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Postdoctoral
Scholar’s Orientation Handbook & Resource Guide
The University of Minnesota Postdoctoral Association
August 2006
Download
a PDF version of this handbook
For their contributions, the University of Minnesota Postdoctoral Association
thanks:
Executive Board Members, University of Minnesota Postdoctoral Association
(2005-2006)
Esam El-Fakahany, Founding Director of the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs
Gail Dubrow, Dean of the University of Minnesota Graduate School
Prepared
by Hatice Bilgic, Ph.D. and Mike Autry, Ph.D.
Printed with financial support from the Graduate School and Office of the
Vice-President for Research
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.
Letter from the Founding Director of the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs
II. University of Minnesota
A. University of Minnesota, History and Facts
B. The Postdoctoral Association at the U
of MN
III. Maps of the Twin Cities Campuses
IV. Getting Started at the U – Resources and Contacts
A. Emergency Contacts
B. University Identification Card (U-Card)
C. Bus Pass (U-Pass)
D. Minnesota State Identification Card (I.D.)
and Driver’s License
E. Campus Services (24 listings)
F. Relocation Assistance Program
G. Parental & Child Care Resources
H. Counseling Services
I. Sports and Recreation Facilities
J. Library & Computer Resources
K. Internet Access and E-mail Accounts
L. Arts and Culture
V. Policies and Benefits
A. Postdoctoral Appointment Definition
B. Postdoctoral Appointment Letter
C. Postdoctoral Policies and Benefits (Health-care,
Vacation, Leave)
D. Conflict Resolution
E. Human Resources
F. U-Wide Policy Library
G. Regents Scholarship for Class Enrollment
at the U
VI. Postdoctoral Resources
A. General
1. University
of Minnesota Postdoctoral Association (UMN-PDA)
2. Office
of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPDA)
3. Council
of Academic Professionals and Administrators (CAPA)
4. U of MN
Academic Administration Website
5. National
Postdoctoral Association (NPA)
6. Upper Midwest
Postdoctoral Symposium
7. Science
Careers
8. PhDs.org
B. Foreign Postdoctoral
Scholars
1. International
Scholar and Student Services (ISSS)
2. Social
Security Card
3. Banking
Services and Financial Tips
4. Legal Services
5. Advising
and Counseling Services
6. International
Postdoc Websites
VII. Career Development Resources
A. Individual Development Plan for Postdocs
B. Annual Performance Review
C. Career Development Workshops
1. Office
of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPDA)
2. U of MN
Postdoctoral Association (UMN-PDA)
3. Preparing
Future Faculty (PFF)
4. Center
for Human Resources Development
5. University
Counseling and Consulting Services
6. Department
of Environmental Health and Safety
7. International
Scholar and Student Services (ISSS)
VIII. Getting Started in the Twin Cities
A. General Relocating & Moving Info
B. Housing
C. Public Transportation and Airports
D. Parking
E. Tax Resources
IX. General Information about Minnesota
A. Overview
B. Information Sources
C. Twin Cities Attractions
D. Outdoor Life
Appendix
A. Benefits/Policy for
Postdoctoral Associates (9546)
B. Benefits/Policy for
Postdoctoral Fellows (9560)
C. Benefits/Policy for
Research Associates (9702)
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I.
Letter from the Founding Director of the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs
Postdoctoral associates
and fellows are undoubtedly one of the most important intellectual resources
of universities, particularly in a public research institution such as the
University of Minnesota. Postdocs come to our institution mostly to learn
new research methodology and approaches from more experienced researchers.
This new knowledge complements their graduate training and prepares them
to launch their independent research career. Others who are interested in
future teaching positions gain exposure to the rich pedagogical environment
of the university and have the opportunity to participate in courses designed
for preparing future faculty. As such, postdoctoral training should be a
period of apprenticeship during which postdocs build up their portfolios
in a way that makes them competitive in the job market. It is the responsibility
of postdoctoral advisors to offer adequate mentoring tailored to the specific
needs and career ambitions of individual postdocs. Advisors should also
be supportive of diverse career choices of their postdoctoral trainees.
Postdoctoral researchers also need administrative support and guidance from
central administration to respond to their professional needs. At the University
of Minnesota two bodies that work closely together, the Office of Postdoctoral
Affairs and the Postdoctoral Association have provided such support. Together,
we have established a series of monthly workshops on career development
tools for postdocs. The Executive Board of the Postdoctoral Association
has been instrumental in compiling this useful handbook that aims at helping
new postdocs navigate through the university system. The handbook includes
information on how to locate various services and also policies and benefits
pertaining to postdocs. It also contains helpful guidance for settling in
the Twin Cities area.
I would like to profusely thank the members of the advisory board of the
Postdoctoral Association for their laudable efforts in producing this document.
I would also like to welcome you to our great university and wish you the
most successful postdoctoral training. Last but not least, I urge you to
become engaged in the activities of the Postdoctoral Association to assure
continuity of services to future generations of postdocs.
OPDA Founding Staff:
From Left to Right: Kathryn J. Johnson (Coordinator)
Esam El-Fakahany (Founding Director),
Noro R. Andriamanalina (Coordinator) |
 |
With
kind regards,
Esam El-Fakahany, Ph.D.
Founding Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs
Professor of Psychiatry, Pharmacology and Neuroscience
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II. University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota is one of the most comprehensive
public universities in the United States and ranks among the most prestigious.
It is both the state land-grant university, with a strong tradition of
education and public service, and the state's primary research university,
with faculty of national and international reputation.
A. History and
Facts*
The University of Minnesota was founded as a preparatory
school in 1851, seven years before the territory of Minnesota became a
state. Financial problems forced the school to close during the Civil War,
but with the help of Minneapolis entrepreneur John Sargent Pillsbury, it
reopened in 1867. Known as the father of the University, Pillsbury, who
was a University regent, state senator, and governor, used his influence
to establish the school as the official recipient of public support from
the Morrill Land-Grant Act, designating it as Minnesota's land-grant university.
William Watts Folwell was inaugurated as the first president of the University
on December 22, 1869. In 1873, two students received the first Bachelor
of Arts degrees. In 1888, the first doctor of philosophy degree was awarded.
The Duluth campus joined the University in 1947; the Morris campus opened
in 1960, and the Crookston campus in 1966.
Through its strategic positioning plan, the University of Minnesota is
making strides to become one of the top public research universities in
the world within a decade. At all of its campuses—Twin Cities, Duluth,
Morris, Crookston, and Rochester—the University is moving in a new
direction to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
The University offers myriad educational opportunities for its 60,000 students
in more than 370 fields of study. The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
(UMTC) has the most comprehensive array of academic programs of any institution
in the state and the widest range of graduate and professional programs.
The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the
top Midwestern regional universities in U.S. News and World Report’s
America’s Best Colleges issue. In the 2006 edition, the University
of Minnesota, Morris (UMM) ranked as one of the top five public liberal
arts colleges in the nation. UMM campus leaders have advanced sustainable,
environmentally friendly initiatives that touch nearly all aspects of campus
life and have received national attention. The University of Minnesota,
Rochester (UMR) offers baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral programs and
serves the special needs of people in southeastern Minnesota. The University
of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC) offers a technology-rich environment and
is internationally known as the original "laptop University."
The University also has six agricultural experiment stations, two biological
stations, one forestry station, and regional extension services throughout
the state. A wide variety of public service programs—from dental,
medical, and veterinary medicine clinics to K-12 outreach—help more
than one million people annually.
The University is the state’s only major research university, and
is a leading recipient of federal research awards. The University received
more than $561 million in grant and contract awards from federal, state,
and private sources in fiscal year 2005—more than 98 percent of all
research dollars coming to higher education institutions in Minnesota.
The University provides essential educational programs across the state,
and its discoveries become new ideas, products, and services that improve
Minnesota’s quality of life. In the Institute of Technology alone,
graduates have created 2,600 active companies in Minnesota, which generate
annual revenue of $46 billion and employ about 175,000 people.
As a magnet for talent, the University has helped make Minnesota a destination
state in the Upper Midwest. From the talent it attracts, the University
develops professionals in critical areas such as advanced health care.
Two thirds of the state’s physicians, dentists, pharmacists, and
veterinarians have been educated at the University, as have many of its
entrepreneurs and civic and artistic leaders.
The University has received 221 patents in the past five years and, as
a result of its research, helped establish more than 24 start-up companies.
For example, the U of MN is one of the nation's leaders in Renewable Energy
Research. The University's Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment
(IREE) has been awarded more than $8.5 million for 24 renewable energy
projects that focus on bio-energy, bio-products, economic and policy assessments,
hydrogen production and distribution, carbon sequestration, nanotechnology,
solar thermal heating systems, wind energy, and the conversion of livestock
waste to energy and products.
As a result of the research conducted by faculty, staff, and students,
the University has improved the lives of people throughout the world. A
sampling of contributions, the U:
· developed a way to reverse memory loss in mice, holding promise
for people with Alzheimer's disease
· developed nearly 30 robots now deployed in Iraq in partnership
with the U.S. Department of Defense
· established the Institute for Mathematics and its Applications,
the nation's leading math institute
· discovered that eating oats reduces cholesterol
· released more than 80 new crop varieties that have greatly increased
yields worldwide
· invented the first heart pacemaker
· invented one of the primary HIV/AIDS "cocktail" drugs
Students' satisfaction with their University experience is very high—94
percent rated it high or very high at the end of their first year on campus.
Overall satisfaction is at its highest levels for undergraduates and graduates
since the University began to conduct regular student surveys.
The University supports an international population of 3,875 people from
more than 130 countries. The University also has more than 250 exchange
agreements with institutions around the world.
The University awarded 12,737 degrees in 2004–05. Of those, 10 percent
were in engineering. Nearly 40 percent of the degrees awarded on the Twin
Cities campus were graduate and first professional degrees.
* The information in this section is based on University of Minnesota website:
http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/01_abt_gen.php#1
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B. The Postdoctoral Association at U
of MN
The University of Minnesota Postdoctoral Association (UMN-PDA) was created
in the fall of 2002, with an inaugural meeting called by Dr. Esam El-Fakahany,
Founding Director of the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPDA). This small
group of postdocs was interested in improving postdoctoral conditions at
U of MN, by working toward institutional reform with the newly formed ODPA.
The shared vision found in those early meetings resulted in the creation
of the U of MN Postdoctoral Association, a volunteer organization open
to anyone in the postdoctoral ranks at the U: http://www.grad.umn.edu/postdoctoral_affairs/PDA/
Since its inception, the PDA has served as a liaison between the postdoctoral
community and the University administration, working with Dr. El-Fakahany
and the OPDA. In time, the PDA has grown from an advisory board into an
active participant in postdoctoral education. In 2004-2005, the PDA formed
an Executive Board, to provide leadership structure in areas of career
development, human resource policies, and international work and family
issues.
The primary function of the Postdoc Association is to assist the Office
of Postdoctoral Affairs in facilitating and promoting postdoctoral programs
at the University of Minnesota. The OPDA initially conducted a survey of
postdoc needs in career development, then initiated a workshop series designed
around the needs voiced in the survey. These workshops covered a wide variety
of topics, such as career transitions, resume/CV preparation, and mentor-postdoc
relationships. Through it all, the PDA has worked to assist the OPDA and
to give postdocs a voice in institutional policies and practices. The PDA
has also worked with the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs on addressing human
resource policies affecting postdocs at the University of Minnesota, bringing
added clarity and equity to issues of health insurance, retirement benefits,
and vacation and leave.
During the 2004-2005 academic year, the PDA began to actively develop additional
programs to improve training of postdocs at the U. For example, the PDA
organized two workshops on preparing grant applications to the National
Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). The
PDA also organized an industry career workshop, giving postdoc attendees
the unique opportunity to network with representatives from six Minnesota
companies. The PDA has also planned and hosted social events, including
picnics, potlucks, and a pizza/bowling party. In 2005 the PDA began to
publish a quarterly electronic newsletter, PDA News, to provide information
and to better connect postdocs across University of Minnesota campuses.
Currently, the PDA is organizing a meet-and-greet fall picnic, a second
industry panel workshop, and monthly brown-bag socials for 2006-2007.
Deserving special mention in PDA history is the planning and hosting of
a regional postdoc event, the First Upper Midwest Postdoctoral Symposium,
held on October 7th, 2005 in Coffman Memorial Union. This Symposium included
distinguished speakers from the U of MN, the Mayo Clinic, the Medical College
of Wisconsin, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the National Postdoctoral
Association, and the Sigma Xi Research Society, with 36 speakers and over
150 attendees for the day. The Upper Midwest Symposium combined academic,
industry, and government employment perspectives, culminating in a keynote
address by Dr. Philip Clifford, Dean of Postdoctoral Education at the Medical
College of Wisconsin, who spoke on the importance of drafting an Individual
Development Plans (IDP) for each postdoc.
The PDA also serves to identify and assist in problems of interest to postdocs.
One example worth mentioning regards University fare rates for postdocs
using public transportation. Prior to PDA action, postdocs at University
of Minnesota were charged the staff rate to buy a MetroPass for the Twin
Cities bus system (about $40/month). The PDA worked with the OPDA and University
administrators to greatly reduce postdoc transit fees, obtaining the discounted
student rate for postdocs (once-a-semester charge of $62). The PDA has
also submitted feedback on postdocs to the Metrics Task Force Committee
during the Strategic Positioning Initiative, as well as a white paper on
Recommended Postdoc Practices to the President, the Graduate School Dean
and the Vice President for Research.
Finally, it is important to emphasize that the history of the PDA has just
begun. We are a continually evolving organization, giving postdocs a voice
in their professional development and institutional policies. The PDA encourages
new volunteers to become involved in our advocacy activities, to help enhance
the postdoctoral experience at the University of Minnesota. It is our hope
that the Postdoctoral Association serves as a catalyst for the formation
of a vibrant community of postdoctoral
scholars on our campus, where information, ideas, and inspiration are shared.
Best regards,
Executive Board Members,
The University of Minnesota Postdoctoral Association
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III. Maps of the Twin Cities Campuses
Map of the West
Bank Campus in Minneapolis
West Bank Campus Map |
 |
Map of the East
Bank Campus in Minneapolis
East Bank Map |
 |
| Map of the St Paul
Campus |
 |
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to top)
IV. Getting Started at the U –
Resources and Contacts
A. Emergency Contacts
If you are using a campus phone, press 8 to get an outside line before
dialing any of these numbers. For police, fire or medical emergencies,
call 911. For off-campus resources, call United Way at 211 or Crisis Connection
at 612 379-6363.
B. University Identification Card (U-Card)
This is a University of Minnesota Staff I.D. card. It provides access to
University libraries, computer labs, and other facilities.
Each department's human resources representative will first enter the name
and status of the new employee in the main employee database of the University
(PeopleSoft database). Once your status as a new staff member is confirmed,
the postdoc can take his/her passport to either of the U-Card offices located
at Room G22 of Coffman Union or at St. Paul Gymnasium and receive this
free I.D. card. More information is available on the web at www.umn.edu/ucard
C. Bus Pass (U-Pass)
Postdoctoral Associates and Fellows are eligible for student transit passes,
good for all Minneapolis MetroTransit options, including light rail. It
is a fantastic deal, costing $62 per semester. http://buspass.umn.edu/upass.html
Information on bus routes is available at http://www.metrotransit.org/
D. Minnesota State Identification Card (I.D.) and Driver’s
License
As new residents, postdocs will need to obtain either a Minnesota state
identification card or a Minnesota driver’s license. These cards
are the standard forms of identification required for making financial
transactions and for other occasions. All related information regarding
applications, offices, fees and required documentation can be obtained
from the website of Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle
Services. http://www.dps.state.mn.us/dvs/
E. Campus Services
Below is the list of campus-located services. Unless noted otherwise, all
area codes are 612.
Athletics
Tickets: Mariucci Arena, east gate, Mpls 624-8080
Recreational Sports: 108 Cooke Hall, Mpls 625-6800
Bookstores
Coffman Student Union (Mpls), 625-6000
Law School, Mondale Hall (Mpls), 626-8569
Student Center (St Paul), 624-9200
Buses, Intercampus (Campus Connectors)
The intercampus buses are separate from the city bus system (Metro Transit).
They run frequently during school hours between the campuses (West Bank,
East Bank, St Paul), with limited weekend and vacation service. Schedules
are posted at all intercampus bus stops, and are also printed on campus
maps. You can call Parking Services at 612/626-7275 for information or
check the website at http://www1.umn.edu/pts/shuttle.htm.
The ride is free for all campus buses.
Business Cards
Printing services; http://www.printing.umn.edu/Stat.htm
$38 per 250 (cheaper for larger quantities), payable by cash or a specified
university account.
Campus Information
Campus Directory Assistance:
From off campus 625-5000
From on campus dial 0
Voice Mail System 626-0000
People Search: http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/00_peoplesearch.php
Campus Newspaper
The Minnesota Daily, 2301 University Ave SE, Mpls 627-4080
Career Services
Career Development Program, 109 Eddy Hall, Mpls 624-8344
Check Cashing
Cashiers Offices:
145 Williamson Hall (East Bank), Mpls 625-7535
101a Anderson Hall (West Bank), Mpls 625-1383
107 Coffey Hall (St Paul), 625-8108
Computer Helpline
612- 301-4357 (on campus: 1-HELP)
Counseling
Aurora Center for Advocacy & Education
407 Boynton Health Services, Mpls 626-2929
Disability Services
170 McNamara Center (disabled employees) (V/TTY), 624-3316
Employee Assistance Program, B20 Donhowe, Mpls
Faculty & Academic Staff, 625-4073
Mental Health Clinic, 4th Floor Boynton Health Services, Mpls 624-1444
University Counseling & Consulting Services
109 Eddy Hall (Mpls), 624-3323
199 Coffey Hall (St Paul), 624-3323
Office for University Women, 129 Klaeber Court, Mpls 625-9837
Urgent Counseling 625-8475
Courier/Delivery Service
University Delivery, University Stores North, 2901 Talmage Ave SE, Mpls
55414, 626-0707
Disability Information
Disability Services (V/TTY), 170 McNamara Center, Mpls 624-3316 Dispute
Resolution
Office for Conflict Resolution, 658 Heller Hall, Mpls 624-1030
Equal Opportunity & Affirmative Action, 419 Morrill Hall, Mpls 624-9547
Escort Service (624-9255) 624-WALK
(24 hrs, 7 days a wk)
Health and Public Services
Boynton Health Service (general information):
Minneapolis 612 625-8400
St. Paul 612 624-7700
Housing
Housing & Residential Life, Comstock Hall East, Mpls 624-2994
Libraries
General Information 626-2227
Library Hours (recording) 624-4552
Lost and Found
Coffman Student Union (Mpls) 624-4636
West Bank Skyway, 219 19th Ave S, Mpls 55455, 624-6338
Student Center (St Paul) 625-9794
Notary Services
U Student Legal Service, 160 West Bank Skyway, 19th Ave S, Mpls 55455,624-1001
Office Equipment
ReUse Program Warehouse, 883 29th Av. SE, Mpls 626-9152
One Stop Phone Line
624-1111
Phone Service, Campus
Networking and Telecommunications Services (NTS) provides free public campus
telephones. There are a few different types of public phones on campus:
Campus phones, payphones, and code blue emergency phones that are connected
directly to the University Police 911 operators. To dial a campus number
using a campus phone, dial only last five digits of the number. For outside
of university calls, first press 8 for an outside line and at the tone,
dial the whole 7-digit number you wish to reach starting with the 3-digit
area code. More information: http://www1.umn.edu/nts/campusphones/
Police, Campus
General Information, 100 Transportation Services Building, Mpls, 624-COPS
Escort Service (624-9255) 624-WALK
(24 hrs, 7 days a week)
Transportation Information
Bikes, Buses, Parking: 300 Transportation Services Building, Mpls 626-7275
University Paratransit Mpls 612-282-6619
Metro Mobility Information (V) 651-602-1111 (TTY) 651-221-9886
Metro Transit 373-3333 (TTY) 341-0140
University Employee Insurance Information
Employee Benefits, 100 Donhowe Building, Mpls 624-9090
General information about the campuses:
Campus escort service, Metro Transit, Museums and Galleries, Campus maps,
parking and transportation services, visitor information, virtual tour
of the campus, Yahoo! Twin Cities listings: http://onestop.umn.edu/onestop/Services/GettingAroundCampus.html
F. Relocation Assistance Program
The Relocation Assistance Program (RAP) works to ease the transition of
relocating by providing essential support to new and prospective faculty,
staff and their families (http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/rap/).
University of Minnesota Relocation Assistance Program
200 Donhowe Building
319 15th Avenue SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
612-626-0775, 800-227-8636
612-625-2574 (fax)
G. Parental & Child Care Resources
Information on elder care, options for off-campus and on-campus childcare
can be found at the website of Office of Human Resources, Relocation Assistance
Program: http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/rap/childcare.html
Dependent Care Reimbursement Account
The University of Minnesota offers a Dependent Care Reimbursement Account
for all University employees who are eligible for benefits. Through this
program, faculty and staff can set aside a maximum of $5,000 per family
in a pre-tax account to pay eligible out-of-pocket dependent care expenses
(children, spouse, or parent). More information is provided at the flexible
spending accounts website: http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/benefits/fsa/index.html
H. Counseling Services
University Counseling & Consulting Services (http://www.ucs.umn.edu/)
provide service to students however, certain services are open to postdoctoral
associates including workshops and career development tests for a fee.
University Counseling & Consulting Services
Minneapolis Campus: 109 Eddy Hall
St. Paul Campus: 199 Coffey Hall
Phone: 612-624-3323
I. Sports and Recreation Facilities
The University has recreational sports facilities in Minneapolis
and St. Paul campuses that are accessible to all current University of
Minnesota Twin Cities students, staff, alumni and their families. More
information can be obtained form the contact information below:
Home page: http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/10_sports.php
General Information: 612-625-6800 recsport@umn.edu
Membership: 612-626-0553 recsport@umn.edu
J. Library & Computer Resources
All library and computer resources can be obtained at the following website:
http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/08_librarycomp.php
For general inquiries, Walter Library: 612-626-2227
For library hours: 612-624-4552
K. Internet Access and E-mail Accounts
The University of Minnesota provides Internet access and e-mail accounts
to all postdocs. Initially, all accounts are basic client/server accounts,
which satisfies basic needs. If desired, it is possible to upgrade to a
premium interactive account for a fee.
New staff and faculty automatically receive e-mail accounts. When a new
employee is hired, the department's human resources representative will
enter the employee in the PeopleSoft database of the University, and the
e-mail account is automatically
created.
The Internet ID and password will be sent to the new employee by Campus
Mail. For problems, new employees should call 1-HELP to check on account
status. If necessary, quicker activation of an email account can be obtained
through 1-HELP, which provides faster service than Campus Mail. Below are
the operation hours for 1-HELP:
On Camopus: Dial 1-HELP:, Option 2
Off campus: Dial (612) 301-4357 (option 2)
M-Th: 8AM - 11PM, Fri: 8AM - 5PM, Sat: Noon - 5PM, Sun: 5PM - 11PM
L. Arts and Culture
U of M, Twin Cities Arts and Culture website: http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/04_arts.php
City Pages, the online news and arts weekly of the Twin Cities: http://www.citypages.com/
Entertainment and events in Saint Paul: www.stpaul.gov/leisure/activities/
(back to top)
V. Policies and Benefits
A. Postdoctoral Appointment Definition
In 1998, the National Academies of Science Committee on Science, Engineering,
and Public Policy (COSEPUP) defined a postdoctoral position as a temporary
appointment for research training, begun shortly after receiving a doctoral
degree, under the guidance of an institutional mentor.
There are three classes of postdoctoral researchers at U of MN: Postdoctoral
Associate, Postdoctoral Fellow, and Research Associate. Postdoctoral
Associates generally have appointments on their mentor’s grants (e.g.,
NIH R01 Research Grant, NSF Standard Grant). Postdoctoral Fellows are recipients
of individual grants or fellowships (e.g., American Heart Association Postdoctoral
Fellowship, NIH F32) or on a federal training grant received by the U (e.g.,
NIH T32 Training Grant). After 3 years of training, U of MN policy recommends
that postdoctoral associates and fellows be promoted to Research Associate,
a permanent position with additional benefits, including family leave,
tuition benefits, and retirement contributions by the U. Research Associates
are non-faculty employees performing advanced research for the U, often
receiving additional training and leadership responsibilities. It is important
to know your appointment category to help understand your benefits offered
by the U. For more information, please contact the Office of Human Resources
and your Department Personnel Manager.
The webpage that explains postdoctoral appointments at U of MN is available
at:
http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/policies/governing/postdoctoral/
Postdoctoral Associate Appointment (category 9546)
http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/policies/governing/postdoctoral/#associate
Postdoctoral Fellow Appointment (category 9560)
http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/policies/governing/postdoctoral/#fellow
Research Associate Appointment (category 9702)
http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/policies/governing/postdoctoral/#research
B. Postdoctoral Appointment Letter
Traditionally, postdocs have been invited to work in a researcher’s
lab based only on a phone call or handshake. Universities are now beginning
to issue formal letters of postdoctoral appointment with clear expectations
and contract definitions, a good business practice that protects both postdoc
and institution. The U of MN does not require a postdoctoral appointment
letter; however, it is a good idea to write one with your mentor, so that
both postdoc and PI agree on all appointment details, and so that these
details are explicitly recorded. Topics to address in a postdoctoral appointment
letter include:
· Offer of postdoctoral position with appointment classification
· Salary and benefits package, including source of funding
· Length of appointment with start/end dates, plus contingent renewal
plans
· Information on institutional policies, benefits, and health insurance
attached with letter
· Tax code classification and contact person for assistance
· Description of research project, summary of duties, and benchmarks
of success
· Description of training plan, including bench skills and professional
development
· For foreign postdocs, indicate Visa requirements and status
· Signatures of supervisor and candidate
· Any special requirements and needs
A sample letter is available online through the Office of Postdoctoral
Affairs:
http://www.grad.umn.edu/postdoctoral_affairs/Postdoc%20appointmant%20letter%20template.doc
Minimum salary guidelines are available here:
http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/compensation/salaries/floors.html
Other examples of postdoctoral appointment letters:
U Penn http://www.med.upenn.edu/postdoc/postdocofferltr.doc
UW-Milwaukee http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/Grad_Sch/Publications/PostDocletter.doc
U New Hampshire http://www.unh.edu/hr/pdfs/sample-offer-letter-postdoc.pdf
UC-Davis http://gradstudies.ucdavis.edu/forms/postdoc_appointment_letter.doc
NC State http://www2.acs.ncsu.edu/hr/docs/epa/offerpdoccitz.doc
U Chicago http://oaa.bsd.uchicago.edu/PDS_offer_ltr.doc
UC-Santa Barbara http://www.acadpers.ucsb.edu/forms/Documents/PostdocApptForm.pdf
C. Postdoctoral Policies and Benefits (Health-care, Vacation, Leave)
Now that you know your job class, it is important to understand the policies
and benefits that pertain to your employment: medical insurance, dental
insurance, vacation, retirement, tuition benefits, life & disability
insurance, leave policies (sickness, personal, parental, family, military,
etc), and pre-tax health care & child care reimbursement accounts.
These benefits vary among classes, so be sure to become familiar with your
particular benefits. Postdoctoral Associates and Research Associates are
U of MN employees, and receive UPlan Medical Insurance, dental, life and
disability insurances. Research Associates may be eligible for the Faculty
Retirement plan, depending on their appointment terms [http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/benefits/retiresave/frp/index.html];
Postdoctoral Fellows are not employees of the University, but trainees
at the institution, as stipulated by their granting agency. Postdoctoral
Fellows are guaranteed health care by the U through the Graduate Assistant
Insurance Plan, which includes medical and dental, but other benefits are
determined by the funding agency (e.g., number of vacation days). As non-employees,
Postdoctoral Fellows are ineligible for payroll deduction of the following
charges: optional retirement plan, parking fees/metro pass, recreational
sports center memberships, savings bond purchases, credit union payments,
community campaign, and other miscellaneous deductions. Consequently, you
will be responsible for making any such payments directly to the parties
to whom the payments are owed. Postdoctoral Fellows' benefits may be supplemented
in some cases (e.g., higher salary, or tuition benefits), so it is good
to consult your mentor about benefit variables. Postdoctoral Associates
and Research Associates are in the academic professional and administrative
employee group (P&A Staff), represented by Council of Academic Professionals
and Administrators (CAPA, see section VI.A.3). A quick and useful online
resource to view all Employee Benefits and employment related items (for
example, pay statement or vacation days) is the OneStop portal which is
accessible through the main website of the U and also through the following
link: http://onestop.umn.edu/onestop/staff.html
Here are web links to the postdoctoral policy and benefits sheets, which
are included as Appendix A-C (pages 21-23).
Postdoctoral Associate (job category 9546)
Policies http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/policies/governing/postdoctoral/pdassociate.html
Benefits http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/img/assets/18622/9546.pdf
Postdoctoral Fellow (job category 9560)
Policies http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/policies/governing/postdoctoral/pdfellow.html
Benefits http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/img/assets/18622/9560.pdf
Research Associate (job category 9702)
Policies http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/policies/governing/postdoctoral/researchassoc.html
Benefits http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/img/assets/18622/9702.pdf
D. Conflict Resolution
There is an office within the University to help all employees, including
postdocs, in work-related conflict resolution. The Office for Conflict
Resolution provides an integrated conflict management system for University
employees who have workplace concerns. The details of policies and procedures
are provided at the following website:
http://www1.umn.edu/ocr/
Also, the Dispute Resolution Resources Guide offers a complete listing
of all the offices at the University that can provide assistance in preventing
conflict and resolving disputes quickly.
http://www1.umn.edu/ocr/DRRbrochure%20-%204.0%201%201.pdf
Here is a conflict problem solving guide for postdocs & grad students:
http://www.grad.umn.edu/current_students/problem_solving/index.html
The Student Dispute Resolution Center (SDRC) is an on-campus resource that
recently began providing a full range of services to Postdocs, including
an Ombudsman to help resolve problems informally, and an Advocate to assist
in formal grievance or disciplinary hearings. The Ombudsman assists with:
Lab disputes, authorship rights, intellectual property issues, academic
misconduct and other concerns. SDRC's services are free, informal and confidential.
Student Dispute Resolution Center
107 Eddy Hall, East Bank Campus
(612) 625-5900
Email: sos@umn.edu
http://www.tc.umn.edu/~sos/
E. Office of Human Resources
The University of Minnesota, Office of Human Resources provides information
for many employee-related categories including: available jobs, benefits
options, employee career enrichment, or improving personal well-being of
employees.
Office of Human Resources
Address:
200 Donhowe Building
319 15th Ave SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/policies/
The contact person for postdocs is Susan Cable:
Office Phone: 612-624-3393
Fax: 612-625-9801
E-Mail: cable003@umn.edu
http://www1.umn.edu/csc/about/members/susan_cable.htm
F. U-Wide Policy Library
This useful online resource includes all university policies and includes
a mechanism to search for specific policies.
http://www.fpd.finop.umn.edu/groups/ppd/documents/main/policyhome.cfm
G. Regents Scholarships for Class Enrollment at the U
All postdoctoral associates and research associates are eligible to apply
for the Regents Scholarship, giving free enrollment to one class per year.
Note: this fee is charged to your department, which is why postdoctoral
fellows are not eligible, and you are required to obtain permission/signature
from your Dept Chair/Head. So, apply for these opportunities wisely, with
proper reasons for enrollment, and be responsible for learning from the
opportunity to its fullest.
(back to top)
VI. Postdoctoral Resources
A. General
1. University of Minnesota Postdoctoral Association (UMN-PDA)
The UMN-PDA is the volunteer organization through which postdocs can express
their views to the university administration, and also from which they
can find help and proactive support on issues of employment, professional
development, and life at this university. http://www.grad.umn.edu/postdoctoral_affairs/PDA/
To contact UMN-PDA, email: pda@umn.edu
2. Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPDA)
The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPDA) in the Graduate School serves
many functions, including but not limited to providing programmatic support
for postdocs, ensuring fair employment conditions, and enhancing the quality
of training of postdocs at the University of Minnesota. http://www.grad.umn.edu/postdoctoral_affairs/
3. Council of Academic Professionals and Administrators (CAPA)
The Council of Academic Professionals and Administrators (CAPA) represents
the academic professional and administrative employee group (P&A Staff)
including Postdoctoral Associates and Research Associates. CAPA elects
P&A representatives to the University Senate and other governance groups.
Other CAPA activities include awards for P&A staff and their units
and a monthly e-newsletter called CAPA News. Information about CAPA and
links to current and recent issues of CAPA News are found at the CAPA homepage.
http://capa.software.umn.edu/)
4. U of MN Academic Administration Website
The University of Minnesota's Academic Administration web site is designed
to assist faculty and staff to locate a wide variety of academic resources
at University and have access to policies and recommendations when new
academic initiatives, programs or centers are designed. http://www.academic.umn.edu/
5. National Postdoctoral Association (NPA)
The NPA is a member-driven organization providing a national voice and
seeking positive change for postdocs. UMN-PDA is an organizational member
of the National Postdoctoral Association, so that all U of MN postdocs
are affiliate members of the NPA. To login to the NPA site, the user name
is “umnpda” and the password is “pda2006”. For
further details, contact Mike Autry (autry001@umn.edu), a Research Associate
in the Dept of Biochemistry who is currently serving on the NPA Board of
Directors.
http://www.nationalpostdoc.org/
6. Upper Midwest Postdoctoral Symposium
The fundamental mission of the Upper Midwest Postdoctoral Symposium is
"Building Local and Regional Postdoctoral Communities". The U
of MN Postdoctoral Association organized the First Upper Midwest Postdoctoral
Symposium, held October 3, 2005 in the Coffman Student Union on the East
Bank Campus of UMN in Minneapolis (http://midwestpostdoc.org/). The Second
Upper Midwest Postdoctoral Symposium will be held on Friday October 27,
2006 in Milwaukee, at the Medical College of Wisconsin. For further details,
see the headline story in PDA News, available at: http://www.grad.umn.edu/postdoctoral_affairs/PDA/newsletter/pda_news11_05.pdf
This unique event was designed to bring together early career investigators
and scientific leaders from across the region, so that we might communicate,
network, and share our individual experiences as advocates for enhancing
the postdoctoral experience. The Upper Midwest Postdoctoral Symposium was
a team effort, co-hosted by the University of Minnesota Postdoctoral Association
(UMN-PDA), the Mayo Clinic Research Fellows Association (MRFA), the Medical
College of Wisconsin Office of Postdoctoral Education (MCW-OPE), and the
National Postdoctoral Association (NPA). The morning sessions featured
academic aspects of postdoctoral training and research including Regional
Practices and National Policy. The afternoon sessions were dedicated to
breakout groups on career placement, including special-interest workshops,
panel discussions, and networking round-tables with industry representatives.
The evening events included the Keynote Speech by Dr. Philip Clifford,
a social hour with information booths and institution posters, and a wine
reception/dinner banquet in honor of our regional and national speakers.
7. Science Careers
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and Science
Magazine offer online resources directed towards early career investigators,
including graduate students and postdocs. There are a number of useful
sections, including the Job Site, Grant Doctor, and Next Wave Newsletter.
http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/
For a listing of Science Career articles on Postdoctoral issues, see
http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/career_development/career_stage/post_doc__1
8. PhDs.org
This is a useful website that contains information on Science, Math, and
Engineering Careers. http://www.phds.org/
The postdoc section of PhDs.org contains useful and interesting resources
on postdoc issues, including visas, taxes, jobs, and surveys.
http://www.phds.org/postdoc/
(back to top)
B. Foreign Postdoctoral Scholars
1. International Scholar and Student Services (ISSS)
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is the office dedicated
to serving the University of Minnesota's international community. Its primary
mission is to assist international students and scholars in successfully
accomplishing the goals that brought them to the University, by using all
available resources. The ISSS international scholar handbook (http://www.isss.umn.edu/forms/pdf/other/scholarHB.pdf)
is a valuable document that covers the most important issues pertaining
to arrival, start-up and stay of foreign postdoctoral associates in U.S.
and in Minnesota. This document also provides more detailed versions of
the topics covered in section VI.B of this handbook.
The ISSS website provides all kinds of information that foreign postdocs
may need at different times during their appointments at the University
of Minnesota. The UMN-PDA recommends that foreign postdocs read the information
provided thoroughly, check the ISSS website frequently for updates, and
subscribe to view and get ISSS Weekly Update, which is an e-mail newsletter
about issues pertinent to foreign students and scholars at the U. http://www.isss.umn.edu/
2. Social Security Card
As all other employees, postdocs are eligible and need to obtain a Social
Security number and card to work at the University. Each department's human
resources representative will first enter the name and status of the employee
in the main employee database of the University (PeopleSoft), and then
provide the necessary information to the foreign postdocs about how to
get a Social Security card once they have registered at ISSS and checked
in at the University's Payroll Office. General information about Social
Security in the U.S. can be obtained from the homepage of Social Security
Administration:
http://www.ssa.gov/
The local Social Security office, where a Social Security card application
should be made, is at the following address:
Social Security Office
Sibley Building Suite800
190 5th Street E
St. Paul MN55101
Office Phone: (800) 772-1213
3. Banking Services and Financial Tips
It is not safe to keep a lot of cash (currency) with you. Financial institutions—credit
unions, banks, and savings and loans institutions— provide a safe
way to deposit your money, because US institutions carry insurance on all
funds stored in them. Most Americans pay their expenses with personal checks
from their bank checking account. Most financial institutions are open
Monday through Thursday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Friday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Foreign Currency Exchange and International Transaction Services
Most local banks do not keep much foreign currency on hand. Wells Fargo
Bank does have walk-in currency exchange. There is a fee of $15 for foreign
currency exchange if you have an account at Wells Fargo. If not, the fee
is $25.
Wells Fargo Bank 6th St. and Marquette Ave., downtown Minneapolis, available
on both 1st and 2nd floors.
Other banks offer international banking services and currency exchange,
but you must call in advance for them to order the currency.
Bank Accounts
To keep your money in a financial institution you must open an account.
When you open an account, usually you need a picture I.D., such as a passport
or Minnesota I.D. card, and you are often asked to provide a Social Security
number. Ask at the institution’s information desk about the types
of services it offers. These can vary widely.
However, there are basically two different types of accounts:
Checking accounts: Institutions often offer free checking if you keep a
balance of $100 to $300 in your account; a few (e.g. TCF Bank) offer free
checking account and free check card with no minimum balance. If there
is no free checking, you will be charged about 25 cents per check, or a
basic monthly fee. You may cash personal checks for cash with your staff
I.D. at a campus bursar’s office, and at some stores in the campus
area.
Savings accounts: Savings accounts earn interest. You may withdraw any
amount at any time during regular hours. Some institutions will charge
a monthly service fee if your balance is below a certain amount, or if
you make more than a certain number of transactions per month.
Bank Cards
Check Cards: Check cards (sometimes called cash cards) are debit cards
that draw from the money deposited in your checking account. They may be
used for withdrawing cash from ATM (cash) machines and for purchases. The
money is electronically transferred from your checking account to the merchant.
If you have only a savings account, however, you may not be able to get
a check card.
Cards for different institutions may have different names, but most ATM
machines serve several financial institutions. Just place the card in an
ATM machine and enter your personal identification number to activate it.
Some machines take deposits, too. You should be aware that most banks charge
a fee for each of these transactions (typically $1.00 or $2.00).
NOTE: If you decide to get a check card, be sure to record your withdrawals,
purchases, and fees in your check book register!
Credit Cards: Most financial institutions require a credit history in U.S.
to offer you a credit card. However, University of Minnesota Federal Credit
Union can provide low-limit credit cards to University employees. Once
you start making payments with a check card or checks, you will start building
up a credit history and will be eligible to apply for a credit card in
most financial institutions.
Financial Institutions near the U of MN Campuses
University of Minnesota Federal Credit Union
This is specifically for University of Minnesota students and staff.
• Stadium Village Mall, 825 Washington Ave., Room 202, Minneapolis
(612-465-0400)
TCF Bank
TCF accounts can be opened at the time and location where you apply for
your U-Card, and it is the only bank with an ATM machine on the St. Paul
campus.
• 1501 University Ave. S.E., (Dinkytown) (612-379-8597)
• 615 Washington Ave. S.E. (Stadium Village) (612-331-3639)
• Midway Cub Foods, 1440 University Ave., St. Paul (651-645-9888,
open until 8:00 p.m.)
U.S. Bank (612-872-2657)
• 718 Washington Ave. S.E. (Stadium Village)
• 401 14th Ave. S.E. (Dinkytown)
Wells-Fargo Bank 1-800-869-3557
• 2600 E. Franklin Ave. (Cedar-Riverside Area) (612-667-1391)
• 3430 University Ave. S.E., Minneapolis (612-316-3691)
Tips Related to Housing
1. Most apartments require the first month’s rent when you move in.
Other charges may include:
• Damage deposit (often equivalent to one month's rent)
• Key deposit
• Application fee, which may include a background check
2. Always, at all times, keep apartment doors locked.
3. For security, it usually is best to rent on the first floor or above,
rather than in a "garden level" (partly below ground) unit.
4. Consider having your personal property insured.
• Apartment (renter’s) insurance, available from any insurance
company, is not expensive but can save you thousands of dollars if property
is stolen or damaged by fires, flooding, etc.
• Travelers’ insurance
5. Allocate some money for “settling in” to your new home for
items such as small appliances, cleaning products, and other household
goods.
4. Legal Services
Although there is a special unit for student legal needs (University Student
Legal Service), there is no such a unit for postdocs at the University.
ISSS can provide advising on some legal issues for foreign postdoctoral
associates. The main legal office (The Office of the General Counsel) which
was established to meet the institutional legal needs of the University
of Minnesota cannot provide legal advice to employees about personal legal
problems. Postdocs can try to use one of the legal aid offices located
throughout the state, including University of Minnesota Law School Legal
Aid Clinic (612-625-5515). These offices may have certain income and other
eligibility restrictions to serve. If hiring a lawyer is preferred, there
are lawyer referral services that are usually listed in local phone directories
or can be obtained online via Minnesota State Bar Association Lawyer Referral
System (http://www.mnfindalawyer.com/index.htm).
5. Advising and Counseling Services
The ISSS staff is professionally trained to provide information and counseling
to foreign nationals about academic, immigration, visa, legal, career,
financial, personal and family issues, as well as issues of cross-cultural
adjustment and professional integration upon returning to home countries.
A pre-scheduled appointment is needed to meet with an adviser, which can
be obtained by calling 612-626-7100.
6. International Postdoc Websites
NPA International Postdoc survival guide: http://www.nationalpostdoc.org/site/c.eoJMIWOBIrH/b.1423457/k.2BCB/International_Postdoc_Programs__Resources.htm
PhDs.org Visa webpage: http://www.phds.org/postdoc/visas/
AAU International Scholar webpage: http://www.aau.edu/homeland/students.cfm
(back to top)
VII. Career Development Resources
A. Individual Development Plan for Postdocs
Postdoctoral appointments are considered temporary training positions,
ending with a transition to independent/permanent position. The Individual
Development Plan is an effective approach for postdoc and mentor to collaborate
on creating a career transition plan. As such, the IDP serves as a planning
process, communication tool, and performance enhancer for postdoc/mentor
teams. Future postdoc career plans include employment in academia, government,
and industry, plus many career alternatives, such as business, patent law,
scientific writing, high school teacher, etc. Postdocs also accept permanent
positions (i.e., staff scientist) at their home institution, such as a
long-term Research Associate in the P&A staff at U of MN. Whatever
your goals is, use the IDP to make a plan to get there.
The first step of an IDP is to conduct a self assessment that analyses
current abilities and outlines long-term objectives. Writing an IDP with
your mentor is recommended within the first three months of your postdoctoral
appointment, revising at least annually with help from your advisor. The
Federation of American Societies of Experimental Biology (FASEB) was an
early proponent of drafting IDPs for postdocs. Dr. Philip Clifford, Associate
Dean of Postdoctoral Education at the Medical College of Wisconsin, played
a key role in drafting and promoting the FASEB model of the Postdoc IDP.
Ideally, postdoc appointments should be relatively short term, so be sure
to have a plan of action to realize your goals and objectives. The four
key steps of an IDP are shown below, in a Table from the FASEB website:
 |
FASEB
site: http://opa.faseb.org/pdf/idp.pdf
Powerpoint Guide, by Dr. Philip Clifford (Medical College Wisconsin): http://www.the-aps.org/careers/careers1/Postdoc/Clifford.ppt
Case Western Reserve University has a great sample IPD posted online: http://www.cwru.edu/provost/gradstudies/docs/Postdoc%20IDP%20Form%20CURRENT.pdf
CWRU also has good online instructions: http://www.cwru.edu/provost/gradstudies/docs/IDP%20Instructions%20CURRENT.pdf
Vanderbilt IPD example: https://medschool.mc.vanderbilt.edu/mentor/Individual%20Development%20Plan.pdf
For further discussion, please see article by Laure Haak in Science Careers
online supplement. “Career development is a two-way street: The FASEB
individual development plan for postdocs and mentors.”
http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/career_development/previous_issues/articles/1960/a_career_development_plan_for_postdocs/
B. Annual Performance Review
A postdoc annual review is one of the top 10 “specific action points”
in the COSEPUP Postdoc Report, signifying its importance to a productive
postdoc experience. The annual review is a good opportunity to monitor
progress on the IDP plan towards a permanent position after the postdoctoral
appointment. Annual reviews are recommended under U of MN system-wide postdoctoral
policies, but are not required. Some academic divisions have recently implemented
policies requiring an annual review of postdocs by faculty mentors (for
example, the College of Biological Sciences). Postdocs should undergo an
annual performance review with their mentor, whether or not it is required
by your academic unit. The annual review should include updates on research,
teaching, service, and future career plans, for instance:
• Statement of Career Goals
• Progress Review of Research and Professional Training
• Publications, Honors, Awards, Grants, Meetings Attended, Speaking
Opportunities
• Research Strategy for Upcoming Year
• Action Plan for Permanent Employment
An annual review form for postdocs is available online at the FASEB site:
http://opa.faseb.org/pdf/SampleAnnualReview.pdf
C. Career Development Workshops
1. Office of Postdoctoral Affairs: http://www.grad.umn.edu/career/workshops/default.asp?list=postdoc
2. Postdoctoral Association: http://www.grad.umn.edu/postdoctoral_affairs/PDA/
3. Preparing Future Faculty: http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/teachlearn/pff/
4. Center for Human Resources Development: http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/training/index.html
5. University Counseling and Consulting Services: http://www.ucs.umn.edu/career.html
6. Department of Environmental Health and Safety: http://www.dehs.umn.edu/training/
7. International Scholar and Student Services (ISSS) Career: http://www.isss.umn.edu/career/workshops.html
(back to top)
VIII. Getting Started in the
Twin Cities
A. General Relocating & Moving Info
University of Minnesota, Relocation Assistance Program (RAP)
http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/rap/
Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce, Relocation Information:
http://www.minneapolischamber.org/relocation/index.htm
Relocation information on Minneapolis and St. Paul:
www.easttwincities.com
B. Housing
1. Housing options at the University of Minnesota
Here is a great U of MN website listing temporary housing, relocation assistance,
and neighborhood info. http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/rap/housing/
Commonwealth Terrace offers Discounted Family/Partnered Housing to U of
MN Postdocs
Commonwealth Terrace Cooperative (CTC) and U of MN Housing & Residential
Life offer discounted family and partnered housing to postdoctoral associates
and fellows. Commonwealth Terrace is near the St. Paul campus, at the corner
of Como and Raymond. CTC is on the inter-campus connector bus line making
it convenient to both campuses. Rates at CTC range from $502 per month
for a one-bedroom apartment to $840 per month for a three-bedroom apartment,
including cable TV and all utilities except phone. Amenities include a
study center, a community building, and child daycare center. Eligibility
includes partnered postdocs, with or without children, or single-parent
postdocs who have 50% or greater custody of minor children. Information
on CTC is available online at http://www.housing.umn.edu/student/family/commonwealth.shtml.
For eligibility questions, please contact Fred Frogner in Central Housing
at 612-624-1969 or frogn001@umn.edu.
Housing Available to Research Associates at Pillsbury Court
Pillsbury Court, a University faculty living community, offers a limited
number of openings available to Research Associates and Research Assistant
Professors. The complex consists of 48 two-bedroom, three-level townhouses.
The rental rate is $924.00 per month plus utilities. Pillsbury Court is
within walking distance of the Minneapolis campus. Interested RA/RAPs should
fill out an online application form and must wait for priority scoring
of incoming faculty each academic year. http://www.housing.umn.edu/visitors/faculty/pillsbury.shtml
2. Twin Cities neighborhood information:
Information about the neighborhoods near the Minneapolis and St. Paul campuses:
http://www.parent.umn.edu/housing/pdf/Neighborhoods.pdf
Minneapolis neighborhoods:
http://www.minneapolis.world-guides.com/minneapolis_districts.html
http://minneapolis.about.com/cs/neighborhoods/a/mplsneighborhds.htm
http://www.mplib.org/neighborhoods.asp
http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/neighborhoods/
Saint Paul neighborhoods:
http://www.stpaul.gov/maps/citymap2.html
http://minneapolis.about.com/library/weekly/aastpaulneighborhoods.htm
http://www.thegreenguide.org/article/community/neighborhoods
Grand Avenue: http://www.grandave.com/
3. Useful links:
Landlords & Tenants Rights and Responsibilities, a booklet from the
Minnesota Attorney General's Office
http://www.ag.state.mn.us/
https://www.ag.state.mn.us/Brochures/LandlordTenants.pdf
C. Public Transportation and Airports
Twin Cities public transportation (bus and light-rail) system:
http://www.metrotransit.org/
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport:
http://www.mspairport.com/msp/
D. Parking
Parking Ramps, Lots and Meters in Minneapolis:
http://parking.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/
E. Tax Resources
Postdocs in all three job classes (9546, 9560 or 9702) must file and pay
for four types of taxes annually: Federal income, state income, social
security and Medicare taxes. Some foreign postdocs might be exempt from
the social security and Medicare taxes, maybe even income taxes for the
first two or three years of their residence in the US, depending on the
tax treaties between the US and their home country.
Scholars in the 9560 job class are recipients of non-service fellowship
payments from the University of Minnesota. The Internal Revenue Service
(IRS) considers “non-qualified” fellowship income to be taxable
income, reportable by the recipient, on their personal tax return. Neither
the grantor nor the educational organization is required to file a return
of information (W-2 or 1099-M) to IRS with respect to such grant. More
information can be found at IRS Publication 520, downloadable from the
following website: http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/formspubs/index.html
The amount of compulsory payroll tax that is withheld from employee pay
by the employer, i.e. U of M, and sent to the U.S. government can be checked
on pay statements available online at OneStop/Employee Self Service (http://onestop.umn.edu/onestop/staff.html).
The same website also provides access to W-2 and W-4 forms.
For federal income tax information and forms: http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/formspubs/index.html
For Minnesota state income tax information and forms: http://www.taxes.state.mn.us/taxes/individ/residency_and_filing_status/resident_nonresident_aliens/aliens_mn_tax_implications.shtml
Three important articles about postdocs, employment, grants and taxes,
are available from Science Careers:
1. Federal Tax laws by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/career_development/previous_issues/articles/2030/postdocs_and_the_law_meet_the_irs
2. Tax Issues for Postdoctoral Fellowships
http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/career_development/previous_issues/articles/2100/postdocs_and_the_law_part_ii_principal_investigator_versus_individual_grants
3. Classification of Postdoctoral Employment Categories
http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/career_development/previous_issues/articles/2100/postdocs_and_the_law_part_3_are_postdocs_employees
(back to top)
IX. General Information
about Minnesota
A. Overview
Minnesota Almanac (http://www.shgresources.com/mn/almanac/)
Capital
|
Saint Paul |
| Nickname |
North Star State,
Gopher State |
| Motto |
L'Etoile du Nord
(The star of the north) |
| Location
& Region |
44.83945 N, 092.99496
W Midwest |
Constitution
Ratified
|
1858 |
| Statehood |
May 11, 1858 32nd
state |
| Population
& Area |
4,919,479 61.79
sq. mi. |
| Largest
Cities (by population) |
Minneapolis, St.
Paul, Duluth, Rochester, Bloomington |
| Bordering
States |
Iowa, North Dakota,
South Dakota, Wisconsin |
Minnesota
Climate and Weather
Minnesota's winter climate
is a bit extreme for those who aren't fans of wind chill, but summer and
fall are very pleasant. In winter, the temperature ranges from -9 to 24
F, though it can be even colder. Statewide snowfall averages 30-40 inches.
April can be an unattractive time to visit: late snowfalls, melting snow
and chilly temperatures are common. Summer is by far the most appealing
season, with July having the most sun (average temperatures: 53-84 F).
June-August sees warm days (highs in the 90s F are quite likely) and cool
nights (50s-65 F).
B. Information Sources
Official website for the State of Minnesota: http://www.state.mn.us/
Minnesota Office of Tourism: www.exploreminnesota.com
Official website for the City of Minneapolis: http://minneapolis.about.com
Greater Minneapolis Convention and Visitor’s Association: http://www.minneapolis.org/
Minneapolis has a general information telephone line, available by dialing
311 from any phone. http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/311/
Official website for the City of Saint Paul: http://www.ci.stpaul.mn.us/
Saint Paul River Centre Convention and Visitors Authority: http://www.stpaulcvb.org
C. Twin Cities Attractions*
The vibrant Minneapolis-St. Paul area is the entertainment and cultural
center of the upper Midwest. The scenery of this attractive metropolis
includes contemporary skylines, historic architecture, and parks, lakes
and the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers.
The Twin Cities is noted for its array of intriguing theaters, fine orchestras,
art museums and a sculpture garden. There's always a full calendar of visiting
performers and Broadway touring shows, as well. Interesting museums, professional
sports, riverboats and a variety of nightspots add to the appeal of the
Twin Cities. Along the Mississippi riverfront in Minneapolis are historic
mills, the 1883 Stone Arch Bridge, the Mill City Museum, and scenic walkways.
Downtown St. Paul is home to the Minnesota Children's Museum, the Science
Museum of Minnesota, and the Minnesota History Center (list science &
nature centers, tours and excursions).
With the Mall of America in Bloomington, the Twin Cities has become an
international shopping destination. The Mall is the largest shopping and
entertainment complex in the U.S. The Minnesota Travel Information Center
at the Mall offers Minnesota travel information and gifts. The Nicollet
Mall in downtown Minneapolis is another favorite with shoppers, with an
eclectic mix of shops and galleries. Dining is another Twin Cities highlight.
There's a vast assortment of restaurants, with an especially interesting
array of ethnic restaurants. The Warehouse District along 1st Street North
in downtown Minneapolis is lined with bars and cafes, some with live music.
There are several major attractions on the southern rim of the Twin Cities.
Shakopee, to the southwest, features Valleyfair amusement park, Canterbury
Park racetrack, Mystic Lake Casino Hotel and Historic Murphy's Landing,
a pioneer village. Other southside attractions are the Minnesota Zoo and
Historic Fort Snelling, a frontier military outpost. In the Minneapolis
Metro North area is Coon Rapids' Bunker Beach wave pool and water park,
Bunker Hills Regional Park, and more. To the east of the Twin Cities area
is the beautiful St. Croix River Valley. Taylors Falls, Stillwater and
Hastings make nice side trips on a Twin Cities visit. Boat and train excursions,
antique shopping, canoeing, hiking and downhill skiing are favorite St.
Croix activities. There are several bed-and-breakfast inns as well, many
in antique-filled, turn-of-the-century homes.
*This information is obtained from the following website: http://www.exploreminnesota.com/twin_cities_metro_region.html
D. Outdoor Life
Minnesota offers rich outdoor life, with three primary biomes: prairie
land in the southeast, hardwood forest in the central region, and evergreen
forests in the northeast. Minnesota is the land of “10,000 Lakes”,
and Lake Superior near Duluth contains 10% of all fresh water in the world.
Minnesota offers typical Midwest weather: hot summers, pleasant springs
and falls, and cold winters, with a lot of snow. Please, take time to explore
Minnesota during your postdoctoral years – it will enrich your life!
MN Department of Natural Resources
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/index.html
MN State Parks
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/list.html
Fishing & Hunting (state license required)
https://www2.wildlifelicense.com/mn/
Superior National Forest
http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/superior/
Chippewa National Forest
http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/chippewa/
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Appendix
A: Benefits/Policy for Postdoctoral Associates (9546)
Appendix
B: Benefits/Policy for Postdoctoral Fellows (9560)
Appendix
C: Benefits/Policy for Research Associates (9702)
Contact the University of Minnesota
Postdoctoral Association by email at: pda@umn.edu
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