FA-IT update

After x amount of years in ASR, Richard Toetschinger announced his retirement, and his last day in ASR-IT will be on April 4, 2025. Richard has been a valuable member of ASR, and we wish him nothing but the best in all of his future endeavors. Andy Hill will be taking the role as interim manager for the Financial Aid-IT team in ASR-IT. Further updates will be shared as soon as they are available.

Recognizing Ramadan & Eid al-Fitr

Taking place during the ninth month of the Muslim Calendar, Ramadan is a sacred time for Muslims all over the world. During Ramadan, many Muslims observe the act of fasting between dawn and sunset. The fast is broken at the end of each day with a meal called iftar. This year, Ramadan began during the end of February and will finish towards the end of March, contingent on the sighting of the moon.

With the end of Ramadan approaching, it is important to recognize Eid al-Fitr (Eid). Eid is the "festival of breaking the fast," which takes place when the new moon is seen. Eid can last up to three days and is one of the two main festivals in Islam. During Eid, friends and family join together to enjoy food, exchange gifts, and participate in charity.

Here’s how to support those participating in Ramadan & Eid al-Fitr:

• Remember that each individual experiences the challenges of Ramadan differently and that asking someone if they are fasting can be uncomfortable.
• Remember that all religious occasions should be approached with compassion and respect.
• Be flexible with coworkers requesting time off for Ramadan and Eid as it may fall on a different day than expected because its start will depend on the new moon.
• To wish someone a good Ramadan, you can say "Ramadan Mubarak" or "Ramadan Kareem,” and to wish someone a good Eid, you can say "Eid Mubarak.”

Resources

• Guide to Observances: Ramadan
• What are Eid al-Fitr and Ramadan and how do Muslims mark them?
• When is Ramadan 2025?
• 5 ways to support staff observing Ramadan

Questions on the Project Request & Prioritization process?

The OSI Projects Team is dedicated to continuous improvement and clear communication. If you have questions about the project request and prioritization process, please submit them using the Project Request & Prioritization process Google form. Be as specific as possible to help us provide better support for everyone involved!

ASR Staff Engagement March 20 Survey

This week’s ASR Engagement Survey continues our spring season theme. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.

According to the last survey, half of respondents are planning to travel during the spring (50%). Similarly, just over half of respondents prefer sunny spring days (52.9%) over rainy spring days (17.6%).

Finally, we asked for the first signs of spring in your area. Several folks mentioned muddy footprints from their kids or pets. Robins appearing and trees budding were also frequent responses. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

March 6 survey results

Are you planning to travel during spring?

• Yes (50%)
• No (50%)
• I’m not sure (0%)

Do you prefer rainy or sunny spring days?

• Rainy (17.6%)
• Sunny (52.9%)
• I love both equally! (29.4%)

What is one of the first signs of spring in your area?

• Muddy footprints in my house from my dog or kids
• Crocus popping up and blooming
• Bike events start all over MN! Races, rides, etc.
• The sight of robin and blue jay birds landing on the neighbor's shrub
• Cadbury Easter Eggs!
• Buds on the trees
• Later sunsets
• Tulips

Update from Stacey

It’s that in between time of year where one day I run outdoors, and the next day we have 7+ inches of snow. Uncertainty seems to be a theme right now, whether it is the weather or how the department of education might change under its new leadership. At the March 27 all staff assembly, I and the DEI committee plan to talk about how the University is responding to some of these changes, such as the Dear Colleague Letter that was released a few weeks ago. I hope you are able to join us for the assembly.

Meanwhile, I have been in performance appraisal mode reading about your many accomplishments this year. I really appreciate your efforts. Thank you!

Project Request deadline today

If you have a project request for Q4 2025 (May-July), please submit your requests by today, March 6. Full details of the project request process, the complete ASR quarterly planning calendar, and additional resources are available on the ASR Staff Site.

Dates and deadlines for Q4 2025:

• Project request deadline: March 6
• Project prioritization meeting: April 10
• Start of ASR planning quarter: May 5

Reach out to osi-projects@umn.edu with any questions.

Rapid Response website

Due to the number of recent policy changes and reversals introduced by the new presidential administration, the University of Minnesota has created the Rapid Response website to share the latest updates on a range of issues. A group of University leaders are monitoring developments and assessing how these changes affect our community and operations systemwide. You can view the University’s response to each issue on the Rapid Response website by topic, including Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Federal Immigration Policies, the Department of Education, and National Institute of Health (NIH) Funding.

International Women’s Day: Accelerate Action

International Women's Day (IWD), observed annually on March 8, celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide while advocating for gender equality. Beginning in 1909 and eventually garnering international attention in 1975, IWD celebrates a different campaign theme each year. Accelerate Action is the campaign for 2025, which calls for urgency in addressing the systemic barriers that women face around the globe.

At the current rate of progress, we will not reach full gender equality until 2158, according to the World Economic Forum. You can help accelerate that progress by going to events that support and celebrate women, donating to women-centered or led organizations, or even just expanding your knowledge about notable women and their achievements.

Notable women from Minnesota

• Lena O. Smith (1885-1966): A prominent civil rights lawyer and activist, Lena O. Smith was the first African American woman licensed to practice law in Minnesota and fought for civil rights in the Twin Cities.
• Nellie Stone Johnson (1905-2002): A fearless labor organizer and civil rights activist, Nellie Stone Johnson was the first Black elected official in Minneapolis when she won a seat on the library board and also helped found the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party.
• Ann Bancroft (b. 1955): One of the world’s leading arctic explorers, Ann Bancroft was the first woman to cross the ice by dogsled to the North pole, then later led an all-women team to the South Pole.

University of Minnesota IWD Events

• Predatory Data: Feminist Resistance to Eugenics in Big Tech
• Join Dr. Anita Say Chan on March 6, 2025, 5-7 p.m. at the Humphrey Forum (105) as she talks about her new book, Predatory Data: Eugenics in Big Tech and Our Fight for an Independent Future.
• The Women’s Center’s Events and Programs
• The Women’s Center offers signature programs, such as Celebrating Changemakers, and ongoing initiatives, like Feminist Fridays and Our Voices, which centers the voices of indigenous women and women of color students.

Mental Wellness in the Workplace

Managing burnout: Conversation starters

Based on your feedback, we are offering resources to help you identify when your workload is too much and how to have conversations about stress, burnout, and workload with your supervisor.

From staff to supervisor 

• What am I doing that is working well and why? What am I doing that needs to change? 
•  What do you see as the highest priorities for me right now? What are lower priorities? 
• Could we discuss re-evaluating/postponing/removing X from my workload? 
•  What parts of my work are most important for you to be up to date on and how can we check-in? Where can I be more autonomous? 
• What projects or tasks do you think are coming around the corner? 
• What would you like to know about my work? 
• What causes you to feel stressed related to my work? What gives you confidence? 
•  What skills do you think are most important for me to work on to support my career progression? What steps should I be taking? 
•  If I need help with something, what's the best way to get your input or support? 
• Is there anything I need to know about you or the team to support you right now? I feel it’s important for you to know… 

See our additional resources on having meaningful conversations.

Join the Mental Wellness in the Workplace Committee

Are you interested in shaping and supporting mental wellness in ASR? The Mental Wellness in the Workplace Committee is looking for new members, and welcome anyone interested to join us! Depending on our workload and capacity, we meet about every two weeks. If you are interested in joining or have any questions, you can reach out to a committee member.

CPR/AED Familiarization training opportunities

University Health and Safety offers a monthly free one-hour class that teaches you what to do in the event of sudden cardiac arrest. You will learn hands-only CPR and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). This class is not for professional certification, but provides the fundamental knowledge to help save a life in an emergency. If you’re interested in the class, you can register in Training Hub (course UHS906).

Digital Playground

The next Digital Playground session will be on March 12 at 9 a.m. The topic will be Zoom features and tools. If you haven’t already, join the Google Group to find recordings and resources from previous sessions. If you have any questions or would like to join the Google group, reach out to Pete Fleenor (fleen010@umn.edu).

ASR Staff Engagement March 6 Survey

This week’s ASR Engagement Survey examines the spring season. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.

According to the last survey, most say they are either satisfied with their current workspace(s) (41.9%) or very satisfied (32.3%). When asked about adding one element to your workspace, many responses mentioned updating lighting or a better chair or desk.

Finally, we asked about your “go-to” lunch meals. Most folks mentioned sandwiches (with a few specific shout-outs to Potbelly), followed by salads, and leftovers from the night before. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

February 20 survey results

On a scale from 1 (not satisfied) to 5 (very satisfied), how satisfied are you with your current workspace(s)?

• 1 (0%)
• 2 (0%)
• 3 (25.8%)
• 4 (41.9%)
• 5 (32.3%)

If you could add one element to your workspace, what would it be?

• Adjustable lighting
• More enclosed spaces (even without video conferencing ability) for undisturbed work time
• Cute but functional and ergonometric stationary, vertical pen holder, and mug warmer
• Christmas/Fairy lights
• A poster of a cat that says "hang in there"
• Sit-stand desk!
• An ergonomic chair that isn't ugly
• Windows!
• A better chair for my home office

What's your 'go-to' lunch meal?

• Potbelly Mediterranean sandwich!
• Any type of pasta/noodle dish along with a salad (fruit, greens, veggies, etc)
• Leftovers from yesterday's dinner
• Caesar salad every day (classic)
• Large salad w/protein
• When we don't have leftovers, frozen potstickers!
• I cook "dinner" for lunch. It's the main meal of the day in my home. So something warm and filling, always.
• Meat and Cheese - the adult "Lunchable"!