In the Know Quick Links – Week of June 21, 2021

Resources for everyone

In memory:
  • With much sadness, we share the news that Henry C. Pitot, MD, PhD, passed away on June 9. He was a world leader in the field of carcinogenesis and served as the Director of the SMPH McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, also known as the Department of Oncology, from 1973-1991. Read more
HR update of note:
  • Now available: SMPH Remote Work Guide and tools for assessing whether a position is conducive to remote work. SMPH is committed to the foundational principle that UW–Madison is a vibrant residential campus and — where appropriate and in alignment with campus policy — the school also supports the use of flexible and remote work options for employees. The SMPH guide provides context on the UW–Madison Remote Work Policy, key dates for implementation, and steps for evaluation and approval. More information, such as how to enter a formal remote work agreement, will be released as it becomes available. See the guide
COVID-19 operational updates: 
  • The SMPH Summer 2021 Work Modality & Operations Plan is available. This plan provides a procedure for supervisors to notify SMPH HR about employees who are currently working entirely remotely and who will begin working on-site between June 1 and August 1, or who already have an on-site work notification on file but need to make changes for the summer. Read more
  • Action item: Upload your vaccination record if you did not receive your vaccine through University Health Services. If you were vaccinated off campus, including through UW Health, take these steps to upload your records. Knowing what percentage of our UW–Madison community is vaccinated helps university leaders plan and make decisions about campus operations and health and safety policies.
  • A recording of the June 14 virtual “Badgers Back Together” town hall hosted by University Health Services is available for viewing. Campus experts, including Ajay Sethi, PhD, MHS, associate professor of population health sciences, answered questions about upcoming transitions and offered guidance for safely reuniting later this year. Watch the video The next “Badgers Back Together” town hall will occur from noon-1 p.m. on July 22.
  • Many vaccination appointments are available for employees, students, and members of the public through University Health Services. Anyone age 12 and older can be vaccinated through UHS at the University Health Services (UHS) clinic on the sixth floor of 333 East Campus Mall. Sign up at go.wisc.edu/myuhs
  • Please read the June 24 message to employees, graduate/professional students, and undergraduate students about how the university plans to operate this fall.
  • Please read the May 11 message to employees and students describing campus operations this summer, and the June 2 message to all employees and students about changes to policies on events, face coverings, and outdoor physical distancing.
  • Face coverings will continue to be required regardless of vaccination status in certain areas of WIMR and HSLC. They should also be worn when interacting with research participants while conducting human subjects research and when engaging in clinical simulation activities. Barrier masks are required for staff, visitors, and patients in all UW Health facilities that provide clinical care or mixed clinical care and administrative functions.
  • UW–Madison has updated the sponsored travel policy for employees, guests, graduate students, undergraduates, and Registered Student Organizations (RSOs). The travel ban on university-sponsored domestic travel has been lifted. International travel remains restricted. Read more
  • UW Health offers information for patients, and a summary of vaccine information for UW Health employees on U-Connect
  • All members of the UW–Madison community should maintain green Badger Badge status throughout the summer, either through vaccination status or testing. If you have been vaccinated by University Health Services, your badge will turn green automatically and you should receive a message telling you this is due to your vaccination status. If anyone other than a UHS employee gave you your vaccination, you must upload your records following these instructions.
  • Room reservations in HSLC will only be taken for instructional purposes until the university releases updated guidance about classroom distancing and density requirements, and SMPH has determined how to operationalize this guidance in our school.
Non-COVID topics for all personnel:
  • Bike the State (BTS) 2021 began June 15: The BTS challenge provides an opportunity for members of the SMPH community to participate in an initiative to promote physical wellness through bicycling. This year’s challenge to cycle a distance equivalent to the width of the state (296 miles) will run June 15 through September 15, 2021. Learn more and register
  • View the delightful Spring 2021 issue of Corpus Callosum. This issue of Ebling Library’s journal of the arts features 32 entries including music, visual art and writings from students, staff, and faculty of the UW–Madison health sciences community. Access the issue here
  • Furlough reminder: Employees with furlough time obligations must record that time no later than June 30. An online calculator is available for checking your furlough balance. Only hours already approved by your supervisor will be reflected. Furlough obligations have been reduced by one day (8-hour equivalent).
  • The SMPH Shared Services IT group has created device connection guidance for employees who will be returning to on-site work locations. They advise taking a picture of your hardware and cable setup prior to coming back to the office. Read more and see a diagram for setup of Dell Desktops and Dell Docking Stations.
  • Transportation Services will resume regular parking operations September 1. To secure parking, you must apply before the June deadline. First-round applications for fall parking permits open through June 25, followed by Round 2 applications July 19-August 3 and Round 3 August 4-17. Anyone who wishes to obtain parking beginning September 1, including current permit holders, must apply for a 2022 permit. Current permits expire August 31. Learn more here. Questions? Email healthsciencesparking@mailplus.wisc.edu or leave a message at 608-263-7943.
  • A new cybersecurity awareness training has rolled out. The mandatory, microlearning format training must be completed by all UW–Madison faculty and staff (excluding graduate students and undergraduate student employees) by June 30. Students will undergo training this fall. Read more
  • Payroll schedule and benefits deductions changes coming in 2021: Beginning in July, employees who are paid monthly will be moved to a biweekly (every other week) pay schedule. Read more Also, SMPH HR/Payroll has put together a series of resources on Single Payroll and is offering one-on-one appointments with two payroll and benefits experts to answer your questions on the topic. Read more and schedule an appointment
  • Title and Total Compensation (TTC) Project: Staff job titles and compensation structures are being redesigned across all UW System campuses, and will be implemented November 7. See this update from the SMPH HR team. Many informational resources are available on the UW–Madison TTC Project website. Supervisors are encouraged to take advantage of online training. Register here Additionally, live virtual training sessions for managers will be offered in June and early July to prepare for effective employee conversations. During “Engaging Your Employees in the TTC Conversation,” supervisors will practice how to adapt communications to meet employee needs, empathetic listening to understand employee concerns, and ways to empower employees during change. Learn more and register
  • Visit the leadership search candidate page for details on candidate interviews. Visits have ended for the Chair of the Department of Medical Physics, Chair of the Department of Neuroscience, and Chair of the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, but recordings of the visits are available. Passwords to access recordings are “Neuroscience2021,” “MedMicroImm2021,” and “MedicalPhysics2021” for each respective search.
  • Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology position now open: The online position profile contains extensive information on this opportunity and a PDF is also available for download. Please recommend this opportunity to colleagues in the field of alumni relations and send suggestions to the search committee co-chairs. Read more 

Resources for researchers

  • Update for clinical researchers: The implementation of automated two-step billing has been delayed until September 1. It is still important for research teams that use Health Link to continue to link research encounters and orders. More information for research teams will be coming this summer.
  • Clinical studies update: Following the guidance provided by UW-Madison, while remote monitoring is still preferable, on-site research monitoring can be made available if a department feels it is necessary and appropriate. Monitors who will be on site at UW Health will need to work with the UW Health Vendor Liaison Office prior to arrival. Please direct questions about on site monitoring to the Clinical Research Office via rannow@wisc.edu.
  • Research funding opportunity: The Ride raises funds to support state-of-the-art cancer research at UW–Madison and is now accepting grant applications, with a deadline of August 15. Applicants must have a UW–Madison professor title series and be involved in cancer research in basic, translational, clinical, social/behavioral and population sciences. Read more and apply
  • The Office for Faculty Affairs and Development has released the Promotions Oversight Committee Guide and the SMPH Mentoring Guide. The Promotions Oversight Committee Guide provides clarity for departments, faculty and committees for the process of promotion from assistant to associate professor on the CHS and Tenure tracks. The Mentoring Guide gives an overview of mentoring functions and structures to support faculty development. It also offers tools and strategies for selecting mentors and meeting mentoring needs. This guide can be used by both faculty mentees and mentors.
  • The Office for Faculty Affairs is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the following 2021-2022 Pathways to Promotion workshops. These workshops may be attended multiple times. Contact ofad@med.wisc.edu with questions.
    • Pathways to Promotion 102 for CHS and CT track faculty, Monday, Oct. 18, 2021, 1-5 p.m. (virtual). For CHS and CT track faculty who expect to go up for promotion within the next year or two. Mentors are also welcome. Learn more and register
    • Pathways to Promotion Tenure, Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022, 4:30-6:30 p.m. (Location TBD). In-depth examination of the UW Madison promotion and tenure process from the perspective of UW–Madison and SMPH. Learn more and register
    • Pathways to Promotion 101 for CHS/CT track faculty, Monday, March 7, 2022, 1-5 p.m. (Virtual; in-person option TBD). Recommended for CHS and CT track faculty in their first few years at SMPH. Tailored to those who would like an introduction to promotion processes or have never attended a Pathways to Promotion seminar. Learn more and register
  • Principal Investigators: The SMPH Office of Research is your information source for funding opportunities. Bookmark these links:

Resources for medical educators and clinicians

  • Renewing Your WI Medical License? Need a transcript of your continuing education credits? Check out the following info from the Office of Continuing Professional Development (OCPD) for tips on how to access this information.
    • Log in to your ICEP Learner Profile (https://ce.icep.wisc.edu), click “My account”, and then “My Activities” to download a full listing of your credits earned since 2018.
    • Having trouble locating your account or want more information on downloading a credit transcript? View ICEP’s FAQ page for more information or contact the ICEP helpdesk at help@icep.wisc.edu.
    • Please note, if you are looking for a record of an activity that took place BEFORE January 1, 2018, or you are requesting a transcript for RSS sessions (Grand Rounds, Case Conference, Journal Club, etc.) that took place BEFORE June 30, 2018, please complete the CE Credit Reprint Request Form.
  • For healthcare providers utilizing telehealth: UW Health MyChart Video Appointments are replacing Vidyo for ambulatory video visits, although Vidyo will remain the inpatient platform. The enterprise Ambulatory MyChart Video Appointment go-live is scheduled for June 24, 2021. Find more information and training documentation here (requires VPN or UW Health login to access).
  • Blackboard Collaborate will no longer be available after June 30, 2021. Campus recommends instructors and staff begin using Zoom in place of Blackboard Collaborate starting this summer, if they have not already done so. Instructors teaching remote summer courses in particular should plan to use Zoom because the Blackboard Collaborate contract will end in the middle of some summer sessions. Read more
  • The Wisconsin Medical Journal (WMJ) is seeking to expand its pool of highly qualified reviewers. Volunteers are sought in all medical specialties, and there is particular demand for reviewers with an interest in public health. Reviewers are invited to review manuscripts electronically and are asked to submit reviews within 3 weeks. WMJ is a peer-reviewed, indexed journal owned jointly by SMPH and the Medical College of Wisconsin. Learn more and sign up
  • The Office for Faculty Affairs and Development has released the Promotions Oversight Committee Guide and the SMPH Mentoring Guide. The Promotions Oversight Committee Guide provides clarity for departments, faculty and committees for the process of promotion from assistant to associate professor on the CHS and Tenure tracks. The Mentoring Guide gives an overview of mentoring functions and structures to support faculty development. It also offers tools and strategies for selecting mentors and meeting mentoring needs. This guide can be used by both faculty mentees and mentors.
  • The Office for Faculty Affairs is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the following 2021-2022 Pathways to Promotion workshops. These workshops may be attended multiple times. Contact ofad@med.wisc.edu with questions.
    • Pathways to Promotion 102 for CHS and CT track faculty, Monday, Oct. 18, 2021, 1-5 p.m. (virtual). For CHS and CT track faculty who expect to go up for promotion within the next year or two. Mentors are also welcome. Learn more and register
    • Pathways to Promotion Tenure, Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2022, 4:30-6:30 p.m. (Location TBD). In-depth examination of the UW Madison promotion and tenure process from the perspective of UW–Madison and SMPH. Learn more and register
    • Pathways to Promotion 101 for CHS/CT track faculty, Monday, March 7, 2022, 1-5 p.m. (Virtual; in-person option TBD). Recommended for CHS and CT track faculty in their first few years at SMPH. Tailored to those who would like an introduction to promotion processes or have never attended a Pathways to Promotion seminar. Learn more and register
  • Continuing education credit is now available for three original research papers published in the latest issue of the Wisconsin Medical Journal, including “Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Pregnancy: Early Lessons From Our Sleep Pregnancy Clinic” by SMPH faculty and learners. N0-cost credit is available through the UW-Madison Interprofessional Continuing Education Partnership (ICEP). Look for articles that display a blue “CE” button at wmjonline.org, and to register, click on the “earn continuing education credit” links or visit the ICEP website. WMJ is a peer-reviewed, indexed journal owned jointly by SMPH and the Medical College of Wisconsin.
  • Faculty physicians: take action now to fulfill maintenance of certification (MOC) requirements by the end of the year. Earn MOC Part 4 credit for quality improvement work you’ve completed related to COVID-19 or other topics. Get started today by responding to this intake form, and direct questions to Cathy Means. The following courses are approved for MOC part 2 credit:

Resources and Upcoming Events: Anti-Racism and/or Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

  • A recap article about the June 15 virtual meeting titled “Planning for a New Approach to Diversity and Equity Transformation” is now available. The presenters discussed the school’s evolving approach to leadership of diversity and equity efforts and described two new positions that will be created. “Imagine the possibility of transforming SMPH into an academic medical center that is equity-minded, leveraging diversity as a human asset capital,” said presenter Angela Byars-Winston, PhD, professor of medicine. Read more
  • Two summer Global Health Tuesday webinars will be offered by the Global Health Institute. On June 29 from 4:30-5:30 p.m., a panel discussion titled “Toward Inclusive Sustainable Development and Global Health: The Contributions of Human Rights, Gender Analysis and Indigenous Knowledge” will be moderated by Lori DiPrete Brown, MSPH, MTS, associate director, Global Health Institute. The second webinar at 4:30-5:30 p.m. on July 27 will feature Syed Nabeel Zafar, MD, MPH, assistant professor of surgery. Dr. Nabeel Zafar will focus on global oncology. Read more
  • The Wisconsin Partnership Program has announced $2 million in funding to strengthen and expand the capacity of community-based organizations and community models of care to help improve the health of Wisconsin’s Black mothers and infants. Eligible community lead organizations must be a Wisconsin-based, nonprofit, IRS tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization, or a tribal or local government entity. Letters of intent are due June 28. Read the news release and details about the funding opportunity
  • The UW Health Equity Leadership Institute (HELI) will be offered as three virtual sessions between May and August. The first session was May 27 featuring three UW HELI alumni and their community partners discussing their work, its impact, and how the efforts of health equity scholars may have value in work you do and settings you operate in. A recording of that session is available. Registration is now open for the second session on July 16 from 9-10:30 a.m. titled “Thriving as an Early $tage Investigator: The Untold Do’s and Don’ts.” Register
  • Save the date: Ruth Shim, MD, MPH, Associate Dean of Diverse and Inclusive Education at the University of California–Davis, will deliver the Psychiatry Department’s annual Greenfield Memorial Lecture in person on Sept. 16 at 5:30 p.m., and will present a Grand Rounds talk on Sept. 17 at noon. The talks will focus on the topic of structural racism in medicine and in the field of psychiatry. Read more
  • Save the date: A virtual Women’s Health and Health Equity Research Lecture & Symposium will be presented by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology on October 14, 2021. Read more
  • The School of Medicine and Public Health has published two case studies through the Association of Academic Health Centers that highlight the school’s work in diversity, equity, and inclusion. The first case study is focused on the Native American Center for Health Professions (NACHP) and describes the center’s extremely successful strategies for recruiting and retaining American Indian and Alaska Native students.The second case study is focused on two pre-health/pre-medicine pathway programs: the Rural and Urban Scholars in Community Health (RUSCH) and the Health Professions Shadowing Program (HPSP).
  • SMPH members shared their expertise during the 2021 Global Health Symposium, which was titled “Fostering Resilience Through Indigenous Wisdom and Scientific Knowledge.” It was co-hosted in April by the Global Health Institute and the SMPH Native American Center for Health Professions. View the video recordings
  • In April, a panel of student affairs professionals gathered to discuss strategies for supporting Asian and APIDA students at UW–Madison. They explored specific needs and cultural considerations when working with Asian and APIDA students. In addition, the video description has numerous resources for further learning. Watch the video
  • Continuing education credit is now available for four papers published in the recent special issue of the Wisconsin Medical Journal focused on the impact of race and racism on health. No-cost credit is available through the UW-Madison Interprofessional Continuing Education Partnership (ICEP). Look for articles that display a blue “CE” button at wmjonline.org, and to register, click on the “earn continuing education credit” links or visit the ICEP website. WMJ is a peer-reviewed, indexed journal owned jointly by SMPH and the Medical College of Wisconsin.