News for Employees
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Helpful guidance in preparation for Election Day
With Election Day approaching, employees may have questions about engaging in political campaign and public advocacy activities on campus. Political Activity and Public Advocacy on Campus: Guidelines for Fall 2024 provides information on rights, restrictions, and resources. Employees and students should use this information to guide their decisions in this election season and to find answers to questions about permissible campaign and political activity.
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Nominations open for University Staff Pringle Award
The Pringle Award, named for Elizabeth S. Pringle, is an acknowledgment of University Staff excellence. The winner of the Pringle Award is selected from all submitted nominations reviewed by a five-person committee of University Staff Shared Governance. Nominations may be submitted by anyone and can be up to 600 words in length to tell the story of the nominee from the perspective of the nominator. Any employee designated as University Staff who has completed their final probation is eligible to be nominated. The winner of the award receives $1,000 in compensation (subject to normal tax deductions). Nominations should be sent to John Lease, secretary of University Staff, at john.lease@wisc.edu by 1 p.m. on Monday, November 11.
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UW–Madison policies address nepotism and consensual relationships
As part of UW–Madison’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a professional and respectful work environment, the university upholds policies on nepotism and consensual relationships. These policies outline the guidelines and expectations regarding employment and supervisory relationships among family members and close associates. These policies are in place to ensure fairness and transparency in our workplace, as well as to prevent any potential conflicts of interest or perceptions of favoritism. All members of the UW–Madison community are encouraged to review these policies and ensure that they are in compliance. The Nepotism policy is available at policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-5046 and the Consensual Relationships policy is available at policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-5048. A form to report possible conflicts of interest is available on both policy pages.
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Go Big Read welcomes book suggestions
Go Big Read, UW–Madison’s common reading program, is seeking suggestions for next year’s book. Visit the Go Big Read website to suggest a book relating to contemporary issues of broad interest to the campus community. Suggestions will be accepted through Nov. 13.
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Enroll in annual benefits by October 25
The Annual Benefits Enrollment period ends this Friday, Oct. 25, at 4:30 p.m. This is the only time you can make changes to certain benefits without having an eligible life event or qualifying employment change during the year. In addition, certain benefits you may be enrolled in require action each year. Employees should choose their 2025 benefits via Self Service in MyUW at my.wisc.edu. Find helpful information about benefits enrollment at benefits.wisc.edu/2025.
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Event for current and aspiring project managers
Faculty and staff involved in project management or interested in learning more about it are invited to attend the Project Management Institute (PMI) chapter meeting on November 12 at the Bakke Recreation & Wellness Center. Hosted by the Office of Strategic Consulting, the event will feature a presentation by Sadat Khan, director of facilities and operations, University Recreation & Wellbeing. He will share his experience as the project owner behind the transformation of the old Natatorium into the state-of-the-art Bakke Center. Tours of the facility will be included, and a light dinner will be provided. Register by October 31. There is a $25 fee to attend.
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Campus inclement weather guidelines
All UW–Madison employees are encouraged to review the campus inclement weather guidelines. Only the chancellor has the authority to cancel classes, suspend services, or close the campus to the public and employees. Individual schools, colleges, divisions, and other campus units will not close unless the whole campus is closed. Employees should use discretion and caution regarding their health and safety. If an employee is unable to report to work or directed not to report to work due to inclement weather, supervisors and employees should work together to find alternative work arrangements, including working remotely and/or modifying work schedules, whenever possible. Employees’ leave options vary based on their employment category and job duties; employees should direct any questions to their supervisor or local human resources office. The guidelines also address the possible impacts of inclement weather on remote work.
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Campus Holiday Gift Guide now accepting entries
Every year, UW–Madison publishes a Holiday Gift Guide that provides a wide variety of gift ideas from partners around campus. The guide will be promoted to all UW faculty, staff, students, and affiliates. Campus units are invited to submit up to three gift items through the submission form and may include a link to an online store. The deadline for submissions is Friday, Nov. 15.
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Online session provides help with benefits enrollment
The Annual Benefits Enrollment period is currently underway and will end at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024. Employees who need more information in order to make informed decisions about benefits may wish to attend a live, virtual presentation of “Benefits 2025: What You Need to Know” today, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 3–4 p.m. via Zoom. This session includes a review of 2025 benefits changes, information on how to enroll, and time for Q&A. The recorded presentation is available for viewing 24/7 on YouTube. Links to these and other resources can be found at benefits.wisc.edu/2025.
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Reminder: Leave policy for voting
With Election Day coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 5, employees are reminded of the UW–Madison policy regarding taking time off work to vote. Employees who cannot vote outside of working hours may vote during their scheduled work hours and must provide their supervisor with a written absence request prior to Election Day. Employees can arrange a flexible schedule with their supervisor that will allow them to vote or, depending on their eligibility, receive leave with pay or take leave without pay. Details are available in the Leave for Voting and Serving as an Election Official policy at policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-5059.