News for Employees
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Blend@UW Offers Course Design Sessions
Instructors can now apply for a one-week Blend@UW course design session in January. Blend@UW helps instructors design blended and technology-enabled courses that foster deeper, more active learning for students. Participants include instructors at all stages of their teaching careers. Sessions will be held January 6–10 and January 13–17, 2020. Applications are due December 13 for the January sessions.
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You Can Contribute to a Drug-Free Workplace
All faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to help make UW–Madison a drug-free workplace. You can do this by learning the facts about substance abuse, encouraging others to avoid substance abuse, and knowing where to go for help with a drug or alcohol problem—either for yourself or someone else. Please familiarize yourself with the laws and expectations regarding substance abuse, which apply to all members of the UW–Madison campus community. Visit go.wisc.edu/j15c7c for more information.
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UW to Increase Minimum Wage to $15 Per Hour
UW–Madison will increase the minimum wage for the university’s hourly employees to $15 per hour, effective in the spring of 2020. The higher minimum wage strengthens UW–Madison’s commitment to paying a fair wage for all employees. It will also enable the university to compete more effectively in tight labor markets. The increase in the minimum wage will primarily affect workers in custodial, animal care and food-service positions. It will not affect temporary or student employees. The timing of the increase will align with the rollout of the Title and Total Compensation (TTC) Project. In this redesign of title and compensation structures, UW positions are being compared to similar positions at other public and private sector employers in order to create a market-based pay structure.
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UW–Madison Launches Standard Job Description Library
UW–Madison has launched the Title & Standard Job Description (SJD) Library, featuring new market-matched job titles and job descriptions. The library will continue to evolve as changes are made based on feedback from employees and managers, as well as updated market information. The library and other resources are available on the TTC Project website. Visit go.wisc.edu/ttcproject.
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Event Celebrates Native American Culture
There will be a celebration of Native American Culture and Heritage on Thursday, Nov. 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Union South. Hot food and beverages will be served. All UW–Madison employees are welcome to attend and may do so with no loss in pay. Advance registration is not required. This event, which is sponsored by the Campus Workers Collective, is free and open to the public.
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Policy and Procedures for Drone Use on Campus
UW–Madison has a policy related to the use of unmanned aircraft systems, also known as aerial drones. Due to safety and privacy concerns, flying for recreational or hobbyist uses is not permitted on UW–Madison premises. In addition, UW–Madison adheres to Federal Aviation Association (FAA) guidelines and prohibits certain uses without waivers, such as flights over people, flights at night, and more. Faculty, staff, students, contractors, and affiliates wishing to use drones for UW–related education, research, and non-academic purposes must receive approval in advance. Pilot and flight applications should be submitted in ARROW, a research oversight platform, for review and approval.
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TTC Project Forums to Be Held Next Week
Informational updates on the Title and Total Compensation (TTC) Project will be held at various times and locations during the week of November 11. In addition, a live online forum will be offered on Wednesday, Nov. 20. The November Forums will provide an update on manager and employee engagement, and introduce the UW job library and new standard job descriptions. There will be time for questions and answers. All UW–Madison employees are encouraged to attend a November Forum in person or online. A recorded session will be available on the TTC Project website following the events. For forum details and to learn more, visit go.wisc.edu/ttcproject.
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Nominations Open for Academic Staff Excellence Awards
The UW–Madison Academic Staff Excellence Awards will honor nine extraordinary individuals in several categories, including excellence in teaching, service to the university, research, leadership, public service and outreach, dedication to excellence, and career achievement. Nominations are now being accepted and must be submitted by January 10, 2020. Resubmissions are encouraged and may include updated materials. If you have any questions, please email pdrc@soas.wisc.edu or contact Jake Smith at 263-2985.
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Section of Observatory Drive to Close
A section of Observatory Drive will be closed from November 11–22 due to construction. East-west traffic will detour to Linden Drive by using Easterday Lane or Elm Drive. Some Madison Metro Transit bus routes will be affected, including campus bus routes 80 and 84. Bus stops on Observatory Drive between Babcock Drive and Easterday Lane will be closed during construction. Temporary bus stops will be available on Linden Drive near the Veterinary Medicine building, the Livestock Laboratory, and Babcock Hall. Project dates are subject to change. For more details on campus road closures and detours, visit the Transportation Services website at transportation.wisc.edu.
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Free Course Teaches Conflict Management Skills
A half-day course on “Modes of Conflict Management” is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 14, 9 a.m.–noon in Ingraham Hall, Room 220. Participants will learn how to understand and manage interpersonal conflict. Tools and techniques for addressing a variety of conflict situations will be provided. The free course is offered by Learning and Talent Development and is part of the Fully Prepared to Lead professional development program for UW–Madison faculty and staff.