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Online session provides help with benefits enrollment
October 15, 2025
The Benefits Open Enrollment period is currently underway and will end at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. Employees who need more information in order to make informed decisions about benefits may wish to attend a live, virtual presentation of “Benefits 2026: What You Need to Know” on October 15, 16, or 22 via Zoom. This session includes a review of 2026 benefits changes, information on how to enroll, and time for questions and answers. The recorded presentation is available for viewing 24/7 on YouTube. Links to these and other resources can be found at benefits.wisc.edu/2026.
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Nominations open for awards honoring academic staff
October 15, 2025
Each year, UW–Madison and Universities of Wisconsin honor academic staff members for their achievements and dedication to excellence. The UW‒Madison Academic Staff Excellence Awards will honor nine individuals in seven categories. The deadline for nominations is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025.
Nominations are also open for the 2026 Alliant Energy Underkofler Excellence in Teaching Award. This award recognizes outstanding undergraduate teaching at Universities of Wisconsin institutions within the Alliant service area. Nominations for this award are also due Dec. 8, 2025.
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Workshop open to all employees teaches AI basics
October 15, 2025
The Learn@UW team is offering a one-hour workshop to introduce the basics of AI using UW–Madison approved artificial intelligence tools: Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini. This hands-on session will show attendees how to log in, write a successful prompt, protect university information, and think critically about the results these tools provide. Sessions will be held Monday, Oct. 20, noon–1 p.m., and Wednesday, Nov. 12, noon–1 p.m. via Zoom. UW–Madison employees may attend at no cost.
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Webinar helps employees reduce holiday stress
October 15, 2025
LifeMatters and the Employee Assistance Office are offering a virtual webinar, Holiday Stress, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, noon-1 p.m. via Zoom. Participants will learn how to create a holiday season that is relaxed, fun, and comfortable. This session will explore topics such as finding the meaning in the holiday season, evaluating traditions, relieving stress, tips for parents, and managing the holiday blues. The webinar is offered at no cost to all UW–Madison employees.
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Re-enroll to continue certain benefits in 2026
October 8, 2025
The Benefits Open Enrollment period is currently underway and will end on October 31, 2025. Even if you do not want to make any changes in your benefits elections for 2026, some plans require that you enroll each year to continue your participation.
Be sure to enroll if you wish to participate in the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) in 2026, including Health Care FSA, Limited Purpose FSA, and Dependent Day Care FSA. You must enroll in a Health Savings Account (HSA) each year if you choose a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). The Medical Opt-Out Incentive requires re-enrollment each year. Employees must choose the Medical Opt-Out Incentive when electing benefits; declining medical coverage is not enrolling in the Opt-Out Incentive. Those enrolled in family Accident Insurance must enroll if they wish to participate in 2026.
Employees may attend a virtual presentation, “Benefits 2026: What You Need to Know,” to learn about next year’s plan changes, their benefit election options, and the decisions they need to make by the Oct. 31 deadline. In-person sessions and help enrolling in benefits will be offered at the Employee Benefits and Resource Fair on October 14. Find details and other resources to help with benefits enrollment at benefits.wisc.edu/2026.
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Federal shutdown update
October 8, 2025
On Oct. 1, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Rob Cramer and Vice Chancellor for Research Dorota Grejner-Brzezinska sent a message to all students, faculty, and staff regarding the shutdown of all non-essential federal government operations. Though this event is concerning for our campus operations and research enterprise, campus leaders have been preparing for this possibility over recent weeks and have planned for multiple scenarios. During the shutdown, the university’s goals are to provide guidance and advocacy for our community and limit disruption on campus to the maximum extent possible. Campus leaders are monitoring developments and potential impacts and will continue to communicate with the community and shared governance. The Office of Federal Relations will also post broader campus updates on an as-needed basis.
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Save the date for Employee Benefits and Resource Fair
October 1, 2025
The Employee Benefits and Resource Fair will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Varsity Hall at Union South. The event features resources and presentations that can help with benefits enrollment for 2026. The Benefits Open Enrollment period runs from Oct. 6–Oct. 31, 2025. Representatives from Benefits Services will be on hand to answer questions, and a 60-minute session, “Benefits 2026: What You Need to Know,” will be presented at 9:15 a.m., 10:15 a.m., and 12:45 p.m. An Open Lab will be available 9 a.m.–3 p.m. for those who have made their 2026 benefits decisions and would like help enrolling or making changes through Workday.
Units and services from across campus will have representatives on hand to introduce resources and opportunities available to UW–Madison employees. Employees may also attend free sessions to learn about resources for families, retirement planning, and more. For details, visit go.wisc.edu/employee-resource-fair.
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Workshop teaches skills for navigating difficult conversations
October 1, 2025
An upcoming workshop will teach UW–Madison faculty and staff how to navigate difficult conversations effectively, so that they can contribute to positive work cultures and relationships. The three-hour workshop, Navigating Difficult Conversations: Healthy and Effective Approaches, will be held online on Wednesday, Oct. 8 and repeated on Tuesday, Dec. 16. Participants will be given a framework for engaging in healthy conversations and will have an opportunity to practice in small groups. This program is part of the Inclusion@UW program from Learning and Talent Development. There is no cost to attend. Seating is limited and advance registration is required.
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Fall 2025 release adds new features to Workday
September 24, 2025
Workday’s Fall 2025 release went live on Saturday, Sept. 20. The release includes new features and enhancements affecting all Workday users. This release marks the first major update since the Universities of Wisconsin launched Workday in July 2025. Feature releases happen twice a year, typically in March and September. Workday support documents and training materials are being updated to help employees easily and quickly adapt to the new features. For Workday questions or support, explore Get Help resources on the Workday website.
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Registration deadline approaching for Leadership and Management Development Conference
September 24, 2025
The annual Leadership and Management Development Conference will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 22 at Union South. The conference provides a full day of professional development to help emerging and advanced leaders develop the skills to lead and manage more effectively. The registration fee is $135 for employees of UW–Madison and affiliates. Register by October 7 to secure your participation at the conference.
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