I listen to podcasts regularly as a way to make my commute more pleasant and a recent one used the phrase “productive discomfort” as a way of talking about work conflict. The phrase in the episode crystallized the difference between conflict for the sake of arguing versus approaching difficult conversations with the goal of productive resolution. I’ve been thinking about productive discomfort ever since.
My job often involves stepping into difficult situations. Sometimes I am overwhelmed by the uncomfortable nature of that work, but it’s been helpful to think about it in terms of a necessary step on the way to a productive resolution. I also have been thinking about the phrase in terms of learning new skills and putting us outside of our comfort zone. I appreciate how often this work has provided opportunities for that growth and change.
Are you a podcast listener? What are your favorites? Send me recommendations! My current favorites are No Stupid Questions and Anderson Cooper’s All There Is.
The next issue of News & Notes will be in January after a short break for University Holidays. Be well and I hope you have some enjoyable days off!
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Minnesota Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST)
The Minnesota Department Labor and Industry recently introduced Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST). The policy requires that employers must provide Minnesota employees one hour of ESST for every 30 hours worked, with a maximum of 48 hours earned annually. Unused ESST will roll over to the next year. The maximum balance is 80 hours. The policy will go into effect on January 1, 2024. An FAQ and additional resources are available on the Office of Human Resources website.
ESST can be used when an employee is sick, to care for a sick family member, to seek assistance if an employee or their family member has experienced domestic abuse, or if there is a work or school closure that prevents an employee from being able to work. ESST will be offered in addition to the University’s traditional sick time program, and current sick time will not be impacted by ESST.
ESST can be used when an employee is sick, to care for a sick family member, to seek assistance if an employee or their family member has experienced domestic abuse, or if there is a work or school closure that prevents an employee from being able to work. ESST will be offered in addition to the University’s traditional sick time program, and current sick time will not be impacted by ESST.
Performance appraisal tips & tricks
As a reminder, employee performance appraisals are due on January 5, 2024. The rest of the timeline is available on the N&N blog. We recommend copying the performance appraisal questions into a Google Doc, and pasting your answers into the form. If you have specific questions about the time frame or your goals from this past year, talk with your supervisor. We also recommend checking in with your supervisor about goals for next year.
Regarding the DEI goal portion of the performance appraisal, we suggest reviewing the DEI committee’s vision statements to reflect on your goal from last year and use it as a framework to form a goal for this year. Your performance appraisal goal should be related to DEI in your own work. You can also use the vision statements to create professional development related goals for your Individual Development Plan (IDP), which is separate from your performance appraisal.
Regarding the DEI goal portion of the performance appraisal, we suggest reviewing the DEI committee’s vision statements to reflect on your goal from last year and use it as a framework to form a goal for this year. Your performance appraisal goal should be related to DEI in your own work. You can also use the vision statements to create professional development related goals for your Individual Development Plan (IDP), which is separate from your performance appraisal.
Human Rights Day
Sunday, December 10, marked the 75th anniversary of Human Rights Day. This day observes the creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a document drafted by countries around the world in the wake of World War II. The declaration outlines the fundamental rights of all human beings, such as life, liberty, and freedom from cruel, inhumane treatment. To commemorate its anniversary, the White House released a proclamation that the United States “continues to defend fundamental freedoms and human rights wherever they are under threat.”
It can be difficult to recognize and celebrate such anniversaries as we witness ongoing humanitarian crises around the world in places such as Sudan, Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, Haiti, Ethiopia, Yemen, Somalia, South Sudan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Syrian Arab Republic. We also have had several weeks of headline news about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza with reports of 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced and forced into small encampments, increasing the risk of starvation and disease as families go days without food, water, shelter, or medical care.
As we commemorate Human Rights Day, equity work implores us to look back at history and also consider systems of power, privilege, and oppression. Whose rights have we actually deemed inalienable, and whose are still up for debate? Whose lives and stories are valuable, and whose do we treat as dispensable? We encourage you to reflect on questions like this in your own lives, and as we approach a new year, let us collectively work toward a future that encompasses the dignity and worth of all human beings.
It can be difficult to recognize and celebrate such anniversaries as we witness ongoing humanitarian crises around the world in places such as Sudan, Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, Haiti, Ethiopia, Yemen, Somalia, South Sudan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Syrian Arab Republic. We also have had several weeks of headline news about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza with reports of 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced and forced into small encampments, increasing the risk of starvation and disease as families go days without food, water, shelter, or medical care.
As we commemorate Human Rights Day, equity work implores us to look back at history and also consider systems of power, privilege, and oppression. Whose rights have we actually deemed inalienable, and whose are still up for debate? Whose lives and stories are valuable, and whose do we treat as dispensable? We encourage you to reflect on questions like this in your own lives, and as we approach a new year, let us collectively work toward a future that encompasses the dignity and worth of all human beings.
One Stop holiday staffing
One Stop offices (One Stop, GSSP, SAA, Third-Party Billing, & UVS) will only be offering remote service options December 27-29. All service options, including in-person, will resume when staff return to the office on January 2.
Student Services Fee Waiver
On December 15, the new Student Services Fee Waiver will launch in Jadu. The former WorkflowGen process has been retired. This implementation allows for automated activation and deactivation based on tuition calculation and required deadline dates, and automatically routes UMR requests to the Rochester One Stop. The Student Services Fee Assessment request, which is already in Jadu, has also received some updates to align with the new waiver process.
Thank you to all those who contributed to the final product: Eric Anderson, Erin Anderson, JoJo Botzet, Ryan Ceresnak, Jess Clem, Karen Magness, and Fuechee Yang.
Thank you to all those who contributed to the final product: Eric Anderson, Erin Anderson, JoJo Botzet, Ryan Ceresnak, Jess Clem, Karen Magness, and Fuechee Yang.
ASR Staff Engagement December 14 Survey
This week’s ASR Staff Engagement Survey is winter themed. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.
According to the last survey, most feel satisfied with their current work-life balance with 89.3% feeling either very or somewhat satisfied. Most also feel comfortable speaking up when they are overwhelmed with work (82.1%). When asked about feeling exhausted at the end of a workday, most say they are exhausted very frequently or somewhat frequently (60.7%).
Finally, we asked about your best cooked dishes, and pizza, chili, and pasta were the most frequent responses. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated. The results from the last survey are available below.
November 30, 2023 survey results
How satisfied are you with your current work-life balance?
According to the last survey, most feel satisfied with their current work-life balance with 89.3% feeling either very or somewhat satisfied. Most also feel comfortable speaking up when they are overwhelmed with work (82.1%). When asked about feeling exhausted at the end of a workday, most say they are exhausted very frequently or somewhat frequently (60.7%).
Finally, we asked about your best cooked dishes, and pizza, chili, and pasta were the most frequent responses. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated. The results from the last survey are available below.
November 30, 2023 survey results
How satisfied are you with your current work-life balance?
- Very satisfied (53.6%)
- Somewhat satisfied (35.7%)
- Somewhat dissatisfied (10.7%)
- Yes (82.1%)
- No (17.9%)
- Very frequently (28.6%)
- Somewhat frequently (32.1%)
- Not frequently (39.3%)
- Italian food
- Pot roast
- Almost any pasta dish!
- Matzo Ball soup
- Calico Beans
Thursday, November 30, 2023
Update from Stacey
It’s been a couple of issues since I’ve written an update and—no surprise—a lot has happened in the last month. I had the opportunity to complete ASR’s annual budget documents in collaboration with the ASR directors, which gets submitted to OUE and then forwarded on to the Provost’s office and the Budget 6. The budget process requires us to model cuts and provides the opportunity to highlight areas of concern. The “areas of concern” turn into something like a request for new money, which is a long-shot in the University budget.
However, ASR’s budget documents were viewed very favorably by OUE and are being seriously considered in the next steps of the process. I highlighted areas where we are most in need of staffing, particularly where we rely on temporary funding, and ASR’s increasing software costs. Now the waiting game begins, and we will get official word sometime in the spring semester.
Looking ahead, we are rapidly approaching the end of the term and all of the work associated with closing out one term and beginning another. Somewhere in there, we will take a break during University holidays to rest and rejuvenate. As you reflect on the last year personally and professionally, take a moment to pat yourself on the back for the ways in which you have succeeded at work. Thank you everyone!
Finally, a quick note connected to the DEI update below, I recommend checking out the short documentary, “Rondo: Beyond the Pavement.” It provides several first-hand accounts from neighborhood residents that demonstrate the personal impact the freeway had on the neighborhood.
However, ASR’s budget documents were viewed very favorably by OUE and are being seriously considered in the next steps of the process. I highlighted areas where we are most in need of staffing, particularly where we rely on temporary funding, and ASR’s increasing software costs. Now the waiting game begins, and we will get official word sometime in the spring semester.
Looking ahead, we are rapidly approaching the end of the term and all of the work associated with closing out one term and beginning another. Somewhere in there, we will take a break during University holidays to rest and rejuvenate. As you reflect on the last year personally and professionally, take a moment to pat yourself on the back for the ways in which you have succeeded at work. Thank you everyone!
Finally, a quick note connected to the DEI update below, I recommend checking out the short documentary, “Rondo: Beyond the Pavement.” It provides several first-hand accounts from neighborhood residents that demonstrate the personal impact the freeway had on the neighborhood.
Performance appraisal timeline
The Performance Appraisal form will be available tomorrow, Friday, December 1. The evaluations will cover the 2023 calendar year. If you have specific questions about the time frame or your goals from this past, talk with your supervisor.
The timeline for the performance appraisal is available below:
The timeline for the performance appraisal is available below:
- Friday, December 1 - Jadu form available for ASR staff
- Friday, December 1 - Friday, January 5 - Employees complete performance appraisals
- Friday, January 5 - Deadline for employees to submit their form in Jadu
- Monday, January 8 - Friday, January 26 - Supervisors must complete their forms
- Friday, January 26 - Deadline for supervisors to submit their forms in Jadu
- Friday, January 26 - Friday, February 9 - Directors complete review on all appraisals for their unit
- Wednesday, February 14 - Deadline for directors to complete review for consistency across ASR
- February 14 - March 15 - Supervisors and employees meet to review the appraisal
Historic Rondo Neighborhood, St Paul
Dating back to the mid-20th century, urban planners and government officials strategically routed interstate highways through low-income and minority communities, resulting in the displacement of residents and the destruction of vibrant neighborhoods, including the Rondo neighborhood in St. Paul.
Rondo was a predominantly African-American neighborhood known for its vibrant community and cultural richness in the 19th and early 20th centuries. From 1956 to 1968, the construction of Interstate 94 in St. Paul, Minnesota, intersected and severely impacted the thriving African-American community residing along Rondo Avenue. Redlining practices had confined Rondo residents to this area, resulting in a diverse, mixed-income community with a robust middle class, various housing options, and locally owned businesses.
However, the arrival of the interstate devastated community life and personal wealth, leading to the closure or demolition of 700 homes and 300 businesses, with families receiving insufficient compensation for their losses. This loss deeply affected those connected to the neighborhood, dispersing Rondo residents across the country and forming a Rondo diaspora. Nonetheless, those who remained retained a strong local identity and connection to their roots.
Recently, initiatives to rectify past injustices, uplift underserved populations, and ensure that future developments benefit everyone, regardless of race, income, or geographical location, have started across the nation and in St Paul. Rondo may be designated as a historic district, and a land bridge has been proposed to reconnect the Rondo community. You can learn more about Rondo from the following resources:
Rondo was a predominantly African-American neighborhood known for its vibrant community and cultural richness in the 19th and early 20th centuries. From 1956 to 1968, the construction of Interstate 94 in St. Paul, Minnesota, intersected and severely impacted the thriving African-American community residing along Rondo Avenue. Redlining practices had confined Rondo residents to this area, resulting in a diverse, mixed-income community with a robust middle class, various housing options, and locally owned businesses.
However, the arrival of the interstate devastated community life and personal wealth, leading to the closure or demolition of 700 homes and 300 businesses, with families receiving insufficient compensation for their losses. This loss deeply affected those connected to the neighborhood, dispersing Rondo residents across the country and forming a Rondo diaspora. Nonetheless, those who remained retained a strong local identity and connection to their roots.
Recently, initiatives to rectify past injustices, uplift underserved populations, and ensure that future developments benefit everyone, regardless of race, income, or geographical location, have started across the nation and in St Paul. Rondo may be designated as a historic district, and a land bridge has been proposed to reconnect the Rondo community. You can learn more about Rondo from the following resources:
- Meet the woman who preserves and catalogs St. Paul's Rondo memories
- Rondo Neighborhood (St Paul Historical)
- Rondo Neighborhood & I-94: Overview (Minnesota Historical Society)
- Rondo Center of Diverse Expression Plaza (327 N Fisk St, St Paul)
ASR Staff Engagement November 30 Survey
This week’s ASR Staff Engagement Survey examines our work-life balance. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.
According to the last survey, half of respondents say they work with staff from other ASR departments very frequently (50%). When you need assistance from another department, most will contact someone they know in the department (78.3%) rather than use the general contact email (17.4%). In addition, most know how to find the current organizational chart (83.3%), which is available on the ASR staff site.
Finally, most say that they prefer the aisle seat on an airplane (50%) versus the window seat (37.5%). Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated. The results from the last survey are available below.
November 16, 2023 survey results
How often do you work with staff from other ASR departments (ex. One Stop) outside of your own?
On an airplane, do you prefer the window or aisle seat?
According to the last survey, half of respondents say they work with staff from other ASR departments very frequently (50%). When you need assistance from another department, most will contact someone they know in the department (78.3%) rather than use the general contact email (17.4%). In addition, most know how to find the current organizational chart (83.3%), which is available on the ASR staff site.
Finally, most say that they prefer the aisle seat on an airplane (50%) versus the window seat (37.5%). Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated. The results from the last survey are available below.
November 16, 2023 survey results
How often do you work with staff from other ASR departments (ex. One Stop) outside of your own?
- Very frequently (50%)
- Somewhat frequently (20.8%)
- Sometimes but not frequently (20.8%)
- Very rarely (8.3%)
- I use the department’s general contact email (17.4%)
- I contact someone I know in the department (78.3%)
- I contact someone I don’t know in the department (4.3%)
- Yes (83.3%)
- No (16.7%)
On an airplane, do you prefer the window or aisle seat?
- Window (37.5%)
- Aisle (50%)
- I don’t have a preference (12.5%)
Thursday, November 16, 2023
ASR project request deadline
As a reminder, all project requests for P3 2024 (Feb-April) must be submitted via the Project Request form by December 15, 2023 for consideration. However, we encourage you to submit your requests sooner if possible. The project request submission process is available on the ASR Staff Site under Employee Resources.
Upcoming dates and deadlines for P3 2024:
- Project request deadline: December 15, 2023
- Project prioritization meeting: January 10, 2024
- Start of P3 2024 planning period: February 5, 2024
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
Native American Heritage Month
National Native American Heritage Month is celebrated each year in November. In honor of this month, we are sharing some local history and facts to spark your curiosity.
Credit for this information goes to Luis Charging Bear, who originally shared this in the IT@UMN Slack.
Upcoming Office of Equity and Diversity (OED) education offerings
The Office for Equity and Diversity (OED) Education program added two offerings of their workshop, Addressing Implicit Bias in Search and Selection Processes, for November and December. Classes are held virtually via Zoom and are offered to all UMN staff and faculty. Unfortunately, the upcoming dates are currently both full, but you can still join the wait list:
Not sure which certificate courses you completed or if you have remaining courses you still need to take? Log into your Destiny One Registration System (DORS) account and click on 'My Enrollment History' to see the course(s) you are enrolled in and/or have completed.
National Native American Heritage Month is celebrated each year in November. In honor of this month, we are sharing some local history and facts to spark your curiosity.
Credit for this information goes to Luis Charging Bear, who originally shared this in the IT@UMN Slack.
- The Twin Cities Campus comprises Dakota Oyate lands.
- Dakota/Lakota/Nakoda (The Očhéthi Šakówiŋ) are often labeled as "Sioux." The name "Sioux'' is a French mispronunciation ("Nadouessioux") of the Ojibwe term "Nadowessi." The exonym “Sioux” became the common name of reference for Lakota/Dakota/Nakoda peoples even though Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (meaning 7 council fires of the great confederacy) people do not refer to themselves as “Sioux.”
- The name "Lakota/Dakota" in essence means "ally" or “one who is an ally.”
- Learn about the history of the University of Minnesota Morris campus and American Indian Boarding Schools.
- The map below and other Dakota land maps by the same creators include historically accurate names of the areas around the Twin Cities and Minnesota.
The Office for Equity and Diversity (OED) Education program added two offerings of their workshop, Addressing Implicit Bias in Search and Selection Processes, for November and December. Classes are held virtually via Zoom and are offered to all UMN staff and faculty. Unfortunately, the upcoming dates are currently both full, but you can still join the wait list:
- Tuesday, November 21, 10 a.m.-noon
- Thursday, December 14, 1-3 p.m.
Not sure which certificate courses you completed or if you have remaining courses you still need to take? Log into your Destiny One Registration System (DORS) account and click on 'My Enrollment History' to see the course(s) you are enrolled in and/or have completed.
Office of Student Finance
- FAFSA Simplification Update
- We’re presenting on the FAFSA Simplification Project at the OUE General Assembly on December 14.
- We had an all day, in-person “retreat” to prepare for the upcoming software rollout with the IT BA’s. For 2024-25, students will not have to get parents to “sign off” on their lack of support, which is going to require a new process.
- We completed the housing question that will “pop-up” before actual packaging since a housing preference is no longer included on the FAFSA.
- 24-25 financial aid communications have been reviewed and updated in anticipation of the new Student Aid Index that is replacing the expected family contribution (EFC). We’re also reviewing the queries that use EFC.
- We’re still reviewing the parent contributions process for those Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) programs (grants and loans) since the FAFSA will not allow parents of independent students to complete the FAFSA.
- American Indian Scholars Program Update
- The State of Minnesota’s new American Indian Scholars Program (AISP) is now available. The program covers tuition and certain fees for eligible Minnesotans who are enrolled members or citizens of any federally recognized tribe or Canadian First Nation.
- The project team is working diligently to finalize the process of posting the funds through third-party billing. Funds should be applied by early December.
- A big shout out to the project team for all of their hard work: Andrew Hill, Carolee Cohen, Caylin Scheff (Crookston), Jana Koehler (Morris), Kari Ellering, Meghan Czarniecki, Nancy Carl (Duluth), Richard Toetschinger, and Sarah Hoegger.
- College of Education and Human Development Grant & Scholarship Funds Update
- OSF worked closely with CEHD on disbursing the following Minnesota Office of Higher Education grants:
- Aspiring Teachers of Color Scholarship
- The Aspiring Teachers of Color Scholarship pilot program provides financial assistance to eligible undergraduate and graduate students who are preparing to become teachers, have demonstrated financial need, and belong to racial or ethnic groups underrepresented in the state’s teacher workforce. The University of Minnesota has awarded 36 students the Aspiring Teachers of Color Scholarship. $171,335 has been disbursed for fall 2023 semester, and $174,669 has been awarded for the spring 2024 semester.
- Minnesota Underrepresented Student Teacher Grant
- The Minnesota Underrepresented Student Teacher Grant provides financial assistance to eligible students who belong to a racial or ethnic group underrepresented in the Minnesota teacher workforce. 9 students have been awarded this grant for fall 2023, and a total of $66,099 has been disbursed.Minnesota Shortage Areas Student Teacher Grant
- The Minnesota Shortage Areas Grant provides financial assistance to eligible students who intend to teach in a license shortage area or rural school district. 4 students have been awarded this grant for fall 2023, and $25,607 has been disbursed.
ASR Best in Show winners
Thank you to everyone who submitted their pets (or not a pet) and voted for their favorites by donating to the Community Fund Drive. Overall, we raised a total of $105.94 for the Twin Cities Student Success Fund. It was a tough, and at times nail-biting, competition, but each category had a clear winner! You can view all of the submission pictures in the ASR Best in Show Pictures Google folder and see the results below!
Best in Show
Best in Show
- Winner: Sophie (Megan Wollner)
- Runners-up:
- Ferris (Danielle Eberhard)
- Rumble (Ian Whitney)
- Ghost the Disapproving Husky (Karen Magness)
Best puppy-dog eyes
- Winner: Maverick (Ali Facklam)
- Runners-up:
- Sookie (Karen Magness)
- Ferris (Danielle Eberhard)
- LuLu (Jody Stadler)
- Burns McHenry (Kathryn Kvam)
- Olive (Ben Resman)
Best dressed
- Winner: Maverick (Ali Facklam)
- Runners-up:
- Enzo (Kristiina Ruppert)
- Olive (Ben Resman)
- Ferris (Danielle Eberhard)
Best ears
- Winner: Princess Peppa (Renae Faunce)
- Runners-up:
- Rumble (Ian Whitney)
- Maverick (Ali Facklam)
- Newman (Amber Cellotti)
Best not-a-pet
- Winner: Yammerhead, The Pollinayto, Trashy Tot, Crocadilly, Tiger Tot, Tony the Tayto, Butter, Froggy, Oh Crispy Tot, Spuzz Aldrin, and Pumpkin Spice Poshtayto (Jess Clem)
- Runner-up:
- Turkeys (Megan Wollner)
Best toes beans
- Winner: Zoey (Megan Wollner)
- Runner-up:
- Princess Peppa (Renae Faunce)
Biggest attitude
- Winner: Olive (Frank Morello)
- Runners-up:
- Newman (Amber Cellotti)
- Ghost the Disapproving Husky (Karen Magness)
- Gloria (Ben Resman)
- Burns McHenry (Kathryn Kvam)
Most boopable nose
- Winner: Princess Peppa (Renae Faunce)
- Runners-up:
- Newman (Amber Cellotti)
- Mimi (Ben Resman)
Floofiest pet
- Winner: Gloria (Ben Resman)
- Runners-up:
- Sookie (Karen Magness)
- Mimi (Ben Resman)
Largest pet
- Winner: Ghost the Disapproving Husky (Karen Magness)
Longest pet
- Winner: Hydrox Muffinman XIX Thunder Bolt Esquire (Regina Moran)
- Runners-up:
- Zoey (Megan Wollner)
Sneakiest pet
- Winner: Zoey (Megan Wollner)
- Runners-up:
- Hydrox Muffinman XIX Thunder Bolt Esquire (Regina Moran)
- Kylo (Julie Selander)
Chrome River tips & tricks
Please refer to the ASR-Administrative Support Resources guide when completing a Chrome River expense report to ensure all required information is being provided. Common problems that delay approval can be avoided in the following ways:
Bonus Tip: Do not withdraw and resubmit an expense report in an attempt to “move it to the top of the pile.” Chrome River expense reports route based on the most recent submission date, so re-submitting without a specific reason (i.e. modification request, adding additional expenses) effectively moves the report to the bottom of the pile and can trigger new compliance warnings.
- Business Purpose/Justification Standards - Explains why an expense was necessary and how the University benefits from making the purchase. This explanation should make sense to someone unfamiliar with your role.
- Transaction Expense Types - This is the classification of what an expense is, and therefore which account code(s) will be available for use. These are most easily edited for TCard purchases in the eWallet, so verifying before adding an expense to a report is highly recommended.
- Correct Allocation/Chartstring - Chrome River will remember your most frequently used chartstrings, which is helpful as long as you have trained it correctly. To ensure you are using the correct chartstring, please refer to the Reimbursement EFS/Account Code Information.
- Meal Purchases - When allowed by policy, meal purchases must identify all participants by name and affiliation to the University. Several of the meal expense types will ask for names in Chrome River, otherwise they can be listed in additional information or by attaching a PDF of a calendar invite.
- Lodging-Room Charge - Always complete the Allowable Total field so Chrome River can calculate the amount policy allows for your travel destination. Leaving this blank will result in a compliance warning (i.e. more work for you).
Bonus Tip: Do not withdraw and resubmit an expense report in an attempt to “move it to the top of the pile.” Chrome River expense reports route based on the most recent submission date, so re-submitting without a specific reason (i.e. modification request, adding additional expenses) effectively moves the report to the bottom of the pile and can trigger new compliance warnings.
Staff recognition
Congratulations to Sophia Bunker, Husna Ibrahim, and Patience Bergman for representing One Stop Student Services and the University of Minnesota at the Institute for Student Services Professionals (ISSP) annual conference. They co-presented to colleagues across the world with their presentation on Enhancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Competencies Among Student Services Professionals. It drew significant interest and provided attendees with high-quality information and practical resources to take back to their campuses. Thank you for your dedication and hard work to bring this to fruition!
ASR Staff Engagement November 16 Survey
This week’s ASR Staff Engagement Survey asks about your work with other departments within ASR. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.
According to the last survey, most folks engage in professional development when they are able (52%) rather than scheduling time for professional development (28%). When asked about opportunities for professional development, most say that they have an acceptable amount of opportunities to engage in professional development (56%).In addition, most say learning a new skill matters most regarding professional development (56%).
Finally, most folks are planning to stick around over the winter (60%), while 40% plan to travel to a warmer climate. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated. The results from the last survey are available below.
November 2, 2023 survey results
According to the last survey, most folks engage in professional development when they are able (52%) rather than scheduling time for professional development (28%). When asked about opportunities for professional development, most say that they have an acceptable amount of opportunities to engage in professional development (56%).In addition, most say learning a new skill matters most regarding professional development (56%).
Finally, most folks are planning to stick around over the winter (60%), while 40% plan to travel to a warmer climate. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated. The results from the last survey are available below.
November 2, 2023 survey results
- How do you prioritize or make time for professional development?
- I schedule/add time on my calendar specifically for professional development (28%)
- I engage in professional development when I am able (52%)
- I don’t have time for or interest in professional development outside of my job duties (16%)
- I’m not sure (4%)
- Yes (56%)
- No (16%)
- I’m not sure (28%)
- That it allows me to learn a new skill (56%)
- That it is closely related to my job (32%)
- That it contributes to my overall wellbeing (12%)
- Yes (40%)
- No (60%)
Thursday, November 2, 2023
ASR’s Best in Show: Community Fund Drive 2023 reminder
As a reminder, ASR is participating in the Community Fund Drive by hosting ASR’s Best in Show! There are two ways to participate in the pet (or not-a-pet) contest:
Voting will take place in person on Thursday, November 9 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in Williamson 130J and 333D Bruininks Hall. You can cast your vote in each category by donating cash (and cash only). Winners will be determined by the total dollar amount of the “votes.” The donations will go toward the Twin Cities Student Success Fund. So come on in and vote for your favorite pet!
- Submitting a picture of your pet(s)
- Voting for your favorite pets with a cash donation
Voting will take place in person on Thursday, November 9 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in Williamson 130J and 333D Bruininks Hall. You can cast your vote in each category by donating cash (and cash only). Winners will be determined by the total dollar amount of the “votes.” The donations will go toward the Twin Cities Student Success Fund. So come on in and vote for your favorite pet!
14th Annual Veterans Appreciation Event
Please join University Veterans Services in honoring the military veterans of our campus community at our 14th annual Veterans Appreciation Event! This year's event will feature a military history exhibit from University Archives, interactive military gear displays, games, and free food!
We are still collecting virtual thank you notes for the event! Please take a minute to express your gratitude for a military-affiliated student, colleague, friend, or loved one. These notes will be projected on a screen during the event. To honor the privacy of others, names and identifying information will be removed from submissions prior to sharing these words of gratitude at the event. Please submit your note by Tuesday, November 7.
14th Annual Veterans Appreciation Event
Thursday, November 9, 2023
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Coffman Memorial Union, Great Hall
No RSVP Required
We are still collecting virtual thank you notes for the event! Please take a minute to express your gratitude for a military-affiliated student, colleague, friend, or loved one. These notes will be projected on a screen during the event. To honor the privacy of others, names and identifying information will be removed from submissions prior to sharing these words of gratitude at the event. Please submit your note by Tuesday, November 7.
14th Annual Veterans Appreciation Event
Thursday, November 9, 2023
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Coffman Memorial Union, Great Hall
No RSVP Required
ASR Staff Engagement November 2 Survey
This week’s ASR Staff Engagement Survey asks about professional development. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.
Last survey, chicken wild rice was voted as your favorite soup (23.1%), followed by pho (11.5%), and broccoli cheese soup (11.5%). Most planned to buy a pumpkin this year (57.7%). When asked about your favorite fall activities, many mentioned going to an apple orchard and/or picking apples as well as making apple-related desserts (such as apple crisp). Many also mentioned experiencing the fall colors and walking through crunchy leaves.
Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated. The results from the last survey are available below.
October 19, 2023 survey results
What’s your favorite soup?
Last survey, chicken wild rice was voted as your favorite soup (23.1%), followed by pho (11.5%), and broccoli cheese soup (11.5%). Most planned to buy a pumpkin this year (57.7%). When asked about your favorite fall activities, many mentioned going to an apple orchard and/or picking apples as well as making apple-related desserts (such as apple crisp). Many also mentioned experiencing the fall colors and walking through crunchy leaves.
Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated. The results from the last survey are available below.
October 19, 2023 survey results
What’s your favorite soup?
- Chicken Wild Rice (23.1%)
- Broccoli Cheese Soup (11.5%)
- Pho (11.5%)
- Clam Chowder (7.7%)
- I don’t like soup! (7.7%)
- Yes (57.7%)
- No (34.6%)
- I’m not sure (7.7%)
- Weekends up at the cabin!
- Apple orchards and hiking up North to see the tree colors changing
- Lots and lots of baking with fall flavors and produce
- College football Saturdays
- Decorating the house for Halloween
- Enjoying the cool crisp fall weather - taking a walk, playing in the leaves, or enjoying a bonfire.
- Making hot cider. Not only does it taste amazing, it makes the house smell good too!
ASR-IT
Application Development team:=
A year ago, we set up our first application to automatically renew its SSL certificate (SSL certificates keep communication with our applications encrypted and secure). A couple weeks ago, it renewed itself without any intervention from us. Now all of our applications are configured to do this, which means we are well situated for when renewal periods go from one year down to 90 days.
There are a few upgrades currently in progress: TFMS and our Sessions API, which is a service used for an integration on the OCM website.
We’ve been configuring a service called Traefik that will allow us to run multiple applications on a single server using containers. We already have three applications running in a test environment! Once this infrastructure is expanded, we can work towards deploying more than one Traefik server consistently.
Data Engineering team
Began using Coursedog data in our Databricks proof-of-concept and working on how to best transform and store this data in Databricks. This is progress towards establishing a cloud based home where BA’s and technical staff have the ability to access and service data needs from ASR’s many student data sources.
Provided Student Degree Progress data and expertise to Student Data Analytics (SDA) so that they could work with Duluth on a curriculum analysis request.
Started the move from LastPass to Azure Key Vault for secret management. Migrating to Azure will set us up for OIT's eventual planned Secrets Management service.
ASR-IT PeopleSoft Business Analysts
All Teams
We’re testing two PeopleSoft Images and a Critical Patch (CPU) security update to remain in compliance with our ERP vendor (Oracle/PeopleSoft).
We’re working on UM Reports deprecation.
Financial Aid IT
We’re continuing work on FAFSA Simplification, which includes analysis of impacted custom code, equations and SQL, and user queries. We’re also testing and preparing for Federal Work Study reporting, reviewing new data models delivered by Oracle, and finishing up a new housing survey. Lastly, we’re updating the Student Aid Internet Gateway to protect federal tax Information.
We’re working with SF-IT and functional staff on each campus to implement the new Minnesota Office of Higher Education (MOHE) program: American Indian Scholars Program.
We’re collaborating with HR to implement replacement reports for Work Study.
Student Financials/Campus Community/Shared Data IT
The Spring 2024 Tuition Calculation setup is in progress.
For the 1098-T, we’re providing data for business areas to review and correct prior to year end and moving to a digital W9-S form.
We’re testing QuikPAY changes for administrative users with a new dashboard and multi-factor authentication.
Non-resident Alien Tax process updates are being tested.
Poorly-formatted email addresses were removed from the system, which helps reduce SalesForce errors.
We’re partnering with the UX and Content Strategy team to move posting training online.
There are various working groups addressing policy or process changes, including Regents Scholarships and Student Service Fee changes.
We’re hiring a new BA for the Campus Community/Shared Data team.
Sarah Hoegger and Jack Kimmes presented at the HEUG Central Conference in Chicago this month.
Student Records IT
The Coursedog team provided a building program requirements demo this week.
We created and posted registration appointment times for Twin Cities, Morris, and Crookston.
We’re finalizing work with Parchment to configure single sign-on (SSO).
We finished the fall 2024 operations and job processing calendar.
We delivered PSEO fall 2023 files to the system campus representatives, and we’re working through corrections before delivering it to the Minnesota Department of Education.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
Celebrating Día de los Muertos
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a two-day celebration honoring deceased family members and loved ones. November 1 is Día de los Inocentes (Day of the Innocents), dedicated to the souls of children. The honoring of adult souls takes place on November 2.
Rooted in Mexican and Indigenous cultures, Día de los Muertos is a celebration where Latin American families join together to visit and clean gravestones and provide offerings of food and drink on altars, known as ofrendas. Many light candles and incense, or place fresh flowers or the deceased’s favorite items on their ofrendas. Stories are passed back and forth to honor and remember the dead.
An important distinction is that Day of the Dead should not be compared with Halloween. In fact, the commercialization of Día de los Muertos appropriates its cultural significance. Instead of buying commercially-made decorations, you can attend some local Día de los Muertos events:
November 4: The 11th Annual Festival de las Calaveras: Twin Cities Latinx Music + Arts Festival
November 4: The annual Día de los Muertos festival at La Doña Cervecería brewery
November 5: Draggy Divas Presenta: Dia De Los Muertos at La Doña Cervecería brewery
Dr. Jessica Lopez Lyman, Assistant Professor in the UMN Department of Chicano and Latino Studies, explains how the UMN community can observe Día de los Muertos and support those who are celebrating.
How does the UMN community celebrate Día de los Muertos?
We have always created an ofrenda in the department. Sometimes, student groups create an ofrenda, too, like Mi Gente on the 2nd floor of the union. We build the altar and then during DDLM, we invite a local Danza Azteca group to come and bless the space with ceremony and teachings.
How can UMN staff/students support those who are celebrating Día de los Muertos?
Talk about their own ancestors who have passed, and take small moments to reflect on the cycles of life.
Join our ASR DEI Community of Practice
Subscribe to our DEI Google Group to discuss the latest news, connect with the committee, and keep up-to-date with DEI initiatives. More resources and information about the DEI committee can be found on the ASR Intranet.Open Enrollment
As a reminder, Open Enrollment is from November 1 to November 30. It is the period when you can make changes to your benefits for the next calendar year, and is generally the only time that you can change your benefits options, unless you have a qualifying life event like marriage, childbirth, or divorce. Open Enrollment is also when the University announces benefit plan changes and biweekly contribution rates for the next calendar year. The choices you make during Open Enrollment take effect on January 1. For more information, see Open Enrollment.
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Update from Stacey
I struggle to balance my desire to be a well-informed citizen with the weight of the national and international news. Most present on my mind recently, probably like many of you, has been the escalating war in Israel and Gaza. After reading the University-wide messages, I want to emphasize a few points.
We need to remember that we have members of our community directly impacted by this news and to provide flexibility and kindness. Staff, faculty, and students may have loved ones in that region, and they greet the news or their text messages with increasing dread. This prevents people from being able to pay the same level of attention to their work or studies. I encourage folks to take advantage of the many mental health resources we have available through the University.
President Ettinger also noted in his message that “our differences can heighten during times of crisis and conflict,” and that you are encouraged to report any bias incidents on campus to the Bias Response and Referral Network.
Finally, I was in conversation with someone whose daughter was stuck in Israel after her outbound flights to the U.S. were canceled. Thankfully, she was supported by Project Dynamo, along with several other U.S. citizens, and safely landed in the U.S. this weekend. As we think about making donations as part of the Community Fund Drive, I’m planning to contribute to the Tina Rovic Falkner Memorial Scholarship and make a donation to Project Dynamo as well.
We need to remember that we have members of our community directly impacted by this news and to provide flexibility and kindness. Staff, faculty, and students may have loved ones in that region, and they greet the news or their text messages with increasing dread. This prevents people from being able to pay the same level of attention to their work or studies. I encourage folks to take advantage of the many mental health resources we have available through the University.
President Ettinger also noted in his message that “our differences can heighten during times of crisis and conflict,” and that you are encouraged to report any bias incidents on campus to the Bias Response and Referral Network.
Finally, I was in conversation with someone whose daughter was stuck in Israel after her outbound flights to the U.S. were canceled. Thankfully, she was supported by Project Dynamo, along with several other U.S. citizens, and safely landed in the U.S. this weekend. As we think about making donations as part of the Community Fund Drive, I’m planning to contribute to the Tina Rovic Falkner Memorial Scholarship and make a donation to Project Dynamo as well.
ASR’s Best in Show: Community Fund Drive 2023
The Community Fund Drive is the University of Minnesota’s annual charitable giving campaign where employees can donate through payroll deduction or make a one-time donation. There are many ways to give, including donating to charities, nonprofits, and on-campus fundraising events.
ASR is participating in the fund drive by hosting ASR’s Best in Show! Yes, you read that right. We’re hosting a pet (or not-a-pet) contest! There are two ways to participate:
Voting will take place in person on Thursday, November 9 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in Williamson 130J and 333D Bruininks Hall. You can cast your vote in each category by donating cash (and cash only). Winners will be determined by the total dollar amount of the “votes.” The donations will go toward the Twin Cities Student Success Fund. So come on in and vote for your favorite pet!
If you’re unable to come in person, you can still make donations to the Community Fund Drive online. If you want your donations to count towards the Best in Show votes, send a screenshot of your donation to asrcentral@umn.edu and include which photo(s) you would like to put the money towards.
ASR is participating in the fund drive by hosting ASR’s Best in Show! Yes, you read that right. We’re hosting a pet (or not-a-pet) contest! There are two ways to participate:
- Submitting a picture of you pet(s)
- Voting for your favorite pets with a cash donation
Voting will take place in person on Thursday, November 9 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in Williamson 130J and 333D Bruininks Hall. You can cast your vote in each category by donating cash (and cash only). Winners will be determined by the total dollar amount of the “votes.” The donations will go toward the Twin Cities Student Success Fund. So come on in and vote for your favorite pet!
If you’re unable to come in person, you can still make donations to the Community Fund Drive online. If you want your donations to count towards the Best in Show votes, send a screenshot of your donation to asrcentral@umn.edu and include which photo(s) you would like to put the money towards.
Employee Engagement Survey
As a reminder, the Employee Engagement Survey became available on Monday, October 16 and will close on November 3. The link to the survey was sent from UofMNSurvey@qualtrics-survey.com and should be available to take in your inbox. The survey is the most consistent opportunity for you to share your feedback with ASR and the University. So please set aside 10-15 minutes to take the survey.
When you take the survey, some of the questions will refer to terms such as your “department” or “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
- Department – Your ASR department (OCM, OTR, OSF, ASR IT, One Stop, OSI)
- Manager – Your direct supervisor (person who does your performance review)
Project Request and Prioritization process
We are pleased to announce the launch of the ASR project request and prioritization process! Moving forward, all projects must be submitted via the Project Request for consideration. The guidelines for submission and process details can be found on the ASR Staff Site. Anyone is welcome to submit a project request, but we recommend that your leadership is aligned with the proposed project before submitting the request.
Project requests will be prioritized by the ASR Directors on a quarterly basis. However, it is encouraged to submit a project request as soon as you have the details. This will provide ample time to gather information and provide early visibility into potential projects.
Upcoming quarter dates and deadlines:
Project requests will be prioritized by the ASR Directors on a quarterly basis. However, it is encouraged to submit a project request as soon as you have the details. This will provide ample time to gather information and provide early visibility into potential projects.
Upcoming quarter dates and deadlines:
- Deadline for project requests is December 15, 2023
- Project prioritization meeting is scheduled for January 10, 2024
- Quarterly planning period begins on February 5, 2024
Operations & Strategic Initiatives
Operations
Projects
Training
UX & Content Strategy
- Annual review of our Williamson Hall building emergency plan and ASR’s Continuity of Operations plan is happening.
- The annual space survey was completed last week. Each year departments are asked to look at the space they are responsible for and ensure that everything is accounted for accurately.
- Completed the New American Indian Scholars Program workflow in Jadu and it is ready for launch.
- The Projects team is providing project management coaching for lead staff working on the FAFSA Simplification project through the launch in spring 2024.
- We continue to partner with the ASR Application Development team to provide ongoing UX & Business Analysis to support their work intake and refinement.
- The Projects team has taken on the OIT PI Planning coordination efforts for ASR. We have been meeting with all ASR-IT and business unit teams to ensure our collaborative efforts with OIT are submitted to the appropriate OIT agile team for prioritization in the coming quarter.
- To coincide with the Coursedog launch, OSI Training created four new training courses that teach Coursedog authors and approvers across the University the basics of the new system.
- OSI Training is beginning to create an updated online FERPA training.
- The team has been supporting the FAFSA Simplification effort mandated by changes at the federal level. There are many changes related to terminology, so a thorough review of forms, emails, and web content is underway. The team is also helping ensure that students and families are aware of the changes and this year’s delayed availability of the FAFSA form.
- Following a redesign of the DORS website, an awareness campaign was kicked off so that the campus community is aware of the benefits of using DORS. This effort is based on feedback from users saying they wished more people knew about DORS.
- The 2022-2023 annual report process has kicked off. This is an update of a publication initiated for the previous academic year (linked on the ASR website homepage). An area of focus for this year’s project is documenting the sources of data we publish.
- We’re also starting a content review of the One Stop website. This annual process ensures that all the content is accurate and trustworthy.
WorkflowGen retirement update
The work to retire ASR WorkflowGen (WFG) processes is well underway. ASR units have been hard at work planning, analyzing, and developing solutions for our WorkflowGen processes. ASR currently still supports 22 active processes in WFG, and we’ve already transitioned/retired 6 processes from our portfolio over the past several months. OIT has provided further details about the necessity for retirement of WorkflowGen from central IT support and planning, which is based on:
- The lack of IT specialists within business units to build and maintain the complex development of their WFG processes
- WFG’s reliance on older, unsupported .net technologies
- The need for significant OIT technical resources due to WFG’s frequent performance failures
- Data security constraints
- WFG being out of compliance with UMN Accessibility standards for WCAG 2.1 AA
ASR’s work to retire our WFG processes is critical to the success of the overall project, and we appreciate the time and effort that ASR staff is committing to this work. For details about ASR’s processes and progress, see our WorkflowGen Retirement Status Update.
Change of College update and terminology review
In the summer of 2023, representatives from OUE and ASR collaborated to improve change of college (internally known as ICT—Intra Campus Transfer) processes and definitions. The ICT working group asked the ASR UX & Content Strategy team for assistance on this project. So far, the team has helped with:
Gathering student feedback is crucial when altering a student-facing process. The UX team partnered with Usability Services to conduct a terminology review with over 100 student participants. These results will impact how the ICT working group defines the change of college process for both students and staff. The ICT group aims to share this improved definition and process by early November 2023.
- Journey mapping
- Conducting advisor and transfer advisor interviews
- Gathering transfer-related Google Analytics information
- Organizing and managing a UX team content plan
- Participating in weekly ICT working group meetings
- Developing a terminology review worksheet and working with Usability Services
Gathering student feedback is crucial when altering a student-facing process. The UX team partnered with Usability Services to conduct a terminology review with over 100 student participants. These results will impact how the ICT working group defines the change of college process for both students and staff. The ICT group aims to share this improved definition and process by early November 2023.
Veterans Appreciation
Please join us to celebrate Veterans Day at the 14th Annual Veterans Appreciation Event (click the link to add the event to your Google calendar)! This event is free and open to the public. We hope you will join us for pizza, entertainment, and a community partner information fair.
Please also consider filling out a thank you note for a military-affiliated student, colleague, friend, or a loved one. These notes will be projected on a screen during the event. To honor the privacy of others, names and identifying information will be removed from submissions prior to sharing these words of gratitude at the event. Please submit your note by Friday, November 3.
14th Annual Veterans Appreciation Event
Thursday, November 9, 2023
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Coffman Memorial Union, Great Hall
No RSVP Required
14th Annual Veterans Appreciation Event
Thursday, November 9, 2023
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Coffman Memorial Union, Great Hall
No RSVP Required
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
History of Israel Palestine conflict resources
For those who, like us, are interested in gaining a better understanding of the historical context of the Middle East and the present-day situation, we are sharing the following resources. This is nowhere near a comprehensive list, but it is a place to start:
Campus-Specific Resources
“My Role in Equity & Diversity” Workshop offered October 25
The Office of Equity and Diversity is partnering with the Wellbeing Program to offer their foundational workshop “My Role in Equity & Diversity” next Wednesday, October 25 via Zoom. If you were unable to register for this workshop this fall, this could be a great opportunity to attend and receive 250 wellbeing points!
Join our ASR DEI Community of Practice
For those who, like us, are interested in gaining a better understanding of the historical context of the Middle East and the present-day situation, we are sharing the following resources. This is nowhere near a comprehensive list, but it is a place to start:
- On Palestine, Noam Chomsky and Ilan Pappé (book)
- My Promised Land: The Triumph and Tragedy of Israel, Ari Shavit (book)
- Arabs and Israelis: Conflict and Peacemaking in the Middle East, Abdel Monem Said Aly, Shai Feldman, Khalil Shikaki (book)
- Ten films to watch about the history of the Israel-Palestine conflict (Aljeezera)
- Israel Gaza war: History of the conflict explained (BBC)
Campus-Specific Resources
The Office of Equity and Diversity is partnering with the Wellbeing Program to offer their foundational workshop “My Role in Equity & Diversity” next Wednesday, October 25 via Zoom. If you were unable to register for this workshop this fall, this could be a great opportunity to attend and receive 250 wellbeing points!
Join our ASR DEI Community of Practice
Subscribe to our DEI Google Group to discuss the latest news, connect with the committee, and keep up-to-date with DEI initiatives. More resources and information about the DEI committee can be found on the ASR Intranet.
Staff recognition
Shout out to Paul Enestvedt and Moses Ngombe! They’ve put in a great effort on the buildout of the Admissions subject area of the Enterprise Data Warehouse, which paved the way for the new UM Analytics dashboard for Undergraduate Admissions. This replaces the New Student Enrollment Dashboard: Freshmen (NHS) report and supports admissions staff tracking progress towards enrollment goals throughout the admissions cycle. We also want to thank the rest of the Student Data Analytics (SDA) team for covering additional work as this dashboard was prioritized.
ASR Staff Engagement October 19 Survey
This week’s ASR Staff Engagement Survey continues our fall theme. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences!
Last survey, Honeycrisp apples received the most votes when asked for your favorite type of apple (48.3%) with Pink Lady following behind (10.3%). Most say that they like pumpkin spice but only in moderation (48.3%). When asked about your fall decorating plans, there was a fairly even split between those who are not planning to decorate (44.8%), and those that already have decorated (37.9%).
Finally, we asked about your favorite establishment to buy a hot drink. Caribou and Dunn Brothers were mentioned most along with several local establishments highlighted below. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.
October 5, 2023 survey results
What is your favorite type of apple?
Last survey, Honeycrisp apples received the most votes when asked for your favorite type of apple (48.3%) with Pink Lady following behind (10.3%). Most say that they like pumpkin spice but only in moderation (48.3%). When asked about your fall decorating plans, there was a fairly even split between those who are not planning to decorate (44.8%), and those that already have decorated (37.9%).
Finally, we asked about your favorite establishment to buy a hot drink. Caribou and Dunn Brothers were mentioned most along with several local establishments highlighted below. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.
October 5, 2023 survey results
What is your favorite type of apple?
- Honeycrisp (48.3%)
- Pink Lady (10.3%)
- Haralson (6.9%)
- Granny Smith (3.4%)
- Golden Delicious (3.4%)
- I love it! (24.1%)
- I like it, but only in moderation (48.3%)
- I don’t like it (24.1%)
- I’m not sure (3.4%)
- Yes, I already have! (37.9%)
- Yes, I plan to decorate (6.9%)
- I’m not sure (10.3%)
- No, I’m not planning to decorate (44.8%)
- Oliver’s
- Corner Coffee! Locations in NE Mpls, North Loop, North Mpls, & Uptown
- Claddagh Coffee (St. Paul)
- The Finnish Bistro - cafe/coffee shop on Como
- Caydence Records & Coffee
- My own home
- Scooters!
Thursday, October 5, 2023
Update from Stacey
I’ve recently returned from a Big Ten meeting, where a group of Office of the Registrar staff and myself met with our colleagues. We gathered at the hard to get to, but very scenic, Penn State campus. These annual meetings bring us together with peer institutions’ staff, so we can set strategy for Campus Solutions or other student information systems, select vendors (which span from chatbots to degree audit to CRM tools), and share many of the same struggles and achievements.
I find these meetings generally energizing. They are a good opportunity to remember how good we have it. One of our strengths is our organizational structure, which brings together the expertise of our different units. I continue to see other institutions who are resistant to sharing knowledge with their financial aid or One Stop peers, and I am so grateful for what we have. Thank you all for your work and support of the University of Minnesota as a whole!
On another note, I want to encourage each of you to respond to the University’s employee engagement survey, which HR will launch on October 16. The University uses the survey to collect data and measure employee engagement across the system. In the two years since the last survey, several of our units focused on employee engagement work around helping staff know each other better. Particularly in our hybrid work environment, we need to be attentive to developing and maintaining relationships.
The Office of the Registrar uses an employee slide deck with photos and information to help staff understand the individual’s work and personal interests. The Office of Classroom Management focuses on team-building and getting to know each other through potlucks, newsletters, and cross-functional projects. One Stop and Office of the Registrar also collaborate by introducing staff across these units to each other.
These are just a few examples, but are important highlights. What helps you get to know each other? What would you like to see at the ASR level? Think about this as you respond to the survey, or send me an email with a suggestion if you prefer.
I find these meetings generally energizing. They are a good opportunity to remember how good we have it. One of our strengths is our organizational structure, which brings together the expertise of our different units. I continue to see other institutions who are resistant to sharing knowledge with their financial aid or One Stop peers, and I am so grateful for what we have. Thank you all for your work and support of the University of Minnesota as a whole!
On another note, I want to encourage each of you to respond to the University’s employee engagement survey, which HR will launch on October 16. The University uses the survey to collect data and measure employee engagement across the system. In the two years since the last survey, several of our units focused on employee engagement work around helping staff know each other better. Particularly in our hybrid work environment, we need to be attentive to developing and maintaining relationships.
The Office of the Registrar uses an employee slide deck with photos and information to help staff understand the individual’s work and personal interests. The Office of Classroom Management focuses on team-building and getting to know each other through potlucks, newsletters, and cross-functional projects. One Stop and Office of the Registrar also collaborate by introducing staff across these units to each other.
These are just a few examples, but are important highlights. What helps you get to know each other? What would you like to see at the ASR level? Think about this as you respond to the survey, or send me an email with a suggestion if you prefer.
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