Matriculation matters

The word matriculate is most commonly used as a verb. It means to enroll in or be admitted to a group, such as a program, college, or university. When it is used this way, it is usually followed by a preposition, such as at, into, or to. It does not mean "to graduate." For example, here is an instance where it is used correctly: "Bob and Sarah both matriculated to Columbia University."

One Stop wins transportation safety award

One Stop Student Services' "Text D for Danger" video was recently selected by members of the University of Minnesota community as one of the winning submissions in University Services' transportation safety video contest. The One Stop team received a $250 gift card to the University bookstore and their video will featured as part of the SafeU campaign in the future. Great job, One Stop!

Tasty treats

To have some fun and to ensure ASR directors continue to receive input from staff, we'll be introducing a poll question or two in future issues of News & Notes. We'll include both serious (questions regarding how to improve ASR or your opinion on particular work-related topics) and lighthearted questions. Response(s) will be recorded and noted by the ASR directors.

For today's issue, our inaugural poll question asks about your favorite treat. Be sure to respond so we know which to surprise you with in the coming weeks!

Question: Which performance-boosting treat would you like next month? Choose between cookies and donuts!

Google Blogger selected to replace UThink

As UThink blogs will be decommissioned by University Libraries and University IT later this year, the communications team has decided to transition to Google Blogger. During the next few months, they'll work on transferring publication content (including this newsletter!) to Blogger. Stay tuned for updates in future issues of News & Notes. For more information about the retirement of UThink, see UThink decommissioning.

Pushing out pessimism

When work becomes overwhelming, it's easy to detour down a path of pessimism. The ABC Technique, however, is an approach to help think more optimistically. It's based on how we explain difficult or stressful situations to ourselves across dimensions of permanence, pervasiveness, and personalization. The ABC Technique pushes you to analyze three aspects of a situation: adversity, beliefs, and consequences. When you encounter adversity, you develop thoughts and beliefs about the situation. This, in turn, leads to consequences. To be optimistic, you must change what you believe about yourself, and the situation, when you encounter adversity. Positive beliefs will lead to more positive consequences and a more positive outlook. (Thanks to Kristy Davis and Christa Nicols for submitting this tip!)

Wellness tip: ride the bus to work

Do you live near a bus route or transit station? If so, try riding the bus to work instead of driving. The extra walking to the bus stop or between the bus stop and your office building is a great way to exercise a little bit more each day. Studies have shown that people who take public transportation to work burn more calories because they end up walking more than their car-driving counterparts. And, taking public transportation reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted and in the atmosphere.

Wrangling reflexive pronouns

Correctly using reflexive pronouns (myself, yourself, etc.) is a bit difficult, but here's a quick tip: Don't use reflexive pronouns in place of objective case pronouns (pronouns used as objects of verbs or prepositions). Reflexives refer to the subject. An intensive pronoun intensifies an action, e.g., "I want to do it myself." For example, this would be incorrect: "The party was for Bob and myself, and I allowed me the privilege of attending the celebration." Instead, you would say, "The party was for Bob and me, and I allowed myself the privilege of attending the celebration."