Tuesday, Nov. 27

TUESDAY 11/27/12

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 • ©2012

To submit an item for the Tuesday click here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Luther College Christmas Party

This year, e-invitations will be sent for the faculty and staff Christmas party. President and Mrs. Torgerson hope you and your spouse/guest will join the festivities from 4:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, Dahl Centennial Union cafeteria. Staff are free to leave work at 4:30 p.m. to attend. Check your email, invites will arrive soon.

Faculty/staff Christmas Chorale

Calling all singers. Weston Noble will conduct a choral group who will perform at this year's faculty/staff Christmas party Dec. 13. Current and former faculty and staff and spouses/partners interested in singing are asked to attend two rehearsals: Tuesday, Dec. 4 and Monday, Dec. 10 from 5-6 p.m. in the Center for Faith and Life Recital Hall. To sign up contact Linda Skoda, <skodalda> or 387-1001, and indicate vocal part preference.

Presidential search update

The search for the next president of Luther College is on schedule. The search committee met Nov. 15 and selected 10 candidates, references for these candidates are being checked. The committee will meet Thursday, Dec. 13 to discuss the results and select a smaller number of candidates who will be invited to confidential preliminary interviews. On completion of that round of interviews, the committee will select candidates to participate in more extensive interviews with college constituents. These interviews will occur during the first two weeks in February. If you have any questions, please direct them to us at [email protected] or Bruce T. Alton, our consultant,202-262-8250 or [email protected].

Thank you for your interest and support. We will correspond again soon after our Dec. 13 meeting.

-Presidential search committee

Solar Field milestone met
The Decorah Solar Field, LLC/Baker Village solar photo-voltaic system reached the milestone of over 100,000 kilowatt hours of production over the Thanksgiving weekend. Production appears to be ahead of estimates since the system went online Aug. 24. More information and current online data are located at www2.luther.edu/sustainability/energy/solarpower/bakersolar/. 

COLLEGE OPERATIONS

Yeah, Sure, You Betcha! Nov. 27-28

APO, Amnesty International, SHOC, L3 and Paigaam are asking for help in assisting Danielle Crouse, soldier, who started the project of raising items for families in Afghanistan. The groups are collecting gently used or new children’s clothes-including shoes and jackets, toys and hygiene items. Contact <crouka01> for info. Drop off items in dorm service centers and in the Dahl Centennial Union from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, Nov. 27-28.

Christmas at Luther parking reminder

  • The Valders parking lot will be converted to a Handicapped only lot from 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28 until 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2.
  • The lots adjacent the CFL will also be designated as  Handicapped only for the performances but will be available for normal usage during the day until 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.
  • Student vehicles must be removed from the Nustad, Jenson and City Pool lots by 8 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, until after 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2.
  • Exception: Commuter students, with the proper permit, may park in the Commuter designated row in the Nustad lot from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Nov. 29-30. Students may not park in faculty/staff or visitor areas.  
  • Regular parking regulations will go back into effect at 7:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 3. Any vehicle parked out of compliance with this directive is subject to a $25 fine under the Luther College Parking Regulations. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Please direct any questions regarding special event parking to Campus Security, 387-2111.

Open enrollment period for benefits

December is the open enrollment period to make the following changes in benefits:

  • Add/change health care coverage: Family, employee+1, single
  • Change preferred provider organization: Midland's Choice Network or Gundersen Lutheran Network
  • Change deductible plan: Option 1 or Option 2
  • Add/drop dental coverage (Dental rates increased to $32/month for single; $73/month for family)
  • Midwest Benefits Group change forms are located online: www2.luther.edu/hr/commonforms/

Submit forms to human resources, Main 25.

2012 flexible spending account dollars

Flexible spending account dollars deducted from employee paychecks during 2012 may be used for eligible expenses through March 15, 2013. Claims for these dollars must be submitted to Midwest Group Benefits by March 31, 2013. Claim forms are available in Human Resources and on the HR website at www2.luther.edu/hr/commonforms/.

Enroll for 2013 Flex Benefits by Dec. 14

You must enroll for the 2013 Flex Benefit plan by Dec. 14. You can enroll online through Dec. 7 and paper forms can be turned in to HR until Dec. 14. In addition, now is also the time when you can move between health plans, switch your provider networks and add or remove dependents. Forms can be accessed on the HR website or in the HR office. Human Resources is available for your questions at 387-1189 or 387-1415.

Shingles vaccination

Individuals covered on the Luther health plan should follow these steps to receive the best price for the Shingles vaccination:

  • Obtain a prescription from your healthcare provider.
  • Take the prescription to Medicap or Donlon Pharmacy.
  • The pharmacist must call Midwest Group Benefits or Caremark for pre-authorization.

Charges at the pharmacies include:

  • $20 administration fee
  • Prescription co-pay of $35 and 20 percent of the remaining balance, which is the same as any other prescription.

FYI: Individuals that receive the Shingles injection at a medical clinic will pay approximate costs of $25 administration fee and $226 for vaccine, totaling $251.

Influenza vaccine available

Influenza vaccine is available for staff at the Health Service on a walk-in basis the following days/times through the remainder of the semester:
Mondays: 1-4 p.m.

Tuesdays: 9-11:30 a.m.
Thursdays: 1-4 p.m.

Cost is $25, which can be deducted from payroll. Ill students will be given first priority if it is busy during these times.

2013SP "LIVE" Katie site available

Instructors may begin building their courses for 2013SP by going to: katie-23.luther.edu/moodle/ and using their Norsekey.

This site will be referred to as "2013SP" while the current Katie site on which all courses prior to 2013SP are located will be referred to as "CURRENT."

Timeline for additional functionality:

  • Morsle migration utility will be implemented on CURRENT within a few days
  • Requests to have course resources backed up from CURRENT and restored to 2013SP in order to import materials into 2013SP courses can be made beginning Monday, Nov. 26 by going to: help.luther.edu
  • Requests for backup and restore should not include 2012FA or 2013JT courses

Luther’s new paper purchasing policy

Luther’s new paper purchasing policy requires all paper purchased and used by the College in the Document Center, Book Shop, and all departments and offices to be FSC-certified white, 8.5 x 11 inch, 20# copier paper made with at least 50 percent post-consumer fiber. This policy will assist in reducing the campus' overall carbon footprint by 50 percent by 2015, a goal outlined in the five year strategic plan. For more specifics about the policy, click here.

Google (Norse) Docs workshops

A drawing was held Monday for any non-LIS attendee of the New Katie Workshop. Out of 125 candidates the winner of the giant Morsle is Doug Rossman.

Reminder: Beginning spring 2013 with the new version of Katie, Norse Docs will be even more integrated with Katie. Participants will be introduced to the key features of Norse Docs in preparation for the upcoming Katie changes. If you currently use Katie and would like to know more about Norse Docs, plan to attend one of the following workshops. Space is limited so sign up at lis.luther.edu/learn. All workshops are in Olin 301, Round Table Room.

  • Wednesday, Nov. 28, 11-11:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 29, 1-1:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Dec. 4, 8:15-8:45 a.m.
  • Wednesday, Dec. 5, 11-11:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, Dec. 6, 1-1:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, Dec. 6, 2:45-3:15 p.m.

Preus Picks: Recommended reads from the friendly folk in LIS

Want a read that will make you laugh out loud? Try Scottish writer Alexander McCall Smith's latest series, "Corduroy Mansions," which was initially published online by "The Daily Telegraph." The series involves a quirky cast of characters that reside in a rundown Victorian apartment complex in London's Pimlico neighborhood, including a vegetarian and a seat belt-wearing Pimlico terrier who was "down-sized" from his drug-sniffing job at Heathrow Airport. -Kathy Buzza

Check out the book display at Research Help and join the conversation online www.facebook.com/PreusLibrary.

Sounds of Holiday celebrations at Luther: A retrospective

Visit the holiday display on the main floor of Preus Library Thursday-Sunday, Nov. 29-Dec. 2. Browse photographs from the Luther College Archives highlighting holiday musical celebrations throughout the history of the college. Check out notable artifacts, including Luther’s Emmy statue, awarded for Best Special Event Coverage for Christmas at Luther 2008. Share your favorite Luther memories on a Holiday Memory Board.

Diversity Center 10 percent sale

Come shop the display cases at the Diversity Center for holiday discounts on fair-trade items on Thursday, Nov. 29 and Friday, Dec. 7.

Proceeds support International Student Programs at Luther and SERRV—a nonprofit organization with a mission to eradicate poverty by providing opportunity and support to artisans and farmers worldwide.

Christmas in the Union Dec. 5

Luther College will celebrate "Christmas in the Union" 4:30-6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 5, in the lobby of the Dahl Centennial Union. The family-oriented event is open to the public with no charge for admission.

Activities include cookie decorating, crafts, a holiday movie and music. There will be the opportunity for pictures with Santa by the fireplace in the Union lobby from 5-6:30 p.m. Hot chocolate and cider will be served.

Tag your bicycle before Dec. 17

In an attempt to rid the campus of abandoned bikes from bike racks on campus we are asking members of the Luther community to tag their bike if they plan on using their bike during the winter months.

Bike tags can be obtained from the Welcome Desk, Residence Hall Service Centers, Facilities, Security staff members, and near the exit of the Dining Hall.

Tags must be put on bikes that will be using the bike racks on campus during the winter months. All bikes not tagged will be removed Dec. 17-18. Luther is not responsible for replacing locks or cables that may need cut for removal of bikes. Contact Gary Brickman with questions, 387-1668. Thank you for your cooperation.

EVENTS

Events this week

Nov. 27, Kamm Gallery Reception, Art Quilts, 4:30 p.m., Center for the Arts Kristin Wigley-Fleming Fine Arts Gallery

Nov. 29-Dec. 2, Christmas at Luther Nov. 29, 5:45 p.m.; Nov. 30, 6:30 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.; Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 2, 2:30 p.m., Center for Faith and Life Main Hall

Dec. 9, Candlelight Nativity Service, 9:30 p.m., CFL Main Hall

Chapel this week

Wednesday, Nov. 28: Mark Muggli

Friday, Nov. 30: David Vasquez

Monday, Dec. 3: Amy Weldon

Book Shop hosts book signings Dec. 1

Luther College Book Shop will host book signing sessions with authors Patrick "Packy" Mader from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Kristina Nienhaus from 2-3 p.m. and Cheryl Kirking from 4-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1 in the Luther College Book Shop in Dahl Centennial Union. The event is open to the public with no charge for admission.

Luminary display Dec. 1-2

The Hickory Ridge 24th annual luminary display will be held from 5-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 1-2. Take a drive or stroll up Ridge Road and its connecting streets as part of your Christmas at Luther weekend. More than 1,300 candles will light the night.

'Twelfth Night' performances

Luther's Shakespeare Performed class will present a one-hour version of "Twelfth Night," widely considered one of Shakespeare's greatest comedies.

Performances will be held in Studio II of the college's Center for the Arts at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2; 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3; and 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 4.

The event is open to the public with no charge for admission.

A warm-up book discussion will be held from 4-5:15 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, in Main 111 led by Sean Burke and Carol Gilbertson. Free copies of the text provided by the "Our Shakespeare" project are available in the Book Shop. 

ARTICLES, CREATIONS, HONORS, ETC.

Sarah Wilder had the article “A Dialectical Examination of Remarriage Dyadic Communication and Communication with Social Networks” published earlier this month in Qualitative Research Reports in Communication.

Lori Stanley and Rachel Hodapp '13 attended the annual meeting of the American Anthropological Association in San Francisco, Nov. 14-16. Hodapp presented the results of summer 2010 research conducted in Tanzania in collaboration with fellow student Georgianna "Annie" Whitely '13, professors Bradley Chamberlain and Lori Stanley, and Maasai research partners. The poster presentation coauthored by Hodapp and Whitely was titled "Maasai Medicinal Plants: Preserving and Applying Traditional Knowledge in Northern Tanzania."

Robert Shedinger's new book "Radically Open: Transcending Religious Identity in an Age of Anxiety" has been published by Wipf and Stock publishers.

UNCLASSIFIED ADS

For sale: Six wood chairs, need a little TLC. Call 387-1531 or email <lensinpe>.

Test administrator needed: Someone to administer admission tests at Luther College. Includes ACT with six dates in September, October, December, February, April and June; SAT with two dates in November and May; and LSAT with four dates in June, October, December and February. Honoraria varies with the number testing and the various options, but usually ranges between $100 and $175 for the supervisor per test. Time commitment is approximately six hours per testing date. If interested, contact the Dean’s Office, 387-1005 or <deansoffice>.

Needed: One Christmas at Luther ticket for Friday, Nov. 30, 6:30 p.m. for a friend visiting from out of town. Contact Carol Hester 387-1200, 382-8524 or <hesterca>.

To give away: Interior wood doors with frames (sizes include 18", 28", 30" and 32"), steel exterior door, garage windows, bathroom sinks, 25" color TV and 21" color TV. Call 419-4969.

House for rent: Near Phelps Park. Three bedrooms, one and 3/4 baths, large sunny rooms including living, dining, and sitting rooms, older kitchen. No smoking. Open to month-by-month lease up through July. Contact <narveska>, 382-3242 or 382-3898.

For sale: DP Fit for Life Trac 20 weight bench; older model but used very little. Contact <lensinpe> or 387-1531.

Wanted: Cat sitter for holidays. I am traveling for the holidays, Dec. 17-Jan. 6, and I need a cat sitter for those days. You can visit every other day. We can negotiate a price. Contact <andela10> or (859) 209-0154.

Need help? Do you have high hopes for a homemade holiday but don’t have the time to create it? Let me help you create the holiday memories you are wishing for without all of the hassle. Whether it is decorating your home, baking, or wrapping that has you feeling overwhelmed I can help. Call Kim, 419-8357, to schedule a time to make your holiday wishes come true. All services are $10/hour, plus cost of supplies.

For sale: Several cactus and aloe plants, large and small. Email for pictures and prices to <leakepen>.

To give away: We are remodeling our lower level and have several furniture items that must go. Two twin size mattresses, box springs and frames; Ethan Allen cherry wood TV/DVD/VHS cabinet; wing back chair. All free but you haul. Contact Connie at <barcco01> or Jud at <barcju01>.

Missing: A signed copy of Slavoj Zizek's book, "Less than Nothing." It's a big hardcover with distinctive dustjacket design and the title page inscribed "To Andy" followed by signature. Nice reward for its return. Contact <hagean03> or (530) 902-6504.

Needed: A two-drawer, locking, file cabinet for securing documents and a paper shredder. Call 737-2380 if downsizing and wish to donate.

EDITORIAL COMMENT

LIS Tip of the Week

Atomic Learning is a library of short, easy-to-understand tutorial videos that answer common software-related questions and help viewers learn essential communication skills. The videos cover more than 100 software applications, including iMovie, Photoshop, PowerPoint and many more. For more information, visit lis.luther.edu/tips.

And finally…

"Before that fateful shot rang out, I was merely bemused by the success of the character. Villainy could be fun, and that's how I played it. And if it worked. I mean I couldn't go down to the corner to pick up my copy of the Sunday New York Times without running into some nubile creature with "J.R. for President" emblazoned across her chest. Now a higher, shriller note had been added. People who once merely wanted J.R.'s autograph demanded to know who shot him as if it were their birthright, and were angry and upset when I told them, truthfully, that I didn't know."

-Larry Hagman, Sept. 21, 1931-Nov. 23, 2012