September 7, 2022

Inside This Issue
  • Board of Regents meets Sept. 8-9. 
  • U of M releases FY 2022 technology commercialization data.
  • Awards and Recognition: The U of M has been awarded more than $3.5 million from the Department of Education in two separate grants for International Studies and African Studies; and more.
Top News

Board of Regents meets Sept. 8-9

The U of M Board of Regents will discuss the role U of M Extension plays in providing research, expertise, and educational experiences through a network of local offices operating in each of Minnesota’s 87 counties. The Board is also expected to discuss progress toward MPact 2025 enrollment goals with leadership from U of M Crookston, the first in a series of discussions with the University’s five campuses. Additionally, Regents will receive the annual report on academic program changes, review President Gabel’s recommended six-year capital plan and legislative budget request for the 2024-25 biennium, and discuss results from the 2021 Employee Engagement Survey. See the news release for more details

U of M releases FY 2022 technology commercialization data

The University of Minnesota released new statistics about its technology commercialization successes during fiscal year 2022, including a record number of startups created (22) and patents (241) issued by U.S. and foreign authorities to University inventors. These results reflect the University’s ongoing strength in meeting the research-related objectives of MPact 2025, the Systemwide Strategic Plan for the University of Minnesota. 

Awards and Recognition

The U of M has been awarded more than $3.5 million from the Department of Education in two separate grants for International Studies and African Studies; the Hormel Institute’s Ningling Kang has received a $2M NIH grant to study the spread of colorectal cancer cells to the liver; Minnesota Monthly magazine has named 227 U of M Medical School and U of M Physicians across 70 specialties as Top Doctors for 2022; the Office of the Vice President for Research has announced five winners of the inaugural Research Technical Staff Award; U in the News features highlights of University faculty and staff cited in the media.

Awards and Recognition

U-Wide News

Call for nominations/applications: Director of the Center for Educational Innovation

The executive vice president and provost is seeking nominations and applications for an innovative and collaborative leader to direct the systemwide Center for Educational Innovation at a transformative time for teaching and learning. See the search website for more information. Applications will be reviewed beginning Sept. 30 and accepted until the position is filled.  

Call for nominations: 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 U of M faculty. Deadline for submission is Oct. 10. Email [email protected] with questions or for more information. 

Sign up for UMN Research, announcements for the research community

Logo for new newsletter reading UMN Research ...News, updates and opportunities

The Office of the Vice President for Research has launched a new, monthly internal newsletter, UMN Research, focusing on news and information for the systemwide U of M research community. See the inaugural newsletter and subscribe.  

 

 

Teach online class sessions

Faculty and instructors may need to conduct class sessions over Zoom for various reasons, including accommodating a student who is ill or hosting guest speakers. Use the Teach Online Class Sessions guide to help make this the best experience possible. 

Save data from AppsToGo sessions with Google Drive for desktop

New this summer, save data from AppsToGo sessions with Google Drive for desktop. AppsToGo is an application delivery service provided by the University that allows you to run University-provided software without installing it on your computer. The previous tool that enabled saving to Drive, Kumo, has been retired and replaced with Google Drive for desktop.

Advance care planning for adolescents with cancer

doctor holding patient's hand

In a recently published study, University of Minnesota researchers including Center for Bioethics clinical ethicist Jennifer Needle and colleagues say adolescents with cancer deserve a voice in medical decisions made for and about them. The study included 252 adolescents and family members, which is the largest randomized control trial of advance care planning for adolescents with cancer ever conducted.

 

Telecommuting study reveals surprises and challenges

A new study from University of Minnesota Extension and the Minnesota Department of Transportation offers the most comprehensive look to date at how telecommuting in Minnesota has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The study produced several interesting findings, including that Greater Minnesota respondents were more likely to telecommute no more than one day a week post-pandemic, while Twin Cities respondents were more likely to telecommute two to three days a week. 

Research Brief: Implications of the global home food delivery revolution

What’s on the menu for today’s consumers? Eating in. Globally, people have increasingly been getting their meals delivered by third parties such as Doordash, Grubhub, or UberEats. According to a recent study, this revolution in food delivery has considerable implications for nutrition, the environment, job creation, work, and public policy options. Additional recent Research Briefs include “When and where to protect forests,” “Treating antibiotic-resistant infections with peptides inspired by human saliva,” “Organic matter accumulation in oxygenated lakes,” and “Study examines support programs for pregnant, postpartum people at state prisons.” 

Crookston

U of M Crookston recognized by Exercise is Medicine for efforts to create culture of wellness

The University of Minnesota Crookston is one of only 158 universities and colleges around the world to be honored by Exercise is Medicine for its efforts to create a culture of wellness on campus. Crookston’s activities helped earn a bronze level designation from the Exercise is Medicine On Campus program.

Duluth

STEM field student scholarships

Duluth campus aerial shot

A National Science Foundation grant for $750,000 was recently awarded to UMD professors Arshia Khan (computer science) and Anne Hinderliter (chemistry and biochemistry), as well as Twin Cities professor Sherri Turner (educational psychology) for "Networking and Computing: Scholarships and Support for Computing Students." Most of the funds support students from groups that are underrepresented in STEM fields, with the goal of helping them graduate and move into successful careers. 

 

New UMD American Indian programs

tribal flags

Four new graduate certificate programs start this fall in the Department of American Indian Studies (AIS). These post-baccalaureate offerings will allow graduates from AIS as well as graduates from other UMD programs and other colleges and universities to participate.

 

 

‘Office Hours’ with Kim Dauner

Kim Dauner

In this episode of “Office Hours,” UMD talks with Kim Dauner, professor of health care management. Dauner likes solving puzzles and figuring things out … like the ways businesses, organizations, and companies such as hospitals improve our health.

Morris

Morris is a 'standout' for affordability

Campus banner reading Home of the Cougars with pic of cougar mascot

University Business magazine reports that U of M Morris has the lowest average full cost after grants among the top 50 public liberal arts colleges in the nation.

 

 

Morris awarded a renewal of McNair Scholars Program

The U.S. Department of Education recently awarded the U of M Morris a $261,888 McNair grant for the 2022-23 school year. The goal of the McNair Scholars Program is to increase graduate degrees for students from historically underrepresented segments of society. 

Alan Shapiro public lecture

Alan Shapiro

Alan Shapiro is the Distinguished Visiting Professor in the Liberal Arts this semester. His first public lecture, "Montaigne Made Me Do It: On Pattern & Variation," will be on Sept. 13, 11:40 a.m. 

Rochester

U of M Rochester honored for commitment to equity and inclusion

Graphic reading Colleges of Distinction Equity and Inclusion

The University of Minnesota Rochester continues to stand out for its student-centered programming. Already honored by Colleges of Distinction—an advocate for schools that excel in the areas of engagement, teaching, community, and outcomes—Rochester has also earned an award for Equity and Inclusion.

 

 

Exhibit: ‘Walk Back to Your Body’

The Rochester Art Center recently released “Walk Back to Your Body,” an exhibition featuring three installations that pose the question, what does it mean to be in conversation with your body? One of the installations, by Assistant Professor Yuko Taniguchi, is titled “The Breathing Room.” This installation includes the screening of a new motion poem that offers a collective contemplation of mental health challenges.

Twin Cities

U of M Twin Cities welcomes historically diverse, large class of new students

The class of 2026 forms an M on the football field

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus welcomes an extraordinary class of new students this fall—the most diverse in campus history, and one of the biggest. Built on a large number of Minnesota high school graduates, this class again displays increased access for underrepresented students.
 

 
 
Share the responsibility of safety on campus

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is working to eliminate crime, threats, and violence on our campus. Faculty and staff are encouraged to pay attention to safety messages and help promote a culture of safety and security. Thousands of well-informed faculty, staff, and students will help to keep our campus community secure and safe. Visit Safety Initiatives at the University for an overview of the U of M safety approach, explore frequently asked questions about campus safety, and view safety tips

Meet national champion figure skater and kinesiology student Eugenia Garza

Eugenia Garza skating

A passion for figure skating drew Eugenia Garza from Mexico to Minnesota at age 12. By the time she turned 15, Garza was representing Mexico on the international figure skating stage, eventually becoming the current Mexican national champion. Throughout her years as a figure skater, Garza has worked with many physical therapists. With all these experiences she gained an admiration and respect for the field of physical therapy. It was that same admiration that brought her to the School of Kinesiology


2022 Homecoming Grand Marshal

Michael Osterholm

Michael Osterholm will serve as this year's Grand Marshal for Homecoming. Osterholm is a three-time U of M graduate, a faculty member, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, and an inspiring alumni leader who has kept Americans informed, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about Osterholm and this alumni honor.

 


A sweeter side of algae

Imagine a crop that has potential to produce near-infinite harvest. A crop that needs minimal fertilizer, no seeds to replant fields after the harvest, and no specific grow season or climate. Researchers in the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering are looking into sugar-producing algae and its potential as a more sustainable sugar crop.

New look to campus dining

M Food Co. is the new Twin Cities campus dining vendor. M Food Co. brings new restaurants, new menus, and fresh looks to existing venues, and operational updates for residential dining halls and campus catering, including expanded hours of operation and updated meal plans.

Campus Zone Pass program discontinued

The Campus Zone Pass is no longer available to the University. This discontinued program allowed free rides on the light rail between the three campus rail stations. See alternative options.

Teaching with Writing fall series

Participate in the Teaching with Writing 2022 fall series of interactive workshops, panels, a book circle, and a one-day winter workshop focusing on designing writing assignments and strategies for equitable instruction. Free to Twin Cities faculty and staff, but pre­-registration is required.

Sept. 15 - UROC Community Day open house

Illustration of buildings and skyline reading UROC's Community Day

Celebrate the promise of partnership at the Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center’s (UROC) annual Community Day with engaging displays, live music, food by local chefs, official UROC swag, Goldy Gopher, and more. A special 4 p.m. program with Executive VP and Provost Rachel Croson will honor the contributions of UROC’s past executive leaders. Free and open to the public. 

 

UMTC Featured Events

Sept. 12-Dec. 19 - Mindful Mondays 

Sept. 14 - DEI-Focused Retention Strategies 

Sept. 19 - MN Cup 2022 Final Awards Ceremony 

Sept. 21 - Misel Family Lecture: How Our Universe Was Made: All From Nothing 

Sept. 22 - Center for Women in Medicine and Science Annual Fall Retreat
 
Sept. 22 - Annual David A. Rothenberger Lecture 

Sept. 23 - Microbiome and Cancer Symposium 

Sept. 24 - TedX Minneapolis 

See the full events calendar