University Relations web header and footer timeline

University Relations web header and footer timeline
Based on the April 10th cutover date for the PeopleSoft upgrade, University Relations has revised their timeline for header and footer distribution. They still plan to make the transition to new headers and footers along with the launch of the new MyU this April. ASR units with websites should plan to accommodate the transition to new UMN headers and footers in accordance with University Relations’ timeline.

• March 30: HTML header and footer options for all campuses will be available for download on the UMN Our Brand page and on GitHub (responsive only).
• April 6: Twin Cities campus header and footer options with instructions will be available in Drupal. Timing for headers and footers in Drupal for system campuses will be based on each campus' needs.
• April 24: As resources permit, websites should go live with new headers and footers. 
• August 31: Deadline for all sites to make the transition to the new headers and footers.

Starting an Individual Development Plan

Employee development can be mutually beneficial when a balance is struck between an individual’s career goals, and an organization’s inherent need to get work done. It’s a win-win situation in that it benefits the individual (the development of new skills or knowledge) in a way that also benefits the organization (a more skilled workforce able to accomplish more).

But, how do you decide what to do? The University of Minnesota’s Office of Human Resources has a webpage dedicated to resources for helping employees discover what their role is in development, including an Individual Development Plan (IDP). The IDP is a tool for helping employees turn their big goals into concrete and achievable actions. Learn how to start your IDP with this helpful guide and an IDP worksheet on the ASR Intranet.

2015 Supervisor Performance Review timetable

The timeline for this year’s performance review process has been moved ahead a bit compared to previous years. Employees should expect their reviews to occur during the month of May with any merit-based increases taking effect in June. The University of Minnesota’s Office of Human Resources has put together a help page about merit pay programs.

Conference room guide now on ASR intranet

The Office of Classroom Management created a resource for ASR staff learn more about the conference rooms in Fraser, STSS/Bruininks, and Williamson Halls, including information about capacity, features, layout, and technology guides. Visit the ASR Conference Room Equipment page the next time you’re booking a meeting.

eFAAN for freshman will be sent earlier this year

Estimated 2015-2016 Financial Aid Award Notices (FAANs) will be sent to prospective incoming freshman beginning late February. Financial aid packages for students are being processed earlier than usual this year in order to accommodate the April go-live date for the PeopleSoft Upgrade.

With new Upgrade go-live date, registration times shifting

Registration periods will be earlier this year to accommodate the scheduled cutover period for the Upgrade, from April 10th to the 20th, and to ensure that students are able to successfully register for May, summer, and fall terms. ASR staff plans to send queue time emails to students at least two weeks prior to registration. Read more about timing changes on the Upgrade blog »

Additionally, staff should note that other academic dates and deadlines will be adjusted to accommodate the cutover period and earlier registration. For example, the deadline for collegiate staff to place holds on students’ records and the fourth bill due date will be changed.

How to estimate task duration

Providing realistic target dates for tasks and projects can be a complex task. The Project & Work Facilitation Unit recently added the Task Estimation Matrix to ASR’s Project Management Resources folder to make it easier to consider the external factors that will impact your timeline.

The Task Estimation Matrix was reviewed in a recent Project Management Round Table, and attendees offered tips for using the matrix effectively.

• Break tasks down into smaller units of work before assessing the complexity and risk
• Clarify roles and dependencies 
• Ask people familiar with performing tasks for their feedback on how long it typically takes to complete a similar task
• Have a team assess the risk and complexity of tasks together. Compare responses and discuss discrepancies. Having more input will shine light on complexity that you may not have otherwise considered.
• Think of estimates in terms of hours first, then translate hours into target dates. Remember to project timelines based on productive working hours. This will not be 8 hours. Depending on the production support or administrative duties of the staff involved, this could be 6 or fewer hours.