News for Employees
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WIAA tournaments to affect campus parking and traffic
The 2025 WIAA State Tournaments kick off this week. The UW–Madison campus will host more than 125,000 visitors for individual wrestling (Feb. 27–March 1) and boys’ basketball (March 20–22). These events will impact parking and traffic around the Kohl Center. Permit holders who are asked to relocate will receive notification from Transportation Services. For details, visit transportation.wisc.edu.
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Coaching Community of Practice to launch this spring
Learning and Talent Development is assessing interest in a new Community of Practice (CoP) focused on coaching. Coaching is an approach that can help others be more effective, using dialogue to create awareness and encourage action. Coaching skills are useful for managers and can also be helpful when working collaboratively with colleagues. The new Coaching CoP will be open to all UW–Madison employees regardless of past coaching experience or role on campus. To express interest, please complete the online interest survey by March 15. Those who complete the survey will be added to the list to be notified of future meetings.
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Nominations open for FP&M Recognition Awards
Each year, Facilities Planning & Management (FP&M) recognizes employees whose work adds value to UW‒Madison. Nominations are now being accepted for the FP&M 2025 Employee Recognition Awards. FP&M staff work behind the scenes keeping campus running day and night. They are responsible for the planning, maintenance, operations, safety, and sustainability of all 939 acres of campus. Any member of the campus community can nominate an FP&M employee or team for an award. Complete the nomination form online or print and submit a form in any of six languages. The nomination deadline is March 17. Learn more at go.wisc.edu/nominate-fpm.
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UW‒Madison ranked among 'America's Best Large Employers'
The University of Wisconsin–Madison ranked in the top 701 among “America’s Best Large Employers” for 2025 in a survey by Forbes. UW–Madison came in at No. 199 on the list of employers with more than 5,000 employees. Fifteen private and public sector employers with headquarters in the state of Wisconsin were recognized in the 2025 rankings, with UW–Madison ranking third.
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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.