How can ASR support mental health?

The Mental Health in the Workplace working group kicked off on October 8. The group’s main focus is to provide resources for staff and to create an environment in ASR that promotes positive mental health. Representatives from ASR units came together to discuss areas where ASR is doing well, what can be improved, and brainstorming ideas to improve the employee experience. Meeting on a bi-weekly basis, this group will be focusing on resources/tools for supervisors and all staff, topics such as stress management, depression, burnout, work/life balance, and recommendations on the work environment. We aim to provide relatable and relevant materials.

In order to do so, we also want to hear from you. What suggestions do you have to make ASR an environment that promotes positive mental health? We are asking staff to submit their ideas/suggestions via the ASR Suggestion Box. We look forward to hearing what you have to say. As a reminder, the ASR Suggestion Box is anonymous.

Sharing your Google calendar - ASR policy and recommendation

ASR’s calendar policy requires that we each share our calendars as “see all event details” for UMN Twin Cities. Unfortunately, the Google domain limit excludes our campus partners from viewing Twin Cities calendars unless shared individually. For staff who work and meet regularly with campus partners, we recommend you set your calendar to enable sharing free/busy status via the public setting (see instructions on how to do this). This will make scheduling easier. If you have any questions, please contact asrcentral@umn.edu.

ASR BOR presentation

At the most recent Board of Regents meeting, Vice Provost & Dean of Undergraduate Education Bob McMaster and Associate Vice Provost Sue Van Voorhis presented on credit transfer between campuses, highlighting improvements we have made for students and some of the struggles students still face when transferring between campuses. The presentation materials are available in the published Docket Materials.

Employee Engagement survey opens October 14

On October 14, you will receive an invitation to complete the Employee Engagement survey. All responses to the survey are anonymous. The survey focuses on measuring commitment/dedication and effective environment. You can read more about the E2 survey from OHR.

When you take the survey, some of the questions will refer to things like your “department” and “college leadership”. Since ASR is not structured like a college, please use the following definitions when filling out the survey:

• “Campus”  = Twin Cities
• “College leadership” = ASR directors including Sue Van Voorhis
• “Department” = Your ASR department (OCM, OTR, C&C, OSF, ASR IT, ASR Central)
• “Manager” = Your direct supervisor (person who does your performance review)

If ASR achieves a 100% survey completion rate, we'd like to provide some kind of reward. Submit your ideas for a reward either to asrcentral@umn.edu or anonymously via the ASR suggestion box.

UMN Community Fund Drive

Each year the University holds a Community Fund Drive to support important efforts that matter to us. There are many ways to give, including donating to charities, nonprofits, and on-campus fundraising events. This year’s goal is for 30% of Twin Cities faculty and staff to participate in the giving campaign and to raise $1.5 million. ASR is participating in the fund drive by hosting Pets, Pastries, and Philanthropy, an event on Thursday, October 24 to raise money for the Twin Cities Student Success Fund. See the many other ways to give.

Pay period updates

Our regular pay period shows paychecks should go out on Wednesday, January 1, 2020. However, that date is a holiday. Instead, the January 1 paycheck will be paid on Thursday, January 2, 2020. (Normally the University pays one day earlier but due to the end of the tax year, they cannot pay on December 31.)

In the fiscal year 2021 (July 2020-June 2021), there will be 27 pay periods instead of the usual 26. For P&A staff, this means that your annual salary will be distributed over 27 pay periods instead of 26 and that biweekly pay will be smaller though salaries will not change. For civil service staff, you will be paid your normal hourly rate for the 27 pay periods. The Office of Human Resources will share more information about this in 2020.

Dig into user-centered design on World Usability Day

Save the date for World Usability Day on Wednesday, November 14. The University has a day full of events planned including two guest keynote speakers—one a content designer and the other an expert in accessibility—and other workshops, panels, and discussions. Anyone who is curious or works in user-centered design is welcome! Keep an eye on the World Usability Day 2019 event page for more info including a forthcoming link to RSVP to the event.

Tips to make your space more welcoming to support mental health

From UMN’s Mental Health Advocacy group, here are some ways to make your space welcoming as you work with students, staff, or coworkers.

• When possible, offer others a choice of where to sit when they join you. (For example, some people feel more comfortable if they can see the door and/or be close to the door.)
• When hosting someone, offer them a beverage, even if water is the only option. Tea is great because holding a warm beverage can help the nervous system relax.
• Have a plant in your office or a photo of nature. It can help people feel more grounded.
• Have a few fidget-type toys within easy reach for the person visiting you. This is a really useful action step. Many U of M departments hand things like this out as swag during outreach events, so you can pick them up for free.