Employees can find information on UW–Madison’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic online at covid19.wisc.edu. The site offers information on campus operations and services, health guidance, travel, workplace issues, and more. In addition, the Office of Human Resources has a website dedicated to human resources issues at hr.wisc.edu/covid19. This website provides information on issues such as reporting to work, telecommuting, leave policies, health and well-being, and more. UW employees are encouraged to visit both covid19.wisc.edu and hr.wisc.edu/covid19 regularly and to check these sites for answers to frequently asked questions.

In December 2019, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released a new Form W-4 designed to help employees better estimate accurate tax withholding throughout the year. Completion of this new form is not required; however, some employees may be able to avoid having too much or too little federal income tax withheld by completing a new W-4 form. Employees are encouraged to review the new form and their individual tax situation. The IRs offers a Tax Withholding Estimator that can help you determine how to have the correct amount of tax withheld from your paycheck. Employees who wish to complete a new Form W-4 may do so online via Self Service. To view your current tax withholding information and make any changes, go to MyUW and click on “Update W-4” in the Payroll Information module. A tip sheet for completing the form is also provided.

A new online series, Connect, Learn and Grow, offers online learning and connection for UW–Madison employees. The series will feature a variety of speakers and topics, with a new episode posted online each Wednesday. Episodes will continue to be available online after they are posted. In the first episode, real UW employees have a conversation about what they are doing to find balance and motivation in these challenging times. Connect, Learn and Grow is one of several offerings available at no cost in the Virtual Learning program from Learning and Talent Development.

The Ombuds team serves the UW–Madison community with confidential guidance with work-related challenges, whether they relate to the new challenges presented by COVID-19 or to other issues. During the “Safer at Home” order, the Ombuds team is available via phone and video chat. Ombuds work with UW faculty and staff to collaboratively explore concerns, clarify issues, and consider options and resources. The services of the Ombuds office are available at no cost to all UW faculty and staff, including graduate students and post docs. To set up an appointment, leave a voice message at 608-265-9992, or send an email to uwombuds@mailplus.wisc.edu. A member of the Ombuds team will respond within 24 hours. For more information about Ombuds, visit ombuds.wisc.edu.