News for Employees
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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.
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Virtual Diversity Forum Showcases Authors on Racism and Dignity
The UW–Madison 2020 Diversity Forum will be held virtually this year on October 27–28, 8:30 a.m.–4:45 p.m. This year’s forum, The Pandemic Effect: Exposing Racism and Inequities, will explore a convergence of contemporary issues—from racial equity and social justice to disparities in health care and white privilege—during two full days of speakers and interactive sessions. The keynote speakers will be best-selling authors Robin DiAngelo, Ph.D., and Austin Channing Brown, both of whom write about sociology and the impact of race and race relations. Hosted by the Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement, the event is free and open to the public. For more information and to register, visit go.wisc.edu/df20.
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Upcoming Showcase 2020 Virtual Lunch & Learns
The Office of Strategic Consulting has added a new session, “The Role of Race in the Workplace,” to its Showcase 2020 Virtual Lunch & Learn Series. There are also spots remaining in the two sessions on change management scheduled for November. The Lunch & Learn Series is open to all faculty and staff at no cost. Space is limited in order to facilitate participant interaction. To learn more and to register, visit the Showcase 2020 website.
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Plans for End of Fall Semester Announced
Beginning on Monday, Nov. 30, in-person group instruction will be fully remote. Students who need to complete their semester coursework in Madison are also being urged not to travel for the Thanksgiving recess. If you are an employee working on campus and you choose to travel over the recess, you are urged to strictly limit your interactions with others where possible for 14 days after your return. Please consider receiving a test for COVID-19 before returning to campus duties. Information about on-campus testing can be found at uhs.wisc.edu/medical/testing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that travel increases the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19, and that staying home during the fall and winter holidays is the best way to protect yourself and others.