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UW-Whitewater Announces Campus Furloughs

Chancellor Dwight Watson released a campuswide memo on Tuesday, April 21 that reads as follows:

COVID-19 Update — Message from Chancellor Watson

Dear Warhawks,

COVID-19 has changed the way we live, work, study and learn. Across the state and nation, everyone is feeling the impact of this pandemic.

The widespread nature of this situation is requiring us to make decisions that we’d rather not. As I explained in my message to you on Friday, we are making decisions that affect our university through the lenses of care and safety, financial liquidity, student and personnel care, and operational continuity.

It is with special focus on financial liquidity and operational continuity that I share with you today that two types of furloughs will be used to help mitigate the nearly $9 million in expenses and loss of revenue from the COVID-19 pandemic we have already experienced. We believe the furloughs will cover about $5 million of those expenses and losses, and anticipated federal aid may cover the rest. As I said, university leadership believes furloughs are the best option at this time rather than laying off employees. Please understand, as this situation continues, we may need to use layoffs, and additional sacrifices may be asked of us.

From May through July, 12-month employees who are not currently working and other employees who will be identified this week will be placed on furlough for up to three months. Notices of those furloughs will be issued this week. Employees who are impacted by this decision will have meetings with our Human Resources professionals to help them understand what this means to them. There will be ample opportunity for employees to address their questions and concerns.

All other employees will be required to take 13 days of furlough between May 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021. We will create as much flexibility as possible in the UW-Whitewater furlough policy to accommodate our employees.

Please remember, that unlike a layoff, a furlough is an unpaid leave from employment that not only continues an employee’s benefits, including health insurance, vacation and sick leave accrual, but it also holds the employee’s position so that at the end of the furlough the expectation is that the employee will return to work. UW System has provided a Frequently Asked Questions document that may address additional questions.

We are a university that prides itself on being student centered in everything we do. Now is an important time for each of us to remember that protecting the student experience is paramount. I know we all agree that serving our students is critical to our mission and that remains our core focus.

To address some of your concerns, we will be hosting a Webex Events meeting at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, April 22. A Webex Event allows a panel to present and for audience members to submit questions through a chat window. The information can be found below.

Again, thank you for all you do to support UW-Whitewater. I am humbled by the way each of you has responded to this pandemic. We are Warhawk strong!

Sincerely,
Dr. Dwight C. Watson
Chancellor


Webex Event Information

Event address for attendees:
https://uww.webex.com/uww/onstage/g.php?MTID=e010634344d3af29a0a0e7fce3c6a6052

Event number:
285 996 484

Event password:
CNweR4R4NK6

Audio conference:
US TOLL FREE
+1-855-749-4750

Access code: 285 996 484

The original announcement can be found here.

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance for those not otherwise eligible for regular Unemployment Insurance online application is now available on the Department of Workforce Development’s website. From the DWD website, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance is defined as a new temporary federal program that provides up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits to individuals who are not eligible for regular Unemployment Insurance (UI) such as:

  • Individuals who are self-employed.
  • Certain independent contractors.
  • Individuals with limited recent work history.
  • Other workers not covered by Regular UI.

To be eligible for PUA, your reason for no longer working must fall within one of the COVID-19 Scenarios.

Find additional information on PUA as well as the online application here.

FCCU Supports Financial Literacy Month

Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) has a mission to share sound financial advice with students, parents, educators and community members alike.  April is National Financial Literacy month and while now is not necessarily a time of celebration, it is a time of education! Financial literacy is defined as the education and understanding of knowing how to earn, save, spend and invest money, as well as, the skills and ability to use financial resources to make decisions.  FCCU is aligned to help their communities by providing adequate resources for children and adults to navigate various financial topics. 

“As our mission states, we want to help each of members be in a better financial position than when we met them. This is true for even our youngest learners,” says Sue Johnson, President and CEO of FCCU. “Educating our communities about smart and safe ways to save and spend money is important now more than ever.”

With increased learning environments online and in the home, FCCU is reminding everyone of the free, digital learning resources they have available. FCCU has partnered with Banzai, an online financial literacy provider, to offer educators and students a no-cost, premium program that provides interactive classroom materials focused on helping learners develop healthy financial habits. These resources are readily available online at fortcommunity.com for parents and teachers to use in their virtual learning environments.

“Adult financial education is equally as important as youth education,” said Robyn Newcomb, Chief Strategy Officer for FCCU.  “Managing debt and various other financial challenges can be daunting, and it’s extremely important for us to offer the financial tools and resources for adult learners to navigate life.  That’s why we’re pleased to announce Banzai Direct to our financial literacy program! Banzai Direct brings clear, and in-depth lessons to our adult learners so that they can dive into understanding the financial topics most important to them. Visit our website at fortcommunity.com to learn how to take control of your money.”

All in-person financial literacy presentations have been canceled due to COVID-19. However, FCCU will be sharing fun and informational videos on various financial topics via their Facebook page. Tune in weekly for story time, where FCCU team members will share children’s books related to saving and spending. 

* * *

About FCCU: Established in 1940, Fort Community Credit Union (FCCU) is a member-owned financial cooperative open to anyone living or working in Dane, Dodge, Jefferson, Rock, Walworth or Waukesha counties.  With branch locations in Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Watertown and Whitewater, FCCU holds $265 million in assets and boasts more than 22,000 members. For more information about FCCU and the products and services they offer, visit fortcommunity.com or call (920) 563-7305.

Our Readers Share:David Yochum – “The World As We Knew It – The Start of Social and Physical Distancing – 2020”

Our Readers Share: David Yochum developed a poignant but beautiful slideshow titled “The World as We Knew It,” featuring photography by David and by Ron Binning, set to a song by Don Graham, a well known Canadian country singer. When David asked if we could have permission to share the song on the Banner, Don’s reply was, “sure thing.”

Our appreciation to David for this meaningful contribution.

If you’re interested in knowing more about Don Graham, here’s a link to the bio on his website.

Our Readers Share: Have You Created (or Seen) a Timely Poem/Photo/Short Story/Drawing, Etc. That You’d Like to Share with Banner Readers?

Those of us who spend time on social media (Facebook, etc.) have had plenty of opportunities to contribute and/or view all sorts of expressions that have been inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting isolation and “free time.”  There have been thoughts shared about positive ways that our life might be changed going forward, suggestions for good ways to spend time at home alone or with family, ideas for things for children to do, online learning resources, or online arts resources – virtual museum visits, ballet, etc. There have also been some beautiful photographs of scenes and wildlife in our area. Those who aren’t on social media may not have had much opportunity to see this sort of thing, and they might appreciate seeing some of the “gems” without having to put up with the ads, the clutter, and the negativity that sometimes comes with social media.


We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share.  Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. Please indicate whether you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter or if you prefer to remain anonymous.  At least for now, no more than two submissions per person, please.  Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com or click on “submit a story” near the top right of our homepage.  Thanks for thinking about this!  

UW-Whitewater lands another million-dollar cybersecurity grant

Less than two months after receiving a $1.9-million grant to expand cybersecurity internships, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has won $1.1 million to help Wisconsin defense suppliers comply with federal cybersecurity requirements.

This new grant, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense through the Wisconsin Execution of Cybersecurity Understanding, Remediation and Education for Defense (WISECURED) program, will require collaborating with industry, community, academic and government institutions over the next 18 months.

“Our work will improve the resilience of the defense supply chain while helping ensure Wisconsin suppliers are eligible for DOD-funded contracts,” said Brian Dennis, director of the Cybersecurity Center for Business at UW-Whitewater. “Defense suppliers at all levels must meet cybersecurity defense standards, but many small-to-medium suppliers don’t understand the requirements or know where to begin.”

Improving compliance throughout the state’s supply chain will be a significant undertaking. According to the Wisconsin Procurement Institute, Wisconsin has about 2,500 discrete defense suppliers.

“Many companies need help to identify gaps in their security, as well as a plan for attaining compliance and certification,” said Kevin Kaufman, director of business outreach at UW-Whitewater. “The reputation and resources of UW-Whitewater — along with the expertise and networks of the Cybersecurity Center for Business and the Small Business Development Center — position us to be successful in this critical undertaking.”

With this breadth of resources at its disposal, the UW-Whitewater team will first leverage relationships with Fincantieri Marinette Marine and Oshkosh Corporation — two of the largest defense suppliers in Wisconsin, and then directly engage with their supply chains. Efforts will expand statewide.

Under the grant, workshops and free online compliance training will be used to inform suppliers, track participation and progress, and identify trends and gaps. Defense suppliers will receive a system security plan as well as a plan of action, and companies falling short of requirements will be offered assistance with cybersecurity remediation.

Ultimately, UW-Whitewater will develop a model for helping prime defense contractors track their supply chains and build the required cybersecurity into their networks on a statewide and national basis.

“We are proud to be part of this important project,” said John Chenoweth, dean of the College of Business and Economics. “The university is committed to supporting businesses within our local communities as well as throughout the state. We deliver on this mission with faculty expertise, outreach services and deep experience with leveraging technology in learning.”

Additional campus partners on the project include the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs and College of Letters and Sciences. The WISECURED project is scheduled to conclude at the end of September 2021.

Questions about the grant, as well as any questions about cyber risk and cybersecurity, should be directed to Brian Dennis at 262-472-3936 at the Cybersecurity Center for Business.

Advice from UW-Whitewater’s Kate Prange – CAKE

Left to right: Robin, Audrey (the dog), and K8 (Kate)

UW-Whitewater College of Arts and Communication

(Whitewater, WI) Sometimes the right perspective is all that matters. Kate(K8) Prange, a lecturer in the departments of Art and Design and Media Arts and Game Design (MAGD) at UW-Whitewater said she doesn’t mind adapting to remote learning. “I believe that online teaching is good for all of us to adapt to and learn, as it’s the way of the future. It’s all about perspective and how to run the long race, so to speak,” said Prange.

Prange teaches courses in MAGD, Drawing For Digital Media, Art Studio, Graphic Design, Web Media, and Print Media. To deliver these classes to students remotely she is using Video, Canvas and Slack programs. To make this time valuable and exciting for students she is learning ways that students communicate versus the typical scholarly approach. The student’s final project this semester is to create a social media campaign for a cause. The students get to decide on the cause, and work as a group to finish this assignment.

When asked how she was staying positive and coping with working from home she had one word – CAKE! Her tip for staying motivated: Eat a lot of cake. Prange is making a cake every week as a celebration for making it through their new normal. Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and colored jimmies to be specific. In addition, she is creating community through random acts of kindness. “I really think this is a time where we let the students tell us what they need instead of  bombarding them with extra asks. I believe it is difficult for them to stay the course right now, let alone ask them to keep up with yet another community. Their communities are natural currently; their friends and family have become their main community. Classes or departments are an extension of that family/friend dynamic.”

Staying excited about this new challenge for Prange includes new ways of thinking and learning. “Again, it’s how one can handle the long haul. It’s like running a race that might not end soon. Pacing and stamina are key.”  Some great advice from Kate Prange for everyone navigating the safer at home order. And don’t forget the cake.

Larry G. Pechous, 62, Whitewater, passed away at his home on Saturday, April 18, 2020.

Larry was born on March 23, 1958 to George and Beverly (Gumz) Pechous. They moved to Whitewater when he was 3 years old where he grew up on the family farm. Larry spent 40 years working at Weilers/Provisur in Whitewater as a machinist. He always enjoyed his hunting and fishing. Larry also liked riding his Harley and moped through the country.

He is survived by his wife Sherry; mother Beverly; his children Brandon (Molly), Tyler (Katie), Kenzie (Jordan), and Randy; his grandchildren Kaleb, Emma, Bria, Braelynn; brothers, sisters and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father George and brother-in-law Steven.

A Celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Online Condolences may be placed at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com

Sanitary Sewer Lining Project Will be Completed this Week, Starting Tues., Affecting Portions of North St., Jefferson St., E. Main St., & Park St.

A City of Whitewater contractor, Visu-Sewer, will begin the 2020 sanitary sewer lining project on Tuesday, April 21, 2020.  This will only impact small portions of the roadways listed below.  Please reference the attached maps for specific locations.  Additionally, notices will be provided, via door hangers, to affected homes.  All work will take place outside in the road right of way.  Though we ask those affected to minimize water usage during active working periods we acknowledge that good personal hygiene must still be followed.  The below schedule will be followed as long as weather conditions allow:

Tuesday, April 21, 2020 – E. North Street and Jefferson Street

Wednesday, April 22, 2020 – E. Main St. and E. North Street

Thursday, April 23, 2020 – N. Park Street

If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Wastewater Utility at 262-473-0560, 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Thank you,

Tuesday, April 21, 2020 – E. North Street and Jefferson Street
Wednesday, April 22, 2020 – E. Main St. and E. North Street
Thursday, April 23, 2020 – N. Park Street

WHS Joins #BeTheLight Movement to Celebrate Spring Athletes

On Friday night, April 17, from 7:00 – 7:30 p.m., the lights at the Whitewater High School athletic fields were turned on to honor our spring sport athletes who are missing out on their spring seasons.

Photo Taken from the Bypass Courtesy of Greg Stewart

This gesture was part of the #BeTheLight movement to shine a light on our spring sport athletes and to provide a message of support and hope.

Community members were encouraged to drive through the parking lot and honk their horns.

WHS Announces Plans for Senior Celebrations; WHS Planea para Celebraciones con los Estudiantes en el Último Año

April 19, 2020
Hello Class of 2020 and Families:

We’d like to take a moment to update you on the status of graduation and senior class events. Due to last week’s update from Governor Evers that all schools in Wisconsin are to be closed for the remainder of the school year, we are in the process of making plans to honor our seniors while adhering to health and safety guidelines. 

For the graduation event itself, we are committed to the original date (Sunday, June 7, 2020).  We are currently communicating with the City of Whitewater to design a graduation ceremony to be held in a drive-through format and will communicate information once confirmed. We are also in the process of planning for virtual recognition for our senior awards and scholarship night. 

We are proud of all of our seniors and wish to acknowledge them in more ways. Therefore WHS will be providing a yard sign for every senior student. And we are planning for a senior send off parade to be held at Whitewater High School.

Please mark your calendars. On May 1, we will hold a drive-up distribution for graduation materials and yard signs. Details regarding this process will be sent by the end of this week. In addition to graduation materials, important information regarding the previous mentioned events will be provided to all seniors at that time.

We will continue to make decisions with the intention of honoring all students and communicating respectfully while at the same time prioritizing the safety of our community.  Your patience and understanding is appreciated as we work through this unique time.

Sincerely, 
Mike Lovenberg, Principal 
Whitewater High School
#TheWhippetWay
Make Good Decisions
262-472-8103

_____

Hola Clase de 2020 y Familias: 

Nos gustaría tomar un momento para ponerlos al día sobre el estado de la graduación y los eventos de la clase de último año. Debido a la actualización de la semana pasada del Gobernador Evers de que todas las escuelas de Wisconsin van a estar cerradas por el resto del año escolar, estamos en el proceso de hacer planes para honrar a nuestros estudiantes de último año mientras se adhieren a las directrices de salud y seguridad. 

Para el evento de graduación en sí, nos comprometemos a la fecha original (domingo 7 de junio de 2020).  Estamos comunicándonos con la ciudad de Whitewater para diseñar una ceremonia de graduación que se llevará a cabo en un formato de paseo en coche y comunicaremos la información una vez confirmada. También estamos en el proceso de planificar el reconocimiento virtual de nuestros premios y la noche de becas para estudiantes de último año. 

Estamos orgullosos de todos nuestros estudiantes de último año y queremos reconocerlos de más maneras. Por lo tanto, WHS proveerá un letrero de jardín para cada estudiante de último año. Y estamos planeando un desfile de despedida de estudiantes de último año en la High School de Whitewater.

Por favor, marquen sus calendarios. El 1 de mayo, haremos una distribución de materiales de graduación y letrero de jardín. Los detalles de este proceso se enviarán a finales de esta semana. Además de los materiales de graduación, se proporcionará información importante sobre los eventos mencionados anteriormente a todos los estudiantes de último año en ese momento.

Continuaremos tomando decisiones con la intención de honrar a todos los estudiantes y comunicarnos respetuosamente mientras que al mismo tiempo priorizamos la seguridad de nuestra comunidad.  Su paciencia y comprensión es apreciada mientras trabajamos en este momento único.

Sinceramente, 
Mike Lovenberg, Director
Whitewater High School