Open enrollment information

Sign up for W-2's online

All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to sign up to receive electronic W-2's using my.luther.edu. Why receive your W-2 electronically?

• No matter where you are located, it's easy to access.
• There is no risk that it will get lost or stolen.
• If misplaced, it's easy to print another one.
• It's always possible to cancel consent and request a paper copy.

The W-2 Electronic Consent option is included in the employee profile section of my.luther.edu. If an employee chose the electronic option for the 2013 W-2, then it is not necessary to do it again for 2014. More detailed instructions and additional information can be found by clicking the "W-2 Options" link on the HR website. Mac users: please do not use the "Preview" application to view your W-2. Remember, the electronic option is the sustainable option.

Caf to Community volunteers needed

The Center for Sustainable Communities is seeking volunteers for the Cafeteria to Community program during upcoming terms. Shifts require 3-4 volunteers, and are available Monday and Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. This is a great opportunity for classes, academic departments, families and individuals to give back to the community. To learn more about the program, see available dates and register for a shift, visit the Sustainability website or contact Emily Dufford, <duffem01>.

LDAP Authentication Server update

LIS continues work to resolve the LDAP authentication server issues that we have been experiencing. During this time, we encourage the Luther community to save often, particularly in regard to changes made to files located on the network shares/drives, for example: admin1, academic, students, etc. Please see LDAP Authentication Server Update for more details. Contact the LIS Technology Help Desk at <helpdesk> or 387-1000, with any questions.

Residence halls for Christmas break

Residence halls will close 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, for Christmas break. Dieseth, Miller, Baker Village, College Apartments and the college-owned houses are open during the break. All other residence halls will be locked for the entirety of break. Students staying on campus during any part of the Christmas break, except shuttle riders, will need to register with the Residence Life office before Friday, Dec. 12. Only registered students will have ID cards activated for building access. The residence halls will reopen for J-term at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 3.

Farwell elevator unavailable during Christmas break

A reminder to faculty and staff that use the Farwell elevator that winter break means the residence halls will be closed. Starting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, Farwell Hall will be locked. The hall will reopen at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 3. Staff and faculty should take note that these hours include the use of the Farwell elevator.

Digital Media Center update

It's been a great first year at the new Digital Media Center which is located on the lower floor of the library. We want to remind everyone that the center is open to all faculty, staff and students. Check out our webpage for information about the center including how it is used, operating hours and contact information. Contact the Multimedia Team,  <multimedia>, to learn how to take advantage of this great resource.

Library books are due

Dec. 12 is the due date for books checked out from the main stacks by faculty and staff on or before Sunday, Dec. 7. Books may be renewed once online or by bringing them in physically to the circulation desk for those who have exceeded the renewal limit. The new due date for faculty and staff is May 15, the last day of classes in the spring. Click on "Library Account" online at http://www.luther.edu/library, then "My Library Account" in the upper right corner after signing in to see what is checked out and when it is due.

KATIE availability over winter break

KATIE will be unavailable during special maintenance windows from midnight to 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Dec. 23 and 30. During that time, KATIE will be taken offline and moved to a new server. Please plan ahead while working on finals and grading. Reminders will be posted on the KATIE and LIS websites prior to the downtime. Please contact the LIS Technology Help Desk at <helpdesk> or 387-1000, with questions.

EVENTS

Wednesday, Dec. 10: Wilfred Bunge

Friday, Dec. 12: Kwanzaa, Gospel Choir, LC Jazz Band

See the College Ministries webpage for the full chapel schedule, along with information on Sunday worship, Holden Evening Prayer and other worship opportunities.

Luther invites families to 'Christmas in the Union' Dec. 10

Santa will make an early stop in Decorah as Luther College celebrates "Christmas in the Union" 4:30-6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 10, in the Dahl Centennial Union, lobby area. This 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 an opportunity for pictures with Santa by the fireplace from 5-6:30 p.m. Hot chocolate and cider will be served.

Fall Science Research Poster Symposium

The Fall Science Research Poster Symposium is 9:40-10:50 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, in the Sampson-Hoffland Atrium and Valders Concourse. This is a unified event highlighting undergraduate student research in the sciences at Luther College. The symposium includes more than 100 poster presentations - which is the largest poster session ever held at Luther College. Posters are displayed by students from classes in biology, chemistry, environmental studies, math, nursing, physics and psychology. All members of the Luther community, especially our friends in the humanities and social sciences, are invited to come and see the products of students learning in the sciences.

Come learn about Kwanzaa

Luther College students and community members will gather to learn about Kwanzaa in two events held on campus Dec. 12-13. Kwanzaa is an African-American cultural holiday that celebrates family, community and culture.

Students will share readings from the Bible and brief quotes from African-American voices in chapel at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 12, in the Main Hall of the Center for Faith and Life. The chapel service will also include a poem by Luther student Zora Hurst and music by the Luther College Jazz Band and the Gospel Choir. Chapel services are open to the public with no charge for admission.

The Luther College Diversity Center will host a Kwanzaa dinner program at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, in Peace Dining Room. Tickets are $13.50 for adults, $6 for children, and available at the Diversity Center until Dec. 9.

From 3:30-4 p.m. posters detailing the lives of African-Americans who made significant contributions in politics, arts and sports will be on display in Peace Dining Room as part of the Kwanzaa event.

Woodland Owners: Woody Invasive Plant Species Workshop Dec. 13

Join Professor Molly NcNicoll, Brian Fankhauser of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and Jessica Salesman of the National Park Service, for a workshop on how to assess, treat and monitor invasive woody plant species. The workshop will take place from 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, Dec. 13, in Valders 367, and will consist of indoor sessions that will introduce concepts. Weather permitting, there will also be a field trip. The workshop is open to the public but spaces are limited. Please register online.