News for Employees

• Applications for 2026–27 parking permits now open

  May 13, 2026

  Transportation Services is now accepting applications for base lot, Flex, accessible, park and ride, carpool, and business alternate parking permits. Approved permits will be valid Sept. 1, 2026, through Aug. 31, 2027. The first application deadline is May 29, with additional deadlines throughout the summer. Visit transportation.wisc.edu for more information.

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• Registration deadline approaching for the IT Professionals Conference

  May 13, 2026

  Registration is now open for the 2026 IT Professionals Conference on May 28 and 29. This year’s hybrid conference will feature more than 35 sessions, the 7th annual IT Recognition Awards, and a keynote by Patrick McDaniel, professor in the College of Computing & Artificial Intelligence. Hybrid registration closes May 15. Virtual registration closes May 22.

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• Professional development opportunities that drive connection and clarity

  May 13, 2026

  Registration is now open for free courses offered by Learning and Talent Development to help employees become more resilient. Personal Resilience and Accountability offers practical, research-based strategies to help build resilience, while Understanding and Leading Change provides tools on change styles and components to help manage transitions and proactively support others. Managing Stress and Finding Vitality at Work offers strategies to reframe one’s thinking and build healthier responses. Exclusively for UW people managers, Enhance Your Supervision and Management focuses on leadership, team performance, and best practices from peers.

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• Webinar focuses on the mental and emotional aspects of retirement

  May 13, 2026

  LifeMatters and the Employee Assistance Office, in partnership with Madison Benefits Services, are offering a one-hour webinar, Transition to Retirement: Preparing Mentally and Emotionally, on Tuesday, May 26, noon–1 p.m. Participants will learn about the phases of retirement; mental preparation; hazards and opportunities; and reaching a rewarding retirement. The webinar is offered at no cost to all UW–Madison employees. Register online to receive the Zoom link.

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• Transportation Services announces parking rate and program updates

  May 6, 2026

  Effective Sept. 1, 2026, there will be a 2 percent increase for most parking permits. Eligibility rules for the reduced cost permit program and rates for Flex parking, visitor parking, and Metro Transit employee bus passes will remain the same. Campus electric vehicle (EV) charging stations will be upgraded and require user fees. For more information, visit transportation.wisc.edu.

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• UW–Madison finalizes 2025–2027 compensation strategy

  May 6, 2026

  UW–Madison leadership has approved investments in employee compensation totaling $27.6 million across fiscal years 2025–2027. These investments will be accompanied by a salary structure update. The current approach is intended to support the university’s total compensation philosophy, which is to be a market-competitive employer that supports UW staff and faculty.

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• Career counseling available as an employee benefit

  May 6, 2026

  UW‒Madison employees have access to free career counseling. The Employee Career Counseling program gives employees the skills to explore, plan, and manage their careers at UW‒Madison. One-on-one, confidential counseling can help participants develop self-awareness, identify opportunities, set goals, and develop an action plan. Self-service career planning resources are also available online. To set up an appointment with a career counselor, email your request to employeecareercounseling@wisc.edu or call 608-265-2257.

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• Edvest 529 College Savings webinars and summer bonus offer

  May 6, 2026

  Wisconsin’s Edvest 529 College Savings Program enables participants to save for college costs for a child, grandchild, or loved one. A 529 account is a tax-advantaged, benefits-oriented college savings account that can be used for a variety of qualified higher education expenses.

   

   

  Upcoming online webinars will provide information on how 529 college savings plans work, the benefits of saving with these accounts, and other resources available to help families plan and pay for college. Webinar attendees will also learn about the opportunity to qualify for a special bonus of $50 when they open a new Edvest account between May 18 and June 8, 2026. Register for a live webinar on Wednesday, May 20, 6–7 p.m. or Wednesday, May 27, 11 a.m.–noon to learn more.

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• New and ongoing construction to affect campus travel this summer

  April 29, 2026

  Following spring Commencement, several new construction projects will begin across campus, joining those already in progress. These developments will require temporary roadway, sidewalk, and bike lane closures throughout the summer. Plan ahead and learn how these projects may affect your commute at transportation.wisc.edu.

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• Operational Excellence Advancement Program invites campus engagement

  April 29, 2026

  The Operational Excellence Advancement Program (OEAP) functions like an incubator — accelerating projects to strengthen financial controls, streamline and simplify processes, and enhance administrative services. The OEAP team is looking to further engage employees at topic-specific deep dive sessions focused on individual OEAP work streams, including the HR and finance operating model (May 5), position management (May 18), and travel and expense audit (May 21). The sessions are open to all members of the UW–Madison community and registration is not required. Each virtual session will begin with a brief overview presentation, followed by open discussion and Q&A.

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