News for Employees

• All campus buildings are now operational

  August 12, 2026

  After a challenging summer restoring the university’s chilled water system, all buildings have reopened and returned to normal operations. The mobile chilling units across campus will remain in place into September, in case late summer brings high temperatures and humidity. All the buildings that were closed or partially closed were maintained throughout this time period and steps have been taken to facilitate their safe, efficient reopening. New questions and answers about building condition and safety are available on the FAQ page. Employees with additional questions should speak with their supervisor.

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• Teaching and Learning Welcome for academic and clinical instructors

  August 12, 2026

  The 2026 Teaching and Learning Welcome will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 11:30 a.m.–2:15 p.m., at The Pyle Center, 702 Langdon Street. This annual event is designed for UW–Madison instructors who are beginning new teaching roles and who are classified as academic/clinical staff. Participants will connect with members of the UW–Madison teaching community and leave with resources to help them get started. Lunch will be provided. Register to attend.

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• Emergency child care assistance for University Staff

  August 12, 2026

  The Mary Czynszak-Lyne University Staff Child Care Award Fund provides one-time financial support to permanent, full-time employees with a University Staff appointment who are struggling to cover child care costs. Priority goes to employees with lower incomes and higher child care expenses, and to families facing an unexpected event that affects their ability to pay for care. Applications are accepted year-round. Awards are based on fund availability and family need, with typical awards ranging from $500-$1,000.

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• Free webinar looks at learning styles in the workplace

  August 12, 2026

  LifeMatters and the Employee Assistance Office are offering a virtual webinar, Impact of Learning Styles in the Workplace, on Tuesday, Aug. 25, noon‒1 p.m. Our learning style impacts how we process information at work. Knowing our individual learning style may increase productivity, minimize errors, and reinforce self-confidence. Participants will learn about the three distinct learning styles, characteristics and challenges of each style, and tips for maximizing learning. The webinar is offered at no cost to all UW‒Madison employees. Register online to receive the Zoom link.

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• Campus cooling update: Buildings to reopen Aug. 10

  August 5, 2026

  All buildings closed during the repair of the university’s chilled water system will reopen next week. Employees should return to their standard workplace arrangements on Aug. 10. This announcement is available in six languages on the Campus News page. Employees with questions should contact their supervisor for additional guidance.

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• Employee bus pass and parking permit updates

  August 5, 2026

  The window to renew employee bus passes is now open, with a deadline of Aug. 31. Afternoon, night, motorcycle, moped and Lot 76 Quick Passes are now available for direct purchase from Transportation Services. The fourth deadline to apply for a base lot, Flex, park & ride or accessible permit is Aug. 18. Bus passes and 2026–27 parking permits will be valid Sept. 1, 2026, through Aug. 31, 2027. For more information, go to transportation.wisc.edu.

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• Ergonomic training for employees with computer workstations

  August 5, 2026

  A self-directed training module, How to Create an Ergonomic Computer Workstation, is available to all UW–Madison employees at no cost. This 30-minute training provides practical tips for setting up a comfortable and safe home or office workstation. Participants will learn how to set up a workstation, improve comfort throughout the day, and get help from the Ergonomics team if needed. This training is offered by Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S), part of Facilities Planning & Management. Register in Workday Learning and complete the training at any time.

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• Reminder: Leave policy for voting

  August 5, 2026

  With the Wisconsin Partisan Primary coming up on Aug. 11, 2026, employees are reminded of the UW–Madison policy regarding taking time off work to vote. Employees who cannot vote outside of working hours may vote during their scheduled work hours and must provide their supervisor with a written absence request prior to the day of election. Employees can arrange a flexible schedule with their supervisor that will allow them to vote or, depending on their eligibility, receive leave with pay or take leave without pay. Details are available in the Leave for Voting and Serving as an Election Official policy at policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-5059.

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• Event submissions invited for Wisconsin Welcome

  August 5, 2026

  Campus partners, student organizations, and community partners can submit their events to be included in the Wisconsin Welcome app. Approved events for Wisconsin Welcome, which runs Aug. 29–Sept. 20, will be promoted to 8,400+ incoming students via the Wisconsin Welcome app. Submissions may be made using the Wisconsin Welcome event submission form through Aug. 14.

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• Pre-Semester Teaching Institute helps instructors prepare for the start of class

  July 29, 2026

  New and returning instructors are invited to the Pre-Semester Teaching Institute on August 26, 9 a.m.–2:15 p.m., at The Pyle Center. This event provides focused time and expert assistance to prepare for the upcoming semester. Participants will learn strategies for addressing the impacts of generative AI on assessment, engaging students, and more. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Register online.

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