P&A Senate Newsletter - November 2025
A Note from the P&A Chair
Chair Toni Abts and the P&A Consultative Committee will be working on a number of critical issues this academic year, including improving relationships in University governance, reviewing P&A subcommittee scope, and improving connections for P&A staff serving in governance at all levels.
At the December Board of Regents meeting, Chair Abts will provide a report to the Regents on the P&A Consultative Committee. This report will focus on highlighting the critical, mission-driven work performed by P&A employees across the University system, as well as elevating concerns raised by employees around Market Refinement and employee compensation, advancement opportunities, and equitable approaches to shifting work modalities.
Latest News
Minnesota Paid Leave Updates
Starting January 1, 2026, Minnesota Paid Leave will allow University employees to take the time they need to care for themselves and their loved ones without worrying about lost income or job security. Under this program, employees may take up to 12 weeks of Medical Leave and 12 weeks of Family Leave per year, with a combined maximum of 20 weeks.
For more information on eligibility, applying for Paid Leave, and how Paid Leave interacts with existing University benefits, please visit the Office of Human Resources’ Minnesota Paid Leave webpage.
P&A Senate: Professional Development & Enrichment Subcommittee
We have two upcoming fall seminar series, and we are thrilled to share that for the first time, attendees for these sessions are eligible to earn Wellbeing Points!
🗓️ Coming Soon: Meet the Office for Conflict Resolution
Join us for an informative session to learn about the resources and support available through the Office for Conflict Resolution.
- Date: Thursday, November 20th, 2025
- Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm (via Zoom)
- Register Here: http://z.umn.edu/PDnEConflictRes
- (Attendees are Eligible to Earn Wellbeing Points!)
🏛️ Save the Date: Promoting Integrity and Preventing Research Misconduct
Mark your calendars for this important discussion on research integrity and the role every member of our community plays in preventing misconduct.
- Title: Promoting Integrity and Preventing Research Misconduct: Every Role Matters
- Date: Tuesday, December 9th, 2025
- Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (via Zoom)
- Register Here: https://z.umn.edu/ResearchConduct
- (Attendees are Eligible to Earn Wellbeing Points!)
We believe these topics are valuable for all staff and have partnered with the Civil Service (CS) Senate to cross-promote both events. Please feel free to share this information with your colleagues.
You can view all upcoming events and past event recordings on our website: https://usenate.umn.edu/pa-senate/seminar-series
🏆 Upcoming P&A Staff Award Deadlines
The P&A Senate wants to ensure our outstanding colleagues are recognized for their work. Please consider nominating a deserving P&A staff member for these upcoming University-wide awards.
- November 21, 2025
- January 6, 2026
- John Tate Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising
- The Horace T. Morse - University of Minnesota Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Contributions to Undergraduate Education
- The Award for Outstanding Contributions to Graduate and Professional Education
- March 6, 2026
- President’s Award for Outstanding Service
- The Vickie R. Courtney Award for Outstanding Service to University Senate Governance
Please note: All nominations must follow the standard application process for each specific award.
Senate Work
Announcing a New Awards Working Group
Molly Bendzick, Chair
The P&A Senate has launched a new Awards Working Group to ensure more P&A staff are recognized for their outstanding work. Our goal is to actively compile and promote University-wide awards, making deadlines and applications more visible to encourage nominations for our deserving colleagues.
Please note that all nominations must still follow the standard application process for each specific award; the working group will not become a clearinghouse for applications.
To learn more or share award information, please contact the working group members: Molly Bendzick (Chair), Hongna Bystrom, Kacey Gregerson, Jeremy Jenkins, or Carol Rachac.
Benefits and Compensation Subcommittee
Pamela Cherry and Brian Olmsted, co-chairs
See Minnesota Paid Leave update included in the news section for important information about the new law and how it relates to P&A employees.
The B&C subcommittee will be partnering with University compensation and benefits experts for updates on workforce reinvestment, job family market refinement, open enrollment, annual salary structures, retirement benefits, the reclassification process, and the wellbeing program. In addition to these topics, committee members noted their interest in discussing PEAK, unionization efforts, and pay stagnation this year. All B&C subcommittee meetings are recorded, and anyone interested in attending is welcome.
Need HR Assistance? The Office of Human Resources (OHR)’s Contact Center can connect you with the right resources to address your questions or concerns.
Communication Subcommittee
Angel Sandriepe and Lydia Tonoyan, co-chairs
Do you have suggestions for newsletter content? The subcommittee is planning the February issue now. Please contact Angel Sandriepe or Lydia Tonoyan with your ideas.
Outreach Subcommittee
Kacey Gregerson and Kim Clarke, co-chairs
This year, the Outreach subcommittee is focusing on supporting the P&A Senate's midterm elections, reviewing the Welcome Packet for new senators, and sending monthly welcome emails to new staff. They are also developing new onboarding and mentorship procedures for staff interested in pursuing roles in the P&A Senate.
Professional Development & Enrichment Subcommittee
Alex Bajcz and Joshua Braverman, co-chairs
The PD&E subcommittee has two new events! "Meet the Office for Conflict Resolution" on November 20, and "Promoting Integrity & Preventing Research Misconduct" on December 9. As noted in the Latest News, attendees are now eligible for Wellbeing Points! You can view all upcoming events and past recordings on the P&A Senate website.
Additional Updates
New Digital Accessibility Regulations
New digital accessibility regulations will take effect in April 2026, requiring all University content to be accessible. For consultations or information on making your digital materials compliant, visit the Office for Digital Accessibility website.
DRC Accommodation Updates
The Disability Resource Center (DRC) has a new accommodation management system for students, staff, and/or faculty. Instructors can now view all their students’ accommodation letters in one place through the new AIM Instructor Portal. Staff and faculty needing accommodations should contact the UReturn unit.
AI/Gemini Training Recordings
Did you miss the training on Generative AI? You can now view past recordings, including “Gemini Basics and Appropriate Use at UMN”, “Effective Prompting in Gemini”, and “Gems and Deep Research in Gemini”. Find the full series on the IT website.
Immigration News and Updates
The International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) has created an Immigration News and Updates section of their website for UMN staff to have the most up to date information on the current federal immigration news and other helpful information related to supporting our international community. In particular, there is a section in the gold box on the website that has the most up to date policy changes.
Feeling the Holiday Stress? EAP Can Help
The holiday season can be joyful—but also overwhelming. If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can help. All benefits-eligible employees, their spouses, and their dependents are eligible for EAP services at no cost.
Call 877-295-8939 to request service or visit umn.lyrahealth.com to explore confidential support options, including therapy, coaching, and self-care resources.
Stay Connected to the P&A Senate!
Previous senate meeting minutes can be viewed at any time. The next P&A Senate meeting will be held on December 12th at 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 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.