Update from Stacey

Happy new year and welcome to 2025! I hope folks had some time to rest, reconnect with family and friends, and enjoy some downtime. I had a couple of vacation days in addition to the University holidays to host gatherings and spend extra time with family, especially with my kids. I’m now feeling ready for some more routine and to take a break from holiday eating.

As usual, ASR was not on break. It was a busy time for many folks with grading deadlines, end-of-term processing, certifying student athletes, financial value transparency reporting, classroom projects, and the Complete Drop Process—just to name a few examples. I’m grateful for all of you and the work that we do collectively.

And a small request for you—if you have any feedback about your unit director, please shoot me an email. Your feedback is great for performance appraisal season, but also welcome any time of year. Thanks!

ASR Staff Engagement December 12 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, just over half of staff are not planning to travel out of state before the end of the year (54.8%). In addition, many are predicting that we will get another significant snowfall this month (68.8%).

Finally, we asked about your favorite holiday side dish. Stuffing was mentioned the most by far, followed by mashed potatoes, and green bean casserole. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

November 14 survey results

Are you planning to travel out of state before the end of the year?

• Yes (35.5%%)
• No (54.8%)
• I’m not sure (9.7%)

When do you predict we will get another significant snowfall (over an inch)?

• November (21.9%)
• December (68.8%)
• Next year (9.4%)

What is your favorite holiday side dish?

• Cornbread stuffing
• Sweet potatoes with a crunchy oatmeal/walnut topping
• Wild rice casserole
• Turkey stuffing
• Lefse
• Stuffed peppers

ASR Staff Engagement November 14 Survey

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

According to the last survey, a slim majority would rather host a costume party (28.6%) than a baking party (25%). Gilmore Girls and Hocus Pocus were mentioned most frequently for TV shows and movies that remind staff of fall. In addition, most would rather curl up with a book (60.7%) than have a movie marathon (39.3%).

Finally, we asked about your favorite fall scents. Pumpkin/pumpkin spice, apple cider, leaves, and baked pies were the most common responses. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated.

October 31 survey results

Would you rather host a baking party or a costume party?

• Baking party (25%)
• Costume party (28.6%)
• Neither! (28.6%)
• Both! (17.9%)

What movie or TV show reminds you of Fall?

• Hocus Pocus!
• Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
• Friday Night Lights
• The Craft or Practical Magic
• Young Frankenstein

Would you rather curl up with a book or have a movie marathon?

• Curl up with a book (60.7%)
• Have a movie marathon (39.3%)

What is your favorite Fall scent?

• The pungent scent of leaves on the ground.
• Bath and Body Works' 'Leaves' scent
• Pumpkin Pie baking
• Cinnamon & cloves
• Bonfire

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

Celebrating Día de los Muertos

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a two-day celebration honoring deceased family members and loved ones. November 1 is Día de los Inocentes (Day of the Innocents), dedicated to the souls of children. The honoring of adult souls takes place on November 2. 

Rooted in Mexican and Indigenous cultures, Día de los Muertos is a celebration where Latin American families join together to visit and clean gravestones and provide offerings of food and drink on altars, known as ofrendas. Many light candles and incense, or place fresh flowers or the deceased’s favorite items on their ofrendas. Stories are passed back and forth to honor and remember the dead. 

An important distinction is that Day of the Dead should not be compared with Halloween. In fact, the commercialization of Día de los Muertos appropriates its cultural significance. Instead of buying commercially-made decorations, you can attend some local Día de los Muertos events:

• November 4: The 11th Annual Festival de las Calaveras: Twin Cities Latinx Music + Arts Festival 

• November 4: The annual Día de los Muertos festival at La Doña Cervecería brewery 

• November 5: Draggy Divas Presenta: Dia De Los Muertos at La Doña Cervecería brewery 

Dr. Jessica Lopez Lyman, Assistant Professor in the UMN Department of Chicano and Latino Studies, explains how the UMN community can observe Día de los Muertos and support those who are celebrating. 

How does the UMN community celebrate Día de los Muertos? 

We have always created an ofrenda in the department. Sometimes, student groups create an ofrenda, too, like Mi Gente on the 2nd floor of the union. We build the altar and then during DDLM, we invite a local Danza Azteca group to come and bless the space with ceremony and teachings. 

How can UMN staff/students support those who are celebrating Día de los Muertos?

Talk about their own ancestors who have passed, and take small moments to reflect on the cycles of life. 

Join our ASR DEI Community of Practice

Subscribe to our DEI Google Group to discuss the latest news, connect with the committee, and keep up-to-date with DEI initiatives. More resources and information about the DEI committee can be found on the ASR Intranet.

Veterans Appreciation

Please join us to celebrate Veterans Day at the 14th Annual Veterans Appreciation Event (click the link to add the event to your Google calendar)! This event is free and open to the public. We hope you will join us for pizza, entertainment, and a community partner information fair. 

Please also consider filling out a thank you note for a military-affiliated student, colleague, friend, or a loved one. These notes will be projected on a screen during the event. To honor the privacy of others, names and identifying information will be removed from submissions prior to sharing these words of gratitude at the event. Please submit your note by Friday, November 3.

14th Annual Veterans Appreciation Event
Thursday, November 9, 2023
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Coffman Memorial Union, Great Hall
No RSVP Required

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

Juneteenth
On June 19, 1865, two years after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to share the news that the state’s enslaved people were free. African Americans in Texas, and soon across the nation, began commemorating the day with gatherings featuring food, spiritual services, and musical performances. Red is often associated with the celebration as a symbol of sacrifice and power.

Juneteenth was declared a federal holiday in 2021, and beginning this year, the University of Minnesota has added Juneteenth as an observed holiday on the University calendar. Learn more about the history and significance of Juneteenth.

Community Celebration
The University of Minnesota will hold its second annual Juneteenth Celebration block party on Saturday, June 17, 2023, from noon to 6 p.m. in North Minneapolis. Centering on the theme "The Art of Freedom: Joy. Resistance. Rest.," the event will begin with a commemorative march at noon from the University’s Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center. The march will end where the outdoor block party will take place on Plymouth Avenue. The event is free and open to the public. Check out these other Juneteenth events throughout Minnesota!

Join our DEI Community of Practice

Subscribe to our DEI Google Group to discuss the latest news, connect with the committee, and keep up with DEI initiatives. More information about the group and DEI committee can be found on the ASR Intranet.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

Cinco de Mayo

Mexico's history and culture are vast, ancient, and deserving of celebration. The oldest neighbor of the United States, Mexico declared independence from Spain just 30 years after the US separated from England. But Cinco de Mayo isn't a celebration of Mexican independence. It’s a minor celebration of a Mexican victory over the French in 1862.

The holiday is widely celebrated in the United States due to a confluence of history, politics, and capitalism, which you can learn more about on the N&N blog!

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In 1862, when the battle occurred, many people living in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California had been Mexican citizens just 20 years earlier before their territory was claimed by the US in the Mexican-American war. These people celebrated the defeat of the French and their descendants have continued to celebrate the holiday.

In Mexico, the holiday was popularized by Porfirio Díaz, who had fought in the battle before becoming the long-running de facto dictator of Mexico, whose reign led to the Mexican Revolution. After the revolution, Mexican citizens largely stopped celebrating the holiday while US celebrations continued.

US celebrations outside of California were mostly modest until the late 20th century when beer companies began marketing the holiday. Perhaps seeing it as an opportunity to create another St. Patrick's Day-like celebration, the marketing has largely focused on stereotypical symbols of Mexico. Marketers and beer sellers replaced shamrocks with sombreros and corned beef with tacos, and a new US party was born.

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As Cinco de Mayo celebrations have grown, so too have attempts to honor the full breadth of Mexican and Indigenous culture. If you’re interested in checking out some Cinco de Mayo celebrations, here’s a few in the Twin Cities:

• St. Paul's West Side holds a massive Cinco de Mayo celebration 
• Festival 5 de Mayo 2023 - Cinco de Mayo on Lake Street in Minneapolis

Check out the additional resources to learn more about Cinco de Mayo:

• The Facts and History of Cinco de Mayo
• How Cinco de Mayo Got Its Start Because of California's Mexican Americans
• What Cinco de Mayo Looked Like in Vintage Los Angeles

Provide your feedback on May 11 at the DEI Coffee Hour!
As noted in previous issues of News and Notes, the DEI committee has been working on our purpose, structure, and goals for the group so we can continue to support diversity, equity, and inclusion in ASR. Please join us for an optional (virtual) coffee hour on Tuesday, May 11 from 8:15-9:00 a.m. to hear what we’ve been up to, and provide your feedback regarding where we should focus our efforts.

For your convenience, this event has been added to your calendar. Please RSVP if you plan to attend, we hope to see you there!

Join our DEI Community of Practice
Subscribe to our DEI Google Group to discuss the latest news, connect with the committee, and keep up with DEI initiatives. More information about the group and DEI committee can be found on the ASR Intranet.

University holiday to observe Juneteenth

The University of Minnesota has added Juneteenth — the oldest nationally celebrated remembrance of the ending of slavery in the United States — as an observed holiday to each University calendar systemwide moving forward. This year's Juneteenth commemoration is on Monday, June 19, 2023.

As with other observed holidays, the University will move to reduced operations, meaning no classes are held and only essential employees are required to work as directed by their supervisor. Juneteenth observes the realization of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas on June 19, 1865. It has become a day to come together to both celebrate and commit to justice. Check out the Juneteenth website to learn more about the University's annual Juneteenth Celebration and other Juneteenth events and gatherings.

Personal holiday reminder

As a reminder, University employees have until June 30 to take any remaining personal holidays, including the two additional holidays President Gabel announced in December. The Board of Regents approved the two extra personal holidays to acknowledge the dedication of faculty and staff during the pandemic. Check your personal holiday balance in the My Time tab of MyU. For details on eligibility and scheduling your holidays, visit the Office of Human Resources.

Veterans Day

In recognition of Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11, we would like to acknowledge those in ASR who have served or are currently serving in the military. Usually, University Veterans Services would host an in-person Veterans Appreciation event to honor University veterans who have served. However, due to COVID-19, UVS staff, in partnership with staff from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs and Printing Services, have created a virtual Veterans Appreciation tribute video instead, which will be highlighted in U of M communications channels and sent out via email. We believe it is important to honor the sacrifices of our veterans and service members. Thank you to those of you who have served.

Personal holiday

If you haven’t used your personal holiday yet, schedule it soon. The last day to use your personal holiday is Wednesday, June 30.