UW-Madison extended its carried-over vacation day deadline this week to October 9, 2021, for Faculty, Academic Staff and Limited Appointees who have 12-month appointments.
UW-Madison extends vacation carryover for employees
The Daily Cardinal
Author: gbump
2 million Americans have been repaying their federal student-loans for 20 years
MarketWatch
“You’re working with a small number of people in the first place who were in it,” said Nicholas Hillman, an associate professor in the school of education at The University of Wisconsin-Madison. “A lot can happen in your life in 25 years; to whittle it down to 32 at the end, 32 people who must have stuck with that bureaucratic mess over this period of time, in some ways that’s not at all surprising because it’s a gauntlet.”
Other States Seek to Emulate Wisconsin’s Wolf Massacre
Sierra Club
Dr. Adrian Treves, a professor of environmental studies at UW-Madison and founder of the Carnivore Coexistence Lab, says the hunt was problematic for many reasons, but a few stand out. First, it throws off last year’s wolf count, which would have been used to create a new wolf management plan. “The data is now unreliable because a wolf that might have been counted could very well be dead by now,” says Treves.
Wisconsin Has Wasted Few COVID-19 Vaccine Doses, Data Shows
Wisconsin Public Radio
Providers at 167 sites reported losing at least one dose through February, with a median loss of five doses per site.
Ajay Sethi, a public health and infectious disease epidemiology researcher at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, called those figures impressive.
How to Debunk Misinformation about COVID, Vaccines and Masks
Scientific American
In a 2015 study, Leticia Bode and Emily K. Vraga, both then at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, found that this kind of corrective juxtapositioning can reduce users’ misperceptions.
In the 608: UW Med Flight sharing positive perspective from high in the sky
Channel 3000
There’s a group of frontline workers going into work with a positive outlook every day, even in the middle of the pandemic. The UW Health Med Flight team is showing us a different point of view, many of us will never get the chance to see.
UW experts offer perspective on recent Faculty Senate fossil fuel divestment resolution
Badger Herald
Earlier this month, the University of Wisconsin’s faculty senate passed a non-binding resolution urging the UW Foundation to do the same with the $3.3 billion endowment it manages on behalf of the university. In addition to divestment, the resolution calls on UW and the UW Foundation to disclose its financial stake in fossil fuels and take carbon footprint into account in their purchases.
UPDATED: UW announces increased vaccine eligibility for staff, students, future eligibility depends on supply
Badger Herald
The University of Wisconsin has announced new eligibility for university staff and students to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
UW researcher explores pandemic-exacerbated gender equity issues in blog
Badger Herald
Associate researcher at the Wisconsin Center for Education Research Bailey Smolarek has created a blog series exploring pandemic-exacerbated gender equity issues to celebrate Women’s History Month.
Student Safety is Key
The Daily Cardinal
UW-Madison Housing Locksmith Josh Armbruster treasures the essential trade of prioritizing repairs that foster residential safety for thousands of undergraduate students living on campus.
PAVE at UW-Madison advocates for an end to sexual violence on campus
The Daily Cardinal
The UW-Madison student organization that was established in 2001, PAVE works by facilitating workshops on gender-based violence, allyship, rape culture and dating norms. They also offer volunteer opportunities and host campus-wide events to educate and raise awareness.
Madison Plan Commission rejects second Hub II proposal
The Daily Cardinal
According to plans submitted to the committee by the Chicago-based real estate firm Core Spaces, the proposed building would be a 7-story, 106-unit apartment building situated at 126 Langdon St. The most recent proposal came after initial plans for the Hub II were denied by local officials in July.
Warmer weather, looser restrictions draw students to gather outdoors
Badger Herald
Students are ready to take advantage of the warm spring weather and the CDC verified gathering outside as the notably safer option, but the risk of increasing COVID-19 cases is largely dependent on how students chose to gather. University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Professor Oguzhan Alagoz spoke on students gathering outdoors. “Yes, people are going to spend more time outdoors, which is great. But are they going to wear masks or are they going to let their guard down?” Alagoz said. “And that’s where I think it’s a big unknown.”
What’s life like in the bubble for the Badgers men’s basketball team?
Wisconsin State Journal
The Badgers arrived in Indiana last Wednesday for the Big Ten Conference tournament and will remain in the same hotel in downtown Indianapolis until they’re eliminated from the NCAA tournament.
Madison singer wins Grammy for Best Classical Solo Vocal Album
Wisconsin State Journal
Sarah Brailey already hosts a Madison radio show, runs a music competition, co-founded a popular local live performance series, and is a month away from finishing her doctorate at UW-Madison.
Few COVID-19 vaccine doses have been wasted in Wisconsin
Associated Press
The Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, based at UW-Madison, is getting $2.7 million in federal funds to expand the whole genome sequencing necessary to identify such variants, state officials said. The lab will be able to do sequencing on 400 to 500 samples a week, up from 250 to 300 before.
‘Transitions are hard’: Preparing students for a return to in-person learning
WKOW-TV 27
“Transitions are challenging for kids even under the most normal of circumstances,” Sarah Halpern-Meekin, a Human Development & Family Studies professor at UW-Madison, said Monday. “This is not the most normal circumstances.”
UW’s Sexual Harassment Policy remains relatively unchanged despite shifting Title IX regulations
Badger Herald
Despite Wisconsin lawmakers currently making permanent rules to conform to the Trump Administration’s Title IX policy changes — which, among other things, narrowed the Title IX definition of sexual harassment — the University of Wisconsin’s sexual harassment policy will remain relatively unchanged, according to UW’s Title IX director Lauren Hasselbacher.
Experts offer advice on how to make voting easier in Wisconsin
The Courier
The state would also need to maintain certain existing practices, such as online voter registration, no-excuse mail-in voting and same-day voter registration. Same-day registration, enacted in Wisconsin in 1975, has been the “single most important best practice,” said David Canon, a political scientist at University of Wisconsin-Madison, contributing to the state consistently having among the highest voter turnouts in the nation.
EXPLAINER: Ex-cop trial to include ‘spark of life’ on Floyd
AP News
“I’ve never encountered this before,” said John Gross, an associate law professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison who has worked as a public defender in New York City and taught criminal defense strategies at Syracuse University and the University of Alabama. “It’s pretty obvious how much potential prejudice that could have on the jury. It’s a little surprising to me this is potentially fair game in Minnesota. If it isn’t evidence of guilt, why is it there?”
USDA Expands Pandemic School Meal Access Through The Summer
Wisconsin Public Radio
The USDA already had programs for free summer meals, but it’s the greater latitude in how they’re distributed that’s key, said Jennifer Gaddis, a faculty fellow in the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s department of Civil Society and Community Studies. She is also the author of “The Labor of Lunch: Why We Need Real Food and Real Jobs in American Public Schools.”
Spring break: UC Davis offers $75 to students not to travel
AP
Texas A&M University opted for a three-day weekend instead of a whole week off. The University of Alabama and the University of Wisconsin-Madison also did away with spring break but are giving students a day off later in the semester. University of Mississippi also canceled spring break but will end the semester a week early.
Capital City Sunday: Evers reflects on pandemic anniversary, COVID-19’s lasting effects on society
WKOW-TV 27
UW-Madison Epidemiologist Ajay Sethi and UW-Madison Economist Tiffany Green join the program to discuss lasting lessons from the pandemic.
Coyotes among us: Wily survivalists spotted throughout Madison, but few conflicts reported
Wisconsin State Journal
“They’re here,” said David Drake, a UW-Madison professor and extension wildlife specialist who uses radio collars to track and study Madison’s coyotes. “A lot of people don’t even know they’re wandering through the neighborhood.”
Former Badger James White launching The Sweet Feet Foundation to offer college scholarships
Wisconsin State Journal
James White sees the transformative effect his time at the University of Wisconsin has had on his life every day.
FOX 11 Investigates college enrollment declines
WLUK Fox 11
While UW-Eau Claire, Milwaukee and Platteville saw drops in students attending, UW-Green Bay and UW-Madison had more students walking their campuses.
Student COVID-19 positivity rate falls to all time low
The Daily Cardinal
Over the last week UW-Madison recorded its lowest ever seven-day COVID-19 student positivity average for tests administered on campus, marking a milestone for the university’s efforts to stop the spread of the virus.
Former Badger starts foundation to help kids attend college
WKOW-TV 27
James White and his wife, Diana, announced Monday morning the start of The Sweet Feet Foundation. It will provide college scholarships to kids, allowing them to pursue a higher education and providing mentorship along the way.
Weather Guys’ Jonathan Martin authors book on Reginald Sutcliffe and invention of modern weather science
Wisconsin State Journal
Jonathan Martin, UW-Madison professor of atmospheric and oceanic science and one of the writers of the “Ask the Weather Guys” column, is the author of a new book, “Reginald Sutcliffe and the Invention of Modern Weather Systems Science.”
Stem cell therapy reverses Parkinson’s symptoms in monkeys, UW-Madison study says
Wisconsin State Journal
Using stem cells from monkeys with a condition like Parkinson’s disease, UW-Madison researchers grew brain cells that produce a chemical depleted by the disease. When they injected the cells into the monkeys’ brains, the animals’ Parkinson’s-like rigid movements were replaced by more fluid walking and climbing.
UW considers further ‘tenure clock’ extensions for research disrupted by pandemic
The Capital Times
With increased vaccinations and plans for more in-person teaching this fall, the future of the COVID-19 pandemic is increasingly optimistic at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Still, the past year’s disruptions to research and teaching will continue to have ripple effects for years down the line, leading universities nationwide to ask: How can we help make up for lost time?
Spring commencement to be held in-person at Camp Randall
The Daily Cardinal
UW-Madison’s spring 2021 commencement ceremony will be in-person at Camp Randall Stadium instead of the virtual format it has taken the last two semesters due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
How the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness is helping people weather the pandemic
The Capital Times
Tiffany Green, an assistant professor in the Departments of Population Health Sciences and Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, said these disparities are emblematic of long-running issues, many of which are not limited to the hospital.
UW Health holds trainings for emergency responders
Channel 3000
UW Health’s Emergency Education Center has continued to train front line responders for all medical emergencies over the last year, including COVID-19.
UW should work with tech colleges — Margaret Kolbek
Wisconsin State Journal
Letter to the editor: As a former technical college instructor and wife of a 30-plus-year University of Wisconsin System branch campus instructor, I’ve had a long affiliation with both systems. Our three children attended the two-year UW System campus in our county.
Expert shares tips on transitioning kids back to school
NBC-15
Dr. Heather Kirkorian, an associate professor at UW-Madison specializing in the relationship between childhood development and technology, says some kids struggled with remote learning while others thrived. This is why she says individualized transition plans are so important.
EXPLAINER: Ex-cop trial to include ‘spark of life’ on Floyd
Washington Post
“I’ve never encountered this before,” said John Gross, an associate law professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison who has worked as a public defender in New York City and taught criminal defense strategies at Syracuse University and the University of Alabama. “It’s pretty obvious how much potential prejudice that could have on the jury. It’s a little surprising to me this is potentially fair game in Minnesota. If it isn’t evidence of guilt, why is it there?”
UW-Madison will host two in-person graduations this summer, but no families will be allowed
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The University of Wisconsin-Madison announced Thursday that it will hold two in-person graduation ceremonies this year, with the caveat that graduates will not be allowed to have guests present.
Updated: All grades in Madison public schools will have in-person option before May
The Capital Times
Dr. Greg DeMuri, with the UW-Madison Department of Pediatrics, said some recent studies indicate three feet of distance is “likely as safe as six feet,” though six feet is still preferable when possible. He noted that guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control suggested six feet distancing “when feasible,” which gives “some flexibility.”
UW-Madison plans graduates-only commencement ceremony at Camp Randall
Wisconsin State Journal
The university announced Thursday that its traditional stadium ceremony will be held for only graduating students in two ceremonies, one for undergraduates and another for graduate students, both of which will be May 8.
Wisconsin Unemployment Rate Falls To 3.8 Percent In January, Nearing Pre-Pandemic Levels
Wisconsin Public Radio
Menzie Chinn, professor of public affairs and economics at UW-Madison, said he expects the federal stimulus signed into law Thursday will help boost unemployment some, as Wisconsinites start to spend that money in the economy. But Chinn also notes that many residents in the state took large hits to their finances last year, and may not be able to spend that money as freely, potentially limiting some positive economic effects the stimulus money could have had.
UW-Madison students vote yes for COVID-19 relief fund that administrators say is illegal
Wisconsin State Journal
UW-Madison students overwhelmingly voted “yes” in a referendum this week to put leftover student fees toward a COVID-19 relief fund that would help students cover rent payments — an approach administrators continue to say is illegal.
UW-Madison plans graduates-only commencement ceremony at Camp Randall
Wisconsin State Journal
UW-Madison’s Class of 2021 can expect to celebrate commencement at Camp Randall this May — just not with their families or other guests.
‘They are proving to be very safe’: UW Health expert answers questions about COVID-19 vaccines
WISC-TV 3
According to Dr. James Conway, professor of pediatrics at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, and a vaccine expert and pediatrician at UW Health, vaccine hesitancy is often fueled by a number of causes like natural skepticism, confusion from media reports or misinformation.
UW-Madison to hold spring graduation ceremonies in person at Camp Randall
WISC-TV 3
The University of Wisconsin-Madison plans to hold in-person graduation ceremonies for 2021 graduates. University officials made the announcement in a video posted online Thursday.
UW-Madison set to host in-person spring graduation
WKOW-TV 27
“To family members and friends, I know many of you wanted to be in Camp Randall as well,” Chancellor Rebecca Blank said in the release. “Please know that we are working hard to make sure there are many unique ways for you to participate in this joyous occasion.”
“Covid Vaccine Envy”: Are you feeling envious because you’re not next in line?
NBC-15
“There is something that others have that we don’t have and we want it even more,” Dominique Brossard, UW-Madison life sciences communication department chair said.
What’s in the COVID-19 vaccines? UW experts explain each ingredient
NBC-15
Infectious Disease Physician and UW associate professor, Dr. Jeniel Nett, and UW School of Pharmacy professor, Mary Hayney, have both spent a lot of time combing through the ingredients of each COVID-19 vaccine.
UW Madison planning in-person commencement with graduates only
NBC-15
The University of Wisconsin plans to return to Camp Randall Stadium this May to honor its spring graduates. UW announced Thursday it will host two commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 8, one for undergraduates and one for graduate students.However, while the students will be there, their families won’t.
Letter to the Editor: UW Saving the Planet? Not yet
Badger Herald
UW System, Foundations must make financially, ethically smart decision to divest from fossil fuels.
UW professor receives Research Service Grant Award for project examining discrepancies in U.S. midwifery
Badger Herald
“It really concerns me that that’s the case even within midwifery which does offer a really beautiful model but again is hampered by these exclusions still being perpetuated even with this potentially transformative model of care,” UW professor says.
UW announces in-person, graduate-only spring 2021 commencement
Badger Herald
“While today calls for excitement and hope, we must continue to keep positive case numbers low in order to realize this opportunity to be at Camp Randall,” senior class president says.
Dane County releases new five-year violence prevention plan, student BIPOC coalition unimpressed
Badger Herald
’[The plan] says a lot without saying anything at all,’ BIPOC Coalition leader says.
Spring 2021 ASM election results announced, students support relief fund
Daily Cardinal
Seven percent of UW-Madison’s 43,595 enrolled students turned out to vote in the election that took place from Monday through Wednesday. The 33 elected student council representatives will help to enact student governance as granted in Wisconsin State Statute 36.09(5), leading the 28th session of ASM which will start in April. Student council representatives come from UW-Madison’s seven schools, colleges, graduate and professional school programs.
Spring commencement to be held in-person at Camp Randall
Daily Cardinal
UW-Madison’s spring 2021 commencement ceremony will be in-person at Camp Randall Stadium instead of the virtual format it has taken the last two semesters due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Emmy Award-Winning Journalist Linsey Davis On Teaching Representation To Children
Forbes
Diversity and representation in children’s literature has always been skewed. According to a 2018 study by the librarians at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Education Cooperative Children’s Book Center, only 10% of children’s books depict the main characters as Black, and just 4% of executive-level publishing professionals and literary agents are Black.
Biden’s Title IX changes would harm due process and promote systemic racism
Washington Examiner
The effects are still clear today. NFL player Quintez Cephus sued the University of Wisconsin, Madison last month, alleging that being expelled from the university caused him to fall in the NFL draft. Cephus, who was eventually reinstated and now plays for the Detroit Lions, was still one of the lucky ones. Others, such as Clemson’s John Doe, were forced into anonymity or smeared publicly as rapists.
Emmy Award-Winning Journalist Linsey Davis On Teaching Representation To Children
Forbes
Diversity and representation in children’s literature has always been skewed. According to a 2018 study by the librarians at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Education Cooperative Children’s Book Center, only 10% of children’s books depict the main characters as Black, and just 4% of executive-level publishing professionals and literary agents are Black.
Was ‘Democracy in the Park’ illegal?
Politifact
Barry Burden, director of the Elections Research Center at the University of Wisconsin, said the event doesn’t match the definition of ballot harvesting or ballot collection.
POV: Why Halting Publication of Six Dr. Seuss Books Is the Right Call
BU Today
The recent controversy surrounding Dr. Seuss allows us an opportunity to reflect broadly on the need for more positive representation in children’s books. The Cooperative Children’s Book Center at the University of Wisconsin–Madison determined that in 2019, books depicting either white main characters or animals and nonhuman objects—such as trucks—made up 71 percent of all books published, leaving little room (29 percent) for books depicting any main characters of color (11.9 percent Black, for instance, and 5.3 percent Latinx).