Senator Franken, Governor Dayton, and student debt

On April 9, University President Eric Kaler, Governor Mark Dayton, Senator Al Franken, and Office of Higher Education director Larry Pogemiller engaged University students and others in a round table discussion about college affordability and financial literacy. The chat took place in STSS and was followed by a tour of One Stop Student Services. One Stop's Julie Selander and Vice Provost and Dean Bob McMaster also showed the group an active learning classroom and University Veterans Services. Julie briefly explained ASR's "Live Like a Student Now So You Don't Have To Later" financial literacy campaign; according to Julie, Senator Franken, "got a kick out of the name." Well doggone it, the Senator likes us.


Getting the lay of the land in STSS

Workflow Gen software now an enterprise solution

The purchase of Workflow Gen as an enterprise software solution was completed at the end of March. This means there will be central support for Workflow Gen. Why does this matter? ASR has already invested heavily in the tool. Some examples of Workflow Gen projects include Classroom Management's form to request a non-standard meeting pattern; the graduate student registration exceptions request; and our very own professional development request form.

The Workflow Consortium (in which ASR plays a key role) will serve as an active user group and the business owner for the product.

New Fraser digs and an update from OSF

The student finance gurus in Fraser Hall have some new paint, carpet, and gently loved furniture (courtesy of the University of Minnesota Foundation) to brighten their work spaces. Staff are hard at work packaging for the summer, and work on the new Tuition and Fee Management System continues; the "old" system is still in use for time being. Finally, the new exit interview application should be live before July 1, 2012. If all goes well, staff will no longer need to provide in-person counseling at Grad Fest.

News & Notes received a personal tour of the new space, conducted by OSF's very own Deb Wilkin. Deb is responsible for the pictures you are about to enjoy.

Ruanne Pearson, Deb Wilkin, and The Stooges solve a particularly pesky problem.


Deb wanted to make sure the new color copier got its due recognition.


Todd Bierbrauer basks in his sunny new digs.


Jim Parker and Brian Olson follow Deb's direction and have a fake conversation.

Christopher Peterson "shames" Richard Toetschinger into posing for the camera.


Regina Moran plays "Jenga."

Where do you want to go?

At the last ASR-IT meeting, staff in attendance participated in an activity where they indicated their favorite travel location, and the place where they would most like to go but haven't been yet. These locations are now available on a Google map. Want to see yourself on the map? Just fill out this quick form and your travel favorites and dreams will be added.

Sprummer cleaning day on June 7

"Sprummer" is the in-between of spring and summer. It's the brunch of seasons. Anyway, the next ASR office cleaning half-day will be held June 7. More information about the available recycling and garbage bins will be forthcoming.

Security is next to cleanliness (which I hear is next to Godliness)

Securing your computer is just as important as locking up your purse, phone, or treats that you don't want anyone else to eat. Don't forget to lock your computer when you leave your work station. Just hit the Windows logo key and the "L" if you're a PC. If you're a Mac, it's Shift-Command-Option-Q.

Three semesters (more thoughts from the president)

Since the last issue of News & Notes, President Kaler shared his thoughts on his proposed three semester plan in a message to University staff and faculty. In it, the president stresses his vision that a third semester will promote flexibility in the schedules of both students and faculty.