News for Employees

• UW–Madison announces new strategic framework

  April 8, 2026

  UW–Madison has launched a five-year strategic framework focusing on what it means to be a leading university in the 21st century. The framework, crafted from the input of thousands in the campus community, identifies four strategic priorities. A message from campus leadership introducing the new strategic framework is available in six languages at go.wisc.edu/38d35a.

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• Training prepares instructors and TAs to respond to students in distress

  April 8, 2026

  University Health Services and the Division for Teaching and Learning are partnering to offer trainings on supporting student mental health that are designed specifically for instructors and teaching assistants. These half-day, live trainings equip participants with the skills to identify signs and symptoms of potential mental health challenges, respond appropriately, and refer students to mental health professionals and other support services. Sessions will be held on April 20 and April 28.

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• Professional development enhances connection and clarity

  April 8, 2026

  Learning and Talent Development spotlights professional development opportunities that enhance communication, collaboration, and strategic awareness. The Building Trusting Work Relationships course focuses on communication and trust-building skills, and Understanding Mission, Vision, and Strategy helps employees connect their roles to broader organizational goals. These courses pertain to a wide range of roles, helping strengthen both individual effectiveness and team success.

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• Upcoming medication take-back events on campus

  April 8, 2026

  UW–Madison students, faculty, staff, and visitors can drop off unused, unwanted, or expired medications at an upcoming medication take-back event. University Health Services and UWPD will host two events at Dejope Hall on April 21, 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. and the Nicholas Recreation Center on April 23, 4–6 p.m. Both prescription and over-the-counter medications are accepted. Responsible disposal of medications protects the environment and helps keep friends, family, and pets safe.

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• Provost Zumbrunnen joins Showcase 2026 lineup

  April 8, 2026

  Newly appointed Provost John Zumbrunnen will lead a bonus breakout session about the rapidly evolving higher education landscape at Showcase 2026. Scheduled for Thursday, April 23, at Union South, this free event will feature over 50 poster exhibits, poster flash talks, and breakout sessions on various topics related to continuous improvement and organizational excellence.

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• 2026 Administrative Improvement Awards recipients announced

  April 1, 2026

  Ten team projects received Administrative Improvement Awards, sponsored by Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Rob Cramer, in March. These awards recognize outstanding work and commitment to enhanced service delivery, process development and redesign, increased efficiency, cost savings, and overall administrative improvements. The winning teams, representing innovative projects across campus, will be honored at a celebration event on April 9.

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• Supervision and management program offered virtually and in person

  April 1, 2026

  The Principles of Supervision and Management (PSM) certificate program will be offered in virtual and in-person formats this spring and summer. The virtual classes will be held on Zoom from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, April 22 through July 1. The in-person cohort will be on the westside of campus at the School of Nursing’s Signe Skott Cooper Hall on Thursday afternoons from May 21 to August 6. Although the program is open to all managers and supervisors, it is designed especially for managers who are newer to their roles.

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• Women and Leadership Symposium call for proposals

  April 1, 2026

  The Women and Leadership Symposium, scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, 8:30 a.m.–3:25 p.m. at the Memorial Union, brings together engaged professionals for networking, professional development, learning from women leaders, and sharing of best practices. Symposium organizers are inviting proposals from speakers who would like to share their knowledge and talents with attendees in 60-minute breakout sessions. Proposal criteria and conference topics are available online. Session proposals are due April 17. Registration for the conference is also open.

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• Communities of practice help peers develop their skills together

  April 1, 2026

  Communities of practice (CoPs) are peer-organized learning communities that bring together people from across an organization to teach one another, share resources, and find inspiration in their connections and creativity. CoPs provide a cost-effective way to share information, solve problems collectively, innovate, and engage in professional development. Dozens of CoPS are active at UW–Madison. Find a CoP or learn how to start a new community of practice online.

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• Academic Staff Institute registration deadline approaching

  March 25, 2026

  The Academic Staff Institute (ASI), an annual professional development conference for UW–Madison academic staff, will take place on Thursday, April 16, 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m. at Union South. The registration cost of $25 includes lunch. Those who join the Academic Staff Professionals Representation Organization between now and April 1 will receive free registration to ASI. All attendees will receive free membership to the Madison Academic Staff Network through August 31, 2026. Registration is open through April 1 at go.wisc.edu/xlw5yw.

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