Office of Classroom Management Annual Report

The Office of Classroom Management (OCM) and the communications team collaborated to create an annual report, which is now available here. The annual report highlights OCM accomplishments and identifies trends that will impact OCM in the next year.

Student experience preview sessions

One Stop has presented several Student Experience Previews to staff on the Twin Cities campus and will continue presentations over the next few weeks. The sessions include demonstrations of class registration, bill payment, and viewing financial aid. The sessions also cover how MyU and the One Stop websites will work together after the upgraded systems launch in February. For more information including dates and times, check out this Upgrade blog post.

Unlimited storage with University Google accounts

University Google accounts now have unlimited storage with Google Drive for Education. Drive for Education provides for unlimited storage and other enhancements to Google Drive, Gmail, and Google+ photos. You may store as many Google Drive files, Gmail messages, and Google+ photos as you need.

Williamson Hall project

If you visited Williamson Hall this week, you may have noticed some construction. The project to install stairs to replace the old escalators is underway. Workers are demolishing concrete fins on the walls; installation of steel support for stairs will follow. During construction, the 160 suite door located at the base of the old escalator will be out of service and the door will be barricaded.

Merit pay plan information

With the University’s change to determining civil service employees’ pay increases by merit, ASR has created a mid-year evaluation process for civil service and P&A employees. ASR has  planned to make civil service and P&A salary increases in flat rate increments, based on the annual performance appraisal that occurs each spring. This information was presented at the recent brown bag merit pay plan events and the presentation slides are available on the ASR intranet in the Human Resources > Performance Appraisal Tool section.

AACRAO Elections

Ingrid Nuttall was elected as a member of AACRAO's 2015-2016 Nominations and Elections Committee. Congratulations Ingrid!

Stress relief

Breathing techniques for stress relief

Something fun

A baby gorilla!

Veterans Appreciation Event a success

Today marked the 8th annual Student Veterans Appreciation Day at Coffman Memorial Union. This year's event featured a different format with carnival games, pizza, and prizes. The event was a great success - fantastic job to everyone involved!

Wellness Tip

The University Center for Spirituality & Healing provides a wide variety of health resources, including several for decreasing stress levels. Take a quiz about your stress level and find stress management techniques here.

Benefits open enrollment

Open enrollment for benefits continues through December 1. Benefit options for open enrollment are detailed here. Employees who currently have Insights by Medica, the employee and spouse coverage tier, or same-sex domestic partner coverage must make changes to their benefits elections. Additionally, you must re-enroll for FSA accounts. To enroll online, use Employee Self-Service.

To learn more about benefits options, you can attend an Employee Benefits Fair event. Minneapolis: November 11, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Great Hall, Coffman Memorial Union. St. Paul: November 12, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., North Star Ballroom, Student Center.

Training to prepare for HR features in the new MyU

Prior to the Upgrade, you will have access to training and how-to resources that will help you navigate the upcoming changes. For instance, employees and supervisors will be able to take an online course on submitting an absence request or approving absences. These online courses will become available in late December-early January on the Upgrade Education page under the "Human Resource Systems" tab.

Video of training team's preview session is now available

This October, the training team presented preview sessions at each of the system campuses to approximately 800 staff total. The sessions informed attendees about required training and how to access other training resources, and demonstrated the new MyU, the new Faculty Center, the new Advisor Center, and key other processes (e.g., permission numbers, service indicators, related content). A video of the session is now available online.

One Stop Student Experience Preview Sessions

In November and December, One Stop will be presenting several Student Experience Previews to staff. The sessions will include demonstrations of class registration, bill payment, and viewing financial aid. Also covered will be how MyU and the One Stop website will work together after the upgraded systems launch in February. For more information including dates and time, check out this Upgrade blog post.

Thank you for responding to the E2 Survey

Thank you to everyone who responded to the E2 Employee Engagement Survey. The overall response rate for Office of Undergraduate Education units was 85%, which is well above the 61% rate for the entire University.

Community Fund Drive extended

The annual Community Fund Drive has been extended to Nov. 7. The fund drive provides an easy way for you to donate to nearly 500 local nonprofits, or to choose your own charitable organization. To donate, visit the fund drive website.