UW Facilities Employee Newsletter October 2019

IT	IT support for your many needs: The IT Service Desk is here to help you with your personal computing needs. We offer everything from troubleshooting to purchasing and setup. If you have a UW Facilities-owned desktop, laptop or other device that’s not working right, let us know! Other services provided include basic software support, incident reporting for network and cybersecurity issues, triage, escalation and referral for any technology request.  Contact us by email at uwftech@uw.edu, by phone at 206-221-4297 or drop by University Facilities Annex 1 Building, Room 114. We are available Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Safety	The UW is StormReady: Together with partners across the campus, we have worked to improve our efforts to protect our people, infrastructure, and property from the effects of severe weather. No campus can be “storm-proof,” but whether snow hits in February or a lightning storm hits in the middle of a football game, our preparations make all the difference. The National Weather Service recently renewed our accreditation as a StormReady Campus. The criteria for certification include establishing a 24-hour emergency operations center, having more than one way to receive and send severe weather warnings, promoting public readiness and developing a formal hazardous weather plan. For more information about how the UW stays StormReady, please contact Barry Morgan, the Plans, Training and Exercise Manager for UW Emergency Management.
HR	Open enrollment coming soon: Open Enrollment is Nov. 1-30. During that time, you can make changes to your medical and dental plans. If you need assistance, UWF HR and UWF Payroll will be available to help. Specific dates, times and locations will be sent out soon.
Training	New onboarding orientation: Good news for new employees! Partner Resources has rolled out an orientation program for new hires that’s quicker, more efficient and a great way to be introduced to the UW and Facilities.   TED Talk highlight:  We recently featured the most amazing TED Talk presentation by Baratunde Thurston, on how to deconstruct racism, one headline at a time.  Did you miss out? A reminder that we meet each Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. at the Training Center for a riveting TED talk. Hear powerful ideas and stories that will help introduce you to new ideas and open your perspective. Bring your lunch if you like, and popcorn is on us.

• Nominations are now open for the annual Distinguished Staff Awards, part of the UW Awards of Excellence. Recognize your colleagues who exemplify passion for their work, drive innovation and make an impact in our community and beyond. Visit the Honors and Awards website for nomination deadlines and detailed information about specific awards.
   
• A round of applause to these recently promoted employees: Jeff Morrison, Maintenance Supervisor 2 Shop 34, Maintenance & Construction; Neil MacLeod, Program Support Supervisor 2 Surplus, Material Management and Troy Braxton, Maintenance Mechanic 2 Shop 54, Maintenance & Construction. For a complete list of recent staff transitions click here.

A barred owl was found with multiple injuries in September near the Allen Library. Thanks to some quick-thinking UW employees, including lead gardener  Steve Kryszko, the little guy was taken to PAWS for treatment. After recuperating, the “UW Owl” was returned to campus on Oct. 9! Check out this video from PAWS, with special guest appearance by President Cauce.  Photo: UW News.