Twin Cities department directory update

In response to the overwhelming feedback, the Twin Cities department directory was decommissioned on June 18, 2021. This update does not affect the people or general search functions on umn.edu. Contact information for services, such as Human Resources, Printing Services, or other units, can be found on the contact page for each of their websites.

ASR Slack

If you haven’t already, remember to check out the ASR-wide Slack! Everyone in ASR is encouraged to join, especially as we continue to work from home and move into flexible work. There are several communication channels available, ranging from good news to pets! You can also use the ASR-wide Slack to connect with others and coordinate future work decisions, such as finding a parking buddy as we navigate new parking contracts, or you can simply use it as a way to catch up and chat with your coworkers.

Cleaning bins

We received an extension on our cleaning bins, so we will now have them in our spaces until Friday, August 20, 2021. The recycling bins are available in Fraser, Williamson, and Bruininks Hall. Please coordinate with your supervisor to find time to go in and clean out your desk.

The bins are currently located in the following locations in Fraser:

• 133
• In the hallway outside of M133
• 200 near the front desk
• 345

Please get rid of items you do not need. Many old files can be scanned, including individual items in your office and team items in shared filing cabinets. The goal is for our spaces to be cleaned out as much as possible so they can be used as future touchstone spaces.

ASR Staff Engagement July 1st Survey

This week’s ASR Staff Engagement Survey 7/1/2021 looks at our return to campus. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences!

According to the results of the last survey, a significant majority are typically most productive in the morning (76.5%), followed by the afternoon/evening (14.7%) and midday (8.8%). For the first time in News & Notes survey history, we had an even split! 50% of respondents reported that they normally listen to something while working and 50% do not.

In another close result, most prefer to work with a pet (or pets) nearby (47.1%), closely followed by working alone in your own space (41.2%). Finally, we had lots of fun responses when asked where you would go if you could travel anywhere for a day. Going to the beach and the North Shore were the most frequent responses. Tuscany, Cuba, Florence, Australia, and Zurich were also mentioned, among others.

Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated. The results from the last survey are available below.

June 17, 2021 survey results

I am typically most productive in…

• 76.5% The morning
• 14.7% The afternoon/evening
• 8.8% Midday

Do you usually listen to something (music, podcast, etc) while working?

• 50% Yes
• 50% No

Which of the following best describes your preference?

• 47.1% I prefer to work with a pet (or pets) nearby
• 41.2% I prefer to work alone in my own space
• 11.8% I prefer to work with others nearby

If you could travel anywhere for a day, where would you go?

• Feywild
• The woods
• St. Maarten
• Machu Picchu
• The Shetland Islands
• Maui
• Fushimi Inari Shrine
• Grand Marais

ASR Operations Group: Aligning networks

The Networks team kicked off their exploration of the ASR Operations Group on June 9. Over the next six weeks, the team will investigate the group and opportunities to better align this important network across ASR. Objectives include investigating how the Ops Group can function as a hub for project prioritization across ASR and how it can serve as a network of SME’s supporting operational and strategic initiatives.

The Networks team will be co-led by Kristy Davis and Nate Peterson, and weekly stand-ups have been established with their co-sponsors, Julie Selander and Jaime Wascalus. For more information about the work this group is exploring and the team make-up, visit the N&N blog.

Update from Stacey

I have two items on my mind as I write this update. The first is Juneteenth. ASR’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee has put together informative resources below, and there is more to learn from our University faculty and libraries in this article, "Commemorating Juneteenth.” I love how the University offers so many learning opportunities; this is one of my favorite things about working here.

The second item, completely unrelated, is vacation. I just returned from a few days on the Gunflint Trail in Minnesota. The trip was well timed to beat the heat and a good way to kick off the kids’ summer vacation. Many of us have racked up a lot of vacation time due to the pandemic and the intensity of work. I hope you find time to take a vacation soon; summer is fleeting in Minnesota, and we should all enjoy a bit of it.

Cleaning bins

Just a reminder that from now until Friday, July 17, 2021, there will be recycling bins available in Fraser, Williamson, and Bruininks Hall. Please coordinate with your supervisor to find time to go in and clean out your desk.

Starting Monday, June 21, the bins in Fraser will be moved from the basement, 120, and 200 Fraser and will be relocated to:

• 133
• M133
• 345