September 13, 2023

Inside This Issue

Board of Regents September meeting highlights.
Awards and Recognition: The Writing Across the Curriculum program has won two international awards; and more.

Board of Regents September meeting highlights

During its September meeting, the Board of Regents discussed key leadership characteristics that will shape the position description for recruiting the next U of M president, as well as next steps and timing for the presidential search. Regents also reviewed the president’s recommended six-year capital investment plan and 2024 state capital budget, as well as a supplemental 2024 state budget request. Additionally, the Board received the annual report on academic program changes, discussed public safety planning, and more. See the news release for details.

Awards and Recognition

The Writing Across the Curriculum program has won two international awards; U in the News features highlights of University faculty and staff cited in the media.

Awards and Recognition

U-Wide News

New Google shared drive request form

The Google shared drive request form has been available for use since Aug. 8. On Sept. 14, the new shared drive request form will be required to create all new Google shared drives.

Apply to attend the UN Climate Talks in Dubai – in person or online

Interested in global climate policy and sustainable development? Current U of M faculty, staff, or graduate students with relevant research or projects can apply to be part of the U of M observer delegation to the 28th Conference of the Parties in Dubai. Apply by Sept. 20 to be part of the in-person delegation, traveling Nov. 30–Dec. 7 (week 1) or Dec. 8–12 (week 2). Apply by Oct. 18 to participate online.

Nominate faculty for the Academies for Excellence

Faculty nominations are now being accepted for the Academies for Excellence, which recognize the U of M’s most distinguished health scientists and educators. Nominations are open to all faculty for competitive election to the Academy for Excellence in Health Research, the Academy for Excellence in the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning, the Academy for Excellence in Clinical Practice, and the Academy for Excellence in Team Science. Apply by Oct. 17.

UROC Research Agenda Grant Competition

The Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC) seeks proposals by University faculty that address critical issues outlined in the UROC Research Agenda through collaborative, community-based research projects. Grants of up to $15,000 will be awarded to three tenure-track or tenured faculty members. Proposals, due by Oct. 23, will be reviewed by a committee of University faculty, staff, and community members.

Funding opportunity: MnDRIVE Neuromodulation Research Fellowships

MnDRIVE Neuromodulation Research Fellowships will be awarded to outstanding graduate students (doctoral), postdoctoral trainees, and residents/clinical fellows pursuing research in neuromodulation. The deadline to apply is Jan. 19.

Focusing on health and safety of agricultural workers at Minnesota Farmfest

Consistently ranked as one of America’s most stressful and dangerous professions, farming has never been easy. The School of Public Health’s Upper Midwest Agricultural and Safety Center (UMASH) helps farmers confront challenges ranging from climate change to mental health. UMASH is dedicated to improving the health and safety of people who work in the agricultural industry across Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the Dakotas.

Late summer garden checklist

As the weather begins to cool after the heat waves of late summer, gardens are still producing but plants and their needs begin to change. From preserving and preparing food safely to tips on planting vegetables in mid-summer for a fall harvest, U of M Extension is sharing best practices as seasons change.

Sept. 23 - Cedar Creek open house

Explore Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve at its 2023 open house. Stay for an hour or the whole day while taking part in activities, tours, talks, and even s’mores—all while learning about the station, its research, and the natural world.

Oct. 13 - IPUMS 30th anniversary research showcase and celebration

IPUMS, part of the U of M’s Institute for Social Research and Data Innovation, democratizes access to the world’s population data by making it easily usable, interoperable, and freely available to researchers, policy makers, and journalists around the globe. Join in the IPUMS30 Research Showcase, featuring presentations from renowned scholars and connecting participants with the data experts who make IPUMS possible. RSVP by Oct. 6.

Crookston

U of M Crookston announces next director of strategic marketing and communications

The University of Minnesota Crookston has named Lynsey Huseth as the next director of strategic marketing and communications. Huseth comes from a marketing background where she worked for global corporations based out of Minnesota. She began her new role on Sept. 5.

Waasdorp named to second straight all-tournament team

Kailee Waasdorp and teammates on the court

For the second straight non conference volleyball tournament, Kailee Waasdorp was named to the all-tournament team. Waasdorp continues to impress and be more than advertised as a freshman. This past weekend in four matches, the West Fargo native finished with 66 digs and 8 assists.

Duluth

Sept. 16 - NRRI open house

UMD’s Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) is opening its doors to the public for an open house. Stop by to hear about NRRI’s research addressing today’s challenges, including protecting freshwater and the impacts climate change has on communities, forests, wildlife, and industries. 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Sept. 20 - Fall feast featuring Native speakers and culture

a graphic of assorted leaves and berries indicating fall

The American Indian Learning Resource Center's annual fall feast celebrates the harvest season and offers an opportunity to learn about the Anishinaabe language and culture. The speakers include UMD alumnus James (Ozaawaanakwad) Clark (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) and current Master of Tribal Administration and Governance student Demi Dumarce (Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate). Noon–2 p.m., Kirby Ballroom.

Morris

Zavada begins Morton Gneiss Professorship

Michael Zavada has been selected for the Morton Gneiss Professorship in Environmental Sciences. Funded by anonymous donors and named for the three-and-a-half-billion-year-old bedrock beneath Minnesota, the Morton Gneiss Professorship is the first professorship of its kind at UMN Morris.

Sept. 13 - Higgs Boson and Large Hadron Collider lecture

U of M Twin Cities physics professor Roger Rusack will discuss Higgs Boson and the Large Hadron Collider during this public lecture. 7 p.m., 2950 Science Building.

Sept. 14 - Constitution Day forum

On Constitution Day 2023, associate professor of political science Tim Lindberg will facilitate an interactive discussion of the legal arguments made by the Supreme Court in recent major decisions, and compare these to reactions by political parties and the public.

Sept. 18 - Distinguished Visiting Professor in the Liberal Arts lecture

Michelle Janning, Distinguished Visiting Professor in the Liberal Arts, will deliver the first lecture in the Honors Lecture Series "Of Family." Janning will speak on "Doorways and fences: How the stuff & spaces of family life tell the story of inclusion and exclusion."

Rochester

New accelerated Bioinformatics and Computational Biology program

The University of Minnesota Rochester recently gained approval for an Integrated Bioinformatics and Computational Biology master’s program. This 4 + 1 program is offered in collaboration with the U of M Twin Cities College of Science in Engineering, adding to the opportunities in UMR’s “emerging health technologies” career pathway.

Colleges of Distinction recognition

Graphic reading Colleges of Distinction Career Development

U of M Rochester has received a special accolade from Colleges of Distinction for its outstanding career development initiatives for undergraduate students. This award confirms UMR’s efforts to go above and beyond, supporting students with comprehensive three- and four-year plans, personalized advising, career exploration with Mayo Clinic and other health partners, and more.

Annual Involvement Fair

UMR students behind a table and posterboard at the involvement fair

U of M Rochester recently held its annual Involvement Fair. The event provides the opportunity for UMR students to explore the vast array of community engagement, leadership, activities, and clubs available on campus and across the Rochester community.

Twin Cities

New library collections facility under construction

Construction of a new collections facility is underway at the corner of Como and 29th avenues. The 60,000-square-foot building will hold approximately 3.3 million volumes, meet the University Libraries’ long-term preservation needs, allow for new uses of key on-campus spaces, and enable growth and consolidation of U Libraries’ special collections within the Andersen Library Caverns. The building is expected to open January 2025.

Teaching with Writing fall 2023 series

For the fall semester, the Teaching with Writing series will focus on how new technologies for writing (generative AI, alt-text descriptions) and novel modes of sharing writing (open course materials, AI-assisted composition) are influencing how students write to learn and learn to write. Faculty, instructors, and graduate students are invited to register for workshops, lunchtime panels, and a book circle. Free to faculty and staff, but pre-registration is required.

Sept. 19-21 - Cops and Coffee

The Department of Public Safety will be handing out donuts and answering your questions during Cops and Coffee. There are three opportunities to stop by: Sept. 19, starting at 8:30 a.m., West Bank Bridgehead; Sept. 20, starting at 7:30 a.m., Union Street Plaza; and Sept. 21, starting at 7:30 a.m., outside the St. Paul Student Center.

Sept. 20 - Learning Abroad Fair 2023

Faculty and staff are asked to encourage students to attend the Learning Abroad Fair, where students can explore international opportunities available through the U. Faculty and staff can also learn about opportunities available to students and other initiatives organized by the Global Programs and Strategy Alliance. 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m., West Bank Plaza.

Sept. 21 - U Market Supplier Showcase

All faculty and staff are invited to attend the U Market Supplier Showcase. More than 40 U Market suppliers will be available to discuss your purchasing needs, and the event includes free lunch as well as games to learn about U Market and win prizes. 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m., Great Hall, Coffman Union.

Sept. 24-30 - Homecoming 2023

U of M alum Laura Coates—a St. Paul native, CNN’s chief legal analyst, and newly named anchor of "Laura Coates Live"—will serve as grand marshal for the 2023 homecoming parade on Sept. 29. U of M Homecoming 2023 features events including the Alumni Awards Affair, homecoming parade, Ski-U-Mania @ Homecoming, and the football game.

Oct. 3 - Health Careers Fair

Faculty and staff are asked to encourage students who have an interest in health careers to attend the Health Careers Fair. Students will connect with U of M health degree programs at undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels, as well as pre-health student groups and community organizations that provide volunteer or employment opportunities to pre-health students. Noon–3 p.m., Coffman Union.

Oct. 16 - 2023 Robert A. Stein ’61 Lecture: U.S. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett

The University of Minnesota Law School will host Associate Justice Amy Coney Barrett at Northrop as she delivers the 2023 Robert A. Stein ’61 Lecture. Priority registration is available to the U of M community before registration opens to the general public on Sept. 14. There’s no charge for the event, but a ticket is required for admission. Register beginning at 10 a.m. on Sept. 13 with promo code 2023univcomm.