TUESDAY 3/31/2020

The most recent version of the Tuesday is always available online at: http://www2.luther.edu/tuesday/

Published for faculty and staff by the Luther College Media Relations office • Copy deadline: Friday, 3 p.m., 75-word limit • Phone: (563) 387-2992 • Email: <Tuesday>

Note: All campus telephone numbers are in the 563 area code, all campus email addresses end in @luther.edu • ©2020

Submit an item for the Tuesday at: www.luther.edu/tuesday/submit/

ANNOUNCEMENTS / COLLEGE OPERATIONS / EVENTS

COMMUNITY / ARTICLES, CREATIONS, HONORS / UNCLASSIFIED ADS

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Coronavirus Updates

Each week, we will use this section to highlight key messages to various members of the Luther community and summarize developments and decisions over the past week. Whenever possible, we will also signal forthcoming messages.

Remote learning period begins
In case you missed it, please see the message from President Ward to the campus community to mark the beginning of remote learning. We are all co-learners in this new environment and we are making history together.

Students remaining on campus
The Center for Intercultural Engagement and Student Success (CIES), the Center for Academic Enrichment (CAE), Admissions, and the Student Life Office worked with the approximately 200 students who were previously granted permission to remain on campus to secure travel arrangements to return home or identify alternative housing arrangements, where possible. As of today, 49 students are on campus. Many of the students returned to their homes, and nearly 100 students are living with friends or host families in Decorah or across the country. Dining Services and other campus services remain open and available to all students who remain on campus.

Process for students to retrieve belongings
Students who departed campus prior to Spring Break received further guidance from Residence Life regarding retrieving their personal belongings from the residence halls. Students are not permitted to return to campus at this time. The Residence Life staff have developed an orderly and efficient retrieval process that follows guidelines for social distancing. Students and their families will be contacted by Hall Directors and Area Coordinators at least two weeks prior to the move-out period. The dates for move-out will be identified based upon recommendations and directives regarding travel from state and federal agencies and governments. Further details will be provided in an update to students in April.

Spending policies
Budget center directors received directions from President Ward and Vice President Runestad regarding restrictions to spending for the remainder of the fiscal year. In response to planned refunds to students for unused room and board, departmental budgets have been frozen except for non-negotiable expenses such as utilities, existing contractual obligations, supplies for facility cleaning and maintenance, infrastructure repairs, and instructional expenses directly connected to distance learning requirements. Limited spending will be allowed for student recruiting, persistence, and fundraising, especially in connection to the shift to remote work. Discretionary expenses, such as those for travel, professional development, hiring, supplies, and equipment should not be incurred.

Student recruitment
Faculty were contacted by Admissions to communicate plans for and to request assistance with virtual engagements with prospective students. Admissions is working with Marketing and Communications to develop virtual tours, meetings, and information sessions to ensure that prospective students are able to interact with faculty, admissions and financial aid staff, athletic coaches, and music ensemble conductors for the remainder of the semester.

Alumni engagement
Alumni were invited to share uplifting messages on social media and to follow the Ideas and Creation blog, which is focusing on remarkable examples of Luther faculty, staff, students, and graduates responding to the pandemic. Alumni were also invited to connect with prospective students through virtual engagements and to support students, faculty, and staff by making unrestricted gifts to the Luther Fund.

Upcoming policy announcements
In the next week, anticipated updates include those regarding international programs, revised academic policies, refunds of room and board charges, and implications of the CARES Act on financial aid specific to work study.

Please continue to monitor the Health Advisories webpage for information connected to Luther College’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Iowa Department of Public Health, and answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

COLLEGE OPERATIONS  

HR Updates

April staff meetings cancelled
The previously scheduled April 8 and April 9 staff meetings have been cancelled. Staff meetings will resume September, 2020, for the 2020-21 academic year. 

Free access to Sanvello Health
UMR has announced that Sanvello Health offers free access to help people cope with COVID-19 mental health impacts. Sanvello Health, Inc., a leading provider of digital and telemental health solutions to individuals, businesses and payers, recently announced free premium access to its digital care delivery platform. This offer makes Sanvello's clinically validated techniques, coping tools and peer support free to anyone impacted by COVID-19. Here is a link to more information about the services and how to activate free premium access: Free help to cope with COVID-19 mental health impacts

Optum Emotional Support Help Line
The following support is through the UMR health care plan. It is a public crisis line that is free of charge and available to anyone. You can share it with family and friends. Caring professionals will connect people to resources. The Optum Emotional Support Help Line is available 24/7 to anyone in need, even if they are not enrolled in your benefit plan. The help line, 866-342-6892, is staffed by professionally trained mental health experts and free of charge.

OFS drop off

In light of social distancing, the Office for Financial Services has installed a drop-off slot in the area of the second cashier window. Please utilize the drop for the items you normally bring into OFS. We will be processing vendor payments each Tuesday. Please have invoices with proper documentation and signatures to OFS by noon each Monday. As a reminder, all purchases after March 24, 2020, must have VP approval. The OFS door is open to visitors, but please call ahead as some staff are working remotely.

Hearing Board student nominations

The Luther College Hearing Board, which adjudicates significant violations of the Student Code of Conduct including sexual misconduct, is seeking students to serve as members of next year's board. The application is available online; interested students must have a minimum 2.50 GPA and possess maturity, be in good community standing, demonstrate respect for confidentiality, and excellent critical thinking skills. Please send names of nominations, who you believe would be a good fit for the position, to Nan Hibbs <hibbna01>.

Call for Submissions: Preserving the History of COVID-19 for the Luther College Archives

The Luther College Archives is collecting material to document the effects of COVID-19 on the Luther College community. Faculty/staff are encouraged to submit photographs, audio/visual recordings, documents, and other digital media to preserve this historic moment. For further information, please see the project description. Email Hayley Jackson <jackha01> with any questions.   

Library due dates extended to May 15

The due date on all Preus Library materials currently checked out to faculty/staff/spouses/emeriti/dependents has been extended to May 15. Feel free to hold on to library materials for the time being. Depending on circumstances, the date may be extended again at a later date. Questions? Contact <library>. Questions about interlibrary loan materials should be directed to Emily Mineart <ill> as these materials have different due dates and may be handled on an individual basis.

Erdman Prize Competition postponed to 2021

With the remainder of the semester moved to distance learning, we are postponing the Erdman Prize Competition until Spring 2021. We thank you for your continued support of this program and we look forward to seeing what exciting pitches students bring forth in next year's competition.

Koru Mindfulness

The Counseling Service will be offering Koru Mindfulness to staff and faculty via Google meet. Koru Mindfulness is a four-week mindfulness and meditation program where participants will learn various meditative practices that have been shown to improve sleep, reduce stress and increase gratitude. Participants will gather in Google meet once a week then practice meditation/mindfulness skills on their own between sessions. Koru comes with an app (free to all participants) that has everything you need to participate. Group will start April 8. If you are interested, complete this Google form. If you have any other questions feel free to contact Stu Johnston at <johnstst>.

More great CSA news!

Patchwork Green Farm has joined the Luther College CSA reimbursement program! In addition, Humble Hands Harvest and Canoe Creek Produce now have a combined share! There are so many great options to get immune-boosting veggies delivered right to your door, so sign-up on the CSC website now! We have extended the sign-up deadline to April 15. Make sure to fill out the Luther CSA reimbursement form on the website after you sign-up with your chosen producer. For more information contact <sustainability>.

Need supplies?

Don't forget to check out the Office Reuse Supply Closet in Valders Hall of Science located between room 362 and 367. There are plenty of binders, hanging folders and manila folders, check the drawers for writing utensils and staplers. Everything is free! You may also drop off unwanted supplies from your office to share with others. For more information contact <sustainability>.

Sign-up for a Community Garden! 

Put your green thumbs to work in creating beautiful and bountiful harvests that can be enjoyed throughout the summer and well into fall and winter. Complete the form by May 1 to secure your spot. For more information contact <sustainability>.

Paideia all-college summer reading books available now

Copies of the all-college summer reading for 2020, "The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui," are still available to faculty and staff without cost, sponsored by Paideia and the Dean's Office. If you would like a copy, please email the Book Shop at <bookshopweb>. Include your name and department and we'll send a copy through campus mail. 

Wellness activity

Are you ready to travel? Join the Wellness folks as we travel The Mighty Mississippi Trail during the month of April. You are encouraged to stay active in the safe confines of your world and then record your time on the trail as you try to make it to the headwaters of the Mississippi. Let's have some fun as we "explore" new ways to stay safe. Email Vicky Jaeger <jaegervi> to sign up!  

Employee Assistance Program

Luther College Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, unlimited telephone consultations for employees and their spouses and children. Speak confidentiality with a master's level consultant to help you find solutions for the everyday challenges of work and home as well as for more serious issues involving emotional and physical wellbeing. Call 800-854-1446 (English) or 877-858-2147 (Spanish) to learn more and access EAP or visit luther.edu/hr/faculty-staff/eap.

Cleaning Ricoh copiers or printers

The question was asked how to sanitize and clean print devices around campus. The same caution that is observed cleaning other electronic devices, should be observed with the print devices. Ricoh does not recommend spaying any liquids directly on the devices; those liquids could enter into the machine and cause electronic components to fail. That type of damage would not be covered by the service contract. Sanitizing wipes that are electronics safe can be used on the plastic surfaces. The touch screens can be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol using a microfiber cloth or other disposable type wipe with isopropyl alcohol. Other multi purpose cleaners could etch the LCD touch panel. Consult the Document Center staff if you have questions.

Nominate a special senior! 

Do you know a Luther student graduating in May who's made a real impact? The Luther magazine seeks to profile seniors who excel academically, musically, athletically, through service, through internships, through entrepreneurship, or otherwise. Send suggestions to <magazine> by April 7. Please be specific about what makes this student special!

Book Shop news

Closed but you can still make a purchase
Per Governor Reynolds' proclamation signed March 26, the Book Shop will no longer be open. However, for departmental and individual purchases, email <bookshopweb> or phone 387-1036. We will charge your purchase to your departmental or personal account and either send your order through intra-campus mail or you can pick up your purchase outside the Book Shop. Please remember that all proceeds stay on campus to support our Luther community.

Norse Snack Shack
If you're on campus and need a quick snack, the Book Shop has a table set up outside the store. Simply put your $1 in the basket and shop away!

EVENTS

Chapel this week

Join College Ministries Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 10:30 a.m.-10:50 a.m. for a time of prayerful connection through Luther Zoom Chapel. You may join the service at: https://zoom.us/j/811331503

Wednesday, April 1: Anne Edison-Albright
Friday, April 3: Judd Larson
Monday, April 6: Gather Morning Praise, Psalm reader: James Martin-Schramm 

Home sporting events

The American Rivers Conference has cancelled spring schedules.

Events this week

The health and safety of our students, staff, faculty and neighbors are of the utmost importance to us. Following directives from President Ward, effective immediately all events at Luther College are cancelled through at least Thursday, May 21.

COMMUNITY

Welcome, new hires

Kari Yauk started her position as administrative assistant and coordinator of student services on March 25. Her office is Dahl Centennial Union 266, telephone 387-1020.

Celebrations this week

Birthdays

March 31: Teage Luther
April 1: Bryan Nikkel, Bonnie Johnson
April 2: Michael Bartels
April 3: Deanna Casterton, Erin Flater, Andrew Torgerud
April 5: Jon Jensen, Amber Suckow, Viset Hovden, Judd Larson
April 6: Shauna Kerr

ARTICLES, CREATIONS, HONORS

Andy Hageman is taking this time of social distancing as an opportunity to share his love of Star Wars with his young daughters and create learning activities he can pass on to fellow fans. Read about it in his Ideas and Creations blog post, "How Star Wars is helping our family through the Covid-19 pandemic."

Read Mark Potvin's Ideas and Creations blog post, "How can we be Luther in this new reality?" about the Facebook page he created for Story Time, and how it's given many a much needed respite.

UNCLASSIFIED ADS

For sale: Be the next owner of this magnificent 4 bedroom/3 bath home boasting over 3,100 sf of delightful living space which includes open floor plan, master bedroom suite, sun room and finished basement. Recently installed vegetable beds and solar panels make this well-built home even more efficient! Built in 2014 and located in the Bruening edition, the house is within blocks of Phelps Park and Trout Run Trail. Find more information about the listing here.

EDITORIAL COMMENT

And finally...

Sonnet 98
From you have I been absent in the spring,
When proud-pied April, dressed in all his trim,
Hath put a spirit of youth in everything,
That heavy Saturn laughed and leaped with him.
Yet nor the lays of birds, nor the sweet smell
Of different flowers in odour and in hue,
Could make me any summer’s story tell,
Or from their proud lap pluck them where they grew:
Nor did I wonder at the lily’s white,
Nor praise the deep vermilion in the rose;
They were but sweet, but figures of delight
Drawn after you, – you pattern of all those.
    Yet seem'd it winter still, and, you away,
    As with your shadow I with these did play.

―William Shakespeare

For some real magic, take time to listen to Sir Patrick Stewart read #ASonnetADay on Twitter. You're welcome.