March workshop highlighted tech support for retirees, UMRA website
Many avenues exist for U of M retirees to access tech support from the University’s Office of Information Technology (OIT), for both computer and software problems. Simply call, walk in, chat, email, or use online self-help to receive trouble-shooting support. Workshop presenter and OIT training consultant Lisa Larson covered a range of issues including: the security and accessibility merits of using the U’s Virtual Private Network (VPN) for access when off campus (not available to all retirees) and ‘eduroam’ for WiFi access when on campus; tactics to avoid phishing scams; and the benefits and ease of using Google Apps (G Suite) for all Google products. (The U moved to Google Apps in 2009.) Larson recommended Google Help as a highly valuable resource. Online training videos are available through Lynda.com (free to current U of M students, faculty, and staff and to the public via local libraries). To learn more, go to it.umn.edu, email [email protected], or call 612-301-4357 (1-HELP).
The UMRA website was highlighted in the second part of the workshop. UMRA webmaster Cathy Lee Gierke and website design leader David Naumann demonstrated the structure and features of the website. The website provides an impressive array of current information, with older material easily accessible through links to archives. Members take note: an additional login and password are needed to access online reservations for luncheons and parking and to search within the members’ directory.
— Claudia Parliament, Communications and Outreach Committee chair
March 27 Workshop: Keeping up with technology tools
Tue, March 27 2018, 1:30pm
Conference Room ABC, Campus Club, Fourth Floor, Coffman Memorial Union
Ever run into technical difficulties when surfing the Internet? Or had trouble finding something on the UMRA website? Then this workshop is for you!
Lisa Larson, a training consultant with the University of Minnesota’s Office of Information Technology (OIT), will be the first presenter for a two-part IT-focused workshop following UMRA’s March luncheon. She will provide an overview of the very useful Google Apps (G Suite) technology tools available to all U of M retirees and an introduction to Lynda.com, an excellent library of online training videos for learning about a wide variety of technology topics.
Larson will also provide an overview of services offered by OIT’s Technology Help desk, including how to access the U’s Virtual Private Network (not available to all retirees) for improved access to library materials, installing anti-virus software, and troubleshooting Internet connection issues. Larson ([email protected]) has been with OIT since 2014 and specializes in training for Google Apps (G Suite), storage systems, and various other software.
During the second part of the workshop, UMRA Webmaster Cathy Lee Gierke will present the features of the new UMRA website, assisted by David Naumann, UMRA website design leader. They will explain the website’s structure and show how UMRA members can best use the site. Topics will include website content, where to find things, how to solicit web assistance, online sign-up for membership and luncheons, and how to search for members.
Gierke is a member of the UMRA Board of Directors and new UMRA Communications and Outreach Committee. She worked in the computer industry before coming to the University, where, at the Carlson School’s Business Career Center, she managed and enhanced CARS, the U’s first web-based automated recruiting system. Gierke is currently doing research at the Halberg Chronobiology Center.
Please join us at 1:30 p.m., following the UMRA luncheon, for this workshop in the ABC Dining Room of the Campus Club. There will be ample time for Q & A.
— Ron Anderson, acting chair, Workshop Subcommittee
Upcoming Events
Our July 15 "hike" is going to be a kayaking adventure on Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun) and Lake of the Isles! If you don't have a kayak (or paddleboard), Wheel Fun Rentals, located next to the new concession stand rents single kayaks at $15 an hour and double kayaks at $25. The second hour is free if we rent before noon. Life jackets are provided with the rental.
Laura Ericksen will lead the discussion of How Stella Learned to Talk by Christina Hunger, a true story by a speech-language pathologist who taught her dog, Stella, to communicate using buttons associated with different words.
Our August 5 hike will be a reprise of our hike last summer at William O'Brien State Park. This is a beautiful park with a winding trail and a great view of the countryside. The hike is about 5.5 to 6 miles and we'll go at a moderate pace with frequent water breaks. After the hike, we will eat lunch at Rustic Roots Winery, a half mile north of the park.
Kathy Cramer will lead the discussion of The Bookbinder by Pip Williams, a book set in 1914 Oxford chronicling the life of Peggy who works in the University bindery, but craves a life beyond binding books but to being a scholar herself.
Enjoy a two-hour cruise on the Jonathan Padelford, leaving from the Harriet Island dock in St. Paul, boarding time at 5:30 p.m. We will have a brief program on board by Patrick Nunnally from the River Life Program of the Institute on the Environment.
August 31 is the due date for annual reports and updates. Annual Reports, Toolkits, web page updates, operating document updates and archives collections are all due each year on this date.
Autumn is a wonderful season in Minnesota so plan to join UMRA at the Andersen Horticultural Library at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Kristen Mastel, head librarian and curator, will reveal its treasure trove of publications and artifacts relating to plant history, horticulture, and natural history. After the tour, those who are interested may stay to eat lunch together, sitting outside if the weather is nice. Later, you are invited to a one-hour tram tour of the entire Arboretum that includes natural areas of flowering shrubs, bogs, and forests, family garden and landscaping showpieces, and the red barn farm
After a summer break the UMRA Photo Club will next meet September 10, 2024 in the meeting room of the Hennepin County St. Anthony Branch Library. For those interested in lunch, meet at the Great Dragon at 11:30 am. For September the THEME will be Curves
We will continue to discuss the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage. You will also hear about notable non-health plan and non-broker resources.