Just for fun: Cute animals increase productivity

Science has shown thatviewing images of baby animals can increase productivity. If that’s true these links will have ASR firing on all cylinders:

• Kittens do things for the first time
• French bulldog puppy learns to trust
• Baby elephant teaches birds how to party

2015 President's Award for Outstanding Service Winner - Aileen Lively

ASR's very own, Aileen Lively, has been awarded the 2015 President's Award for Outstanding Service.

The University of Minnesota President's Award for Outstanding Service was established in 1997 to recognize faculty and staff (current or retired) who have provided exceptional service to the University, its schools, colleges, departments and service units. Such service must have gone well beyond the regular duties of a faculty or staff member, and demonstrate unusual commitment to the University community.

Congratulations, Aileen!

Mac updates helping some users with WiFi connectivity issues

Over the past several months, following the release of Mac OS X Yosemite and iOS 8, some University Mac users have experienced difficulty connecting to UMN WiFi. Recently, Apple released an update to OS X for Yosemite 10.10.3 as well as iOS 8.3 for iPhones and iPad devices. OIT has received promising, consistent reports of improvement from testers who applied this update.

If you experience continued issues with WiFi access please contact Technology Help.

Passphrases

The April edition of "OUCH!" (PDF) covers passphrases: what they are, why they provide greater security than passwords, and how to use them securely.

Save the date: “Appreciation, Synergy, Rejoice” on May 20, 2015

The details are unfolding for ASR’s Spring Staff event. Stay tuned and watch your email for the official invitation.

Employee’s dog chosen for art exhibit

A photo of DARwin and Student-Athlete Academic Eligibility Coordinator Amanda Grimm’s dog, Klaus, has been selected for an art exhibit in the third floor gallery of Boynton Health Services. Klaus, a trained therapy dog, will be featured in “Multiple Layers: Mental Health Art Exhibit” from April 20 - May 14. The gallery opening event is tonight, April 23, from 5 - 7 p.m.

Williamson Hall construction project set to begin April 27

On Monday, Facilities Management will start a project for the Office of Classroom Management to widen the doors to the OCM/CTS warehouse space located near the Williamson Hall 160 Men's Restroom and to install a drip pan in the ceiling of the Men's Restroom.

This construction will require the Men's Restroom to close from April 27-May 8. Staff should use the 2nd floor Men's Restroom during this closure.