ASR Staff Engagement November 13 Survey

As we move into colder temperatures, this week’s ASR Engagement Survey asks about staying warm. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.

According to the last survey, it was a tie between participating in a bakeoff or chili cookoff (36.7% each) as well as a tie between folks that would do both or neither (13.3% each). A slight majority of respondents have gone ‘bobbing for apples’ before (56.7%).

Finally, there was a strong preference for pumpkin in a sweet dish (46.7%) vs a savory one (6.7%). However, 40% of respondents say they like both. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

October 30 survey results

Would you rather participate in a bakeoff or a chili cookoff?

• Bakeoff (36.7%)
• Chili cookoff (36.7%)
• Neither! (13.3%)
• Why not both? (13.3%)

Have you ever participated in 'bobbing for apples'?

• Yes (56.7%)
• No (43.3%)

Do you prefer pumpkin in a savory or sweet dish?

• Savory (6.7%)
• Sweet (46.7%)
• I like both! (40%)
• I dislike both! (6.7%)

ASR Staff Engagement October 30 Survey

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

According to the last survey, most would prefer going to a baking party (38.1%) rather than a costume party (23.8%). When asked what books/movies/tv/games folks are reading, watching, or playing this month, many spooky movies were mentioned such as Hocus Pocus, Practical Magic, and The Conjuring. Several games were also mentioned including Overcooked 2 and Pokemon Legends ZA.

Finally, we asked what’s one thing you want to do before fall ends. Many folks mentioned doing “spring cleaning” or backyard clean up. Crunching more leaves and going to an orchard was also mentioned frequently. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

October 16 survey results

Would you rather attend a baking party or costume party?

• Baking party (38.1%)
• Costume party (23.8%)
• Neither! (14.3%)
• Why not both? (23.8%)

What books/movies/tv/games are you reading, watching, or playing this month?

• Reading "Let Them" by Mel Robbins and watching the new season of "Love is Blind" on Netflix
• Watching: Dexter: Original Sin, Reading: Imaginable by Jane Mcgonigal, Playing: No Man's Sky and D&D with my kids
• The Diplomat
• A Pair of Wings by Carole Hopson. TV: Loot, The Morning Show, The Diplomat, and Task
• Practical Magic and It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown
• Gopher Hockey

What's one thing you want to do before Fall ends?

• Watch Hocus Pocus as many times as possible.
• Rake a leaf pile for my kid to jump in (his first time!)
• See Purple Rain at the Orpheum
• Go to my favorite apple orchard and get some donuts!
• Have more backyard bonfires
• Bake something pumpkin flavored

ASR Staff Engagement October 16 Survey

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

According to last week’s survey, about a third of respondents are planning to carve a pumpkin this year (31.4%). There is a strong preference for hot apple cider (65.7%) versus apple cider that’s served cold (11.4%).

Finally, we asked if you like scary movies. There was a fairly even split between those who like scary movies (37.1%), dislike scary movies (34.3%), or like spooky movies but not scary ones (28.6%). Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

October 2 survey results

Are you planning to carve pumpkins this year?

• Yes (31.4%)
• No (48.6%)
• I’m not sure (20%)

Do you prefer your apple cider served hot or cold?

• Hot (65.7%)
• Cold (11.4%)
• It depends (14.3%)
• I don’t like apple cider (8.6%)

In general, do you like scary movies?

• Yes! (37.1%)
• No! (34.3%)
• I like spooky movies, but not scary ones (28.6%)

Fun fall DEI activities

Fall is finally here. While this is the season of apple picking and pumpkin patches, there are other exciting fall events you can add to your calendar. Ready to diversify your fall outings? Here are a few unique ideas to consider:

• Get your steins and lederhosen ready and attend the 15th Annual Twin Cities Oktoberfest at the Historic Progress Center on the fairgrounds (October 3-4).
• Attend the 2025 Mid-Autumn Festival at the China Friendship Garden in Phalen Regional Park (October 3).
• Mark your calendars for the 13th Annual Cine Latino FILM Festival at The Main Cinema (October 8-12).
• Zoom into the Weaving a Wider Community: Seeing and Countering Racism in Our Own Backyard online community conference (October 10).
• Explore 28 art galleries during the Fall 2025 St Paul Art Crawl (October 10-12).
• Go to Saturday Drag Bingo at LUSH Lounge & Theater. All proceeds benefit the Aliveness Project (weekly until December 27).

ASR Staff Engagement October 2 Survey

As we move into October, this week’s ASR Engagement Survey continues our seasonal theme. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.

According to last week’s survey, most would prefer to put on a sweater (55.2%) instead of a jacket (20.7%) when it’s chilly outside. Chicken wild rice soup received the most votes for your favorite soup (27.6%), followed by broccoli cheddar (17.2%), and tomato soup (13.8%).

Finally, we asked whether you’ve successfully completed a corn maze. Over half of respondents have made it out of one (55.2%), while 10.3% have tried but never completed it, which begs the question: are you still trapped in the corn maze today? Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

September 18 survey results

You go outside and there is a slight chill in the air. Do you put on a sweater or jacket?

• Sweater (55.2%)
• Jacket (20.7%)
• No, I brave the cold with whatever I am wearing (17.2%)
• Why not both! (6.9%)

What is your favorite soup?

• Chicken Wild Rice (27.6%)
• Tomato (13.8%)
• Broccoli Cheddar (17.2%)
• French Onion (10.3%)
• Chicken Noodle (6.9%)
• Minestrone (3.4%)
• Chowder (3.4%)
• I don’t like soup (3.4%)

Have you ever completed a corn maze?

• Yes (55.2%)
• No (34.5%)
• I’ve been in a corn maze, but never completed it (10.3%)

ASR Staff Engagement September 18 Survey

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

According to last week’s survey, most consider the day after Labor Day to be the start of the fall season (34.3%), followed closely by the start of school (28.6%). Honeycrisp apples received the most votes for your favorite apple (45.7%), followed by Pink Lady apples (20%).

Finally, we asked about your favorite fall candle scents. Spiced apple/apple cinnamon was the top vote-getter (31.4%), followed by pumpkin/pumpkin spice (20%), and cedarwood/sandalwood (20%). Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

September 4 survey results

What do you consider to be the start of the fall season?

• When the leaves start changing color (17.1%)
• The day after Labor Day (34.3%)
• The Autumnal Equinox (17.1%)
• When school starts (28.6%)
• When pumpkin spice lattes are available (0%)
• Once the weather is cooler on a consistent basis (2.9%)

What is your favorite type of apple?

• Honeycrisp (45.7%)
• Pink Lady (20%)
• Fuji (8.6%)
• Granny Smith (5.7%)
• Golden Delicious (2.9%)
• Braeburn (2.9%)

What's one of your favorite fall candle scents?

• Spiced apple/apple cinnamon (31.4%)
• Vanilla (8.6%)
• Pumpkin/pumpkin spice (20%)
• Autumn leaves (11.4%)
• Cedarwood/sandalwood (20%)
• I don’t like candles (5.7%)
• Football season by Bath and Body Works (2.9%)

ASR Staff Engagement September 4 Survey

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

According to last week’s survey, an equal number of respondents are ready for summer to end, sad about summer ending, or have mixed feelings about the change of seasons (33.3% each). Most say that fall is their favorite season (65.6%).

When asked about what you are looking forward to in the fall, the return of “sweater weather” was mentioned most frequently, followed by the fall foliage, and going to an apple orchard. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

August 21 survey results

The Autumnal Equinox is just over a month away. What statement below best fits your feelings about summer coming to an end?

• I’m ready for Summer to end. Bring on Fall! (33.3%)
• I’m sad Summer is about to end. It went by too quickly (33.3%)
• I have mixed feelings about the change of seasons. (33.3%)

What is your favorite season?

• Spring (15.6%)
• Summer (15.6%)
• Fall (65.6%)
• Winter (0%)
• I’m not sure or don’t have a preference (3.1%)

What are you looking forward to this fall?

• Sweatshirts with shorts. Love the combo, still warm but with a small chill!
• The cool air, the beautiful leaves and berries, and HALLOWEEN!
• Having my windows open, and hopefully less smokey air.
• Apple picking! Apple cider! Apple cider donuts! Fall colors! Comfy sweaters!
• Sweaters, hot drinks, bon fires, fall color hikes, pumpkin spice, Halloween, apple orchards, pumpkin patches... so many things!

ASR Staff Engagement October 31st Survey

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

According to the last survey, 44.4% of respondents do not like scary movies, followed by 29.6% who sometimes like them and 25.9% who do like them. When asked about your favorite soups to have during the fall season, butternut squash soup, pho, and chicken wild rice soup were mentioned most frequently.

In addition, most staff are not planning to take a trip to see fall colors (60.7%) followed by 25% who are planning to take a trip. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

October 17th survey results

Do you enjoy scary movies?

·       Yes (25.9%)

·       No (44.4%)

·       Sometimes (29.6%)

What's your favorite type of soup to have during the Fall season?

·      Chicken Wild Rice

·      Red Thai Curry soup, or pho (but pho is literally the best soup any time of year)

·      Butternut squash

·      Matzo Ball

·      Beef Barley

Are you planning to take a trip somewhere to see the changing Fall colors?

·       Yes (25%)

·       No (60.7%)

·       I’m not sure (14.3%)

ASR Staff Engagement October 17 Survey

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

According to the last survey, most staff have someone to talk to at work when they are feeling stressed (80%). When asked about workload, most say that they are sometimes able to achieve a healthy work-life balance but not always (46.7%). In addition, a majority of respondents say that they feel their colleagues and managers care about their wellbeing (86.2%).

Finally, we asked about your favorite type of pies. Banana cream and French silk were mentioned most frequently, followed by apple and pecan pie. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

October 3 survey results

Do you have someone to talk to at work when you are feeling stressed?

• Yes (80%)
• No (13.3%)
• I’m not sure (6.7%)

Does the workload assigned to you allow you to achieve a healthy work-life balance?

• Yes (43.3%)
• No (10%)
• Sometimes, but not always (46.7%)

Do you feel that your colleagues and managers care about your wellbeing?

• Yes (86.2%)
• No (6.9%)
• I’m not sure (6.9%)

What is your favorite type of pie?

• French Silk
• Apple with a streusel topping!
• Pumpkin with masses of cool whip on top
• Strawberry rhubarb - sweet and tart!
• Banana cream

ASR Staff Engagement September 19 Survey

This week’s ASR Engagement Survey is an ergonomics quiz. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences!

According to the last survey, most staff want to do a corn maze and take a hayride rather than one or the other (50%). When asked about your favorite places to go in the fall, apple orchards were mentioned most frequently followed by traveling up north to see the changing colors.

Finally, we asked your favorite fall foods or drinks. Many folks are ready for apple treats, such as apple cider, apple donuts, and apple pie. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

September 5 survey results

Would you rather go through a corn maze or on a hayride?

• Corn maze (15.6%)
• Hayride (21.9%)
• Why not both? (50%)
• Neither, please! (12.5%)

Where is one of your favorite places to go in the fall?

• Up North to see the changing colors!
• Minnesota Renaissance Festival
• Pine Tree Apple Orchard in White Bear Lake
• Vineyard tours
• My recliner with a blanket and book

What's one of your favorite fall foods or drinks?

• Any type of cider. Homemade, store bought, doesn't matter. Apple doesn't get enough love in the fall since the focus is always on pumpkin-flavored things!
• Chicken noodle matzo ball soup
• Ice coffee with pumpkin spice foam
• A hot toddy
• Maple cayenne latte

Update from Stacey

The start of the fall term is one of my favorite times of the year, even though I sometimes feel breathless as meetings and emails stack up. I really appreciate the energy of seeing students back on campus and participating in events. Most of all, I enjoy seeing all of our hard work culminate into noticeable outcomes: students are starting classes and receiving aid, classrooms are ready for instructors and students, and colleagues are reaching out to ASR as a go-to resource. Thank you to ASR for all of your important work this time of year. Start of the term would not be successful without all of you!

ASR Staff Engagement September 5 Survey

As we move into September, this week’s ASR Engagement Survey is fall themed. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.

According to the last survey, most staff are feeling okay going into the fall 2024 semester (50%), while other respondents are feeling good (28.6%), or feeling stressed (21.4%). We received a lot of great advice for new employees as we start the new school year. You can check them out below!

Finally, we asked what instrument you would learn if you could snap your fingers and plan on an expert level. Piano received the most votes (42.9%), followed by guitar (25%), and violin (10.7%). Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

August 22 survey results

How are you feeling going into the Fall 2024 semester?

• Feeling good! (28.6%)
• Feeling okay (50%)
• Feeling stressed! (21.4%)

What advice would you give to new employees as we near the start of a new school year?

• Take each day one task at a time. The work will still be there, even if you don't finish everything.
• It will be winter break before you know it. Don't stress too much!
• Everything seems urgent to everyone. Step back and breathe.
• Don't be afraid to say when your plate is too full!
• Take your time. Absorb the culture of your office/team/work and try to really understand it. Head down, ignore the static.
• It'll be crazy busy, but there's always support ready to assist, so don't hesitate to ask.
• Fasten your seatbelt!
• Remember to take a breath! Start of school is always a bit chaotic, but we get through it every year. Ask for help when you need it!
• Take care of yourself. Take lunch. Stretch.
• Enjoy the ride, and don't forget to schedule at least one on-campus visit for enjoyment. Watch or participate in something - sports, music, art, theater, presentation, student run enterprise - whatever sounds interesting. This helps me feel connected (in some small way) to the greater community we serve and are a part of!
• If you're on campus, enjoy the liveliness and buzz of activity.
• Enjoy the energy and do something kind for a stranger
• Just go with the flow the best you can at this busy time!
• Pay attention. This is a cyclical business.
• Take breaks and ask questions!
• Support each other and don't be afraid to ask for help.
• Come to campus. Enjoy your lunch on the mall during a balmy autumn day!
• It's stressful every year.
• Do one thing at a time! Don't try to multitask.
• Take 1 day at a time and breathe
• Ask for help when needed. Don't be scared to reach out!!!

If you could snap your fingers and learn to play one instrument on an expert level, which instrument would you choose?

• Piano (42.9%)
• Guitar (25%)
• Violin (10.7%)
• Drums (7.1%)
• Cello (7.1%)
• Saxophone (3.6%)
• Flute (3.6%)

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?

• Chicken Wild Rice (23.1%)
• Broccoli Cheese Soup (11.5%)
• Pho (11.5%)
• Clam Chowder (7.7%)
• I don’t like soup! (7.7%)

Have you or are you planning to buy a pumpkin this year?

• Yes (57.7%)
• No (34.6%)
• I’m not sure (7.7%)

What’s one of your favorite fall activities?

• 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 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?

• Honeycrisp (48.3%)
• Pink Lady (10.3%)
• Haralson (6.9%)
• Granny Smith (3.4%)
• Golden Delicious (3.4%)

How do you feel about pumpkin spice?

• 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%)

Are you planning to decorate with Fall and/or Halloween décor this year?

• 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%)

What’s your favorite establishment to buy a hot drink?

• 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!

ASR at the Homecoming parade

Please join One Stop in their annual Homecoming parade tradition on Friday, September 29, at 6:30 pm. We will march in the parade, hand out candy, and showcase our pride and spirit for the University of Minnesota. Friends and family are welcome!

No R.S.V.P. necessary, but please email Richard Campo (campo035@umn.edu) to be included on group messages about the event. Full parade details are at Homecoming Parade 2023.