Update from Sue

I believe ASR and other University members have created a solid fall reopening plan for students, staff, and faculty. All of you played a significant part in this, and I am proud of the work we have done in collaboration with many others across the University system. However, I also understand the concern leadership has, and so we will pivot for the first two weeks of the term. I want to thank all of you for keeping your stamina even when it is tough.

You are juggling so many items at the moment in your work, personal lives, and what continues to occur in our communities. Many of you are trying to understand how to stay safe, prepare for educating your children, and continue to learn of disturbing racial injustice. I was so disappointed to learn one of our students was involved in the defacing of the George Floyd mural, and now to see the situation in Kenosha, Wisconsin is truly disheartening. I am saddened by the recent shooting of Jacob Blake. We grieve with his family and the community.

We also continue to call for police reform and accountability and to denounce systemic racism. We encourage you to speak to your family, friends, coworkers, and community about ways we can continue to heal our system, so it can support all of its citizens and keep them safe. The newly formed ASR DEI Community of Practice is available to anyone in ASR, and we encourage you to share your thoughts and feelings during this time in that space.

ASR Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion updates

ASR DEI Community of Practice

ASR has formed a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Community of Practice (ASR DEI CoP). This is open to all ASR staff who want to be more engaged and contribute to DEI topics, activities, and conversations. If you are interested, please join our ASR DEI CoP Google Group!

Members of this group are expected to collaborate with their unit DEI committee representative, participate in discussion and idea generation, volunteer as needed for DEI initiatives and calls for action, and keep informed about the latest DEI events and updates in ASR. More information about membership responsibilities can be found in the ASR DEI Committee charter. You can opt in and out of this Google Group at any time.

Quarterly ASR DEI meetings

The ASR DEI Committee will host open meetings once a quarter that anyone in ASR is welcome to attend. These meetings will include reports of what the committee is working on as well as an open forum for ASR staff to provide feedback. Our first quarterly meeting is planned for Tuesday, October 6, 2020. We will communicate more about this closer to the date.

New ASR DEI C&C unit member

The ASR DEI committee would like to welcome Stacia Madsen as the new unit representative for Continuity & Compliance! Stacia will be transitioning onto the committee in place of Christina Yoong. We are all looking forward to Stacia’s insights and contributions in this new role! We’d also like to take a moment to thank all past committee members for their hard work and dedication during the times they served on the DEI committee.

Vision Organizer update

ASR’s Vision Organizer has been updated for the current year. ASR leadership collaboratively updated this strategic visioning document that sets targets in three areas of focus for 10 years into the future, along with incremental steps to reach those targets. The document also lists key current work as well as items recently completed (these items are updated quarterly, so be sure to check back). Individuals and departments can use this document to set quarterly goals (called “rocks") related to the long-term vision. Talk with your supervisor if you have any questions about the Vision Organizer.

Student Data Inquiry (SDI) training course update

The Office of the Registrar Training & Support and Continuity & Compliance training recently reviewed and reformatted the Student Data Inquiry (SDI) training course content in order to make it more efficient for learners and easier to keep up to date. The new version of the course, which now takes about 30 minutes to complete, is available in Training Hub. Only new PeopleSoft Campus Solutions users are required to take the course. One notable change is that the FERPA compliance training course will be a prerequisite to SDI for new users.

Update from Sue

The start of fall term is approaching very soon. Morris starts on Wednesday, so here we go! As I look to provide the leadership all of you may be seeking from me, I want to continue to improve and guide us toward our goals. However, I realize we may encounter some side steps that could hinder us from moving forward. Now more than ever, we need to think of our “rocks" as we look to meet our goals and remember to keep a good perspective on our tasks.

Along with our goals, I want us to realize that we still have inequities in our country and in our community. We need to continue to stay committed to our mission, vision, and values, as I truly believe these are spot on to help the University continue to move forward by supporting each other and helping all of our students.

I am still very committed to our mission, vision, and values, and I believe this is helping ASR as we continue to keep forging ahead and doing terrific work. I have a few people who are looking at how we can keep planning. They may also provide a 30 day guide for us, which will help us all keep focused.

I want to also thank all of you for continuing to help the administration by providing guidance, information, and input. It is important to provide our leaders with information, so they know the impact of their decisions, and how we will support those decisions. Terrific work everyone!

One Stop launching Zoom drop-in service and limited in-person appointments

One Stop Student Services is planning to resume limited in-person services on August 24 at their East Bank (Bruininks Hall) location. During the fall term, One Stop’s internal staff line (612-625-9050) will not be in service.

• Launching virtual drop-ins via Zoom
• Offering limited 15-minute, in-person appointments (scheduling will be available on the One Stop website)
• Providing a drop box for form and scholarship check submissions

The St. Paul and West Bank locations, University Veteran Services, Graduate Student Services and Progress (GSSP), and the Helping U desk will remain closed for in-person services. Because of the limited availability and staffing for in-person appointments, students are encouraged to contact One Stop by email, phone, Zoom drop-in, or web chat.

Parking enforcement

Parking Enforcement will return to campus on Monday, August 17. Warning citations will be issued the first week of enforcement (Aug 17 - Aug 21). Following Monday August 24, citations that carry a fine/penalty will then be issued, so make sure you are parking in a location you have a valid permit for, or you are parking within the allotted time limit.

Pets and Mental Wellness

Did you know nearly 70% Of U.S. households (84.6 Million) own a pet? Of those:

• 80% believe their pets bring them happiness and emotional support;
• 55% believe their pets reduce anxiety and depression; and
• 66% believe their pets relieve stress.

Research has shown that these beliefs are correct! As several studies have demonstrated that there are numerous health benefits to owning pets, such as reduced stress, anger, anxiety, depression, and aggression. Moreover, studies have also shown that owning pets help us build healthy habits that are beneficial to our mental and physical health.

Early research on pets and mental health

The first research on pets and mental health was published 30 years ago. Psychologist Alan Beck of Purdue University and psychiatrist Aaron Katcher of the University of Pennsylvania conducted the study by measuring what happens to the body when a person pets a friendly dog. They found that the following health benefits:

• Blood pressure went down
• Heart rate slowed
• Breathing became more regular
• Muscle tension relaxed

These are all signs of reduced stress. Therefore, the researchers had discovered physical evidence of pets improving mental health.

Animals help people with mental and physical health conditions

Further research from the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) found that in people with cancer, animal-assisted interventions (i.e. therapy, education, activities) play a role in reducing anxiety, depression, and aggression during treatment.

For people receiving treatment for mental illnesses, animal-assisted interventions also reduce anger, anxiety, depression, and general distress, while improving the ability to socialize. Studies have further found that animal interactions have the ability to help people who are critically ill by reducing stress, anxiety, and boredom; improving mood; and reducing heart rate and blood pressure.

Interacting with pets lowers our stress hormones

Studies around pets and mental health have also shown that petting and playing with animals reduces stress-related hormones, such as cortisol, and raises our levels of serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin—a chemical in the body that reduces stress naturally. These hormones calm and relax the nervous system. When we smile and laugh at our pets’ cute behavior, that helps stimulate the release of these “happiness hormones.” These benefits can occur after just five minutes of interacting with a pet, which is very helpful for those with anxiety, and why animal-assisted therapy is so powerful.

Pets help us build healthy habits

Since pets need to be taken care of every day, they help us build healthy habits and routines:

• Physical activity: Dog owners need to take their pets for walks, runs, and hikes regularly. Therefore, owners receive the benefits of exercise. Studies show that dog owners are far more likely to meet recommended daily exercise requirements.
• Time in nature: Walking a dog or riding a horse gets us outside. As a result, we experience the many mental benefits of being outdoors.
• Getting up in the morning: Dogs and cats need to be fed on a regular schedule. As a result, pet owners need to get up and take care of them—no matter what mood they are in. Hence, pets give people a reason to get up and start their day.
• Pet care supports self-care: Caring for a dog, horse, or cat reminds us to care for ourselves as well. For example, teens that groom horses in Equine Assisted Therapy remember the importance of caring for their own health.