Recognitions
Congratulations to you!
As we close out another academic year, a heartfelt congratulations and thank you to all P&A employees for another year of excellent work. A simple “thank you” is not sufficient for your incredible efforts that contribute to the continued successes of both your campus and the University system. You are a critical part of the team that serves students and alumni, keeps the University running, does vital research, and serves the community each and every day. Thank you!
Over the past few weeks, the University community has held commencement ceremonies for thousands of students. We extend our congratulations to our new alumni, and recognize the hard work of staff who made all of this possible - from advising students, clearing degrees, organizing commencement events, and welcoming families to campus to celebrate. We hope that you are proud of your efforts. Your work doesn’t go unnoticed. As one of more than 7,400 P&A employees at the U, you make a difference!
Special congratulations to P&A employees who obtained their degrees while continuing to support and serve the University’s mission.
Welcoming our Interim President
The P&A Senate would like to take this opportunity to welcome Jeff Ettinger, interim president-elect, who will begin serving the University following President Gabel's departure this summer. "My family and I have a multi-generational connection to the University of Minnesota and it’s the honor of my lifetime to be chosen for this position and build on that legacy,” said Ettinger, after his selection by the Board of Regents on May 8, 2023. We look forward to working with Mr. Ettinger and engaging with him in shared governance.
Latest News
PEAK Expression of Interest
One of the principles of the workforce transition portion of the PEAK Initiative is ensuring an employee’s work preference is taken into consideration. The Expression of Interest (EOI) process provides an opportunity for employees who wish to transfer into the new operations centers and common good services units without going through the usual job posting process. It aligns affected employees with the same work in the new structure based on their interests and experience. Employees remain in the same employee group and classification throughout the process.
The EOI process involves the impacted employee completing a brief form about the type of work they want to do. These individuals can talk with supervisors for the PEAK positions in an informational dialogue to answer any questions the employee may have about the work and team. Staff will then be identified to move to the operations centers and common goods services units. The timing of staff transitions will vary for each central area. It is important to note that this transition is organizational and not geographical. For instance, someone on the Duluth campus who is interested and wants to work centrally can become a member of that team without needing to relocate. Employees identified to move laterally will first receive an appointment change letter describing the opportunity and will have a choice to accept or to remain in their current unit.
You can find more information on the PEAK Expression of Interest web page as well as at peak.umn.edu or email your questions.
The EOI process involves the impacted employee completing a brief form about the type of work they want to do. These individuals can talk with supervisors for the PEAK positions in an informational dialogue to answer any questions the employee may have about the work and team. Staff will then be identified to move to the operations centers and common goods services units. The timing of staff transitions will vary for each central area. It is important to note that this transition is organizational and not geographical. For instance, someone on the Duluth campus who is interested and wants to work centrally can become a member of that team without needing to relocate. Employees identified to move laterally will first receive an appointment change letter describing the opportunity and will have a choice to accept or to remain in their current unit.
You can find more information on the PEAK Expression of Interest web page as well as at peak.umn.edu or email your questions.
Award Opportunity
The Office of the Vice President for Research is seeking nominations for its Research Technical Staff Award, which recognizes research staff for their significant contributions and distinguished service to the UMN research community. Five honorariums of $1,000 each will be awarded to eligible staff who are involved in the practice of research or in support of faculty who are performing research. Nomination requirements include two letters of support that address the evaluation criteria and a copy of the nominee's CV or resume. The nomination deadline is June 16, 2023. Awardees will be announced in August 2023. Read about our 2022 awardees. Contact the OVPR Research Advancement team with questions at [email protected].
P&A Driving MPACT 2025
The P&A Senate is committed to demonstrating how P&A employees support the goals reflected in MPact 2025 Systemwide Strategic Plan. This time, we wish to recognize the work of the highest ranking P&A employee at the University, President Gabel. Gabel engaged in a very broad and deep consultation process, which included the creation of metrics to measure success, ensure accountability, and drive impact for Minnesota and beyond.
Since her arrival in 2019, President Gabel has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering collaboration with shared governance throughout her tenure. Her visionary leadership and dedication have propelled our institution to new heights, making it a vibrant hub of innovation and academic excellence. Her many accomplishments far exceed any list. Her recruitment and research efforts are worth noting, particularly the recruitment of the largest and most diverse freshman classes in Fall 2021 and Fall 2022. She led the University to record-setting four-year graduation rates (ranking third among Big Ten public universities) and research funding (with more than $1 billion in research two years in a row).
President Gabel navigated the COVID-19 pandemic and communicated updates and decisions almost daily to the University community. Most notably, throughout the pandemic, President Gabel provided a humanitarian approach in her communications, reminding us of the shared lived experiences that would help make us stronger as a community.
Since her arrival in 2019, President Gabel has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering collaboration with shared governance throughout her tenure. Her visionary leadership and dedication have propelled our institution to new heights, making it a vibrant hub of innovation and academic excellence. Her many accomplishments far exceed any list. Her recruitment and research efforts are worth noting, particularly the recruitment of the largest and most diverse freshman classes in Fall 2021 and Fall 2022. She led the University to record-setting four-year graduation rates (ranking third among Big Ten public universities) and research funding (with more than $1 billion in research two years in a row).
President Gabel navigated the COVID-19 pandemic and communicated updates and decisions almost daily to the University community. Most notably, throughout the pandemic, President Gabel provided a humanitarian approach in her communications, reminding us of the shared lived experiences that would help make us stronger as a community.
The President's consistent commitment to shared governance is evidenced by the establishment of various task forces and committees where faculty, staff, and students actively participate in shaping the University's policies and initiatives. Through these collaborative efforts, our institution has witnessed transformative changes, such as the implementation of PRISMH (President's Initiative on Student Mental Health), the first systemwide student mental health initiative at the University; as well as the establishment of the first-ever Senior Advisor to the President Native American Affairs position.
By engaging regularly with the P&A Senate and PACC, and actively seeking our input on key decisions affecting the University, President Gabel has demonstrated a profound understanding of the importance of collaboration and fostering positive and productive relationships. As we celebrate the accomplishments we have achieved with her engagement and support, we extend our deepest gratitude to President Gabel.
Senate Work
Looking Back - Adolfo Carrillo Cabello, 2022-23 Chair of the P&A Senate/P&A Consultative Committee
About a year ago I was anxious to get started to work as chair of the P&A Senate. To be honest, I was nervous and excited. I was nervous because I knew that the concept of time in a higher education institution can be tricky - some things can happen very quickly, while others can move more slowly. A year of service can be a very long time, or a very short one, depending on how smooth things run. I was particularly excited to work on the multiple topics that were pressing, but also to align work under the principles of transparency, equity, and accountability. These principles have served to anchor our work and assisted in prioritizing advocacy efforts, while at the same time providing ideas on how or what to strategy, as well as affording us opportunities to identify possible solutions or paths forward.
As I look back, this year has been packed with activity, some of which has resulted in legislative actions:
As I look back, this year has been packed with activity, some of which has resulted in legislative actions:
- Letter in support of fair and good faith negotiations, submitted to Teamsters 320 and OHR on behalf of the P&A Consultative Committee (PACC);
- Letter to the Board of Regents (BOR) to review potential violations of the BOR Policy: Code of Conduct based on Regent Steve Sviggum’s remarks during the October 13, 2022, BOR meeting, on behalf of the Senate Consultative Committee (SCC);
- Collecting and reporting feedback on the Wellness Program Redesign, submitted in collaboration with the P&A Benefits and Compensation Subcommittee and PACC;
- Published Report on Access Barriers to Regents Scholarship on behalf of PACC;
- Workforce Reinvestment: Rebuilding a Better U for Employees, approved by the University Senate on April 27, 2023, in collaboration with the Consultative Committee Leadership (CCL);
- Letter to Board of Regents to request addition of oral report, submitted to Regents Kodi Verhalen and Douglas Huebsch, co-chairs of the Governance and Policy Committee, on behalf of PACC, the P&A Senate, and P&A Senators to University Senate;
- Letter to the Board of Regents to share the views of SCC on the process and priorities for selecting an interim President.
While we have been able to move the dial on some issues, there are others that remain in need of attention, including performance appraisal processes, the non-renewal policy and process, and opportunities for P&A career advancement.
Moving these issues forward necessitates your engagement. Reflecting on the successes and challenges this year, it is clear to me that having the support of senate members and contributions of P&A employees made a significant difference in how advocacy efforts were perceived and received. As we enter another year of transitions, I call on you to support the work of the incoming chair Whitney Taha Frakes. Whitney is already well positioned to continue our work towards equity and inclusion, and her work can be significantly elevated with your engagement.
Finally, I would like to express my gratitude for allowing me the opportunity to serve as your representative this year. This role has been a challenging yet very rewarding experience. ¡Muchas gracias!
Moving these issues forward necessitates your engagement. Reflecting on the successes and challenges this year, it is clear to me that having the support of senate members and contributions of P&A employees made a significant difference in how advocacy efforts were perceived and received. As we enter another year of transitions, I call on you to support the work of the incoming chair Whitney Taha Frakes. Whitney is already well positioned to continue our work towards equity and inclusion, and her work can be significantly elevated with your engagement.
Finally, I would like to express my gratitude for allowing me the opportunity to serve as your representative this year. This role has been a challenging yet very rewarding experience. ¡Muchas gracias!
Looking Ahead - Whitney Taha Frakes, 2023-24 Chair of the P&A Senate/P&A Consultative Committee
Change happens together.
As your next P&A Senate/P&A Consultative Committee chair, I’m beyond excited to work with each and every one of you to build on our previous successes and achieve our shared goals. As I start my term, I’d like to share how I believe we can achieve meaningful change together. I believe that open communication is key to success, so I pledge to listen and discuss as much as possible with my senate peers and P&A colleagues, to ensure voices are heard, considered, and valued. Together, we’ll set priorities as a group of leaders.
It’s essential I convey the breadth of our group’s insights and ideas to relevant University leadership and policy owners, leveraging nuance and variety to showcase a diversity of perspectives. I’ll also be focusing on actions we can take as local leaders, helping to guide meaningful change through our collective strengths.
Before closing, I’d love to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Chair Adolfo Carrillo Cabello for providing me with an example of a leader who is adept at identifying often hidden needs, advocating for often difficult changes, and creating greater transparency, while paying close attention to critical details. Just as Adolfo has done, I welcome you to reach out to me with any questions or input you may have along the way.
As your next P&A Senate/P&A Consultative Committee chair, I’m beyond excited to work with each and every one of you to build on our previous successes and achieve our shared goals. As I start my term, I’d like to share how I believe we can achieve meaningful change together. I believe that open communication is key to success, so I pledge to listen and discuss as much as possible with my senate peers and P&A colleagues, to ensure voices are heard, considered, and valued. Together, we’ll set priorities as a group of leaders.
It’s essential I convey the breadth of our group’s insights and ideas to relevant University leadership and policy owners, leveraging nuance and variety to showcase a diversity of perspectives. I’ll also be focusing on actions we can take as local leaders, helping to guide meaningful change through our collective strengths.
Before closing, I’d love to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Chair Adolfo Carrillo Cabello for providing me with an example of a leader who is adept at identifying often hidden needs, advocating for often difficult changes, and creating greater transparency, while paying close attention to critical details. Just as Adolfo has done, I welcome you to reach out to me with any questions or input you may have along the way.
Additional Updates
Self Care this Summer
Your P&A colleagues wish you a refreshing summer. Taking time to care for yourself comes in many forms. Take time to explore the University of Minnesota's Office of Human Resources website for resources to care for your mental, physical, financial health, and more.
Stay Connected to the P&A Senate
The last P&A Senate meeting for the academic year was held on May 5. Meetings will resume starting in October 2023. As a reminder, P&A Senate meetings are open to the public, and you can find meeting information and Zoom links on the P&A Senate website calendar. Minutes from previous senate meetings can be viewed at any time.
We look forward to continuing our advocacy work for P&A employees across the University of Minnesota system by providing resources and updates through this newsletter. See you next academic year!
We look forward to continuing our advocacy work for P&A employees across the University of Minnesota system by providing resources and updates through this newsletter. See you next academic year!