News for Employees
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Changes to UW–Madison Box Service Explained
DoIT has compiled an extensive list of frequently asked questions about the future of the UW–Madison box service, the new quotas, and alternative storage recommendations.
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COVID-19 Dashboard Launched
A new, online dashboard provides information to the UW–Madison community and the public about the results of COVID-19 tests among faculty, staff and students. The dashboard, found at smartrestart.wisc.edu/dashboard, is updated daily at 2 p.m. It provides information such as the number of tests performed on campus, the percentage of campus tests that are positive, positive cases identified both on and off campus, and cumulative data. UW–Madison will not disclose names or other information that could potentially identify a person who has tested positive for COVID-19.
When positive cases are detected, UW–Madison has a protocol in place to manage them. This protocol includes directing anyone who tests positive to self-isolate, conducting contract tracing to notify anyone believed to have been in close contact with someone who tested positive, and cleaning and disinfecting areas
as needed. For additional information about UW–Madison’s comprehensive plan for resuming campus activities, visit smartrestart.wisc.edu. -
Parking and Transportation Updates
September 1 marked the start of the 2020-21 parking year at UW–Madison. Campus parking enforcement has resumed for all parking lots. Anyone parking in a campus lot will need to use a 2020–21 parking permit, a parking pass, or a visitor parking option. Shuttles have resumed operations and free campus bus routes (80, 81, 82, 84) have started fall semester service. Other Madison Metro Transit routes are collecting fares again. Employee bus passes for 2020–21 are available through Transportation Services. All buses and shuttles have public health measures in place, including extra cleaning and disinfecting of the vehicles and a requirement to wear face coverings. More details are available at transportation.wisc.edu/smart-restart-hub.
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New Online Tool Provides Furlough Balances
UW–Madison employees who are on Campus-wide, Intermittent Furlough can now check their furlough balances online using the Furlough Calculator at hr.wisc.edu/covid19/furlough/calculator. The calculator shows an employee’s furlough requirement, furlough time used, and balance remaining. Furlough time used and reported will display in the calculator the day after the furlough report has been approved by one’s supervisor. Employees are encouraged to report furlough time used as promptly as possible. If you have any questions, please contact the Human Resources department in your school, college, or division, or contact the Office of Human Resources at 265-2257 or furlough@ohr.wisc.edu. Additional information about furlough is available at hr.wisc.edu/covid19/furlough.
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Free Face Coverings Being Provided to All Employees
All UW–Madison employees are being provided with three reusable cloth face coverings to wear as they return to campus. All schools, colleges and divisions with employees returning for on-site work are encouraged to place orders now. As a reminder, all employees are required to wear either a reusable cloth face covering or a single-use disposable mask while inside campus buildings unless working alone in a laboratory or office space. Face coverings are not required outside unless it is not possible to maintain proper physical distancing.
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Employee Flu Shots Available Soon
Flu shot clinics for UW–Madison students and employees will take place on campus in September and early October. Please wear a face covering to your appointment and bring your insurance card. Many healthcare insurance plans allow for direct processing of payments. Otherwise, there will be a $25 fee for the flu shot. Spouses, partners, and children of employees are not eligible to receive flu shots at these clinics. Flu shot appointments can be made online at schedule-my-flu-shot.as.me/uw-madison.
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Guidance for Employees with Childcare Concerns
Employees who are parents, guardians, or caregivers may face challenges this fall as K-12 students attend school virtually and as childcare facilities close or reduce numbers. To lessen these challenges, UW–Madison has issued guidance on workplace flexibilities for employees who are working on site or telecommuting. If you have concerns about caring for a child due to in-home virtual learning or a lack of childcare, you are encouraged to first contact your supervisor to discuss your situation and explore possible flexibilities. You may also contact the human resources department at your school, college, or division. Every employee concern will be individually evaluated based on duties, work environment and workplace needs. Learn more at go.wisc.edu/84g8ux.
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Bus Route Changes and Public Health Measures
Changes to campus bus routes operated by Madison Metro Transit took effect this week in a return to fall semester service. Daytime service via Routes 80 and 84 has been changed to better accommodate demand. Late night Routes 81 and 82 have also been adjusted. To protect public health, face coverings will be required of all riders other than those needing accommodations. Capacity limits will be in effect, and yellow “trailer buses” will travel behind each Route 80 and 84 bus to provide overflow capacity. Buses will also receive extra cleaning and disinfecting. For details, visit transportation.wisc.edu/smart-restart-hub.
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Campus Leaders to Discuss Smart Restart on Friday
A Smart Restart update for the full campus community will take place on Friday, Aug. 21, 9–10:30 a.m., on YouTube. Chancellor Rebecca Blank and other university officials will provide an update on the university’s plans for resuming campus activities. Questions for the panelists may be sent in advance to smartrestart@vc.wisc.edu. Last week, an Employee Forum on Smart Restart featuring Chancellor Blank and others aired live on Aug. 13. This session is now available for viewing on the UW–Madison YouTube channel.
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Use This Tool to Self-Monitor for COVID-19 Symptoms
All members of the UW–Madison community are expected to monitor themselves daily for symptoms of COVID-19. An online COVID-19 Symptom Tracker has been developed by University Health Services to make symptom self-monitoring easier. The tracker asks a few simple questions and provides recommended next steps based on the user’s responses. UW–Madison is not collecting or storing any personal information entered into the Symptom Tracker. Employees, students, contractors, and campus visitors and guests are all welcome to use this tool. Find the Symptom Tracker at healthscreen.wisc.edu.