Campus guidance to graduate students
Dear Graduate Students,
In light of the Chancellor’s announcement regarding the COVID-19 impact on campus operations at UW–Madison, I anticipate many of you have questions about how this will affect your studies, research, and employment as graduate students. While the situation is developing daily and there are many questions yet to address, I wanted to share what we know at this point related to graduate education and research.
Housing
Instruction
Graduate students enrolled in coursework should follow the guidance being given to all UW–Madison students and expect alternate delivery of classes to begin on March 23 and continue at least through Friday, April 10. Your instructors will provide guidance about how to complete your coursework remotely after Spring Break.
Research
Graduate students conducting research should contact their faculty advisors for guidance. Since campus remains open at this time, most research will continue to take place. However, all university-sponsored travel and non-essential events have been cancelled through April 10. For research involving travel or large group gatherings, we encourage you or your PIs to consult with your academic dean. Graduate students whose research can be conducted remotely can discuss with their faculty advisor/PI to determine if remote work is appropriate during this time. Faculty have been asked to work with student research employees on alternative ways to continue supporting the research mission of the university if they are unable to continue their work in person, and the Office of Human Resources is reviewing compensation options for students unable to work due to changes to campus operations.
Graduate employment
Currently, campus remains open and your employment continues. Due to the various types of work they do, Research Assistants, Teaching Assistants, Project Assistants, and Lecturer Student Assistants may each be affected differently. We encourage individuals to start by asking their direct supervisor about how to continue to carry out work responsibilities. For TAs and LSAs this may mean using Canvas, WebEx, or other methods of online instruction and communication. Yesterday evening the Provost directed faculty and instructional staff to read about general guidance, strategies, and campus support at theInstructional Continuity website. RAs and PAs may continue to report to work on campus unless/until told to do otherwise. Some RAs and PAs may be encouraged to work from home, either on planned work or alternative projects.
Graduate assistantship stipends
Faculty received communication yesterday afternoon setting the expectation that they continue to support graduate students’ contributions if they are unable to continue their work in person, and to allow for compensation at current levels to avoid additional hardship. Note that TAs, PAs, and RAs receive 96 hours of paid leave per year to use if they become sick or need to care for immediate family members. We encourage you to review Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures for more information. The Office of Human Resource is also working to create new or modified employee leave policies in light of COVID-19 and the changes to campus operations. This must go through an approval process. More information will be available shortly. Graduate assistants with questions about sick leave should contact their department or divisional HR.
Travel
All university-sponsored travel is cancelled through April 10, including university-sponsored conference attendance. Graduate students awarded travel funding through the Student Research Grants Competition received information about flexibility in use of those funds.
Financial hardship
Although the university is committed to continuity of pay for graduate assistants, other factors related to COVID-19 may have an impact on finances. The Dean of Students Crisis Loan ($500-$1,000), International Students Services Loans (up to $5,000), Deferred Tuition Payment, and other emergency funds may be available. Read more in theFAQ “What financial resources are available for students?”
If you develop symptoms
If you develop symptoms, stay at home. Please do not come to work, class, or the lab if you are ill. If you develop symptoms like fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you are advised to contact your health care provider for advice. Faculty and academic advisors should not compel sick students or employees to show up at or remain at work.
Discrimination
Racist behaviors and stereotyping are not tolerated at UW–Madison. Students who experienced harassment or discrimination are encouraged to file a bias incident report.
Communication
Please check your email regularly for continued updates and guidance as more information becomes available. Campus updates will also be posted at:
Please reach out with any questions.
William J. Karpus
Dean, Graduate School
Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
University of Wisconsin–Madison