News for Employees
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COVID-19 Holiday and Travel Guidance
Everyone who travels should assume that they have come in contact with the virus and should follow health guidelines to support reduced transmission. Try to schedule a COVID-19 test five business days before you travel to allow enough time for your test results to be returned. Those who are staying in Madison or Dane County should review the current public health order regarding gatherings and limit close contacts. More information is available at uhs.wisc.edu/covid-19-holiday-guidance.
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Plans for Spring Semester Include Increased Testing
The university has adopted new measures to enhance the safety of the campus community during the spring semester. These measures increase the scope and frequency of COVID-19 testing. Proof of recent negative test results will be needed in order to access campus facilities and services. Chancellor Blank’s Dec. 11 message to employees is available in multiple languages. Additional details will be released as they become available. Please visit covidresponse.wisc.edu regularly for updates.
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Second Round of Employee Furloughs to Begin in January
Most UW–Madison faculty and staff will participate in a second round of Campus-wide, Intermittent Furloughs in the first half of 2021. The furlough structure in Round Two is identical to Round One, with the furlough obligations based on an employee’s annual pay rate. Every employee who will participate will receive a notification letter confirming their furlough obligation. Learn more at go.wisc.edu/9434z5.
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Pay Plan Increases and Other Wage Changes
Under the 2019–2021 pay plan, most employees will receive a 2 percent wage increase effective in January 2021. In addition, a new $15 minimum wage for University Staff will be effective as of Jan. 17, 2021. More information is available at go.wisc.edu/6wt5hn.
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Wiscard Office Open on Select Dates in January
The Wisconsin Union’s Wiscard Office team will hold in-service hours 9 a.m.–4 p.m. on Jan. 4, 7, 11 and 14. The remainder of Union South will remain closed Dec. 19, 2020–Jan. 19, 2021. For more information about hours and services, visit wiscard.wisc.edu.
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Campus Inclement Weather Guidelines
With winter weather approaching, faculty and staff are encouraged to review the university’s inclement weather guidelines. During the current pandemic, these guidelines apply to employees working on-site, not to those working remotely. Only the chancellor can close campus. Individual colleges and schools will not close unless the whole campus is closed. Employees are advised to use discretion regarding their health and safety and that of family members. A summary of the inclement weather guidelines, including leave options and policies in the case of weather-related absences, is available online in multiple languages. Find the details at go.wisc.edu/74j769.
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Federal Emergency Paid Leave Provisions Set to Expire on Dec. 31
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) was enacted on April 1, 2020, and provided paid leave entitlements to qualifying employees who were unable to work or telework for specific COVID 19- related reasons. (Telework is defined as work you perform while you are at home or at a location other than your normal workplace.) These paid leave provisions are set to expire on Dec. 31, 2020. After Dec. 31, 2020, employees who are unable to work or telework for COVID 19-related reasons will continue to have a variety of leave options available to them. However, employees will need to use their own accrued leave during their absences in order to receive pay. A summary of leave options for leave related to COVID-19 is available at go.wisc.edu/tu7624. This resource will be updated to reflect the leave options that remain after the FFCRA provisions expire. Learn more at hr.wisc.edu/covid19/emergency-leave.
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Diversity Forum Offers Session Replays
This year’s virtual Diversity Forum, “The Pandemic Effect: Exposing Racism & Inequities,” explored a convergence of issues from racial equity and social justice to health care disparities and COVID-19’s impact on marginalized communities. Sessions from the two-day conference are now available for replay and can be accessed by registering at go.wisc.edu/df20replay. Diversity Forum Resources include handouts, presentations, links, and other resources from each session. Go to diversity.wisc.edu to learn more.
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Holiday Food Sale Offers Takeout Items
Dining and Culinary Services at University Housing is offering holiday foods such as appetizers, pizza, sushi, and holiday cookies for pre-order and takeout. All orders will be available for pick-up at curbside at Carson’s Market through December 18 between 4:30–5:30 p.m. When you place your order, you will select a pick-up date and time. Please note that there is a three-day miniumum time period between when you place your order and when you pick up. Orders close on Tuesday, Dec. 15 at noon.
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COVID-19 Testing Available in December with Some Holiday Closures
University Health Services (UHS) has issued its on-campus COVID-19 testing schedule for December. Please plan ahead and allow for upcoming holiday closures of test sites. If you traveled for Thanksgiving and returned to the Madison area, assume you have been exposed to COVID-19. UHS recommends that you be tested 3–5 days after your return, and a second time 10–12 days after your return. If you are an employee working on campus, limit your contact with others until you know your test results are negative. Details about the different tests, testing locations, and scheduling an appointment can be found at covidresponse.wisc.edu/testing.