TUESDAY 4/7/2020

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.

International programs
Students, parents, faculty and staff were informed by President Ward of changes to international programs for summer and fall 2020. Luther College will not operate any international programs or approve students to participate in international partner programs in summer 2020. The start of the Nottingham program has been postponed until January 2021. No decisions have been made regarding international partner programs for fall 2020; the Center for Global Learning recommends that students continue with their planning, though delay making firm commitments unless full refunds are guaranteed. Planning for J-Term 2021 off-campus programs sponsored by Luther College will proceed, and the application period for students is open April 1 through April 30.

Room and board credits, federal work-study, and the CARES Act
Students and parents received an update from Vice President Runestad regarding room and board credits, federal work-study, and the CARES Act. The Office for Financial Services sent each student an email message containing the prorated room and board credit that was applied to their student account. The credit adjustments took into account the room assignment, meal plan, and financial aid award of each student. Students may request a refund instead of a credit. Students and parents were also apprised that 93% of Luther College’s federal work-study funds have already been disbursed to students and that further guidance is being sought from the Department of Education to determine how the CARES Act may enable Luther College to provide further financial relief to students, including disbursing work-study wages funded directly by the college.

Staff employment and meal benefit
Staff and faculty were assured that Luther College employees (including exempt, non-exempt, full time and part time employees) in good standing will continue to have their employment and benefits status through May 31, 2020 and informed that employees who are required to work on campus by virtue of the nature of their roles will be provided one complimentary meal at Dining Services each work day through the end of the semester.

Student Senate elections
Students were encouraged by the leadership of Student Senate to continue to find ways to maintain connections and strengthen the community during this temporary time of separation. Students were also informed that Student Senate elections will still proceed this semester.

Updates to academic policies
Students, parents, and faculty received an update from Vice President Kraus and the Registrar Bernatz about changes to academic policies specific to the spring 2020 semester. Updated policies include changes to course drop dates, credit/no-credit grading, and criteria for the Dean’s List. Students were also encouraged to visit the list of Frequently Asked Questions concerning credit/no-credit grading prepared by the Center for Excellence for Learning and Teaching in collaboration with the Dean’s Office and the Registrar’s Office. 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

Dependent Care Flex Accounts
Employees who have Dependent Care Flex Accounts and are experiencing a change in projected childcare costs due to school and/or daycare closure, or no longer have a childcare need due to telecommuting, should consider decreasing their annual dependent care flex election at this time. Generally, employees need to notify HR within 30 days of the qualifying event to make an election change. If an employee currently has more expenses than has contributed through payroll, they can continue to contribute but need to submit the change form now to stop their contributions at a later date. Employees may then submit a form to restart the contribution when the daycare reopens. (Employees cannot reduce their contribution limit to less than they have already contributed.) The form is available on the HR website. Contact Marsha Wenthold <mwenthold> for more information.

Medicine reimbursement 
A section of the CARES Act states that HSAs, health care flexible spending accounts and health reimbursement arrangements are permitted to reimburse for the cost of over-the-counter drugs and other medicine purchased after December 31, 2019 without a prescription. This relief is permanent. Contact Marsha Wenthold <mwenthold> for more information.

Telehealth services
High-deductible health plans (HDHPs) with an HSA may provide pre-deductible coverage for telehealth and other remote care services. This provision will last until December 31, 2021.

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.

Google Hangouts Meet and Zoom

Students, faculty and staff may visit luther.zoom.us and click “Sign in” to access Luther's Zoom site license. If prompted, enter your Norse Key username and password (without @luther.edu). Students are provided a Basic account. Faculty and Staff are provided a Pro account. For more information on Zoom, click here. For information on Google Hangouts Meet, click here.

Psychological First Aid (PFA) Training 

Psychological First Aid (PFA) is an evidence-informed modular approach to help children, adolescents, adults and families in the immediate aftermath of disaster and terrorism. PFA is designed to reduce the initial distress caused by traumatic events and to foster short and long-term adaptive functioning and coping. PFA Training will be offered by the Counseling Service on Monday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in Zoom. Click here to sign up. If you have any questions contact Stu Johnston at <johnstst>.

Virtual book group

In an attempt to explore the themes of human suffering and resilience in the face of disease and death, the CEPE is offering a virtual book group on Camus' The Plague.  Students, faculty, staff and community members are all welcome.  Because we are unable to meet in person, we encourage you to check out a virtual copy of the book here. Meetings will occur via Zoom at 5 p.m. on Wednesday evenings starting on April 15. Email <cepe> to join.

Amazon Business account 

Later this month, Luther will transition from individual personal Amazon accounts to a college-wide centralized Amazon Business account. The transition will be painless and users will be provided step by step instructions to transition. This transition is based on the current usage of Amazon by employees and does not represent an endorsement of Amazon for purchasing needs. As a reminder, departmental budgets are frozen for non-negotiable expenses through May 31. More detailed information about the transition will be sent within the week to Luther's commercial card users.

Extra office supplies

The Office for Financial Services has an excess supply of inter-campus envelopes of all sizes and paper clips. If anyone is in need we will have these items in bundles on the counter outside of our office. If you have any questions please contact Amy Wagner via email <wagnam01>.

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.

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>.

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! 

Book Shop news

Closed but you can still make a purchase
The Book Shop is 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.

Greeting cards available
The Book Shop has greeting cards set up outside the store. Shop for Easter, Encouragement, Birthday and Sympathy cards all for $2.50. Leave your cash in the basket.

Norse Snack Shack
If you're on campus and need a quick snack or some sweets to fill the Easter baskets, 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 8: Liz Rog-community sing, psalm reader: Jim Martin Schramm
Friday, April 10: No chapel, Easter break
Monday, April 13: No chapel, Easter break

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

Celebrations this week

Birthdays
April 7: Mark Franzen, Erin Zidlicky
April 8: Michelle Boike
April 10: Germano Streese, Greg Peterson, Jayme Nelson, Eric Baack, Loren Storts
April 11: Jessica Campos Arzate
April 12: Thomas Johnson
April 13: Arleen Orvis, Olga Michels, Russell Schouweiler, Lance Matter

Retirement

Luther College Counseling Service would like to announce the retirement of Carol Hagen. Carol Hagen '82 is retiring after 9 years of providing mental health counseling services within LCCS. Carol has also supported Luther social work students through their internships within the Decorah community. LCCS will greatly miss her expertise and kindness she has brought to the department, and the greater Luther community and of course her excellent work with students. Carol will continue to be a member of the social work department advisory board, bringing a great wealth and depth of experience in that role. Help us in congratulating Carol on her retirement.  

Sympathy

Condolences for Sue Drilling whose mother, Ruth Franzen, aged 96, passed away at the Patty Elwood Center in Cresco on April 2. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, there will not be a public service. 

ARTICLES, CREATIONS, HONORS

Luther College staff members are working with the Decorah and Winneshiek Co. Mutual Aid Network to help those in need. Kayla Scholl, director of music marketing and Dorian programs, sent an email to those at Decorah Now posing the foundational question, "How can we connect those with a greater need to those who may now have the capacity to help?" With Scholl's help, the site was created. "I Can Help" and "I Need Help" forms are available here. Anyone without access to a computer can call 362-2288.

Gereon Kopf (department of religion) received a Wabash Grant to implement a program on "Teaching Philosophy of Religion Inclusively to Diverse Students" in the time period from July 2020 to June 2021 together with Professors Timothy Knepper (Drake University) and Nathan Loewen (University of Alabama).

Orçun Selçuk participated in “Autocratic Legalism: The Use of Legality in Authoritarian Consolidation” workshop organized by Columbia University (via zoom) on April 6. His presentation "Autocratic Legalism as a Populist Strategy" focused on how populist leaders use the law in their favor to reward followers and punish opponents.

UNCLASSIFIED ADS

EDITORIAL COMMENT

And finally...

Decorah Parks and Recreation encourages Decorah households and businesses to participate in the Decorah Egg Hunt by creating and hanging eggs in windows and storefronts Monday, April 6 – Sunday, April 12.

Be creative! Eggs can be paper, cardboard, colored, large, small or even plastic eggs hanging from a string. The goal is for eggs to be seen by walkers and those passing by in their vehicles to create a fun community-wide event in lieu of the department's annual Egg Hunt that has been cancelled due to COVID-19.

Use #DecorahEggHunt to share your creations on social media.