Survey reminder

On October 14, you received an email from the Hay Group, the external vendor chosen by the University to conduct a survey of engagement. The email contains a link to the online survey. Please take 10-15 minutes to complete the survey. The results will help the University in creating an employee engagement program for staff and faculty.

Each survey link is unique so the Hay Group can provide data analysis to the University. If you can't find your email from Hay Group, email them at UofMNsurvey.US@haygroup.com to request a new link.

Last day to donate to Community Fund Drive

The 2013 Community Fund Drive, the U's annual charitable giving campaign, ends today! So far, $1 million has been raised toward the $1.5 million fundraising goal. You can have funds taken out of your payroll automatically or give a one-time gift. If you prefer to use a paper form, download one from www.umn.edu/cfd. The website also has information on our seven federation partners and weekly prize drawings, plus a grand prize drawing.

Veterans Appreciation Day

Join fellow University of Minnesota students and staff at the 7th annual Student Veterans Appreciation Day on November 12, 2013 at Coffman Memorial Union. The event recognizes the important contributions of University student veterans, military members, and their families to our country. This year's event will feature a short program, including:

- The University's Military Color Guard
- The University Marching Band
- Remarks from veteran and University head wrestling coach J. Robinson, and
- Remarks from University student veteran Zach Benson.

A chili luncheon will be provided for guests. The best part? It's free! For more information, including program details, visit the event web page.

IT@UMN Google group

Join the IT@UMN Google group to get updates on IT services (e.g., product rollouts, disruption notifications), information on current and emerging technologies, IT events, and more. IT@UMN is a system wide movement to build community among staff who work in IT and others who have an interest in IT at the U. The Google group is its established means of communication. To join, visit it.umn.edu and click Join the Google Group.

ASR goals for 2014

Have you had a chance to review ASR's goals for 2014? If not, you can check them out here. In addition to overarching goals for the department as a whole, each unit within ASR also has a unique set of priorities for the coming year.

Recap of staff event

The fall 2013 ASR staff event went off without a hitch. Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education Bob McMaster began the morning with an update on undergraduate education. He shared priorities and goals for the coming year, as well as retention and graduation rates. Dean Bob Elde from the College of Biological Sciences (CBS) followed Bob's presentation with an update on CBS and how influential ASR has been to the college.

Following Dean Elde's keynote address, staff were shown a video entitled "What does ASR do for U?" Associate Vice Provost and University Registrar Sue Van Voorhis then closed the event with a recap of ASR priorities and its direction moving forward. If you were unable to attend the event, you may view it here.

Benefits open enrollment

Do you need to make a change to your benefits? If so, or if you'd like to open a flexible spending account for 2014, be sure to adjust your medical or dental plan choices during November. (The open enrollment period ends Dec. 2.) During this time, you may increase the amount of your existing short-term disability by up to $200 by completing a paper application, and, if eligible, you may enroll in or increase long-term disability coverage. You may also add child life insurance. Make your changes online via Employee Self-Service by Dec. 2. For more information, see the benefits guide or call 4-UOHR (612-624-8647).