Nancy Hoffman (formerly Sandhu), an experienced administrator who has played a key role in campus tour, parent, off-campus housing, and information programs, has been named interim director of Campus and Visitor Relations at UW–Madison. Hoffman will follow director Steve Amundson beginning Feb. 1, as he departs for a new role at American Family Insurance. She has worked in the unit since 1996 and has two UW–Madison degrees.
News for Employees
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Progress report outlines strides on campus climate
UW-Madison is committed to providing a welcoming environment that enables all students, faculty and staff to thrive. The latest campus climate progress report shares important updates on campus initiatives toward that goal. For instance, Chancellor Blank has asked all units across campus to engage in discussion and training on issues of inclusion and diversity. She will ask deans and other campus leaders to report back on what their units have done and challenge campus leaders to think about next steps the following year. In addition, a ceremony Feb. 28 will mark the opening of the Black Cultural Center in the Red Gym. For updates on all the initiatives, read the full report at campusclimate.wisc.edu/initiatives.
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Self-insurance included in budget proposal
The Group Insurance Board (GIB) voted to move Wisconsin to a self-insured health insurance model for state workers effective Jan. 1, 2018. The GIB projects this move to save $60 million over the next two years while providing the same level of benefits to employees and retaining access to 98 percent of our current medical providers. Instead of the state paying health insurance companies a fixed amount for employee health insurance, the Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF) would maintain funds in a reserve to pay individual health care claims. Gov. Scott Walker’s 2017-2019 proposed budget incorporates the anticipated savings. The proposed change still requires approval by the State Legislature.
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State insurance board reinstates gender reassignment exclusion
The board overseeing Wisconsin state employee health insurance has dropped coverage of gender reassignment services. As a result, effective Feb. 1, 2017, surgical services, procedures, hormones and supplies related to gender reassignment are no longer covered for participants in the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program. UW-Madison employees with questions or concerns are urged to contact the Office of Human Resources at 265-2257. More information
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Nominations sought for Wisconsin Idea seminar
Nominations are being sought for UW-Madison faculty and academic staff who want to take the Wisconsin Idea Seminar, a five-day tour that introduces them to the geography, culture and history of Wisconsin. “This foundational philosophy (the Wisconsin Idea) runs deep and reminds us that the teaching and research we do on this campus benefits and serves the people of Wisconsin and beyond,” wrote Chancellor Rebecca Blank in her call for nominations, which are due Feb. 15.
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Blank tells Regents that new investment in UW needed
UW-Madison has maintained high quality in education and research, but further efforts, including new state investment and flexibilities that will allow campus to act entrepreneurially, are essential to securing continued excellence in the future, Chancellor Rebecca Blank told the UW System Board of Regents last week. The governor is scheduled to release his budget proposal at 4 p.m. Feb. 8. For updates, visit budget.wisc.edu.
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Learn how to recognize and report phishing
Phishing is a form of fraud where a scammer attempts to have you reveal personal financial or confidential information by posing as a reputable entity in an electronic communication. Many scammers try to bait you by urging you to respond immediately by clicking a web link that appears official (with all the familiar logos or corporate phrases). Report general phishing emails or emails that appear to be spam. If you are ever unsure whether an email message is legitimate, do not respond to it! Instead, contact the DoIT Help Desk (608) 264-HELP (4357) and ask for advice.
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Human Resources System outage in late February will affect employee access
Employees will not have access to their online timesheets, earnings statements and related documents and services during a UW Human Resources System (HRS) outage that will occur in late February. The outage is due to an HRS System technical upgrade and is scheduled to begin at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 22, and continue until the morning of Monday, Feb. 27.
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Statement from Chancellor Blank on executive order on immigration
Chancellor Rebecca Blank issued a statement Monday on the new executive order on immigration. “We call on our leaders to search for a balanced approach that does not weaken our higher education system, the competitiveness of our economy and core principles of our democracy,” she said. Read more at http://news.wisc.edu/statement-from-chancellor-blank-on-executive-order-on-immigration/
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Interim director named for Campus and Visitor Relations
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Apply now for academic staff professional development grant
Applications are being accepted for the spring 2017 Academic Staff Professional Development Grant program. The program is offered to academic staff members who meet the eligibility requirements and hold at least a 50 percent appointment. Grants are for activities beginning between July 1, 2017, and Dec. 31, 2017. Brown bag sessions on the grants will be from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, at Union South; and from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, at 1309 Health Sciences Learning Center. The deadline to apply is March 10. Questions? Contact Jake Smith (263-2985, pdrc@soas.wisc.edu) or Heather Daniels (263-1011, pdrc@soas.wisc.edu).