I was at the annual American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) meeting last week, where I attended several educational sessions, met with multiple vendors, and got to sample some local New Orleans food. The conference offered me the opportunity to connect with colleagues and learn new things.
While it was not the official theme of the conference, AI was a part of many of the sessions, whether it was AI improvements from vendors, impacts on student development, or compliance issues. We also spent a lot of time discussing the implications of various federal changes, especially the impacts of H.R.1 (One Big Beautiful Bill) on financial aid. I had never been to New Orleans before, and I definitely need to take a trip there sometime where I can really experience the area more deeply.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Q4 2026 project prioritization update
ASR is starting 3 new projects for Q4 2026 (May-July). This is in addition to the 19 projects that are currently in the analysis or implementation phase. You can refer to the Executive Project Dashboard for a summary of all active projects and accepted project requests.
You can follow the #ASR Project Portfolio ClickUp channel to get updates from the quarterly prioritization and planning process. See the ClickUp help documentation for more information on channels.
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 2027) through the ASR Project Request form.
You can follow the #ASR Project Portfolio ClickUp channel to get updates from the quarterly prioritization and planning process. See the ClickUp help documentation for more information on channels.
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 2027) through the ASR Project Request form.
Making outdoor recreation accessible for all
Spring has arrived, and many of us are excited to participate in outdoor activities, like visiting parks and hiking on Minnesota’s extensive trail system. However, only about 30% of Minneapolis Park properties meet basic federal accessibility standards for disabled people, and the degree of accessibility varies from park to park across the state.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) “Accessible Outdoors” effort is actively addressing these challenges with initiatives such as providing trail chairs and renovating parks. Still, more solutions are needed to improve accessibility for everyone. You can help these efforts by doing the following:
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) “Accessible Outdoors” effort is actively addressing these challenges with initiatives such as providing trail chairs and renovating parks. Still, more solutions are needed to improve accessibility for everyone. You can help these efforts by doing the following:
- Advocate for accessible infrastructure, such as ramps, wider paths, benches, accessible restrooms, picnic areas with level ground, and clear signage that includes sensory information.
- Participate in inclusive activities, like adaptive gardening or guided hikes.
- Practice thoughtful inclusion by asking individuals with disabilities what they need for a comfortable experience.
- Consider volunteering with local adaptive sports or outdoor recreation groups, such as St. Paul’s Adaptive Recreation or Northland Adaptive Recreation.
Mental Wellness in the Workplace
Coping with rapid change in the workplace: long-term strategies
Taking care of ourselves and recognizing when we feel overwhelmed can be challenging, especially when we’re facing high levels of stress. If we don’t take care of ourselves and take the breaks necessary to heal, it can lead to burnout, which affects both our personal and professional lives.
While implementing small, everyday strategies can provide immediate relief to burnout, developing long-term coping mechanisms is essential for preventing or curing burnout altogether.
If burnout feels like lost energy, enthusiasm, or confidence, the Lyra article, “Burnout 101: Symptoms and Coping," suggests the antidote is to accumulate joy. The article also recommends to do the following to accumulate joy.
Build Resilience—Find joy in your work by focusing on aspects that inspire you or bring you satisfaction. This could involve setting personal goals, pursuing professional development, or celebrating team successes.
Personalize Your Workspace—Make your workspace a reflection of your personality by incorporating items that bring you happiness, such as framed photos of loved ones, motivational quotes, or meaningful souvenirs from travels.
Mindfulness in the Moment—Take time to engage with your environment while working. Pause occasionally to appreciate the sights, sounds, and scents around you, as this practice can enhance your awareness and help reduce stress.
Breathing Breaks—Remember to step away for brief breathing breaks during particularly busy or overwhelming periods. Techniques such as deep breathing can help clear your mind and rejuvenate your focus.
Track Your Accomplishments—Maintain a journal or a digital list of your daily or weekly achievements. This can serve as a powerful reminder of your progress and boost your confidence, especially during challenging times.
Enjoy Music Wisely—Listen to music that enhances your mood or productivity when appropriate.
Engage in Balancing Activities—Identify activities that help restore your energy and balance. For example, if your work involves long periods of sitting at a desk, schedule regular walking or stretching breaks. Simple exercises can invigorate your body and improve circulation.
Taking care of ourselves and recognizing when we feel overwhelmed can be challenging, especially when we’re facing high levels of stress. If we don’t take care of ourselves and take the breaks necessary to heal, it can lead to burnout, which affects both our personal and professional lives.
While implementing small, everyday strategies can provide immediate relief to burnout, developing long-term coping mechanisms is essential for preventing or curing burnout altogether.
If burnout feels like lost energy, enthusiasm, or confidence, the Lyra article, “Burnout 101: Symptoms and Coping," suggests the antidote is to accumulate joy. The article also recommends to do the following to accumulate joy.
Build Resilience—Find joy in your work by focusing on aspects that inspire you or bring you satisfaction. This could involve setting personal goals, pursuing professional development, or celebrating team successes.
Personalize Your Workspace—Make your workspace a reflection of your personality by incorporating items that bring you happiness, such as framed photos of loved ones, motivational quotes, or meaningful souvenirs from travels.
Mindfulness in the Moment—Take time to engage with your environment while working. Pause occasionally to appreciate the sights, sounds, and scents around you, as this practice can enhance your awareness and help reduce stress.
Breathing Breaks—Remember to step away for brief breathing breaks during particularly busy or overwhelming periods. Techniques such as deep breathing can help clear your mind and rejuvenate your focus.
Track Your Accomplishments—Maintain a journal or a digital list of your daily or weekly achievements. This can serve as a powerful reminder of your progress and boost your confidence, especially during challenging times.
Enjoy Music Wisely—Listen to music that enhances your mood or productivity when appropriate.
Engage in Balancing Activities—Identify activities that help restore your energy and balance. For example, if your work involves long periods of sitting at a desk, schedule regular walking or stretching breaks. Simple exercises can invigorate your body and improve circulation.
ASR Staff Engagement April 30 Survey
This week’s ASR Engagement Survey examines our hobbies and interests. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.
According to the last survey, most do not enjoy going camping (57.1%). When asked about your preferred outdoor temperature, there was an even split in preferring 66-70 degrees and 71-75 degrees (34.5% each).
Finally, many state parks, such as Minneopa State Park, and national parks, such as Grand Teton National Park, were mentioned as favorite natural areas. Lakes, beaches, and our own backyards received shout-outs as well. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.
April 14 survey results
Do you enjoy camping?
According to the last survey, most do not enjoy going camping (57.1%). When asked about your preferred outdoor temperature, there was an even split in preferring 66-70 degrees and 71-75 degrees (34.5% each).
Finally, many state parks, such as Minneopa State Park, and national parks, such as Grand Teton National Park, were mentioned as favorite natural areas. Lakes, beaches, and our own backyards received shout-outs as well. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.
April 14 survey results
Do you enjoy camping?
- Yes (42.9%)
- No (57.1%)
- 60-65 degrees (27.6%)
- 66-70 degrees (34.5%)
- 71-75 degrees (34.5%)
- 76 degrees or higher (3.4%)
- Pacific Northwest
- Door County, WI and the various state parks and nature areas there
- Any beach on the south shores of Long Island, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
- The Icefields Parkway located in the Canadian Rockies between Banff and Jasper
- Joshua Tree!
- Lands End Park, San Francisco, CA
- Devil's Lake (WI)
- Lake Elmo Regional Park
- Niagara Falls
- Lake Josephine
News & Notes Feedback Questionnaire
We’re gathering feedback from our readers about their experience with our newsletters. If you would like to participate and give feedback on News & Notes, fill our News & Notes Feedback Questionnaire. The questionnaire should take around 5-10 minutes to complete. Thank you!
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Update from Stacey
As the parent of a current college student and a high school senior who is planning to attend college in the fall, I am extra aware of what our current students and new incoming students are up to these days. I am also full of advice that, shockingly, they aren’t as eager to hear. My eldest is so focused on the number of final papers and projects he needs to complete soon, that he is struggling to make space for fall registration. Does he even know when his registration appointment is? My youngest just selected an orientation date, and then asked me about one million questions as he filled out forms.
One theme I’ve gathered from these conversations is how mysterious these processes are for them, even growing up in a household steeped in college information. Initiating an email address was a struggle. Learning how to log into the various portals, degree audits, orientation surveys, etc. is often confusing. Understanding the financial aid letters is a big stretch when their financial knowledge comes from part-time jobs and Venmo.
My real point here is to recognize how much we all do to make a student’s experience easier—whether it's through technology, helping students find their way on campus, or translating a confusing email into easier to understand language. We are really making a difference. Thank you!
One theme I’ve gathered from these conversations is how mysterious these processes are for them, even growing up in a household steeped in college information. Initiating an email address was a struggle. Learning how to log into the various portals, degree audits, orientation surveys, etc. is often confusing. Understanding the financial aid letters is a big stretch when their financial knowledge comes from part-time jobs and Venmo.
My real point here is to recognize how much we all do to make a student’s experience easier—whether it's through technology, helping students find their way on campus, or translating a confusing email into easier to understand language. We are really making a difference. Thank you!
Document and slide templates
If you are creating documents or slides and want them to follow accessibility and University branding standards, please use the University templates available within Google. You can access the University templates when you create a document or presentation using the “+New” button in Drive. Click the right arrow next to Google Doc/Google Slides to expand the menu, which will give you the option of choosing “From a template.” You will be presented with the current University templates (illustrated instructions).
Please keep in mind that ensuring documents and slides are accessible requires more than just using the correct University templates. You should also complete Digital Accessibility training if you are regularly creating and sharing documents and slides with others.
The University is also in the midst of a branding change and replacing Driven to Discover, which could affect things like color and type. Always using the currently available template is the best way to ensure you have the most up-to-date version. If you have questions, please email asrux@umn.edu.
Please keep in mind that ensuring documents and slides are accessible requires more than just using the correct University templates. You should also complete Digital Accessibility training if you are regularly creating and sharing documents and slides with others.
The University is also in the midst of a branding change and replacing Driven to Discover, which could affect things like color and type. Always using the currently available template is the best way to ensure you have the most up-to-date version. If you have questions, please email asrux@umn.edu.
Earth Day and environmental equity
Celebrated on April 22, Earth Day raises awareness for environmental issues and brings communities together to spend time outdoors, enjoy nature, and clean up litter. When recognizing Earth Day, we can also reflect on environmental equity. Clean air, water, and land should be an equitable resource to all. However, communities of color, Indigenous people, and low income communities experience disproportionate impacts of pollution and climate change.
In Minnesota, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has found that while air pollution risks exceed health guidelines in 36% of the state's communities, this burden falls disproportionately on marginalized groups, rising to 53% in low income communities and 78% in communities of color.
Check out the following resources and activities to learn more about addressing environmental equity:
In Minnesota, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has found that while air pollution risks exceed health guidelines in 36% of the state's communities, this burden falls disproportionately on marginalized groups, rising to 53% in low income communities and 78% in communities of color.
Check out the following resources and activities to learn more about addressing environmental equity:
- Read this article on How to Address Environmental Justice Issues in Your Community.
- Utilize this Map of Environmental Justice areas to identify areas to support meaningful engagement for groups affected by pollution in Minnesota.
- Find an Earth Day Cleanup location near you to engage with the community and clean up litter in our parks.
Mental Wellness in the Workplace
Coping with rapid change in the workplace: action and adaptation
As you work through changes at work, taking action and adapting is vital and oftentimes difficult when you’re feeling overwhelmed and stuck. One strategy to feel more engaged, fulfilled, and productive in your community and work is to cultivate compassion (2 min video). Lewis Carroll also gives great advice on how to work through difficulty and overcome a creative block—if you want a fun dive, ahem, down the rabbit hole.
We also recommend checking out the following resources:
As you work through changes at work, taking action and adapting is vital and oftentimes difficult when you’re feeling overwhelmed and stuck. One strategy to feel more engaged, fulfilled, and productive in your community and work is to cultivate compassion (2 min video). Lewis Carroll also gives great advice on how to work through difficulty and overcome a creative block—if you want a fun dive, ahem, down the rabbit hole.
We also recommend checking out the following resources:
- Building Work Stress Resilience
- A Moment for Encouragement (2 min video)
- What To Do When Your To-Do List Is Too Much (2 min video)
- How to Get Started When You're Feeling Stuck
ClickUp Trip & Tricks: Filter tasks by due date
If you only want to see a subset of tasks, you can filter task attributes, such as assignee, status, task type, due date, or custom field, to customize your list view. You can filter your tasks by due date, which only shows tasks due on a specific date, or before or after a specific date. This can help you prioritize and plan your work.
To filter a task by due date:
To filter a task by due date:
- Select the “Filter” icon on your list view
- Select “Due Date” from the dropdown list of task attributes
- Select a dynamic option from the options dropdown, such as next 7 days, this week, this month, etc. to further specify the view
ASR Staff Engagement April 16 Survey
This week’s ASR Engagement Survey examines our experiences outdoors. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.
According to the last survey, most do not use a physical calendar (66.7%). Most also prefer to organize by color when given the option (59.3%). Finally, we asked for your most challenging things to organize. Responses were varied, but organizing the basement, kitchen/fridge, and digital files were mentioned most frequently.
Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.
April 2 survey results
Do you currently use a physical calendar?
According to the last survey, most do not use a physical calendar (66.7%). Most also prefer to organize by color when given the option (59.3%). Finally, we asked for your most challenging things to organize. Responses were varied, but organizing the basement, kitchen/fridge, and digital files were mentioned most frequently.
Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.
April 2 survey results
Do you currently use a physical calendar?
- Yes (33.3%)
- No (66.7%)
- Yes (59.3%)
- No (7.4%)
- Sometimes, it depends (33.3%)
- Extended family gatherings near holidays
- My digital files! Both work and non-work. It's so easy to forget about them when they're not physically staring me down.
- Prepping weekly meals for the week/month
- Incoming snail mail is the bane of my existence
- Kitchen pantry
- Thoughts
- Life!
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Update from Stacey
I am happy to be back after a nearly month-long family medical leave. It was a great comfort to know that everything in ASR was in such good hands while I was out. Thank you to everyone who kept our good work moving forward. A special thanks to my leadership team who had to cover numerous things with very little notice or explanation. If you sent me something during my absence, know that I got it, and that I’m slowly catching up on emails and other work as I return. Rome wasn’t built in a day—as they say—and it will take a bit for me to fully catch up.
Planned PeopleSoft Maintenance April 18-19
The PeopleTools 8.62 upgrade will take place the weekend of April 18 and 19. This means that PeopleSoft and related systems (e.g., MyU, APAS) will be unavailable. Service is expected to be restored at noon Sunday, April 19. As a result of this upgrade, there will be minor changes to the PeopleSoft interface.
Guidelines for professional conduct with our offices
In response to an increase in unprofessional conduct from students, families, faculty and staff, a group of ASR Supervisors (Mina Mosher, Noah Holm, Tony Thomas, and Angie Opel) created Guidelines for professional conduct with our offices to help ASR units frame communication expectations with our campus/community partners. These guidelines can be found on One Stop’s Terms and conditions page and in the footers of the OCM and ASR websites.
Please expect this topic to appear in future ASR All Staff Assemblies, staff meetings, or check-ins with your supervisor. We plan to share the guidelines with larger audiences in the near future, such as the Academic Advising Network (AAN), the Graduation Program Coordinator Network (GPCN), and other lists at the University.
You can direct questions about this initiative to Julie Selander (goode021@umn.edu) or Nate Peterson (pete2787@umn.edu).
Please expect this topic to appear in future ASR All Staff Assemblies, staff meetings, or check-ins with your supervisor. We plan to share the guidelines with larger audiences in the near future, such as the Academic Advising Network (AAN), the Graduation Program Coordinator Network (GPCN), and other lists at the University.
You can direct questions about this initiative to Julie Selander (goode021@umn.edu) or Nate Peterson (pete2787@umn.edu).
World Autism Awareness Day
World Autism Awareness Day is celebrated each year on April 2. The day brings awareness and further efforts towards equity and human rights for autistic individuals in society. This year's theme is “Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value,” which focuses on the value of neurodiversity in strengthening community.
You can support your coworkers with autism by being inclusive in workplace environments and being considerate of accommodations, such as being respectful of workplace noise levels, offering in person and remote meeting options, and using plain language. Overall, it is important to remember to practice mindfulness to maintain an inclusive workplace.
Additional Resources
The ASR Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) committee would like to thank Ellie Scott for her work on the ASR DEI committee. Ellie eagerly joined the committee last summer and has been a key contributor to keeping the committee going. Her thoughtful and hard work has been greatly appreciated. We are sad to see her go but happy for her as she starts new endeavors in the Office of Information Technology (she is not too far away)!
You can support your coworkers with autism by being inclusive in workplace environments and being considerate of accommodations, such as being respectful of workplace noise levels, offering in person and remote meeting options, and using plain language. Overall, it is important to remember to practice mindfulness to maintain an inclusive workplace.
Additional Resources
- Check out the UN’s Autism Awareness Youtube Channel
- Explore the Autism Society of Minnesota website for events and resources
- Spread the word about the Walker Art’ Centers’ Sensory Friendly Sunday
The ASR Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) committee would like to thank Ellie Scott for her work on the ASR DEI committee. Ellie eagerly joined the committee last summer and has been a key contributor to keeping the committee going. Her thoughtful and hard work has been greatly appreciated. We are sad to see her go but happy for her as she starts new endeavors in the Office of Information Technology (she is not too far away)!
Digital Collegium: accessibility resources
The ADA Title II deadline is quickly approaching on April 24! The regulations require all public entities to meet new standards for digital accessibility regarding their websites and online documents. Digital Collegium provides the following actionable tips to help you tackle this work:
- Learn the law—Coppin State University gives a meaningful overview of digital accessibility and how it impacts higher education.
- Create a plan—University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill developed a 3-step digital accessibility compliance plan.
- Build your skills—The University of Minnesota identified 7 core accessibility skills and the 3Rs framework to prioritize your accessibility work.
Mental Wellness in the Workplace
Coping with rapid change
When things at work change unexpectedly, it can help to gather information and ask your managers and colleagues questions to better understand how the changes will affect you. We recommend the following articles to help you communicate with your coworkers and manage change:
DEI Coffee Hour
We want to give a special thank you to those who joined us at the DEI Coffee Hour on March 16. As mentioned at the end of the coffee hour, we have a Mental Wellness in the Workplace Q&A form devoted to answering general questions related to workplace mental wellness. We encourage you to continue submitting questions to the form, as this helps inform our discussion topics.
When things at work change unexpectedly, it can help to gather information and ask your managers and colleagues questions to better understand how the changes will affect you. We recommend the following articles to help you communicate with your coworkers and manage change:
- Communication dos and don'ts at work (5 min read)
- Communicating under pressure (5 min read)
- 6 Ways to Manage Stressful Transitions at Work (5 min read)
DEI Coffee Hour
We want to give a special thank you to those who joined us at the DEI Coffee Hour on March 16. As mentioned at the end of the coffee hour, we have a Mental Wellness in the Workplace Q&A form devoted to answering general questions related to workplace mental wellness. We encourage you to continue submitting questions to the form, as this helps inform our discussion topics.
Digital Playground
The next Digital Playground will continue our ClickUp session from last time and take place 9:05 - 9:30 a.m. on April 8. You can join the Zoom session directly. We’ll cover content for both beginning and advanced users. Come hang out and learn something new!
If you missed last month, don’t forget to check out the Google Group to find recordings and resources from previous sessions on ClickUp, Gmail, Zoom, and Google Gemini. If you want an invite to the January session, have any questions or would like to join the Google group, reach out to Pete Fleenor (fleen010@umn.edu).
If you missed last month, don’t forget to check out the Google Group to find recordings and resources from previous sessions on ClickUp, Gmail, Zoom, and Google Gemini. If you want an invite to the January session, have any questions or would like to join the Google group, reach out to Pete Fleenor (fleen010@umn.edu).
ASR Staff Engagement April 2 Survey
This week’s ASR Engagement Survey continues our topic of staying organized. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.
According to the last survey, most tend to make to-do lists on paper (54.3%) rather than their phone (34.3%) or computer (11.4%). In addition, most say they declutter their workspace on an as-needed basis (37.1%) followed by those who declutter weekly (25.7%).
Finally, we asked about your biggest roadblocks to staying organized. The vast majority of comments mentioned not having enough time or energy to stay organized. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.
March 19 survey results
Where do you typically make a to-do list?
According to the last survey, most tend to make to-do lists on paper (54.3%) rather than their phone (34.3%) or computer (11.4%). In addition, most say they declutter their workspace on an as-needed basis (37.1%) followed by those who declutter weekly (25.7%).
Finally, we asked about your biggest roadblocks to staying organized. The vast majority of comments mentioned not having enough time or energy to stay organized. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.
March 19 survey results
Where do you typically make a to-do list?
- On my phone (34.3%)
- On my computer (11.4%)
- On paper (54.3%)
- Daily (14.3%)
- Weekly (25.7%)
- Monthly (11.4%)
- 1-5 times a year (11.4%)
- On an as-needed basis (37.1%)
- Too much at one time.
- Time and energy
- Husband!
- Pacing myself
- Too many things on my plate (metaphorically and physically)
- Project work overload
- Myself
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