The Summer Scoop for August 23, 2019

Volume 50, Number 3

President Cabinet Summary

July 30, 2019, Cabinet Meeting Summary

1. Discussion was held regarding the incoming class and admission strategies for recruiting the Class of 2024.
2. Discussion was held regarding strategic planning prioritization for the next three years. Cabinet members were asked to meet with staff in their respective divisions to discuss and prioritize initiatives for the next three years prior to the August 20-21 Cabinet retreat.
3. Provost Kelly reviewed a summary of Gustie Gear-Up! held on June 19-21.
4. Members approved the following 2020 holiday schedule:
Good Friday - Friday, April 10, 2020
Fourth of July - Friday, July 3, 2020
Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, November 26, 2020
Day After Thanksgiving - Friday, November 27, 2020
Floating Holiday - Wednesday, December 23, 2020
Floating Holiday - Thursday, December 24, 2020
Christmas Day - Friday, December 25, 2020
Floating Holiday - Monday, December 28, 2020
Floating Holiday - Tuesday, December 29, 2020
Floating Holiday - Wednesday, December 30, 2020
Floating Holiday - Thursday, December 31, 2020
New Year's Day - Friday, January 1, 2021
5. Provost Kelly gave an update on plans for Nobel Conference 2019. No overflow seating will be available this year. Learning workshops and a poetry/music event will be held on Tuesday evening.

August 6, 2019, Cabinet Meeting Summary

1. Members approved the hiring of a full-time replacement Student Life position (Lock, Access, and Surveillance Coordinator).
2. Members approved the hiring of a full-time replacement Advancement position (Special Gift Officer for Heritage Scholarships).
3. Vice President Kowaleski gave an update on the progress of the Nobel Hall renovation and expansion project.
4. Vice President Kowaleski shared a campus roof repair plan for the next few years.
5. Vice President Kennedy gave an update on the progress of the wayfinding project. Vehicular signs will be installed in August.

August 14, 2019, Cabinet Meeting Summary

1. Chaplain and Chair of the Task Force on Vocation and Purposeful Living Siri Erickson was present to review the recommendations from the Task Force. The recommendations describe a big picture vision for a new, comprehensive program that will engage all students in reflection on their sense of purpose as it relates to their educational journey and plans for work and life beyond Gustavus.
2. Discussion was held regarding the September Board meeting agenda, specifically the topics for the strategic discussion session.
3. Vice President VanHecke reported that the current panic alarm system on campus is out of date and no longer capable of being supported. Discussion was held regarding whether Gustavus needs such a system and who needs an alarm if the College moves ahead with a new system. Vice President VanHecke will explore best practice for a panic alarm system.

Faculty, Student & Staff News

K. Angelique Dwyer (Modern Languagues, Literatures, and Cultures) has published a total of four creative non-fiction short stories written in Spanglish through PORTAL: Journal of Multidisciplinary International Studies, edited by Paul Allatson from the University of Australia. Allatson is a prestigious Latino Studies scholar known for editing the Spanglish works of Susana Chavez-Silverman. Dwyer's stories are entitled: "La manda;" "Simon;" "Gringos mexicanos" and "Doce horas: A Family Border Tale." PORTAL also published Dwyer's first short story entitled "My Brother the Mexican." Together, these stories form the completed collection under the same title.

Maddalena Marinari (History) published an article titled "Cuccinelli's 'bootstraps' line reflects historical amnesia of 'public charge'" for Public Radio International that discusses Americans' changing historical stance on immigrants from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and nationalities.

Tom LoFaro (Mathematics, Computer Science, and Statistics) was invited to present a paper entitled "Crossing the Threshold: The Role of Demographic Stochasticity in the Evolution of Cooperation" at the 2019 MAA MathFest.

Misti Nicole Harper (History) Published "Portrait of (an Invented) Lady: Daisy Gatson Bates and the Politics of Respectability" in the Arkansas Historical Quarterly (Spring 2019).

News & Announcements 

 
Save the Date for 2019-2020 All-Employee Meetings... All employees are encouraged to attend to hear a progress report on institutional goals and other related topics:
Wednesday, August 28, 2019, 3 p.m. in Cec Eckhoff Alumni Hall with reception on Eckman Mall to follow.
Thursday, February 20, 2020, 10:30 a.m. in Cec Eckhoff Alumni Hall
Thursday, May 21, 2020, 2:30 p.m. in Cec Eckhoff Alumni Hall

Volunteers Needed... The second annual “Move Crew” to help first-year students move into the residence halls is scheduled for Friday, August 30 and we need YOUR help! We are excited to welcome our newest students to campus and showcase the Gustie community spirit. We can imagine no one better than our student­­­­s, staff, and faculty to serve as the friendly, welcoming faces of Move-in Day. We are asking faculty and staff to volunteer to direct a Move Crew group of student volunteers during one shift. All participants will be provided with safety resources, customer service training, and a free t-shirt. The two shifts are 8-10 a.m. and 9:40-11:40 am and all volunteers will be assigned to one of three residence halls. If you'd like to volunteer, confirm with your supervisor that you can be spared for the morning and then email Julianne Watterson, jwatter2@gustavus.edu, with your preferred time slot (8-10 a.m., 9:40-11:40 a.m., or both shifts).

We are also still seeking student volunteers so if you have arranged for students to return early and you could spare those students on the morning of August 30, please contact Julianne Watterson, jwatter2@gustavus.edu to sign those students up for a shift!

Move-in Day/Orientation Traffic Information... Please note that from 8 a.m. to noon on Friday, August 30, all traffic will enter the College either at the Grace Street entrance or via the Jefferson Avenue entrance. The College Avenue entrance will be routed as EXIT ONLY from campus so please do not plan on driving up College Avenue to enter campus. Attempting to enter on College Avenue will result in you being re-routed to either the Jefferson or Grace Street entrance. Additionally, Campus Drive (Ring Road) between Jefferson and College Avenue will be restricted to ONE WAY traffic going down hill.

Please allow for extra time for arriving and parking on campus. Campus Safety Officers will be directing traffic. Please comply with their directions and requests and understand that the shortest route to your building or usual parking spot might not be available to you.

Finally, we will reserve the Norelius lot, the Visitor lot, the Wahlstrom (near Sohre) lot and the Arboretum lot for first-year students and their families on Friday, August 30th. Employees should park in other lots.

Please note that on Saturday, August 31, the Olin parking lot is closed for the annual Square Dance. Any vehicles in the Olin lot when setup begins for the dance will be towed at the owner's expense. Please park in an alternate lot on Saturday.

Many thanks as we welcome the Class of 2023!

Nobel Conference Tickets... Tickets for the upcoming Nobel Conference, Climate Changed: Facing Our Future, are now available! The conference is September 24 & 25. All employees and students receive one free ticket that must be requested in advance. We expect the conference to sell out. Employees are welcome to attend all the lectures, however we ask employees to select the specific sessions they plan to attend since demand for tickets is so high. For a complete schedule visit gustavus.edu/nobelconference. Tickets may be ordered at the ticket request website or call 933-7520.

Christmas in Christ Chapel - Reservable seating...Plans are already well underway for Christmas in Christ Chapel happening December 5-8. New this year is that the opening night will be on Thursday and the last service will be on Sunday afternoon. Like last year, guests will select specific reservable seats in Christ Chapel at the time of ticket purchase. There will no longer be general admission seating. Employees will continue to receive one free ticket. Tickets go on sale October 1. For more information, visit gustavus.edu/ccc.

Student Life Office Changes... The Center for Career Development is now located in the Johnson Student Union, suite 209, which is across from the Counseling Center and underneath Cec Eckhoff Alumni Hall. Residential Life is now located on the lower level of the Jackson Campus Center, suite 105, a few steps away from the Courtyard Cafe. The Dean of Students office has relocated to the Jackson Campus Center, room 201 (formerly the Board Room), across the hall from the Financial Aid office. All staff phone numbers and emails will remain the same.
 
Health Savings Account Updates... Effective July 17, 2019 the IRS issued guidance that expands health savings account (HSA) qualified expenses. HSAs will now cover additional services and items used to treat chronic conditions, such as preventive care. This guidance expands the list of preventive care benefits covered by high deductible health plans (HDHPs). It allows HDHPs to cover these qualified expenses at 100 percent without impacting eligibility, even if the deductible is not met. If you have any questions, please reach out to Nicole Goebel (ngoebel@gac.edu) in the Office of Human Resources. 
 
Important Update to BCBS Insurance Coverage...Effective immediately, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of MN will expand its coverage to include digital breast tomosynthesis, also known as 3D mammography. 3D mammography benefits will be covered for breast cancer screening similarly to the way full-field digital mammography (also known as 2D mammography) services are currently covered. Because all of the Gustavus health plans cover preventive services at 100%, preventive 3D mammography screening services will now also be covered at no member cost. If you have questions, please contact BCBS at: 866-873-5943 or Nicole Goebel at: ngoebel@gustavus.edu.
 
Donation request... Gustavus employees who would like to donate paid time off/vacation hours to a fellow employee who is on an approved FMLA leave, and will run out of paid time off (PTO) prior to the end of the leave, may access the donation form here and submit the form to the Payroll area in the Finance office.

I CAN Prevent Diabetes!... Individuals and Communities Acting Now to Prevent Diabetes is a series of sessions led by Jen Donkin, RD, CDE and Nicole Boelter, MS. Sessions are held on Wednesdays, starting August 28 at 6 p.m. at the Helen White conference center (River's Edge Campus). The program costs $75 (with incentives offered for regular participation). Call Jen at 934-7694 to register. Trained life style coaches will help you learn how to create a healthier lifestyle and prevent diabetes in this diabetes prevention program. Classes are held weekly for 16 weeks and then monthly for 8 months.

Free Drawing for Renaissance Festival Tickets... Enter to Win a pair of tickets to the 2019 Renaissance Festival. All current employees are eligible to enter and may use this form. One winner will be selected at random and notified on September 2, 2019. Please contact Nicole Goebel ngoebel@gustavus.edu in the Office of Human Resources with any questions. Also, the Office of Human Resources is pleased to offer Gustavus employees discounted tickets to attend the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. Tickets may be purchased online using the instructions found here.

Discounted Valleyfair Tickets... Tickets are being sold at a discount in the Office of Human Resources. Tickets available for purchase include:
- Regular Admission (ages 3-61 and 48" or taller): $38.00
- Ride & Refresh (ages 3-61 and 48" or taller plus unlimited drink wristband): $42.00
- Parking: $12.00

Tickets may be used any day of the Valleyfair 2019 operating season. Tickets are available for purchase in the Office of Human Resources in the Carlson Administration Building payable with cash or checks.

Saint Peter Weekly Newsletter...As we continue to find ways to strengthen our partnership with the City of Saint Peter we would like to share this link to their weekly newsletter. Be sure to read it for the latest information about the greater Saint Peter community.

Position Openings

- Assistant Professor (Art History and Arts Administration)
- Assistant Professor of Biology (Genetics)
- Assistant Professor, Economics/Management and Mathematics, Computer Science, and Statistics (Business Analytics, Operations Management, and Statistics)
- Assistant Professor of Education (Literacy)
- Assistant Professor of Health and Exercise Science (Exercise Physiology)
- Assistant Professor of Physics (Engineering Physics)
- Special Gift Officer for Heritage Scholarships
- Campus Safety Officer (Full-Time)
- Lock, Access, and Surveillance Coordinator
- Kitchen Cook (mornings)
- Bakery Staff (part-time)
- Catering Supervisor
- Dishroom Staff
- On-Call Staff (Dining Service)
- User Services Technology Coordinator
- Director of Print and Mail Services

For more information on the aforementioned position(s), call Human Resources (x7304). An Employee Referral proram is now being offered at Gustavus. Check out this linkfor details about the program. 

Plugs

Go Fund Me for Professor Emerita... In June, 2019, professor emerita Deborah Downs-Miers (English) sustained a serious injury at her home in Maine. She is now recovering from surgery and facing a lengthy rehabilitation period. Faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends of the College are encouraged to help if inclined to do so. A "Go Fund Me" site to assist with Deborah's medical expenses has been created here. For further information, please contact Rebecca Fremo (rtfremo@gustavus.edu) or Greg Mason (ghmason@gustavus.edu).

Home for sale by owner...1005 Wettergren Street, Saint Peter. 2200 sq ft; four bedrooms, two bathrooms; three levels plus a small basement; large lot. $215,000. These things have all been replaced and are new since the fall of 2017: Furnace, Water Heater, Washer, Dishwasher, Stove. Contact Denise Salisbury at 507-317-4496.

Home for sale by owner... $409,900. Just what you've been looking for! Country living, close to town. 3.4 acres of spacious lawn and wooded area on a private lane with wildlife aplenty. 30 minutes from Gustavus with an easy drive. Private and spacious. Perfect location to raise a family (Mankato Schools) or start Phase II, with room to spread out or start new hobbies. Open concept, 3250 sq. ft., five-bedroom, three-bath rambler built in 1997, with updates throughout, including master bath and kitchen. Three-stall attached garage, plus detached 24 x 36, two-story garage with in-floor heating. Additional garden shed. Qualified house hunters only. For sale by owner. No agents or brokers, please. (507) 278-3214 for appointment.

Townhome for rent... Three-bedroom, 1.5 bathroom town home end unit at Alpine Meadows, a short walk from campus, available September 20. Has been occupied by a Gustavus renter, and the next-door neighbor is a Gustavus renter (a great neighbor!). Three fully finished floors, two walk-in closets, nice roomy kitchen with dishwasher. Tons of storage space. Lower level recently refurbished with new flooring and trim (and unit is only 16 years old). Laundry hook-ups on third level by two of the bedrooms. Attached one-car garage means no snow and ice on your car in the morning! Pets allowed with pet rent addition. $1,125/mo. All grounds care included, including snow and ice removal from all but the last few feet nearest the doors. Tenant pays utilities. Great neighborhood: quiet, and awesome for kids. Park, Arb, high school all nearby. Ask about #1025. Really Good Rentals, info@reallygoodrentals.com, 866-926-4337

Seeking Rental... Post-doctoral fellow with focus on art history of Latin America seeking furnished room from late August through early May, typically Monday-Thursday nights. Seeking to spend around $400 per month but open to negotiation. Quiet non-smoker who would prefer to be within walking distance of campus. Contact Alexis at alexisnsalas@gmail.com or 512-508-0092.

Apartment for Rent... Newly remodeled furnished 2nd-floor one bedroom apartment next to Minnesota Square Park available after September 1. Ideal for Gustavus professor commuting from the city who wants a local home base. Utilities and off-street parking included. Rent negotiable. Landlord retired Gustie: canelson@hickorytech.net

Five-Bedroom Country Home for Rent... 2,750 square feet; Newer home with five bedrooms, three bathrooms; Lower level walkout overlooking forest with ravine. Home has heated double attached garage, generous storage throughout, new carpet, new kitchen and dining room flooring. 18 minutes from Gustavus. 2.5 miles west of Le Sueur, just 1.5 miles from Highway 169. $1,785 per month. Please contact Tricia Bergeson at 612-269-8620.

Apartment for Rent... Fully furnished, one-bedroom apartment. Reasonable rent includes all utilities, furniture, kitchenware, linens, and internet. Across the street from the south end of campus, in the home of a retired professor. Non-smokers only. Pictures upon request. Call 507-931-1913 or 507-327-9739.

Minneapolis Condo for Sale... Minneapolis/Linden Hills condo for sale, on market the first week of August. Two blocks from Lake Harriet and steps from restaurants and coffee shops. Rare three-bed, 1.5-bath with underground parking space and free wifi, basic cable, and laundry. New paint and flooring in living areas, fridge and dishwasher less than a year old, microwave/convection oven rarely used. No smoking, pet-friendly building. Priced at $250,000. To be put on an advanced-viewing list, email sash@gustavus.edu. 

"Plugs" is maintained as a forum by which members of the Gustavus community may offer goods and services to others in the community, or seek the same from them. It is not meant to accommodate ads or announcements from area businesses such as real estate agents and retailers, although from time to time such announcements may be published when deemed to be of particular interest to the community.



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The Summer Scoop is published for the Gustavus Adolphus College community by the Office of Marketing and Communication. It is published monthly during the summer. Anyone may include items by submitting them by 4:30 p.m. on the Tuesday before publication. Submissions may include news announcements, upcoming events, building or office hours, plugs (advertisements like for sale or rent items) or off-campus events. Please save items about faculty/staff activities (professional accomplishments or presentations) or honors for Inside Gustavus, which is published weekly during the academic year. For more information, call x7520.

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