ANNOUNCEMENTS

Rochester programs update

We are excited to share an update one week into the launch of Luther's new Rochester Semester program. Also noteworthy is that both KTTC and KIMT news stations in Rochester picked up the story and interviewed our students for stories that recently aired.

• After a summer and fall of internship development as well as preparing students, we are thrilled with where they have landed. Fourteen students, with nine majors represented, will be spending 20+ hrs/week under the direct guidance of a major researcher, director, or executive in diverse environments. They will also engage with community leaders and non-profits through their coursework.
• There are 22 applications for the 2020-21 year in progress, but we need everyone's help in sharing the opportunities of this program to complete next year's class. The deadline for both semesters is March 1.  Informational sessions will be held at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.Thursday, Feb. 20, in Valders 262.
• We would greatly appreciate it if you could help us ensure that students are aware of this new program.  Please emphasize to any students that you engage with that this program is open to all majors.
• Luther leased and furnished a floor in a housing community in downtown Rochester, and it offers unprecedented opportunities for our students year-round, including during J-term (no additional cost) and the summer (economical rates). However, any Luther student seeking Rochester housing for a summer job or internship needs to notify us as soon as possible, as any open summer rooms will soon be filled by Mayo Clinic Summer Research Fellows.

Many thanks to everyone for helping to make this new program a success!

February Board of Regents meeting update

Luther College faculty and staff should have received a message from President Ward and Board Chair Wendy Davidson on Monday, Feb. 17, with an update about the February Board of Regents meeting. Faculty and staff who did not receive the update should contact <catherine.dyer>.

COLLEGE OPERATIONS  

Open house for National TRIO Day Feb. 28

All are welcome! The Luther College TRIO Achievement Program is celebrating National TRIO Day with an open house on Friday, Feb. 28. Please drop by the office (Preus Library lower level) anytime between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. for a treat and a chance to win a prize. TRIO is a federally-funded student-retention program that helps first-generation and income-eligible students make the most of their college experience and reach their potential.

Tuesday submission reminders

A reminder to the Luther community that posts submitted to the Tuesday should stick to a 75-word limit, should be relevant to a Luther staff and faculty audience and should be submitted via the Tuesday submission form. The deadline to submit a post is 3 p.m. the Friday before you'd like your post to appear. A post can run for a maximum of two issues, please plan accordingly.

Federal income tax withholding form update

The IRS released a new Form W-4 for 2020. Significant changes were made to the form, and the Payroll Office strongly encourages all employees to use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to see if they should submit a new W-4 form. You will need your year-to-date 2020 earnings statements from Norse Hub. If you have another job and/or are a two-income family, then you will need all other relevant year-to-date pay advices as well.

The Tax Withholding Estimator will help you complete a new W-4 form, if necessary. If you do not submit a new form, then your federal tax withholding will continue to match your year-to-date earnings statements on Norse Hub.

Questions about 2020 federal income tax withholding may be answered by the Tax Withholding Estimator Frequently Asked Questions list. Updated W-4 forms, if necessary, should be submitted to the Payroll Office, 387-1135.

Student summer employment notice

Luther College has opportunities for students looking for summer employment. Applications may be found in the Office of Human Resources (Main 25) or on the HR website. A list of open positions is available there, as well. Applications should be completed and returned to the Office of Human Resources (Main 25) by April 3, 2020. Students returning to Luther for Fall 2020 are eligible to apply. This includes seniors who are student teaching a ninth semester in Fall 2020 or graduating seniors who are taking summer classes. Please encourage students to turn in applications as soon as possible. Positions will be filled quickly. If you have any questions, please contact Summer Employment at <hr> or call 387-1116 or 387-1134.

New housing option, Multifaith House

Next year there is an opportunity to live in a newly designated house, the Multifaith House! This is an intentional living, learning, leadership and service community for students who are curious about faith and connecting across different faith traditions and core convictions. If you have any questions, email Pastor Annie at <edisan01> or text her at 715-204-4105.

Latinx Panel Feb. 27

A panel of Luther College students and faculty who self-identify as Latinx will share their experiences in the Luther community. Panel members will discuss how we might cultivate a more inclusive campus climate and enhance student success in a time when Latinx college enrollments continue to increase.  Everyone welcome with reception to follow. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, in the CFL Recital Hall. Sponsored by Latines Unides and CEPE.

Eight week spiritual reflection group

Using Richard Rohr's book, "The Universal Christ," we will explore forgotten teaching on Christ and learn contemplative practices as a tool for a deeper way of being. Mondays 6:45-7:45 p.m. in CFL 205. Begins Feb. 24. Led by Nathan Elsbernd '23 and Vicar Amalia. Pre-commitment required; limited to 12 participants. Please contact Vicar Amalia <vicaramalia> for information or to register.

Admissions Office seeks outstanding student workers

The Admissions Office is looking for outgoing and energetic students who love talking about Luther and sharing their experience with prospective students. Please encourage your current first-years, sophomores and juniors to apply for the Student Ambassador program by directing them to submit an application online through our Admissions Application. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23.

New from Preus Library

The Research Help Desk now takes appointments! If your class is working on a research assignment, help us spread the word about this new option. Visit the appointments website. Contact the desk at <refdesk> or 387-1163 if you have questions.

Preus Library is looking for feedback

As part of a project to review and update a set of online research help resources known as Guides, we're asking faculty to take this brief survey to help us gauge your awareness and use of the Guides in your teaching. Your valuable feedback will guide our plans for promoting and creating these resources going forward. Thanks in advance! Contact Amanda Jenkins <jenkam01> with questions.

Second summer camp fair Feb. 20

10 a.m.–4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, in the Union. There will be different camps attending this fair that were not at last week's Summer Camp Fair. Camp representatives will be there to visit with students about summer job opportunities!

Luther Baseball 'Bitty Ball' Camp

For boys and girls in grades Pre-K-2nd grade, 1-2 p.m., Feb. 16. Fee is $15 and each participant gets a t-shirt or hat! Come and learn from all of our Luther Norse baseball players! Register online.

February CELT programming

February CELT programming has started. Highlights include conversations about running effective discussions, constructing rubrics and decolonizing your syllabus. Don't forget that applications for Teaching Partnerships and our newly launched Faculty Learning Communities are due this month. Finally, the Bandwidth Recovery book group meets today at 4:15 p.m. More copies of the book are available. 

Donate your redeemable cans and bottles to Habitat for Humanity

The Luther College chapter of Habitat for Humanity is collecting redeemable cans and bottles. Proceeds will go towards our spring break service trip (emphasis on SERVICE) and will also be shared with Winneshiek County Habitat. If you would like to donate, please let us know via email, <habitat>, and we will find a way to pick them up. Thank you so much!  

CEPE Book Group: Breaking the Two-Party Doom Loop

In the aftermath of a senate impeachment vote that saw just one senator cross party lines, can American democracy still function? Lee Drutman argues that the electoral system in place in most states pushes us towards polarization and makes compromise impossible. He suggests that states could implement different forms of voting that might encourage the development of a multi-party system built on coalitions and compromise. Sign up for the book group to discuss these ideas. Facilitated by Eric Baack.

Luther College Woman's Club to meet Feb. 18

Four Luther students from diverse backgrounds will present "This Is Me," while Deanna (Rude) Casterton '91, director of the Luther Book Shop, will present "The Ever-Changing Textbook Landscape" at the next meeting of the LCWC, Tuesday, Feb. 18. The meeting takes place at 1:30 p.m. in Peace Dining Room, Dahl Centennial Union. Shuttle service from the Decorah pool lot leaves at 1:10 p.m.

Book Shop news

Autographed books
If you missed Terrion Williamson's lecture on Feb. 13, no worries. Stop in and purchase an autographed copy of her book, "Scandalize My Name."

Alumnus new book spotlight
Congratulate Brian R. Marten '72 on having his first book published, "Three Raven Gate." Stop by the Book Shop for a peek, and a chance to purchase his book.

Sami Schalk book signing Feb. 25
Author, Sami Schalk, with be giving the CEPE Guest Lecture at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25, in the CFL Recital Hall. She will be signing her book, "Bodyminds Reimagined," after the lecture. The books are available currently in the Book Shop, and will be available for purchase at the event.