MyU issues

This week the MyU system experienced issues during peak traffic that affected users ability to access certain functions. These issues were most pronounced on Tuesday, but improved throughout the day Wednesday and today with the around-the-clock work being performed by the University’s technicians and analysts. The ASR IT team is doing a great job of staying on top of the issues.

However, issues are still popping up here and there. Don’t assume that something has already been reported and if you notice anything odd open a ticket with help@umn.edu.

OCM plans 2016 classroom technology renewal projects

The Office of Classroom Management will be updating classroom equipment in more than 70 rooms in 2016. The project is expected to minimize breakdowns and maintain the functionality of the classroom's technology system. Improvements include: HDMI and Mini-Display Port input cables, and upgraded control systems.

ASR’s Ingrid Nuttall to lead Analytics and Data Integration fCoP

Formal Communities of Practice (fCoP) are created by the University’s IT leadership with clearly defined goals and scope. They work to advance specific information-related work at the University. This year, ASR’s Ingrid Nuttall, Director of Academic Records, will lead the Analytics and Data Integration fCoP to help improve the university’s ability to make data-driven decisions. Read about the other fCoPs and their leaders »

So, just how important is moving?

The effects of a sedentary lifestyle, sitting 8 or 9 hours a day, are becoming increasingly well researched. Here are some tips from the UMN’s Center for Spirituality and Healing to improve your wellbeing:

• Be mindful of your body and make healthful decisions
• Move more! Combine aerobic exercise with mindful movement
• Be gentle on yourself, creating a habit takes time

Preventing theft: Tips from campus police

Don't give thieves an opportunity

Never leave valuables unattended - even for a minute. Lock your door when you leave, don't prop open doors and never allow anyone to tailgate in behind you through a secure door.

Trust your instincts

If you see someone unfamiliar in your work area or in the hallway, or if you see someone acting suspiciously, call the police.

Be a good reporter to the police

If you call to report someone acting suspiciously, give a good detailed description. Make note of what the person was wearing, logos on their clothing, tattoos, hair color, or the direction they were headed.

What does development mean to you?

As part of ASR’s follow up to the E2 Engagement Survey, the ASR Staff Engagement group is working to improve development opportunities within the organization and needs your input. Please take a moment to complete this one-question survey to tell us what you think would be the most valuable development opportunities that ASR could provide for you. The survey is anonymous. Find out how else you can contribute to these efforts

Part of the effort will include highlighting staff development stories in News & Notes. If you have a story about how a development opportunity had a positive impact on your career or life that you would like to share, contact the E2 facilitator from your unit.

John Vollum - ASR
Eleanor Pijut - ASR
Matt Tveter - C&C
Christa Nicols - IT
Dave Crane - OCM
Mara Schneider - OSF
Tonisha White - OTR

ASR business units busy as bees with start of term activities buzzing

Please be patient with fellow ASR staff and our partners as we head into one of the busiest times of year using a new system for the first time. It's exciting, but there will be bumps.

You can help! Does something in the system looks like it's not working correctly? Are you wondering if it's a bug? Or maybe you don't quite understand why something is working the way it is?

Please submit a ticket to one of our teams set up to provide assistance. Questions and issues related to:

• Financial Aid should be submitted to fahelp@umn.edu
• Student Financials should be submitted to sfhelp@umn.edu
• Student records and training-related questions or issues should be submitted to srhelp@umn.edu
• Communications assistance, please reach out to asrcomm@umn.edu

Submitting tickets to our 'help' areas instead of to individuals that work in those areas, helps ASR track and ensure that your issue will be addressed, and allows us to look for trends that can help our teams understand emerging issues.