The April 2016 P&A Senate Newsletter is now available for download.
In this issue:
- Message from the P&A Senate Chair - Susanne Vandergon
- Announcements
- 2016 P&A Outstanding Unit Award
- April 1 Meeting Notes
- Legislative Advocacy
- University Senate Committee Reports
- Police Chief Introduction
- P&A Senate Elections
- P&A Employee Spotlight - Julie Showers
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What is your role at the University of Minnesota? What do you do in a typical day/week?
The Office for Conflict Resolution serves faculty, staff and student employees who are experiencing conflict in the workplace. We offer both formal and informal conflict resolution services, and provide programming around effective ways to prepare for and respond to conflict when it occurs. Most of work involves informal, confidential consultations with employees - except in limited situations involving health and safety, we do not take any action unless requested to do so by the visitor to our office.
How does your work impact the University community?
Most people find conflict uncomfortable and difficult to manage. We encourage people to see conflict as an inevitable byproduct of being human, and to realize that, while challenging, conflict presents an opportunity for growth and learning. We hope that by helping members of the University community resolve conflict more quickly, effectively and constructively we can help support a workplace that is inclusive and allows all to do their best work. As an independent office that is not part of OHR or OGC, we find that visitors to our office can feel comfortable sharing their concerns in a safe and confidential environment.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I get to connect with interesting people every day. For most of them, conflict resolution is not something that they have studied or practiced. I love the fact that with very little coaching, I can help people feel better supported and equipped to manage the conflict they face.
What do you like best about working at UMN?
I have only been at UMN since August 2014. I'm still learning about the University and the way it operates. In general, my favorite part is that no two days are the same. I have learned an incredible amount by working on diverse issues in all kinds of different settings. I am proud of all the work that gets done here, and the ways in which we contribute to the production of knowledge every day.
What is one thing you couldn't live without?
Toss up: Pizza and dogs.
People would be surprised if they knew:
I spend a week every summer hiking in the Desolation Wilderness.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to read, cook and travel. I'm not picky about genres, types of cuisine or destinations.
What was your best vacation?
This year I spent a lovely few days with friends in a beach house in Tunquen, Chile. The setting was beautiful, the food was fantastic and the company excellent. My husband and I were celebrating our 25th anniversary. That will be a hard one to beat!
How do you contribute to the mission of UMD? How do you make a difference at UMD?
The library is core to the academic mission of our university, and I strive to direct our collections, services, and spaces in ways that fuel creativity, innovation, and discovery by our students, faculty, and staff. I also try to make a difference in our campus community by supporting the good work that happens here. I do this in direct ways, like volunteering to assist with the Intercultural Leadership Development efforts, and indirectly by attending and encouraging others to attend the lectures, performances, and other events sponsored by UMD departments and student groups (in addition to hockey and volleyball games - my favorite Bulldog sports!).
What excites you most about working at UMD?
I feel very fortunate to support the work of the undergraduate and graduate students at UMD. I am continuously impressed by the motivation, engagement, and leadership shown by our students in classroom conversations, at special events like the annual Undergraduate Research Opportunity Showcase, and among our dedicated, responsible student employees in the library. To be honest, I find it very difficult to stay motivated during summer months, and winter and spring breaks, because I miss our students so much. They are my motivation to work hard to provide the best possible library services, because they deserve nothing less.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years, we'll be celebrating the 20th anniversary of this building, which is still affectionately referred to by many people as "the new library." In five years I look forward to leading the campus to reflect on the changes in services and collections in this building, and celebrate the library team's evolving and valuable support of teaching, learning, and research at UMD.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like to read (of course), hike, cross-country ski, camp, garden, and work on my old house.
The March 2016 P&A Senate Newsletter is now available for download.
In this issue:
- Message from the P&A Senate Chair - Susanne Vandergon
- Announcements
- Professional Development and Recognition
- Benefits and Compensation Subcommittee
- Communications
- P&A Outstanding Unit Award
- P&A Recognition
- John Tate Award Recipients
- University of Minnesota Outstanding Community Partner Award
- P&A Employee Spotlight - Matt Rosendahl
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What is your role at the University of Minnesota? What do you do in a typical day/week?
I am in charge of software development for the Virtual Reality Design Lab in the College of Design. We develop immersive visualization technologies for architecture and other design professions. My typical day consists of programming, evaluating new technologies, and demonstrating the lab to students, faculty and industry partners.
How does your work impact the University community?
While virtual reality research has been ongoing for decades, recent developments - most notably the Oculus Rift - have brought VR to the attention of a much wider audience. Our lab, along with other VR and visualization labs, keep the University at the forefront of visualization research. We also work across disciplines to help academics at the University integrate virtual reality into their work.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
The ever-changing nature of it. Digital technologies, particularly virtual reality, evolve at an incredible rate. My job is never the same for very long; there's always something new to learn.
What would people never guess you do in your job?
I move a lot of furniture. Our lab is in the courtyard of Rapson Hall, a heavily used space. When it's time for a demo, there is inevitably a large collection of tables and chairs to be put away.
What do you like best about working at UMN?
The disciplinary variety. I've worked with historians, journalists, computer scientists, archeologists, artists and many others. It's the perfect place to work for the curious.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I'm never sure about this question, but I will be inventing with new technologies that don't yet exist.
What is one thing you couldn't live without?
My computer. All other possessions are secondary. :)
People would be surprised if they knew?
Because I'm a computer programmer, usually that I have a bachelors in Anthropology and a Masters in Architecture.)
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I've been doing a lot of volunteering lately. That's been really rewarding. I create art from time to time as well.
What was your best vacation?
China in 2000 was an eye opening experience. I would like to go back and see the changes.
The February 2016 P&A Senate Newsletter is now available to download.
In this issue:
- Message from the P&A Senate Chair - Susanne Vandergon
- Announcements
- March 2016 Brown Bag on the Morris Campus
- P&A Outstanding Unit Award
- P&A Recognition
- University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) Award
- ACUI Susan Maul Distinguished Service Award
- Twin City Business list of 100 People to Know in 2016
- P&A Employee Spotlight - Aaron Westre