Do you have a summer reading list? Do you read different things during the summer? I’ve found that I read without much regard to the season and read my usual mix of fiction and nonfiction. I just finished After Annie by Anna Quindlen and Inheritance by Dani Shapiro. I started Deacon King Kong by James McBride this week, and I’m also reading High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard at the recommendation of my spouse. Please share any recommendations you have for great reads this summer!
On a slightly more work-related note, I’m looking forward to seeing folks at the ASR picnic in a few weeks to celebrate all of the great work you’ve done in the last year and enjoy each other’s company.
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
ASR in-person all-staff and picnic
The picnic is coming up on Thursday, July 25! We’ll be meeting in Bruininks Hall 230 at 9 a.m. for the all-staff assembly, where we’ll be highlighting and celebrating each ASR unit and their successes. Individual team time will follow the assembly and the picnic will begin at 11:45 a.m. Please don’t forget to fill out the food order form by end of day Friday, June 28. If you haven’t already, please share the food form with your student workers as well. We’d love for them to join us!
Agenda
Agenda
- 9 - 9:05 - Intro from Stacey
- 9:05 - 10:45 - Director showcase - 15 minutes each
- 10:45 - 11:45 - Team time
- 11:45 - 1:00 - Lunch
- 1:00 - Wellness afternoon (mark calendar as focus time)
Staff recognition
Congratulations to all in ASR who have worked on the UM Reports Retirement project and brought us to completion on time! We have successfully replaced 10 highly used and critical reports, and retired 29 reports that were no longer meeting end user needs. A big thank you to SDA, ASR-IT, OTR, and OSI for your efforts in stakeholder analysis, development and testing of report replacements, providing ad hoc queries and fulfilling data requests, and communications support and coordination with OIT and the Enterprise Data Management and Reporting (EDMR) team. This has been a true collaborative effort to get us to the finish line.
Pride Month: Drag as resistance. Drag as joy.
From performing in Shakespeare plays to hosting “drag balls,” the art of drag is an important part of LGBTQIA+ history and activism. Drag is a performance art that uses costumes, makeup, and other tools to present a theatrical exaggeration of gender. It challenges gender norms and critiques inequalities. However, in 2022, some US states introduced legislative measures regarding where and when drag can be performed. This fueled harmful rhetoric and misconceptions about the art form itself, which is not the first time drag has come under scrutiny.
Drag culture is as old as human culture. Many indigenous cultures practiced long-standing traditions of gender variance and non-binary identities. One of the first known drag queens was William Dorsey Swann, a formerly enslaved man, who began hosting drag dances at his Washington, DC home in 1882. Frequently raided by police, his dances were some of the first recorded acts of resistance in America’s fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Nino Testa, an associate professor at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, says, “The pleasure was the resistance…The celebration of queer joy when it’s been denied in all these other spaces is activism.”
Drag has played an essential role in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, including the Stonewall riots of 1969. Drag performers were among those who took a stand against the mistreatment they experienced. This sparked a series of protests that paved the way for modern LGBTQ+ activism today. As we near the end of Pride Month, we encourage you to not only continue learning about LGBTQIA+ history but to celebrate it too! While drag is activism and resistance, it is also a source of joy for people of all ages, races, and genders around the world. Check out the upcoming Twin Cities Pride events, which includes drag bingo, drag shows, and drag brunches!
Drag culture is as old as human culture. Many indigenous cultures practiced long-standing traditions of gender variance and non-binary identities. One of the first known drag queens was William Dorsey Swann, a formerly enslaved man, who began hosting drag dances at his Washington, DC home in 1882. Frequently raided by police, his dances were some of the first recorded acts of resistance in America’s fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Nino Testa, an associate professor at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, says, “The pleasure was the resistance…The celebration of queer joy when it’s been denied in all these other spaces is activism.”
Drag has played an essential role in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, including the Stonewall riots of 1969. Drag performers were among those who took a stand against the mistreatment they experienced. This sparked a series of protests that paved the way for modern LGBTQ+ activism today. As we near the end of Pride Month, we encourage you to not only continue learning about LGBTQIA+ history but to celebrate it too! While drag is activism and resistance, it is also a source of joy for people of all ages, races, and genders around the world. Check out the upcoming Twin Cities Pride events, which includes drag bingo, drag shows, and drag brunches!
ASR Staff Engagement June 27 Survey
This week’s ASR Staff Engagement Survey examines professional development. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.
According to the last survey, most feel that they receive enough feedback at work (68.8%). When asked about their preferences for receiving feedback, most did not have a preference (59.4%) followed by those that prefer to receive feedback verbally in-person or in a virtual meeting (25%). In addition, most say that they feel their feedback is valued (59.4%).
Finally, we asked about your favorite hot dog toppings. Mustard received the most votes followed by a tie between ketchup and onions (raw or cooked). Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated. Results from the last survey are available below.
June 13 survey results
Do you feel that you receive enough feedback at work?
According to the last survey, most feel that they receive enough feedback at work (68.8%). When asked about their preferences for receiving feedback, most did not have a preference (59.4%) followed by those that prefer to receive feedback verbally in-person or in a virtual meeting (25%). In addition, most say that they feel their feedback is valued (59.4%).
Finally, we asked about your favorite hot dog toppings. Mustard received the most votes followed by a tie between ketchup and onions (raw or cooked). Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated. Results from the last survey are available below.
June 13 survey results
Do you feel that you receive enough feedback at work?
- Yes (68.8%)
- No (12.5%)
- I’m not sure (18.8%)
- Verbally in-person or in a virtual meeting (25%)
- In an email or chat (12.5%)
- I don’t have a preference (59.4%)
- I’m not sure (3.1%)
- Yes (59.4%)
- No (0%)
- Sometimes, but not always (40.6%)
- I’m not sure (0%)
- Mustard (65.6%)
- Ketchup (50%)
- Raw or cooked onion (50%)
- Relish/pickles (25%)
- Peppers (6.3%)
Tony's Tech Terms
Are you curious about what happens in one of our applications when you access it via a web browser?
- Accessing the Website: When you click a link or type a web address, your web browser sends a request to our server.
- Server Reception: Our server receives your request.
- Routing the Request: The server has a system (called a router) that figures out what to do with your request.
- Processing the Request: The router directs your request to a part of the application (called a controller) that knows how to handle it.
- Fetching Data: The controller uses a set of rules (called a model) to interact with our database and get the information you need.
- Sending Back the Data: The information is sent back through the controller which then sends a response to your web browser.
- Displaying the Web Page: Finally, your web browser receives the response and displays the web page for you.
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Update from Stacey
This morning, the Board of Regents approved the budget, which includes tuition increases and a 3% merit pool to units for salary increases. This merit pool is allocated to civil service and P&A staff (labor-represented increases are determined by collective bargaining). With this official decision, we are able to finalize the plans we’ve prepared for salary increases. We always wish we could do more for our staff, but we’ve worked hard to stretch our dollars as far as possible. I will share more details soon, and we will email civil service and P&A staff a notice regarding their salary, likely in early July.
Bob McMaster will be giving his last enrollment management update to the Board of Regents later today. I have greatly appreciated Bob’s in-depth knowledge of enrollment and financial aid data, the product of his interest in data and 16 years of experience in the role. I am looking forward to working with Raj Singh as Vice Provost of Undergraduate Education, effective July 1. We are already starting the onboarding process, and he is very much aware of the importance of Academic Support Resources for the entire University. Thank you all, as always, for the roles you play in our work.
Bob McMaster will be giving his last enrollment management update to the Board of Regents later today. I have greatly appreciated Bob’s in-depth knowledge of enrollment and financial aid data, the product of his interest in data and 16 years of experience in the role. I am looking forward to working with Raj Singh as Vice Provost of Undergraduate Education, effective July 1. We are already starting the onboarding process, and he is very much aware of the importance of Academic Support Resources for the entire University. Thank you all, as always, for the roles you play in our work.
Astra to be replaced with 25Live
After completing the Request for Proposal (RFP) process, CollegeNET was selected as the vendor to replace Astra for the University’s class and room scheduling system. The project will kick off with the vendor in late July, with an expected launch in June 2025. Astra will continue to be the University’s class and room scheduling system until 25Live launches.
ASR Work management tool
After reviewing several vendors, ClickUp was selected as ASR’s new work management tool. ClickUp demonstrated the ability to meet our diverse needs and strategic planning efforts. It was the only tool that allows us configuration and customization at every level of our organization, while still working within the same space. Some highlights include:
- Functional hierarchy that can meet the organizational structure of our various units and teams.
- Customizable external views that enable sharing information with our University partners.
- The ability to assign a task to multiple users and/or teams.
Pride Month
Pride Month is celebrated in June to honor the Stonewall riots of 1969, a significant event in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. These riots, triggered by a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City, ignited a series of protests and activism that paved the way for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Pride Month serves as both a celebration of the progress made and a protest against ongoing discrimination and inequality. Twin Cities Pride, which celebrates its 52nd anniversary, is deeply rooted in the history of LGBTQ+ activism in Minnesota.
The University of Minnesota has a unique connection to Pride. The University of Minnesota plays a significant role in preserving and highlighting LGBTQIA+ history through its Jean-Nickolaus Tretter Collection in Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies. This collection is a vital resource for researchers and the public, housing a vast array of documents, artifacts, and personal stories that reflect the rich history and diverse experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community.
One notable Minnesota figure connected to this collection is Leo Joshua Skir, a pioneering gay Jewish activist. Skir, also known by his pen name "Leo Ebreo," was an influential member of the New York Mattachine Society and a founding member of the Gay Activists Alliance along with Arthur Bell, Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and Marty Robinson. His work and advocacy are well-documented within the Tretter Collection, providing invaluable insights into the early LGBTQIA+ rights movement and the intersection of Jewish and gay identities. Thanks to Josemy Morales who brought the story of Skir to our attention.
Looking to learn more?
The University of Minnesota has a unique connection to Pride. The University of Minnesota plays a significant role in preserving and highlighting LGBTQIA+ history through its Jean-Nickolaus Tretter Collection in Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies. This collection is a vital resource for researchers and the public, housing a vast array of documents, artifacts, and personal stories that reflect the rich history and diverse experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community.
One notable Minnesota figure connected to this collection is Leo Joshua Skir, a pioneering gay Jewish activist. Skir, also known by his pen name "Leo Ebreo," was an influential member of the New York Mattachine Society and a founding member of the Gay Activists Alliance along with Arthur Bell, Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and Marty Robinson. His work and advocacy are well-documented within the Tretter Collection, providing invaluable insights into the early LGBTQIA+ rights movement and the intersection of Jewish and gay identities. Thanks to Josemy Morales who brought the story of Skir to our attention.
Looking to learn more?
SQL weekly training sessions
Interested in learning more about SQL? It’s the coding language most people use to query data from PeopleSoft. Powerful and easy to learn, SQL can query for mass amounts of data or update thousands of rows of data all at once. Anyone in ASR is welcome to learn about the basics of SQL in our weekly training sessions hosted by David Norman:
- Beginner sessions on Thursdays at 9 a.m.
- Intermediate/advanced “Deep Dives” (all skill levels welcome) on Wednesdays at 9 a.m.
ASR Staff Engagement June 13 Survey
This week’s ASR Engagement Survey asks about feedback at work. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.
According to the last survey, half of respondents are planning to travel out of state this summer (50%). When asked if you would rather go to the beach or to a mountain, just over half say that they would rather go to the beach (56%). Finally, we asked about one of your favorite things to do locally during the summer. Biking, going to a farmers’ market, and hanging out on the patio were mentioned most frequently.
Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated. The results from the last survey are available below.
May 30 survey results
Are you planning to travel out of state this summer?
According to the last survey, half of respondents are planning to travel out of state this summer (50%). When asked if you would rather go to the beach or to a mountain, just over half say that they would rather go to the beach (56%). Finally, we asked about one of your favorite things to do locally during the summer. Biking, going to a farmers’ market, and hanging out on the patio were mentioned most frequently.
Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated. The results from the last survey are available below.
May 30 survey results
Are you planning to travel out of state this summer?
- Yes (50%)
- No (38.5%)
- I’m not sure (11.5%)
- Beach (56%)
- Mountain Range (36%)
- Neither please! (8%)
- Walk around the lakes
- Camping on the North Shore, looking for agates
- Try some new food trucks!
- Ride bikes - so many great urban trails!
- Mill City Farmer's Market, music at Lake Harriet Bandshell, and outdoor yoga
Tony's tech terms: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
In March 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a significant ruling under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) aimed at enhancing web and mobile app accessibility for people with disabilities. This ruling mandates that state and local governments ensure their digital content and services comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA. This includes making web content such as text, images, videos, and documents, as well as mobile apps, accessible to individuals with disabilities.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a set of standards designed to make websites accessible to everyone. They ensure web content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. This means that all users, regardless of their abilities, can access and navigate online content effectively.
The App Dev team is analyzing our applications to see what changes we need to make to meet the new standards. We have two years to bring all of our applications into compliance. This includes internal tools like TFMS and Student Athletes as well as public-facing sites like roomsearch.umn.edu.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a set of standards designed to make websites accessible to everyone. They ensure web content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust. This means that all users, regardless of their abilities, can access and navigate online content effectively.
The App Dev team is analyzing our applications to see what changes we need to make to meet the new standards. We have two years to bring all of our applications into compliance. This includes internal tools like TFMS and Student Athletes as well as public-facing sites like roomsearch.umn.edu.
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