Working Remotely
University Telecommuting Policy
Under the policy that was posted on 3/13/2020 in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, telecommuting has been extended as an option for employees who are able to work remotely as our campus situation or other external factors dictate. If approved by that employee’s supervisor, telecommuting arrangements should include accountability measures such as regular check-ins between the telecommuting employee and supervisor.
Instructional Continuity
UW–Madison is committed to the continuity of instruction in the event of an emergency disruption that results in the suspension of certain or all face-to-face classes on campus. If circumstances require temporary transition to alternative modes of course delivery with minimal notice, faculty and instructors can find updated information and training at the University’s Continuity of Instruction website. Learn more>>
You may also find useful information in the L&S Guidance for Remote Teaching.
Research
The Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education, provides a summary of actions being taken to continue the research enterprise, provides examples of how people across campus have engaged in addressing this pandemic, and looks to the future. Learn More>>
See how the research community is responding to the COVID-19 crisis. Learn More>>
Other Helpful Links
Technology
In response to the COVID-19 emergency, some providers in Wisconsin are offering free or low-cost internet access options. For details, see the Public Service Commission (PSC) website.
Pay careful attention to online safety and security when you access campus resources and systems for remote work.
Most of the tools you might need are easily accessible with an internet connection, and your laptop or home computer. Some may require setup, and there is help available from the DoIT Help Desk or from Department of Chemistry CompHelp.
Do you need to rent equipment, such as laptops or modems?
A virtual private network (VPN) is a private data network that makes use of a public communications infrastructure, maintaining privacy through the use of a tunneling protocol and security procedures. The goal of VPN is to provide the same security as a private data network at a much lower cost by using the shared public infrastructure.
The University maintains a list of downloadable software for remote use.
View the University-wide effort to expand and update UW–Madison’s research Cyberinfrastructure resources.
Department of Chemistry Resources
Receive messages, forward calls, and adjust other settings for your office phone online.
Use your Department of Chemistry credentials to access file servers.
Use this tool from a browser or as a stand alone app to create or interact with a group (a team). In that team you can chat, share documents, and start video calls.
The Department of Chemistry actively uses Basecamp as a project management tool. If you’d like to use it to connect with a group or manage a project, you may access it from the link below. Please contact department communications if you need assistance logging in.
Remote Learning
Most UW–Madison resources are accessible remotely and with an internet connection.
The Office of Chemical Safety offers chemical safety courses online. More>>
The University offers LinkedIn Learning to help employees build a wide array of skills. Learn More>>
UW–Madison employees have access to thousands of courses, seminars, conferences, online trainings, and events every year to maintain, improve, or develop new knowledge and skills. Learn More>>
Learn to manage a website! Many department subsites use WiscWeb’s UW–Madison template. If you would like to create a new subsite, please email Department Communications and take a look at the training videos.
Communication & Team Management
Microsoft Teams is the chat-based workspace in Office 365. It’s the hub for team chats, calls, meetings, and messages. Microsoft Teams is extensible and customizable, and it’s secured and standards-compliant to make sure your company’s most sensitive collaborations are private.
Use WebEx to start or schedule meetings with anyone. Easily invite people inside and outside of the University to join calls.
Supervising Remotely, a new website designed for managers and supervisors, offers best practices and resources for supervising others who are working remotely.