News for Employees
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Administrative Professionals Conference call for proposals
The Administrative Professionals Conference will take place on Wednesday, April 15, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. at Union South. The conference serves UW–Madison employees and others who would like to learn professional skills across a wide range of topics, including career management, leadership, personal development and workplace skills, relationship building and communication, inclusive excellence, and well-being. Conference planners welcome proposals from interested speakers who would like to present breakout sessions in support of one or more conference themes. Session proposals are due by Feb. 6. Registration has a $125 fee and is open through March 31.
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Online conference for parents, caregivers, and professionals
Registration is now open for the Raising Wisconsin’s Children Conference: Helping Children Thrive When Life Gets Tough. This free, virtual event is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 4, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. The conference sessions provide practical, research-based strategies for parents, caregivers, and professionals supporting children and teens. Topics include resilience, emotional regulation, mindfulness, preventing burnout, and supporting teen mental health. Register online at go.wisc.edu/raisingwi.
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Nominations open for Administrative Improvement Awards
Each year, UW–Madison celebrates members of our community who provide critical administrative support to our academic, research, and outreach mission. The awards recognize improvements in customer service, processes, effectiveness, or efficiency of administrative services that have saved time, improved service delivery, or provided other benefits. The nomination deadline is Sunday, Feb. 15.
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Call for proposals: 2026 Teaching & Learning Symposium
Faculty, academic staff, post-docs, and graduate students are invited to share the innovative ways they are enhancing learning and creating connections among students. Breakout session and poster proposals are being accepted for the 2026 Teaching & Learning Symposium: Cultivating Connection on May 14. Details are available at tlsymposium.wisc.edu/call. This year, there will be a special track of sessions as part of the Wisconsin Exchange, so submissions related to the topic of dialogue across diverse perspectives are encouraged. Proposals are due by Jan. 23.
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Upcoming online sessions for prospective volunteer tutors
The Volunteer Tutoring Program at UW‒Madison matches employees and visiting scholars with tutors who provide one-on-one instruction in English conversation, basic English skills for reading and writing, or learning about United States culture. Learners and tutors agree on the meeting times and locations that work best for them. Free online training for tutors is available. Informational sessions about becoming a tutor will be held online via Zoom on Thursday, Jan. 22 and Tuesday, Jan. 27. Advance registration is not required, and there is no obligation to volunteer after attending. UW‒Madison employees, students, and community members are all welcome to volunteer.
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Registration open for free parenting classes
The Office of Child Care and Family Resources offers free parenting classes to UW–Madison employees and students, as well as spouses and partners. These classes provide tools for navigating common parenting issues, promoting healthy child development, and improving well-being both at home and on campus. Registration for the Spring 2026 Series is now open and includes classes on tantrums and meltdowns, the power of play, digital-age parenting, practical support for speech, play, and feeding, and more. All classes are held virtually via Zoom on Thursdays from noon to 1:15 p.m.
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Bus service reduced and some parking rules waived for winter holidays
With some exceptions, UW parking permits will not be required on Dec. 24, 25, and 31, and on Jan. 1 and 19. Many parking rules will be waived on Dec. 26 and Jan. 2. Campus and city bus routes will operate reduced or modified schedules throughout UW winter break. For details, visit transportation.wisc.edu.
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Nominations open for faculty award for graduate student mentoring
The new Faculty Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Mentoring recognizes faculty members who demonstrate exceptional dedication to the growth, success, and well-being of graduate students at UW–Madison. This award highlights faculty whose engagement goes beyond standard advising expectations and reflects exemplary, evidence-based mentoring practices. Nominations are due Jan. 16.
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Survey invites feedback on campus lactation spaces
The Office of Child Care & Family Resources and UW Environmental & Occupational Health have completed an initial audit of campus lactation spaces for pumping and nursing parents. The audit sponsors are looking for feedback from current lactation room users to gather data on use of these spaces, and to help ensure that these spaces meet the needs of the campus community. Lactation room users are encouraged to complete the Lactation Room Feedback Survey by Jan. 31.
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Inclement winter weather overnight stay options for faculty, staff
The Fluno Center and the Wisconsin Union Hotel and Club Suites offer a special inclement weather rate of $60 per night now through March for UW–Madison faculty and staff. Inclement weather conditions include large amounts of snow, icy road conditions, or extreme cold. The issuing of hotel rooms at an inclement weather rate is subject to the discretion of hotel management. UW–Madison faculty and staff can call the Fluno Center at 608-441-7117 or the Wisconsin Union Hotel and Club Suites at 608-263-2600 to make an inclement weather rate hotel reservation.