Reconnection events

People connected by lines. Stock image.

The Department of Medicine well-being workgroup has launched the Reconnection Seed Fund Project to support community building and colleague connections. 

Connect stock image overlapping hands
Connect stock image people in huddle
This is unpublished

Overview

Strategic plan

The well-being workgroup is part of the Department's 2021-2025 Strategic Plan. One of our four core priorities areas is to "invest in our trainees, staff and faculty."

The purpose of this pilot program is for groups or individuals (cross-divisional, not necessarily division specific), to submit requests for funds to support creative ideas for a one-time event or an ongoing activity that supports community-building and colleague connections.

This can be a great way to reconnect with colleagues or meet newer department staff or faculty. All proposals will be reviewed by the well-being workgroup.  

Reconnection ideas

We encourage creative ideas, such as: 

  • Weekly sundae/coffee bar
  • Community service 
  • Affinity-based gatherings 
  • Function-specific networking activities (e.g., research scientists, fellowship administrators, etc.) 

Spending Policy

Any activities funded by the reconnection fund should comply with Washington State RCW: 41.04.362. 

This pilot program is not intended to support all connection and recognition events for divisions, but rather to spur innovation and cross-divisional community-building.

The pilot program funds are limited and will be prioritized for proposals that maximize impact for the most individuals with the least amount of expenditure. The committee may provide partial but not full funding based on funds available. 

All food purchases must be pre-approved using the food approval form and UW policies and procedures on food purchases must be followed. Per UW policy, the amount for food will be limited to the travel meal per diem.  

Examples of allowed expenses:  

  • Food (within per diem allowance) 

  • Cost for an off-site venue for the event 

  • Trainer/expert consultant to facilitate the program/event 

  • Supplies and materials necessary for the event 

Examples of expenses not allowed:  

  • Alcohol 
  • Flowers 
  • Food over per-diem amount 
  • Transportation 

Apply for funds

To request funds, please complete the Reconnection Proposal Form and answer a few basic questions: 

  1. Estimated date of the activity 
  2. The target audience for the activity 
  3. Estimated number of attendees 
  4. Funds amount requested (all funds must comply with the spending policy) 
  5. Brief description of the event/activity 
Reconnection proposal form