Each year, UW–Madison and Universities of Wisconsin honor academic staff members for their achievements and dedication to excellence. The UW‒Madison Academic Staff Excellence Awards will honor ten individuals in eight categories. A new award this year, the WISCIENCE Lillian Tong Teaching Award, will alternate each year between honoring an academic staff member and a faculty member. In addition to the UW‒Madison awards, the Regents Academic Staff Excellence Awards will honor academic staff in two categories. Nominations, including self-nominations, are welcome from the UW‒Madison community. Resubmissions are encouraged and should include updated materials. Nomination materials for all awards should be submitted electronically and must be submitted by Jan. 29, 2024.

University Staff who used sick leave in 2023 may be able to change the type of leave they used and instead use personal holiday, floating holiday, vacation, or vacation carryover hours they have accrued. An employee may wish to consider a “sick leave swap” if they have unused leave that would expire at the end of the calendar year. Employees may also wish to consider swapping sick leave to reduce or maintain Income Continuation Insurance (ICI) premiums or to take advantage of deferred enrollment into the ICI program during the ICI Annual Review. Any requests to swap one type of leave for another must be submitted by Dec. 29, 2023. Employees should contact their local human resources office with any questions.

All employees are encouraged to make sure their address information is up to date prior to the distribution of tax forms such as the W-2 form. Please review your address and make any updates by Jan. 11, 2023, to guarantee that your address has been received in time for tax form distribution. To update your address, go to MyUW > Personal Information > Update My Personal Information. Employees may also consent to electronic-only W-2 and/or 1095-C Form delivery by Jan. 11, 2023.

LifeMatters and the Employee Assistance Office are offering a virtual webinar, The Winter Blues, on Monday, Dec. 18, noon-1 p.m. via Zoom. The transition into the winter season can bring lowered energy and a change in mood. Webinar participants will learn about the causes and effects of the winter blues, the difference between “the blues” and Seasonal Affective Disorder, and tips for individuals and families. The webinar is offered at no cost to all UW–Madison employees. Register online to receive the Zoom link. Learn more at eao.wisc.edu.