News for Employees
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Employee Emergency Loan Program Launched
UW–Madison has established an emergency loan program to provide assistance to those employees who are experiencing financial hardship because they have been placed on Position-Specific Furlough or are working reduced hours in a Work-Share program. The loans are available at zero percent interest. For employees paid biweekly, the maximum amount of the loan is equal to their take home pay for two pay periods. For employees paid monthly, the maximum amount of the loan is equal to their take home pay for one pay period.
Although all aspects of the loan process can be completed online, employees can also arrange to pick up a paper application, drop off a completed application, or pick up a check for the loan amount. Important information, including the application form and promissory note, will be made available in multiple languages. Employees on voluntary leave without pay, voluntary reduction of hours, or Campus-Wide, Intermittent Furlough are not eligible for an emergency loan. Additional details and the application form are available at go.wisc.edu/i5t2kj.
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How to Report Furlough Time Used
All UW–Madison employees who are on Campus-wide, Intermittent Furlough are required to report their furlough time used. Reporting requirements vary depending on your employee classification. Detailed instructions are now available online on how to report furlough time. Furlough time will be reported under the Time and Absence module in MyUW. Employees are encouraged to report furlough time used as promptly as possible after their furlough days or partial days. If you have questions about this information, you can contact the Human Resources (HR) department for your school, college, or division. The Office of Human Resources also offers assistance at (608) 265-2257 or furlough@hr.wisc.edu. Furlough information is available at hr.wisc.edu/covid19/furlough.
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TSA Retirement Program Offers Live Webinars
The UW Tax-Sheltered Annuity (TSA) 403(b) Program is a supplemental retirement savings program that allows employees to invest a portion of their income for retirement on either a pre-tax basis, an after-tax basis (Roth), or a combination of both. Participation in the UW TSA Program is voluntary, with employees making the entire contribution; there is no employer match. Live webinars scheduled for May and June will provide information about the TSA Program and other topics related to budgeting, investing, and planning for retirement. A basic introduction to the TSA program is scheduled for Thursday, May 28, at 2 p.m. and Friday, June 19, at 11 a.m. The webinars are free, and registration is required.
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Where to Find Furlough Information
Information on employee furloughs, including answers to frequently asked questions, is available online at hr.wisc.edu/covid19/furlough. Key information is offered in English, Spanish, Hmong, Tibetan, Chinese, and Nepali. Employees will receive individual notification of their furlough status in the coming days. Employees who have questions are encouraged to contact the human resources (HR) department in their school, college or division. The Office of Human Resources also offers assistance with questions at 608-265-2257 or furlough@ohr.wisc.edu. For language assistance, contact Cultural Linguistic Services (CLS) at the direct line phone numbers found at hr.wisc.edu/cls.
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First Round of Parking Applications Now Open
Parking permit applications for parking year 2020–21 (Sept. 1, 2020–Aug. 31, 2021) are now open. UW Transportation Services is planning for a regular parking year where permits are required. Parking permit applications are open through June 5 for the first application period (“round one”). Round one parking offers will be emailed July 13–17 with an acceptance and purchase deadline of August 4. There are two additional rounds of offers in August. If you get an offer, you can decide at that time whether or not you want to purchase the permit. Bus passes and motorcycle, moped, afternoon, and night permits for the 2020–21 parking year go on sale August 1. For more information, visit transportation.wisc.edu.
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UW Certified Professional Coach Program Offers Free Coaching
The UW–Madison professional coaching program is offering UW–Madison employees free coaching services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Professional coaches work in partnership with clients, engaging them in a process that can maximize their personal and professional potential. A number of certified coaches who are graduates of the program, offered through the Division of Continuing Studies, have volunteered to support UW employees at this time. The free offer includes six confidential coaching sessions over the phone or via video within a three-month period. To arrange for free coaching, fill out the coaching services interest form. All coaching is confidential.
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Call for Proposals for Women and Leadership Virtual Sessions
The Women & Leadership Symposium 2020 has been canceled and will return in May 2021. In its place, Learning and Talent Development is offering 31 days of virtual learning on women and leadership for the month of August. These one-hour learning sessions will focus on finding your voice, building your voice, and putting your voice into action. Anyone who is interested in presenting a session is welcome to submit a proposal by Friday, May 29. Suggestions for topics or speakers can be emailed to conferences@ohr.wisc.edu. Additional details, including a list of possible topics, can be found at hr.wisc.edu/women-and-leadership/virtual-learning.
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Update Your Personal Information in MyUW
This is an important time to make sure that your personal information in MyUW is up to date. This includes your addresses, phone numbers, legal and preferred name, emergency contacts, and more. You are strongly encouraged to review and update your personal information in light of the current health crisis. This will help ensure that you receive important notices regarding benefits, pay, and UW employment. To review and update your home address and other personal information, log in to MyUW at my.wisc.edu and go to the “Personal Information” module. If you need assistance, contact your local Human Resources department at hr.wisc.edu/contact.
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Campus Mental Health Services Support Well-Being
UW–Madison employees are encouraged to take care of their mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. A number of campus-based resources are available that employees may find helpful. The Department of Psychiatry offers the UW Psychiatry COVID-19 Mental Health Resource Guide, a collection of online resources that offers expert tips, coping strategies, and tools to support well-being. LifeMatters also offers a collection of resources designed to enhance many aspects of well-being. When personal assistance is needed, UW employees, significant others, and their families have access to free, confidential counseling on personal or professional concerns from both the Employee Assistance Office and LifeMatters. The Employee Assistance Office (EAO) offers appointments for phone or video chats Monday through Friday during business hours. For 24/7 access to counselors, contact EAO partner LifeMatters. Visit hr.wisc.edu/employee-assistance-office for details.
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Financial Relief and Flexibility for TSA 403(b) Participants
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) includes provisions related to retirement accounts that offer both financial relief and flexibility to plan participants. The UW Tax-Sheltered Annuity (TSA) 403(b) has adopted these provisions. The CARES Act allows for distributions from the plan before December 31, 2020, with no early withdrawal penalties or mandatory withholding for a plan participant who has a COVID-19 event. The CARES Act also includes specific relief for participant loans from retirement accounts, including a temporary increase in the maximum amount participants can borrow and an extension on loan payment dates. Participants must have a COVID-19 event to be eligible. Additional provisions and requirements apply. Please note that the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) does not allow hardship distributions or loans. Contact your TSA provider for more information.