halls" or the "Towers," will be almost $8.5 million. Construction work is expected to begin in the summer of 2011.
International education opportunity
The Institute for International Education announces the Freeman-ASIA Program that aims to increase U.S. undergraduate study in East and Southeast Asia by providing information and financial assistance. Award amounts vary from up to $3,000 for a summer program, up to $5,000 for a semester/quarter program, and up to $7,000 for an academic year program. Application system opens in January. Information available Dec. 1 at: http://www.iie.org/programs/freeman-asia.
For rent: Beautiful three-bedroom, two-bath home. Short walk to Luther. All appliances. Two-car garage. Available now. Call 387-0242.
For sale: Two hand-crocheted antique bedspreads in mint condition, 74 x 113 and 72 x 101, $150 each. Call 382-5241 or 419-8570.
For sale: 1982 Kountry Aire fifth-wheel camper. Thirty feet long, queen size bed and futon, sleeps four total. Full bathroom, lots of storage. Would like it moved before winter. Asking $2,500 or make an offer. If interested or for questions call Mitch at 380-5959.
Housing: Free housing provided to handyman in exchange for home repair/maintenance skills. West Side. Call (612) 246-3255.
Wanted to rent: New Luther employee looking to rent 2-3 bedroom house or apartment. Prefer yard for quiet, medium-sized dog. Would like appliances to be included: stove, fridge, washer/dryer, etc. Need availability first week of December. Please email [email protected].
For sale: 15-cubic-foot freezer in excellent shape. Refrigerator with freezer on top, new in 2001. Everything works great, we're just downsizing. Call Dave 380-3939 or 387-1564.
For sale: 22-cubic foot Amana Energy Saver fridge with bottom freezer in excellent condition. $300. Call 382-5241 or 419-8570.
Found: In Valders/Sampson Hoffland: sun glasses, Luther black basketball sweatshirt, black and red shirt, grey Columbia jacket, woman's brown tweed jacket, tan down winter jacket. To claim, see Lynn in Sampson Hoffland 231.
Roommate wanted: I am looking for a clean, tidy, female roommate of any age to share an apartment downtown. I am moving into the apartment in January. If interested, please contact <conast01>.
Sustainability tip
Tips from Luther Sustainability:
Free bike registration: Luther College Security, in cooperation with the City of Decorah Police Department, is offering free bicycle registration to all students, faculty and staff on campus. This will put your bike's information into a national database accessible by police departments throughout the country. If your bike is stolen in Decorah, or elsewhere, registering your bike will identify you as the owner if it is recovered.
To make registering your bike as easy as possible, we offer both online and in-person registration.
To register online fill out the form at: http://tinyurl.com/lcbikeregistration.
To register in-person go to the Rec Sports/BWP office Monday-Friday between
8 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Wellness tip
Nov. 20-26 is National Family Week and National Game and Puzzle Week. Practice good mental wellness this week and break out the old board games and play with your family.
Here are some ideas for hosting your own game night or forming a game club: http://boardgames.about.com/cs/clubsassociations/a/form_club.htm.
And finally…
Thanksgiving dinners take 18 hours to prepare.
They are consumed in 12 minutes.
Halftimes take 12 minutes.
This is not a coincidence.
-Erma Bombeck