UW Facilities Employee Newsletter February 2021

UWF’s Stepping Stones to Success program gives employees the skills needed to advance toward supervisory positions. Each cohort runs weekly for 9 months, covering soft skills development, practical leader development, supervisory shadowing and a capstone project. Since COVID-19, we have worked to redesign the class for a Zoom experience. First up is a cohort of Building Services Department staff, who will be taking the class on Wednesdays through September 29. 

These employees are supported by their leadership, both for the time commitment to attend these classes as well as the technological support and access needed to engage in the virtual world. We are excited to have this cohort running again and to help these employees gain the critical skills needed for advancement in their professional aspirations.

Vaccine information: Not sure when you qualify for the vaccine, or where to get it? Read this summary of what we know so far or go to the UW vaccine information page.

Where to get tested: Everyone on campus is encouraged to sign up for the Husky Coronavirus Testing Program. Employees not enrolled in the program but who have symptoms or close contact with an infected person can get tested through UW Medicine by emailing the UW COVID-19 Response Team at covidehc@uw.edu or calling 206-616-3344. Testing is always free.

Employee Emergency Fund: Eligible employees may request up to $750 for a critical, temporary, and unforeseen financial hardship due to COVID-19. There are also additional child care funds available to on-site staff. Learn more and apply.

UW Libraries has put together a diverse list of podcasts, films, books, archival materials and more to celebrate Black History Month. There are additional resources listed in President Ana Mari Cauce’s blog post, “Black history is American history.”

Welcome to our newest employees: Carson Ivins, Carpenter, Shop 14, Maintenance & Construction; Cesar Colmenero, Electrician, Shop 53, Maintenance & Construction; Dipali Desai, Program Support Supervisor 2, Customer Experience; Jay England, Maintenance Mechanic 2 Shop 69, Campus Utilities & Operations; Jennifer Conner, Senior Computer Specialist, BIT; and Steven Walther, Transportation Helper, Materials Management. Kudos to Wayne Johnson, who has been promoted to Maintenance Supervisor 2, Shop 17, Maintenance & Construction. To read about other arrivals and departures in January, please click here.