ASR prioritized 7 new projects for Q4 2025 (May-July). This is in addition to the 14 projects that are currently in the analysis or implementation phase. Refer to the ASR Projects ClickUp View for a public summary of all active projects and accepted project requests.
Any project requests that were not prioritized for the upcoming quarter will be held in the project backlog for reconsideration. Please submit project requests for the next quarter (Q1 August-October) through the ASR Project Request form.
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
One Stop closure for staff event
One Stop Student Services, University Veterans Services, Graduate Student Services & Progress, Student Account Assistance, and Third-Party Billing will be closed 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21 for a staff event. This includes phone, email, and in-person services at all One Stop Student Services locations. Full service will resume at 9 a.m. on Thursday, May 22.
The details of this closure are being communicated to both staff and students across multiple platforms. Please share this information with others as needed.
The details of this closure are being communicated to both staff and students across multiple platforms. Please share this information with others as needed.
The importance of accessible content
Creating accessible content is one of the most important ways to improve the user experience. Accessible content utilizes specific tools to ensure folks of all abilities can understand the content they read. This is a crucial requirement for all organizations–around 2.5 billion people worldwide use assistive technology for digital content. The University of Minnesota community has around 90,000 people with different abilities and requirements.
You have the power to make your digital (e.g., emails, documents, forms) content an equitable and universal experience for your readers. The UMN Office of Digital Accessibility’s 7 core accessibility skills course covers how to make digital content accessible for all audiences. The course is free and available to all University staff, students, and faculty. Participants also become part of the digital accessibility badging program to show off their accomplishment. You can also learn more about the 7 core accessibility skills on the ODA website.
You have the power to make your digital (e.g., emails, documents, forms) content an equitable and universal experience for your readers. The UMN Office of Digital Accessibility’s 7 core accessibility skills course covers how to make digital content accessible for all audiences. The course is free and available to all University staff, students, and faculty. Participants also become part of the digital accessibility badging program to show off their accomplishment. You can also learn more about the 7 core accessibility skills on the ODA website.
Digital accessibility highlight: Alt text
As we work on ensuring all of ASR is compliant with Title II requirements, we will be highlighting the 7 Core Accessibility Skills that are important for everyone to learn.
Alternative text, or alt text, is a textual substitute for visual content like images, charts, videos, or presentations on a website or electronic document. Alt text ensures that anyone who is blind, low-vision, or using assistive technology can access visual content by providing an audio description to the user. This creates an equitable experience and enhances the overall user experience. Tip: You can add alt text to images in Google docs by right-clicking an image and selecting “Alt text.”
The UX and Content Strategy team will be ensuring that we have meaningful alt text on images in our materials by using accessibility evaluation tools, including PopeTech (for websites) and Grackledocs (for Google docs). You can learn more about the importance of alt text and how to write effective alt text on the ODA website.
Alternative text, or alt text, is a textual substitute for visual content like images, charts, videos, or presentations on a website or electronic document. Alt text ensures that anyone who is blind, low-vision, or using assistive technology can access visual content by providing an audio description to the user. This creates an equitable experience and enhances the overall user experience. Tip: You can add alt text to images in Google docs by right-clicking an image and selecting “Alt text.”
The UX and Content Strategy team will be ensuring that we have meaningful alt text on images in our materials by using accessibility evaluation tools, including PopeTech (for websites) and Grackledocs (for Google docs). You can learn more about the importance of alt text and how to write effective alt text on the ODA website.
AI assistants in Zoom meetings
The Office of Information Technology (OIT) recently received a surge in support tickets related to the use of third-party AI assistants (e.g., otter.ai, fireflies.ai, not.ai) in Zoom meetings and webinars. The use of third-party AI assistants in any UMN environment is prohibited because of the security risk it poses to University data and private information.
To ensure University data is protected, take the following actions:
For more information on the use of AI at the University, see Artificial Intelligence: Appropriate Use of Generative AI Tools. Use of supported Generative AI tools must also be consistent with the University’s Data Security Classification Policy.
To ensure University data is protected, take the following actions:
- Remove all third-party AI assistants from your devices. You may not even be aware that you’ve allowed access. Perform this check to be sure.
- Use existing security controls in your Zoom meetings set-up.
- Report instances of unexpected AI assistants in UMN-hosted Zoom meetings to security@umn.edu.
For more information on the use of AI at the University, see Artificial Intelligence: Appropriate Use of Generative AI Tools. Use of supported Generative AI tools must also be consistent with the University’s Data Security Classification Policy.
ASR Staff Engagement May 1 Survey
With a new season just around the corner, this week’s ASR Engagement Survey is summer-themed. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.
According to the last survey on meeting preferences, most prefer non-interactive presentations (54.5%) followed by those whose preference depends on the situation (42.4%). When asked about your comfort in asking questions during meetings, most say their comfort depends on the meeting (48.5%), while others say they typically feel comfortable asking questions (42.4%).
Finally, we asked what speaker you would invite to an ASR all-staff meeting if you could invite anyone. Barack Obama and Rebecca Cunningham were mentioned most frequently. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.
May 1 survey results
Do you prefer presentations that are interactive (ice breakers, games, etc). or noninteractive (listening to a speaker, etc.)?
According to the last survey on meeting preferences, most prefer non-interactive presentations (54.5%) followed by those whose preference depends on the situation (42.4%). When asked about your comfort in asking questions during meetings, most say their comfort depends on the meeting (48.5%), while others say they typically feel comfortable asking questions (42.4%).
Finally, we asked what speaker you would invite to an ASR all-staff meeting if you could invite anyone. Barack Obama and Rebecca Cunningham were mentioned most frequently. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.
May 1 survey results
Do you prefer presentations that are interactive (ice breakers, games, etc). or noninteractive (listening to a speaker, etc.)?
- Interactive (3%)
- Non-interactive (54.5%)
- I could prefer one or the other depending on the situation (42.4%)
- Yes (42.4%)
- No (9.1%)
- It depends (48.5%)
- President Cunningham
- Goldy Gopher
- President Obama
- Jeni Britton-Bauer - Founder of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams. Her philosophies on business, employee engagement, customer service, building community, innovation, and learning/growing from challenges and mistakes is really inspiring.
- Danny Devito
- I like hearing directly from the individuals doing the work.
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Update from Stacey
A common theme lately is stress. Whether it’s the news, “doom scrolling,” or concerns closer to home, I know a lot of people are under extra stress right now. So today I’m doing something a little different, and I’m asking you to check out these Somatic exercises. The “shorts” are indeed short, and there are different styles to choose from. Adding this practice has been a helpful reset midday, and I hope you give one of them a try. I highly recommend doing one as part of a lunch break. If this doesn’t turn out to be your thing, that’s ok. Perhaps a short walk or something else will fill your cup. Take care of yourself. You deserve it!
Fighting systemic and personal ableism in our work
Signed into law on July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and ensures equal opportunity in public accommodations, employment, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. While the ADA has led to opportunity and access, it cannot remove the long-standing discrimination and social prejudice against disabled people and the ableism ingrained in our culture.
Before laws like the ADA, it was perfectly legal to exclude people with disabilities from government services, employment, public schools, and even buying goods and services. This systemic ableism—discrimination and social prejudice against people with disabilities—continues today in restrictive laws and inequalities, such as allowing subminimum wages for disabled workers, or even in our own personal biases, where we inherently prefer body and mind normativity.
We can, however, challenge our biases and wield the power of alleyship by engaging with people with both visible and invisible disabilities and listening to their lived experiences. We can also reduce barriers for students, faculty, and staff in our work by:
Before laws like the ADA, it was perfectly legal to exclude people with disabilities from government services, employment, public schools, and even buying goods and services. This systemic ableism—discrimination and social prejudice against people with disabilities—continues today in restrictive laws and inequalities, such as allowing subminimum wages for disabled workers, or even in our own personal biases, where we inherently prefer body and mind normativity.
We can, however, challenge our biases and wield the power of alleyship by engaging with people with both visible and invisible disabilities and listening to their lived experiences. We can also reduce barriers for students, faculty, and staff in our work by:
- Providing both physical and digital accommodations.
- Improving accessibility in our digital content.
- Ensuring DEI is a part of the hiring process.
- Creating accessible and inclusive meetings.
- Participating in disability-related education and training.
Digital Playground
Digital Playground’s next session, Zoom: Part 2, will be on May 21 at 9 a.m. This session will build on the previous Digital Playground sessions, covering additional tools and features available in Zoom. If you haven’t already, join the Google Group to find recordings and resources from previous sessions on Zoom, Gmail, or Google Drive organization. If you have any questions or would like to join the Google group, reach out to Pete Fleenor (fleen010@umn.edu).
ASR Staff Engagement April 17 Survey
This week’s ASR Engagement Survey asks about your meeting preferences. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.
According to the last survey, most respondents stop wearing their winter coat when the temperature reaches the 50s (53.6%). When asked about your favorite flowers or plants, tulips, orchids, and hydrangeas were mentioned the most.
Finally, we asked about one country you wish you could visit during the spring. Japan, particularly for cherry blossom season, was mentioned the most, followed by the Netherlands and Italy. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.
April 3 survey results
At approximately what temperature do you stop wearing your winter coat?
According to the last survey, most respondents stop wearing their winter coat when the temperature reaches the 50s (53.6%). When asked about your favorite flowers or plants, tulips, orchids, and hydrangeas were mentioned the most.
Finally, we asked about one country you wish you could visit during the spring. Japan, particularly for cherry blossom season, was mentioned the most, followed by the Netherlands and Italy. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.
April 3 survey results
At approximately what temperature do you stop wearing your winter coat?
- Below 40 degrees (17.9%)
- 40s (28.6%)
- 50s (53.6%)
- 60s (0%)
- 70 or higher (0%)
- Saguaro blossoms
- Tina Falkner once gave me some Lantana from her garden. It's been my favorite ever since.
- Nasturtiums—they're easy to grow, smell wonderful, and you can eat them!
- Sunset runner beans—my favorite flowers (which attract hummingbirds!) and a high-production food crop.
- Sunflowers because they're so cheerful! Lilacs for the smell :)
- Moss Roses
- Pasqueflower
- The Netherlands
- Japan for cherry blossoms!
- Netherlands—I'd love to see those tulip fields!
- Italy
- France
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Update from Stacey
Thank you for attending our All Staff meeting last week. I appreciated the conversation, and I especially enjoyed seeing the chats about what currently brings you joy. I've had a rough start to the year on a personal front (all is well, just very stressful) and taking time to think about what brings me joy is really important. I have been reflecting on what parts of my job bring me the most joy and making sure I build that into my week. I really enjoy work that leads to a specific work product—something that I write or present. I think that work is a nice contrast to my meeting heavy work that is less tangible.
In my personal life, I realized I really missed performing music, and I have joined a concert band again. I play flute in the Star of the North Concert Band, and I absolutely love it. Music and group performance is magical! I hope you are finding time for joy in your work and your personal life as well.
In my personal life, I realized I really missed performing music, and I have joined a concert band again. I play flute in the Star of the North Concert Band, and I absolutely love it. Music and group performance is magical! I hope you are finding time for joy in your work and your personal life as well.
International Transgender Day of Visibility
Trans Day of Visibility, which takes place on March 31, was established in 2009 to celebrate the resilience, success, and trans joy of those in the transgender and non-binary communities. The day also gives us an opportunity to learn more about the trans and non-binary experience, including higher rates of violence and discrimination.
University of Minnesota Duluth Office of Diversity and Inclusion University of Minnesota Crookston Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- The US has seen a significant increase in legislatures targeting LGBTQ+ communities, particularly those who are transgender. According to the Trans Legislation Tracker, there are currently 821 bills impacting trans and gender non-conforming people.
- Within the trans community, Black transgender women are the most impacted by fatal violence. According to the Human Rights Campaign, who has been monitoring fatal violence against the transgender and non-conforming community since 2013, 75% of victims were transgender women of color and 62% were Black trans women.
- Policy education on gender equity and access which includes faculty guides, resources, videos, and online courses to coincide with the policy.
- Gender and Sexuality Center for Queer and Trans Life provides resources for all students, staff, faculty, alum, and community members, such as a map showing all of the all-gender restrooms on campus and LGBTQIA resources available on- and off-campus.
University of Minnesota Duluth Office of Diversity and Inclusion University of Minnesota Crookston Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- Gender-Inclusive Housing (under U of M Crookston Gender Inclusive Statement)
Need a professional headshot?
If you’re interested in getting a professional headshot taken, the University offers free headshots twice a month in Morrill Hall during the following days:
- First Tuesday of each month, 9 a.m.-noon.
- Third Wednesday of each month, noon- 3 p.m.
Digital Playground
The next Digital Playground session will be on April 9 at 9 a.m. Since the topic is open-ended, you can schedule 15 minutes to connect about your topic or question of choice. In May, the Digital Playground topic will be Zoom: Part 2. You can join the Google Group to find recordings and resources from previous sessions, such as Gmail and Google Drive organization. If you have any questions or would like to join the Google group, reach out to Pete Fleenor (fleen010@umn.edu).
ClickUp tips
When you navigate to ClickUp in a browser, it opens the first Folder in the first Space in your left-hand navigation, even if the Space is hidden. If it is opening up a Space that isn’t relevant to you, you can adjust the default order of Spaces.
- Click the three dots symbol to the left of the “Spaces” header (above “Everything”).
- Toggle “Show all Spaces” on.
- Drag the Space you want to the top of your list.
- Untoggle “Show all Spaces” so it’s off, again.
ASR Staff Engagement April 3 Survey
This week’s ASR Engagement Survey concludes our spring survey theme. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.
According to the last survey, most are planning to do some sort of “spring cleaning” this year (76.7%). When asked about your favorite spring time activities, many responses mentioned taking long walks or hikes, gardening, and going camping.
Finally, we asked about your favorite potato chip flavor. Salt and vinegar received the most votes (36.7%), followed by bbq (16.7%). Sour Cream and onion and plain chips tied at 13.3%. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.
March 20 survey results
Are you planning to do any “spring cleaning” this year?
According to the last survey, most are planning to do some sort of “spring cleaning” this year (76.7%). When asked about your favorite spring time activities, many responses mentioned taking long walks or hikes, gardening, and going camping.
Finally, we asked about your favorite potato chip flavor. Salt and vinegar received the most votes (36.7%), followed by bbq (16.7%). Sour Cream and onion and plain chips tied at 13.3%. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.
March 20 survey results
Are you planning to do any “spring cleaning” this year?
- Yes (76.7%)
- No (6.7%)
- I’m not sure (16.7%)
- Watching my kid's sports.
- Cleaning up the yard of the debris left over from the fall or by the winter storms and getting it ready for the summer.
- Opening up the cabin!
- Walking around the neighborhood admiring the spring plants. There are also a few houses around town with incredible tulip gardens that I like to visit.
- Long walks.
- Opening the windows after 6 months.
- Finally getting my bike out again!
- Plain (salted) (13.3%)
- Sour Cream and Onion (13.3%)
- BBQ (16.7%)
- Salt and Vinegar (36.7%)
- Jalapeno (10%)
- Dill Pickle (3.3%)
- Cheddar (3.3%)
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