News for Employees
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UW–Madison Driver Authorization process updated
UW–Madison Office of Risk Management has announced updates to the Driver Authorization process. This information is relevant to all UW–Madison faculty, staff, and students driving a Fleet, rental, or personal vehicle for university business purposes. Effective Feb. 17, 2025, UW Madison has transitioned standard processing of Vehicle Use Agreements (VUA) to Universities of Wisconsin (UW) Shared Services. With this transition, campus will benefit from process enhancements for obtaining out-of-state motor vehicle records for applicants. In particular, most individuals will no longer be required to obtain out-of-state driver records, thus saving valuable work time. Details are available at businessservices.wisc.edu.
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Webinar teaches skills for positive change
LifeMatters and the Employee Assistance Office are offering a virtual webinar, Workplace Change, on Tuesday, Feb. 25, noon‒1 p.m. This webinar teaches skills that can help participants understand workplace change and its impact on people; develop strategies to become more adaptable; and become a positive influence on the change process. The webinar is offered at no cost to all UW‒Madison employees. Register online to receive the Zoom link.
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Campus information available via text messages
UW–Madison employees can sign up to receive important campus information sent directly to their smartphones or other mobile devices. Any UW‒Madison employee is welcome to join a WhatsApp group. WhatsApp Campus Information Groups are available in six languages: English, Spanish, Hmong, Tibetan, Chinese, and Nepali. Subscribers receive about 5–6 messages per month, including campus updates, event announcements, and information about resources for UW employees. These are not chat rooms and employees cannot respond to messages they receive.
Employees who have little or no access to computers at work, need language support, or work away from their desk may find WhatsApp Campus Information Groups helpful. Learn how to install WhatsApp at cls.wisc.edu/whatsapp.
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Career counseling available as an employee benefit
UW‒Madison employees have access to free career counseling. The Employee Career Counseling program gives employees the skills to manage, develop, and plan their careers at UW‒Madison. One-on-one, confidential counseling can help participants develop self-awareness, explore career choices, set goals, and develop an action plan. Self-service career planning resources are also available online. To set up an appointment with a career counselor, call 608-265-2257 or send your request via email to employeecareercounseling@wisc.edu.
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Institute helps instructors enhance course design
The UW–Madison Course Design Institute offers hands-on, expert assistance applying learner-focused design practices to courses. This program, which runs May 12–14 at the Pyle Center, is open to instructors of credit-bearing courses. Space is limited. The deadline to apply is this Friday, Feb. 14.
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Women and Leadership Symposium call for proposals
The Women and Leadership Symposium, scheduled for June 4, 8:30 a.m.–3:25 p.m. at the Memorial Union, brings together engaged professionals for networking, professional development, learning from women leaders, and sharing of best practices. Symposium organizers are inviting proposals from dynamic speakers who would like to share their knowledge and talents with attendees in 55-minute breakout sessions. Proposal criteria and conference topics are available online. Session proposals are due March 14, 2025.
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Federal transition updates
With the transition to the new presidential administration bringing many changes, University Relations is coordinating the campus response to emerging federal updates, including executive orders, status of grants and loans, and agency and congressional activity. Visit the Federal Transition page for updates, information and resources relevant to campus.
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Professional development from the Office of Strategic Consulting
Beginning February 21, the Office of Strategic Consulting is hosting new virtual and in-person professional development sessions as part of its Ignite: Fueling Organizational Excellence and In Scope: Managing Projects at UW–Madison series. These sessions provide faculty and staff with the knowledge and skills they need to help their schools, colleges, divisions, and units operate more efficiently, tackle challenges, and advance strategic priorities. Topics range from enhancing workplace culture to thriving through transitions. Nearly all sessions are offered at no cost. Registration is required.
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Campus survey to measure transportation habits
Randomly selected groups of students, faculty, and staff will receive a Qualtrics survey invitation to take the biennial transportation modes survey. Responses will help UW Transportation Services understand current campus transportation habits and support programming to ensure campus is accessible to users of all travel modes.
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UW 403(b) SRP can supplement retirement savings
UW–Madison employees can take advantage of free one-on-one counseling sessions or webinars to better understand how to save for retirement with the UW 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Program (SRP). Financial consultants from TIAA and Fidelity are available to guide employees who are new to retirement planning and those who are refining their retirement strategy. Attend live and on-demand webinars or schedule an individual counseling session online.