Note: The contents of this page are saved for archival purposes only. For the most up-to-date information about Augustana's COVID-19 response, visit www.augustana.edu/augustana-strong.
Campus update for Feb. 10, 2021
Feb. 10, 2021
As spring semester begins, here are some reminders from the Augie Strong Task Force:
• Wearing masks while working out is important. Don't let your guard down in the gym.
• Calling Public Safety is MANDATORY if you are experiencing any COVID symptoms.
• Remember your Augie Allies pledge!
• At this time, there is no information on the timing of mass COVID-19 vaccination for the campus community. (Read more)
Faculty are ready to help you choose
Departmental open houses start next week for students who are thinking about declaring a major.
This is a great opportunity: Even if you are not ready to declare, you can find out more about an area of study and its requirements, talk with faculty, and often also chat with current students and alumni in that field.
Times are still being scheduled for some departments. If you do not see a time or date for the area you're interested in, contact the faculty member listed.
Note: To attend the public health open house, you need to sign up in advance.
Students in J-term’s CSC 150: Artful Computing worked so hard, some wondered if their laptops might catch on fire.
They created impressive computer-generated artwork (2D, 3D, movies, interactive art) for their final projects. Their art addressed current events, social issues, personal stories and more. Led by Dr. Forrest Stonedahl, the students presented their work and artist’s statements in a virtual art show. (more)
Water service update
The City of Rock Island is working to repair a water main break on 38th Street. Although most buildings will have water service today, service may be interrupted in the next few days as work continues. Please look for updates in your email from Facilities and Public Safety.
A boil order is in effect now in some buildings on campus. That means that water must be boiled for five minutes before you can drink it or use it for cooking.
These buildings may be affected: WVIK, Swenson Science, Seminary-Admissions, Founders and Planetarium.
Presidential Search Committee sessions Feb. 24-26
Academic Search, a partner of the Presidential Search Committee, will host listening sessions Feb. 24-26.
Share your thoughts about what important skills and qualities candidates for the position of Augustana president should possess.
Email invitations to these sessions have been sent. (If you did not receive an invitation, email pressearch@augustana.edu for the link to your session.)
The Augustana Bookstore has a treat for you from Feb. 11-13: Buy a shirt for $13.99 and get another free! (In store only.)
Today's updates:
• Campus Ministries will offer two in-person services at 8 and 8:30 tonight in Ascension Chapel to allow social distancing at each service. All are welcome to either service.
• You still have a month to enter the Geifman Prize in Holocaust Studies annual competition, with awards up to $500. Enter an essay, research paper, poem, drama, film, artwork, musical composition, or other creative expression.
• If you're signing up for the Lip Sync Battle on Saturday, you have to do it by 4 p.m. today. Also, Friday is the last day to sign up for the African American Read-In.
This week will be a First Friday, "Protect Black Women," from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Gerber Center 420. Stop in to learn about the Protect Black Women movement and enjoy snacks and music. (See more Black History Month events.)
• Two virtual sessions are coming up for you to see options for study away in 2021-2022: Feb. 16 from 3-3:30 p.m. and Feb. 18 from 11-11:30 a.m.
When an 8-year-old called on NPR for more dinosaur reporting, paleontologist Dr. Ash Poust '06 got the call. He knew just how to answer every question from the young dino-fan.
Last year he contributed to the discovery of a new species of feathered dinosaur in China. (Poust was a double geology and French major, with an English minor!)
Why is the Gävle Room called Gävle?
The Swenson Swedish Immigration Research Center offers weekly Campus Swedish Facts.
Today we learn that the Gävle Room in the Gerber Center is named after the city of Gävle in Sweden. Our first president, Lars Paul Esbjörn, had roots there.
But there is more, and it involves giant straw goats and bonfires.