News for Employees
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Nominations Open for Outstanding Women of Color
The UW–Madison Outstanding Women of Color Awards honor women of color among UW–Madison faculty, staff, students, and in the greater Madison community. The awards recognize outstanding contributions in social justice, community service, scholarship, and/or community building. A selection committee made up of students, faculty, and staff will review the nominations. Nomination packets are due Friday, Sept. 21. Details can be found at go.wisc.edu/828flg.
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Canvas and Kaltura MediaSpace Updated
Learn@UW-Madison has rolled out new features in the Canvas learning management system and Kaltura MediaSpace. New features include an Official Syllabus tool in Canvas and editing tools in Kaltura MediaSpace. Some instructors may already be familiar with the changes, as they were implemented during the summer months. A complete list of updates to Learn@UW learning technologies is available on the DoIT Academic Technology website.
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Save the Date: Employee Benefits and Resource Fair
The annual Employee Benefits and Resource Fair is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 9, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. at Union South, 1308 W. Dayton Street. All employees are encouraged to attend this free event. No leave needs to be taken to visit the fair, and registration is not required. Learn about your benefits options for 2019 and discover campus resources. On-site health services will be provided, including flu shots (bring your insurance card) and health screenings for employees who are eligible for the $150 WellWisconsin incentive. A complete schedule of seminars will be available soon. Visit go.wisc.edu/dx1a5i for details.
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Well Wisconsin Incentive Deadline Approaching
Employees, retirees, and their spouses who are currently enrolled in the State Group Health Insurance plan are eligible for an annual $150 wellness incentive. The deadline to complete all required activities and submit them to StayWell is October 19, 2018. To earn the $150 wellness incentive, participants must complete a health screening, the StayWell health assessment, and one Well Wisconsin Well-being activity. Participants can choose from a number of different well-being activities. For more information, visit wellwisconsin.staywell.com or call the StayWell HelpLine at 800-821-6591.
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Road Construction Update
Lane closures on Johnson Street near the intersection with Charter Street are now expected through September 21 due to a City of Madison project. Project specifics can be found at cityofmadison.com. Stay up-to-date on construction projects that impact getting around campus at transportation.wisc.edu. A campus construction and detour map is available at transportation.wisc.edu/campus-maps.
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Campus Dining Switches to Reusable To-Go Containers
All University Housing Dining Markets are now using reusable to-go containers for carry-out food. Disposable containers will no longer be available. In the new program, called Ticket to Take Out, you can purchase a token that entitles you to a reusable container at any Dining Market. When you purchase food to go, you will receive the food in a reusable container. If you are new to the program, you will pay a one-time fee of $5.00 at check-out. When you return your empty container to a vending machine (located in all six Dining Markets), you will receive a new token to use for your next carry-out meal. UW–Madison faculty and staff who join the University Housing meal plan program will receive a free token with their membership. Learn more at go.wisc.edu/ticket-to-takeout.
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Coffee and Conversation Events Promote Networking
The UW–Madison Women and Leadership program is hosting a “Coffee and Conversation” series to support women’s advancement and encourage networking. All UW–Madison employees are welcome to attend. Fall semester events are scheduled for September 12, October 10 and November 14, 8:30–10 a.m. (check-in at 8 a.m.) at Union South. Coffee and light refreshments will be served. Register to attend at no cost at go.wisc.edu/1cfb76. For details about specific events, visit the registration page and click on each individual session, or visit the Facebook page @LearningAndTalentDevelopment.
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Plan for Flooding and Road Closures
Flooding and road closures are affecting bus routes, traffic patterns, and commuting times in the Madison area. Please use caution while driving and do not attempt to drive through flooded streets. Drivers should approach campus from the south or west in order to avoid the isthmus. The latest information on road conditions is available at cityofmadison.com/flooding and alerts.wisc.edu. Campus impacts and a more detailed list of resources can be found at transportation.wisc.edu.
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UW Operating Normally During Weather Emergency
UW–Madison expects to operate normally as Dane County deals with the effects of widespread flooding. The weather emergency has had minimal impact on campus. However, many employees have been directly affected by the flooding in the broader community. UW employees should use caution when making decisions regarding their health and safety and travel. Supervisors are expected to honor reasonable requests of employees to arrive late or to leave early because of inclement weather, including the need to deal with flooding issues at home. Employees should notify their supervisors if they cannot report to work or will report late.
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Transgender Health Benefits Reinstated as of Jan. 1
The Group Insurance Board (GIB) last week voted to include coverage of transgender surgery for state employees starting Jan 1, 2019. In July, six UW System chancellors, including UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank, sent a letter to the board asking that the coverage be reinstated. The decision by the GIB removed the exclusion for transgender services. Like other health services, these benefits will now be determined by medical necessity. UW–Madison employees with questions about specific coverage should contact their health plan.