News for Employees
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Vote Now in University Staff Congress Elections
Voting is now open for representatives to the University Staff Congress. Ballots have been mailed to members of the University Staff who have one or more candidates running in their District. Ballots must be postmarked by May 31 and in the Office of the Secretary at 271 Bascom Hall before June 7. Voter participation in shared governance elections is important. Even if only one candidate is running in a particular district, University Staff are strongly encouraged to mark and return their ballots. The vote will determine who will serve in the 6th Congress of the University Staff. More information can be found online at ous.wisc.edu.
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Conference Serves Research Professionals
Registration is now open for the UW–Madison Research Professionals Conference, scheduled for Tuesday, June 18, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. at Cooper Hall. This free conference is designed to build skills and facilitate idea-sharing among research staff who work as laboratory technicians or laboratory managers. Sixteen breakouts sessions will be held on topics such as career advancement and development, working with undergraduates, research compliance, conflict resolution, negotiation skills, and giving and receiving feedback. The full schedule will be announced at the end of May. The registration deadline is June 7.
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Participants Sought for Transportation Study
Volunteers are being sought for a study of the public transportation system in Dane County. UW–Madison employees representing all shifts, including second and third shift, are encouraged to volunteer. Participants who are selected will be interviewed about their experiences with public transportation and will receive $40 for their time. The goal of the study is to increase access and equity in the public transportation system. Interviews can be conducted in English or Spanish. Interviews will not take place during work hours. To be considered, complete an interest form (available in English and Spanish) at tinyurl.com/businterview. You can also call, text, or leave a message at 608-571-7725.
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WRS Annual Statement of Benefits Now Available
If you were covered by the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) in 2018, your WRS Annual Statement of Benefits is now available. To view your statement, go to MyUW and launch the Benefit Information module. Then click on the Statements tab and choose “2018 ETF Annual Statement of Benefits (WRS) Issued 2019.” The statement includes your 2018 earnings, retirement benefit projections, primary beneficiary designation(s) for your WRS account, and more. Resources to help you understand your statement can be found online at etf.wi.gov/members/statement. If you have questions, please contact your human resources office.
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Summer Cohort of Discussion Project Open
UW–Madison faculty and teaching staff are encouraged to apply for The Discussion Project, a professional development program specifically devoted to implementing and improving classroom discussion. The Discussion Project, offered by the School of Education, fosters inclusive classroom climates. UW faculty and teaching staff who are teaching at least one course in Fall 2019 are eligible to participate. Applications for the summer 2019 cohort are open until May 10, 2019.
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Blend@UW Offers New Curriculum
Blend@UW helps instructors design blended courses that foster deeper, more active learning. The Blend@UW course design program has been revamped for the summer session. The new curriculum provides solid design processes that can be applied to course design initiatives. The deadline to apply for May and June sessions is Friday, May 3, 2019.
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Nominations Open for FP&M Recognition Awards
Nominations for the second annual Facilities Planning & Management (FP&M) Employee Recognition Awards are open through June 1, 2019. These awards are an opportunity for anyone on campus to nominate FP&M employees, both as individuals and teams, for their outstanding contributions in providing excellence in facilities and services to our university community. For details, visit go.wisc.edu/fpm-recognition.
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Excellence in Teaching Awards for Academic Staff
Nominations are now being accepted for the Alliant Energy Underkofler Excellence in Teaching Awards. These awards recognize outstanding teaching by academic staff. This is a UW System award, and one of the three winners will be selected from the UW–Madison campus. Online nominations are due Tuesday, April 30, 2019. Please contact Jake Smith at pdrc@soas.wisc.edu or 263-2985 with any questions.
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Volunteers Sought to Help with Move Out
University Housing is asking for volunteers to help students get rid of unwanted items sustainably during spring move out. From May 4–11, items are collected for recycling or donation at special locations near residence halls. Volunteers assist with sorting and organizing items to be recycled or donated to those in need. To volunteer, visit go.wisc.edu/recycle-volunteer.
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Utility Upgrade Begins on Bascom Hill
An upgrade of the utilities underneath Bascom Hill will begin later this month. The project will replace, relocate, and construct new thermal utilities, electrical utilities, and civil utilities (which include domestic water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer). Utilities in this area serve all the buildings along Bascom Hill, and they are also an essential part of the utility loop that connects campus both east and west of the hill. The project will affect two areas: between North Charter Street and Music Hall along Lathrop Drive, and between Bascom Hall and North Park Street north to Observatory Drive. At least one sidewalk on Bascom Hill will be open to pedestrian traffic at all times. Upon completion of the utility systems, all areas disturbed by the project will be fully restored, including landscaping features and more. The project will be done in three phases, with completion planned for December 2020.