News for Employees
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Edvest Makes Saving for College Simple
Edvest, Wisconsin’s 529 College Savings Plan, allows UW–Madison employees to save for post high-school education expenses by making small contributions over time. Anyone—parents, grandparents, extended family members and friends—can set up an account for anyone else. An account can also be used to save for one’s own continuing education. Funds can be used to pay for tuition and many other expenses at universities, colleges, professional schools, technical colleges, and graduate programs across the country and even at some institutions abroad. An Edvest account can be opened with as little as $25 and requires a minimum contribution of $15 per pay period. The program offers low fees and can provide tax deductions for Wisconsin residents (limitations apply). UW–Madison employees can make contributions directly from payroll with direct deposit. Payroll deduction is not available. To set up an account, visit the Edvest website at edvest.com/benefit.
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Thrive@UW–Madison Course Focuses on Creating Inclusive Environments
Registration is open for “Expanding Self-Knowledge to Create Inclusive Environments” on Wednesday, July 11, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., at 21 North Park Street, room 5045. This new, all-day event combines two current Thrive@UW–Madison courses. Participants will explore how increased self-awareness can help support a more inclusive work environment. Participants will also consider the impact of personal and social identities on our workplace relationships, and learn how our mental processes influence our actions and decisions at work. There will be an hour-long break for lunch on one’s own, and several eateries can be found nearby. The free course is open to all UW–Madison faculty and staff. For more information and to register, go to go.wisc.edu/94b2gu.
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First Round of Parking Applications Closed
Parking offers will be sent throughout the week of July 13 to UW–Madison employees who submitted a 2018–19 parking application during the first round. These offers must be accepted and purchased by Tuesday, August 7. If you applied for parking during round one and do not receive an offer, you will be placed on a waiting list and your application will be considered during future rounds. Those who missed the first round of applications can apply during the second round application period of July 13–August 7. Bus passes and motorcycle, moped, and afternoon and night parking permits for 2018–19 go on sale August 1.
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Employee Learning Center Teaches English
UW–Madison employees who are English Language Learners are invited to participate in English practice and conversation about cultural topics at the Employee Learning Center. All meetings are held at 21 N. Park Street, Madison. Monday sessions are scheduled for 9–10:15 a.m. in Room 5045 (fifth floor) and may include special activities or guest speakers. Wednesday sessions are scheduled for 4–5:15 p.m. in Room 1108 (first floor) and may include lessons in pronunciation, idioms, or listening to fast speech. The sessions are free, and employees are welcome to drop in without making an appointment or registering in advance. The Employee Learning Center supports educational goals that enhance employees’ opportunities for workplace advancement. For more information, visit cls.wisc.edu.
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University Housing Summer Dining Hours
UW–Madison faculty and staff can find breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks on campus during the summer months. Some dining units have limited summer hours, so be sure to check the hours of operation for each location at www.housing.wisc.edu/dining/locations.
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18th Annual Technology & Cybersecurity Conference in July
Cybersecurity and information technology professionals will gather for the 18th annual UW–Madison Lockdown Technology & Cybersecurity Conference on Monday, July 16, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., at the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center. Sessions will address both the technical and strategic nature of cybersecurity. Ben Hagen, current head of corporate information security at Facebook and former head of security for President Obama’s re-election campaign tech program, will deliver a keynote presentation about his experiences working on recent presidential campaigns. Rebecca Wynn, head of information security and data protection office at Matrix Medical Network, will deliver the opening keynote. Conference tickets are $195 each, or $100 each for students.
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Some Employees Must Use Holiday or Vacation Carryover Hours by June 30
For many Faculty, Academic Staff, and Limited Term employees, some holiday and vacation hours expire on July 1. Two floating holidays occurred during the 2017–18 fiscal year, because both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve fell on legal holidays in 2017. All floating holiday time must be used before June 30. If you have any vacation carryover hours, you will need to use those by the end of the fiscal year as well, or you will lose those hours. If you are ALRA eligible, you will be able to bank those hours up to your allotment. To check your leave balances, log in to MyUW (my.wisc.edu) and launch the Time and Absence module. Leave balances also appear on your earnings statement, available in the Payroll Information module at MyUW.
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Free Financial Fitness Services Available
For a limited time, all employees who are eligible for Wisconsin Retirement System benefits can take advantage of a Financial Fitness program offered by the Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF). This free program can help you take control of your financial future. By completing a brief Financial Fitness CheckUp™, you can get an assessment of your personal financial situation, including a confidential financial fitness score. After you complete the checkup, you will have access to online tutorials and tools for one year. The program also includes free consultation with a financial fitness coach for a 30-day period. The financial coach can offer recommendations, answer questions, and guide you to additional resources. All services and responses are confidential. To sign up for the program, visit wietf.financialfitness.academy/checkup/home.
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Outdoor Fitness at Allen Centennial Garden
The Division of Recreational Sports (Rec Sports) is offering outdoor fitness programs open to all UW–Madison faculty, staff, and students now through August 23, 2018. The programs take place at Allen Centennial Garden, 620 Babcock Drive, Madison. Outdoor Bootcamp is a full-body workout for all fitness levels. Sunrise Yoga uses Vinyasa-based flow to strengthen and balance the body. Both programs meet once per week for six weeks from 7–7:45 a.m., and each program costs $18 per six-week session. A Rec Sports membership is not required to participate in these programs. Advance registration is required, and space is limited. For details, visit go.wisc.edu/tt3k3k.
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Parking applications for 2018–19 now open
Applications are now open for 2018–19 parking, valid Sept. 1, 2018, through Aug. 31, 2019. Applications are due June 8 for the first application period (“round one”). Round one parking offers will be emailed to applicants July 13–19. Offers must be accepted and purchased by August 7. If you miss the June 8 deadline, you can apply during the second application period starting in mid-July. If you have not had a parking permit in the past, you must contact your Unit Transportation Coordinator (UTC) for approval to apply for the 2018–19 parking year. Bus passes and afternoon, night, motorcycle, and moped permits will go on sale August 1. To apply for a parking permit, visit go.wisc.edu/jfj079.