October 12, 2022

Seeking faculty and staff for bulk email study

The U of M is inviting faculty and staff feedback about bulk email received from the University through participation in a bulk email study (IRB approved). Over the course of two months, participants would receive many typical bulk email messages as links to read within your browser. The University will record your time spent on these messages, whether the message is relevant, and your comments. Feedback will be used (shared anonymously) to help improve bulk email practices. Register to participate.

University Senate meeting highlights

The University Senate recently held its first meeting of the academic year. President Gabel spoke about newly appointed senior leaders and the search for a new chancellor of U of M Morris. She also reported that the All-University Honors Committee will be reviewing honorary namings starting with the four oldest named buildings: Folwell Hall and Sanford Hall (Twin Cities); Kiehle Hall (Crookston); and Spooner Hall (Morris). Provost Croson updated senators about professional development modules for supporting students with disabilities. The next meeting is Nov. 3, 2:30 p.m., live on YouTube.

Take the Employee Engagement Follow Up Survey

On Oct. 10, benefits-eligible faculty and staff received an email from [email protected] with a unique link to the Employee Engagement Follow Up Survey. Responses from the survey will help University leaders to understand your perspective on the action to support employee engagement so far and what you would like to see before the next survey in 2023. Click submit at the end of the survey or responses will not be recorded. Learn more about the survey.  

I-RISE applications now open

Applications are now open for the Center for Practice Transformation’s I-RISE: Increasing Representation & Inclusion in Supervision Education, a funding opportunity to increase diversity and inclusivity among licensing supervisors in behavioral health. This grant-funded opportunity will cover the cost of supervision training for Minnesota social work, marriage and family therapy, and clinical counseling practitioners to earn up to 45 supervision CEs through the U of M’s Center for Practice Transformation.

Early Innovation Fund grant program

Technology Commercialization has announced the continuation of the Early Innovation Fund grant program for short-term projects that advance early-stage innovations. The program provides $3,000 to $10,000 per project and is designed to advance the technology readiness of an innovation through support for buying materials, building prototypes, testing services, student workers, and entrepreneurial activities. Open to all U of M faculty, staff, postdocs, and graduate students. Application opens Oct. 17; submissions due Nov. 21. 

University of Minnesota, Minnesota State announce collaboration to address nursing workforce crisis

Minnesota State and the University of Minnesota have entered into a collaboration to reimagine nursing education and address the growing shortage of nurses in Minnesota. The Coalition for Nursing Equity and Excellence will work to increase enrollment in nurse education programs, expand equity in the nursing workforce, and increase the success of nursing students.  

Talking seasonal depression with U of M

About 5 percent of the U.S. population experiences seasonal depression, a subtype of depression that typically occurs when the seasons change. It most commonly affects people starting in the fall and continues into the winter months. Assistant Professor Jeannie Larson talks about the symptoms and causes of seasonal depression, and what people can do to lessen the symptoms. See more editions of "Talking with U of M," a resource where faculty answer questions on current and other topics.

Oct. 19 - Design your Canvas course to be mobile-friendly

Half of all U of M students use the Canvas Student App to access their courses from mobile devices. As an instructor, it is important to know which course materials and activities are suited for mobile. Register for “Meet your students where they are: Design your Canvas course to be mobile-friendly,” an exploratory session that will provide instructors with the student perspective of course materials and activities.  

Nov. 3 - CTS Transportation Research Conference

University of Virginia history professor Peter Norton, keynote speaker at the 2022 Center for Transportation Studies (CTS) Transportation Research Conference, will demonstrate that we already have everything we need for the affordable, healthful, inclusive, and sustainable transportation future we seek. Additional topics at the daylong in-person event include health and equity in transportation, COVID-19 impacts, automated vehicles, safety, electrification, shared mobility, and transit. 

Nov. 17 - Living Well With Pain: Managing Your Pain So It Doesn't Manage You

Join U of M researchers and community experts specializing in the treatment of chronic pain in a UROC Critical Conversation on strategies to empower individuals in managing chronic pain, navigate health systems, and build stronger relationships between patients and care providers. Living Well With Pain: Managing Your Pain So It Doesn't Manage You serves as the kickoff for the Living Well with Pain community conversations. 4 p.m.