Beginning February 19, the Office of Strategic Consulting will launch a new slate of virtual professional development sessions as part of its Ignite: Fueling Organizational Excellence and In Scope: Managing Projects at UW–Madison series. These sessions are designed to help faculty and staff build the knowledge and skills needed to improve efficiency, address challenges, and advance strategic priorities. Spring session topics range from making the most of meetings to leading projects in turbulent times. Sessions are free, but registration is required.

Nominations are open for the annual Awards for Mentoring Undergraduates in Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities, recognizing faculty members, groups of mentors, academic staff, post-doctoral fellows and graduate students for the outstanding work they do in mentoring undergraduates in their areas of professional activity. These awards provide $2,000 of university expendable funds (supplies and expenses) as well as recognition during the 2026 Undergraduate Symposium. Nominations are due March 3.

UW is working with Public Health Madison & Dane County and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to investigate a confirmed measles case in a student. The student lives in an off-campus apartment in Madison and is recovering after receiving medical care, but it is possible others were exposed to the virus. University Health Services (UHS) is providing guidance to all members of the UW community to help prevent further spread of the disease. Visit uhs.wisc.edu/measles to learn more.

The Working Families Tax Cut Act will affect employees who were paid overtime in 2025. Employees who received qualified overtime compensation in 2025 may be able to deduct the pay that exceeds their regular rate of pay (such as the “half” portion of “time-and-a-half” compensation). For 2025, employees have received an email indicating the amount of their overtime pay that may be deductible for 2025. The email has been sent with the subject line “2025 – Overtime Earnings.” This amount will not be displayed on W-2 tax forms this year. If you have questions, please send an email to GetHelpUW@support.wisconsin.edu.