Topics Map > Purchasing & Travel
FAQs About LinkUW
What is LinkUW and why is it happening?
LinkUW is a new campus-wide initiative that consolidates certain HR and finance services to improve consistency, simplify processes, and provide better support. It’s part of a broader effort to streamline administrative work so units can focus more on their core mission.
Will my day-to-day work change?
For most faculty and staff, no. Your daily tasks will stay the same. The main change is how you request certain services—starting November 3, you’ll contact the LinkUW team directly for things like travel booking, reimbursements, and purchasing.
Who do I contact for HR support?
You’ll still reach out to Karlye Wolff-DeZell for HR questions and support. Even though payroll and benefits are now part of LinkUW, you won’t notice any changes in how you get help.
What services are moving to LinkUW?
For Nelson Institute, LinkUW will now handle:
- P-card management and reconciliation
- Expense reimbursement
- Purchasing
- Cash advances
- Invoicing
- Travel booking
- Payroll and benefits (already handled by ASU, now integrated into LinkUW)
Will I still work with the same people?
Yes. Employees who transition into LinkUW will ideally continue supporting the same units. Robin Higgins is shifting to LinkUW staff and will bring her knowledge and expertise of Nelson to the LinkUW team. Other members on the LinkUW team will also support Nelson. Request services from LinkUW
Will this reduce anyone’s workload?
Yes. Some Nelson administrative staff will see a welcome reduction in workload, allowing them to better support other priorities like Workday updates, new faculty onboarding, and our upcoming move to Computer Sciences.
How do I submit a request for LinkUW services?
Starting November 3, faculty and staff from Nelson will request services in the following ways:
- Complete the LinkUW Request Form – will be available soon on the LinkUW website. (Recommended method)
- Email your request to linkuw@wisc.edu,please use your wisc.edu email
- Walk-in hours at 21 North Park Street, Floor 5, Suite 5301
- HR Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Finance Hours: Tuesdays only from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Call LinkUW at 262-8100
Learn more about requesting services from LinkUW
How is LinkUW making sure service quality stays high?
LinkUW is guided by service level agreements that set clear expectations. The team is committed to delivering consistent, responsive service—and employees will have backup coverage so work doesn’t pile up when someone’s out.
What if something goes wrong or feels confusing?
This is a pilot phase, and the LinkUW team is actively gathering feedback to improve. If you experience issues, share them with your unit’s LinkUW Transition Team representative—Jenna Weidner for Nelson—or reach out directly to the LinkUW team.
Is this part of a bigger change at UW–Madison?
Yes. LinkUW is part of the larger administrative transformation effort taking place on campus, which is rethinking how administrative services are delivered at UW-Madison. It’s a long-term effort to make things work better for everyone.