With some exceptions, UW parking permits will not be required on Dec. 24, 25, and 31, and on Jan. 1 and 19. Many parking rules will be waived on Dec. 26 and Jan. 2. Campus and city bus routes will operate reduced or modified schedules throughout UW winter break. For details, visit transportation.wisc.edu.

The new Faculty Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Mentoring recognizes faculty members who demonstrate exceptional dedication to the growth, success, and well-being of graduate students at UW–Madison. This award highlights faculty whose engagement goes beyond standard advising expectations and reflects exemplary, evidence-based mentoring practices. Nominations are due Jan. 16.

The Office of Child Care & Family Resources and UW Environmental & Occupational Health have completed an initial audit of campus lactation spaces for pumping and nursing parents. The audit sponsors are looking for feedback from current lactation room users to gather data on use of these spaces, and to help ensure that these spaces meet the needs of the campus community. Lactation room users are encouraged to complete the Lactation Room Feedback Survey by Jan. 31.

The Fluno Center and the Wisconsin Union Hotel and Club Suites offer a special inclement weather rate of $60 per night now through March for UW–Madison faculty and staff. Inclement weather conditions include large amounts of snow, icy road conditions, or extreme cold. The issuing of hotel rooms at an inclement weather rate is subject to the discretion of hotel management. UW–Madison faculty and staff can call the Fluno Center at 608-441-7117 or the Wisconsin Union Hotel and Club Suites at 608-263-2600 to make an inclement weather rate hotel reservation.

Working at UW will be on holiday break until our next issue is published on Wednesday, Jan. 7. See you in 2026!