News for Employees
-
Finance@UW cohort program builds knowledge of institutional finance
The Finance@UW cohort program is now accepting registrations for fall 2026 and spring 2027. This free, four-course professional development opportunity helps participants understand and navigate UW–Madison’s complex financial environment. The program is designed for finance professionals and others with financial responsibilities or impact, including department or project administrators, research administrators, and human resources professionals. The cohort is open to all UW–Madison employees with an interest in financial operations at UW. New employees are encouraged to participate. Those who complete the cohort and other program requirements will earn a certificate. Each cohort meets in-person once a week for four consecutive weeks from 9 a.m. to noon at the Pyle Center. Register now to ensure your place.
-
Webinar focuses on the emotional aspects of retirement
LifeMatters and the Employee Assistance Office, in partnership with Madison Benefits Services, are offering a one-hour webinar, Transition to Retirement: The Emotional Aspects, on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 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.
-
Construction projects to affect campus travel through September
Ongoing work at the Phillip A. Levy Engineering Center, Vilas Hall, and Grainger Hall will affect motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists as Badgers are welcomed back to campus for the fall semester. To stay safe, please stay alert, share the road, and follow designated detours. For more details and a map, visit transportation.wisc.edu.
-
Fall residence hall move-in to affect traffic and parking on campus
Nearly 9,000 new and returning students will start moving into university residence halls today, with most move-in activities taking place Wednesday, Aug. 26–Monday, Aug. 31. Traffic flow on several streets will be affected, with some streets closed to through traffic. Parking lots located near residence halls will be used as unloading zones; lots may be busy and possibly full at times during move-in periods. Employees and visitors should allow extra time for parking and use caution when traveling around campus. Any campus bus detours related to move-in will be posted on the Madison Metro Transit website.
-
Intentional professional development for leaders
The most effective leaders are intentional about enhancing their skills. Leadership and Talent Development supports that intention by facilitating engaging conversation and skills development in several specific dimensions of leadership. Upcoming courses provide professional development to those in formal leadership positions and those who have the opportunity to demonstrate leadership in any role. September also marks the start of new virtual and in-person cohorts for the Principles of Supervision and Management certificate program. Most courses and cohort programs are open to UW–Madison employees at no cost.
-
Health alert: Measles cases in Wisconsin
As of August 18, 2026, there have been 36 confirmed cases of measles in Wisconsin that are part of an outbreak in nearby Grant, Iowa, and Lafayette counties. Although there are no current confirmed cases in Dane County or at UW–Madison, University Health Services (UHS) is sharing information on measles symptoms and prevention. On a large campus such as UW-Madison, where people work, live, and go to class in close proximity to one another, measles could spread quickly among people who do not have the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. UHS encourages all UW–Madison students, faculty, and staff to check their vaccination status against measles and review the additional guidance available from University Health Services.
-
Wisconsin Union opens new restaurant on campus
The Wisconsin Union team will open a new dining option, called Pedone Pinsa, at the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery (also known as the Discovery Building) on Aug. 26. The restaurant will feature a menu built around Wisconsin-made, Roman-style pinsa pizza. Originally developed in Rome, Italy, the flatbread-style crust, called pinsa, features a light texture and crisp exterior. The nonprofit Wisconsin Union operates more than 30 cafes, markets and restaurants on campus. Purchases at this and all Wisconsin Union-run dining options support the nonprofit Wisconsin Union’s work to provide gathering spaces, events, and student leadership opportunities, some of which provide academic stipends of up to 80 percent of students’ in-state tuition.
-
All campus buildings are now operational
After a challenging summer restoring the university’s chilled water system, all buildings have reopened and returned to normal operations. The mobile chilling units across campus will remain in place into September, in case late summer brings high temperatures and humidity. All the buildings that were closed or partially closed were maintained throughout this time period and steps have been taken to facilitate their safe, efficient reopening. New questions and answers about building condition and safety are available on the FAQ page. Employees with additional questions should speak with their supervisor.
-
Teaching and Learning Welcome for academic and clinical instructors
The 2026 Teaching and Learning Welcome will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 11:30 a.m.–2:15 p.m., at The Pyle Center, 702 Langdon Street. This annual event is designed for UW–Madison instructors who are beginning new teaching roles and who are classified as academic/clinical staff. Participants will connect with members of the UW–Madison teaching community and leave with resources to help them get started. Lunch will be provided. Register to attend.
-
Emergency child care assistance for University Staff
The Mary Czynszak-Lyne University Staff Child Care Award Fund provides one-time financial support to permanent, full-time employees with a University Staff appointment who are struggling to cover child care costs. Priority goes to employees with lower incomes and higher child care expenses, and to families facing an unexpected event that affects their ability to pay for care. Applications are accepted year-round. Awards are based on fund availability and family need, with typical awards ranging from $500-$1,000.