Partner benefits finalized

Provost Peter Spear recently finalized a policy that makes it easier for domestic partners to receive the same university privileges and services as spouses.

The policy, developed with input from faculty, academic and classified staff, and students, streamlines and clarifies the documentation necessary for domestic partners of students and employees to obtain access to university services, including university housing, recreational sports facilities, libraries, the athletic department and University Health Services.

The policy does not extend health insurance benefits to domestic partners of UW–Madison employees, which would require legislative approval.

To be considered domestic partners, a pair of individuals must be in a relationship of “mutual support, caring and commitment, and intend to maintain the relationship.” They must also be at least 18 and cannot be married or in a domestic partnership with anyone else.

To document a domestic partnership, employees can complete a form at http://www.provost.wisc.edu/ddpf.pdf.

The form must be presented to the UW–Madison unit providing the service. Employees may also choose to meet an individual campus unit’s requirements for declaring a domestic partnership. For more information, contact the LGBT Issues Coordinator in the Dean of Students Office, 263-5700, or the Office of Human Resources, 263-6561.