April 27, 2000

Academic Opportunities

Applications Sought

The Center for Nanotechnology is accepting applications in a campus-wide competition for Graduate Student Research in Nanotechnology, which will be awarded for 12 months starting summer quarter 2000. Graduate students from all departments are eligible if they are beyond their first academic full year in graduate school on the award starting date. Current first-year awardees may reapply if they wish continued funding after June 15. Students already holding a second-year extension award may not reapply. Successful applicants will receive notification by May 29. Funding will begin on June 16.

Contact Program Manager Jayne Muir at Box 352125 for further information and to request an application package. Application packages are also available in PDF format from the Center for Nanotechnology Web site at http://www.nano.washington.edu Applications with six copies of all parts and letters of recommendation must be received by Jayne Muir by 5 p.m. Monday, May 8.

Other News

Telework Policy

Telework is an arrangement that allows a staff member to regularly work from home or an alternative work site, utilizing telecommunications and computer technology. The UW recognizes telework as a work option that may meet a variety of interests including, but not limited to: enhancing employee productivity and satisfaction, reducing commute trips and addressing space restrictions.

A telework arrangement may be established through mutual agreement between a department head and an employee or it may be required by the employer due to the nature of the position. Telework arrangements shall be for a prescribed time, shall be revocable at the discretion of the employer and are subject to prior approval by the Dean, Vice President, other appointing authority. An employee may rescind agreement to a voluntary telework arrangement by providing notice consistent with the terms of the agreement.

Telework arrangements must be confirmed in writing and signed by the employee and the authorizing supervisor prior to the beginning of the arrangement. Terms of the individual telework arrangement are to be specified in the Telework Assignment for UW Professional and Classified Staff and used in conjunction with the applicable Telework Agreement.

The full text of the Telework Policy is available on a Web page devoted exclusively to the new policy at http://www.washington.edu/admin/emprel/telework/.

Telework guidelines

As part of the new University Telework Policy, the Human Resources office is offering guidelines to offices considering telework as an option for employees. A sampling of the guidelines is offered below:

Telework arrangements are typically voluntary agreements between the department and the employee. Department managers are responsible for determining the feasibility of any individual telework arrangement based upon evaluation of the work to be accomplished, benefits to the department, interactions required between the teleworker and other staff members or customers, and demonstrated skills of the employee. These guidelines identify elements to be addressed in individual telework arrangements between an employee and the employee’s department.

Telework may be required or mutually beneficial due to operational needs, space constraints and/or the nature of the assignment. Telework requirements should be designated as a condition of employment during recruitment for the position.

The telework agreement is for a prescribed time period, revocable at the option of the employer and is subject to prior approval by the dean, vice president or other appointing authority. In addition, either the employer or the employee may rescind agreement to a voluntary telework arrangement consistent with the notice provisions of University policy and the individual telework agreement.

Other specific guidelines include: