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January 26, 2021In this issue: Screen breaks, spring semester deadlines, and more.
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Tips for Grads: Take Time Away from the Screen
Happy spring semester and welcome "back" to school! With a continuation of virtual work and school, you might find yourself asking if you need a break from your screen. Taking a break can help reduce screen fatigue and improve mood and productivity. Let’s practice and take a brief break to meditate, walk, or do some stretches.
If you’d like to take a moment for mindfulness or meditation, try one of these prompts:
If you would like to move a little, try some of these ideas:
- Bundle up and take a walk outside*
- Stretch at your desk using this article of simple stretches as a guide
Practice the ‘20-20-20 rule’ to reduce eye strain by looking at something 20 feet away, every 20 min, for 20 seconds - Complete ‘eye yoga’ which includes focus shifting, eye rolling, and palming
- Attend a free RecWell Group Fitness class between now and Jan. 31
GradConnections Weekly is looking for fresh perspectives on the graduate student experience.
If you have advice, counsel, or tips for UW grad students, you’re invited to write a guest column for “Tips for Grads.”
If you’re interested, check out our infographic for details and email gspd@grad.wisc.edu to let us know.
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DiscoverPD is an innovative tool for UW–Madison graduate students to advance their academic and professional goals. Review the nine facets of professional development, complete a self-assessment, and get a customized report and recommendations.
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Upcoming Professional Development EventsAll event times and deadlines are listed in Central Standard Time (CST).
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It's not too late to complete 5 activities and earn your limited-edition long sleeve shirt!
Whether you are a new or returning graduate student, there are many resources on campus that can help you achieve your goals. Take some time this week to dig into an organization or learning opportunity on campus.
Events and resources that are included in the Challenge are marked in GradConnections with an asterisk (*).
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| Graduate Student Groups
Online
Note that the first meetings have already taken place, but new participants are welcome anytime.
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The goal of this workshop for graduate students will be to better understand why we procrastinate and to explore strategies to overcome our procrastination tendencies. Presented by James Gresh, MS, University Health Services.
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Do you chalk your accomplishments up as a fluke or “no big deal?” Do you think, “If I can do it, anyone can?” Do you feel like you’re just fooling your professors? If so, join the club! Millions of people around the world—from executives to graduate students and their professors to Academy Award winners—secretly worry they’re not as bright and capable as other people “think” they are. It’s called the Impostor Syndrome and there is a cure. Join us for an interactive presentation led by speaker and author Dr. Valerie Young.
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The field of over 60 3MT® competitors has narrowed to just 9 for the Finals next week! Hear from these accomplished graduate students about their groundbreaking research in a fun and engaging format, and vote for the People’s Choice Award winner at the first ever virtual 3MT® competition.
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Special Events & Symposia
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Wisconsin Governor's Business Plan Competition
Deadline: Jan 31 | 5 pm
The mission of the Governor’s Business Plan Contest is to encourage entrepreneurs in the startup stage of tech-enabled businesses in Wisconsin. The contest links up-and-coming entrepreneurs with a statewide network of community resources, expert advice, high-quality education, management talent and possible sources of capital.
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Tuition and fee payment deadlines - Feb. 5, 2021 – Student account payments due; BadgerPay first installment due
- March 5, 2021 – BadgerPay second installment due
- April 2, 2021 – BadgerPay third/final installment due
- April 2, 2021 – Graduate assistant segregated fees deferred due date for TAs, PAs, RAs, and LSAs
Benefits enrollment deadlines - New graduate assistants must enroll in benefits within the first 30 days of your appointment.
Enrollment dates and deadlines - Jan. 29, 2021 – Deadline for students (except Special and Guest) to begin initial spring term enrollment without $50 late fee
- Feb. 3, 2021 – Deadline for students to drop a course or withdraw from the university without having the course(s) appear on the transcript (after: will show as a DR grade for individual courses)
- Feb. 5, 2021 – Deadline for students to drop a spring term course and receive 100% tuition adjustment
- Feb. 5, 2021 – Deadline for students to begin initial spring enrollment (after: $50 late fee, need department & academic dean permission)
- Feb. 5, 2021 – Deadline for students to add, swap, or change sections in a spring term course (after: need department permission)
Enrollment dates and deadlines for the entire semester are posted on the Registrar’s Office website.
Libraries update: Spring semester operationsWelcome to the spring 2021 semester! As we begin, you'll want to review updated information on Libraries' operations and what you can expect this semester (January 25 - April 30). Procedures for finals will be announced at a later date.
While onsite services are available, you are still encouraged to take full advantage of our virtual and online services, including:
The Libraries will monitor access to facilities following the Safer Badger protocols, including the use of the Badger Badge.
Things to know about your visit:
- Libraries will maintain the “by appointment” system
- A green Badger Badge must be presented. (Although Badger Wellness Ambassadors will be checking badges this week, the requirement for a green badge to enter will begin Feb. 1.)
- For entry, users must have a Wiscard
- Facial coverings are required inside our facilities
- No group study
- No food or drinks
- In order to allow community borrowers to continue to request materials, Pick-up by Appointment will not involve the display of the Badger Badge.
College Library as a testing site:
- College Library’s room 1250 is open as a testing site.
- Access for general library appointment use began January 25.
- Testing site traffic flow is isolated from library operations.
Reminder: Reduced cost parking options available to graduate students
Given the current public health situation, campus administration has collaborated with Transportation Services to temporarily expand parking options for graduate students. These options will make alternative means for getting to and from campus more affordable for those who are looking for options besides public transportation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The temporary options include $55 monthly parking permits for on-campus lots or $30 for off-campus UW park and ride lots, $250 (prorated) semester permits, and $500 (prorated) annual base lot permits. Additional options and details can be found on the Transportation Services website.
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Help prevent the spread of COVID-19
With your help, we can limit the spread of COVID-19 by following health protocols, such as maintaining at least six feet of distance from people you don’t live with and wearing face coverings. In addition, take advantage of no-cost campus testing to get tested for the virus if you have symptoms, have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19, or plan to come to campus.
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| University Health Services Group Counseling schedule announced - sign up now
Spring 2021 group counseling information is now available. These groups fill up quickly each semester, so sign up now if you are interested. A range of topics and group formats are offered this semester, with some groups offered especially for graduate students:
- Graduate Students’ Group
- Graduate Women’s Group
- Graduate Students of Color Group
- Dissertators’ Group
UHS services available remotelyUniversity Health Services is committed to supporting you. Many medical, counseling, and wellness services are available by phone and accessible online. Find out more on the UHS Remote Health and Connection webpage.
Mental Health Resources for Grad StudentsAccording to the 2019 Healthy Minds Survey, 93% of UW–Madison graduate students do not think any less of a peer who seeks mental health care, and 89% of UW–Madison graduate students who used mental health care found it helpful.
- UHS 24-hour Crisis Services. On-call crisis counselors can help address your most pressing concerns, address your safety, and help you connect with follow-up service needs. It’s available every day, including weekends, holidays, and semester breaks. Call the UHS crisis line at 608-265-5600. For situations that are immediately life-threatening, call 911.
- SilverCloud. This online, self-guided resource provides treatment options 24 hours a day through evidence-based modules on anxiety, depression, body image, and stress. SilverCloud is designed to help students manage day-to-day stresses and improve resilience.
- YOU@WISC. This portal has tools and information to help you be well, with modules on stress management, self-care, social support, suicidal thoughts, mindfulness, academic wellness, and more.
- Individual Counseling. University Health Services offers individual counseling conducted remotely over phone or video, with bilingual mental health providers available in Mandarin or Spanish. Counseling topics can be any issue that causes distress – emotional, psychological, interpersonal, or academic.
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The Dean of Students Office provides resources to students struggling with a variety of issues, and can be your go-to spot for assistance as a graduate student. To contact the Graduate and Professional Student Assistance Specialist Elaine Goetz-Berman directly, email egoetz2@wisc.edu.
Graduate Student Assistance Drop-In Hours
Every Wednesday from 2 - 4 pm, Elaine will be hosting virtual drop-in hours to discuss any concerns/issues you might be facing, help you get connected to campus resources, and generally be a support person. To join, please visit Elaine's personal room in Zoom anytime between 2 - 4 pm on Wednesdays. Students will meet with Elaine one-on-one, and when you enter the Personal Room you will be placed in the lobby until Elaine is available to talk. If you face any technical issues, please email Elaine at egoetz2@wisc.edu.
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Please note: Some graduate students may be ineligible to hold graduate assistantship appointments. Be sure to check with your graduate program coordinator about your eligibility before applying.
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Instructor (Summer), Elementary, Middle, and/or High School Online Youth Programs
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Graduate students who have had a significant break in their education or who are single parents can apply for these scholarships from Adult Career & Special Student Services at UW–Madison. All applicants must demonstrate financial need and be US citizens, permanent residents, or eligible non-citizens as defined by FAFSA. All scholarships include a minimum enrollment requirement that varies by award.
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