WorkflowGen retirement update

The work to retire ASR WorkflowGen (WFG) processes is well underway. ASR units have been hard at work planning, analyzing, and developing solutions for our WorkflowGen processes. ASR currently still supports 22 active processes in WFG, and we’ve already transitioned/retired 6 processes from our portfolio over the past several months. OIT has provided further details about the necessity for retirement of WorkflowGen from central IT support and planning, which is based on:

• The lack of IT specialists within business units to build and maintain the complex development of their WFG processes
• WFG’s reliance on older, unsupported .net technologies 
• The need for significant OIT technical resources due to WFG’s frequent performance failures 
• Data security constraints
• WFG being out of compliance with UMN Accessibility standards for WCAG 2.1 AA

ASR’s work to retire our WFG processes is critical to the success of the overall project, and we appreciate the time and effort that ASR staff is committing to this work. For details about ASR’s processes and progress, see our WorkflowGen Retirement Status Update.

ASR Staff Engagement October 5 Survey

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

Last survey, we asked about your plans and understanding regarding employee benefits. Most are not planning to explore different benefit options during open enrollment this year (60%). When asked about your understanding of the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS), most say they do not have a strong understanding of how it works (76.7%). In addition, most are planning to participate in the Wellbeing program this year (83.3%).

Finally, we asked about your favorite state to visit outside of Minnesota. New York was mentioned the most, followed closely by other states such as Arizona, Colorado, Virginia, and Washington. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated. The results from the last survey are available below.

September 21, 2023 survey results

Are you planning to explore different benefit options during open enrollment in November?

• Yes (23.3%)
• No (60%)
• Not sure (16.7%)

Do you feel that you have a strong understanding of how the Minnesota Retirement System works?

• Yes (23.3%)
• No (76.7%)

Check out General Employees Retirement Plan, which includes a retirement benefit calculator, and MSRS Upcoming Webinars to learn more about MSRS.

Are you planning to participate in the Wellbeing program this year?

• Yes (83.3%)
• No (10%)
• Not sure (6.7%)

What is your favorite state to visit outside of Minnesota?

• New York & Florida
• New York!
• Arizona
• Colorado
• California

Minnesota State Retirement System Contributions update

Due to recent Minnesota state legislation, a $34 million appropriation to the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) pension plan will reduce employee contributions from 6% to 5.5% for two years: July 1, 2023–June 30, 2025. Employer contributions will remain 6.25%. PeopleSoft will be updated to reflect this reduction, so no action is required on your part. The first paycheck that will be affected by this change will be July 26, 2023. You can learn more on the MSRS’s General Plan or Unclassified Plan.

13-credit exemption retirement

Starting with the fall 2023 term, students who enroll in fewer than 13 credits will no longer need to submit an exemption to the 13-credit flat rate charge. They will automatically be charged the per-credit tuition rate. Students enrolled in more than 13 credits will continue to receive the benefit of the tuition cap.

This 13-credit requirement was implemented in 2002 with the aim of students enrolling in enough credits to graduate in 4 years. At the time, only 40% of students were graduating in 4 years. That number has now nearly doubled.

To maintain full-time status, undergraduate students will need to enroll in 12 or more credits. They should generally be encouraged to enroll in 15 credits per semester for timely degree progress and to maximize financial aid.

If you have any questions about this change, please contact Tracy Fischer (fisch074@umn.edu).