Director's update: Budget information

We received some good news on the budget front. Here's what I know:

• We received an internal loan of $2 million beginning fiscal year 2013 (FY13) for physical upgrades to Keller, Borlaug, and Vincent halls, and the study spaces in Willey and Wilson Library.


• OCM will receive one-time funding ($500K) for high priority maintenance of classrooms and study spaces.


• Our request for $200K to replace the classroom scheduling system was approved.


• Beginning in FY13, costs associated with the Consumer Relationship Management (CRM) license will be assumed by OIT.

These items are critical to furthering our mission, but there is still more work to be done. I will keep you informed as I hear more.

Delayed launch of new online transcript ordering system

Due to unforeseen technical difficulties, the launch of the new online official transcript ordering system (through Avow Systems, Inc.) and pricing structure has been delayed until February 8, 2012. The current system and pricing structure will be used until then.

Google+ training

If you are interested in learning more about how Google+ might help you in your work, notify Ingrid Nuttall. Please indicate the specific types of features you are interested in learning more about. ("I don't know where to start" is a perfectly acceptable reply.) If there is enough interest, there will be a Google+ brown bag coming to a meeting room near you.

Tell ASR what you think

The third of four mini-ASR employee surveys is now open. If you haven't already done so, please take five minutes and complete the 2011 ASR Employee Survey #3. As always, the survey is anonymous, and your thoughtful feedback is requested. Please help ASR by completing the survey by Friday, February 17.

Get your walk on

Looking for a way to stay fit while you work? The Walkstation in 160 Williamson Hall might be your answer. You can sign-up on a sheet located right at the station, or contact Debbie Henderson and she can sign you up for a half-hour walk.

(Robert Bode, hard at work.)

Security badges required for student workers

All ASR student workers will now be provided with security ID badges that must be worn during their work hours. When new student workers meet with HR Cluster staff, they will be asked to sign a staff identification badge acknowledgement form that outlines their responsibilities. The HR Cluster has already begun ordering badges for current student employees in all units (OCM student workers are exempt and may continue to use their current badges). Student workers will receive an email when their badge is ready to be picked up at the U Card office in Coffman; they do not need to complete this form. If you have any questions about this process, contact the HR Cluster.

New sign-in pages for University systems

The Office of Information Technology recently announced a new look for the sign-in page for the University of Minnesota. More information, including a visual comparison of the current and new sign-in page, can be found on the OIT News blog entry.