March 2022
NEWS AND EVENTS
OPEN Forum scheduled for April 20
The first OPEN Forum of 2022 will be held on Wednesday, April 20, in the City Union Regency Room from 8:30-10 a.m. for ORED staff. A breakfast buffet will be served. Registration by April 15 is required so we can be sure to accommodate everyone.
The program will begin with the introduction of new staff members and opening remarks from Vice Chancellor Bob Wilhelm. A member of the Staff Senate Exploratory Committee will present information regarding the upcoming UNL Staff Senate. This is the presentation that was shared in March at listening sessions and ORED staff will have the opportunity to ask questions.
The tradition of recognizing coworkers with kudos continues with a slideshow presented during the breakfast. Please email your kudos to Laurie Sampson by April 15 to have them included in the show.
The OPEN Forum is a quarterly meeting for all ORED staff; it’s an opportunity to gather with colleagues, have fun and learn about important aspects of the office or the university community.
Conversation highlights progress toward increasing research impact
UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green has been showcasing progress that is being made toward the university’s N2025 Strategic Plan goals. Earlier in March, the ORED leadership team met with college deans and leaders and shared an update regarding Aim 2: Increase Research Impact, to establish a culture at Nebraska committed to increasing the impact of research and creative activity. In the video, you can learn how we’re pursuing increased levels of research expenditures and other growth-related targets, developing powerful research collaboration efforts, and involving students in research and creative work.
UNL All-Staff Conference coming in May
The UNL All-Staff Conference is scheduled for May 24-25 on campus. This multi-day event will feature a keynote address, updates on the University Staff Senate, facilitated networking and reflection, and a wide variety of breakout sessions around the theme of UNL Connects: Powering Development and Innovation.
Breakout sessions will feature staff presentations in a variety of formats around the subthemes of developing as a person; developing as a professional; developing in community; networking; collaborating; and exploring technology.
The keynote address will be delivered by Stuart Chittenden, a British expat calling Omaha home since 2004. Formerly a London-based lawyer and an Omaha brand consultant, Stuart is the founder of Squishtalks, which designs and delivers conversation programs for corporate and non-profit organizations for public and community purposes.
Registration details for the conference will be available soon.
Support Student Research Days
Student Research Days are slated for the week of April 11 and ORED staff are encouraged to support the work of undergraduate and graduate researchers on campus.
In addition to the poster sessions on Monday and Tuesday, one of the highlights this year is the Student Research Days Slam on Wednesday, April 13, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Wick Alumni Center. Cheer the Slammers on, and then it’s up to you to decide who gave the most compelling presentation and deserves to be crowned Supreme Slammer.
The week will also feature the Nebraska Lecture featuring Raymond Hames, on Thursday, April 14, at 3:30 p.m. via Zoom. Registration is required to receive the meeting link.
Julie Koch featured in the Women of Service series
When the University of Nebraska-Lincoln pivoted in response to COVID-19, Julie Koch was among dozens of Huskers who stepped up to accept new roles and responsibilities, helping to keep the institution moving forward.
Julie, who is now a member of the Research Finance team, managed the Wellness Attendant program on campus. You can read her story here.
OPEN Book format change – your input welcome
As you have noticed, by reading this online rather than in an email, the format of OPEN Book has changed. You will still receive an email alerting you that the latest newsletter is available for viewing, but rather than doubling the work of creating an email and an online post, the news will be posted online.
And since changes are in the works, it’s now a good time to ask you what you want in OPEN Book. A survey is available to collect your input. You can access it here through April 14.
If you have questions or contributions, contact Laurie Sampson.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Five simple steps to clean up your digital life
Ah, spring. A time of renewal and often when people think “fresh start” with cleaning out the old. Cleaning out inboxes, documents, photos and other digital junk can reduce stress and improve personal productivity. An article at pcmag.com addresses how to streamline and declutter your devices.
