Changes to @umn.edu internet identity
The University’s plans to remove retirees from the @umn.edu internet identity domain appear to be unchanged. The cited rationale is cost and risk. UMRA has advocated for ensuring continued access to this identity (including email, Google Workspace, and associated services), citing University retirees’ enduring contributions to and engagement with the University. Thus far, our communications with current University leadership have not prompted any change of plans.
The questions about this transition, occurring December 7, 2024, continue to arise. Three frequent questions include:
Emeritus faculty: Emeritus faculty will retain access to University identity and services. Faculty should check with their home unit’s human resource office to ensure that they have been accurately recorded as emeritus in the University’s human resources system (see Conferring the Title of Faculty Emeritus). Responsibility for conferring this status and recording it in the HR system lies with your home unit. It is not automatic.
Transitioning data: UMRA recently held a webinar about migrating your email and other data to a new service (either the @alumni.umn.edu option offered by the University or another service). This session was recorded and can be viewed via the UMRA portal (after login, the link to the webinar is on the lower right). Note, if you have already changed your email address you will need to “Change Login Email” on the UMRA portal.
Exceptions to the proposed plan: Individuals who believe they require continued access to an @umn.edu identity and associated services due to their contributions to the University can request a Person of Interest account through their home department. Note, this is an annually renewable account.
Learn what to expect and how to prepare in the Leaving the University self-help guide.
If you have questions that remain unanswered, contact the Office of Information Technology at [email protected].
—Eric Hockert, UMRA president
News
The election of UMRA officers and new board members for 2024–25 will be conducted via an online poll from May 13 to 19, with the results to be announced at our annual meeting on May 21. Look for the ballot in your email inbox on May 13. Diane Young has been nominated to be president-elect.
“I convinced myself I could handle this problem without support groups or doing additional research, but that’s only because I didn’t want to make it any more real than it already was. Denial comes in many forms, and one is to avoid thinking about the problem any more than need be.” —Alice A. Larson
Meet UMRA member Peter Moe. He retired in 2023 after a career that spanned nearly half a century at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and is credited with developing the “Arb” into one of the few in the U.S. with world-class fruit and landscape breeding programs.
The University Retirees Volunteer Center (URVC) has welcomed two new members with valuable skills and experience to the URVC Leadership Council: Lynn Slifer and Jeanne Jacobson.
The University plans to remove retirees from the @umn.edu internet identity domain on December 7. UMRA has advocated for ensuring continued access to this identity (including email, Google Workspace, and associated services), citing University retirees’ enduring contributions to and engagement with the University. Thus far, our efforts have not prompted any change of plans.
Leading the online Journal of Opinions, Ideas & Essays has been a labor of love for Kris Bettin. Alas, a change in family needs has necessitated her retirement. So, JOIE is seeking a new leader to join a savvy editorial committee of five and bring fresh ideas for continued development of the UMRA-sponsored journal.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to explore your photographic interests, hone your photographic skills, and hear what other retirees are up to, the UMRA Photo Club is a great place to be. We have fun! And whatever your skill level, there is room for everybody.
Soon you will receive an email or letter inviting you to renew your UMRA membership for the 2024–25 year. Please renew before you get busy with your summer activities. Your support helps to make our programs and many other member benefits possible!
This will be a new regular column where you can find organizational tasks that need your help! We are currently looking for help researching a new UMRA Membership Database and URVC volunteer database, and a co-producer for UMRA's Zoom webinars. See more details:
Meet UMRA member Millie Woodbury, a lifelong world traveler whose favorite place on campus is Aisle C, Seat 24, at Northrop Auditorium.
Eight retirees from the Twin Cities and Morris campuses have been chosen to receive 2024 awards from UMRA’s Professional Development Grants for Retirees Program. As in previous years, their projects cover a diverse set of topics, reflecting the breadth of studies and continuing professional activities undertaken by University retirees.