On October 14, you received an email from the Hay Group, the external vendor chosen by the University to conduct a survey of engagement. The email contains a link to the online survey. Please take 10-15 minutes to complete the survey. The results will help the University in creating an employee engagement program for staff and faculty.
Each survey link is unique so the Hay Group can provide data analysis to the University. If you can't find your email from Hay Group, email them at UofMNsurvey.US@haygroup.com to request a new link.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Last day to donate to Community Fund Drive
The 2013 Community Fund Drive, the U's annual charitable giving campaign, ends today! So far, $1 million has been raised toward the $1.5 million fundraising goal. You can have funds taken out of your payroll automatically or give a one-time gift. If you prefer to use a paper form, download one from www.umn.edu/cfd. The website also has information on our seven federation partners and weekly prize drawings, plus a grand prize drawing.
Veterans Appreciation Day
Join fellow University of Minnesota students and staff at the 7th annual Student Veterans Appreciation Day on November 12, 2013 at Coffman Memorial Union. The event recognizes the important contributions of University student veterans, military members, and their families to our country. This year's event will feature a short program, including:
- The University's Military Color Guard
- The University Marching Band
- Remarks from veteran and University head wrestling coach J. Robinson, and
- Remarks from University student veteran Zach Benson.
A chili luncheon will be provided for guests. The best part? It's free! For more information, including program details, visit the event web page.
- The University's Military Color Guard
- The University Marching Band
- Remarks from veteran and University head wrestling coach J. Robinson, and
- Remarks from University student veteran Zach Benson.
A chili luncheon will be provided for guests. The best part? It's free! For more information, including program details, visit the event web page.
IT@UMN Google group
Join the IT@UMN Google group to get updates on IT services (e.g., product rollouts, disruption notifications), information on current and emerging technologies, IT events, and more. IT@UMN is a system wide movement to build community among staff who work in IT and others who have an interest in IT at the U. The Google group is its established means of communication. To join, visit it.umn.edu and click Join the Google Group.
ASR goals for 2014
Have you had a chance to review ASR's goals for 2014? If not, you can check them out here. In addition to overarching goals for the department as a whole, each unit within ASR also has a unique set of priorities for the coming year.
Recap of staff event
The fall 2013 ASR staff event went off without a hitch. Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education Bob McMaster began the morning with an update on undergraduate education. He shared priorities and goals for the coming year, as well as retention and graduation rates. Dean Bob Elde from the College of Biological Sciences (CBS) followed Bob's presentation with an update on CBS and how influential ASR has been to the college.
Following Dean Elde's keynote address, staff were shown a video entitled "What does ASR do for U?" Associate Vice Provost and University Registrar Sue Van Voorhis then closed the event with a recap of ASR priorities and its direction moving forward. If you were unable to attend the event, you may view it here.
Following Dean Elde's keynote address, staff were shown a video entitled "What does ASR do for U?" Associate Vice Provost and University Registrar Sue Van Voorhis then closed the event with a recap of ASR priorities and its direction moving forward. If you were unable to attend the event, you may view it here.
Benefits open enrollment
Do you need to make a change to your benefits? If so, or if you'd like to open a flexible spending account for 2014, be sure to adjust your medical or dental plan choices during November. (The open enrollment period ends Dec. 2.) During this time, you may increase the amount of your existing short-term disability by up to $200 by completing a paper application, and, if eligible, you may enroll in or increase long-term disability coverage. You may also add child life insurance. Make your changes online via Employee Self-Service by Dec. 2. For more information, see the benefits guide or call 4-UOHR (612-624-8647).
Admission decision inquiries
The Office of Admissions recently began mailing freshman admission decisions to fall 2014 applicants. Although most students and their families contact the Office of Admissions directly regarding admission decisions, there are students and families who inquire to personal contacts who work elsewhere at the University. To ensure that responses to students are timely and accurate, students and their families should be directed to the Admissions office when they have inquiries about their admission decision.
Farther vs. further
This rule is similar to our last one regarding fewer and less. The word farther implies a measurable distance. For example, "I ran two miles farther than Kate." Further should be used for abstract lengths you can't always physically measure. For instance, "The rising cost of gas caused further implications."
Thursday, October 17, 2013
People in Your Neighborhood: Jody Seiler-Peterson
Jody Seiler-Peterson's passion is financial aid. She grew up in Fargo, North Dakota and received her bachelor's degree in sociology from Minnesota State Moorhead University (MSUM). As a student, she worked in the financial aid office and knew she had found her calling.
Soon after, she started working in ASR as a counselor in the Loan Unit. Through the years, she moved on to become a business analyst (BA) and a project coordinator.
Now, after 13 years in ASR, Jody is a BA in FA-IT. "My heart goes toward financial aid," she said. "I like to be more hands on and I love helping students."
As a BA, Jody supports multiple business processes, including the Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) and various loan processes. She makes sure everything from the ASR-IT side is running smoothly so the business process can successfully be completed. One of her big projects recently was the implementation of the loan exit counseling system.
She says she loves working in ASR because of her coworkers. "I also really like being on campus," she said. "It's great to be a part of all the great ideas that flow around the University."
Beyond her daily duties, Jody is also involved in ESUP project work. "I'm really excited to learn and use the new 9.0 system and all the tools that come with it," she said. "The upgrade could potentially make old business processes more efficient and create new ones."
In recent years, Jody also received her master's in educational policy and administration from the U.
When she's not working, Jody loves to read and watch movies. She also loves to spend time with her family. She has been married to her husband John for nine years. They live in Apple Valley and have a one and a half year old named Olen.
"We love to be active outside, like playing baseball, going for walks, and jumping on the trampoline," she said. "Olen also likes to look at worms."
And here's something you may not have known about Jody; she was roommates with Tracy Fischer (Continuity and Compliance) for four years.
Joyful Jody
1. Garth Brooks was her first concert.
2. Jody says she has really good reflexes. "I can react quickly to something dropping or when something is thrown at me," she said. "Now people are going to throw things at my face to test me though."
3. Her favorite TV show is the Amazing Race.
4. She loves planning trips, including looking for a flight and hotel, and researching things to do/unique experiences.
5. Jody traveled through Europe with her brother a few years ago.
6. Jody couldn't live without coffee and laughter.
7. Jody says people would describe her as "quiet, agreeable, and compassionate."
8. She grew up wanting to be a lawyer.
9. If she could have any superpower, it would be to know when people are lying. "It would make life a lot simpler."
10. The last book she read was Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell.
Soon after, she started working in ASR as a counselor in the Loan Unit. Through the years, she moved on to become a business analyst (BA) and a project coordinator.
Now, after 13 years in ASR, Jody is a BA in FA-IT. "My heart goes toward financial aid," she said. "I like to be more hands on and I love helping students."
As a BA, Jody supports multiple business processes, including the Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) and various loan processes. She makes sure everything from the ASR-IT side is running smoothly so the business process can successfully be completed. One of her big projects recently was the implementation of the loan exit counseling system.
She says she loves working in ASR because of her coworkers. "I also really like being on campus," she said. "It's great to be a part of all the great ideas that flow around the University."
Beyond her daily duties, Jody is also involved in ESUP project work. "I'm really excited to learn and use the new 9.0 system and all the tools that come with it," she said. "The upgrade could potentially make old business processes more efficient and create new ones."
In recent years, Jody also received her master's in educational policy and administration from the U.
When she's not working, Jody loves to read and watch movies. She also loves to spend time with her family. She has been married to her husband John for nine years. They live in Apple Valley and have a one and a half year old named Olen.
"We love to be active outside, like playing baseball, going for walks, and jumping on the trampoline," she said. "Olen also likes to look at worms."
And here's something you may not have known about Jody; she was roommates with Tracy Fischer (Continuity and Compliance) for four years.
Joyful Jody
1. Garth Brooks was her first concert.
2. Jody says she has really good reflexes. "I can react quickly to something dropping or when something is thrown at me," she said. "Now people are going to throw things at my face to test me though."
3. Her favorite TV show is the Amazing Race.
4. She loves planning trips, including looking for a flight and hotel, and researching things to do/unique experiences.
5. Jody traveled through Europe with her brother a few years ago.
6. Jody couldn't live without coffee and laughter.
7. Jody says people would describe her as "quiet, agreeable, and compassionate."
8. She grew up wanting to be a lawyer.
9. If she could have any superpower, it would be to know when people are lying. "It would make life a lot simpler."
10. The last book she read was Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell.
Visa now accepted for tuition payments
Effective Monday, October 7, the University began accepting Visa credit and debit cards for online tuition and fee payments. The University's credit card processing vendor assesses a non-refundable 2.75% service fee whenever a credit or debit card is used. Those planning on paying with a debit card can avoid that service fee by paying directly from a bank account. Questions? Contact One Stop Student Services at onestop@umn.edu or 612-624-1111.
Feedback, please!
The third ASR employee survey for 2013 is now open. If you haven't completed the survey yet, you will receive an email with a link to the survey on Monday morning. The survey is anonymous and your feedback is appreciated. Please complete the survey by October 25. If you have questions, please contact a member of the survey team (Amber Cellotti, Trinity Muller, Maggie O'Neill, or Matt Tveter).
ASR ESUP standout
Guidelines for mobile apps
In response to recent inquiries from University groups on the topic of mobile application development and branding, University Relations has created guidelines and requirements for branding University-related mobile apps. For more information, check out the mobile app guidelines.
Outside consulting
Looking for some extra opportunities on the side? Outside commitments by University employees may be beneficial and are allowed, as long as they do not interfere with employment responsibilities, compete with coursework offered by the University or services offered by the employee's unit, or exceed the time limits allowable for outside consulting by eligible faculty and academic professional and administrative (P&A) employees. For more information and to review this policy, visit the University of Minnesota Board of Regents Policy.
Fewer and less
This one isn't too tough if you can remember that fewer should be used for things that you can actually quantify or count. For example, "There are fewer than 10 apples on the table." Less, on the other hand, is used for hypothetical quantities or things you can't physically count. For instance, "I have less success in school when I don't study."
Thursday, October 3, 2013
The People in Your Neighborhood: Betsy Hawes
Betsy Hawes is a small town girl. She grew up in Ottertail, Minnesota, a town with little more than 500 residents.
One of her first jobs was working at a small ice cream shop called Otter Treat in her hometown. "I was an ice cream 'specialist,'" she said. "It may not have been the most interesting job, but it was definitely the most fun."
Her hometown is surrounded by lakes so one of Betsy's favorite pastimes is being on the water. She also loves to be with her friends and family, especially while playing and watching sports. Her favorite sport is volleyball and she is currently in a league.
In fact, Betsy loves sports so much that if she could be anything, she would be a professional golfer. "It'd be fun to travel and play golf all the time," she said.
Betsy also likes adventuring and traveling. The most adventurous thing she's ever done is kayaking through a creek full of wild animals in the Bahamas. She also traveled through Spain with two friends for three weeks.
Betsy currently lives in Hopkins with her fiancé, Jackson. The two recently got engaged and are getting married in June 2014 at his parent's lake house. "Wedding planning is overwhelming," she said. "But I'm excited to start!"
Professionally, Betsy grew up wanting to be a teacher. She received her bachelor's degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato (MNSU) in elementary education. However, after college, Betsy's goals changed. She instead wanted to work on a college campus helping students. So she went on to receive her master's degree in educational leadership from MNSU and began working in Residence Life as a Hall Director at the same university.
Then, this past April, Betsy started in ASR as a One Stop Counselor. "I love having the one-on-one time with students at the counter," Betsy said. "Interacting with and helping students is my favorite part of my job."
As a counselor, she helps students, parents, and staff navigate the enrollment, billing, payment and financial aid processes.
She says the best part about working in ASR is the people. "Everyone is so friendly," she said. "When I started in April, I felt so welcomed into such a fun environment. This is a great place to work."
Bit O' Betsy
1. Her first car was a woody station wagon.
2. Betsy's favorite movie is The Shawshank Redemption.
3. She loves music from Cities 97, like Ingrid Michaelson, The Lumineers, and David Gray.
4. The last book Betsy read was Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer.
5. Foo Fighters was her first concert.
6. Her favorite book is The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch, a book about a professor diagnosed with cancer who gives his last lecture.
7. If she had a superpower, it would be invisibility. "I could see when people are having a hard time and help without them knowing."
8. Her family grows giant pumpkins.
9. She loves Subway sandwiches.
10. Betsy can't live without chapstick and a toothbrush.
One of her first jobs was working at a small ice cream shop called Otter Treat in her hometown. "I was an ice cream 'specialist,'" she said. "It may not have been the most interesting job, but it was definitely the most fun."
Her hometown is surrounded by lakes so one of Betsy's favorite pastimes is being on the water. She also loves to be with her friends and family, especially while playing and watching sports. Her favorite sport is volleyball and she is currently in a league.
In fact, Betsy loves sports so much that if she could be anything, she would be a professional golfer. "It'd be fun to travel and play golf all the time," she said.
Betsy also likes adventuring and traveling. The most adventurous thing she's ever done is kayaking through a creek full of wild animals in the Bahamas. She also traveled through Spain with two friends for three weeks.
Betsy currently lives in Hopkins with her fiancé, Jackson. The two recently got engaged and are getting married in June 2014 at his parent's lake house. "Wedding planning is overwhelming," she said. "But I'm excited to start!"
Professionally, Betsy grew up wanting to be a teacher. She received her bachelor's degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato (MNSU) in elementary education. However, after college, Betsy's goals changed. She instead wanted to work on a college campus helping students. So she went on to receive her master's degree in educational leadership from MNSU and began working in Residence Life as a Hall Director at the same university.
Then, this past April, Betsy started in ASR as a One Stop Counselor. "I love having the one-on-one time with students at the counter," Betsy said. "Interacting with and helping students is my favorite part of my job."
As a counselor, she helps students, parents, and staff navigate the enrollment, billing, payment and financial aid processes.
She says the best part about working in ASR is the people. "Everyone is so friendly," she said. "When I started in April, I felt so welcomed into such a fun environment. This is a great place to work."
Bit O' Betsy
1. Her first car was a woody station wagon.
2. Betsy's favorite movie is The Shawshank Redemption.
3. She loves music from Cities 97, like Ingrid Michaelson, The Lumineers, and David Gray.
4. The last book Betsy read was Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer.
5. Foo Fighters was her first concert.
6. Her favorite book is The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch, a book about a professor diagnosed with cancer who gives his last lecture.
7. If she had a superpower, it would be invisibility. "I could see when people are having a hard time and help without them knowing."
8. Her family grows giant pumpkins.
9. She loves Subway sandwiches.
10. Betsy can't live without chapstick and a toothbrush.
Ingrid Nuttall accepts Academic Records director position
Ingrid Nuttall has accepted the Academic Records director position of the Office of the Registrar (OTR) within ASR. In her new role, she will bring her wealth of experience to OTR, which will contribute to fostering student success. Her involvement in many ASR-wide projects will assist in a smooth transition. During her time in ASR, Ingrid has taken on several major initiatives and completed them successfully. Congratulations, Ingrid!
Staff appreciation event
The annual ASR staff appreciation event is Thursday, December 12 at the Library Bar in Dinkytown. Come celebrate the end of another successful fall semester with your co-workers. The event will feature soda, coffee, appetizers, and door prizes!
Politics at work
A friendly reminder to keep any political conversations respectful of other people's differences. ASR embraces a diversity of opinions and the directors believe that a healthy debate about ideas is important. However, it is also important to respectfully disagree without dismissing or minimizing the beliefs of others.
January data center outage
The annual primary data center maintenance and related service interruption is scheduled for Jan. 4-5, 2014. The outage is set for 6 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, with restoration beginning at 6 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 5. It is expected that all affected services will be restored by noon Sunday. For more information, see data center.
Happy homecoming
One Stop Student Services was well represented in the Homecoming 2013 Parade last Friday. ASR staff walked in the parade with colorful posters and lots of Ski-U-Mah spirit. Parade goers even started chanting "One Stop!"
Viewing classroom availability in Astra Schedule
When using Astra Schedule, schedulers should reply on the request forms to view classroom availability. Using the grid calendars is no longer necessary to request a classroom. You can now request space and see availability in the same place.
To view the schedule of a specific general purpose classroom, use the General Purpose Classroom Search. Choose the building you are interested in, then select the room name. The room details will appear on the right hand side of the screen. Click on the "Room Schedule" link to bring up the daily calendar for the classroom. If you prefer to see an entire week or month at a time, you can easily switch your view by using the buttons on the upper left-hand corner of the calendar.
To view the schedule of a specific general purpose classroom, use the General Purpose Classroom Search. Choose the building you are interested in, then select the room name. The room details will appear on the right hand side of the screen. Click on the "Room Schedule" link to bring up the daily calendar for the classroom. If you prefer to see an entire week or month at a time, you can easily switch your view by using the buttons on the upper left-hand corner of the calendar.
Watch list in ServiceNow
Ever assign a ticket to another group and wonder what happens to it? Maybe it never comes back to you and you have no idea how, or if, it was resolved? Consider using the Watch List--it's located on the bottom right of the initial fields. By clicking on the little 'person' icon, you can add yourself (or someone else) to the Watch List and will be notified of all updates to the ticket. This is also a good way to keep certain people in the loop about the project.
*Upcoming issues of News & Notes will feature additional ServiceNow tips and tricks.
*Upcoming issues of News & Notes will feature additional ServiceNow tips and tricks.
Sneaky serial commas
The serial comma is often a matter of opinion between writers and editors. If you need a quick refresher, it's a comma placed immediately before a coordinating conjunction, such as and, or, or nor. For example: England, France, and Spain. Many style guides favor the use of a serial comma (like the Chicago Manual of Style), but others do not (like the Associated Press Stylebook).
Ah, choices! But there is a time when using one is needed. If the way the sentence is written may cause confusion, then use a serial comma. For example, "I called two friends, Amy and Steve." It's not clear whether the two friends are Amy and Steve or whether Amy and Steve are in addition to the two friends. A serial comma would make that clear: "I called two friends, Amy, and Steve."
Ah, choices! But there is a time when using one is needed. If the way the sentence is written may cause confusion, then use a serial comma. For example, "I called two friends, Amy and Steve." It's not clear whether the two friends are Amy and Steve or whether Amy and Steve are in addition to the two friends. A serial comma would make that clear: "I called two friends, Amy, and Steve."
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