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Re-enroll to continue certain benefits in 2027
October 7, 2026
The Benefits Open Enrollment period is currently underway and will end on Oct. 30, 2026. Even if you do not want to make any changes in your benefits elections for 2027, 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 2027, 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.
Employees may attend a virtual presentation, “Benefits 2027: 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. 30 deadline. In-person sessions and help enrolling in benefits will be offered at the Employee Benefits and Resource Fair on Thursday, Oct. 8. Find details and other resources to help with benefits enrollment at benefits.wisc.edu/2027.
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UW–Madison to implement 2027 compensation strategy
October 7, 2026
UW–Madison leadership has approved the allocation of $12.5 million in this fiscal year to maintain the university’s salary market competitiveness, and to reward and retain high performing faculty and staff. The funding will also be aimed at increasing the compensation of lower-paid employees, and addressing salary compression and parity concerns. Pay compression occurs when there is little difference in compensation between employees who have distinct differences in their knowledge, skills, experience, and abilities. Parity concerns occur when employees in the same title with similar training, experience, and responsibilities are paid differently.
The central compensation funds supplement a 2 percent pay increase for Universities of Wisconsin employees that went into effect in July 2026. Pay adjustments become effective on November 29, 2026. All performance bonuses will be paid by December 2026.
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Highland Avenue closure to affect west UW campus, University Hospital travel
October 7, 2026
A railroad crossing replacement project will close Highland Avenue near Campus Drive from October 9–13. Motorists and pedestrians in this area should plan to take an alternate route and allow for extra travel time. Find details, maps, and recommended alternate routes at transportation.wisc.edu.
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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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