News for Employees
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Registration open for Information & Technology Leadership Conference
The 2024 Information & Technology Leadership Conference will take place on December 3, with virtual and in-person attendance options at no cost. Former University of Michigan CIO Laura McCain Patterson will be the keynote speaker. Fifteen sessions will address topics such as managing change, artificial intelligence, and team building. Attend in person at the Discovery Building (includes breakfast and lunch) or virtually via Zoom from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. In-person space is limited; early registration is encouraged.
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Leadership in the Lab supports emerging faculty leaders
Applications for the next cohort in the Leadership in the Lab series, which will begin Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, are now being accepted. Leadership in the Lab is a semester-long, cohort program designed specifically for early-career STEM faculty who are, or will be, leading a laboratory at UW–Madison. The series consists of a one-day in-person introductory session, followed by virtual, 90-minute weekly sessions in which participants learn about leadership essentials, explore tangible strategies, and engage in peer networking. Seats are limited; interested faculty should apply as soon as possible, and no later than Nov. 25, 2024.
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Construction to affect N. Park Street travel
In November, motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists will be affected by full and partial road closures on N. Park Street due to work on the new Irving and Dorothy Levy Hall. Metro Transit buses will detour. Travelers should plan ahead and expect delays, especially during peak travel times. Find details at transportation.wisc.edu.
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Diversity Forum invites online participation
There is still time to register for the 2024 Diversity Forum, Threads of Belonging: Navigating Differences and Building Community. Although in-person registration is now at capacity, registration for online participation is still open. Those who would still like to attend in person can also request to be added to the waitlist. Hosted by the UW–Madison’s Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement (DDEEA), the forum will take place at Union South on November 13 and 14. The Diversity Forum is free and open to the public. Register online.
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Change to Fair Labor Standards Act effective in January
The U.S. Department of Labor has increased the salary threshold for the Fair Labor Standards Act to $1,128 per week or $58,656 per year for a full-year worker. The new rules go into effect Jan. 1, 2025. Employees whose salaries fall below the new threshold must be paid hourly, report hours worked, and be compensated for overtime pay unless they qualify for a threshold exemption. Only employees with salaries above the threshold may be designated as salaried or “exempt” from overtime pay. Employees who are impacted by this change will be contacted directly by the human resources office in their school, college, or division. More details will be provided to these employees prior to the Jan. 1, 2025, effective date.
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Webinar teaches family communication skills
LifeMatters and the Employee Assistance Office are offering a free virtual webinar, Effective Family Communication, on Tuesday, Nov. 19, noon‒1 p.m. Participants will learn about nonverbal communication and listening, talking to kids, talking about tough subjects, and creating family talk time. Register online to receive the Zoom link.
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Lakeshore path public information meeting
There will be a public information meeting tonight, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 5:30–7:30 p.m., as part of a feasibility study on possibly paving and lighting the East Temin Lakeshore Path. The consultants completing the study will share their findings to date, show preliminary options, and gather feedback. The event will be held in the Frank Holt Center, 1650 Kronshage Drive, Madison, and is open to all members of the campus community.
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Helpful guidance in preparation for Election Day
With Election Day approaching, employees may have questions about engaging in political campaign and public advocacy activities on campus. Political Activity and Public Advocacy on Campus: Guidelines for Fall 2024 provides information on rights, restrictions, and resources. Employees and students should use this information to guide their decisions in this election season and to find answers to questions about permissible campaign and political activity.
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Nominations open for University Staff Pringle Award
The Pringle Award, named for Elizabeth S. Pringle, is an acknowledgment of University Staff excellence. The winner of the Pringle Award is selected from all submitted nominations reviewed by a five-person committee of University Staff Shared Governance. Nominations may be submitted by anyone and can be up to 600 words in length to tell the story of the nominee from the perspective of the nominator. Any employee designated as University Staff who has completed their final probation is eligible to be nominated. The winner of the award receives $1,000 in compensation (subject to normal tax deductions). Nominations should be sent to John Lease, secretary of University Staff, at john.lease@wisc.edu by 1 p.m. on Monday, November 11.
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UW–Madison policies address nepotism and consensual relationships
As part of UW–Madison’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a professional and respectful work environment, the university upholds policies on nepotism and consensual relationships. These policies outline the guidelines and expectations regarding employment and supervisory relationships among family members and close associates. These policies are in place to ensure fairness and transparency in our workplace, as well as to prevent any potential conflicts of interest or perceptions of favoritism. All members of the UW–Madison community are encouraged to review these policies and ensure that they are in compliance. The Nepotism policy is available at policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-5046 and the Consensual Relationships policy is available at policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-5048. A form to report possible conflicts of interest is available on both policy pages.