November 23, 2020

Topics include guidance on working from home Guidance, information on the Furlough and Pay Reduction Program, and an update on the Systemwide Strategic Plan. The P&A Driving Excellence section highlights Naomi Skulan, Cynthia Zwicky, Barbara Billingon, Gilliam Roehrig, Terrence Wyberg, Gary Eldon Peter, and Sheila Williams Ridge. Updates on the work of the P&A Senate, P&A Senate Consultative Committee, and the four subcommittees are also included.

October 26, 2020

Topics include changes to spring Semester calendars, information on the Wellbeing Program and the Maroon and Gold Network. P&A Driving Excellence features Calee Cecconi, Amelia Narigon, Jeff Henning-Smith, and Rutherford Johnson. Also included are updates on the work of the P&A Senate, P&A Consultative Committee, and its four subcommittees (Benefits & Compensation; Communications; Outreach, and Professional Development and Recognition).

September 28, 2020

Topics include ergonomics information for working from home, the role of Human Resources and Employee Relations in addressing staff safety concerns, information on changes to the the Wellbeing Program, and open enrollment. P&A Driving Excellence features Amelia Reigstad, Dr. Nicole LaVoi, and Antonio Alba Meraz. Also included are updates on the work of the P&A Senate, P&A Consultative Committee, and its four subcommittees.

August 12, 2020

This has been an unusually busy summer for the P&A Senate and P&A Consultative Committee (PACC). We have been working on a variety of concerns and issues related to campus safety and security and racial justice, Title IX changes due to new federal regulations, and increased transparency in parental leave policies. 

August 12, 2020

As P&A employees, you may have seen changes to your paycheck. Here is a list of some common factors that may impact changes to your paycheck. You may have other factors affecting your paycheck that are unique to your employment status. If you have questions about your paycheck, you can contact OHR directly. (Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash.)

May 26, 2020

"We are not working from home. We are sheltering in place during a crisis…and trying to work."

Since March and the transition to working from home, a lot of employees have been thinking about ways to stay connected and engaged with colleagues and adjust to the challenges that come from working at home. Jaden Hansen, associate development officer, School of Public Affairs, explained, "The three of us are working in different areas of development at the University and started the ECDP Alumni Group to help our newer colleagues stay connected and build a network with one another. We invited our colleagues to convene virtually to talk about overlaps in our work and to share resources. What we learned is that the work conversation was just the icebreaker.” (Photo by Standsome Worklifestyle on Unsplash.)

Looking Back

The 2019–20 academic year will be one to remember and, in many ways, perhaps one that we might prefer to forget. The impacts of this global pandemic will be indelible for all of us, even as they are still in flux. When we look back, what will we see? Or, rather, what will we choose to see, to remember, to celebrate? 

Legislative Update

Last week, the Minnesota Legislature adjourned the 2020 regular session sine die without passing a bonding bill. Despite a flurry of negotiations over the final weekend, legislators were unable to reach agreement on capital investment funding for the second year in a row.

We expect the governor will call legislators back into a special session on or around June 12 to address several unresolved issues, including the next steps in the state’s COVID-19 response. This will likely be the first of multiple special sessions in the coming months as Minnesota continues to respond to the pandemic.

Looking Ahead

A look ahead to the coming academic year by Erin Heath, 2020-21 Chair of the P&A Senate

P&A Leadership Dicusses Impacts of Health Sciences Buildings Security Measures with Administrative Leaders

The P&A Consultative Committee (the executive committee of the P&A Senate) met with Mike Berthelsen, vice president, University Services, and Paige Rohman, chief of staff, University Services, and discussed at length the effect that the changes to building security in the Health Sciences buildings is having on the campus community at large. While Berthelsen and other University administrators see the implementation as a much needed improvement to security for the Health Sciences buildings, PACC members brought a different perspective to the table.