Vendor selected for degree planning tools

The RFP process to replace degree planning tools (i.e., Graduation Planner and Schedule Builder) is nearly complete. After extensive consultation with the University user community and a thorough review of several options, an external vendor was selected. Negotiations with the vendor have begun. Until a contract is signed and its gone through legal review, the name of the chosen vendor is confidential within the University. The Degree Planning Advisory Group will be reconvened to plan implementation of that tool, probably in stages, over time. We hope an integrated degree planning toolset will really help our students. Thank you to all in ASR who worked on this effort for more than a year!

S drive reminder and technology help

As a reminder, folders in the S drive should not be moved or deleted from their current locations. Additionally, if you need help with VPN access, active drive folders, or network issues, please contact help@umn.edu and not SFhelp or FAhelp.

Start of the term communications

Around the start of the semester, the Communications team sends out key messaging to students, faculty, and staff to support a smooth start to the term. We target these messages to specific groups at specific times. Here are a few highlights of what we’ve sent this spring:

• Reminders to students about the first day of attendance policy, billing statements, dates and deadlines, One Stop hours, and encouragement to capture their class schedule ahead of time. We deliver this information through email and MyU.
• Reminders to instructors about the first day of attendance policy, legitimate absences and makeup work, grading basis policy, waitlists, Academic Alerts, and other resources.
• Reminders to staff about One Stop’s service hours, scheduling and classroom support, and encouragement to help faculty with rosters and class formats.

For questions about these communications, contact Carin Thoms (ande8670@umn.edu).

ASR Staff Engagement January 14th Survey

As we close out the old year and head into 2021, this week’s ASR Staff Engagement survey offers an opportunity to reflect a little on 2020. What have we accomplished? What are we most proud of? Visit the ASR Staff Engagement Survey 1/14/2021 to provide your insights. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.

The results from the Dec 17th survey revealed that following a regular schedule, which includes sufficient sleep and getting outside every day, has been the most beneficial for staying motivated and exercising during the pandemic. Some of us did admit we are finding it a bit more difficult to get in our exercise, but many shared ideas on what works for them. These tips include everything from scheduling time, to finding a workout buddy, such as a dog, a spouse, or some sort of screen support. The specific results from the last survey are available below.

December 17, 2020 survey results

Which of these will you consider to help you thrive while WFH during this Pandemic Winter? Ordered by greatest response:

• I will commit to a regular schedule, including lots of sleep.
• I will get outside every day - no matter how cold or snowy!
• Other
• I will remember to do one small thing each day that brings me joy.
• I will stay connected, switch video meetings to other mediums like a phone call a couple of times a week.
• I will reflect on and note my accomplishments at the end of each day.

Check out the short article, “Wondering How You’ll Get Through a Pandemic Winter? Try These 9 Tips to Stay Connected and Motivated,” by Marina Khidekel to learn more about staying motivated.

Are you finding it more difficult to get your exercise in?

• 64% Yes
• 36% No

Dana Santas’s article, “5 exercises to offset too much sitting,” includes some simple stretches and exercises to try at home.

Please share your tips on what really works for you to get your exercise in:

• I find that actually scheduling an appointment time helps me exercise. It's as if I am scheduling time to go to the health club!
• I need to set a time 4 days a week and pick a TV show that's good for cycling!
• I work out during what was normally my commute time in the morning. I love morning workouts, and I'm very glad to be able to get back into that while working from home.
• I belong to a small gym community that has virtual, outdoor (distanced), and small (distanced and masked) indoor classes. For me, the social motivation to be around others helps me to get my exercise in.
• I sign up for online zoom classes offered through my gym. That way I feel like I have a commitment to honor and am less likely to skip it.
• Finding someone to exercise with to help hold me accountable! It is easier to go outside when it is cold and gloomy when there is another person to encourage you to go.
• Setting up mini challenges with friends in Virgin Pulse app, finding those 10 min Youtube workout videos that you can sneak in, taking time and just stretching for 10 mins, and now that gyms are open - go back to seeing my trainer twice a week!

Building a fitness routine is often one of the best ways to stay motivated regarding exercise. Cari Wira Dineen’s article,“8 Ways to Start a Fitness Routine You Can Stick With,” includes eight different ways to form a fitness routine.

Update from Sue

The calendar year and academic term are coming to a close, and with so many challenges this year, you all deserve to enjoy the University holidays. I do not expect you to check your email on the University holidays or on your vacation days. It is important to let it go and enjoy your time away as you have earned it.

I want to thank all of you as I know this has been one heck of a year. ASR is such a great team with a clear focus on our students, and you have all made significant contributions to keep the University running well, while still implementing new forms, tools, and many other items to help our students succeed. I really miss not sharing my gratitude in person at our appreciation event. Every one of you should feel very proud of your accomplishments this year. Thank you so much as I couldn’t do what I do without all of you.

Congratulations ASR retirees

Several people in ASR will be retiring over the next few months. We want to congratulate the following staff retiring in January:

• Eleanor Pijut, ASR-Central, has 40+ years of service to the University, and will be retiring on January 15, 2020.
• Eleanor has been at the University since she was a student in Duluth, and she has been working at the University ever since. Eleanor did not have to leave the University to find new work, adventure, or challenges as she has spent her entire time at the University within ASR. Her work transitions followed this path, beginning in Student Financial Aid (anyone remember paper ISIRs and SARs), then onto ASR-IT (remember the SAM system preceded PeopleSoft), and most recently in ASR Central where people, partners, and projects were abundant. In her work, she has made a positive difference in students' lives. We thank her, will miss her, and wish her well.
• Liz Holm, OSF, is retiring after 22 years of service to the University.
• Liz has been a powerhouse professional in the Graduate/Professional Aid unit in OSF since 2012 and with the office since 1999 (22 yrs). The schools and departments who worked with Liz have had nothing but praise and good wishes as she moves on to her next journey. Liz has touched so many students' lives with her proactive engagement. It would be an understatement to say many of our practicing professionals in fields such as Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Public Health, among others, have Liz to thank for seamlessly getting their aid over the years. OSF will miss her terribly but send her our best wishes for a happy retirement and gratitude for the years of quality service.
• Doug Rositzke, OSF, is retiring after 14 years of service to the University.
• Doug has been a valuable employee to the University of Minnesota over the length of his service. He has been a Finance Professional 3 throughout his time with us, helping students understand their loans and working with alumni struggling to repay their loans. He has been compassionate in his work and always showed kindness through his approach as he attempted to collect outstanding student loans. Doug was going to retire last winter, but asked to stay on so we weren’t short handed during the pandemic. His invaluable service will be missed by many who he interacted with. We wish Doug the absolute best in his retirement and all that will bring with it.
• Cindy Salyers, ASR-IT, is retiring after 31 years of service to the University.
• A few quotes from Cindy’s colleagues: Cindy is a wealth of knowledge about the history of the University and the data that powers our everyday business processes. She is always willing to share what she knows and takes the time to educate and pass on that knowledge. Cindy is generous with both her knowledge and her time. She has been a rock for student data projects, making sure they not only meet the needs of ASR but the entire University system. She has taken on leadership roles and allowed colleagues to learn so much from her. Her impressive knowledge and willingness to help has made my job much easier and more fun. I really appreciate all the time and effort that you have put to make our team better in so many ways. Cindy is a UMN encyclopedia and has been instrumental in making me the analyst that I am. Cindy taught me everything I know about SQL. She has a rigorous, logical approach to her work that makes her so good at what she does--and her focused approach to problem-solving is inspiring to others! She's also one of the best whiteboard brainstormers I know. Cindy is a great teammate, a University legend, and an amazing coworker. You will be missed!!
• Robert Wilson IV, OTR, is retiring after 22 years of service to the University.
• Robert has been the primary staff member in ASR to work with ECAS and the related course and class data in PeopleSoft for many years. Robert has helped ASR throughout the years in the courses, classes, and classroom capacity. He has always been willing to dive in and learn the processes and take on the challenge. He works with demanding colleges and keeps a steady calm to manage all the pieces. He meets the deadlines for us even when colleges are late to provide him what he needs. His contributions and expertise will be greatly missed as he moves on to his well-deserved retirement.
We will miss each of you in ASR! Thank you all for your wonderful service to the University. Enjoy retirement!

ASR Staff Engagement December 17th Survey

As we head into winter, this week’s ASR Staff Engagement survey focuses on thriving through the winter during a pandemic. Visit the ASR Staff Engagement Survey 12/17/2020 to submit your feedback. We thank you for sharing your tips, experiences, and thoughts.

The results from the last survey about our risk levels associated with COVID-19 revealed we consider ourselves to be more cautious than others. It was surprisingly close, but just under half of us have personally encountered a mask controversy. Lastly, even with uncomfortable mask encounters, staff have generously shared lots of ideas on how to stay connected while social distancing and working remotely. Zoom connections appear to be very popular, along with time in meetings that allow for informal non-business discussions. The specific results of the last survey are available below.

December 3, 2020 survey results

With the recent news on increased pandemic infections, where do you rank your COVID-19 risk tolerance?

• 67% more cautious than others
• 31 % about the same as others
• 2% less cautious than others

“‘COVID Risk Comfort Zone’” features a comic about how to say “no” when someone asks you to do something outside of your COVID risk comfort zone. “Etiquette Tips for Staying Safe, Sane, and Your Best Self While Social Distancing” by Cathering Newman discusses how to navigate the pandemic safely and with compassion for others.

Have you personally encountered controversy related to mask usage?

• 48% Yes
• 52% No

“Controversy in comfort levels as people try to emerge from coronavirus puts some relationships at risk” by Kayla Canne talks about how differences in comfort levels regarding COVID-19 has strained some personal relationships.

With social distancing and remote working what helps you feel connected to others and counteract the potential loneliness of working remotely?

Daily walks with spouse, family, or with masked friends

Zooms gatherings with friends, family, and coworkers

Phone calls or texting with friends and family

Sending and receiving letters with friends and family

Scheduling time to have informal or non-work related conversations with coworkers

Online events or activities, such as live streamed concerts or gaming