Currently the PEAK initiative is in Phase I of the implementation process. There have been changes to roles and responsibilities throughout the implementation of Phase I and continued changes can be expected as PEAK works its way through the phases over the next few years. P&A newsletters will continue to provide employees with updated resources and information as it becomes available.
More questions and answers specific to PEAK: Finance, PEAK: Human Resources, PEAK: Information Technology, and PEAK: Marketing and Communications are available on each of the PEAK function-specific pages.
Become a Voice for You and Your Colleagues
Want to make your voice heard, represent the interests of your peers, and become familiar with the inner workings of the University? Consider serving on the P&A Senate! Several units across the University have openings for senator and alternate positions with terms beginning July 1, 2023. You will receive an email from your unit's election contact if there are open seats in your unit.
How do you become a member of the P&A Senate?
- Most P&A Senate members nominate themselves. By submitting a self-nomination, you are saying you want to bring your voice to University Senate Governance on behalf of all P&A employees in your unit.
- You can also nominate a colleague (with their permission, of course).
Considering submitting your nomination but need more information? Review these resources, including testimonial videos from current P&A Senate members:
- P&A Senate one-pager
- P&A Senate member orientation website
- P&A senator Tracey Hammel
- P&A senator Toni Abts
Nominate yourself or someone else by the April 14th deadline. If you have additional questions, please reach out to Toni Abts or Stacy Doepner-Hove, co-chairs of the P&A Senate Outreach Subcommittee.
P&A Service Opportunity
The Senate Committee on Committees (ConC) appoints members to serve on 20 of the 28 standing committees that make up the University Senate. The P&A Consultative Committee (PACC) has the opportunity to directly appoint P&A members to service on the ConC to participate in its critical and significant work. Ensuring representation of P&A employees on this committee is vitally important.
If you are interested in being considered for appointment to the ConC, please complete the nomination form. Candidates will be reviewed and selected by PACC. Please submit your nomination no later than Monday, March 6, 2023.
Vickie R. Courtney Award for Outstanding Service to University Senate Governance
REMINDER: the deadline for submitting nominations for the Vickie R. Courtney Award for Outstanding Service to University Senate Governance is Friday, March 3, 2023.
Award recipients will receive a one-time $1,000 stipend, an engraved plaque, and will be formally recognized at the April 27, 2023, University Senate meeting.
U of M Libraries
Ryan Mattke, head of the John R. Borchert Map Library, and Kirsten Delegard, project director, are working on the U of M’s Mapping Prejudice project that has exposed housing as a force behind Minneapolis’ racial disparities—and has led to change.
U of M Announces MPact Health Care Innovation Vision
The University of Minnesota and its Medical School recently announced the MPact Health Care Innovation vision, which will advance the University’s leadership and partnerships to strengthen Minnesota’s health care and health professions, and make Minnesota a leader in the health of all Minnesotans. The bold new vision is a key step toward advancing discovery and health care solutions and access.
P&A Consultative Committee (PACC) - Adolfo Carrillo Cabello, chair, and Whitney Taha Frakes, chair-elect
At its February meeting PACC viewed a presentation from representatives from the Office of Human Resources (OHR) related to the new Employee Assistant Program (EAP) provider - Lyra Health. Employees will continue to have access to previous services. The partnership with Lyra Health has expanded the global network of over 20,000 behavioral health providers, including 683 located in Minnesota with 108 who can support pediatric mental health. Employees can expect a culturally responsive approach to supporting people across a wide range of clinical needs, cultural backgrounds, and abilities. Create a free account to get started.
A highlight of the PACC meeting was a review of the proposed Workforce Reinvestment: Rebuilding a Better U for Employees resolution, which was jointly authored by leadership of the four consultative committees (Civil Service, Faculty, P&A, and Student). The resolution is expected to be brought to the University Senate for discussion at their March 30 meeting, with an anticipated vote at their meeting on April 27. This plan was recently highlighted in an editorial piece published in MinnPost and focuses on the need for the State to recommit financially to the University, enabling it to deliver on its three-part mission, both today and in the future.
Professional Development and Enrichment Subcommittee - Monica Kocon, chair
The Professional Development and Enrichment Subcommittee has provided a digest of questions and answers from the January 25, 2023 Policy Pop-up, “Understanding the UMN Discrimination Policy” for those who were unable to attend the event.
If you missed the February 8, 2023 Seminar Series event, “Compensation 101: Compensation in the Annual Budget Process” with Julie Tonneson, vice president and budget director, University Budget and Finance, you can review links to the recording and slides.
Register for the Intercultural Workshop Series
International Student and Scholar Services is pleased to announce the Spring 2023 Intercultural Workshop Series. The series combines intercultural competency and skills development workshops with sessions discussing the unique practices, customs, and values of some of the largest international student populations on our campus.
Each session helps UMN faculty and staff gain greater cultural self-awareness, an understanding of the contributions of international students, and communication skills to improve interactions and relationships with international students, staff, and faculty.
The remaining workshops include:
- Story Circles | Thursday, March 2
- Bridging Cultural Value Differences | Tuesday, March 7
- Communicating with International Students | Wednesday, March 22