News for Employees
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Limited Vaccinations to Begin at UW–Madison
A safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine arrived this week in Dane County. UW Health will vaccinate eligible employees at UW–Madison who are dually appointed. UW–Madison students and employees who are not affiliated with UW Health but who are eligible for the initial phase of vaccination, or Phase 1a, will receive an email from University Health Services shortly with more information. Phase 1a includes health care workers and employees who are in direct contact with COVID-19 patients or who have direct contact with the virus or virus specimens. Anyone who believes they should be vaccinated under Phase 1a because they meet the criteria above but who do not receive an email from UHS this week should email uhs@uhs.wisc.edu with subject line “Phase 1a eligibility” and include their full name, contact information, and a description of their eligibility. More information about COVID-19 vaccination will be available at covidresponse.wisc.edu.
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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.