News for Employees
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Go Big Read invites suggestions for 2026‒2027 book
UW–Madison’s Go Big Read program is seeking book suggestions for the 2026‒2027 academic year. Book suggestions can be made on the Go Big Read website through Nov. 19. After the book nomination period ends, a committee will review and discuss the nominated books before making recommendations to Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin, who will make the final selection for the 2026-2027 Go Big Read.
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Webinar focuses on the mental and 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: Preparing Mentally and Emotionally, on Nov. 19 and Dec. 10. 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 for the session of your choice to receive the Zoom link.
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Help make UW–Madison a drug-free workplace
All faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to help make UW–Madison a drug-free workplace. You can do this by learning about substance misuse, encouraging others to make healthy choices, and knowing where you or others can go for help, if needed. Review this information and find resources for drug and alcohol prevention at go.wisc.edu/j15c7c.
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Enroll in annual benefits by Oct. 31
The Benefits Open Enrollment period ends this Friday, Oct. 31, 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 2026 benefits through Workday. Find helpful information about benefits enrollment at benefits.wisc.edu/2026.
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Call for Go Big Read selection committee members
The Go Big Read Program invites all interested university staff, academic staff, and faculty to express interest in joining the Go Big Read book selection committee. This committee will help pick the book for the 2026–2027 academic year. Applications to join the committee are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. Additional information on the time commitment, book selection process, and committee member responsibilities is available online. The 2025 Go Big Read author keynote with Percival Everett will take place on Nov. 4, 7–8:30 p.m., at Union South and via livestream.
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Campus Holiday Gift Guide now accepting entries
Every year, UW–Madison publishes a Holiday Gift Guide that provides a wide variety of gift ideas from partners around campus. The guide will be promoted to all UW faculty, staff, students, and affiliates. Campus units are invited to submit up to three gift items through the submission form and may include a link to an online store. The deadline for submissions is Thursday, Nov. 13.
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UW–Madison policies address nepotism and consensual relationships
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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Virtual session includes overview of changes to 2026 benefits
The Benefits Open Enrollment period is currently underway and will end at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. Employees can attend or view a one-hour session, “Benefits 2026: What You Need to Know,” to learn about 2026 benefits changes and how to enroll. The last live, virtual session will take place today, Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 3–4 p.m. Register online to receive the Zoom link. The recorded presentation is available for viewing on demand. These and other resources to help with benefits enrollment can be found at benefits.wisc.edu/2026.
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Go Big Read keynote to feature award-winning author
Percival Everett, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “James,” will discuss the book at the Go Big Read keynote at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4, at Varsity Hall in Union South. No tickets are required for the free event, which will also be livestreamed. Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin will join Everett for a discussion about the power of literacy, language, and perspective, followed by a Q&A with the audience.
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HIB Policy and Process Training available in two formats
All employees of UW-Madison are encouraged to participate in Hostile and/or Intimidating Behavior (HIB) Policy and Process Training. The free training is designed for faculty, staff, graduate-student employees, and postdocs. Participants will learn about campus HIB policies, work with case scenarios, review campus processes and resources, and consider their shared responsibility when witnessing or hearing about incidents of hostile and/or intimidating behavior. Sessions are available in two formats. Individuals can register for on-demand, self-paced learning through Canvas or select a scheduled synchronous, facilitated workshop offered on Zoom or in person. The training is approximately two hours long, and both formats are available in the employee course catalog.