State relations update for the University

President Kaler released a statement calling on the legislature to invest in the University of Minnesota's shared prosperity with the state. He also sent a letter to the higher education conference committee chairs outlining the University of Minnesota's positions on current house and senate versions of the bills.

President Kaler announces new Immigration Response Team

President Kaler announced the creation of the Immigration Response Team at his State of the University address in March 2017. The mission of the Immigration Response Team is to ensure that all who are affected by immigration policy changes have access to resources and support. Check out the Immigration Response Team website where you can sign up for updates and event announcements, volunteer, or request a presentation. 

Term end dates for Twin Cities undergraduate and graduate students

• Last day of instruction: Friday, May 5
• Study days: Saturday, May 6, and Sunday, May 7
• Final exams: Monday, May 8, through Saturday, May 13
• End of semester: Saturday, May 13

ASR cleaning half-day

The annual ASR-wide cleaning half-day is scheduled for Monday, June 5, from 12:00 until 4:30 p.m. Take this time to organize your files, wipe down your surfaces, get rid of old or unused equipment, and help your neighbor get organized. 

It is completely acceptable to spend the entire afternoon of June 5 cleaning and organizing your workspace. It is not acceptable to leave early for the day unless you have received approved vacation time in advance. More details to come.

Call for volunteers: RFP committee for transcript vendors

OTR is looking for 4-6 ASR staff to volunteer to serve on an RFP committee for transcript vendors. The University of Minnesota currently uses Parchment, but the contract ends in February 2018 and the Board of Regents requires us to go out to bid. This opportunity would be ideal for ASR staff interested in learning about the RFP process and reviewing proposals. If you are interested, contact Mike Brown at mlbrown@umn.edu.

Process for subpoenas

If you receive a subpoena, forward it to Debbie Henderson at d-hend@umn.edu, so that we have a consistent ASR process. Prior to Debbie’s retirement, we will announce the new contact for subpoenas. Because not all subpoenas are valid and FERPA requires that we provide notice to students, you should not respond to a subpoena yourself. If you have questions, please contact Stacey Tidball, tidball@umn.edu.

University Veterans Services participating in Military Action Group

University Veterans Services (UVS) now has a presence at the state capitol. Jabra Kawas, Assistant Director of One Stop and Veterans Services, has been attending the monthly Military Action Group caucus meetings. UVS strives to better understand how legislative changes may impact veteran students, as well as build relationships between the University of Minnesota and Minnesota legislators who are working on issues related to veterans and service members.

The next meeting is scheduled for May 15, and UVS will be presenting on the U of M’s Senior Citizen Education Program, emphasizing how this program can help veterans over the age of 62 whose military benefits have lapsed.