Brief Update from Dan Langer, 4.3.20

All, We’re a couple weeks into these unique circumstances and, first and foremost, it is hoped all of you and your families and friends, are well. The experience of the last couple of weeks have presented the Division with new and unique matters to partner with UW–Madison and UW System colleagues.  The range has been diverse, but as examples:
  • Involvement in the process to lease Lowell to the State,
  • Arrangements related to making available 21 N. Park as a likely polling station next Tuesday,
  • Collaboratively collecting, inventorying and sourcing personal protective equipment with others in need across the state,
  • Helping to organize the disbursement of federal funds being made available to a number of Wisconsin rural hospitals,
  • Establishing an account tracking structure and initiating an extensive number of refunds and expenses as a result of this situation,
  • Working to keep people informed, and
  • Doing the best practical to avoid compromising adequate financial internal controls to protect the resources of the institution, just to name a few.
This circumstance consistently reinforces how grateful I am to be affiliated with the Division team, the broader population of UW–Madison colleagues and our colleagues at System and across the State with a clear commitment to the mission of the University and the recognition the work we do is a small, but important part of the overall mission. As a member of David’s finance team the Division is very invested in partnering with colleagues in doing monitoring and analysis how financial activity has shifted in recent weeks and contributing to further analysis to anticipate and forecast the potential financial impacts of this completely unique circumstance.  That said, I was just on a call with Laurent and the rest of campus financial leadership at which our importance as employees is clearly recognized.  This is evidenced by the leave extension announced yesterday, kudos to UW–Madison leadership recognition of the diversity of the employee population’s roles and responsibilities.   https://covid19.wisc.edu/covid-19-leave-extended-through-may-1/ Also, the current situation is a terrific opportunity for us to recognize our colleagues who have stepped out of their comfort zone, gone above and beyond or simply helped lift up spirits, using the FAN Mail program.  Participation is encouraged. Hopefully you have started to find some structure and balance to the stay at home expectations, yet occasionally are out to enjoy that Spring is in the air, birds are singing, flowers blooming and, some days, even the sun is shining. As per my March 20 webpost, you are encouraged to reach out to colleagues and, if you don’t have the equipment to do that, there may be ways to assist so please let me know. Thank you, Daniel B. Langer Assistant Vice Chancellor/Controller