Thursday, May 25, 2017
ASR Accomplishments and Goals
ASR’s 2016-17 accomplishments and 2017-18 goals are now available on the ASR intranet (linked on the home page). Each spring, Sue presents this information to Bob McMaster. He is especially proud of both the quantity and quality of work that ASR does. Take a look at the listed accomplishments (detailed descriptions can be found in the handout) to see how your unit contributed. Both accomplishments and goals are organized by the areas of focus defined in ASR's strategic direction.
ASR’s onboarding checklist
There is an updated onboarding checklist for all new ASR employees available for ASR staff to utilize in the hiring process. This checklist will help ASR maintain consistency for onboarding new employees and ensure they have access to the knowledge and resources needed to succeed. Learn more about the onboarding checklist >>
The checklist covers the week before and after a new employee’s start date. It can be found on the homepage of the ASR intranet (in the quick links section) and on the work tools page. The items on the checklist should be completed for all new employees. Each unit may have additional tasks/access that need to be requested. Please contact Carin Anderson with questions.
The checklist covers the week before and after a new employee’s start date. It can be found on the homepage of the ASR intranet (in the quick links section) and on the work tools page. The items on the checklist should be completed for all new employees. Each unit may have additional tasks/access that need to be requested. Please contact Carin Anderson with questions.
Subpoena process
As Debbie Henderson retires in early June, Carin Anderson will be taking over the subpoena process. If you receive a subpoena or a request for information, please forward them directly to Carin. ASR staff should not respond to the subpoena.
Financial Services Support
As a follow-up to our previous post regarding Debbie Henderson’s upcoming retirement, here is some additional information regarding the plan to cover key finance functions for ASR.
- Expense Reimbursement and PCard transaction processing will be moved to the Morrill Hall Shared Services Team
- Purchasing support will remain in ASR, and will be temporarily coordinated by Mara Schneider and Jeremy Schwanz
Efforts have already begun to transition these items.
In order to maintain current service levels, additional information regarding this plan is available in the News & Notes blog and Jeremy will be visiting units to discuss the process. You can review the information for important instructions for this transition period on the ASR intranet’s ASR travel policy page.
Questions regarding financial support during the transition can be directed to Jeremy Schwanz at schw0754@umn.edu.
ASR Book Club summer sign-up available
Sign up for the 2nd Annual ASR Book Club! Join us to read and discuss The Latehomecomer: A Hmong Family Memoir by local author Kao Kalia Yang. We will be meeting from 12-1 p.m. on June 28, July 12, July 19, July 26, and August 2 in Fraser 220C. It's BYOB this year (bring your own book), so be sure to buy or borrow a copy (Hennepin and Ramsey County Libraries both have copies available now). We look forward to seeing you this summer! If you have any questions, contact Shawn Hennessy at henne344@umn.edu.
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Bias Response and Referral Network report
On the last publication of News & Notes we shared information about the Bias Response and Referral Network (BRRN) that was formed last year. This group works with campus partners to respond to incidents of bias on campus, and to promote education and dialogue. BRRN shared their recently published Year-One Report, which highlights information such as the 76 bias incidents reported over the past year and how they are broken down into the various types of bias incidents associated with protected identities including religion, race, gender, sexuality, national origin, and disability. Experience or witness a bias or hate incident? Call BRRN at 612-314-3850, email endbias@umn.edu, or complete a report through UReport.
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ASR and the University Digital Conservancy
ASR is making use of the University Digital Conservancy (UDC), specifically when it comes to archiving online content that is available for a wide audience. Thus far the UDC is being used to store ASR documents such as past academic calendars, class schedules, final exam times, and Registrar Advisory Committee meeting minutes.
For a bit of history, some of documents were available on the old One Stop site before the new site launched. When the new site launched, a more permanent solution for this type of information was needed, one that would remain available for both internal and external audiences. The ASR communications team are still working on migrating content to UDC from ASR’s shared server, so it's a work in progress. As a use-case example, the team found that linking to past final exam times (that are hosted by the UDC) on Twin Cities' final exams One Stop page has helped us manage the archival process easily, and promises easy access to those archives if/when in the future something drastic changes with the One Stop website.
The UDC is available for any staff to use and it's easy to get an account set up to contribute documents. Documents in the UDC are publicly searchable via keywords, dates, or the like, and each upload has a unique, static link that you can use to share elsewhere. There is also the ability to link to a "collection" or a "community" where that file can be found. Take a look to see how ASR's community is set up on the UDC. ASR is our "community," and we have "collections" within that community that encompass grouped, individual documents. If you have questions about ASR’s files or our use of the UDC, feel free to reach out to the Communications Team at asrcomm@umn.edu.
For a bit of history, some of documents were available on the old One Stop site before the new site launched. When the new site launched, a more permanent solution for this type of information was needed, one that would remain available for both internal and external audiences. The ASR communications team are still working on migrating content to UDC from ASR’s shared server, so it's a work in progress. As a use-case example, the team found that linking to past final exam times (that are hosted by the UDC) on Twin Cities' final exams One Stop page has helped us manage the archival process easily, and promises easy access to those archives if/when in the future something drastic changes with the One Stop website.
The UDC is available for any staff to use and it's easy to get an account set up to contribute documents. Documents in the UDC are publicly searchable via keywords, dates, or the like, and each upload has a unique, static link that you can use to share elsewhere. There is also the ability to link to a "collection" or a "community" where that file can be found. Take a look to see how ASR's community is set up on the UDC. ASR is our "community," and we have "collections" within that community that encompass grouped, individual documents. If you have questions about ASR’s files or our use of the UDC, feel free to reach out to the Communications Team at asrcomm@umn.edu.
WannaCrypt, WannaCry ransomware information
On Friday, May 12, a global cyberattack-- known as WannaCrypt or WannaCry -- was launched using ransomware, a type of malicious software that encrypts the victim’s files and requires a ransom be paid to the hacker to unlock the files.
All ASR staff’s work computers have been updated by central-support with the latest security patches released on May 10 and 12. However, if you use the Windows operating system on a personal computer that is not centrally-supported by the University, you should install the security patch yourself.
University’s z-links service adding new features
The University's popular Z.umn.edu URL-shortening service will roll out a refreshed look and new features Wednesday, May 31, 2017. The upgrade will take place between 6 and 8 a.m., during which time no new z-links can be created. All current Z.umn.edu links will remain active and transfer to the new site where they will benefit from the new features.
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Williamson Hall hot-water outage expected May 30 to June 1
University Facilities Management has a planned steam outage (no hot water) beginning on Tuesday, May 30 and expected to end on Thursday, June 1. The outage will affect Northrop, Nicholson, Nolte, Williamson, and Folwell Halls.
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ASR picnic and donations reminder
An early heads up, the annual ASR staff picnic and silent auction are usually held in late July or early August. Now is a great time to start brainstorming, building, drawing, creating, or preparing any items that you may want to donate.
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One Stop Student Services - Serves the Community
One Stop Student Services spent the first sunny Saturday in May at Second Harvest Heartland bagging, weighing, labeling, and boxing 2,104 pounds of rice. Second Harvest Heartland is one of the nation’s largest food banks and seeks to end hunger through community partnerships. They strive to provide an emergency food chain for hungry neighbors, children, and communities.
Eight One Stop staff members, along with family members, took part in the effort. We also had help from a very energetic Girl Scout troop!
One Stop has been dedicated to making Second Harvest Heartland an annual event. Learn more about Second Harvest Heartland and how you can participate.
Pictured from left to right:
Front - Betsy Everts, Erica Friedman, Marcia DeGaetano, Bettie Walker (yes, it was Kentucky Derby day), Michelle Anderson, and Josh Geiger
Back - Ben DeGaetano, Trinity Muller, Nate Peterson, and Jack Everts.
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Scavenger Hunt Winners: Kristin and Richard
Behold, the 2017 winners of the ASR Spring Event Scavenger Hunt!
If you recall, one of the sessions at the ASR Spring Event last week was the scavenger hunt. Winners Kristin Kvam and Richard Campo from One Stop Student Services finished the scavenger lickity-split, faster than a horse running from a rattlesnake in the desert! They sleuthed their way through clues, riddles, balloon-popping, egg-finding, and running across a very wet campus to get back to "base" before any of the other teams. The next time you see them around the office, give them each a big high five. Way to go, Kristin and Richard!
If you recall, one of the sessions at the ASR Spring Event last week was the scavenger hunt. Winners Kristin Kvam and Richard Campo from One Stop Student Services finished the scavenger lickity-split, faster than a horse running from a rattlesnake in the desert! They sleuthed their way through clues, riddles, balloon-popping, egg-finding, and running across a very wet campus to get back to "base" before any of the other teams. The next time you see them around the office, give them each a big high five. Way to go, Kristin and Richard!
Thursday, May 11, 2017
External audit begins in Fraser Hall
Starting Monday, May 15 auditors from Deloitte will be in Fraser Hall (the back room space near the 220 conference rooms) to begin their annual University financials and financial aid audit. If an auditor approaches you and requests student information, direct them to Regina Moran in the Office of Student Finance Fiscal unit.
“Completion Funds” still available for undergraduates
If finances stand in the way of a student's degree progress, ASR has funds available to assist students financially in the form of "Completion Funds.” As a reminder, please do not share with students that these funds are available, as the best course of action may be to award other forms of financial aid.
An ASR committee reviews each request on a case-by-case basis and priority is given to students who could get back on track for timely degree completion by registering for summer or who are ready to graduate this summer. Preference is also given to students who are struggling to pay off their spring 2017 balance and need to register for summer or fall.
If there are students you would like to nominate for completion funds, or if you have any questions about who would be a good candidate, contact ASR Student Degree Progress at asr-sdp@umn.edu.
An ASR committee reviews each request on a case-by-case basis and priority is given to students who could get back on track for timely degree completion by registering for summer or who are ready to graduate this summer. Preference is also given to students who are struggling to pay off their spring 2017 balance and need to register for summer or fall.
If there are students you would like to nominate for completion funds, or if you have any questions about who would be a good candidate, contact ASR Student Degree Progress at asr-sdp@umn.edu.
Diploma communications & pickup
In a system-wide effort to reduce the number of returned or missing diplomas, ASR sent an email to undergraduates with an expected spring 2017 graduation. The email included the address where their diploma will be mailed, how to update or add an address, and information on how to request FedEx Diploma Delivery for those who want a faster delivery option.
Undergraduates also have an option to pick up spring diplomas if they make a request by contacting One Stop Student Services.
Undergraduates also have an option to pick up spring diplomas if they make a request by contacting One Stop Student Services.
Adobe Acrobat and Reader XI will no longer be updated or supported by Adobe
On October 15, 2017 Adobe Acrobat and Reader XI will no longer be updated or supported by Adobe. The new product is Adobe Acrobat DC, which is the default product included in newly-purchased equipment from University of Minnesota .
For summer 2017, OIT is planning a large-scale update of all current and previous versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader (including Acrobat and Reader XI) to mitigate security concerns regarding unsupported and unpatched software by Adobe. The mass update will affect OIT centrally-managed devices (Windows and Mac) and devices that OIT patches.
If your work requires Adobe Acrobat and Reader XI, or any earlier versions, the Computer and Device Support service team is available to assist with testing, troubleshooting, updating, or procuring an exception. Please contact Technology Help at 612-301-4357 or help@umn.edu if you have any questions or concerns.
For summer 2017, OIT is planning a large-scale update of all current and previous versions of Adobe Acrobat and Reader (including Acrobat and Reader XI) to mitigate security concerns regarding unsupported and unpatched software by Adobe. The mass update will affect OIT centrally-managed devices (Windows and Mac) and devices that OIT patches.
If your work requires Adobe Acrobat and Reader XI, or any earlier versions, the Computer and Device Support service team is available to assist with testing, troubleshooting, updating, or procuring an exception. Please contact Technology Help at 612-301-4357 or help@umn.edu if you have any questions or concerns.
ASR Book Club summer selection
The ASR Book Club votes are in, and the selected book is The Latehomecomer: A Hmong Family Memoir by Kao Kalia Yang. Look for sign up information with meeting dates and locations in an upcoming News & Notes.
In search of a place to call home, thousands of Hmong families made the journey from the war-torn jungles of Laos to the overcrowded refugee camps of Thailand and onward to America. But lacking a written language of their own, the Hmong experience has been primarily recorded by others. Driven to tell her family's story after her grandmother's death, The Latehomecomer is Kao Kalia Yang's tribute to the remarkable woman whose spirit held them all together.
In search of a place to call home, thousands of Hmong families made the journey from the war-torn jungles of Laos to the overcrowded refugee camps of Thailand and onward to America. But lacking a written language of their own, the Hmong experience has been primarily recorded by others. Driven to tell her family's story after her grandmother's death, The Latehomecomer is Kao Kalia Yang's tribute to the remarkable woman whose spirit held them all together.
Learn about the Bias Response and Referral Network
Bias incidents happen at the University of Minnesota, as they do across the country. Such incidents undermine the University’s efforts toward equity and inclusivity. They limit our community’s ability to excel in our teaching and learning, our research, and our service to our communities and state. They also impede free and open discourse and our ability to know and learn from one another. Biased and hateful expression causes harm and fractures in our campus community that must be addressed.
The Bias Response and Referral Network (BRRN), along with other campus partners, works to respond to bias incidents on the Twin Cities Campus in ways that support those most impacted, promote education and dialogue, and affirm the University's commitment to equity and diversity, free speech, and academic freedom.
The Minnesota Student Association created an informational video about the Bias Response and Referral Network as part of the "We all belong here" campaign. Members of the Twin Cities campus community and visitors to campus can report bias incidents to the BRRN by:
The Bias Response and Referral Network (BRRN), along with other campus partners, works to respond to bias incidents on the Twin Cities Campus in ways that support those most impacted, promote education and dialogue, and affirm the University's commitment to equity and diversity, free speech, and academic freedom.
The Minnesota Student Association created an informational video about the Bias Response and Referral Network as part of the "We all belong here" campaign. Members of the Twin Cities campus community and visitors to campus can report bias incidents to the BRRN by:
- Submitting a report using UReport
- Calling the BRRN at 612-314-3850
- Reaching out to a member of the BRRN
- Emailing endbias@umn.edu
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