Communications for the start of fall term

The start of term is a busy time for everyone, including for our systems and websites. Targeted communications have been sent out to help reduce online traffic (such as to MyU) and provide back up plans should issues arise.

Emails were sent to students on Monday, August 27, with reminders about attending the first day of class and billing/payment information. We also encouraged students to take a screenshot of their schedule,  bookmark common resources outside of MyU, and noted One Stop has extended in-person hours the first two weeks of term.

Instructors and departments have been asked to minimize changes to classes and to send an email to affected students when a change is necessary. Please keep these things in mind as we move into the first week of classes.

ASR-IT leadership update

Jaime Wascalus starts as the new chief information officer (CIO) for ASR-IT on Tuesday, September 4. It will take some time for Jaime to get settled, but let’s all give her a warm welcome as she begins her work with ASR.

At this time, ASR-IT’s organizational structure will remain the same. Jaime will replace Grant as head of ASR-IT. Kristy Davis’ title will change from associate director to director and she will report to Jaime. View ASR’s organizational charts (changes may not be reflected until the date of the change in the system).

Many thanks to Grant and his years of leadership in ASR-IT. We are looking forward to a smooth transition.

Names of University campuses

University Relations has been collaboratively working on developing shared principles and values as well as a communication strategy and identity/style guide applicable across campuses. The key component of this new guidance is emphasizing a single University system with 5 campuses.

Two particular stylings to note at this time:

• For shorthand references (e.g., social media handles) use UMNCrookston, UMNDuluth,UMNMorris, UMNRochester, UMNTwinCities, and UMNSystem
• For longhand references, use University of Minnesota Crookston, University of Minnesota Duluth, University of Minnesota Morris, University of Minnesota Rochester, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, and University of Minnesota System (no commas or hyphens)

University Relations will release more guidance in the future including a webpage, promotional video, and brand toolkit.

Financial aid has been disbursed to students

Staff in the Office of Student Finance have delivered $165,775,512+ in disbursements for fall semester—in one swoop! This is equal to 11,231 undergraduates residents’ full tuition rates or 9,751,500+ take-home buckets of Sweet Martha’s Cookies from the State Fair at $17/bucket.

Funds helping students

The ASR SWAT team would like to thank everyone who donated and contributed to the raffle at the ASR summer picnic, benefiting students via the Student Success Fund. Your generosity makes a very important contribution to our ability to assist students in need.
This summer, these funds were used to help pay tuition and fees charges for 17 students who had no remaining financial aid options and were at risk of having their fall classes cancelled. These students will be continuing their studies thanks to YOU and the generosity of others who have contributed to ASR’s completion funds. Read responses from several of the students who received funds on the N&N blog.

“Oh my word this is INCREDIBLE. You don’t know how much this means to me and my family, what an enormous blessing. Thank you thank you so much for this amazing gift. This is seriously such a huge blessing."

"I cannot begin to describe how thankful, appreciative, and grateful I was in receiving this email. Instant waterworks! Is there somewhere or someone I can send a thank you letter to for this scholarship? I do not know if I can accurately portray how thankful I am in words, but I would love to try.”

“This was a complete blessing! I've been trying to put nothing but positive out into the world and this looks like a true testament of getting positive back from the world. Thank you for giving me hope.”
“I am at a loss for words and all I can say is thank you!! This has been the best news!"

“I cannot thank you enough. I was having some financial difficulties of late and this will help me a tremendous amount. Thank you."

Winners, winners everywhere!

ASR was well represented in the ribbon distribution at the Minnesota State Fair this year. We have amazing bakers, knitters, decorators, and more! After many long hours of trying new recipes or perfecting tried-and-true ones all their hard work has paid off:

Lindsey Konerza and Sarah Hoegger each won first-place blue ribbons at the State Fair for their baking and decorating prowess (Lindsey also earned a third place ribbon for her white cake).

Lindsey Konerza's blue ribbon cupcakes and third place white cake

Sarah Hoegger's blue ribbon cake

Cathy Schuster was presented with the first-place blue ribbon for her child’s cardigan sweater.

Cathy Schuster's blue ribbon cardigan

Sally Gutierrez had a second-place winning chicken piñata.

Sally Gutierrez's second place chicken piñata

And, if that is not enough winning, Theresa Hillesheim took the second-place red ribbon for her knitted baby blanket.

Theresa Hillesheim's second place baby blanket

Start of term communications

The start of term is a busy time for everyone, including our systems and websites. Targeted communications are in place to help things go smoothly. Students will be encouraged to print or take a screenshot of their class schedule. Faculty (and departments) will be asked to minimize changes to classes and to send an email to affected students when a change is necessary.

These actions can reduce traffic to MyU and provide back-up plans in case issues do arise. For questions, contact Carin Anderson-Thoms (ande8670@umn.edu).