ASR values—what do you think?

The directors have reviewed ASR values in conjunction with feedback from each of their units and have developed a new structure for the values. They want your feedback!

View the current and proposed values.

To give feedback, either: 1) Email Lindsay Bork Nichols directly (lindsay@umn.edu) or 2) fill out an anonymous survey. Send any feedback by April 6.

Direct deposit message now runs hourly

As a result of a phishing attack at the Morris campus in late January, the Student Finance group decided to increase the frequency of the direct deposit email message to alert students when there are changes to their account. Previously this communication ran nightly on the batch schedule. Now this process will run hourly.

ASR participation at AACRAO

This week several ASR staff attended and presented at the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) conference in Orlando, Florida. Part of the conference included the recognition of Tina Falkner as the new AACRAO president. Tina just completed a one-year president-elect term and now begins a one-year term as president. Get after it, Tina!

One Stop West Bank renovation

One Stop Student Services on the West Bank has a fresh look and improved functionality. Updates to the space include more privacy for counseling conversations, better accessibility for visitors in wheelchairs, triage space for periods of peak traffic, and an additional "hotel" workspace. If you are near the West Bank Skyway, stop by and check it out.

The Cubicle Chronicles: March Meetings by Chris Abts

Required training—sexual misconduct

The rollout of the new sexual misconduct training was briefly postponed while the team resolved some technical issues, however many of you have now received the email from training@umn.edu with your unique link to the training. If you do not receive this email by March 30, let training@umn.edu know.

You must complete the training by June 30. We have heard it can take between two to three hours to complete, but you can save your progress and come back to it. If you have concerns or questions, contact our ASR human resources representative, Mary Stein (stein094@umn.edu).

This training comes as part of the President’s Initiative to Prevent Sexual Misconduct.

AFSCME—Day on the Hill event

AFSCME's annual Day on the Hill will take place on Tuesday, March 20, 2018. AFSCME members jointly visit the Legislature in order to lobby for more money for the University of Minnesota.

The University supports AFSCME in this effort of emphasizing the University's importance to the State of Minnesota. The University has agreed to allow AFSCME Union members to participate in the event activities without loss of pay. Participating AFSCME employees shall be allowed time off with pay that is not subtracted from vacation, sick leave, or compensatory time balances. The expectation is that interested employees contact their supervisors ahead of time to make plans for their attendance. For questions, contact your Employee Relations Consultant.

Performance appraisals due April 2 with shorter format

It’s time to start thinking about (or working on) your annual performance appraisal, due to your supervisor on April 2. Below is a more detailed schedule for the performance appraisal process.

• Monday, April 2 - Employee submits self-assessment to their supervisor
• Monday, April 16 - Supervisor submits to unit director
• Monday, April 30 - Director completes review on all appraisals for their unit
• First week of May - All ASR appraisals reviewed at Directors’ meeting 
• May - Supervisor and employee meet to review the appraisal

You can get the performance appraisal form from the ASR intranet. Make sure you download the annual form. For those of you that completed last year’s form, you’ll notice changes and a shorter format. If you have questions about the form, talk with your supervisor.

Keep your work area secure

In recent weeks there have been office break-ins on campus and we would like to remind you all to be aware of your surroundings. Secure your own property and be watchful in your work space. Even though many of us work in areas that require a Ucard for entry, this does not ensure complete security. A few University staff have reported seeing clear tape over the lock mechanism on doors and/or a small piece of cardboard lodged in the door to prevent locking. If you see anything like this or other suspicious activity that is not an emergency and is not in progress, call public safety at 612-624-COPS (2677).

NCAA bylaws on wagering

As we approach basketball and March Madness season, be aware of the laws on sports wagering and gambling.

In short, all ASR employees are prohibited from sports wagering per the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). This is because ASR plays a role in student athletics, specifically in that we:

• Certify that athletes are academically eligible to play
• Administer financial aid for student athletes
• Participate in faculty governance for oversight of athletics

Any bracket where there is a bet is considered a wager. This applies whether the bracket is for money or something as simple as an ice cream cone.

If you have questions or concerns, contact Stacey Tidball (tidball@umn.edu).

Cleaning day scheduled for June

Every year ASR plans a cleaning day to give us the opportunity to refresh our work space. This year is set for June 13 from 12—4:00 p.m. You’re invited to take a break from your normal schedule to disturb the dust bunnies, recycle those old mounds of paper, and spruce up your decor.

ASR March Madness tournament

If you are interested in participating in the ASR March Madness basketball tournament, please email Marcus at mull0262@umn.edu by the end of the day on March 4, 2018. Include your name, nickname, and office location(s). We already have a great list of participants, but would love to fill a complete 64-team bracket.

If you are hesitant about participating, here are a few reasons to get involved:

• This is not the typical March Madness Bracket. There is no gambling involved and we aren't following the NCAA tournament. This is an ASR tournament to determine who in ASR can shoot the best Nerf basketball. 
• You are not required to know anything about basketball or college basketball. Your knowledge or lack thereof will not hinder you.
• This does not take great athletic skill, or really any at all.
• You get to come up with a clever nickname! If that is daunting, when you sign up you can request help to come up with one.
• This tournament will take as little time as possible with minimal-to-no impact on your schedule. The hoop will travel to the various ASR offices and you’ll receive advance notice of when it will be there. If needed, we can arrange a time that’s just right for you.
• It will be FUN!