IANR Staff Council

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IANR employs about 1200 staff members, many of whom are forward deployed throughout the state. While there is a great diversity in staff member roles and responsibilities, all are engaged in advancing the teaching, research, and extension missions of the Institute, and in contributing to the impact that we are having on the state, nation, and world. After talking with representatives from other staff councils on campus and obtaining feedback from staff, institutional leadership supported a proposal to create a staff council in IANR.

We are committed to helping it be a useful resource for staff members throughout the Institute.

If anyone is interested in the minutes of the IANR Staff Council, please email ianr.sc@unl.edu for an electronic copy.

Events

Mission

The mission of our staff council will be to enhance the work environment for current and future staff members. The council will do this by:

  • Providing opportunities to staff members which allow them to grow professionally
  • Bringing ideas and concerns that affect the culture and climate of IANR to the attention of IANR leadership
  • Facilitating communication and meaningful connections among IANR staff
1200+
staff members in IANR

Staff Council Members

IANR is excited to announce that the inaugural IANR Staff Council will be composed of the following IANR staff members:

Stephanie Bonnema

Stephanie Bonnema

Co-Chair
HR Specialist,
IANR Finance & Personnel Office
sbonnema3@unl.edu
Renee Donner

Renee Donner

Admissions Recruitment Coordinator,
Agricultural Leadership, Education & Communication
rdonner2@unl.edu
Cardinal Farrington

Cardinal Farrington

Facilities Manager,
Panhandle Research & Extension Center
cfarrington10@unl.edu
Pamela Joern

Pam Joern

Financial Associate,
Greater Nebraska Business Center
pjoern2@unl.edu
Hannah Kahler

Hannah Kahler

Business Center Manager II,
AEM Business Center
hannah.kahler@unl.edu
Sarah Plautz

Sarah Plautz

Co-Chair
Research Lab Manager,
Biological Systems Engineering
splautz3@unl.edu
Tai Pleasant

Tai Pleasant

Undergraduate Recruiter,
Agronomy and Horticulture
tpleasant2@unl.edu
Angela Rushman

Angela Rushman

Project and Instructional Technologist,
Nebraska Extension
arushman2@unl.edu
Tracy Zimmerman

Tracy Zimmerman

Administrative Associate,
Biological Systems Engineering
tracy.zimmerman@unl.edu

Events

  • Healthy Hurting: Handling Loss and Grief by UNL’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
    Thursday, December 9, 11:00 a.m. CST
    Join Zoom Meeting: https://unl.zoom.us/j/94487577498
    Meeting ID: 944 8757 7498 Passcode: 937561
    Or call in one tap mobile +12532158782,94487577498#
    Dealing with grief and loss is something most people have to do sometime in their lives, though we may be unfamiliar with how to manage the pain, confusion and chaos in healthy ways. We will explore common losses and what to expect in grief work, practical strategies for healing a hurting heart and being available to support others who are experiencing loss.
  • Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge
    Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. CST
    via Zoom January 18, February 1, 15, March 1, 8 and 22, 2022
    Register
    Must register to get Zoom link. Space is limited in each session

    Content covered: History Through the Lens of Race; Microagressions, Whiteness and Implicit Bias; The Media and Race; and Allyship and Action Steps

    IANR Human Resources, in collaboration with IANR Staff Council, will be facilitating a Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge over the course of January - March 2022. The format for the challenge is committing to attend a one-hour Zoom meeting approximately every other week. You will be prompted to access readings, videos or other resources based on that week's theme. It should take approximately one-two hours to read/watch/listen to the resource materials prior to the Zoom group discussion.

    The content was culled by CUPA-HR (College and University Professional Association for Human Resources) and IANR employees. It is expected you commit to attending each session as participation is extremely limited.
  • Gender Equity Habit Building Challenge
    Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. CST
    via Zoom on January 19, February 2, 16, March 2, 9, and 23, 2022
    Register
    Must register to get Zoom link. Space is limited in each session

    Content covered: Heightening Awareness of Women's Issues and Challenges; Working to Create Equity for Women at Work; Exploring the LGBTQ+ Community in the Workforce; and Opportunities to Advocate for Our LGBTQ+ Colleagues.

    IANR Human Resources in collaboration with IANR Staff Council will be facilitating a Gender Equity Habit Building Challenge over the course of January - March 2022. The format for the challenge is committing to attend a one-hour Zoom meeting approximately every other week. You will also be prompted to access readings, videos or other resources based on that week's theme. It should take approximately, one-two hours to read/watch/listen to the resource materials prior to the Zoom group discussion.

    The content was culled by CUPA-HR (College and University Professional Association for Human Resources) and IANR employees. It is expected that you commit to attending each session as participation is extremely limited.
  • Supervisor Training – Setting Expectations, Having Accountable Conversations, and Creating Good Documentation
    December 16, 9:00-11:00 a.m. CST
    January 13, 9:00-11:00 a.m. CST
    January 28, 9:00-11:00 a.m. CST
    Register
    Must register to get Zoom link. Space is limited in each session

    We will be adding more dates/times. Reach out to Becky Carter with specific needs.

    IANR Human Resources offers supervisor training covering in-the-moment action steps for supervisors to set expectations, have accountability conversations (prep & meeting outline), and how to appropriately document performance and accountability discussions. We also cover when to reach out to Human Resources for help. The training is two hours in length and offered via Zoom.

    As of today, we have had over 350 IANR employees attend. It is most relevant for supervisors of staff, but the overall elements are helpful for anyone supervising undergrad/graduate students, post docs, and/or faculty.
  • Employment Law Essentials: Hours Worked Compliance (for anyone who signs timesheets)
    Available on-demand through Nebraska Bridge App (tile on Firefly)
    Course length: 30 minutes

Other Events/Opportunities Available

  • Tech Time with Angie presented by Angie Rushman, Wednesdays, 11:30-12:30 CT via Zoom
    To sign up to receive notices of the next Tech Time with Angie email arushman2@unl.edu. You can also join the zoom https://unl.zoom.us/j/771231507 Meeting ID:771 231 507 Password: 721894
    Archives available on past topics including: Mural Collaboration Platform; Google Drive; Google Analytics; Google Voice Communications Toolbox and Brand Requirements; Canvas; Web Audit and HTML Work; Video Editing Tools and much more. Tech Time with Angie is about demonstrating, sharing and sleuthing solutions to build your tech savvy skills. https://myextension.unl.edu/tech-time-angie

    Connection details:
    • Join from PC, MAC, LINUX, iOS or Android: https://go.unl.edu/jtechtime
    • Or by phone: Dial: +1 646 558 8656 (US Toll) or +1 408 638 0968 (US Toll)
      • Meeting ID: 771 231 507
    • Password: 721894
  • DocuSign Basics archived on Tech Time with Angie, View DocuSign Basics session recording
  • QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training
    QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training is an online program that teaches warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to respond. The three steps include: question the individual’s desire or intent regarding suicide; persuade the person to seek and accept help; and refer the person to appropriate resources. This is a 60 minute online training. Participants earn a certificate designating them as a suicide prevention gatekeeper. If interested in registering for this training, please visit https://preventsuicide.unl.edu/qpr-training
  • EAP (Employee Assistance Program) Presentation & Workshops
    See a list and request a presentation at: https://hr.unl.edu/eap/
  • Now Available On-Demand: 21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge for Higher Ed Leaders

    In July 2020, over 2,500 people participated in CUPA-HR's 21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge to better understand the intersections of race, power, privilege, supremacy, oppression and equity. We are pleased to now offer this challenge free for CUPA-HR members (all UNL employees are members) to use for self-paced and/or small-group learning and engagement.

    It is critically important that we continue our efforts to move from talk to action on college and university campuses across the country. Creating effective social justice habits is one way that we can work together to learn and address these issues. The concept of the 21-day challenge was introduced several years ago by diversity expert Eddie Moore, Jr.

    How Will the Challenge Work?
    The on-demand 21-day challenge is ideally suited to individuals and small groups. Every week, you will be prompted to access five articles, videos or other resources based on the week's theme and 3-4 discussion prompts for the week. You will also have access to recorded town hall discussions from the August challenge.

    The 21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challengeis open to CUPA-HR members only. Participation is free, but you must register to participate. We look forward to being part of this journey with you!

    Registration is a two-step process. First, you must create a free account at CUPA-HR.
    1. Create a New Account
    2. Under the "Sign In" button, click "Create a new account"
    3. Enter your information, use your UNL.EDU email address and click "Save"
    Wait 24 hours, then follow these instructions to register for the 21-Day Challenge and access the materials.
    1. Register for 21-Day Challenge
    2. Scroll down and click "Register Now"
    3. Login with your newly created Username and Password
  • Employment Law Essentials: Hours Worked Compliance (for supervisors who sign timesheets)
    • Available on-demand through Nebraska Bridge App (tile on Firefly)
    • Course length: 30 minutes
    • Supervisor’s guide to stay in compliance with the Department of Labor’s Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA) for hourly employees.
  • Americans with Disabilities Act/Section 504 (for supervisors)
    • Available on-demand through Nebraska Bridge App (tile on Firefly)
    • Live Training / 5 sessions Course Length: 90 minutes
    • Institutional Equity and Compliance is offering a professional development opportunity for supervisors on campus regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act and other laws and policies related to creating an accessible work environment for current employees and job applicants. We will present information and answer questions about laws and definitions, accessibility in hiring, accessibility for current employees, how to manage when conditions change, and how-to information about current procedures and policies.
  • Nebraska Bridge App
    This new learning platform provides on-demand, accessible opportunities for NU employees to sharpen their professional skills. UNL-focused courses feature topics in Business and Finance, IT & Security, Sponsored Programs, Search Seminars, Microsoft Excel and Teams, Benefits, and Pre-Retirement. The site also offers courses on Diversity and Equity, Conflict Management, Presentations Skills, Management Basics, Goal-Setting, Wellness, and much more. Some offerings are self-paced, some are live, and many provide a certificate of completion. New materials are added all the time.
  • Diversity, Access & Inclusion Resources Tile in Firefly has videos of the OUCH! That Stereotype Hurts Training on demand and additional resources from the Kirwan Institute on Implicit Bias
  • OASIS (Office of Academic Success and Intercultural Services) Presentations and Workshops
    Request a Presentation
  • Supervisor Training – Setting Expectations, Having Accountable Conversations, and Creating Good Documentation by IANR HR
    Must register to get Zoom link. Space is limited in each session.
    • October 8, 9:00-11:00 a.m. CDT
    • October 29, 9:00-11:00 a.m. CDT
    • November 3, 9:00-11:00 a.m. CDT
    • November 12, 9:00-11:00 a.m. CST
    • We will be adding more dates/times. Reach out to Becky Carter with specific needs
    IANR Human Resources has been offering supervisor training that covers in-the-moment action steps for supervisors to set expectations, have accountability conversations (prep & meeting outline), and how to appropriately document performance and accountability discussions. We also cover when to reach out to Human Resources for help. The training is two hours in length and offered via Zoom. As of today, we have had over 330 IANR employees attend. It is most relevant for supervisors of staff, but the overall elements are helpful for anyone supervising undergrad/graduate students, post docs, and/or faculty.
  • UNL’s Women’s Center & LGBTQA+ Center presents The 6th Annual Gender Equity Conference: Continuing to Cultivate Growth We plan to have multiple speakers present talks covering a variety of topics related to gender equity and intersectionality. Other topics include leadership, diversity, advocacy, social justice, or community interest topics. This conference will be free of charge and includes a continental breakfast and lunch.

    The conference is intentionally designed to be accessible to those interested in attending. The sessions are broken down into 20- or 30- minute "TED" talk-style presentations with breaks in between each session. This will allow for students, staff, and faculty members to attend sessions throughout the day in between meetings and classes, as well as allowing for community guests to join.

    Highlights of the conference include a panel discussion with faculty members from the College of Arts and Sciences on gender equity from a global perspective; a talk from Dominique Morgan, the Executive Director of Black and Pink National; and a keynote address from State Senator Megan Hunt.

    The deadline to submit proposals is October 25th, and the deadline to register is November 3rd. If you have any questions, reach out to Derrick at dgulley@unl.edu, or our conference chair, Taylor, at wcga@unl.edu.
  • Nebraska University Federal Credit Union RSVP by calling 402-472-2087 or sign up
    • Will You Be Ready? (Wills & Estates) by Dena Noe, Nebraska University Federal Credit Union
      • October 26, 12:00-1:00 p.m. CT
      • In-person and via Zoom
    • Demystifying Social Security by Dena Noe, Nebraska University Federal Credit Union
      • November 3, 12:00-1:00 p.m. CT
      • In-person and via Zoom
  • SharePoint and OneDrive Tech Time by Angie Rushman
  • Magic of Connection
    November 2, 2021, Featuring Malan The Magician
  • Science Hour: COVID-19 Vaccines, Biology, Immunology and Clinical Experience You are welcome to join Dr. Angie Pannier (a UNL Biomedical Engineer from the Dept. of Biological Systems Engineering), Dr. Amanda Ramer-Tait (a UNL immunologist from the Dept. of Food Science and Technology), and Dr. Karen Rogers (Emergency Room physician, Erlanger Medical Center, Chattanooga, TN) as they host a Science Cocktail hour for anyone interested in learning more about Sars-Cov2, vaccines, and COVID-19 as it presents in the clinic. This cocktail hour will be totally informal, with a focus on information on cell and molecular biology to understand diseases. There will also be time to ask questions.
  • IANR Staff Council hosts Ben Lennander presenting 'Managing the Email Monster'
    Sep 30, 2021 11:00 – 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
  • Supervisor Training – Setting Expectations, Holding Employees Accountable, and Documentation
    To register: https://ssp.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cNop7C8apcr3iT3 {Must register to get Zoom Link}
    • Thursday, May 6, 9:00-11:00 a.m. CT
    • Monday, May 17, 1:00-3:00 p.m. CT
    • Thursday, May 20, 9:00-11:00 a.m. CT
    • Wednesday, May 26, 9:00-11:00 a.m. CT
    • Thursday, May 27, 1:00-3:00 p.m. CT
    • Monday, June 7, 1:00-3:00 p.m. CT
    • Thursday, June 10, 9:00-11:00 a.m. CT
    • Wednesday, June 16, 9:00-11:00 a.m. CT
    IANR Human Resources is offering a two-hour training on one of the many aspects of supervision. You can expect to learn:
    • tips on setting expectations
    • how to have accountability conversations
    • how to document the discussion and
    • when to reach out to Human Resources for help.
  • Americans with Disabilities Act/ Section 504 for Supervisors
    To register: https://www.unl.edu/equity/americans-disabilities-actsection-504-supervisors {Must register to get Zoom Link.}
    Overview: Institutional Equity and Compliance (IEC) is offering a professional development opportunity for supervisors on campus on the Americans with Disabilities Act and other laws and policies related to creating an accessible work environment for current employees and job applicants.
    Upcoming Sessions:
    • May 12, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. CT
    • July 22, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. CT
  • UNL All-Staff Virtual Conference May 13, 2021, SAVE THE DATEs
    The main portion of the conference will be May 13, from 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., so please mark your calendar and watch for a conference registration link in your email!

    Breakout sessions will be May 13 from 1-2 p.m. and May 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Solutions Showcase will be held from 4-5 p.m. on the 14th and the day ends with a happy hour networking session from 5-6 p.m.
  • EAP Chat – Coffee and Resiliency
    The Employee Assistance Program is offering a series of Friday morning chats for all faculty and staff feeling socially isolated. Bring your coffee to a relaxing Zoom session to interact with other employees at UNL. Join a conversation to gain insights from others and learn new strategies for staying engaged in activities. The chat will be from 8:30-9:30 AM on the first Friday of the month; May 7th. To register and receive a Zoom link, contact the EAP at 402-472-3107 or eap@unl.edu.
  • Bridge Learning App
    The University-wide system has a new learning content system. There are several trainings available already. Go to https://nebraska.bridgeapp.com/learner/calendar and log in with your UNL credentials. Here are some workshop’s that are already available to you.
    • The Healing Power of Women 3/10
  • Strategies for Building Resiliency
    • Thursday, March 25, 1:00-2:00 p.m. CT, via Zoom
      https://unl.zoom.us/j/94481038545
      Meeting ID: 944 8103 8545 Passcode: 467400 Employees have navigated approximately one year of change since the start of the global pandemic. EAP staff are asked on a weekly basis, “How do we keep going?” On March 25th, we will look at ways to thrive instead of just survive. The concept of resiliency is a starting point in which we will learn and create a stress resilience action plan to build mental wellness during this challenging time.
  • OUCH! Workshop – Understand the impact of stereotypes and biased statements
    • Wednesday, February 24, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. CT, via Zoom
      The OUCH! Workshop is focused on understanding the impact of stereotypes and biased statements; identifying the most common reasons individuals remain silent in situations of bias and stereotypes; and providing participants the tools for speaking up against stereotypes without blame or guilt.
  • Virtual Demo Cooking Class – Heart Healthy (and Delicious)
  • MS Teams – Beyond the Basics
  • OUCH! Workshop – Understand the impact of stereotypes and biased statements
    • Wednesday, January 13, 1:30-3:30 p.m. CT, via Zoom
      The OUCH! Workshop is focused on understanding the impact of stereotypes and biased statements; identifying the most common reasons individuals remain silent in situations of bias and stereotypes; and providing participants the tools for speaking up against stereotypes without blame or guilt.
  • DocuSign Training – How to Utilize Templates & Powerforms, Wednesday, January 27, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Microsoft Teams, Angie Rushman, Thursday, December 10, 9:30-10:30 CT.
    Get to know Teams! As part of our UNL Microsoft 365, we have access to Teams. A great way to collaborate, communicate and learn together! Learn how to add a class/group, set up a channel, and more!
  • Healthy Eating, Marissa Pakiz, Campus Wellness Services, Thursday, October 22, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. CT.
  • OUCH! Workshop, OASIS (Office of Academic Success and Intercultural Services), September 29, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. CT.
  • Come Meet Your Staff Council, Thursday, September 17, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT.
  • Zoom Updates for Fall, Angie Rushman Tuesday, September 8, 9:30-10:30 a.m. CT
All Events