Expect another year of supply chain problems

George Alessandria, a professor of economics, explains how supply chain issues continue to reverberate through the American and global economies, what is causing the shortages, and why government intervention would be counterproductive.

In today’s issue:

Mercedes Ramírez Fernández has been appointed the vice president for equity and diversity at the University of Minnesota
Employees can sign up for weekly meal subscriptions with Effortlessly Healthy
Applications for the Community Engaged Learning Course Operational Grant are due August 1

TODAY’S UPDATES

Mercedes RamÃrez FernÃ¡ndez to step down in August

Mercedes Ramírez Fernández, the Richard Feldman Vice President for Equity and Inclusion and the chief diversity officer, is stepping down on August 30. She has been appointed the vice president for equity and diversity at the University of Minnesota.

A national search for Ramírez Fernández’s successor will be conducted. Plans for interim leadership of the office will be announced in the coming weeks.

FOR FACULTY AND STAFF

Webinar on refinancing student loans

The Office of Total Rewards will host a webinar on Wednesday, July 13, from noon to 1 p.m. about the options for consolidating your federal and private student loan payments. The webinar will be conducted by a representative from Citizens Bank. Enroll online to reserve your space.

Weekly meal subscriptions for University employees

The University is expanding its partnership with Effortlessly Healthy. Employees can access a weekly meal subscription for 20 percent off healthy meal options. You can pick up these meals on Tuesdays and Fridays from 4 to 6 p.m. in the clock tower loop outside of Flaum Atrium. Employees that currently have a subscription plan or sign up now will have a chance to win free meals for a week.Â Sign up here.

Apply for the Community Engaged Learning Course Operational Grant

Applications for the Community Engaged Learning Course Operational Grant are due August 1 for the fall 2022 semester. Launched in 2014 by the Community Engaged Learning Program in the Center for Community Engagement, the grant provides funds to faculty and staff whose projects or courses combine academic learning and community engagement opportunities for undergraduate students in Arts, Sciences & Engineering. Each proposal has a maximum award of $3,500 per course. Find more information and apply here.

COVID-19 TIER STATUS

The current University COVID-19 tier level is

low

Face masks are optional for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors indoors. Patient care areas, as well as University shuttles and transportation, continue to require masking. A full description of Medical Center masking requirements is available on the URMC Intranet (University network access required).

Find the latest updates, policies, and guidance on the University’s COVID-19 Resource Center.

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