Computer equipment requests

If you need to submit a request for new computer equipment, please first fill out a Professional Development Request on the ASR intranet. Once your supervisor has approved it, a copy will be sent to Debbie Henderson, and she will fill out the ServiceNow request for your new equipment. Please do not fill out a ServiceNow request on your own behalf.

If you have any questions regarding this process, contact Debbie.

Learn your top five talents!

Curious what your greatest strengths are? Take the online StrengthsQuest assessment to identify your top five talents. ASR is once again covering the cost for staff to participate. You can use your results to help you understand how you can continue to grow and develop personally and professionally. Contact Tina Falkner if you're interested in taking the StrengthsQuest assessment.

Employee Assistance Program

Are you feeling stressed about work or something in your personal life? The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a counseling and consultation resource for University employees and their spouses, partners, and dependents. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or burned out at work or coping with relationship or family issue, all sessions are completely confidential and can be in-person or over the phone. For more information, visit the Office of Human Resources website.

2014 State of the U address

President Eric Kaler will deliver the annual State of the U Address on March 6 from 3:30-4:30 p.m. The event will be held at the Coffman Union Theater and broadcast live via ITV. It will also be available for viewing at the following campus locations: UMC-101 Dowell Hall; UMD-173 Kirby Plaza; UMM-Studio A, Humanities and Fine Arts Building; UMR-419 University Square.

If you have a question you'd like to ask President Kaler, you may submit one now through the end of his address on March 6. Kaler will also accept questions on Twitter (be sure to use the hashtag #UMNsotu) and in written form during the event. For more information, live web-streaming the day of the event, or to submit a question, visit State of the U.

Become a more engaged employee

Want to know how to become a more fully engaged employee and market your value? Plan to attend a meeting hosted by HR's Organizational Effectiveness Lea Bittner-Eddy to learn about employee engagement tools and resources available to staff. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 19 from noon-1 p.m. in 312 STSS. For more information and to RSVP, email Bonnie Marten.

Responding to media requests

It may not occur often, but there's a chance you could receive a request from the media to provide information for a publication or news release. If this happens, refer the person to University Relations, which is the central communications office for the University. If someone requests information about financial aid, direct them to Kris Wright in the Office of Student Finance. For more information, check out the Employee Handbook.

Beware of malware

What do the terms "virus" or "worm" mean in terms of cyber security? The February issue of OUCH! explains what exactly malware is and how to protect yourself against it. Tip #1: educate yourself and be sure to invest in good anti-virus software.

Then and than

This grammar rule isn't too tricky. The word then has a variety of meanings, including "at a point in time" or "in addition to." Than, on the other hand, is used to compare. (For example, "This peach is bigger than that one.") To keep it simple, just remember to use than when comparing and then for everything else.

President Kaler leads new retention initiative

President Kaler recently announced the University's new 'Retaining all our Students' initiative, an effort to improve the first-year retention rates of low income students. The program, which will be fully implemented by 2016, is designed to help Pell-eligible students obtain their degree and establish set career paths. Currently, the first-year retention rate for these students is 87%.

The initiative has four focus areas, which include the following:

- The Bridge Program (funded for Pell eligible students)
- SMART Learning Commons program enhancements
- Increased awareness for advisers regarding these students
- Financial literacy (One Stop will focus on these students)

In addition to Pell-eligible students, first generation students will also be a priority of the program.

Portal Project partners with IntraSee

The ESUP Portal Team has decided to partner with IntraSee, Inc. to deliver the University's new myU portal. The company brings a wealth of experience to the Program, and the Portal Team is optimistic they will help deliver the best product possible. You can read more about IntraSee on the ESUP blog.

Building access pilot program

The University recently implemented a Building Access Pilot Program in select buildings on the West Bank. The program aims to increase security by limiting building hours in the evenings and on weekends. With a few exceptions (residence halls and research areas, for example), campus buildings are open to the public. The program will improve safety by limiting access outside of regular University business hours to UCard-carrying students, faculty, and staff.

West Bank buildings part of the Building Access Pilot Program include:

- Anderson Hall
- Elmer Anderson Library
- Barker Dance Center
- Carlson School
- Hanson Hall
- Mondale Hall
- Regis Center for the Arts

A list of pilot program buildings and their hours is available. The remaining buildings on West Bank will be changed the middle of spring semester, and the rest of the Twin Cities campus during the summer.

Many thanks from the Student Parent Help Center

During the past holiday season, ASR staff raised more than $400 in gift cards for the Student Parent Help Center (SPHC). The following is an excerpt from the director expressing her gratitude:

"I was overwhelmed by the response this year, and we will put [the] cards to not just good but miraculous use! The ability to use the cards you all raised for us is an invaluable benefit for our students and the program. Please share this email with anyone involved with the fundraising efforts for the SPHC so that everyone involved knows that each and every card is so needed and will be put to such good use. A million thanks!"

Great job, ASR! What wonderful news to hear!

Pet away your stress!

Are you in need of a stress reliever? Stop by Boynton Health Service and decompress with the help of a furry friend. Pet Away Worry and Stress (PAWS) features therapy animals, including dogs and Woodstock the chicken (yes, really!). PAWS visits are free and open to all faculty, staff, and students from 3-5 p.m. on Wednesdays through spring semester.