Director of the Office of Student Finance (OSF) search update

During the past month, OSF staff (and a few non-OSF staff) have shared their insights with John Vollum, Jeremy Todd and Tina Falkner regarding their work, work processes and organization, as well as the qualities they seek in a new director, and OSF organizational culture. Staff have been candid, thoughtful, and open to thinking about doing work differently.

The information is being used to formulate the OSF director job description, set next steps for the organization (and ASR), and discover opportunities to improve the work culture and climate. It is anticipated that the job description will be finalized in the next few weeks, so recruitment can begin in earnest prior to the start of fall semester.

GSSP integrating with One Stop student services

Graduate Student Services and Progress (GSSP) and One Stop Student Services have discussed ways to better align their work and responsibilities to best serve students. As a result, GSSP customer service staff will be integrated into the One Stop location at Bruininks Hall in order to better streamline service and processes for the University’s graduate students. Many logistical details are still being worked out, but the transition will begin in mid-October.

2016 eFAAN sent to 16,204 Twin Cities undergrads

Starting Monday, July 20th, the University began sending the electronic Financial Aid Award Notice (eFAAN) to undergrads. The eFAAN is sent to students to make them aware of their financial aid award offer. Students respond to their eFAAN through MyU.

U of M in fourth year of partnership with Pat Tillman Foundation

The University of Minnesota is in it's fourth year as a University Partner with the Pat Tillman Foundation. As one of 18 University Partners,the University of Minnesota is proud to announce our 2015 Tillman Scholar - Adam James. He was one of 60 Scholars selected amongst 2100 applicants. Having served on four separate deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom from 2006-2014, Adam has been involved in numerous combat operations. He credits his challenging childhood for his decision to join the U.S. Air Force and ultimately shaping him into the person he is today.

Read more about Adam »

Tate Science and Teaching Renovation Update

Church Street and part of the Scholars Walk will be affected by the site fence surrounding the Tate renovation project. Staff are advised to look for signs directing them around the barriers in a safe manner. The sidewalk along the mall side of Tate will not have public access for the duration of the project, please plan accordingly.

Nolte Dining Room to remain closed

University Dining Services has decided, after careful consideration, to keep the Nolte Dining Room closed for the remaining academic year. This decision will be revisited in the future as UDS hopes to explore alternative dining options and find a viable solution. Staff are encouraged to visit other UDS locations: the Walter Library Wise Owl cafe, Lind Hall Starbucks or the MN Marketplace in Coffman Union.

Upcoming ASR summer picnic and fundraising event, August 20

On August 20, 2015 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. ASR will once again hold a fundraiser in conjunction with our annual summer picnic. Weather permitting, the picnic will take place behind Fraser Hall and the fundraiser will occur in Fraser Hall, Room 101. All staff are welcome to come for the picnic, the fundraiser or both. Look for the event on your Google calendar.

Similar to last year, all proceeds will be donated to the OSF general scholarship fund that is awarded to students in need. ASR staff are encouraged to donate a product or service towards the fundraiser. Examples of some items from last year are: hand-knit items, photography, jewelry, cooking lessons, garden weeding, luxurious hand lotion, sports tickets, and other useful items. If you have items you would like to donate, please contact Mara Schneider at john5941@umn.edu.