GENERAL
Ask Me Anything about FT with Linda and Heidi!
We have been pondering the volume of information coming from all sides about Finance Transformation – the FDM, security roles, workflows, etc. You likely have questions that you would like to pose in a smaller setting – smaller, that is, than the Admin Meeting or Noontime Workshop. In an effort to provide an opportunity for more 1:1 questions, Linda and Heidi are hosting Ask Me Anything (AMA) sessions about UWFT, Fridays from 1:15 to 2:15 pm. If you have questions, drop into the Zoom meeting’s waiting room; when it’s your turn, they’ll let you in to ask whatever question or questions you have.
Mark your calendar and use the following Zoom Meeting link to join: https://washington.zoom.us/j/92724356215
Not able to make it to the AMAs? Drop by our Noontime Workshop series, which takes place on Tuesdays from 12:00 to 1:00 pm. This spring, we’re focusing on FT-related topics like how to work with the FDM and how to manage month-end-close activities. Recordings of these meetings can be found in the Noontime Workshops channel on Teams. Check out our attached workshop schedule to see what’s coming up and don’t forget to bring your lunch!
FOREIGN NATIONAL SERVICES
Sluggish H-1B processing times continue
Prevailing wage determinations required for H-1B visa petitions are currently taking between 7 to 12 months to obtain from the Department of Labor. This will in most cases impact Autumn start dates for new hires requiring an H-1B, so it is strongly recommended to have contingency plans for such situations. Please note that a prevailing wage determination is needed for all H-1B eligible titles, except for Postdoctoral Scholars.
Permanent Residency application timeline reminder
A friendly reminder that the permanent residency (“green card”) sponsorship deadline begins 18 months from the date of first offer, and not from the appointment start date. This is especially important in cases where we first need to obtain an H-1B visa and need to account for the prevailing wage processing time. General information on the process is available on ISO’s website, but please reach out to Jack Hamrick (hamrickj@uw.edu) with any specific questions you may have.
PAYMENTS AND PROCUREMENT
New forms flying in!
Yay! The AST travel reimbursement form has been updated so that it’s easier for you to fill out and collects more helpful data for us. The order of the form may look a bit different, but the information remains the same. Here are some of the major updates to the form:
- Department Names! The list of department and unit names now includes all CAS departments and updates to department names as requested.
- Budget Numbers! All submitters are now required to provide a budget number to charge for their travel reimbursements. Travelers will be directed to you, their department administrator, if they are unable to answer this question. Once the budget number has been obtained, they are more than welcome to finish submitting the travel reimbursement request.
For more updates and improvements, check out the new travel reimbursement form which is now live!
Tips for when you're ready to lift off
Are members of your department traveling internationally on UW business? All staff, faculty, and students traveling internationally for business or academic purposes are required to register their trip with the Office of Global Affairs. This is for both the traveler’s safety and for the University’s risk management in case of unexpected emergencies.
Safety first! If there if a natural disaster, medical emergency, or manmade conflict, UW travelers can more readily receive assistance from the UW if they have registered with Global Affairs. Registering travel ensures that UW has emergency contact information on file and will know to look for UW travelers if disasters strikes or an emergency occurs.
All UW students and student employees traveling abroad are required to purchase UW Student Abroad Insurance and are prompted to do so when registering their travel.
PAYROLL
Workday transactions with effective dates after July 1, 2023
Due to the pending launch of UW Finance Transformation (UWFT) in July, the ISC will not be approving any Workday transactions with effective dates after July 1, 2023 at this time. Due to this change, we will temporarily be returning any UW Connect tickets sent to our team for transactions effective after July 1, 2023.
As we receive more information about UWFT timelines, we will reach out with information about when departments can submit tickets for these transactions
Sexual Misconduct Disclosure (SMD) process change
The Office of Academic Personnel (OAP) has updated the Sexual Misconduct Disclosure (SMD) process for Academic Personnel. Applicants applying through UW’s Interfolio Faculty Search are prompted to complete the SMD form, and final candidates must complete an expanded form through UW’s Ideal-Logic sexual misconduct disclosure tool.
OAP has updated their website with details of the process, including information about internal candidates, rehires, direct hires and search waivers. Please direct any questions about this process to acadpers@uw.edu.
Spring I-9 verification drop-in hours start next week!
Our spring quarter I-9 verification drop-in hours will take place at the CAS Dean’s Office from March 27 to April 6 to assist new hires with in-person verification of their I-9 documents and authorize their employment status. This process must be done within 3 business days of their hire date, as required by the USCIS. Administrators, please continue to share the attached drop-in schedule with any new hires, as well as the following resources:
- I-9 Journey Map: This resource helps guide new-to-the-university employees through the process of filling out Section 1 of their Form I-9 in Workday.
- I-9 Verification Appointment Link: If your new hires are unable to attend our I-9 drop-in hours, have them schedule an appointment to verify their original document(s) with our team.
As a reminder, our team continues to send out I-9 reminders to newly hired employees on a rolling basis. Please contact us at teamcas-i9@uw.edu if you have any questions.
LOOKING AHEAD
AST Data Entry Onboarding
We’re continuing to host onboarding sessions for data entry in the areas of travel reimbursement, personal expense reimbursements, and payments to individuals. Check out our staged onboarding plan from the February Administrators meeting to see when your department is scheduled to come aboard and be sure to reach out with any questions.
As always, please contact any of us or email teamcas@uw.edu with any questions or concerns.
Administrative Support Team
Last Updated: Friday, November 03, 2023