News for Employees
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Session for Those Coping with Job Loss
As Chancellor Blank’s message of October 26 indicated, there will likely be a small number of units on campus where staff layoffs may be needed to meet significant budget shortfalls. A one-hour online session will help UW–Madison employees who are coping with the loss of a job. The free session will explore the stages of loss and help participants prepare for the emotional impact of losing a job. Participants will also learn how to avoid isolation, assess their ability to adapt, and use this challenging time for transformation and growth. Coping with Job Loss will be offered on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 11 a.m. to noon. Register at go.wisc.edu/aj5cwh. Additional sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2–3 p.m. (go.wisc.edu/317458) and Thursday, Jan. 14, 9–10 a.m. (go.wisc.edu/86k4na). The session is hosted by LifeMatters in partnership with Learning and Talent Development.
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Student Employee of the Year Nominations Open
The Office of Student Financial Aid is seeking nominations for Student Employee of the Year. The competition is hosted by the National Student Employment Association. Scholarships will be awarded to the top three student employees at UW–Madison. Students must be nominated by their supervisors. The deadline to nominate outstanding student employees is Friday, Nov. 20.
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Second Round of Furloughs Announced
A second round of employee furloughs will begin for most employees in January as a result of the financial challenges faced by UW–Madison due to the ongoing pandemic. The furlough structure will be the same as the structure used for the 2020 furlough program. Employees will have until June 30, 2021, to meet their Round Two furlough obligation. The impact of the furloughs will be partly offset by a long-planned 2 percent pay raise that employees will receive beginning in January, 2021. A minimum wage of $15 per hour for hourly workers (not including temporary and student employees) will take effect January 17, 2021. Chancellor Blank announced these changes and reviewed the university’s budget projections in a message to campus on Monday, Oct. 26.
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Plan Ahead to Vote in the Upcoming Election
UW–Madison employees who plan to vote in-person on Election Day, Nov. 3, should contact their supervisor in advance for approval of their voting plan. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, and voters could encounter lines at some polling places. Supervisors are encouraged to be flexible when evaluating reasonable requests to use paid leave time or flexing work time in order to vote. Voters may also vote early in-person or vote by absentee ballot. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is 5 p.m. on Oct. 29. Additional information is available at elections.wi.gov.
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Career Management Help for Employees
UW–Madison employees can receive help managing their careers from Adult Career and Special Student Services (ACSSS). A career counselor who specializes in counseling employees will assist employees with their career and professional development. This free service can help employees clarify short-and long-term goals, identify learning opportunities, explore job possibilities within UW–Madison or elsewhere, and keep growing in the job they currently hold. Taking time to assess one’s career and professional development can be particularly important in light of the change and uncertainly caused by the pandemic. To schedule a virtual appointment with career counselor April McHugh, contact ACSSS at 608-263-6960 or advising@dcs.wisc.edu.
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Energy-Saving Discounts Available to Employees
The UW–Madison Office of Sustainability has partnered with Focus on Energy to offer exclusive discounts on energy-efficient ENERGY STAR® LEDs and water saving kits. For a limited time, these items can be purchased online at techniartpopup.com/focusonenergy_uw. This offer is open to Wisconsin residents within the UW–Madison community through November 2.
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Hot Meals Available for Pre-Order
University Housing Dining is now offering Dinner by Dining. Hot meals for 2, 4 or 6 guests will be ready for curbside pick-up at Carson’s Market. All packages include the meal for that week, plates, flatware, napkins, and any necessary condiments. Orders can be placed at go.wisc.edu/dinner-by-dining.
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Enroll in Annual Benefits by October 23 Deadline
The Annual Benefits Enrollment period ends this Friday, Oct. 23, at 4:30 p.m. This is the only time you can make changes to certain benefits without having an eligible life event or qualifying employment change during the year. In addition, certain benefits you may be enrolled in require action each year. Employees should choose their 2021 benefits via Self Service in MyUW. Find helpful information about benefits enrollment at benefits.wisc.edu/2021.
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October Survey Seeks Employee Input
An online survey seeks input from faculty and staff as plans are made for the spring semester. The brief, confidential survey asks how the university can support you and requests input on improvements in the campus response to COVID-19. The survey is open through Thursday, Oct. 22. Find the survey at this link: go.wisc.edu/8ggd73.
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Partners in Giving Campaign Invites Gifts of All Sizes
Through Partners in Giving, UW–Madison employees can donate to the local, national, and international charities of their choice. Online pledges can be made through payroll deduction or by credit card at giving.wi.gov. Employees can also contribute using a paper pledge form and mail in or email their pledge. More details about ways to obtain a paper pledge form can be found at giving.wi.gov/about-us/2020-options-for-giving. Even small gifts of $1, $5 or $10 per pay period add up to make a positive impact in our community and around the world. The “Stronger, Together” campaign runs through November 27, 2020. Contributions will be welcomed through May 15, 2021.