For the record
Policies and Procedures
H-1B Cap
The Immigration and Naturalization Service has announced that the 115,000 cap on new H-1B petitions for Fiscal Year 2000 has effectively been reached. Because some pending cases are not subject to the cap, INS estimates that it will take three to four months before the pending cases are adjudicated and the cap is actually reached.
Who is affected? Keep in mind that this only affects new H-1B petitions for individuals who are currently outside the U.S. or who are here and need a change of status. Individuals who currently hold H-1B status and are physically present in the U.S., either at UW–Madison or at another place of employment, are not affected by the cap. However, individuals who are currently in the U.S. in H-1B status and leave the U.S. while our petition is pending with INS will become subject to the cap and will not be able to return until Oct. 1.
How will INS process petitions? Petitions for FY 2000 with an INS receipt date of March 21 or earlier will most likely be approved with the requested start date. Once 115,000 approvals are recorded, INS will automatically give a start date of Oct. 1, the beginning of FY 2001, even though an earlier start date may have been requested. If this occurs and the Oct. 1 start date is not acceptable, contact IFSS and we can arrange to have the petition revoked. The filing fee will not be returned.
Cases for new employment filed after March 21 must have a start date of Oct. 1 or they will be rejected by INS. IFSS will monitor the start dates on petitions that are filed, but departments should be aware that new petitions cannot have an earlier start date.
Change of Status from F and J to H-1B: INS is following the same procedures as last year regarding individuals in F and J status, permitting them to remain in the U.S. pending approval of the employer’s H-1B petition. Provided the employer has filed an application for change of status to H-1B prior to the expiration date of their previously authorized stay, they may remain in the U.S. until Oct.1, 2000, or until the petition is approved, whichever is later. They must have maintained the terms and conditions of their previously authorized stay and may not work after that stay expires. This applies to the principal F-1s and J-1s as well as to their dependents in F-2 and J-2 status. J-1s and J-2s who are subject to the two-year home residence requirement cannot take advantage of this provision and must leave the U.S. within their 30-day grace period.
There is reason to hope that additional visa numbers will become available for FY 2000. KPMG Peat Marwick is currently auditing the manner in which INS counts the annual H-1B cap. The results of the audit are due in mid- to late April. It is possible that the auditors will determine that INS has been over-counting the cap and that additional numbers actually are available for FY 2000. Unfortunately, INS has not given employers any indication as to how they will handle new H-1B petitions should the audit reveal that more numbers are available.
In addition, there is legislation pending in Congress that would raise the cap and perhaps even exempt educational institutions from the cap. It is possible that this legislation could be passed and that additional visa numbers will become available for FY 2000 before the beginning of FY 2001. Again, INS has not given any advice to employers in the event that legislation would increase the number of H-1B visas that are available for the current fiscal year.
Recommended UW–Madison Procedures: For this reason, International Faculty and Staff Services (IFSS) suggests the following procedures for all H-1B petitions for new employment that UW–Madison files after March 21. If the beneficiary is either outside the U.S. or needs a change of status to H-1B, the start date on the form I-129 must be Oct. 1. However, if the hiring department actually wishes to begin employment prior to that date, the chair or other hiring authority who signed the I-129 should attach a letter on department letterhead stating that in the event that additional visa numbers become available for FY 2000, the department requests that INS assign the earlier start date. The desired start date should be specified and the letter should bear an original signature. Since INS has given employers no guidance on how to handle situations in which an earlier start date is desired, IFSS does not know if this approach will be acceptable to INS. It is clear, though, that they will reject any I-129 that bears a start date earlier than Oct. 1, so this may be an effective way to deal with a very ambiguous situation.
Please share this information with everyone in your area. As additional information becomes available, IFSS will keep you informed. In the meantime, IFSS will continue to work with departments to assist them in whatever ways possible to hire the most qualified foreign nationals.
Herbicide Procedures in Campus Natural Areas and Arboretum
Spring and summer visitors to the Campus Natural Areas and Arboretum will see signs announcing glyphosate herbicide applications for control of garlic mustard. Already smothering out the groundlayer in many natural areas, this pest plant will be controlled by application of glyphosate in the most severely infested areas. The herbicide is applied with a colored marker dye to show where it has been sprayed.
Where infestation is only scattered and desirable woodland plants can be saved by cultural methods of control, volunteers are hand pulling. Various volunteer work parties for the pulling of garlic mustard are available if you wish to help.
Garlic Mustard, Alliaria petiolata, is a biennial exotic which has in the last few years become a major threat to Wisconsin woodlands. It invades along edges of woodlands and spreads along trails and streams, growing in dense stands which choke out all other plants. Garlic mustard is further dispersed by flowing water, animals and human activities. In a matter of several years, this plant can choke out all other groundlayer species.
Herbicide application will be necessary on serious infestations for a number of years. The continual hand weeding effort to prevent spread will be a seasonal procedure in the Campus Natural Areas and Arboretum management programs. Some of these efforts are part of university teaching and research.
Woody pest plants such as buckthorn and honeysuckle will be controlled with spot, targeted applications of the herbicide triclopyr (Garlon 3A or 4)at various times throughout the year.
The woody plant bud inhibitor fosamine will be used on woody and herbaceous plants in spot applications in June and September.
Application dates: Throughout the year, depending on the target pest plant, chemical to be applied and weather conditions. Information: Arboretum, 262-5099. Campus Natural Areas, 265-9275; http://wiscinfo.doit.wisc.edu/safety.
To volunteer with weeding: Arboretum, 263-7760. Campus Natural Areas, 265-9275.
Annual Spring Pesticide Notice
In accordance with the university pesticide policy, applicators are to notify faculty, staff, students and visitors of campus pesticide use by either: posting signs where pesticides have been applied; distributing posters, flyers and electronic mail to people who may frequent the application area; or publishing a notice on the Safety Department’s web site: http://www.wisc.edu/safety.
The policy is also posted there. The pesticide policy encourages best management practices that maximize effectiveness and safety and minimize environmental impact. In the future the Safety Department will be posting best management practices in the following areas for reducing non-point source pollution: salt usage, spill prevention, erossion control at construction sites and fertilizer usage.
Check: http://www.wisc.edu/safety, or call 262-0979, for pesticide label information, information about hazards and exposures to using pesticides or information regarding practices listed above.
University Lectures Committee
The University Lectures Committee solicits applications from departments, academic programs and registered student organizations for support of public lectures to be held during the 1999-2000 academic year. As stated in Faculty Policies and Procedures, the function of the committee is to consider “requests for lectures of general interest that are not primarily supplementary to or extensions of programs of instruction provided by colleges, schools or departments.”
Potential applicants should read the document “Instructions for Requesting University Lectures Committee Support.” To be considered by the committee, applications must conform to specifications in this document and must be submitted on current (1999-2000) forms.
New applications will be reviewed by the committee once each month. Additional preparation time is required when inviting international speakers in order to allow sufficient time for the visa application process.
Applications will be accepted as long as funds are available, however, applicants are urged to submit requests well in advance, if possible. To obtain a copy of the instructions, an application form, or other information, contact Joe Farrenkopf at farrenkopf@mail.bascom.wisc.edu; or 262-3956.
Grants and fellowships
Executive Education Gratis Course Enrollments
The Executive Education program in the School of Business will offer five gratis course enrollments to be selected from any of their 300 programs as a contribution to the Academic Staff Endowment Fund. The Professional Development and Recognition Committee of the Academic Staff Assembly will select recipients. Any academic staff member is eligible. Course catalog: http://uwexeced.com/.
The main objectives are individual professional development, improved program quality and improved institutional effectiveness. Applications must include a letter of purpose, identifying the course and how it will enhance professional development, and one or two letters of support from a supervisor, colleague, etc. Send three copies of materials to the Office of the Secretary of Academic Staff, 270 Bascom Hall. Deadline: April 12.
Faculty Professional Development Grants Awarded
Six UW–Madison Faculty Professional Development Grant Program proposals have been approved for funding for the academic year 2000-01. The grants that were awarded range from $14,200-$22,820, averaging $17,434. The UW System provides matching funds with UW–Madison departments for projects that enhance the professional development of faculty.
The faculty award winners for the academic year 2000-01 are: Sarah Atis, Languages and Cultures of Asia; Gudrun Buhnemann, Languages and Cultures of Asia; Cecilia Ford, English; Lawrence Kahan, Biomolecular Chemistry; Li Chiao-Ping, Dance Program; and Thomas Popkewitz, Curriculum and Instruction.
Visit http://www.ohrd.wisc.edu/GR/grants.htm for applications, brief summaries of past proposals and guidelines. For information contact the Office of Human Resources, 263-2511.
Competition for Executive Education Gratis Course Enrollments
The Executive Education program in the School of Business will offer five gratis course enrollments to be selected from any of their 300 programs as a contribution to the Academic Staff Endowment Fund. The Professional Development and Recognition Committee (PDRC) of the Academic Staff Assembly will select the recipients. Any member of the UW–Madison campus academic staff is eligible to apply. Please call (800) 292-8964 to obtain a copy of the catalog of courses or visit: http://uwexeced.com/.
Selection criteria will be improved effectiveness in your present position. The main objectives are individual professional development, improved program quality, and improved institutional effectiveness. Application must include a letter of purpose, identifying the course and how it will enhance your professional development, and one or two letters of support from supervisor, colleague, etc. Send three copies of materials to Office of the Secretary of Academic Staff, 270 Bascom Hall, by April 12.
Teaching and Learning with Technology Grants
The Division of Information Technology (DoIT) announces the new Teaching and Learning with Technology Grants Competition 2000 to support faculty and instructional staff in creating new pedagogies that use instructional technology to enhance teaching and learning. Deadline: Monday, May 1, 4:30 p.m.
Faculty and staff at all instructional levels are eligible to apply. All applicants are required to complete a pre-proposal phase. Please see the complete proposal guidelines for more details.
At least $150,000 will be awarded this year. Proposals will be reviewed by a faculty committee and selected based on the following criteria: (1) instructional need; (2) innovative application of instructional technology; (3) cost-effectiveness; and (4) congruence with initiative priorities. For a full copy of proposal guidelines, visit: http://www.wisc.edu/learntech/ grants/tltgrants.htm or see your department chair or secretary for a hard-copy version of materials.
The Grants are sponsored by the Chancellor’s Office, funded by the Hilldale Foundation and administered by DoIT’s Department of Learning Technology and Distance Education (LTDE). Information: Lisa Peyton-Caire, 265-8638; lmcaire@doit.wisc.edu.
International Research and Exchanges Board
Administers academic exchange programs for U.S. scholars traveling to Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia and Mongolia. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Grant opportunities include short-term travel grants for scholarly projects focusing on Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia and limited opportunities for Mongolia. Deadline: June 1.
Information: IREX-International Research and Exchange Board, 1616 H St., NW, Washington D.C., 20006; (202) 628-8188; http://irex.org/.
Women’s Studies Consortium
The UW System Women’s Studies Consortium invites nominations and applications for the position of director. The consortium, housed in the Office of Academic Affairs, is a formal organization of administrators for the fourteen campus-based Women’s Studies programs and statewide offices, including the office of the Women’s Studies Librarian and Women and Science. The consortium works to ensure the continued development of Women’s Studies in the UW System and to maintain national prominence in the field within a unique inter-institutional model for educational collaboration. The director will be responsible for developing and implementing initiatives and activities identified as priorities by the consortium. Major duties will include serving as the principal resource on Women’s Studies for the UW System Office of Academic Affairs. Additional information is available at http://www.uwsa.edu/acadaff/womens/mission.htm.
The director position will be a 50-percent appointment with a preferred start date of Aug. 1, 2000. Full-time salary range is $48,600-72,900, depending on experience. The director will report to the UW System Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Inquires should be directed to Dr. Sharon James, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, 608-263-3680; sjames@uwsa.edu. Nominations and applications for the position should be sent to Women’s Studies Search and Screen Committee, 1642 Van Hise Hall, 1220 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706. Applicants should submit a cover letter, comprehensive resume, and names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of three current professional references. Please indicate whether you wish to have your name held in confidence or made available to the public upon request. The identity of all candidates who become finalists will be revealed upon request. Nominations should be submitted by April 20, and applications by May 1.
Position vacancies
Administrative
036408: Assoc Outreach Spec/ Outreach Specialist/Sr Outreach Spec, Educ/Wis Center For Education Research (50% ). Apply by April 14.
036581: Assoc Admin Prgm Spec/ Admin Program Spec, Ag&Lsc/Genetics (100). Apply by April 14.
036700: Dir, Unspecified (8), Grad/University of Wisconsin Press (100). Apply by April 15.
036715: Assistant Dean (M), Ag&Lsc/Academic Student Affairs Admin (100). Apply by April 14.
036864: Assoc Adm Specialist, Ath/General Operations (100). Apply by April 21.
036883: Developt Prg Mgr III, Med Sc/Administration (100). Apply by May 31.
036930: Assoc Outreach Spec/Outreach Specialist, Med Sc/Pharmacology (50% ). Apply by April 11.
036935: Outreach Specialist/Sr Outreach Spec, Con St/Administration (50% ). Apply by April 15.
036956: Outreach Specialist/Sr Outreach Spec, Med Sc/Pharmacology (50% ). Apply by April 12.
036967: Outreach Specialist/Sr Outreach Spec, Med Sc/UW Comprehensive Cancer Center (50% ). Apply by April 12.
036973: Outreach Specialist, L&S/Geography (100). Apply by April 15.
036981: Assoc Admin Prgm Spec/ Admin Program Spec/Sr Admin Prgm Spec, Grad/Biotechnology Center (50% ). Apply by April 11.
036991: Outreach Specialist, L&S/Slavic Languages (100). Apply by April 12.
037010: Sr Outreach Spec, SOHE/School of Human Ecology (100). Apply by May 1.
Clinical / Health Sciences
035781: Clinical Asst Prof/Clinical Assoc Prof, Med Sc/Medicine (25% ). Apply by May 15.
036172: Clinical Asst Prof, Med Sc/Family Medicine (50% ). Apply by May 15.
036617: Psychologist/Counselor, UHS/Student Programs (100). Apply by April 21.
036796: Psychologist/Counselor/Sr Counselor, UHS/Student Programs (100). Apply by April 21.
036849: Assoc Clin Dietician/Clinical Dietician, Med Sc/Medicine (50% ). Apply by April 12.
036887: Clinical Asst Prof, Pharm/Pharmacy Outreach (100). Apply by April 15.
036892: Clinical Instructor/ Clinical Asst Prof/Clinical Assoc Prof, Vet M/Medical Sciences (100). Apply by April 12.
036926: Assoc Clin Nurse Spec/ Clin Nurse Specialist/Sr Clin Nurse Spec, Med Sc/Administration (100). Apply by April 17.
036933: Clinical Instructor, Vet M/Surgical Sciences (50% ). Apply by April 17.
036936: Sr Psychologist, UHS/Student Programs (100). Apply by May 24.
036974: Clinical Instructor, Med Sc/Surgery (100). Apply by April 20.
Computer / Information Processing
036922: Programmer Analyst/ Sr Programmer Analyst, Engr/Engineering Experiment Station (100). Apply by April 17.
Instruction
036516: Asst Faculty Assoc/Assoc Faculty Assoc, Engr/Engineering Professional Development (100). Apply by April 20.
036657: Assoc Instructnl Spec/Instructional Spec/Sr Instructional Spec, Med Sc/Biomolecular Chemistry (50% ). Apply by April 14.
036682: Lecturer, L&S/Anthropology (40). Apply by June 30.
036684: Faculty Assistant, Educ/Kinesiology (20). Apply by June 30.
036793: Lecturer, Ag&Lsc/Rural Sociology (33% ). Apply by April 24.
036855: Asst Faculty Assoc/Assoc Faculty Assoc, Educ/Kinesiology (100). Apply by April 28.
036860: Asst Faculty Assoc/Assoc Lecturer, Educ/Kinesiology (50% ). Apply by May 1.
036866: Faculty Assistant, L&S/Spanish And Portuguese (33% ). Apply by August 1.
036879: Lecturer, L&S/Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences (50). Apply by May 31.
036918: Lecturer, L&S/Scandinavian Studies (33% ). Apply by May 1.
036951: Assoc Lecturer/Lecturer, Educ/Educational Policy Studies (33% ). Apply by April 28.
036954: Visiting Asst Prof, Educ/Educational Administration (100). Apply by May 1.
036973: Outreach Specialist, L&S/Geography (100). Apply by April 15.
Library Services
036979: Assoc Acad Librarian, Libr/Wisconsin Interlibrary Services (50). Apply by April 14.
Research
035080: Assoc Instrmt Inn, Res, Med Sc/Surgery (100). Apply by April 30. 035424: Assistant Scientist, Med Sc/Anatomy (100). Apply by May 15. 035862: Assistant Scientist, Med Sc/Anatomy (100). Apply by May 15.
036058: Assoc Research Spec/Research Specialist, Med Sc/Psychiatry (50% ). Apply by April 15.
036119: Assoc Instrmt Inn, Res/ Instrmt Innovator, Res, L&S/Chemistry (100). Apply by April 14.
036127: Assoc Research Spec/Research Specialist, Grad/Molecular Biology (100). Apply by May 15.
036472: Assoc Research Spec/Research Specialist, Grad/Primate Research Center (100). Apply by May 5.
036627: Assoc Research Spec, L&S/Psychology (50% ). Apply by June 1.
036658: Assoc Research Spec/ Research Specialist/Sr Research Spec, Med Sc/Biomolecular Chemistry (50% ). Apply by April 17.
036794: Research Specialist, Ag&Lsc/Agronomy (100). Apply by April 15.
036852: Assistant Scientist/ Associate Scientist/Senior Scientist, L&S/Chemistry (100). Apply by April 21.
036884: Research Specialist, Ag&Lsc/Agronomy (100). Apply by April 15.
036903: Asst Researcher/Assoc Researcher/Researcher, Grad/Space Science & Engineering Center (50% ). Apply by May 1.
036938: Assoc Researcher/Researcher, Engr/Engineering Experiment Station (100). Apply by May 1.
036939: Assoc Research Spec/ Research Specialist/Sr Research Spec, Ag&Lsc/Bacteriology (80% ). Apply by April 12.
036955: Researcher, Med Sc/Obstetrics & Gynecology (100). Apply by April 12.
036977: Assoc Research Spec, Psyc I/Psychiatric Institute (100). Apply by April 12.
036998: Assistant Scientist, Vet M/Medical Sciences (100). Apply by April 12.
037008: Asst Researcher, Ag&Lsc/Genetics (100). Apply by April 12.
037009: Assoc Research Spec/ Research Specialist/Sr Research Spec, Ag&Lsc/Genetics (100). Apply by April 12.
Student Services
036895: Student Services Cord, L&S/Administration: Student Academic Affairs (100). Apply by June 30.
Due to publication schedules and limited space, not all Academic Staff or Limited vacancies are listed in Wisconsin Week. Complete descriptions of all vacancies (including faculty) are available at http://wiscinfo.doit.wisc.edu/ohr/employment/employ.html .
UW–Madison is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action employer.
To submit a notice for For the Record
University departments are welcome to list official notices to the campus community in For the Record. We must receive your announcement at least 10 days before publication.
Campus mail: 19 Bascom Hall
E-mail: wisweek@news.wisc.edu
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