ASR participation as Orientation season begins

Orientation is underway for new students this week. One Stop staff are busy assisting with this work, including presenting a revamped “Managing the Costs of College” presentation -- that the ASR communications team was instrumental in creating. Office of Student Finance staff are helping out with laptop counseling for financial aid. Check out these photos of the events thus far, courtesy of Richard Campo:

Mark and Amanda help students and parents with financial aid information.

Nate and Katie are the line managers—and look—no line!

Tom and Josh prep to help students.

Shawn presents the NEW "Managing the Costs of College" presentation.

Work has started on the 200 and 220 Fraser spaces

Dust is flying, huge pieces of old drywall are being hauled into the elevator, and a consistent susurration (well, really more like a regular loud banging) is emanating from both 200 and 220 Fraser. This can only mean the remodel work for these spaces has begun! We are optimistic that the work will be completed mid-summer.

Remember, in order to access the area in the back of the 2nd floor, you must enter the building through the south door (closest to Appleby Hall), or take the elevator from the first floor. If you do not use the elevator, you must have UCard access for the Fraser Hall doors. Please contact Mara Schneider to be added to the access list.

Update on the Williamson Hall elevator

Facilities Management reports that the elevator repairs in Williamson Hall will be occurring sometime in August. ASR will get a minimum two-week notice of the exact date once the date is established.

ASR Staff Picnic and auction fundraiser

The location for the ASR Staff Picnic and fundraiser has been decided! Staff can gather outside of Bruininks Hall on the western terrace area overlooking the Mississippi river. Please set aside time on your calendars to stop by for food and refreshments.  

What: ASR Staff Picnic and fundraiser

When: Thursday, July 28, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Where: Outside of Bruininks Hall, western terrace

Start thinking now about items to contribute or craft as donations for the 3rd annual ASR Staff silent auction fundraiser for our student scholarship funds. The auction will be held in 330 Bruininks Hall for the same duration of time as the picnic. Items for the auction may be dropped off beginning next week, either at Mara Schnieders’ office in 259 Fraser Hall, or Eleanor Pijut's office in 160 Williamson Hall.

ASR System Campus Visits calendar

There is a new Google calendar called “ASR System Campus Visits” that was shared with all ASR staff members. Staff have been given access to update this calendar. Previously, staff were directed to use a Google spreadsheet to coordinate system campus visits; the spreadsheet is no longer necessary. By using the new calendar when planning system campus visits, all staff will be able to coordinate and share expenses for travel. If you did not receive an email with a link to add the calendar, you can do so in the Google Calendar app:

• Click on “Other calendars” drop down arrow
• Select “Add coworker’s calendar”
• Copy and paste: umn.edu_411gr2ernpml5ep901b1ug9a14@group.calendar.google.com
• Hit enter

Entries will appear at the top of the calendar as all-day events.

When creating a campus visit, include as many details as you can in the description section of the event:

• What: the purpose of the visit   
• Where: destination campus/location
• Who: people going/invited to the visit   
• Transportation method: personal vehicle, University car, how many seats available, etc.
• Duration of the trip: including departure and return times (same day, overnight etc.)
• Contact information for coordination

• Add attachments for any additional information

Stuck? Get Unstuck.

Has your inspiration gone missing? Trying to do too much yourself? Faking it instead of making it? Just plain STUCK? Get Unstuck!

Unstuck is a mobile and web app that helps coach you through life’s difficult “stuck” moments. Some of the staff in ASR have found the app helpful when looking for the next step in a project or are in need of inspiration. By using the app, you can explore how you’re feeling in your “stuck” moment, figure out how you’re stuck, and get the tips, advice, and motivation you need to become unstuck.

Third-party Google Apps security

University Information Security recommends thinking twice before sharing your University Google account information with a third-party app. There’s a security risk when allowing online applications, mobile device apps, or websites to access their service using your Google account information. Learn more.