29 September: Symposium

Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2003

Subject: Symposium

To: Faculty

From: George Connell, Chair - Symposium Committee

In approximately one month, we will be holding the first of a three-part Symposium on the theme of the Reformation tradition and Education. To assist you in planning for this event, I am including in this message two descriptions of the upcoming events. First is a general description of the October Symposium events. (A more detailed schedule will be distributed mid-October.) Second, you will find three short synopses of planned remarks by the three Concordia faculty who will participate in a panel as part of the Monday morning session of the Symposium. 

Reformation Focus Of Faith, Reason And World Affairs Symposium

The first of three parts in the Faith, Reason and World Affairs Symposium “The Liberally Educated Person: Rethinking the Tradition in the 21st Century,” will take place Oct. 26 and 27 at Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn.

This first part of the symposium is titled “The Reformation Tradition of the Church and College.” The question this historically focused symposium raises for a liberal arts college in the 21st century is what it means – in light of the Reformation tradition – to be a liberally educated person in the face of commercial interests that need trained workers, nation-states that desire compliant citizens, societies that often stifle serious dissent, and contemporary problems that tax the human imagination.

The symposium opens with a reformation service on Sunday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. Rev. Dr. Roland Martinson, a member of the Concordia Board of Regents, and a faculty member at Luther Seminary, will give the sermon. His topic is “Festival Worship in the Lutheran Tradition.”

On Monday, Oct. 27 the Rev. Dr. Kerstin Gäefgen-Track, the director of Church and Education of the Lutheran Church of the State of Niedersachsen, Germany, will deliver the keynote address titled “Luther’s Impact on Education.” A faculty panel will offer reflections on the reformation traditions from a philosophical, historical and monastic perspective. Patrick Graham, curator of the “Richard C. Kessler Reformation Collection,” of Emory University will discuss a repository of rare and valuable documents produced in connection with the Protestant Reformation. The evening will close with a concert by music ensembles titled, “Music in the Reformation Tradition.”

Faculty Remarks

Lutheranism and Monastic Women.  Dr. Shawn Carruth Long before Luther’s sixteenth century university, there were two major types of centers of learning in Europe--the cathedral school and the monastic school. In the twelfth century the participants in these two academic milieus were often not unfriendly even though their approaches to learning and their expressed goals of learning differed. From the twelfth century on the field was increasingly held by the heir of the cathedral school--the university. Yet, western learning also owes something to the tradition of the monastic school and something went missing when this tradition was marginalized. A review of the monastic vision of learning can help restore a piece of our historical imagination as well as suggest resources and directions for liberal learning in colleges of the church for the twenty first century.

The Subversive Side of Lutheranism.  Dr. George Connell Luther was big enough to include within himself almost inconceivable contrasts. The great religious revolutionary, who was willing to take on the most powerful institution in Europe, within a few years gave an emphatic, if qualified, endorsement of 'temporal authority.' This tension between Luther the revolutionary and Luther the conservative manifests itself in his most direct comment on education: "To the Councilmen of All Cities in Germany That They Establish and Maintain Christian Schools." (1524) On the one hand, this text speaks of the educational task in terms of transmitting a pure content from one generation to the next, just as the New Testament was written down "in order to preserve [the Gospel] for us there safe and sound in a sacred ark." But there is also a subversive side to Luther's view of education. He opens his letter to the councilmen by saying that the real task of education is to undermine the Devil, who is "the god and ruler of this world." Here, he uses the metaphor of "striking a blow that really hurts," and says that Christians "are fighting against the devil as the most dangerous and subtle enemy of all." Today, both aspects of the Lutheran educational imperative, faithful transmission and disruptive attack, are still relevant, but I will reflect in particular on the way Soren Kierkegaard carried on the subversive tradition and how his witness is of continuing relevance within Lutheran education. 

Religion and Science – The Twofold 16th Century Revolution.  Dr. Vince Arnold.  The revolution in religion that Martin Luther unleashed in 1517 was matched by an equally important revolution in education. Luther believed that education should focus on strong reading and writing skills that would enable all citizens to interpret the scriptures without the assistance of a priest. In short, he wanted to create a priesthood of all believers. But Luther also wanted education to aid in the development of freethinking citizens trained in critical thinking, analysis, quantitative skills, and the ability to synthesize information. Ironically, it was in this latter area that Luther's call for Bildung would have unexpected outcomes. Indeed, concurrent events were unfolding in Europe that would prove to be a force for change greater than anything Martin Luther could have dreamed. This presentation will focus on the religious crisis of the 16th century that led not only to a religious revolution but also to a revolution in education and ultimately to a revolution in science.

26 September: Senate Meeting motion

Date: Fri, 26 Sep 2003
To: All Faculty
Subject: Senate Meeting motion

Dear Faculty, At the Faculty Senate Meeting on September 22, 2003 the follow motion was passed. I send it to you because it impacts your activities surrounding the Fall Symposium.

Passed Motion: In order to allow all students and faculty to attend Symposium events, classes meeting at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Monday, October 27, 2003 and at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, February 9, 2004 are expected to meet at the Memorial Auditorium at the time of the scheduled Symposium sessions (9:50 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on October 27 and 9:40 a.m. on February 9).

Sincerely, Roy Hammering
Faculty Secretary

23 September: Accreditation Update #15

Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2003
To: Faculty and Administrators
Subject: Accreditation Update #15

Dates of Comprehensive Evaluation: November 3-5, 2003

Days until Comprehensive Evaluation: 41

An opportunity to discuss the preparations for the comprehensive evaluation and the self-study report is available on Thursday, October 9, from 12:00-1:00 in Brown Hall Lounge. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to Kay Schneider at 299-4723 or schneide@cord.edu. This discussion is open to all interested members of the campus community.

As mentioned previously, the self-study report is available online, is on reserve in the library, and can be obtained in hard copy from Michael Wohlfeil. Last week, the first of the five criteria for accreditation was mentioned. The second criterion calls upon institutions seeking HLC accreditation to "effectively organize the human, financial, and physical resources necessary to accomplish its mission." This criterion is primarily addressed in chapter five of Concordia's self-study report. This fairly lengthy chapter (about 40 pages) contains descriptions of many components of the college, along with myriad tables and statistics. The structure of the Board of Regents is sketched, followed by an organizational chart and descriptions of each of the administrative divisions at the college. Information about students is presented, including enrollment trends and statistics regarding diversity and the quality of our students. Faculty information follows, with tables included which describe age, years of service, percent tenured. Salary trends during the past ten years are also provided.

Chapter five provides substantial information about finances at Concordia, including several pages of data about our development efforts in the past ten years. The concluding sections of the chapter provide the evaluation team with information about student services supported by the college and additional information about some of our academic programs. Included is an overview of the faculty constitution, the new division structure, CLV, technology, curriculum resources, and the library. The several recommendations in chapter are largely drawn from the Strategic Plan.

23 September: Faculty development opportunities

Date: September 23, 2003
To: All Faculty
From: Jim Aageson, Chair, Division of Arts and Humanities
Re: Faculty development opportunities

Following is a list of programs, workshops, grants and conferences that are available for faculty professional development and growth. Some opportunities are also available for students.

Complete information including descriptions, eligibility requirements, and registration deadlines about each of these is located in the Division of Arts and Humanities Office in BW247, or contact Shanda at 4936 or sschmidt@cord.edu).

1. The Midwestern Learning Communities Network Open Houses. An open house on Learning Communities is scheduled for October 17 at Augsburg College. The topic will be Augsburg College's first-year learning communities, the Augusburg Seminars and linked General Education Courses. Other open houses will be held throughout the year. Deadline for October 17 workshop: October 1, 2003 2. 2003 National Communication Association Convention will be held November 19-23 in Miami Beach, FL Registration Deadline: October 1, 2003
2. The New Media Consortium (NMC) online conference on Learning Objects will be held October 14-17, 2003. This conference will be held entirely via the Internet. The theme of the conference is the application of learning objects and learning object theory within higher education.
3. $400 travel stipends are available for faculty and students to attend the Third LFP Research Conference: "A Narratable World: The Theological Implications of Story" to be held on the campus of Seattle Pacific University on November 6-9, 2003. Plenary speakers include Theologian Stanley Hauerwas, literary scholar Roger Lundin and chair of the National Endowment for the Arts, Dana Gioia.
4. The American Academy in Rome invites applications for the Rome Prize competition. This program offers up to thirty residential fellowships for periods ranging from six months to two years. Competition deadline: November 1, 2003
5. Davies-Jackson Scholarship (for Students) This scholarship program provides students the opportunity to participate in a course of study at St. John's College, Cambridge University following their graduation. Designed especially for students from families with modest economic backgrounds. Application deadline: November 17, 2003
6. The AAC&U 2004 Summer Institute on General Education will take place in Newport, RI from May 21-26. The institute will include interactive sessions by leaders in general education reform and informal time to share experience with other campuses. Applications will be available in December 2003.
7. The Collaboration for the Advancement of College Teaching and Learning is sponsoring a workshop on "The New Basics: What Students Need to Know" November 14-15 in Bloomington, MN. Dr. Guskin is one of the Keynote Speakers.

19 September: Renowned Native American Filmmaker, Chris Eyre, To Visit Tri-College University

Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2003

To: all employees

Subject: Renowned Native American Filmmaker, Chris Eyre, To Visit Tri-College University 

Chris Eyre - a protégé of Robert Redford and one of the nation's most recognized Native Americans - will be a guest of Tri-College University partner institutions on October 9 and 10. Many North Dakota and Minnesota Native American Tribal College students will be traveling to Fargo-Moorhead for the activities surrounding his visit. In addition area Native American high school students will be invited to attend the viewing of Eyre's acclaimed films - "Smoke Signals" and "Skins" - at the Fargo Theatre.

On Friday, October 10, Eyre will present a public lectures at 9:20 a.m. in the Centrum, Concordia College, and 1:30 p.m. at NDSU's Century Theatre, visit with Tri-College and community filmmakers at MSUM at 4:00 p.m., and then introduce his film "Skins" at the Fargo Theatre at 7:00 p.m. After the film presentation there will be a question-and-answer session. In addition, his award-winning film, "Smoke Signals," will be shown at the Fargo Theatre on Thursday, October 9, 2003, at 7:00 p.m. Public Events will be free and open to the public. 

Sabine O'Hara, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dean of the College

16 September: Accreditation Update #14

Comprehensive Evaluation: November 3-5, 2003
TO: Concordia Community
RE: Accreditation Update #14

Concordia has been informed that one of the members of the evaluation team, Dr. Richard Jurasek, has changed institutions. In a previous update, his institutional affiliation was listed as Augustana College-Rock Island. Dr. Jurasek now serves as Vice President for Academic Affairs at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, OH.

Last week, the General Institutional Requirements (GIR) were briefly mentioned. Once an institution demonstrates that it meets the GIR (addressed in chapter three of the self-study report), it must present evidence that it meets the criteria for accreditation. The Higher Learning Commission has five criteria, all with connected "patterns of evidence." In the Concordia self-study report, each criterion is connected to a specific chapter. Chapter Four of the self-study report focuses on Criterion One, "The institution has clear and publicly stated purposes consistent with its mission and appropriate to an institution of higher education."

This chapter describes the various ways in which our goals and purposes are stated and some of the mechanisms through which we've studied them over the past ten years. The Goals for Student Academic Life ("An Agenda for Concordia's Academic Life") are introduced and then followed by descriptions of the planning that occurred on campus in the mid 1990s. This includes the various commissions which studied (1) integrity, (2) quality, (3) faith and learning, and (4) community. Within this description, the report notes some of the recommendations of the commissions that have been implemented. The review of the curriculum (1998-2001) is described, with a note included that the discussion surrounding curriculum continues into the current academic year.

This chapter provides several pages of description on the strategic planning process and concludes with a statement on the college's "support for freedom of inquiry" and several ways in which Concordia promotes "excellence in teaching."

16 September: Faculty development opportunities

Date: September 16, 2003
To: All Faculty
From: Jim Aageson, Chair, Division of Arts and Humanities
Re: Faculty development opportunities

Attached is a list of programs, workshops, grants and conferences that are available for faculty development and professional growth. There are also some opportunities available for students. Please nominate any students you feel would qualify for those opportunities. Complete information about all of these programs is located in the Division of Arts and Humanities office in BW247. Contact Shanda at 4936 or sschmidt@cord.edu if you have questions.

As a reminder, any reimbursement requests for faculty development funds or dean's travel money should be sent to Rhea Faue in the Academic Affairs office.

90th Annual Meeting of the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U)
Practicing Liberal Education: Deepening Knowledge, Pursuing Justice, Taking Action
January 21-24, 2004, Washington, DC.  Online registration began September 1, 2003

The Collaboration - Call for Proposals.  Winter 2004 conference, 'Teaching for Wisdom', February 19-20, 2004, Bloomington MN.  Deadline for proposals: September 29, 2003

American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) has a catalog of fellowship and grant competitions to be held in 2003-04. The deadline for several of these programs is October 1, 2003.

National Endowment for the Humanities.  Summer Stipend Program.  Deadline to apply for 2004 awards: October 1, 2003.  Awards announced in March, 2004

2nd Annual Conference "Beyond Boundaries - Integrating Technology into Teaching and Learning".  October 23-24, 2003 at UND, Grand Forks.  Deadline for early registration is October 10, 2003

AACU "Integrative Learning: Opportunities to Connect" Call for Campus Participation.  Competitive program seeking institutions that are deliberate about promoting integrative learning throughout a student's career; serious about assessment and committed to knowledge-building. Teams will be expected to support the work back on campus, participate in on-line networking and collaboration and share accomplishments. Participant campuses will receive a $5,000 grant to support the project.  Application deadline is October 10, 2003, the project begins January 20, 2004.

AAC&U Fall 2003 Working Conferences.  "Technology, Learning, and Intellectual Development" October 30-Nov 1, 2003, Cambridge, MA.  Deadline for registration: October 13, 2003

"Achieving Greater Expectations" November 13-15, 2003, Washington, DC.  Deadline for registration: October 27, 2003

"General Education and Assessment" March 4-6, 2004 , Long Beach, CA

"Pedagogies of Engagement" April 15-17, 2004, Chicago, IL

"Diversity and Learning" October 21-24, 2004, Nashville TN

Professional Development Conference, Sponsored by "The Collaboration" November 14-15, 2003, Bloomington, MN.  Deadline for registration: October 20, 2003

Minnesota Private College Scholars at the Capitol.  Initial inquiry, event to be held on February 5, 2004. First annual "Minnesota Private Scholars at the Capitol" invites faculty to submit two posters describing an undergraduate research program.   Cost per poster should not exceed $200 including registration fee, poster production, travel and meals.

Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) is accepting applications for the 2004 Summer Fellowships.  This program involves working with a student.  Applications can be found on the CUR website: www.cur.org/UGSF.html.  Deadline to apply: November 21, 2003

Institute for Experiential Learning (IEL) in cooperation with AAC&U offers a 'Faculty Fellows Internship Program". Allows faculty to participate in a professional internship program in Washington, DC for a semester.  Deadlines: For fall semester, applications are due by March 30, 2004. Spring semester applications are due by July 30, 2004. Early decisions on applications can be made one year prior to the normal application deadlines.

Council on Undergraduate Research National Conference, June 23-26, 2004, La Crosse, WI
Call for Posters.  Deadline: April 15, 2004.  Posters on all topics related to undergraduate research, as well as posters relating to the following themes: between and within disciplines, especially including the social sciences and humanities; between institutions; between colleges, federal agencies and private organizations; between academics and industry; between campus and community; between institutions in different countries.

The Collaboration for the Advancement of College Teaching and Learning announces 'traveling workshops' for 2003-2004. The Collaboration has put together a catalog of workshops on a variety of topics that are available to be held locally.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS:

Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) is accepting applications for the 2004 Summer Fellowships.  Applications can be found on the CUR website: www.cur.org/UGSF.html.  Deadline to apply: November 21, 2003

CUR is accepting applications for the 2003 Posters on the Hill program.  Information can be found at www.cur.org/pohcall.html.  Deadline for submission: November 21, 2003

Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation Scholarship Competition.  Deadline for applications: March, 2004 for 2004-2006.  The Phillips Scholars Program perpetuates the legacy of service to others reflected in the lives of Jay and Rose Phillips. Up to six students receive a total of $10,000 in scholarships and an award of $4,000. Students must be a sophomore in the 2003-2004 school year at one of the members of the MN Private Colleges Council.  [Note: you can access the application at http://mnprivatecolleges.com/fund/images/phillips_application.pdf.] 

15 September: Presidential Search Committee

To: All Faculty
From: Sabine O'Hara, Academic Vice President and Dean of the College
Re: Presidential Search Committee
Date: 15 September 2003

Nominations and self-nominations for service on the presidential search committee for Concordia's 10th President are open. Three faculty members have been invited to serve on the search committee.

Nominations open at 10:00 a.m. today, Monday, September 15 and will close at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 17. Please submit your nominations per e-mail or hard copy to Marsha Hendrickson at hendrick@cord.edu or in the office of Academic Affairs in Lorentzsen Hall. Thank you for your participation in this important election process.

9 September: Accreditation Update, Number Thirteen

As preparations continue for the November 3-5 evaluation visit by the Higher Learning Commission, several items have been added to Concordia's internal accreditation web site.  The full text of the self-study report can be found by following the appropriate link at the web site or by clicking here.  (If you download the online report, please note that the various sections of the report can be quickly accessed by clicking on the appropriate heading in the Table of Contents.)  Also, hard copies of the report can be found in all academic and administrative offices on campus and several copies are on reserve in the library.

The names and institutional affiliations of the evaluation team can be found on the internal accreditation web site or by clicking here.

General Institutional Requirements.  In this and in subsequent accreditation updates, specific issues that the evaluation team will consider will be described.  Meeting the General Institutional Requirements (GIR) are necessary before seeking "initial" accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.  The GIR included various issues associated with Mission, Authorization, Governance, Faculty, Educational Program, Finances, and Public Information.  Because Concordia College has a long history with the Commission (first gaining accreditation in 1927), it is assumed that Concordia meets these requirements.  However, an institutional response to each of the 26 General Institutional Requirements is still required.  The College's responses to the GIR can be found in Chapter Three of the Self-Study Report.

If you have any questions about accreditation or the upcoming comprehensive evaluation, please contact Michael Wohlfeil or any of the members of the steering committee.

3 September: Proposals for new courses

Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2003
To: all faculty
Subject: Proposals for new courses

Dear faculty,

Proposals for new courses to be offered for the first time during the second semester of the 2003-2004 academic year should be submitted to the Curriculum Committee by Monday, September 15. This early submission date is necessary so that courses can be approved before the Spring Course Schedule goes to press. New course proposal forms are available online. You must use Internet Explorer (not Netscape) to access the form from the Curriculum Committee website: http://www4.cord.edu/acadAffairs/committees/curriculum/Default.htm .

Please submit eight copies of the proposal to me. The committee would appreciate knowing in advance about forthcoming new course proposals as the timetable deadline approaches so we can plan our meetings accordingly.

Modifications of course number, course title, catalog description, and course prerequisites also require Curriculum Committee approval. You can print the Modification of Course Form from the website listed above.

Please note that the Curriculum Committee revised both the New Course Proposal form and the Course Modification form last year. We request that you discard any old forms download the new ones from our website.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Thank you,

Dawn Tommerdahl
Chair, Curriculum Committee

3 September: Internet Assignments

To: All Faculty

From: Sabine O'Hara, Academic Vice President and Dean

Re: Internet Assignments

Please be aware that we are experiencing serious problems with our student's web service in the aftermath of the recent virus attack. Currently students are unable to access the Internet and their email from their residence hall rooms. Access is available only in the library, computer labs, and residence hall computer labs. In an attempt to alleviate pressures on these limited facilities please modify any web-based assignments you might have planned until further notice.

1 September: Summer Curriculum Task Force

Date: Mon, 1 Sep 2003 
To: all-faculty
Subject: Summer Curriculum Task Force

Dear Faculty and Staff Colleagues,

The Summer Curriculum Task Forces wishes to thank you for a productive conversation about our report on August 21. The small group discussion questions sheet that you received included space for open-ended written feedback. We encourage you to send written comments about the report (signature optional) to Per Anderson (CPO Box 60). E-mail responses can be sent to: anderson@cord.edu. Please submit this material by Thursday, September 4.

The notes from the small groups will be submitted to the Faculty Senate as part of the task force report. The task force wishes to thank the following persons for serving as scribes: Ron Twedt, Maureen Jonason, Susan Larson, Richard Gilmore, Paul Siefert, Melissa Rademacher, Larry Papenfuss, Meryl Irwin Carlson, Affi Ingberg, and Mark Covey.

Best wishes for a good year,

Summer Curriculum Task Force (Per Anderson, chair; Dan Breedon; Cynthia Carver; Liz Connor; Aaron Eckhoff; Mark Jensen; George Larson; Monica Mori; Gregg Muilenburg; Julie Rutherford; Dawn Tommerdahl)

28 August: Meeting Dates

August 28, 2003
To: Faculty
Fr: Sabine O’Hara, Academic Vice President and Dean of the College
Re: Meeting Dates

Please reserve the following dates and times for meetings that affect your calendar for 2003-04.

Department Chair Meetings (4:00 p.m., Olin 226)

• September 15, 29 
• October 13
• November 10, 24 
• December 8
• January 19
• February 2, 23
• March 8, 22
• April 5

Faculty Senate Meetings (4:00 p.m., Birkeland Lounge)

• September 8, 22
• October 6
• November 3, 17
• December 1, 15
• January 12, 26
• February 16
• March 15, 29
• April 19, 26

Department/Division Meetings 9:20 a.m.

• September 26
• October 24
• November 21
• January 23
• February 20
• March 19
• April 16

Faculty-as-a-Whole Meetings (9:20 a.m., Centrum)

• September 5
• December 5
• January 9
• April 2

Other Campus-Wide Events

• Family Weekend – September 19-21
• Homecoming – October 2-5
• Symposium - October 26, 27
• HLC Visit – November 3-5
• Fall Commencement – December 18
• Symposium - February 9
• Celebration of Excellence – March 26-28
• Spring Commencement – May 2

27 August: Accreditation Update, Number Twelve

The college is in the final two months of preparation for its comprehensive evaluation by the Higher Learning Commission, which begins on November 3.  Just last week, the college was notified of the composition of the evaluation team.  Their names and institutional affiliation are listed below:

• Dr. Marguerite Bennett (Team Chair)
  Director of Institutional Research/Professor of Mathematics
  Mount Vernon Nazarene University
  Mount Vernon, OH
• Dr. Joyce H. Norris
  Dean of the College of Graduate and Continuing Studies
  Drury University
  Springfield, MO
• Dr. Richard T. Jurasek
  Academic Dean and Provost
  Augustana College
  Rock Island, IL
• Dr. Rose Marie Kutlenios
  Professor/Chairperson, Department of Nursing and Clinical Science
  Wheeling Jesuit University
  Wheeling, WV
• Dr. Stephen A. Gould
  President
  Lakeland College
  Sheboygan, WI
• Dr. Kathleen M. Clauson
  Vice Provost for the College of Professional Studies
  Graceland University
  Lamoni, IA

The self-study report is complete and copies were sent to all department chairs, program chairs, and division chairs.  Copies are on reserve in the library and the report is also available in pdf format on the accreditation web site.  We encourage all members of the campus community to browse the report prior to the team's arrival in November.  If additional copies of the self-study report are desired, please contact Michael Wohlfeil (4510 or wohlfeil@cord.edu).

Many details need to be addressed prior to the team's visit, including the development of a comprehensive interview schedule and preparation of the resource room.  We will work with the team chair, Dr. Marguerite Bennett, to ensure that all constituencies on our campus have an opportunity to meet with the evaluation team during their onsite visit.

Frequent accreditation updates will be provided during September and October.  Briefings will be given at a meeting of the faculty-as-a-whole and at the October Administrative Council meeting.

If you have any questions about accreditation or the upcoming comprehensive evaluation, please contact Michael Wohlfeil or any of the members of the steering committee.