News for Employees
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University Staff Have Until End of Year to Swap Sick Leave
University Staff who used sick leave in 2022 may be able to change the type of leave they used and instead use personal holiday, floating holiday, vacation, or vacation carryover hours they have accrued. An employee may wish to consider a “sick leave swap” if they have unused leave that would expire at the end of the calendar year. Employees may also wish to consider swapping sick leave to reduce or maintain Income Continuation Insurance (ICI) premiums or to take advantage of deferred enrollment into the ICI program during the ICI Annual Review. Any requests to swap one type of leave for another must be submitted by Dec. 30, 2022. Employees should contact their local human resources office with any questions.
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There’s Still Time to Make a Difference through Partners in Giving
This year’s Partners in Giving campaign draws to a close on November 30. On the Partners in Giving website, you can learn about 10 ways your donation can make a difference—here in Madison, across the state, nationally, and even internationally. There are several ways to give; you can make a pledge online using payroll deduction, a credit/debit card, or PayPal, or you can send your contribution in the mail. If you plan to use payroll deduction, please complete your gift by Nov. 30, 2022. Learn more at giving.wi.gov.
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Dec. 31 Deadline for University Staff to Request Leave Conversion
Eligible University Staff employees have an annual opportunity to bank set amounts of unused vacation or vacation carryover hours and/or elect to receive a cash payout. All banking or payout requests must be submitted no later than Dec. 31, 2022. Employees cannot bank or receive a cash payout for personal and legal holidays. Employees can review their leave balances and submit their vacation leave banking request in MyUW at my.wisc.edu. To check leave balances, go to MyUW > Time and Absence > Timesheet > Absence Balances. Conversion Eligibility will be displayed between the Posted leave balances and the Projected leave balances. Instructions on how eligible employees may enter requests to bank unused vacation time or receive a cash payout are available online. Employees who need assistance should speak with their supervisor or local human resources contact.
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Employees Encouraged to Self-Report Demographic Information
Recently, UW System sent an email encouraging all employees to report or update self-identification information (race, ethnicity, disability, and veteran status). This information can be updated at any time by using the Personal Information application in MyUW at my.wisc.edu. The information is treated as confidential and will not be kept in employment files or records. Submission of this information is voluntary. This information helps ensure that UW–Madison has the most up-to-date and accurate information for government reporting and assessment of workforce diversity efforts. When used, data will not identify any specific individual. Learn more at go.wisc.edu/self-id.
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University Staff Must Use Floating Legal Holidays by Dec. 31
In 2022, there are three floating legal holidays for eligible employees: January 1, December 24, and December 31. A floating legal holiday occurs when a legal holiday falls on a Saturday. University Staff employees must use all floating legal holidays they are have earned in 2022 by December 31, 2022. For University Staff employees, a floating legal holiday must be used by the end of the calendar year in which it was earned. If it is not used, it is lost and cannot be carried over into the new calendar year. Eligible Faculty, Academic Staff, and Limited appointees must use all floating legal holidays they have earned in 2022 by the end of the fiscal year on June 30, 2023.
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Some Campus Parking Restrictions Waived on Friday
Transportation Services will waive some parking restrictions this Friday, November 25, to accommodate bus riders unable to easily travel to campus during Madison Metro’s reduced holiday service. Most surface parking lots will not require a permit in unsigned permit stalls. For details, visit transportation.wisc.edu.
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Inclement Weather Rates for Overnight Stays
The Fluno Center and the Wisconsin Union Hotel and Club Suites are offering a special inclement weather rate of $60 per night for UW–Madison faculty and staff throughout the winter months of November–March during times of inclement winter weather. The facilities are offering this rate to provide the UW community with an affordable, safe alternative to a potentially dangerous commute. To book a guestroom at an inclement weather rate, call the Fluno Center at 608-441-7117 or the Wisconsin Union Hotel and Club Suites at 608-263-2600. Limitations may apply.
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Help Make UW–Madison a Drug-Free Workplace
All faculty and staff are encouraged to contribute to a drug-free workplace. You can do this by learning the facts about substance abuse, encouraging others to avoid substance abuse, and knowing where you or others can go for help with a drug or alcohol problem. The laws and expectations regarding substance abuse apply to all members of the UW–Madison campus community. You can review this information and find resources for drug and alcohol abuse prevention at go.wisc.edu/j15c7c.
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Staff Climate Survey Results Released
Responses to the 2022 Staff Climate Survey indicate high rates of employee satisfaction and identify opportunities for future focus and improvement in the work environment. The survey, sponsored by the UW–Madison Offices of the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, was available in electronic and paper versions and in six languages. A summary of the survey findings is now available online. A final report with detailed analysis of the survey responses will be released in the coming months. Next steps include soliciting feedback on the results and identifying strategies for improvement.
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Holiday Schedule for COVID-19 Testing and Antigen Test Kits
Faculty, staff, and students who want to get tested for COVID-19 or pick up an antigen test kit prior to leaving campus for the Thanksgiving recess should make plans now. University Health Services will be closed beginning November 24. No-cost PCR testing will be available by appointment on November 21–23. PCR test results are usually back in 48 to 72 hours. In addition, those with a current Wiscard are eligible to pick up one no-cost antigen test kit at 333 East Campus Mall each week. Please check for distribution times. COVID-19 PCR testing and antigen test kit distribution on campus will resume on Monday, November 28. To learn more, go to covidresponse.wisc.edu/testing.