The summer is coming to an end and Fall Semester 2021 stands before us. Everyone in ISSS hopes you have all had a wonderful summer break, whether you have worked full time, completed research, taken some classes, gone home to be with family and friends, or simply taken some time to breathe and enjoy. Whatever your choice and opportunities, we hope you are returning to campus fully recharged and ready for your studies.
Remember classes start (for most of you) on September 1, 2021.
Please join us for the WELCOME BACK Zoom meeting on: September 14, 2021 at 4 pm Minnesota time.
✅ New International Students
The ISSS office has been busy this summer as we are welcoming new international students to campus. We are excited to announce that about 20 new incoming First Year students will join us as well as Transfer students (4), Graduate students (5) and Exchange students (2). Please help us welcome them!
✅ ISSS Office and Support Updates
Bettine working remotely from Norway
After a long and well-thought-out process, I have been granted a special arrangement and permission to work from Norway for the next 10 months. There are several reasons for my request, some of them are personal, but I also have been asked to do work for Augsburg Center for Global Education and Experience (CGEE) in Norway next year.
This includes broadening our partner pool as well as setting up a CGEE site in Norway. I will continue as the ISSS Director, of course, and my team has created a plan to support the work that cannot be completed remotely. All other duties and responsibilities will be covered by me, and the new ISSS program assistant (more information to follow).
How will this affect ISSS?
My remote work will have a slight impact on ISSS, but to minimize any challenges, we are putting in place support for you as we plan out the year, both in-person and remotely.
Our ISSS Team will consist of, in addition to me, a Program Assistant who will work in the office 20 hours a week. This person we hope to hire has already completed her undergraduate degree at Augsburg as an international student, and she has been admitted to the Master of Arts in Leadership at Augsburg for Fall Semester 2021.
During her undergraduate years at Augsburg, she served as the President for ISO, participated in the Mentor Program and was overall a very active student on campus. There is no doubt she will be a great addition to our team with the experiences she has, including advising students on a daily basis. I will still be your main point of contact when it comes to visa regulations. More information regarding the new Program Assistant will be shared with you as soon as possible.
In addition, Andrea Dvorak (dvorak@augsburg.edu) and Leah Spinosa de Vega (devega@augsburg.edu) will continue to support the ISSS team upon request.
Please know that I will be back on campus in:
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January to support spring orientation
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April to support the ISO Banquet and Graduation
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions. My workday in Norway follows the normal work day in Minnesota with a few exceptions. This means I will be available via zoom and email during my regular hours.
✅ Safety, Health and Well-Being: A collective effort makes us all stronger!
Augsburg University’s goal is to continue to keep us safe while offering in-person classes for the semester, so several regulations have been put in place (see below). To successfully reach our goal, the collective effort to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19 is critical.
The Student Affairs: Auggie Guide Page includes expectations, responsibilities and helpful resources. Please make sure you have read the guide fully and remember to download the Campus Clear APP to your smartphone.
Here is also a link to the Auggie Guide for Fall 2021. It provides information, answers big questions, and highlights key resources. This may help you as you make your way to campus. If you have any questions between now and then, I will help find the answers and share them with you.
Resources and Websites
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ISSS Website
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ISSS COVID-19 Response page
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Augsburg Coronavirus Planning – campus wide announcements
✅ Mandated Vaccinations and MASKS
Augsburg University is implementing a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for students, faculty, and staff for fall semester. In addition, EVERYONE is required to wear face coverings in indoor campus spaces, except when eating in dining areas or when in one’s own residential unit or individual office with the door closed.
We ask that fully vaccinated students upload their vaccination cards on Augsburg’s secure upload site for students.
To reduce transmission of the virus, please remember to do the following:
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Get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after travel.
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Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms.
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Download the #CampusClear app and complete your daily symptom screening whenever you come to campus or leave a residence hall unit.
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Stay home if you are feeling sick.
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IF FEELING SICK, report symptoms and exposures using this self-report form
Those fully vaccinated need only report if they receive a positive COVID-19 test, and will not be required to quarantine if exposed to someone with COVID-19.
✅ GeoBlue Health Insurance
As you know, all international students must be covered every day that you are in the United States. As indicated in your Immigration Check in form this spring, your student coverage will automatically be renewed (unless otherwise indicated).
Please connect with Mike Fetting if you have any questions: fettingm@augsburg.edu