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Benefits Open Enrollment begins October 5
September 30, 2026
The Benefits Open Enrollment period is October 5–30, 2026. This is an annual opportunity for benefits-eligible employees to enroll in or change their benefits for the upcoming calendar year. Certain benefits require re-enrollment every year. Changes made during this period will be effective January 1, 2027.
Employees should prepare for benefits enrollment by reviewing their current benefits. Employees should also log in to Workday to verify that they can access the My Benefits system with their MyWisconsin ID. To log in to My Benefits, employees must use the personal email address they used to set up their MyWisconsin ID account, as well as their password. Employees may be asked to choose a new MyWisconsin ID password because their previous password has expired or will expire soon.
Employees are encouraged to attend upcoming virtual and in-person information sessions to learn about benefits options and how to enroll. Details and additional resources to assist with benefits enrollment are available at benefits.wisc.edu/2027.
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Save the date for Employee Benefits and Resource Fair
September 30, 2026
The Employee Benefits and Resource Fair will be held on Thursday, Oct. 8, 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 2027. The Benefits Open Enrollment period runs from Oct. 5–30, 2026. Representatives from Benefits Services will be on hand to answer questions, and a 60-minute session, “Benefits 2027: What You Need to Know,” will be presented at 9:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 1 p.m. An Open Lab will be available 9 a.m.–3 p.m. for those who have made their 2027 benefits decisions and would like help enrolling or making changes.
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 retirement planning, employee support, and more. For details, visit go.wisc.edu/employee-resource-fair.
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Go Big Read selection committee invites applications
September 30, 2026
University staff, academic staff, and faculty are invited to apply to join the Go Big Read selection committee. The committee will review book nominations, read over winter break, and recommend the 2027–28 pick to the chancellor. Applications to join the committee are due Monday, Oct. 12, 2026.
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October 16 deadline to earn the Well Wisconsin incentive
September 30, 2026
The Well Wisconsin program supports participants in meeting their health and well-being goals. Those who complete the program steps by the Oct. 16, 2026, deadline will earn a $150 prepaid card. UW employees, their spouses, and retirees 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. Call WebMD with any questions at 1-800-821-6591. Employees may also speak with a Well Wisconsin representative at the upcoming Employee Benefits and Resource Fair on Oct. 8 at Union South.
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New indoor fitness facility on campus now open
September 23, 2026
University Recreation and Wellbeing (Rec Well) has opened a new indoor fitness facility at 1436 Monroe Street. The Camp Randall Fitness Center (CRFC)—located within the Kellner Family Athletic Center— features a variety of cardio and strength equipment and free weights. All current Rec Well members will have access to the CRFC. New memberships for community and affiliate members can be purchased online or in person at the Nicholas Recreation Center, Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center, and Nielsen Tennis Stadium. For hours of operation and other details, visit recwell.wisc.edu/locations/crfc.
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Professional development for leaders at every level
September 23, 2026
Leadership can be defined as actions taken to influence, guide, and support both people and processes towards a shared vision, and not just a title or position. Everyone can lead from where they are. UW–Madison provides professional development opportunities for all employees who wish to enhance their leadership skills, including those who are not in direct leadership positions. Most courses and programs are open to UW–Madison employees at no cost.
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Suicide prevention training for faculty and staff
September 23, 2026
University Health Services (UHS) offers Recognize, Respond, Refer (RRR), a one-hour online training designed to help faculty and staff build skills to prevent suicide and support student mental health on campus. Participants will learn how to support the students they teach, mentor, or supervise. The RRR training was updated with new tips, data, and resources in May 2026, so UHS encourages all faculty and staff to take the updated course, even if they have completed similar training before. The course is in Workday and will be part of the Workday Learning Transcript.
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Event provides information on fostering an accessible and inclusive workplace
September 23, 2026
The Committee on Disability, Accessibility and Inclusion is hosting an event focused on best practices for fostering an accessible and inclusive workplace on Wednesday, Oct. 14, noon–1:15 p.m. via Zoom. Designed for staff and administrators across campus, the event will provide information about available resources and support services, workplace accommodations, and ways departments and supervisors can support employees with disabilities and medical conditions. Topics may also include inclusive communication and meeting practices, guidance for employees seeking accommodations and for their supervisors, inclusive hiring, pregnancy-related policies, and strategies for addressing accessibility at the department level. Register online.
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Deadline to request leave banking is Sept. 30
September 16, 2026
Eligible employees can convert unused vacation or vacation carryover balances as of June 30 to banked leave. The deadline to complete this election is Sept. 30. Employees can review their eligibility for banked leave and make requests to bank leave in Workday. Instructions on how to enter banked leave elections are available online. Your banked leave elections will not change your time off balances immediately. Instead, they will be reflected in Workday at the start of the pay period after you submit your elections. If you have already made an election that you wish to change, contact your local human resources office.
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Workday update to feature improved mobile experience
September 16, 2026
Workday will be updating on Saturday, Sept. 19, as part of a scheduled Feature Release. Employees who use Workday on their phone or other mobile device will see an updated home page. A menu will be used to access Workday apps, similar to the desktop version of Workday. The profile button, which employees use to find their personal information, will be located in the upper right corner of the mobile home page and will display either the employee’s initials or a photo they have uploaded. There will also be minor visual changes made throughout Workday, including updated fonts, buttons, and menu styles. Visit the Workday Feature Releases web page to learn more about the Fall 2026 updates. Employees with questions should contact GetHelpUW at GetHelpUW@support.wisconsin.edu or 608-262-0600 during business hours.
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