Thursday, May 20, 2021
Cleaning bins
Due to COVID-19, we did not have our annual cleaning day last year. This year, however, we are making alternative accommodations so we can go in and clean out our desks. From now until Friday, July 17, 2021, there will be recycling bins available in Fraser, Williamson, and Bruininks Hall. Please coordinate with your supervisor to find time to go in and clean out your desk.
Personal holiday
If you haven’t used your personal holiday yet, schedule it soon. The last day to use your personal holiday is Wednesday, June 30.
Chrome River reminder & feature updates
As activities continue to return to normal, please remember that all of our purchases need to include a statement of how the purchase benefits the department/University. The business purpose job aid provides guidance on writing strong justifications.
Chrome River also recently updated two features for improved user experience. The corresponding University job aids available online and in the system are still being updated to reflect the new functionality:
Chrome River also recently updated two features for improved user experience. The corresponding University job aids available online and in the system are still being updated to reflect the new functionality:
- Labels in the eWallet have been clarified based on user feedback.
- You should now see Out-of-Pocket Expenses and U Travel Card which replace Offline and Credit Card, respectively.
- Out-of-Pocket items continue to be created based on receipts emailed into Chrome River, but they may belong to a Travel Card purchase if the receipt is emailed before the credit card transaction is reported by the bank (approx. 2-5 business days depending on the supplier).
- Expense owners will now have the ability to Recall an expense report that has been Returned by an approver.
- Expense reports in Returned status have limited edit capabilities. If you are asked to make a modification but the field(s) are not editable or an action is not allowed, try Recalling the expense report to your Drafts folder which should make the report fully editable.
Complete Preventing Sexual Misconduct module reminder
As a reminder, the online education module "Preventing Sexual Misconduct, Discrimination, and Retaliation" must be completed by May 27, 2021. If you have not completed the module, you should have received a reminder email earlier this week.
You can complete the module in Training Hub, and a step-by-step guide is also available to help you navigate the course. The education module will take two or three hours for you to complete, so make sure to block off time accordingly. If you believe you may have difficulty completing this course because you have been negatively impacted by sexual misconduct, please contact the Aurora Center or Gender and Sexuality Center, and they will be able to assist you in waiving the course.
You can complete the module in Training Hub, and a step-by-step guide is also available to help you navigate the course. The education module will take two or three hours for you to complete, so make sure to block off time accordingly. If you believe you may have difficulty completing this course because you have been negatively impacted by sexual misconduct, please contact the Aurora Center or Gender and Sexuality Center, and they will be able to assist you in waiving the course.
Update from Sue
Well, this is it. This is my last News and Notes blurb to all my great colleagues in ASR. I will never be able to thank you enough for all that you have done for me over the years. Please continue to do fantastic work and help Stacey and the other directors as they look to make ASR even better. The ASR staff are the best and do terrific work. I will miss all of you, but I look forward to watching from afar.
Mental Wellness in the Workplace
Building connections & self-care
“People die from lack of shared empathy and affinity. By establishing social connectedness, we give hope a chance and the other can become heaven. ( "Le ciel c'est l'autre" )”― Erik Pevernagie
We all need healthy social connections in order to maintain both our physical and mental health. In one, ten year study of senior citizens, it was found that those who had strong social connections were 22% less likely to die. There are many ways to build our social connections, such as seeking out affinity groups in Slack or looking for neighborhood volunteer opportunities through NextDoor, but the simplest and most convenient way to start is to simply be present in each interaction.
Psychology Today’s “5 Ways to Add More Moments of Social Connection to Your Life” discusses some easy suggestions to make more social connections, starting with greeting people we interact with everyday and asking how they are and waiting for a response. Finally, in addition to the physical and mental benefits, social connections can also come in handy during emergencies as shown in this graphic from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department:
“People die from lack of shared empathy and affinity. By establishing social connectedness, we give hope a chance and the other can become heaven. ( "Le ciel c'est l'autre" )”― Erik Pevernagie
We all need healthy social connections in order to maintain both our physical and mental health. In one, ten year study of senior citizens, it was found that those who had strong social connections were 22% less likely to die. There are many ways to build our social connections, such as seeking out affinity groups in Slack or looking for neighborhood volunteer opportunities through NextDoor, but the simplest and most convenient way to start is to simply be present in each interaction.
Psychology Today’s “5 Ways to Add More Moments of Social Connection to Your Life” discusses some easy suggestions to make more social connections, starting with greeting people we interact with everyday and asking how they are and waiting for a response. Finally, in addition to the physical and mental benefits, social connections can also come in handy during emergencies as shown in this graphic from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department:
ASR Staff Engagement May 20th Survey
This week’s ASR Staff Engagement Survey 5/20/2021 examines planning and organizing throughout your workday. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.
The results of the last survey indicated that most respondents receive enough feedback at times, but not always (54.2%). When asked about preferred ways to receive feedback, there was a strong preference to talk directly to the person providing feedback (83.3%) versus receiving feedback via electronic communication (16.7%).
When asked about recent achievements, we had lots of great personal and professional accomplishments mentioned. Some of these included successfully onboarding a new team member, recording an EP, successfully implementing ECI, engagement with a donor representing OSF, and running 60 miles in a race just to name a few. We also had fantastic suggestions for go-to karaoke songs including Girls Just Want to Have Fun (Cyndi Lauper), I Walk the Line (Johnny Cash), Teenage Dirtbag (Wheatus), Girl on Fire (Alicia Keys), Love Shack (The B-52’s), and Margaritaville (Jimmy Buffett)!
Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated. Make sure to check out the results from the last survey and additional information below.
May 6, 2021 survey results
Do you feel that you receive enough feedback about your work?
What is a recent accomplishment (personal or professional) that you are proud of?
What is (or would be) your go-to karaoke song?
The results of the last survey indicated that most respondents receive enough feedback at times, but not always (54.2%). When asked about preferred ways to receive feedback, there was a strong preference to talk directly to the person providing feedback (83.3%) versus receiving feedback via electronic communication (16.7%).
When asked about recent achievements, we had lots of great personal and professional accomplishments mentioned. Some of these included successfully onboarding a new team member, recording an EP, successfully implementing ECI, engagement with a donor representing OSF, and running 60 miles in a race just to name a few. We also had fantastic suggestions for go-to karaoke songs including Girls Just Want to Have Fun (Cyndi Lauper), I Walk the Line (Johnny Cash), Teenage Dirtbag (Wheatus), Girl on Fire (Alicia Keys), Love Shack (The B-52’s), and Margaritaville (Jimmy Buffett)!
Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated. Make sure to check out the results from the last survey and additional information below.
May 6, 2021 survey results
Do you feel that you receive enough feedback about your work?
- 25% Yes
- 20.8% No
- 54.2% Sometimes
- 83.3% Talking to the person providing feedback (over Zoom or in-person when possible)
- 16.7% Via electronic communication (email, chat, etc.)
What is a recent accomplishment (personal or professional) that you are proud of?
- Recording an EP over the last year
- Organizing and selling my house while transitioning to a new role at work
- Ran 60 miles in a race
- Leading through a challenging time
- Finishing my first novel
- Launching a new online form for students
What is (or would be) your go-to karaoke song?
- Rocket Man (Elton John)
- Living on a Prayer (Bon Jovi)
- Roxanne (The Police)
- Sweet Caroline (Neil Diamond)
- Tennessee Homesick Blues (Dolly Parton)
Thursday, May 6, 2021
Spring 2021 grade basis changes
Grade basis changes for Twin Cities undergraduate spring 2021 courses can now be requested through the newly launched Jadu form, which will automatically update the grade in PeopleSoft. Students have until 11:59 p.m. CST on May 24 to submit the online request form. This process will save Academic Support Resources hundreds of hours of manual processing time. Special thanks goes out to all who were involved in this process, as it truly was a cross-functional effort within ASR to make this possible.
End of fiscal year transactions
The end of the fiscal year is approaching next month. In order to have transactions posted this fiscal year, the following transaction types need to be completed before 4:30 p.m. on Monday, June 7, 2021:
- Travel Card transactions reconciled/submitted in ChromeRiver (including credits/refunds)
- Reimbursement requests submitted in ChromeRiver
- Requisition / Purchase Order requests (including UMarket)
- PO Change Order requests
- Invoices / Check requests
- PCard transactions reconciled in MyWallet (with email notification to Finance partner Jeremy Schwanz)
Update from Sue
Final exams begin today along with commencement festivities. It is very different this year again for our students, faculty, and staff. Summer term is right around the corner. I must admit this academic year has flown by for me. I have learned a lot from many of you this year. I appreciate many of you providing information and support to those of us in ASR and beyond. Your attitudes have been great throughout every test of endurance that we’ve had to embrace willingly and not so willingly. Thank you so much.
This is my second to last News and Notes update. I have been reviewing all of the ASR accomplishments, and I am so impressed with the work over this past year. I was asked to narrow them down, and I really tried, but everything all of you have done is so important to me. All of you play a role in keeping this University running smoothly. This is very impressive, and you all deserve a pat on the back and a big thank you. I want all of the ASR accomplishments showcased this year. Thank you so much.
The ASR directors and others have been working on making the transition to a new director smooth. Stacey is excited to continue to work with the directors and all of you to support our initiatives and the success of our students. I am very confident that ASR will excel even more after I am gone. It will be exciting to watch you all continue to excel and make the U even greater.
This is my second to last News and Notes update. I have been reviewing all of the ASR accomplishments, and I am so impressed with the work over this past year. I was asked to narrow them down, and I really tried, but everything all of you have done is so important to me. All of you play a role in keeping this University running smoothly. This is very impressive, and you all deserve a pat on the back and a big thank you. I want all of the ASR accomplishments showcased this year. Thank you so much.
The ASR directors and others have been working on making the transition to a new director smooth. Stacey is excited to continue to work with the directors and all of you to support our initiatives and the success of our students. I am very confident that ASR will excel even more after I am gone. It will be exciting to watch you all continue to excel and make the U even greater.
One Stop website upgrade
What is happening?
The One Stop Website Upgrade project is officially underway! I am Sara Cokl, the new project & change manager for the One Stop Upgrade project. As a former UMN student services professional and recent technical project manager, I am thrilled to return to the University to manage this crucial project.
It has been 5 years since the last time the One Stop website has undergone a transformation. In that time, technology and our students’ needs have evolved. In order to start the One Stop Upgrade on the right foot, we want to ensure we are considering our student user experience and conducting the necessary research to update the website’s content strategy.
Once this research is completed and the ASR Communications team has developed an updated content strategy, the work of moving all the existing One Stop content for all campuses onto the upgraded content management system will begin. This preparation and heavy lifting will take time, so we have a projected launch date of summer 2022 for the updated One Stop website.
How to stay updated
I know first-hand what a critical tool the One Stop website is for UMN students and staff. I will be developing a communication strategy to ensure stakeholders are not only updated on progress, but also have the opportunity to contribute.
Over the next several weeks, I may be reaching out to some of you to request some time on meeting agendas. That being said, I am sure there are working groups that I am not aware of, so please feel free to reach out (saracokl@umn.edu) and tell me about your group and what their interest in the One Stop upgrade would be. Then, together we can determine the best way to engage group members.
The One Stop Website Upgrade project is officially underway! I am Sara Cokl, the new project & change manager for the One Stop Upgrade project. As a former UMN student services professional and recent technical project manager, I am thrilled to return to the University to manage this crucial project.
It has been 5 years since the last time the One Stop website has undergone a transformation. In that time, technology and our students’ needs have evolved. In order to start the One Stop Upgrade on the right foot, we want to ensure we are considering our student user experience and conducting the necessary research to update the website’s content strategy.
Once this research is completed and the ASR Communications team has developed an updated content strategy, the work of moving all the existing One Stop content for all campuses onto the upgraded content management system will begin. This preparation and heavy lifting will take time, so we have a projected launch date of summer 2022 for the updated One Stop website.
How to stay updated
I know first-hand what a critical tool the One Stop website is for UMN students and staff. I will be developing a communication strategy to ensure stakeholders are not only updated on progress, but also have the opportunity to contribute.
Over the next several weeks, I may be reaching out to some of you to request some time on meeting agendas. That being said, I am sure there are working groups that I am not aware of, so please feel free to reach out (saracokl@umn.edu) and tell me about your group and what their interest in the One Stop upgrade would be. Then, together we can determine the best way to engage group members.
Mental Wellness in the Workplace
Mental Health Month
May is Mental Health month. ASR’s Mental Wellness in the Workplace Committee works to provide resources for staff and to create an environment that promotes positive mental health. We want to highlight some of the mental health topics and resources available to you and invite you to take a look at those that may be of interest.
Some options:
May is Mental Health month. ASR’s Mental Wellness in the Workplace Committee works to provide resources for staff and to create an environment that promotes positive mental health. We want to highlight some of the mental health topics and resources available to you and invite you to take a look at those that may be of interest.
- Visit Mental Wellness at Work on the ASR intranet to see some University and State resources available to you as well as links to resource folders that the committee has been compiling.
- Search for the tag “mental wellness” in the News & Notes blog to reference previous articles shared via the newsletter.
- Mental wellness resources are also being shared via the ASR Slack Channel #health.
Throughout the month (and beyond), consider opportunities you have to reflect, engage, and create a safe space for talking about mental health and mental wellness.
Some options:
- Engage with NAMI’s “You are not alone” campaign
- Take part in one of NAMI’s many free online mental health classes for May and June
- Promote mental wellness in your working group and/or unit
- Make your own mental health a priority
ASR Staff Engagement May 6th Survey
This week’s ASR Staff Engagement Survey 5/6/2021 examines feedback and recognition. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.
The results of the last survey indicated that many are feeling a significant amount of stress right now. On a scale from 1 (not stressed) to 5 (very stressed), most respondents chose ‘4’ (41.4%) followed by ‘3’ (31%) and ‘5’ (13.8%). Regarding psychological symptoms of stress, if you chose ‘forgetful’ that is indeed the ‘best’ answer. Although, stress can manifest itself in several different ways. We had lots of great replies concerning how we cope with stress, including taking long walks, reading a good book, talking through things with others, taking naps, meditating, and gardening.
Finally, we had lots of fun responses when asked what superpower you would choose. Some of the most common responses included flying, time travel, teleportation, invisibility, and super speed. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated. The results from the last survey and additional articles and information are available below.
April 22, 2021 survey results
On a scale from 1 (not stressed) to 5 (very stressed), how stressed have you been feeling lately?
Psychological symptoms of stress include anxious, irritable, overwhelmed, and _____?
How do you typically cope with stress?
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
The results of the last survey indicated that many are feeling a significant amount of stress right now. On a scale from 1 (not stressed) to 5 (very stressed), most respondents chose ‘4’ (41.4%) followed by ‘3’ (31%) and ‘5’ (13.8%). Regarding psychological symptoms of stress, if you chose ‘forgetful’ that is indeed the ‘best’ answer. Although, stress can manifest itself in several different ways. We had lots of great replies concerning how we cope with stress, including taking long walks, reading a good book, talking through things with others, taking naps, meditating, and gardening.
Finally, we had lots of fun responses when asked what superpower you would choose. Some of the most common responses included flying, time travel, teleportation, invisibility, and super speed. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated. The results from the last survey and additional articles and information are available below.
April 22, 2021 survey results
On a scale from 1 (not stressed) to 5 (very stressed), how stressed have you been feeling lately?
- 13.8% 5
- 41.4% 4
- 31% 3
- 10.3% 2
- 3.4% 1
Psychological symptoms of stress include anxious, irritable, overwhelmed, and _____?
- Regretful
- Superior
- Interested
- Forgetful
How do you typically cope with stress?
- Take the dogs for a walk
- Reading in a quiet space
- Talk to family or friends
- Meditate, walk and get plenty of sleep
- Snuggle with my cat or dog
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
- Moving objects with my mind
- Teleportation!
- Shapeshifting
- Invisibility
- The power to fly
- Time travel
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