Notice: Brief will not publish on Dec. 27, Jan. 3, and Jan. 10.
- Board of Regents December meeting highlights.
- Brief newsletter preferences survey.
- Awards and Recognition: Jenna Marquard has been inducted into the American College of Medical Informatics; and more.
Board of Regents December meeting highlights
At its December meeting, the U of M Board of Regents received a presentation of the University Performance and Accountability Report and an update on the University’s systemwide strategic plan, and discussed recent achievements, challenges, and progress in attaining systemwide strategic goals. The Board also discussed input for the Governor’s Task Force on Academic Health at the U of M, reviewed fall semester public safety updates, discussed the annual report on the University’s research enterprise, and more. See the news release for more information.
Brief newsletter preferences survey
Brief email recipients can help refine the newsletter to best meet their interests and communication preferences by completing this short survey by Dec. 22. Survey responses will not be linked to your name or email address unless you leave your email address at the end of the survey.
Awards and Recognition
Jenna Marquard has been inducted into the American College of Medical Informatics; Ann Masten has received the 2024 University of Louisville Grawemeyer Award in Psychology; Samuel Myers Jr. has been awarded a $417,000 NIH grant to study racial disparities in drowning deaths; Laura Fingerson has joined the Research and Innovation Office as its new assistant vice president for research and chief of staff; U in the News features highlights of University faculty and staff cited in the media.
Changes to U of M email and Google Workspace
To mitigate cybersecurity and data privacy risks and to comply with licensing agreements, the U of M is no longer able to provide Google Workspace, which includes Gmail, for University alumni and retirees. While this change is needed, the University recognizes that alumni and retirees are important members of the University community and that this change may cause disruption. Learn about support available for those affected.
Funding to support faculty and instructor research on writing
Everyone who produces research has a role in learning, understanding, and teaching writing. The Center for Writing’s Grants for the Study of Writing in the Disciplines program offers small grants ($2,000–$6,000) to support faculty and instructor research on writing in their academic disciplines and as they cross disciplinary borders. Learn more about the application process.
UROC launches Rules of Engagement podcast
The University's Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center's (UROC) new Rules of Engagement podcast explores innovative ways UROC is working with its community partners to advance learning, improve quality of life, and discover breakthrough solutions to critical problems. Tune in to monthly conversations that range from the benefits of urban biking to the dangers of urban food deserts and creative ways to combat diabetes. Listen to episode one: “What is Public Engagement?”
Center for Practice Transformation launches Certification in Prolonged Exposure
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) is considered a gold standard, first-line psychotherapy for PTSD. The Center for Practice Transformation (CPT) is now the second university entity to consistently offer certification in PE. CPT’s inaugural PE workshop and certification (register) will be offered March 5-8.
Research Brief: Novel viral treatment effective against devastating bone cancer
Researchers from the University of Minnesota partnered with Mayo Clinic to conduct a groundbreaking study that could offer hope for dogs, and potentially humans, diagnosed with osteosarcoma—a devastating bone cancer predominantly affecting children, adolescents, and young adults. See additional recent Research Briefs.
Jan. 4 - Explore Generative AI Tools
Instructors systemwide are invited to explore generative AI tools during an interactive webinar. Teaching Support staff will demonstrate generative AI tools and guide tool exploration. The focus will be on AI tools used for writing, course assistance, images, and research. None of the tools showcased are University-supported; however, it’s important for instructors to be engaged in the potentials and limitations of these emerging technologies.
Jan. 4-11 - Teaching Enrichment Series
The Center for Educational Innovation invites the U of M teaching community to participate in sessions focused on strategies that you can implement in your courses this spring semester. All sessions are delivered via Zoom or as asynchronous online courses. See session descriptions and registration information.
Jan. 10, 11 - University of Minnesota Day of Data
The 2024 University of Minnesota Day of Data will feature a series of virtual events to foster data enthusiasm and critical thinking around applications of data science and stories about data. Virtual events will take place over two days and are free and open to all U of M students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Attend one or both events. Learn more and register for U of M Day of Data.
Jan. 14 - 43rd annual U of M MLK Tribute Concert
The annual MLK Tribute Concert is a multidisciplinary celebration weaving Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s words with musical performances. Hosted by U of M alum G. Phillip Shoultz, III of VocalEssence, this year’s theme, “The March Continues...,” builds upon last year’s 60th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech and the U of M’s partnership with the DREAM Initiative. 3 p.m., Ted Mann Concert Hall and live-streamed.
Jan. 29-March 1 - Designing and Delivering Online Learning
All faculty and instructors are invited to explore and make plans to implement effective pedagogical practices in online courses by participating in four online modules that make use of Canvas activities and synchronous Zoom meetings.
Crookston Rotary Club names students of the semester
The Crookston Rotary Club has announced its U of M Crookston students of the semester and awarded scholarships to a student from each of the University’s departments. Students were presented with their check and plaque during a special November luncheon with the Campus Advisory and Advancement Board, Rotary Club, and Chancellor Mary Holz-Clause, who is also an active Rotary member.
Crookston hockey player joins the 100-point club
It was only a matter of time before junior Jackson Fuller (Bloomington, MN) joined the 100-point club with fellow teammates Logan Syrup (Park River, ND) and Tyler Zahradka (Grand Forks, ND). Fuller is just the third player in the Golden Eagles modern ACHA era to reach the 100-point mark.
Leiferman named DIAL Scholar
Jeremy Leiferman, associate vice chancellor for student life at UMD, was named a Diversity in Auxiliary Leadership (DIAL) Scholar in the first cohort of a new National Association of College Auxiliary Services program for developing leadership skills. The DIAL program provides individuals from underrepresented groups with access, support, and opportunities for leadership.
UMD remembers former chancellor Ianni
Lawrence Albert Ianni, a former chancellor of the University of Minnesota Duluth, passed away at age 93 on Sept. 13. Ianni, UMD’s fifth chancellor, was confirmed in May 1987 by the Board of Regents and served the campus until retiring in 1995.
Mindful Mornings
The Mind-Body Trauma Care Lab in the Department of Psychology invites you to join with others to pause and consciously take a break from your everyday stresses with a gentle, guided meditation on Dec. 14, 8-8:45 a.m., via Zoom. This is the last session of the semester.
U of M Morris installs new energy storage project
A new battery storage project has been installed at U of M Morris, led by vice chancellor of finance and facilities Bryan Herrmann. The U of M Institute on the Environment (IonE) was a key partner on the new 90kWh lithium ferrous phosphate battery project, supplying the majority of the funding via a LCCMR grant. This project is part of the campus's larger energy storage aspirations as part of the U of M Center for Renewable Energy and Storage Technology.
U of M Morris receives Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Food Justice Initiative funding
U of M Morris is one of 12 organizations to receive funding from the Center for Prevention at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota’s Food Justice Initiative. The funds will be used to advance access to healthy, affordable, and culturally appropriate foods without barriers for BIPOC and low-income students and rural community members, as well as to grow the next generation of food sovereignty leaders.
Dec. 13-15 - Meet Archie, the campus therapy dog
Archie, the campus therapy dog, will have finals week office hours from noon to 3 p.m., Prairie Lounge, Student Center. Archie will be off-leash with toys and treats.
The Kettle - Reflections from Chancellor Emeritus Lehmkuhle
UMR’s inaugural chancellor, Stephen Lehmkuhle, served from 2007 until his retirement in 2017. Lehmkuhle reflects upon his time at UMR in conversation with U of M alumni magazine The Kettle, which asked him about those early years, what makes him #UMRProud, and where life has taken him after UMR. Read more about the early years of UMR in the 2023 edition of The Kettle.
Beyond the Nest podcast: ‘Go and Be Curious’
UMR alumna Bethany O’Bryan ’18 and faculty member Kelsey Metzger discuss the importance of being curious and comparisons between patient care medicine and veterinary medicine in the most recent Beyond the Nest episode. O’Bryan also shares the positive impact her experiences at UMR have had on her continued education.
Submit data visualizations for Data Viz Championship
The Big Ten Academic Alliance has launched a Data Viz Championship to celebrate International Love Data Week. Students, faculty, and staff from the Twin Cities campus are invited to participate in the competition. The winning student entry and winning faculty/staff entry will be submitted to the Big Ten competition. Submissions will be accepted through Jan. 18. Learn more about the competition and submit your data visualizations.
Featured events
Dec. 13 - World Music Ensemble
Dec. 14 - Canvas Gradebook: Prepare to submit final grades
Dec. 15 - A North Pole Pop-Up Exhibit!
Dec. 19 - Health Coaching Program Information Session
Through Dec. 31 - Winter Lights | Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Jan. 8-May 20 - Mindful Mondays: Free Drop-In Sessions
Jan. 12 - Webinar: Demystifying Addiction: Applied Skills to Enhance Your Practice