News for Employees
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Loans Available to Help with Transition to Biweekly Pay
UW–Madison is offering short-term, interest-free loans to employees to help with the change from a monthly payroll schedule to biweekly pay. The loan program is designed to provide some financial relief to those employees who may be most impacted by the transition to biweekly pay that will take place in July and August. The loan application period is open through August 15; employees who wish to receive their loan funds on July 30 should apply by July 15. No loan funds will be distributed prior to July 30. Loan repayment will be via paycheck deduction for a one-year period starting in October 2021. Details about eligibility, loan amounts, and loan terms are available at hr.wisc.edu/single-payroll/employee-loan-program.
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Watch for Phishing Emails
The UW–Madison Office of Cybersecurity is aware of two active phishing campaigns on campus in which attackers impersonate UW–Madison employee support units. The email messages ask recipients to click a link to visit a fake COVID-19 benefits site, promising financial assistance. Please be on the lookout for such scams. Do not click the link in these emails, change your NetID password immediately if you accidentally click the link, and report any emails that look suspicious.
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Summer 2021 parking and transportation options
Employees who are planning to work on campus before Sept. 1, 2021, can review the Summer and Fall 2021 Parking and Transportation Guide, which outlines possible commuting options for different work schedules. Certain 2020-21 permits and passes — including employee bus passes and reduced and low-cost parking options — are available to purchase online or at a Transportation Services office. Many costs are prorated to the date or purchase. Availability will vary and may be limited. Parking year 2020-21 permits and passes are valid through Aug. 31, 2021. Learn more at transportation.wisc.edu/summerfall2021guide.
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Pop-up Vaccine Clinic on Friday
University Health Services (UHS) will hold a pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Friday, June 18, at the Kohl Center, Gate C, from 8:30–noon and 1–3 p.m. The one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be administered. No appointment is needed.
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Last Chance to Participate in Financial Planning Workshop
UW Credit Union has been offering a free online workshop, “Your Spending and Saving Plan,” to UW–Madison employees. The workshop focuses on managing personal and family finances, including at times of transition. The last virtual workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, June 22, 5–6 p.m. Registration is required and can be done up until the time the workshop starts. Learn more about this and other resources to help with the transition from monthly to biweekly pay at hr.wisc.edu/single-payroll.
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Resources Help Employees Prepare for the Transition to Biweekly Pay
Beginning in July 2021, all UW–Madison employees will be moved to a biweekly pay schedule. This change standardizes the payroll schedule for all UW System employees. Employees have access to a number of tools and resources at hr.wisc.edu/single-payroll to help them prepare for this change. Several online tools enable employees to view pay schedules for 2021 and 2022, as well as estimated paycheck amounts. Those who wish to estimate their new paycheck amounts can use the Paycheck Estimator tool. The Pay Date Model displays gross earnings by pay date based on an employee’s annual salary. Employees are encouraged to use these resources to help with the personal financial planning associated with the change from a monthly to a biweekly payroll schedule. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 608-265-2257 or send an email to 2021payrollchanges@ohr.wisc.edu.
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June 14 Town Hall to Address Upcoming Campus Transitions
University Health Services will be hosting a virtual Town Hall entitled “Where we are now” on Monday, June 14, noon–1 p.m. Campus experts will provide information about reuniting on campus and changing public health guidance. With safe and effective vaccines now available to everyone age 12 and older, all members of the campus community will need to navigate these transitions together. The Town Hall will be live on YouTube at go.wisc.edu/covidtransition and will be captioned and interpreted. A recording of the presentation will be available for viewing on covidresponse.wisc.edu.
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Mid-Year Changes to Healthcare FSA and Dependent Day Care Accounts
Flexibility has been added to Healthcare FSAs and Dependent Day Care Accounts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. For Healthcare FSAs, the annual carryover limit has been increased to $1,000 (from $550) from plan year 2020 to plan year 2021. In addition, a number of changes are in effect for Dependent Day Care accounts, including an increase in the age limit for qualifying dependent children, an added annual carryover limit, and an increase in the annual contribution limit. There is also a one-time opportunity to increase one’s annual contribution to a Dependent Day Care account without a qualifying life event outside of Annual Benefits Enrollment in the fall. The deadline to submit a completed form is June 30. For questions about your FSA account, contact Optum Financial / ConnectYourCare at 833-881-8158. For questions on your FSA payroll deductions or on submitting a Dependent Day Care change form, contact your local HR department.
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Legal Holiday Falls on July 5 This Year
UW–Madison will observe a legal holiday for Independence Day on Monday, July 5. When a legal holiday falls on a Sunday, the legal holiday is observed and UW–Madison is closed on the Monday following the legal holiday.
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Policy Changes Address Face Coverings on Campus and More
Effective June 2, fully vaccinated people will no longer be required to wear face coverings in most indoor spaces on the UW–Madison campus. Unvaccinated people should continue to wear face coverings indoors. Masks are not required in outdoor settings; however, those who are not vaccinated are encouraged to wear them when physical distancing is not possible. Physical distancing is no longer required outdoors for vaccinated people. Individuals who are not vaccinated should maintain 6 feet physical distancing outdoors and if physical distancing outdoors is not possible, wear a face covering. The indoor physical distancing requirement remains at least 6 feet, regardless of vaccination status. No-cost vaccination is available on campus at University Health Services.