P&A News

October 2016 Issue

 

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A Message from your P&A Senate Chair - Etty DeVeaux

This is your senate.  Engaged P&As mean a stronger senate.
 
I am delighted and humbled to chair our P&A Senate for the 2016-17 year, our fifth year as a senate. My commitment is to continue the tradition of keeping our senate relevant to the needs of P&As by working with our governance partners and the administration to keep issues and concerns at the forefront of the University's decision-making.
 
In his introduction of the University Senate Chairs at the July meeting of the Board of Regents, President Kaler noted that our senates and the administration work together to the best interest of our University. This shared governance role that President Kaler referenced is guided by the 1966 Statement on Government of Colleges and Universities, which recognizes that "the variety and complexity of tasks performed by institutions of higher education produce an inescapable interdependence among governing board, administration, faculty, students and others," and this relationship calls for meaningful collaboration and adequate communication among those components.  
 
The role of the senate is not a passive one. Our charge is to think deliberately and proactively about the matters of substance that impact our collective abilities to deliver the University's mission. While these principles are staunchly embedded in our system of shared governance, to remain effective and relevant as a senate we must, first, have a clear vision for our work;  be in the conversations that matter by being at the tables that matter, and creating new opportunities to convince key decision makers of the value of our contribution to the governance and output of our university; and by being proactive and considered in presenting proposals and advancing initiatives that help to move our University forward.   
 
Achieving our maximum impact depends on good and effective communication between the senate and the administration and that communication must be informed by you, the employees the P&A Senate represents. Together our voice is powerful. I challenge us to use it to our considered and maximum impact this year.
 
For the 2016-17 year, a number of priorities have been identified after conversations with the past chairs of the P&A Senate, P&A senators at the annual retreat in August, and our faculty and student governance councils. This is not a comprehensive list. I invite you to visit the P&A Senate website to see updates on these issues, to send along input on these and other areas of concern, and to see stories that highlight P&A contributions to our mission.
  • Campus Climate: Our and other universities are wrestling with how to build a campus climate that reflects the ideals and values we espouse as we wrestle with the challenging and difficult issues of bias, bigotry, racism, and intolerance. Our October senate agenda was dedicated to a discussion on campus climate and helping to create a universal campus - where all are and feel welcomed, honored, and respected. This work will continue throughout this year, and beyond.
  • Health and Wellness:  Conversations and strategies to advance the principle that better health equals greater engagement.
  • Financial Issues for P&As: Including mechanisms to secure funding specific interests like P&A vacation allowance increase, and staff development and retention in an environment of increasingly limited financial resources. 
This year, the senate will also plans to hold P&A forums at all of our systems campuses. We need to hear the P&A voices from at all levels of our organization so please feel free to contact me at [email protected] and I'll be happy to answer any questions about the senate, initiatives we are working on, and to hear your ideas and concerns. I'm usually armed with a PB&J sandwich that travels pretty easily, if you want to talk over lunch. Write or ring me up and let's find ways to put your senate to work for you.
 
Colleagues, let's move ahead with boldness of informed purpose. I am excited about the year ahead, and the work we will do together. Thanks to our senators for agreeing to take on this important work, and to you all for your work in support of our University.  

 

Subcommittee Charges + Updates

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION SUBCOMMITTEE

The Benefits and Compensation Subcommittee considers issues and advocates to improve policies related to the benefits and compensation of P&As.

The Benefits and Compensation Subcommittee has developed a work plan for the year focused on exploring parental leave, tuition remission, and clarification of leave policies. One important change we'll see in the coming months is a that some 1200 employees will see raises or begin tracking their time as part of the new FLSA standard for non-exempt employment. If you have questions about whether your position will be affected, please see your unit HR lead, and if you have concerns about the transition feel free to contact Ian Ringgenberg, B&C Committee co-chair, at [email protected].

COMMUNICATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE

The Communications Subcommittee enhances the image of P&A by publicizing the work of the P&A Senate and the achievements of P&As to all stakeholders.

Communications is looking to better leverage digital technologies to publicize the work of P&A employees. You can nominate a P&A to be featured in our newsletter or social media via this form. 

OUTREACH SUBCOMMITTEE

The Outreach Subcommittee promotes representation of P&A personnel within University governance and assists P&A Senate members and alternate members with governance activities within the P&A Senate.

The Outreach Subcommittee is dedicated to filling unrepresented senator seats in 2016-2017. You can find out who represents you and your unit on the P&A Senate website. Contact Ann Hagen if you are interested in running for a seat, especially if you don't see your unit represented. 

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND RECOGNITION SUBCOMMITTEE

The Professional Development and Recognition Subcommittee encourages P&As to participate in professional development opportunities and recognizes the contributions of P&As and units that demonstrate exemplary practices with regard to P&As.

Professional Development will continue the tradition of having three Brown Bag Lunch & Learn sessions, as well as selecting the P&A Outstanding Unit Award, and hosting the Second Professional Development Forum in 2017. Look forward to seeing news and details for our first Lunch & Learn event to be scheduled in late October.
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P & A Employee Spotlight
Alyssa Maples, academic advisor, School of Kinesiology

Each month we feature a University of Minnesota employee in the P&A classification -  highlighting the unique breadth and depth of this employee group. You can nominate a colleague or team of colleagues to be featured in the P&A Newsletter via this form.

 

In this month's newsletter, we meet School of Kinesiology academic advisor, Alyssa Maples. Alyssa is student-focused, innovative professional, who when not in Cooke Hall, can be found whipping up a delicious vegan dinner or running River Road as she trains for her next road race.

 

Q. What is your role at the University of Minnesota?

I am a departmental academic adviser and work with Recreation, Park and Leisure Studies and Sport Management Bachelor of Science students, Sport Management and Sport and Exercise Science M.Ed. students as well as coordinate and adviser for the following minors: Outdoor Recreation Education, Sport Management and Coaching. I work with students helping them plan for their coursework in their major as well as experiences such as internships and study abroad. I also admit and matriculate students in the minor and Master's programs as well as answer prospective degree programs questions.

 

Q. How does your work impact the University community?

I am very passionate about students having a great experience academically, professionally and personally in their undergraduate career. I work to make sure students feel connected with someone in their time here. It's important. This can be a very big place and I just want to make sure students I work with feel cared about and supported. 

 

Q. What do you enjoy most about your role?

The students and faculty/staff that I work with. I enjoy watching students develop while they are at the U and become successful alums! It makes my heart sing. I enjoy that my department encourages our relationships in the office too. It's great that happy hours, yoga on the lawn and elliptical meetings are encouraged and scheduled. 

 

Q. People would be surprised if they knew?

I am a secret nerd who loves reading stories about supernatural things such as vampires. Right now I'm addicted to the Parasol Protectorate series. 

 

Q. What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love to cook healthy food. Right now I'm on a big plant-based eating kick, so it's been fun to try new things without using any animal protein. I enjoy working out-- I've recently become obsessed with barre and Pilates-- and enjoy taking my ugly dog, Brody, on walks. I also am a big fan of meeting friends for happy hour, bowling and relaxing with my Kindle. 

Next P&A Senate Meetings

December 2, 3-100 Mayo, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
February 3, TBD, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
April 7, TBD, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
May 5, TBD, 9:30  - 11:30 a.m.
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