News for Employees
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Planning for Campus Parking and Transportation
Parking offers for those who submitted a 2020–21 parking application before June 26 are being emailed July 20–24. Those who wish to accept and purchase their offers must do so by August 4. The next opportunity to apply is from July 20 to August 4. Employee bus passes, multi-day passes, emerti passes, and motorcycle, moped, afternoon and night permits go on sale August 1. Additional deadlines can be found on the Transportation Services website.
In light of changing circumstances, including an increase in telecommuting, Transportation Services has expanded its flexible parking options. The Flex Parking program, which is on a “pay-as-you-go” basis, has been expanded to offer more permits, and a new multi-day parking pass is available. Transportation Services has created a Smart Restart Hub that provides current information on parking, bus services, campus shuttles, biking, walking, and other forms of transportation. Visit transportation.wisc.edu to learn more.
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Help Make UW–Madison a Drug-Free Workplace
All faculty and staff are encouraged to contribute to a drug-free workplace. You can do this by learning the facts about substance abuse, encouraging others to avoid substance abuse, and knowing where you or others can go for help with a drug or alcohol problem. The laws and expectations regarding substance abuse apply to all members of the UW–Madison campus community. You can review this information and find resources for drug and alcohol abuse prevention at go.wisc.edu/j15c7c.
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Protect Yourself from COVID-19 Contact Tracing Scams
Contact tracing is the process of identifying who has been exposed to people who have tested positive for a disease. Contact tracing is now being used in the fight against COVID-19. UW employees should be aware that scammers are posing as contact tracers in order to commit identity theft. You may receive a scam text message asking you for personal information, such as your social security number, bank account, or credit card number. A legitimate contact tracer will never ask you for money or personal information. Do not click on any links sent to you by someone claiming to be a contract tracer. Scams related to COVID-19 testing are also increasing. The Federal Trade Commission offers more information in English and Spanish at consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/05/covid-19-contact-tracing-text-message-scams.
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Resources to Answer the Call to Action
The Division of Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement (DDEEA) at UW–Madison hosted a virtual event, “Committed to Change: A Call to Action,” on July 8, 2020, with more than 1,800 people attending. Speakers from business, education, government, health care, and the nonprofit sector participated in the conversation about racial inequity. A video recording of the event is available at go.wisc.edu/calltoaction. Those who wish to learn more can refer to DDEEA’s resource page.
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Well Wisconsin Adds New Options for Earning Incentive
The Well Wisconsin program, administered by StayWell, enables employees and their spouses who are enrolled in the State Group Health Insurance Program to earn a $150 incentive for completing certain activities designed to maintain or improve health. All required activities must be completed by October 9, 2020, in order to earn the incentive. Many on-site biometric screenings have been cancelled due to the pandemic. In response, new ways to meet the requirements have been added, including a preventative dental exam (for those enrolled in State Group Health with Uniform Dental) and a phone call with a health coach. In addition, at-home screening test kits can be requested from StayWell through September 25, 2020. Log in or set up an account on the StayWell website at wellwisconsin-staywell.com to get started, or contact StayWell toll-free at 1-800-821-6591.
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Gradual Reopening Includes Select Campus Facilities
Some UW–Madison facilities are reopening on a limited basis, with new safety requirements such as masking and physical distancing in place. Facilities that are now open in a limited capacity, by reservation/appointment, include Allen Centennial Garden and Memorial Library. The Chazen Museum of Art will reopen to the public with limited hours on July 14. In addition, all child care facilities on campus are now open, including Eagle’s Wing, UW Child Development Lab, Waisman Early Childhood Program, and Little Chicks Learning Academy. Per campus guidelines, all visitors, students and employees at all campus locations must wear masks or face coverings and practice physical distancing of 6 feet.
The reopening of these facilities is part of a plan known as “Smart Restart,” aimed at fully reopening campus for a hybrid of face-to-face and remote instruction beginning on Sept. 2. The gradual reopening process is being coordinated by campus leaders and public health experts. All UW employees should wait for instructions from their dean, director or supervisor before reporting back to campus. Information about the Smart Restart plan is available online at smartrestart.wisc.edu.
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Flexibility Added to FSA and Dependent Child Care Accounts
UW–Madison employees who are currently enrolled in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Dependent Day Care Account now have the flexibility to make a mid-year change to either of these accounts without a qualifying life event (such as marriage or birth of a child). From July 1, 2020, until August 31, 2020, employees have a one-time opportunity to increase or decrease their annual contribution to an existing FSA or Dependent Day Care Account. Employees who wish to make a mid-year change must complete an Election Request Form. In addition, the amount employees may carry over for healthcare FSA has increased by $50 effective January 1, 2021. Employees may now carry over up to $550 from the 2020 plan year to the 2021 plan year. These changes were made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Support for Working Remotely
Instructors can take advantage of a variety of professional development opportunities to enhance their remote teaching this summer. These include a weeklong essentials bootcamp, TeachOnline@UW, self-guided materials, and support for recording lectures.
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July 4 Is a Floating Holiday This Year
July 4 is designated as a floating holiday this year because it falls on a Saturday. For University Staff, floating holiday time can be used any time during the calendar year it is earned. This year, the floating July 4 holiday needs to be used before December 31, 2020. For Faculty, Academic Staff, and Limited employees, the July 4 floating holiday can be used any time during the fiscal year in which it is earned, but must be used by June 30, 2021.
Employees who are on furlough will earn the floating holiday at their pre-furlough level. Employees may choose to report furlough on both the scheduled work day before and after the holiday and will still earn the July 4 legal holiday. For most employees, the scheduled work days before and after the holiday are Friday, July 3, and Monday, July 6. Employees who are filing for unemployment benefits should record the floating holiday pay on the weekly unemployment claim certification for the week the floating holiday is used, not the week it is earned. If you have questions, please speak with your supervisor or your human resources representative.
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Virtual Learning Session Teaches New Approaches to Conflict
The newest episode in the Connect, Learn and Grow series, “Recognizing and Addressing Conflict,” is now available online. This recorded session teaches intentional strategies that can be used to transform conflict from a dreaded experience into an opportunity. Participants will learn new strategies for approaching conflict and will be given activities to deal with conflict effectively. The Connect, Learn and Grow series offers virtual learning and connection at no cost to UW–Madison employees. Learning and Talent Development, which sponsors the series, is inviting ideas for future topics and speakers. Suggestions may be submitted to conferences@ohr.wisc.edu.