THE APRIL 2023 DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION NEWSLETTER

THE APRIL 2023 DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION NEWSLETTER

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DX HALF-TIME LIVESTREAM

The Half-Time Livestream brings everyone in Dx together for the chance to ask questions and get real-time answers; hear up-to-date news about projects, changes, events, and more; recognize team members for their great accomplishments; ponder the quote and stat of the week; and laugh at the plentiful dad jokes. To participate, tune in every Wednesday at 11:45 AM on the Half-Time Channel on the Dx Community team in Teams.

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DX TEAM RECOGNITION

The Dx Team Recognition Award is a way to recognize our colleagues for their hard work and accomplishments. During our Half-Time Livestream each Wednesday at 11:45 AM, a deserving nominee will receive an award certificate and two movie vouchers. To nominate someone, fill out the form below. Alternatively, you can navigate to the Dx Community team in Teams, enter the Half-Time channel, and select the Team Recognition tab from the top menu. Remember, nominations must be submitted by 5:00 PM on Tuesday to be eligible for the following Wednesday's Half-Time.

Dx Team Recognition Form
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WOLVERINE SIGHTINGS

Have you seen a UVU staff member offering exceptional service or giving an exemplary performance? Remember to nominate them for the Wolverine Sighting Employee Recognition Award! The Wolverine Sighting Award is an employee recognition award sponsored by PACE. Nominees must be full- or part-time UVU staff employees, but there is no minimum requirement for years of employment and nominations are accepted year-round.

Nomination Form
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UVU'S GOODWILL ASSOCIATION

The UVU Goodwill Association sends get-well wishes to UVU employees with the primary goal of enhancing employee relations by maintaining a caring atmosphere at Utah Valley University. Membership dues are used to send floral baskets for a number of situations (extended hospital stays, bereavement, and more). Do you know any employees needing goodwill? Please refer them by following the link below.

UVU Goodwill Form

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EASTER

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Easter falls on Sunday, April 9 this year. The origin of Easter can be traced back to the early Christian Church and the Jewish holiday of Passover. The date of Easter changes every year because it is determined by the lunar calendar. 

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PASSOVER

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This year, Passover begins on the evening of April 10, 2023, and ends on the evening of April 18, 2023. Passover is a Jewish holiday and feast that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. 

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TAX DAY

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In the United States, Tax Day typically falls on April 15, but this year the deadline has been moved to Tuesday, April 18. Make sure all taxes are squared away before the deadline!
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EARTH DAY

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Earth Day falls on Saturday, April 22. It was first observed in 1970 and has since become a global event aimed at raising awareness about environmental issues and promoting sustainability. Earth Day events include various activities such as planting trees, cleaning up litter, and promoting renewable energy sources.
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CLASSES END

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This semester, classes at UVU end on Wednesday, April 26.
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INTERIM DAY

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This semester, Interim Day falls on Thursday, April 27. No classes or finals will be held on this day. 
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FINAL EXAMS

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Final exams at UVU will be conducted from Friday, April 28, through Wednesday, May 3.
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ARBOR DAY

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In the United States, National Arbor Day falls on April 28, 2023 this year. Arbor Day was first celebrated in the United States in 1872, when it was proposed by J. Sterling Morton. The holiday is observed by planting trees, educating people about the importance of trees, and promoting conservation efforts to protect natural forests. 

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Overcoming Uncertainty

Brett McKeachnie, Senior Director of Product Portfolio Management 

Working in Dx, we're used to dealing with change. Technology evolves rapidly, and we must stay up-to-date with new developments and adapt to new ways of doing things. But what about when change hits closer to home, such as a restructuring within our own organization? 

While the goal of restructuring is often to improve efficiency, reduce costs, or realign priorities, the process can be difficult. Employees may face uncertainty about their roles, and stress levels can rise as people adjust to new ways of working. So what's the key to getting through it? Resilience. 

Resilience can be defined as the ability to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to change. It's not about being immune to stress or hardship but rather about building the capacity to recover quickly and move forward. This skill can be developed through intentional practice. Let's explore the strategies we can use to cultivate resilience during periods of organizational change.

Focus on What You Can Control 

The first step in building resilience is to acknowledge the situation and the emotions it brings up. It's natural to feel anxious, frustrated, or uncertain about what the future holds. These are natural reactions to change. But dwelling on these emotions can make it difficult to move forward. Instead, identify the aspects of the situation that you can influence and take action to address them. This may mean taking stock of your skills and abilities, networking with colleagues, or exploring new opportunities within the organization.

Cultivate a Positive Attitude 

Another key element of resilience is maintaining a positive attitude. It's easy to fall into a negative mindset when facing uncertainty, but this can be counterproductive. Instead, try to focus on the potential opportunities that the restructuring may bring. Perhaps there will be new roles or projects that align better with your interests and career goals. Approach challenges as opportunities to learn and grow rather than as insurmountable obstacles. Encourage yourself to try new things and view setbacks as learning experiences that can help you improve your skills. By maintaining a positive outlook, you'll be better equipped to seize these opportunities when they arise. When you're at work, challenge yourself to stay in the present and not to let anxiety about the future get in your way. As Bill Erb said in his All-Hands presentation, "Uncertainty is not helplessness." 

Communicate

Communication is also crucial in times of change. It's important to stay informed about what's happening and how it may affect you. Attend meetings, seek out information from your leaders, and engage in dialogue with your colleagues. This can help you feel more in control and better prepared for what's ahead. Strive to keep your communications positive and constructive. 

Don't Forget to Take Care of Yourself  

Change can be exhausting, so it's important to prioritize self-care. This may mean taking breaks throughout the day, spending time in nature, or mindful meditating. Journaling can also be a useful practice for clearing your mind and rationally exploring concerns. In addition, prioritize activities that help you to emotionally and physically recharge, such as exercise, healthy eating, and sleeping. By taking care of yourself, you'll be better equipped to handle the challenges that come with restructuring. 

Reach Out

Another important aspect of resilience is social support. Reach out to colleagues, mentors, or friends who can provide a listening ear or advice during difficult times. Building a network of supportive relationships can help you feel more connected and less isolated during organizational change.

In Conclusion

Undergoing an organizational restructuring can be a challenge, but building resilience can help you navigate the changes successfully. By focusing on what you can control, cultivating a positive attitude, communicating effectively, prioritizing self-care, and seeking social support, you can build your capacity to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to change. With intentional practice, resilience can become a valuable skill that not only helps you thrive during periods of organizational change but also supports your long-term career success.

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OPEN JOB POSITIONS

As of March 29, 2023, the following position(s) in Dx are available. Be sure to watch schooljobs.com/careers/uvu/ for upcoming opportunities at UVU.  
Is there an opening in your division or department that needs to be filled? Be sure to contact People & Culture for any questions about the hiring process. Once the position is open, get the word out by submitting it to Caitlin Tobler for next month’s newsletter.

NEW EMPLOYEES AND PROMOTIONS

The following individual(s) have been recently hired or changed positions in Dx:

  • Ike Barranco, Web Developer I
  • Connor Christensen, Web Programmer I
  • Jeffrey Woods, Student Web & Mobile Technician
  • Bryan Nally, Student Web & Mobile Technician 
  • Chel Huriavi, Web Applications Manager 
  • Sterling Shaw, Web Developer II 

Be sure to give everyone a warm welcome and a congratulations!

Additionally, Troy Martin has accepted a position as an assistant professor with Information and Technology. He will transition to this new opportunity on April 1, 2023. Be sure to send him your congratulations!