- Board of Regents acts to require immunization for students.
- Features: Redmon named first recipient of George Floyd Memorial Scholarship in Law; Three U of M alumni competing in the Paralympics.
- Awards and Recognition: A clinical trial has been awarded to reduce cervical cancer screening disparities in Somali-American women; and more.
Board of Regents acts to require immunization for students
With approval of a COVID-19 vaccine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the University of Minnesota will begin requiring the vaccine for all of its students, systemwide. Regents endorsed this decision during a special meeting on Aug. 13. Learn more at Get the Vax 2.0.
Redmon named first recipient of George Floyd Memorial Scholarship in Law
It was while working as a truck driver in his mid-20s that incoming law student Brandon Redmon experienced an incident of discrimination where he had to take legal action against his employer. When he later encountered a similar incident at a different company, Redmon—then in his mid-30s and a father of four—resolved to go back to school and pursue a law degree. This fall, he will start his first year at Minnesota Law, supported by the George Floyd Memorial Scholarship in Law.
Three U of M alumni competing in the Paralympics
Three athletes who attended the University of Minnesota will be competing at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo. Here is some background information on each of the athletes, with accomplishments as listed on the Team USA website.
Awards and Recognition
A National Cancer Institute clinical trial has been awarded to reduce cervical cancer screening disparities in Somali-American women; a team of researchers led by Luciano Caixeta recently received $500,000 from the Department of Agriculture to refine immune-based solutions to prevent or treat mammary infections in dairy cattle; U in the News features highlights of U faculty and staff cited in the media.
Vacation leave expanded for faculty and P&A employees
Full-time faculty and P&A employees (12-month appointments of 67 percent or more) can now accrue a maximum of 216 hours (or 27 days) of vacation time a year, an increase from the previous maximum of 176 hours (22 days). The increase does not apply to vacation payouts at the end of employment, which remain capped at 176 hours. See this University policy page.
Administrative policy updates
The Business Expenses policy includes a new appendix for business expenses related to remote work and removes the ability for employees to request reimbursement for local mileage unless their job descriptions meet one of the exceptions. Modifying Appointments of P&A Employees for Financial Stringency now provides for a financial urgency within an individual unit as a reason to modify P&A appointments and modifies the definition for financial stringency to specify that it is a situation impacting the University System. Provide feedback on these policies under review.
Brand policy and standards updates
A strong brand benefits all campuses, colleges, centers, institutes, units, and the institution as a whole. An administrative brand policy was established in 2009 at the direction of the Board of Regents as stated in the Board of Regents policy: Founding Date, Corporate Name and Seal, and University Marks. The policy and related standards are reviewed regularly and updated as needed to reflect the evolving brand landscape. Review the Trademarks, Logos, Colors, and Seal policy and related use standards to stay up to date on how to apply the brand in your communications. Contact University Relations with any questions.
Update access to University department accounts
As of Aug. 19, U of M departmental accounts must be renewed annually. The Office of Information Technology (OIT) will email renewal reminders to the contacts named on the departmental accounts before the required renewal date. If the account contact does not take action to renew the account, it will be disabled. If you use departmental accounts, OIT recommends that you update access to University departmental accounts to ensure that the reminders OIT sends are received. If you have questions, contact Technology Help.
UMN at the Minnesota State Fair
The University of Minnesota debuted at the Minnesota State Fair in 1859 and, to this day, showcases the great value the University brings to the state through education, research, agriculture, animal care, and much more. See the schedule of UMN events.
Stemming the truancy tide
Responding to a wave of truancy and other pandemic-related problems in schools last year, St. Louis County in northern Minnesota will implement the Institute on Community Integration’s Check & Connect program throughout most of the schools in the county. Citing the program’s long history and evidence-based approach, county officials recently voted to spend some of the area’s American Rescue Plan funds on 36 mentors and two program coordinators to launch the program as the school year begins.
Talking COVID-19 vaccines and children with the U of M
The return of in-person classes this fall has sparked a lot of dialogue among parents about the safety of COVID-19 vaccinations for children. Jill Foster, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Minnesota Medical School and pediatric infectious diseases physician with M Health Fairview, demystifies some of the concerns for parents of unvaccinated kids.
Research Brief: Body dissatisfaction and disordered eating are prevalent among U.S. young people from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds
Body dissatisfaction and disordered eating, such as binge eating and use of unhealthy weight control behaviors, are prevalent among young people, and new University of Minnesota research has found these problems impact adolescents and emerging adults from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Additional Research Briefs include "Predator traits shape anti-predator response."
Aug. 25 and Sept. 2 - Virtual Canvas Clinics
Faculty and instructors across the University System can get hands-on support and consultation as they ready their fall semester Canvas course sites. Register for these Canvas Clinics that will be held virtually via Zoom.
Sept. 9, Sept. 23, and Oct. 7 - Engagement Academy 2021: Leading Engagement in an Era of Political Polarization
Register for the Engagement Academy for University Leaders Pre-Conference Virtual Workshops as part of the 2021 Engagement Scholarship Consortium's International Conference. This year’s Engagement Academy will explore how engagement leaders can be successful in navigating political polarization within and outside of the academy.
U of M featured events
Aug. 26, 28, 29 - Physics Force at the State Fair
Aug. 30 - How to Teach with a Growth Mindset
Aug. 31 - Accommodating Learning: Effective Practices for Common Student Requests
Sept. 1 - Starting a Conversation about Mental Health
Sept. 2 - Amplifying Solidarity: Joe Davis & The Poetic Diaspora
Sept. 10 - Webinar: Standing in Protest against Racism, Colorism, and Centuries-old Racial Divides in America
Sept. 24 - Thinking Spatially Symposium: Mapping Civic and Community Engagement
Huglen named acting division head for the Division of Business, Arts, and Education
Mark Huglen has accepted the role of acting division head for Business, Arts, and Education. While the title “Division Head” follows University of Minnesota naming conventions for the Crookston campus, the scale and scope of responsibilities reflect those of an academic dean at campuses of similar size and complexity.
Research measures local impact of Canada–U.S. border restrictions
A new study shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant effect on border activity in Minnesota. “It seems that most of that decline was not due to the border closure but rather the result of the overall economic downturn that the country experienced due to COVID-19,” writes Monica Haynes, director of the Bureau of Business and Economic Research.
Sheets named an IAspire Fellow
Erin Sheets, a professor in chemistry and biochemistry and associate dean of the Swenson College of Science and Engineering, was named a fellow in the third cohort of the IAspire Leadership Academy. The program helps STEM faculty from underrepresented backgrounds ascend to leadership roles at colleges and universities.
Reed named director of the Morris Challenge
Doug Reed has been named director of the Morris Challenge, a new program that will work with teams from rural communities to tackle challenges facing rural areas. The Morris Challenge will prioritize problems chosen by community consensus. Possible projects might include affordable housing, healthcare, small business support, and retention of young people via economic and cultural investment.
New podcast: Beyond the Nest
Tune in to UMR’s newly launched podcast Beyond the Nest, a University of Minnesota Rochester podcast highlighting the lives and careers of Raptor alumni. The podcast is distributed via Apple, Google, Spotify, and Podbean.
Twin Cities Campus Master Plan feedback
This is the last call to submit your feedback on the Twin Cities Campus Master Plan. Please email your thoughts to [email protected] and complete the Big Ideas survey to share what’s most important to you before Sept. 15. As a reminder, the Campus Master Plan represents the future view of the Twin Cities campus over the next 10 years. It guides decisions about land, buildings, open spaces, utilities, and transportation systems.
Fall 2021 Metropass discount
Metropass, the unlimited-ride transit pass for faculty and staff, will be discounted for the months of September through December. Metropass will cost $41.50 per month for those four months. On Jan. 1, Metropass will revert back to its original cost of $83 per month.
CSPG launches ‘Dialogue Across Difference’ event series
The Humphrey School's Center for the Study of Politics and Governance (CPSG) is bringing multiple perspectives to the forefront, creating space for conversation on key issues of the day, and providing a chance to listen and learn from our differences through the “Dialogue Across Difference” event series. Throughout the year, the CSPG will host a wide array of public events with elected officials, academic thinkers, and public leaders on topics that range from healthcare to housing, governance, national security, and leadership in public affairs. Learn more and sign up for the Dialogue Across Difference podcast.
Student-led Sun Safe Program teaches safe habits with St. Paul Urban Tennis
Madeline Ahern, a second-year Medical School student, worked with peers from both the Medical School’s Twin Cities and Duluth campuses to teach more than 300 students about sun safety in partnership with St. Paul Urban Tennis. Ahern and seven volunteers attended daytime youth lessons for two weeks, providing science-based lessons about the effects of the sun’s ultraviolet rays to kids aged 5 to 13.