If there is intent for an employee to work remotely on or beyond Sept. 1 as an ongoing arrangement, an approved remote work agreement must be in place. If an approved agreement is not in place by Sept. 1, plan to work on site. If your role is within scope of the policy and you desire to work remotely on or beyond Sept. 1, please take action now so that colleagues with approver responsibilities have adequate time to review your request.
The employee must initiate the agreement. No one else (including supervisors or HR colleagues) can initiate the agreement request on behalf of the employee.
This is a digital form and workflow. Instructions about how to initiate a remote work agreement request are described in Step 4 of the SMPH Remote Work Guide. Step by step instructions for accessing the form on the my.Wisc.edu portal are available here.
Any employee who had a longstanding, pre-pandemic telecommuting agreement and who intends to continue remote work will need to submit a request using the new form and process. Pre-pandemic telecommuting agreements are no longer valid.
Update to policy: On Aug. 13, the policy was revised. Individuals who hold zero-dollar appointments are no longer in scope.
New: Effective August 30, employees and students who have not shared proof of COVID-19 vaccination with UHS will be required to test weekly on campus. Those who are required to test weekly but fail to do so will be held accountable. Affected students and employees will receive an email message with more details. If you are vaccinated and have not shared your record with UHS, do so now. Read more
Reminder: As of August 9, UW–Madison has returned to pre-pandemic guidelines for configuring campus spaces. Additional spacing to promote physical distancing is no longer be required. Classrooms and other spaces are operating at full capacity. Read more
The Safer Badgers app has retired. Testing is by appointment only through the MyUHS app or the MyUHS web portal. Read more about the new MyUHS app. By-appointment testing site locations are the UHS clinic at 333 East Campus Mall and Union South. Read more
Effective Thursday, August 5, all students, employees and visitors to the UW–Madison campus are required to wear masks when inside campus buildings. This universal masking requirement for indoor locations applies to SMPH facilities. Read the announcement for employees and students. Several new or updated FAQs relating to face coverings have also been released on topics such as consequences for refusing to wear a mask indoors, and whether instructors can require students to wear masks.
UW Health has returned to a universal masking requirement in all facilities, which was announced on August 2 and went into effect August 3. Read more on U-Connect (requires UW Health login or VPN to view)
Recordings of the June, July, and August employee town halls for UW–Madison employees are available.
The August 12 employee town hall on “Making sense of Delta, vaccines, and where we are now” provided a thoughtful discussion among panelists Carol Griggs, PhD, director of operations, University Health Services; Jonathan Temte, MD, PhD, MS, associate dean for public health and community engagement; and Ajay Sethi, PhD, MHS, associate professor of population health sciences. Watch the recording. The August 12 town hall for instructors on “Navigating fall 2021 return” included insight from Dr. Griggs and Dr. Temte, who were joined by Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning John Zumbrunnen and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Lori Reesor. Watch the recording
July and June town hall recordings are also available.
Ordering Personal protective equipment (PPE) for your workplace: If you need to place an order for PPE items such as face masks, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, mask fitters, or face shields, these items can still be ordered from the MDS warehouse through ShopUW+ at no cost to campus units. Contact your department fiscal specialist for help with placing orders. For questions on access to the ShopUW+ system, please contact your department fiscal representative or reach out to the Dean’s Office transaction team.
A cart with masks and disinfecting wipes is in the HSLC atrium near room 1335 (see photo). Employees are welcome to take supplies for use in their unit. The cart will be re-stocked regularly. Hand sanitizer dispensers are present in all common areas and at facility entrances.
Many vaccination appointments are available for employees and students at University Health Services in their clinic on the sixth floor of 333 East Campus Mall. Sign up at go.wisc.edu/myuhs
Several FAQs about have been added to the UW–Madison Covid Response website. Read more
UW–Madison has updated the sponsored travel policy. The travel ban on university-sponsored domestic travel has been lifted. International travel remains restricted. Read more
Room reservations in HSLC are being prioritized according to standard guidelines. Physical distancing requirements are no longer in effect.
Non-COVID topics for all personnel:
Mark your calendar for Monday, October 11 for the Fall Faculty/Staff Meeting. The meeting will take place from 4:30-5:45 p.m. Attend in person in Health Sciences Learning Center room 1335 or virtually via Zoom. Get more information and submit a question
Newest issue of Quarterly online: In 2020, the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences celebrated 50 years of innovations in curing and mitigating blinding diseases. That milestone is the focus of the cover story in the latest issue of Quarterly, which not only pays tribute to some of the department’s visionary leaders and myriad achievements, but also offers a glimpse toward the future. Read more
Photo essay: Photographers from Media Solutions have captured images recently of some spaces and places on west campus. Check out a gallery showing life in and around the Health Sciences Learning Center and Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research. View the images
All are invited to tune into the 2021 White Coat ceremony for first-year medical students on Friday, Aug. 20 at 3 p.m. on the school’s Facebook page.
Share your thoughts: provide input on internal communications in SMPH, such as the In the Know It will help the SMPH Office of Strategic Communications better serve our school community. Fill out the survey
The UW–Madison Office of Human Resources has released resources about remote and hybrid work including FAQs, courses and toolkits on managing hybrid teams, information on remote work technology, and more. Access their page
Important UW Health construction update: An upcoming project will impact University Hospital front entrances and travel routes from August-December 2021. Employees and providers should avoid the main drive and both the Clinics and Hospital entrances at University Hospital during construction. Clinics entrance will be closed August 16 to December 31, 2021. Staff entry from Parking Lot 75 will be limited. Read more on the UW Health U-Connect intranet (requires VPN or UW Health login to access).
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
The SMPH Shared Services IT group has created device connection guidance for employees returning to on-site work. 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.
Parking permit updates: Deadlines for all rounds of permit applications have passed. Current permits expire August 31. Learn more here. Questions? Email healthsciencesparking@mailplus.wisc.edu or leave a message at 608-263-7943.
Payroll schedule and benefits deductions changes: Employees who are paid monthly have been moved to a biweekly (every other week) pay schedule. All employees at UW–Madison are now on the same biweekly payroll schedule (see timelines for employees paid over 12 months and 9 months, respectively). Read more
Supervisors are encouraged to take advantage of online training. Register here
Live virtual training sessions for managers are being offered 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
The UW–Madison Office of Human Resources hosted forums on the Title and Total Compensation (TTC) Project on August 10 and 11. Slides from the presentation are available here.
SMPH invites applications and nominations for the position of chair of the BerbeeWalsh Department of Emergency Medicine. Please share the position information with qualified candidates in your professional network and/or send their names in for nomination. Read more about this search.
Candidate visits for the Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology position have begun and will continue in August and September. See details here.
Visit the leadership search candidate pagefor details on candidate interviews for other searches. Visits have ended for the Chair of the Department of Medical Physics and Chair of the Department of Neuroscience. Passwords to access recordings are “Neuroscience2021″ and “MedicalPhysics2021” for each respective search.
Resources for researchers
Research funding opportunity: Applications are being accepted through September 10 for the 2021 Fall Research Competition. The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education will select research projects across each faculty division — biological sciences, physical sciences, social sciences and the arts and humanities. Tenured professors and associate professors, tenure-track assistant professors and permanent PIs are eligible. Learn more and apply
The latest issue of Faculty Central, the newsletter from the Office of Faculty Affairs and Development, is available. Read the newsletter and sign up to receive future issues.
Clinical Trials Community of Practice: All principal investigators, clinical providers and scientists interested in conducting clinical trials are invited to join the next meeting on August 19 from 12-1 p.m. Guest speakers will present on building infrastructure and capacity at UnityPoint Health Meriter. Learn more and get the event link
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.
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 for faculty mentors and mentees 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.
The Office for Faculty Affairs is offering 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:
Nominations are open for the annual UW Health Physician Excellence Awards, with a deadline of September 13, 2021. The winners in seven award categories will be announced at an event on November 30. Consider nominating a dedicated and skilled physician who demonstrates exceptional skills in clinical practice, education and leadership, and a commitment to the mission, vision, and values of UW Health. More information and nomination form available here on U-Connect (requires UW Health login or VPN to access)
The Office of the Provost has released a new web resource about Fall 2021 instruction. It is primarily intended for who have instructional duties, focusing on how campus COVID-19-related policies and guidelines impact instruction. Read more
Effective August 14, MyChart eCheck-In for UW Health clinics includes an additional question related to screen sharing consent in the “Questions Related to the Virtual Visit” questionnaire and the Telemedicine Consent activity for all video visits. Clinic managers will receive additional communication and training resources, and questions may be directed to Health Link Ambulatory Operations. Read more on U-Connect (requires UW Health login or VPN to access)
The latest issue of Faculty Central, the newsletter from the Office of Faculty Affairs and Development, is available. Read the newsletter and sign up to receive future issues.
The Wisconsin Medical Journal (WMJ) has posted five new papers online ahead of print, including a review by SMPH faculty and learners that explores perceptions and practices regarding childhood trauma and screening for adverse childhood experiences. WMJ is a peer-reviewed, indexed journal owned jointly by SMPH and the Medical College of Wisconsin. Read more and subscribe here
For eldercare providers: the Wisconsin Update in Geriatric Medicine will take place virtually September 21-24. Designed for providers who care for older adults, the conference features an in-depth, knowledge-based review and opportunities to ask questions and interact with speakers. Continuing education credit is available, and attendees will have access to sessions for 45 days after the event. Learn more and register, and follow the event on Twitter
New clinic focusing on diagnosing rare genetic disorders: The Center for Human Genomics and Precision Medicine has launched the UW Undiagnosed Genetic Disease Clinic and Research Program, which aims to improve the health and well-being of individuals with undiagnosed genetic disorders, particularly those who are suspected of living with a genetic disease who have remained undiagnosed despite an extensive clinical workup. Clinicians may refer patients using this form. The clinic is now seeing patients.
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.
The Wisconsin Medical Journal (WMJ) is seeking to expand its pool of highly qualified reviewers. Volunteers are sought in all medical specialties. 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 for faculty mentors and mentees 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.
The Office for Faculty Affairs is offering 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 available for three original research papers published in 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
WISELI and the SMPH Office of Faculty Affairs and Development are offering “Searching for Excellence & Diversity: A Workshop for Faculty Search Committees” on September 13, 12:30-3:30 p.m. The workshop aims to increase the excellence and diversity of applicant pools, reduce bias in applicant evaluation, improve interviewing processes and create an increasingly diverse and excellent faculty body. All members of SMPH faculty search committees and staff who assist search committees are encouraged to attend. Registration is required, and if the September 13 date is not convenient, other sessions are available this fall that are open to all schools and colleges. Download a flyer (PDF) and Learn more
Nominations for 2021 UW–Madison Outstanding Women of Color Awards are now open, with a deadline of Sept. 13. The awards honor women of color among UW–Madison faculty, staff, students (undergraduate or post-baccalaureate), and in the greater Madison community, who have made outstanding contributions to social justice, service, scholarly research, and more. Learn more and nominate someone from SMPH
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. A second session on July 16 from 9-10:30 a.m. was titled “Thriving as an Early $tage Investigator: The Untold Do’s and Don’ts.” Stay tuned for a recording, and for information about the final session.
Note – date change: 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 on October 20 at 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Discovery Building, 330 N. Orchard St. The talk will focus on the topic of structural racism in medicine and in the field of psychiatry. Read more
A virtual Women’s Health and Health Equity Research Lecture & Symposium will be presented by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology on October 14. 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).
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.
