News for Employees

• Enroll in annual benefits by Oct. 30

  October 28, 2026

  The Benefits Open Enrollment period ends this Friday, Oct. 30, at 4:30 p.m. This is the only time you can make changes to certain benefits without having an eligible life event or qualifying employment change during the year. In addition, certain benefits you may be enrolled in require action each year. Employees should choose their 2027 benefits through Workday. Find helpful information about benefits enrollment at benefits.wisc.edu/2027.

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• Professional development opportunities in the new year

  October 28, 2026

  Through Learning and Talent Development, UW–Madison employees have numerous opportunities to develop new knowledge and skills, enhance their networks, and grow their careers. Professional development offerings for January through June 2027 are now open for registration. Most courses and programs are open to UW–Madison employees at no cost. Employees who would like to receive monthly updates about upcoming courses, workshops, and programs can subscribe to the Next Level newsletter.

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• Position Management Pilot invites campus engagement

  October 28, 2026

  Position Management connects workforce needs with budgeting so leaders can plan and hire more effectively. UW–Madison is implementing a Position Management Pilot that builds a more consistent, university-wide approach, with clear decision steps and shared visibility, while preserving appropriate local flexibility. The Position Management Pilot core team is looking to further engage employees at two deep-dive sessions focused on what has been accomplished, where the work stands, and the path forward. The one-hour sessions will take place on Nov. 16 and 18. The sessions are open to all UW–Madison employees and registration is not required. Each virtual session will begin with a brief overview presentation, followed by open discussion and questions and answers. This pilot is part of UW–Madison’s broader Operational Excellence effort.

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• Nominations open for Student Employment Awards

  October 28, 2026

  The Office of Student Financial Aid is seeking nominations for Student Employee of the Year. Scholarships will be awarded to the top student employee in each of five categories. In addition, the Student Employment Supervisor of the Year award celebrates the accomplishments of those who play an important role in the development of student employees. The deadline to nominate outstanding student employees and student employment supervisors is Sunday, Nov. 15.

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• UW–Madison policies address nepotism and consensual relationships

  October 28, 2026

  As part of UW–Madison’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a professional and respectful work environment, the university upholds policies on nepotism and consensual relationships. These policies outline the guidelines and expectations regarding employment and supervisory relationships among family members and close associates. These policies are in place to ensure fairness and transparency in our workplace, as well as to prevent any potential conflicts of interest or perceptions of favoritism. All members of the UW–Madison community are encouraged to review these policies and ensure that they are in compliance. The Nepotism policy is available at policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-5046 and the Consensual Relationships policy is available at policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-5048. A form to report possible conflicts of interest is available on both policy pages.

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• Last virtual benefits enrollment session today

  October 21, 2026

  The Benefits Open Enrollment period is currently underway and will end at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026. Employees who need more information in order to make informed decisions about benefits may wish to attend a live, virtual presentation of Benefits 2027: What You Need to Know today, Oct. 21, at 3–4 p.m. This session includes a review of 2027 benefits changes, information on how to enroll, and time for questions and answers. The recorded presentation is available for viewing on demand. Links to these and other resources can be found at benefits.wisc.edu/2027.

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• Digital accessibility and purchasing

  October 21, 2026

  Digital accessibility requirements apply to the purchase of digital tools and electronic resources used in university programs, services, activities, and employment. As UW–Madison works toward compliance with the ADA digital accessibility rule, incorporating accessibility requirements is now part of the purchasing process for everyone. Visit the Accessible Purchasing Process web page for more information about accessibility requirements, vendor documentation expectations, purchasing guidance, and resources to help departments understand their role in the updated process.

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• Partners in Giving campaign: Cultivate Community

  October 21, 2026

  Through UW–Madison’s annual workplace giving campaign, Partners in Giving, employees join together to make a difference in our communities and beyond by raising funds to support hundreds of local, state, national, and international charities. The fall campaign is underway and runs through Dec. 1, though donations can be accepted through May 15, 2027. If giving through payroll deduction, your pledge should be made during the fall campaign. Learn more, including how you can give online or through a mailed or emailed pledge form, at giving.wi.gov.

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• Webinar offers tips on how to boost employee morale

  October 21, 2026

  LifeMatters and the Employee Assistance Office are offering a virtual webinar, Boosting Staff Morale, on Tuesday, Oct. 27, noon‒1 p.m. This session will help managers evaluate the level of morale within their teams and offer suggestions to keep employees motivated and engaged. The webinar is offered at no cost to all UW‒Madison employees. Register online to receive the Zoom link.

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• Go Big Read Program seeking suggestions for 2027–28 Book

  October 21, 2026

  UW–Madison’s Go Big Read program is seeking book suggestions for the 2027–28 academic year.  Book suggestions can be made on the Go Big Read website through Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026. A committee will review and discuss the nominated books before making recommendations to Interim Chancellor Eric M. Wilcots, who will make the final selection for the 2027–28 Go Big Read.

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