Update from Sue

Thank you to everyone for attending the OUE Assembly this year. It is always informative to hear what is happening and what external units are doing. Bob Burgett and Tina did a nice job talking about the important work of the Foundation, and how it relates to what occurs in a student’s world. I appreciate learning about the interrelatedness of our work. It was also nice to hear from leadership who sincerely appreciate all of the work that you are doing for our community. Provost Crosen and Vice Provost McMaster are very appreciative of all that you are doing.

I noticed that the focus was on TC undergraduates, and we are much much more than this group of students. So I sent off a note to the Provost’s communications writer, and the person was very thankful and appreciative to hear the feedback. I mentioned our work in the areas of non-credit, graduate, professional, various technologies, facilities, financial, and campus support. It is important for all of ASR to feel part of the OUE organization as you all do great work. Thank you so much for making such a positive difference!

The OTR Director search is getting closer to being finalized. Currently, I am working through the approval process to offer the position to a candidate.

One Time Only Late Withdrawal update

The One Time Only Late Withdrawal form is now available for students online. This new workflow allows students to have their applications filled out, submitted, routed, and approved without having to meet in person. It also reduces the need for collecting signatures and imaging the documentations for our records. This separates the One Time Only Drop processes from the Academic Policy Petition into its own form.

Faculty Senate meeting

The Faculty Senate will be meeting this afternoon, where the Minnesota Student Association (MSA) will present a resolution as new business to request changes to grading.

ASR Staff Engagement Dec. 3 Survey

This week’s ASR Staff Engagement survey focuses on our risk tolerance with COVID-19. Visit the December 3, 2020 ASR Staff Engagement Survey to submit your feedback. We love hearing your thoughts.

The results are in! Our last survey showed that we were all more than ready to enjoy the holiday weekend with various game plans in place. In addition to being ready for a long weekend, we were also very appreciative of the several programs of support offered by the University during the pandemic. The flexibility for working remotely was ranked as the most beneficial overall. Staff also shared many ways to practice self care over the University Holiday, such as simply spending time with our family, friends, and pets. The specific results from the survey are available below.

November 19, 2020 survey results

Please rank the employer offered support by what has been most beneficial to you during the pandemic.

Responses in order from most beneficial to least beneficial:

1. Work From Home Decision through June 2021
2. Mental Health support offerings and messaging
3. University Emergency Paid Leave
4. Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
5. Other

Are you ready for a COVID19 Thanksgiving?

• Yes 94 %
• Maybe 6%

In what ways will you practice self care over the University Holiday?

• Time with family, friends, and pets: relaxing with my family, zoom with family, snuggles with spouse and pets, and focusing on family fun
• Indoor/Outdoor Recreation: board games, puzzles, binge watching TV, exercising, online shopping, peloton, football, being active, and walks in nature
• Relaxation: music, sleep, yoga, stretching, journaling, weighted blanket, chiropractic work, solo time, and unplug from screens
• Hobbies: reading, decorating for the holidays, baking, cooking, crafting, reupholster my work chair, and do artwork
• Food and beverages: eggnog, adult beverages, tea, and pizza