News for Employees
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Guidelines Issued for Positive COVID-19 Test Reporting
UW–Madison has developed protocols for what to do when individuals working, living or learning on campus test positive for COVID-19. This includes contact tracing to notify others who may have been in close contact with a COVID-positive individual, providing necessary cleaning to workspaces and classrooms, and assisting Housing residents who must be isolated or quarantined.
University Health Services (UHS) will automatically receive all results for tests conducted by UW–Madison or reported to Public Health Madison & Dane County. There is no need to report these results. However, all employees who receive a test from public health agencies or health care providers outside of Dane County are expected to report their positive test results to UHS. To report your test results using the online form, log in to your MyUHS account and click on Messages, select New Message, and then choose COVID-19 Outside Result Reporting. Those who are unable to access the online form can send a secure email to covidresults@wisc.edu or call (608) 890-0000. UHS will follow up on every confirmed positive COVID-19 test report. For additional details, go to uhs.wisc.edu/medical/testing/#test-results.
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TeachOnline@UW Opens Fall Sessions
TeachOnline@UW is a free instructor learning community for those who are developing and plan to teach an online credit course. Participants explore research-based online course design and teaching best practices in two courses: Plan & Design and Facilitation & Management. Applications are due August 20 for the fall Plan & Design course and October 12 for Facilitation & Management. For details and to apply, visit teachonline.wisc.edu.
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Employees Encouraged to Set Up Their UHS Accounts
Every UW–Madison employee with a NetID has an account with University Health Services (UHS). These accounts can be accessed at myuhs.uhs.wisc.edu or on the main UHS website, uhs.wisc.edu. In preparation for the availability of on-campus COVID-19 testing, all employees should ensure that their account details are correct and the proper consent forms are completed.
To set up or update your account, go to myuhs.uhs.wisc.edu/login and sign in with your NetID. Once you sign in, use the “Profile” link on the left side of your MyUHS page to view and update your profile. In addition, you must go to the “Forms” link and complete the following two forms: Occupational Medicine 1: Privacy Notice and Consent to Treat, and Occupational Medicine 2: Authorization for Release of Occupational Health Records. On-campus COVID-19 testing will be offered beginning August 6 at no cost to all faculty and staff. By setting up your MyUHS account now, you will be prepared to make an appointment for COVID-19 testing and access your test results online. If you need assistance setting up your MyUHS account, please send an email to myUHS@uhs.wisc.edu.
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Virtual Learning Opportunities Continue to Expand
UW–Madison employees have many opportunities to grow and develop their professional skills through online learning. These learning resources are available at no cost. Learning and Talent Development continues to expand its virtual professional development offerings. New courses that have been added include Effective Emails: Fundamentals in Business Writing, Understanding Your Experiences and Identities, Active Listening to Support Effective Communication, and more. To view a complete list of virtual learning opportunities and to register, visit hr.wisc.edu/virtual-learning.
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Webex Updates Launched This Week
Webex, one of several tools used for virtual meetings and video conferencing at UW–Madison, has introduced some improvements that make using Webex easier and more intuitive. For example, pressing and holding the spacebar now unmutes a meeting participant temporarily when they want to speak. Audio and video functionality have been enhanced to allow for easier testing of a selected speaker and microphone. DoIT offers more information about the advanced features that have been added to Webex on its IT News page.
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Smart Restart Plans for Returning to Work
UW–Madison is preparing to resume additional on-site activities as the fall semester approaches. Modifications are being made to classroom instruction, student support services, campus operations, and more to reflect current health and safety protocols. The wellbeing of the entire campus community, including employees, will continue to be a priority.
Many employees will continue to work remotely, while others will be expected to return to work. Employees who will be expected to work on-site should receive information from their supervisor by early August. All employees who return to full or partial on-site work, as well as those who have been working on-site to maintain campus operations, will be expected to complete a new training module on the required health protocols. More details on the plans for campus reopening will be released as they becomes available on the university’s Smart Restart website at smartrestart.wisc.edu.
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Guidelines Issued Regarding Workplace Safety and More
UW–Madison has issued a new COVID-19 Workplace Safety Policy that provides interim workplace policies, procedures, and expectations for working safely on-site in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. More information can be found on a Smart Restart website for employees offered by the Office of Human Resources at hr.wisc.edu/smart-restart. The website includes frequently asked questions and quick reference guides on topics related to health, safety, and returning to the workplace. Employees can also find details on accommodations, workplace flexibilities, and leave options. A downloadable checklist prepares employees for the return to on-site work. Resources are being added in multiple languages. Employees are encouraged to check the website regularly for updates. If you have questions, contact your supervisor or the human resources department in your school, college or division.
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Women & Leadership Learning Series in August
A virtual learning series, 31 Days of Women & Leadership Learning, will launch on Monday, Aug. 3 at 10 a.m. with a keynote address by Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings. Each day of August will feature one learning opportunity from a woman leader. The series focuses on finding, building, and using one’s voice. Some sessions will be live while other sessions will be recorded. Register for free to receive schedule updates and information on how to join the sessions.
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Smart Restart Website Serves Entire Campus Community
UW–Madison will welcome students back to campus as scheduled for the start of fall classes on September 2. A new website, smartrestart.wisc.edu, has been launched to share information about the plan for fall 2020 and beyond with students, parents, faculty, staff, visitors to campus and others. On this site, you will find an overview of the comprehensive plan for resuming campus activities. You can also learn about health and safety measures being put in place for everyone on campus. Additional details will be added to the website as they become available, including information specific to employees, divisions, and units. Employees are encouraged to review the content of this website and check back often for updates.
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Free COVID-19 Testing Will Support Campus Reopening
UW–Madison will offer free COVID-19 testing to all students, faculty and staff by the beginning of the fall semester. The goal is to identify infections, isolate and care for those who are sick, and limit the spread of the disease as campus moves forward with a modified re-opening plan. (This plan can be viewed at smartrestart.wisc.edu.) Two UW labs, the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the State Laboratory of Hygiene, will work together to provide the no-cost testing. Some testing will become available in early August. Additional details will be provided to employees and others as they become available.