Happy Thursday! There is a lot to cover this week, but first, I want to mention that we are experimenting with a new standing column in News & Notes to highlight the great work we are doing in ASR. It’s an opportunity to showcase compliments we receive, projects that have finished, or to celebrate our regular ongoing work that serves students and the University. If you have items to share, send them to Danielle Eberhard (eberh115@umn.edu) to include in News & Notes. Staff can be named specifically, or we can recognize units generally. Check out the “Staff Recognition” article below.
Next, I have hiring on my mind. Now that the University has lifted the hiring freeze for most positions (those with salaries of $75,000 and under), ASR is working to fill vacancies. You may have noticed that we have several positions posted right now. It is a critical moment to incorporate Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion into our recruitment and search processes. If you are leading a search committee, I encourage you to check in with your unit’s DEI committee member or your unit director. As part of our DEI efforts, One Stop Student Services will be piloting an approach to review redacted application materials so they do not see names when reviewing candidates.
Finally, thank you for your participation in the Get the Vax 2.0 program and completing your employee attestations. Our students are also completing their process; over 75% of students have filled out their form. They have until October 8 before registration holds will be placed.
Thursday, September 23, 2021
Network working group update
Last June, the Network working group (co-sponsors Julie Selander and Jaime Wascalus) was charged with identifying how the ASR Operations Group could be more effectively leveraged to define and deliver ASR priorities. Some items they were asked to consider include:
With the charge of the Network working group complete, the group has been disbanded, and the ASR Operations Group will now take over the work of implementing the recommendations and leading project prioritization across ASR. Stay tuned for more from the ASR Operations Group. In the future, they will be communicating their important work through various channels, including News & Notes.
- Investigate and recommend how the ASR Operations Group can serve as the main hub for work prioritization across ASR (IT and non-IT).
- Investigate and recommend how the ASR Operations Group can serve as a network of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) that help support the operational and strategic activities across ASR.
- Recommending that the ASR Operations Group continues to prioritize the project work being done in ASR, which includes revisiting and updating the group's charter and starting annual reviews of the project backlog.
- Recommending that the ASR Operations Group standardize a committee-specific project management life cycle process, which includes evaluating tools for managing a comprehensive ASR project backlog and creating a standardized process of submitting and approving work.
- Recommending an increased focus on the communication of work done by the ASR Operations Group throughout ASR.
With the charge of the Network working group complete, the group has been disbanded, and the ASR Operations Group will now take over the work of implementing the recommendations and leading project prioritization across ASR. Stay tuned for more from the ASR Operations Group. In the future, they will be communicating their important work through various channels, including News & Notes.
ASR Staff Engagement September 23rd Survey
This week’s ASR Staff Engagement Survey 9/23/2021 examines our workspaces. Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences! As a reminder, the University will be issuing a full staff engagement survey this October.
Last week’s survey took a look at our favorite things! When asked about favorite spots on-campus, the Northrop Mall was by far the most popular response. Most respondents indicated that black was their favorite color, followed by green in 2nd and pink in 3rd. Ice cream and various kinds of pie (blueberry, chocolate, key lime, etc.) dominated when asked about favorite desserts.
Finally, we had a wide variety of books mentioned when asked about your favorite(s), but Harry Potter and cookbooks were the most frequent responses. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated. Make sure to check out the N&N blog for the results from the last survey.
September 9, 2021 survey results
What are your favorite spots on-campus?
Last week’s survey took a look at our favorite things! When asked about favorite spots on-campus, the Northrop Mall was by far the most popular response. Most respondents indicated that black was their favorite color, followed by green in 2nd and pink in 3rd. Ice cream and various kinds of pie (blueberry, chocolate, key lime, etc.) dominated when asked about favorite desserts.
Finally, we had a wide variety of books mentioned when asked about your favorite(s), but Harry Potter and cookbooks were the most frequent responses. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated. Make sure to check out the N&N blog for the results from the last survey.
September 9, 2021 survey results
What are your favorite spots on-campus?
- The steps of Northrop looking over the Mall
- Campus Club Terrace, Northrop Mall
- Lily Plaza
- Anywhere with coffee
- Wilson Library and Walter Library
- 28% Black
- 16% Green
- 12% Pink
- 8% Yellow, Purple, Orange
- Ice Cream
- Blueberry Pie
- Molten Lava Cake
- Key Lime Pie
- Ice Cream Drumsticks
- Peach Cobbler
- Pride and Prejudice
- Harry Potter and any cookbooks
- Mystery novels
- Perfect by Judith McNaught
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
- Ghost in the Machine by Arthur Koestler
- Ella Enchanted, Lunar Chronicles series
Thursday, September 9, 2021
Homecoming parade!
Homecoming is back this year, and we’re going to be in the parade! Mark your calendars for Friday, September 24, 6:00-7:30pm. The parade is a cherished ASR tradition and fun for the whole family. Come wearing Gopher gear and be ready to hand out candy and to bask in the cheers and applause of the crowd! This year is sure to be our biggest and best year yet (we have TWO bubble machines for the wagon).
No RSVP necessary, but please email Richard Campo (campo035@umn.edu) if you are interested and he will make sure that you are on the group message that announces our starting location in the staging area. Full event details are on the Homecoming Parade 2021 page. Email Richard with questions, and we’ll see you at the parade!
No RSVP necessary, but please email Richard Campo (campo035@umn.edu) if you are interested and he will make sure that you are on the group message that announces our starting location in the staging area. Full event details are on the Homecoming Parade 2021 page. Email Richard with questions, and we’ll see you at the parade!
Updates on ASR Alignment working groups
Back in June, two ASR working groups kicked off to look at the ASR Operations Projects Committee work and organizational structure between ASR Central, Continuity & Compliance, and Office of the Registrar. These groups have worked diligently over the summer to review the work in ASR, alignment and organizational structure, and areas for opportunities. Recently, both groups presented their work to the ASR Directors, answered questions, and shared insights regarding their process. Over the upcoming weeks, the ASR Directors will review the recommendations put forth by both groups over the upcoming weeks and will share further updates as final decisions are made regarding timeline and implementation.
If you have questions about the work the groups did, please reach out to your unit representative or the ASR Directors. We understand that many of you will be affected by any future implementation plans, and next steps will happen carefully and collaboratively. We will continue to relay information when it is available. A very big thank you to the individuals who represented each unit in these groups for the time and care they put into this challenging task.
If you have questions about the work the groups did, please reach out to your unit representative or the ASR Directors. We understand that many of you will be affected by any future implementation plans, and next steps will happen carefully and collaboratively. We will continue to relay information when it is available. A very big thank you to the individuals who represented each unit in these groups for the time and care they put into this challenging task.
Mental Wellness in the Workplace
Adjusting to a “new normal”
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have caused abrupt and extreme changes to our daily lives. Such changes inevitably induce anxiety and stress for individuals as the need to make adjustments to our “normal” everyday lives and routines can be overwhelming. It also involves a lot of flexibility and patience! Humans are naturally creatures of habit. Our routines are deeply rooted to our mental and emotional health and any disruptions to those routines, whether minor or major, can throw us completely off balance.
So, how can we transition into a “new normal” that fits our individual needs and positively affects our mental health? Create and establish a new routine(s)! As creatures of habit, it's important to have an established routine(s) that motivates us each and every day. This might look similar to your routine(s) pre-COVID, or it might look drastically different. Routines can be as simple as waking up at the same time every day to start the day off right or being intentional about fueling your body with nutritious food every day. The key is to create a routine(s) that brings you positivity and provides consistency in order to alleviate anxiety and stress and promote positive mental health.
Having trouble adjusting or establishing a “new normal” routine? The following resources can help you get started:
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have caused abrupt and extreme changes to our daily lives. Such changes inevitably induce anxiety and stress for individuals as the need to make adjustments to our “normal” everyday lives and routines can be overwhelming. It also involves a lot of flexibility and patience! Humans are naturally creatures of habit. Our routines are deeply rooted to our mental and emotional health and any disruptions to those routines, whether minor or major, can throw us completely off balance.
So, how can we transition into a “new normal” that fits our individual needs and positively affects our mental health? Create and establish a new routine(s)! As creatures of habit, it's important to have an established routine(s) that motivates us each and every day. This might look similar to your routine(s) pre-COVID, or it might look drastically different. Routines can be as simple as waking up at the same time every day to start the day off right or being intentional about fueling your body with nutritious food every day. The key is to create a routine(s) that brings you positivity and provides consistency in order to alleviate anxiety and stress and promote positive mental health.
Having trouble adjusting or establishing a “new normal” routine? The following resources can help you get started:
- How to Start a New Routine and Stick to It
- Why Routines are Important for Mental Health
- Tips for Establishing your Post-Coronavirus Routine
- Finding a Post-COVID Routine
original by webcomic artist Superlmer
ASR Staff Engagement September 9th Survey
To commemorate the start of fall semester, this week’s ASR Staff Engagement September 9, 2021 will survey our favorite things! Thank you for continuing to share your stories and experiences.
According to last week’s survey, most do not take breaks at a consistent time each day (65.5%). Most respondents also try to do something relaxing when on a break (60.7%), versus 39.3% who prefer to do something productive during breaks. When asked about difficulty remembering breaks, 55.2% of respondents have a hard time stepping away for breaks, followed by 44.8% who take a break when they need it or have it scheduled.
Finally, we asked about your favorite snack foods. Apples (with or without peanut butter), popcorn, and chips and salsa were the most popular responses. Other snacks such as walnuts, cheese, pretzels, Cheetos, and Cool Ranch Doritos were also mentioned. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated. The results from the last survey are available below.
August 26, 2021 survey results
Do you take a break at the same time each day?
When I take a break, I usually try to…
Do you have any difficulty remembering to take breaks?
What are some of your favorite snack foods?
According to last week’s survey, most do not take breaks at a consistent time each day (65.5%). Most respondents also try to do something relaxing when on a break (60.7%), versus 39.3% who prefer to do something productive during breaks. When asked about difficulty remembering breaks, 55.2% of respondents have a hard time stepping away for breaks, followed by 44.8% who take a break when they need it or have it scheduled.
Finally, we asked about your favorite snack foods. Apples (with or without peanut butter), popcorn, and chips and salsa were the most popular responses. Other snacks such as walnuts, cheese, pretzels, Cheetos, and Cool Ranch Doritos were also mentioned. Thanks all for your continued participation! It is very much appreciated. The results from the last survey are available below.
August 26, 2021 survey results
Do you take a break at the same time each day?
- 65.5% No, it varies from day to day
- 27.6% Yes, most of the time but not always
- 6.9% Yes, I take a break every day at the same time
When I take a break, I usually try to…
- 60.7% Do something relaxing
- 39.3% Do something productive
Do you have any difficulty remembering to take breaks?
- 55.2% Yes, sometimes I have a hard time stepping away.
- 44.8% No, I will take a break when I need it or have it scheduled.
What are some of your favorite snack foods?
- Walnuts!
- Almonds and dried fruit
- Cut up apple and peanut butter
- Chips and salsa, larabars
- Triscuits or carrots and hummus
- What isn’t a favorite snack food?
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