News for Employees
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Leave Policy for Voting
With Election Day approaching, employees are reminded of the UW–Madison policy regarding taking time off work to vote. In the unlikely event that employees cannot vote outside of work hours, they may vote during their scheduled work hours as long as they provide their supervisor with a written request prior to Election Day. Employees can arrange a flexible schedule that will allow them to vote, use their earned paid leave, or take an unpaid leave of absence (if unable to adjust their schedule or use earned paid leave balances). Details are available in the Leaves of Absence for Voting and Serving as an Election Official policy at policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-5059.
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Showcase 2023 Sessions Announced
The full schedule for Showcase 2023, sponsored by the Office of Strategic Consulting, has been announced. Ten different breakout sessions will be offered on topics such as facilitating organizational improvement using an Indigenous medicine wheel, uncovering project stakeholders’ needs, and emerging practices in leadership. The keynote address, “Enhancing Workplace Diversity and Driving Organizational Excellence,” will be presented by Deborah Biddle from The People Company. The event also features poster exhibits and poster flash talks highlighting improvements, innovations, and best practices that contribute to organizational excellence. Showcase will take place on Thursday, April 20, 8 a.m.‒3:45 p.m. at Union South and will include a buffet lunch. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Registration closes April 5. Visit showcase.wisc.edu for details.
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Google Workspace Storage Quotas Start Jun 1
Google introduced a new license and storage model eliminating free, unlimited storage. In response, UW–Madison is reshaping the Google Workspace service. Storage quotas will be implemented on all UW–Madison Google accounts beginning June 1, 2023. Details —including storage quota specifics, a project timeline, and information about storage quota exceptions —can be found on the Google Workspace IT project site.
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Become a Candidate for University Staff Congress
Seats are now open in the University Staff Congress. University Staff who would like to serve on the Congress are invited to declare their candidacy. Congress members meet with campus administration and have a voice in discussions about campus policy. Members meet once a month for a one-year term and participate without loss of pay. Elections will be held to determine the Congress representatives from each district. To become a candidate for Congress, send an email stating that you wish to run for Congress to John Lease, Secretary of the University Staff, at john.lease@wisc.edu. You can also visit the Office of the Secretary in 271 Bascom Hall during regular business hours. Language assistance is available. The last day to self-nominate is April 5 at 1 p.m. Learn more at ous.wisc.edu/elections.
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Regent Street Closure to Impact Travel Near Campus
Regent Street will be closed between East Campus Mall and Park Street this Friday through Sunday, March 24‒26. Traffic will detour via West Washington Avenue and South Park Street. Lot 29 (North Park Street Ramp) and Regent Street’s southern sidewalk will be open. Details are available at transportation.wisc.edu.
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Diversity Forum Seeks Proposals for Breakout Sessions
The Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement (DDEEA) is seeking proposals for breakout sessions for the annual Diversity Forum, scheduled for November 14‒15 at Union South. The theme for the 2023 Diversity Forum is “Bridging the Divide: Realizing Belonging While Engaging Difference.” The 75-minute breakout sessions — which can be workshops, panel discussions, or lectures — will be facilitated in person and streamed online for virtual attendees. Submissions are due April 30. More information can be found at diversityforum.wisc.edu.
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Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center to Open April 24
The Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center is scheduled to open on April 24 on the site of the old Natatorium. It will have spaces dedicated to wellbeing, strength and cardio equipment, a teaching kitchen, an ice rink, sports simulators, a rooftop fitness area and more. Meanwhile, the Shell’s last open day will be April 19. The last open day for the Frank Holt Center in Lakeshore will be April 2.
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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 2023 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 936 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 24. Learn more at go.wisc.edu/nominate-fpm.
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Fireside Chat with NSF’s Dr. Erwin Gianchandani
In a fireside chat on March 23, Dr. Erwin Gianchandani will share insight on the newly-formed Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) within the National Science Foundation. TIP advances use-inspired and translational research. The College of Letters & Science invites faculty and researchers to attend the event in the Discovery’s Building’s DeLuca Forum or virtually. Register by March 20 to reserve a seat or be sent a link to attend virtually.
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Registration Open for 2023 Teaching & Learning Symposium
The 2023 Teaching & Learning Symposium, “Fostering Belonging, Bridging Divides,” will take place on Tuesday, May 18, at Union South. The event brings together colleagues from across campus to share best practices, celebrate accomplishments, discuss new pedagogy, and explore ways to enrich the learning experience on campus. The keynote speaker will be Geoffrey L. Cohen, Stanford University professor and author of “Belonging: The Science of Creating Connection and Bridging Divides.” The event will also feature remarks by Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin and breakout and poster sessions. Register by May 2.