The 2022-2023 US News and World Report college rankings released its annual report earlier this month. Out of 227 public National Universities, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is now ranked in the top 25 (moving from 26 last year to 23 this year).

Three other U of M campuses throughout Minnesota were also highlighted in the most recent rankings: 

• The University of Minnesota Crookston retained its No. 1 status among public Midwest Regional Colleges. 
• The University of Minnesota Duluth improved eight spots in the Regional Universities in the Midwest category, ascending to No. 33, which places UMD in the top 20 percent of the category. Among only public universities in the same category, UMD moved up two spots, from No. 8 to No. 6. 
• The University of Minnesota Morris improved its ranking among National Liberal Arts Colleges by five places from No. 141 to No. 136. The campus remained the No. 8-ranked public university in the category.

Learn more about the rankings.

University financial counseling vendor LSS Financial recently shared a University employee's story of having $125,000 of student loans forgiven through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, with help from LSS. Here is an excerpt of the story, published with permission from LSS and Chris, the employee:

"Chris found out about LSS Financial Counseling through his employer as an employee benefit offered through LSS Financial Counseling’s Financial Choice service. 'I heard they helped individuals get enrolled in student loan forgiveness programs, but the prospect of contacting someone for help and acknowledging my problem was scary, daunting and intimidating. . . .

“'From my very first meeting and each one after that, [my LSS financial counselor] was very respectful. He didn’t come down from an ivory tower to tell me what to do and talk down to me. There was no shame or judgment. He was just another member of the community who had answers and tools. He was there to assist me, not fix me.'" Read the full story on LSS's blog.

Wondering how LSS Financial may be able to help you and your family? Learn more about this free service for University employees. 

The University of Minnesota invites you to update your disability status at any time. As a federal contractor, the University is required to take affirmative action to ensure that all individuals have an equal opportunity for employment regardless of disability. Collecting this information will allow the University to assess and improve affirmative action efforts and comply with government reporting requirements.

To complete the disability self-identification form, first click on the “My Info” tab in MyU. Then on the “More Personal Information” link.

The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities. To learn about requesting a workplace accommodation, please contact the Disability Resource Center at drc@umn.edu.

“Since I started as a float technician [at the Veterinary Medical Center] in 2013, I’ve worked in several roles, including my current position as a project coordinator for VMC administration. Bringing my dogs to the office is a huge perk for me, as is the ability to take classes toward a bachelor’s degree for free using the University’s Regents Scholarship Program.

“I love the people here. Helping share vet tech stories with our Veterinary Medical Center and the greater University community has been and continues to be one of my favorite projects at work.”—Flannery Miley, Project Coordinator, Civil Service

To learn more about your University benefits, visit the Office of Human Resources’ website. 

“Sustainability is important to me, and I like that I make a tangible difference in reducing waste at the University. Plus I enjoy the flexibility and good benefits I get through my job.

“One thing I like about working at the University is that we can choose our vendors by quality instead of only using price. For example, a while back we weren’t able to verify that a vendor was actually recycling our used printer toner cartridges. We were able to switch to a vendor that we can trust to actually process and recycle the magnitude of cartridges the Twin Cities campus produces. This recycler is more expensive, but we know we’re doing the right thing to reduce waste.”—Tyler Miller, ReUse Specialist, Teamsters Local 320

Learn about jobs with U Services.

“I studied horticulture at the University, and I always thought it would be fun to come back. I love our campus and my job–it’s kind of a dream job for me. I get to take care of annuals, including the gardens at Eastcliff (the president’s mansion) and at the new Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain. 

“Since we have such a talented group of people, we’ve learned to communicate well and lean on each other’s skills. I can always call Becky for advice on irrigation, and if I need mulch at Eastcliff, I know Steven can drop some off. It’s great to collaborate with people instead of submitting work orders for everything. We also try to use our own resources when possible rather than buying them. For example, we use dogwood, pine, and birch tree materials that we harvest on campus to use as winter decorations in our planters.

“I take pride in where I work. The history of our five campuses is something really special–the same architect who designed Eastcliff designed several buildings on the Twin Cities campus as well as the Glensheen Mansion in Duluth. And of course the benefits are great too.”—Hollie Teslow, Gardener, Teamsters Local 320

Favorite tree: tamarack

Favorite place on Twin Cities campus: The green roof on top of the Cancer & Cardiovascular Research Building, as well as the metal sculpture and prairie area behind it

Learn about jobs with U Services.

“It all started with a bus pass. I visited Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) as an undergraduate student to get a bus pass, and the assistant director offered me a job on the spot. I wasn’t sure about it–I didn’t want anything to distract me from my studies–but he convinced me that a student job at the U was a great way to earn money while focusing on school. 

“I started as a parking attendant, got promoted to a student supervisor, and then took a full-time role in the department that would allow me to take undergraduate classes for free. Eventually, I want to get an MBA at the Carlson School. My boss is supportive of me, and my professors have worked with me as well when family circumstances and illness have delayed getting my first degree. 

“I’ve stayed at PTS for more than 15 years because it’s much more than parking. We are here to serve as the face of the University. A parking attendant is often the first and last person someone sees at the U, and it’s my goal to put a smile on their face and give them the best experience possible.

“The benefits here are great. I’ve been able to use vacation and sick time to take care of myself, and the gym reimbursement program rewards me for working out. I also save extra money for retirement through Fidelity [in addition to the University’s pension plan].

“I would love to see more people like me working at PTS and at the U in general. This is a job for everybody. The people I work with are the reason I’m here, and this is an environment where you’ll feel welcome.”—Farhiyo Ahmed, Operations Manager, Civil Service

Learn about jobs with U Services.

“After high school, I wasn’t sure what to do. I did a semester of community college and then came and worked at U Market Services, and I’ve been here for four years. The social aspect is the best part of working here for sure. It’s such an accepting, inclusive environment, and I enjoy engaging with my coworkers every day. 

“When COVID hit, I was grateful for the stability of my job. I felt safe, like I could depend on the U to take care of us. 

“I’m only 21, so I’m not sure what’s next for me. Someday I’d love to study anthropology since I find cultures fascinating. I might take classes toward my first bachelor’s degree for free through the Regents [Tuition Benefit Program], or maybe I’ll work my way up to a manager role. We’ll see.”—Seth Lopez, Stories Specialist, Teamsters 320

Learn about jobs with U Services.

“Seeing the stability that my mom and older sister had through their University jobs made me want to work at the U. I joined U Market Services in 2013 as a stores specialist, and now I work at the Facilities Management Central Order Desk. 

“My days go quickly, as my work keeps me busy and engaged. Every day I get to learn from experts in the trades, including carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and custodians. I like that at the end of every day, I’ve accomplished a lot.

“The benefits at the U are great, especially the Employee Assistance Program. The medical coverage I have through the U is awesome. It gives me a sense of security because I know I won’t be burdened by medical bills if anything happens. 

“The fact that most people work at the U for a long time speaks volumes. The wealth of knowledge that people have here is invaluable, and I’ve seen many people with decades of service retire from U Market Services. I want to be able to say that I’m retiring from the University at the end of my career, though that’s still a ways away.” —Emily Oberfoell, Principal Office and Administrative Specialist, AFSCME Unit 6 - Clerical

Emily is pictured here with her sister, Allison Bintner (right). 

Learn about jobs with U Services.

“I just love it here. I started with Facilities Management nearly seven years ago and now work in Capital Projects Management as a business manager. My coworkers and I handle onboarding, meeting scheduling, contract administration, and more so that our design and project delivery managers can focus on improving buildings across our five campuses.

“The people here are fun, interesting, and team-oriented. I get to work with people across the University system, and everybody is willing to help me with whatever questions I have. In the building I work in, we get together for potlucks, Community Fund Drive events, even stretching breaks. There’s good work-life balance too, so I have plenty of time to enjoy Minnesota’s seasons. 

“I moved to Minnesota for the winter. The silence a snowfall brings is beautiful, and I find it soothing to be indoors as the snow falls. I also enjoy ice skating and walking in the snow with my dog, Reggie.

“The University is like a small city. We have such a wide spectrum of people working here and a variety of job opportunities. Whatever your talent, you can put it to good use at the U.”—Janee Meyers, Business Manager, P&A

Favorite place on the Twin Cities campus: the pink granite fountain at Lilly Plaza

Learn about jobs with U Services.