News for Employees
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Re-enroll to continue certain benefits in 2026
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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Partners in Giving campaign: Build a better tomorrow together
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 active fall campaign is Oct. 6–Dec. 2, though donations can be accepted through May 15, 2026. 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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Federal shutdown update
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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Benefits Open Enrollment begins October 6
The Benefits Open Enrollment period is October 6–October 31, 2025. This is your opportunity to enroll in or change your benefits for the upcoming calendar year. Certain benefits require re-enrollment if you wish to continue them into 2026. Changes made during this period will be effective January 1, 2026.
Benefits-eligible employees can find information about how to prepare for benefits enrollment online. Employees are also encouraged to attend upcoming virtual and in-person information sessions to learn about benefits options and how to enroll. This information session will also be offered in person at the Employee Benefits and Resource Fair on Oct. 14. A daytime session will be offered in English, Spanish, Hmong, Tibetan, Chinese, and Nepali on Oct. 8, and a late-night session for the second and third shifts will be offered in all languages on Oct. 15. Details and additional resources to assist with benefits enrollment are available at benefits.wisc.edu/2026.
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Save the date for Employee Benefits and Resource Fair
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
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
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
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
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
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.