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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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October 17 deadline to earn Well Wisconsin incentive
September 24, 2025
The Well Wisconsin program supports participants in meeting their health and well-being goals. Those who complete the program steps by the Oct. 17, 2025, deadline will earn a $150 prepaid card. UW employees, retirees, and their spouses who are currently enrolled in the State Group Health Insurance plan are eligible to participate. Participants must complete a health assessment, health check, and one well-being activity. Learn more at go.wisc.edu/w7l5m8. To request a language interpreter, call the Well Wisconsin HelpLine at 800-821-6591. Employees may also speak with a Well Wisconsin representative at the upcoming Employee Benefits and Resource Fair on Oct. 14 at Union South.
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Town halls to discuss student evaluation of teaching
September 24, 2025
An ad hoc committee of faculty, academic staff, and students has developed recommendations for a policy aimed at improving the quality of teaching data from student evaluations and how the data are used, in order to comply with UW Board of Regents policy. At two upcoming town hall meetings on Oct. 3 and 8, committee leaders will present the recommendations to the campus community for feedback. The town halls will be held via Zoom. Register to participate.
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Set up a My Benefits account now to access benefits enrollment system
September 17, 2025
The Benefits Open Enrollment period will be Monday, Oct. 6–Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. This is an annual opportunity for benefits-eligible employees to enroll in or make changes to most benefits for 2026. All benefits-eligible employees must create a My Benefits account to access the new benefits enrollment system, My Insurance Benefits. Creating an account is a one-time registration process. Employees should complete this process using their personal email address (not a wisc.edu address) before Benefits Open Enrollment begins. This will prevent any login issues that could delay enrollment. Review complete instructions on how to Set Up an Account in My Benefits. Employees with questions should contact the human resources office in their unit.
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Cybersecurity Awareness Training available in Workday
September 17, 2025
The Cybersecurity Awareness Training for employees is now available in Workday. Employees will receive a notification via Workday 30 days before they are due to complete their training. Because the Workday training has known accessibility barriers, an alternative training is offered in Canvas. If you have concerns about completing this training in Workday, please request the Canvas “Alternative Cybersecurity Awareness Training” course from your Divisional Disability Representative or your human resources office. Paper-based training is available for employees who do not use computers in their UW–Madison job and for employees who need language support. Employees must be assigned the paper-based training by their supervisor or human resources contact. If you have any questions about the training assignment in Workday, please submit a GetHelpUW ticket.
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