Quick Links for In the Know

For everyone   For researchers For medical educators and clinicians

Anti-racism and/or diversity, equity and inclusion

• Reminder: All employees who engage in remote work of any kind must have a current and approved Remote Work Agreement on file: The SMPH Remote Work Guide provides more details and instructions, such as how to enter into an agreement for the first time or check the expiration date of a current agreement, as well as how a supervisor and employee should review it.
• The med.wisc.edu website is being redesigned over the next year. This important project will ensure the site effectively supports the school’s strategic goals and aligns content with target web audiences including prospective SMPH students. Additional goals include improving user experience, optimizing content maintenance, and ensuring that the site to can be accessed by all users regardless of factors such as visual, auditory, or neurological ability, device type, or internet speed. Learn more at the SMPH Web Strategy site
• Make a habit to check and update your emergency contact info and other personal information in MyUW periodically. Faculty and staff can update their information in HRS by signing into MyUW, selecting the “Personal Information” tile, and clicking “Update My Personal Information.” Students can update information in SIS in the Student Center in MyUW. Read more
• Did you know? Lactation rooms are available in many SMPH facilities, such as the UW Medical Foundation Centennial Building (MFCB), Health Sciences Learning Center (HSLC), and Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research (WIMR). There are also numerous lactation rooms in UW Health facilities. A list of SMPH and nearby UW Health lactation rooms is available here

• Assistance for NIH-supported researchers: Effective for applications starting Jan. 25, 2023, all NIH-supported researchers producing scientific data must submit a data management and sharing plan as part of their proposals. To assist with this major change, data management specialists in collaboration with Ebling Library are offering NIH Data Management and Sharing Drop-In Sessions for spring 2023.
• Calling all researchers: The SMPH Research Administration & Proposal Development Office (medRAMP) seeks examples of successful grant proposals for its Grants Library Repository. The repository provides examples of funded research, career development, and research training grant applications to increase grant writing efficiency at our institution. To submit a proposal, complete the SMPH Grant Library Consent form. Individuals can also request access to the grants library. medRAMP is housed in the Office of Basic Research, Biotechnology and Graduate Studies.
• New Animal Protocol Writing Service offered at Biomedical Research Model Services (BRMS): BRMS has experienced staff who can transfer non-UW animal use protocols into UW–Madison’s Application for Research Review Oversight at Wisconsin (ARROW) system or amend existing protocols. This service will save new and existing investigators time, accelerating the start of new studies.

• U-Connect, UW Health’s intranet, has a section with information for clinicians and advanced practice providers.
• Religious observances and academic flexibility reminder: As instructors and students review class schedules this semester, now is the time to note any need for academic flexibility due to religious or cultural observances. The SMPH health professions programs (MD, MPH, DPT, MPAS, MGCS) provide specific instruction to students regarding religious observances, aligned with UW–Madison policy, and in consideration of the unique characteristics of clinical education settings. Students should plan ahead and refer to their program handbook for specific details.
• University Health Services (UHS) mental health services are available, confidential, easy to connect with, and no cost to students: As a reminder to students, student advisors, teaching faculty, and other mentors, UHS resources are available to all students. An Access Appointment is the first step to individual and group counseling. Other opportunities such as Let’s Talk, Thrive Workshops, Connecting Badgers, and a 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Support Line are also available. Common issues UHS can help address include test anxiety, sleep, procrastination, stress, depression, relationships, and more.
• New policy released pertinent to clinical departments hiring dually-employed faculty: SMPH Policy 3020, Faculty Relocation for Clinical Departments, defines and establishes the school’s requirements for the procurement and payment of faculty household relocations and costs associated with indefinite work assignments.
• Continuing medical education opportunity with Wisconsin Medical Journal (WMJ): Gain American Medical Association credit for free with any of the WMJ courses available in the ICEP Portal. Topics include rural residence as a predictor of better health outcomes, quality of diet in children with developmental disabilities, and how faculty and medical students’ perceptions of learning differ.

• Office of Diversity and Equity Transformation launches Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at SMPH: ERGs are voluntary, employee-led groups that foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with organizational mission, values, goals, business practices, and objectives. ERGs do this by focusing on the experience and perspectives of people of a particular race, ethnic or cultural background, gender, gender identity, religion, age cohort, sexual orientation, history of disabilities, military services, or similar parameters. This program, which has been operating successfully at UW Health for two years, is now open to SMPH employees. Learn more
• The Microlearning Facilitation Resources from the Office of Diversity and Equity Transformation have been added to Canvas: The resources are built for groups to start facilitating conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion topics. All faculty and staff have access to them. The series is a resource for engaging in regular 20- to 45-minute discussions to strengthen awareness and a common purpose around DEI at SMPH as well as build connection and community on teams. We all have a role in creating an antiracist and inclusive culture at SMPH, and this discussion tool can support you in doing this critical work. If you would like to consult further about how to use these resources, please reach out to Naomi Takahashi.
• Explore evidence-based teaching practices for fostering inclusion, belonging, and achievement: The Center for Teaching, Learning & Mentoring is offering professional development opportunities for faculty, instructors, and graduate assistants. Flexible formats are available. Register now for Teaching at UW: Foundations and Enhancing Online Education.
• AAMC publishes medical education competencies for diversity, equity, and inclusion: These cross-continuum competencies help educators design or adapt curricula and aids educators and learners in their individual professional development and diversity, equity, and inclusion journeys. In August, AAMC will host two forums to discuss these medical education competencies. Read more
• SMPH diversity, equity, and inclusion web-based modules now available: 22 modules developed by the Office of Diversity and Equity Transformation are open for self-enrollment on Canvas. The learning modules cover antiracism, equity tools, and bias in healthcare. Enroll on Canvas and click “Go to the Course” to access the modules
• “Badge backer” card provides tips for preventing and responding to microaggressions: Developed by the Office of Diversity and Equity Transformation, this resource is a printed, foldable card that can fit right into your ID badge holder. The card includes key response strategies to interrupt microaggressions, discrimination, and bigotry to make it clear that we value and stand behind our learners, staff, and faculty. Request badge backers using this form
• How can I help make the university more inclusive to our community members with disabilities? A new campus website called Accessibility @ UW–Madison provides a central location for campus accessibility answers. Read more