Promoting random acts of kindness

Luther College Wellness, Counseling Service and Residence Life departments believe in the power of kindness. Please join us in bringing even more compassion to our community. Check out the Random Acts of Kindness bulletin board in the basement of the Union for inspiration.

Book signings during Christmas at Luther

The Luther College Book Shop will host book signing sessions from 1–4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, as part of Luther's Christmas at Luther weekend. David Weiss, former Luther religion faculty; Joan Hernandez Lindeman, Luther class of 2002; and Bradley Hanson, Luther professor emeritus; will sign copies of their books at Luther's Book Shop located in the Union. The events are open to the public with no charge for admission.

Yerba Mate tea at C-Store

The C-Store now carries five flavors of Yerba Mate all-natural tea. No artificial sweeteners, no HFCS and gluten free. Stop in and get it today.

Drive safely this season

As we approach the holidays, now is a good time to prepare for the winter driving season. Snow, ice and windy conditions. Campus Safety and Security encourages the community to take these common sense steps to lower our risk: first and foremost, slow down and drive according to conditions. Remember the speed limits are designed for ideal road conditions. Here are some other suggestions from Campus Safety and Security to make travels safer.

1. Slow down and drive according to current road conditions.
2. Tires should be properly inflated and replaced when worn.
3. Keep windshields clean and wear sunglasses to reduce glare and increase visibility.
4. Carry emergency gear in the vehicle while traveling including, warm clothes and boots, a flashlight, shovel, water, high energy snacks, sand or kitty litter, and other emergency items.
5. Keep a charged cell phone and carry a car charger and/or a portable charger in your car.
6. Before driving in inclement weather call 511 to check road conditions and follow recommendations for travel.
7. Let someone know the planned travel route and estimated time of arrival.

Something interesting? Let us know

Working on a new project? Completing interesting research? Writing a book? Getting a work published? How about a student doing something out of the ordinary or interesting? Please send the Campus News office this kind of information. We will make sure to review it and get it to the appropriate media channels, whether that's on campus, alumni, local, regional or national media. Information and tips can be sent directly to Julie Shockey, <julie>. Thank you for your help in getting the word out about the awesome and amazing things Luther folks do.

Finals Prep Week reminder

A campus programming reminder to all that Tuesday-Sunday, Dec. 9-14 is considered finals prep week and is intended to provide additional space for students to prepare for tests, papers and finals. These six days are set aside for academic preparation for finals and Luther does not schedule public events during this time, including student-led events. Exceptions include only athletic events, social gatherings, Christmas in the Union and Kwanzaa.

Wellness news and announcements

It is National Quit Smoking Month. Did you know that two weeks to three months after quitting smoking, circulation improves and lung function increases? After one year of quitting, ex-smokers cut their excess risk of coronary heart disease in half. Today would be a great day to kick the habit.

Did you know that thankfulness can dramatically improve spiritual and physical health, and it may even keep people from having a heart attack? Try a random act of kindness this week in thankfulness.

D.E.A.L. is almost over. All cards should be turned in by Wednesday, Dec. 3 to Vicky Jaeger's office, 102 Union.

December's new activity is Stress Bingo. Take the month to treat yourself to stress relieving activities. Everyone that completes the card will receive a prize.

Wellness checks are due by the end of December. Login to BenefitFusion take the health risk assessment and remember to also fill out the wellness check form. Two years ago we found out that 95 percent of the Luther employees have a sense of hopefulness and a positive view of the future. Thirty seven percent of the employees have a low stress level, while only six percent reported a high/very high stress level.

Staff meeting Christmas party

The December staff meeting will consist of a Christmas party. Come enjoy the fun at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, in Peace Dining Room.  For those who would like to bring a donation, funds will be collected for Chris Norton's Spinal Cord Injury CAN project.

Faculty and staff Christmas party

An e-invitation for the Dec. 17 Christmas party was sent to faculty and staff email addresses. Those who have not yet received the invitation should contact the President's Office, 387-1001. The luncheon party will be held from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17. Please RSVP by Dec. 10.

Open enrollment information

Open enrollment is the annual opportunity to evaluate and make changes to your Luther College benefit elections. There is a new dental insurance plan for the same rate; there are changes to the health plan and important deadlines.

Employees may enroll online for the 2015 health and dependent care flex plans until Friday, Dec. 19, at www.myflexonline.com. Representatives from Midwest Group Benefits and Delta Dental will attend two health care open forums in Borlaug, Dahl Centennial Union to assist employees:

• Thursday, Dec. 4, at 1:30 p.m.
• Friday, Dec. 5, at 9:30 a.m.

Please call human resources at 387-1134 with any questions. To view the full health insurance open enrollment information that was sent via email, please see this link.

EVENTS

Home sporting events this week

Dec. 6:

• Women's basketball vs. Viterbo University, 2 p.m.
• Men's basketball vs. Viterbo University, 4 p.m.

See the Norse Athletics webpage for the complete schedule of all competitions, live-streaming, results, rosters and more.

Chapel this week

Monday, Dec. 8: Karla Suomala