News for Employees
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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.
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Jan. 4 Is Monthly Pay Date for December Earnings
For UW–Madison employees who are paid on the first of each month, the monthly pay date for December 2020 earnings will be Monday, Jan. 4, 2021. To avoid tax-related issues, the January 1 pay date for December earnings is paid in the new calendar year and must be the first “official banking business day” following the New Year’s holiday.
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UW–Madison’s Languages to Host Dec. 2 Meeting
UW-Madison’s Languages is an initiative to raise awareness of the value of multilingualism and to promote a more inclusive campus climate in which language is recognized as a key aspect of identity. The group will hold its second planning meeting via Zoom on Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 4 p.m. In this participatory meeting, three ad hoc working groups will be formed, each focused on a specific area. For more information on the ad hoc groups and to register for the planning meeting, visit languageinstitute.wisc.edu/uw-madisons-languages.
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TeachOnline@UW Spring and Summer Sessions
TeachOnline@UW is a free instructor learning community for those who are developing and plan to teach an online credit course. Participants explore research-based online course design and teaching best practices. Applications are due January 13 for the spring Plan & Design course and March 15 for the spring Facilitation & Management course. Summer dates are also available. For details and to apply, visit teachonline.wisc.edu.
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Employees Urged to Use Caution and Plan for Testing Around the Holidays
With COVID-19 cases rising locally and nationally, UW–Madison employees should be aware of the most recent public health guidance on holiday gatherings and travel. The university strongly encourages employees to avoid gatherings with people outside their immediate household. If you do choose to attend a gathering, make sure you are physically distanced, wear a face covering, and try to be outside as much as possible. Do not attend gatherings or travel if you have symptoms, are in isolation, or are in quarantine. The CDC offers additional information about safely celebrating the holidays this year, including recommendations regarding gatherings, travel, overnight stays, and more. Employees working on campus are encouraged to schedule a COVID-19 test before returning to work. Please note that some campus testing facilities will operate on reduced holiday schedules. Be sure to plan ahead, check all testing locations and hours, and make an appointment as soon as possible. For information about free COVID-19 testing options on campus,go to covidresponse.wisc.edu/testing.