News for Employees
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Webinar on supporting employees with neurodiversity
LifeMatters and the Employee Assistance Office are offering a virtual webinar, Neurodiversity in the Workplace, on Tuesday, Feb. 24, noon‒1 p.m. The term “neurodiversity” is used to describe the individual differences in how people learn and process information. This session will focus on supporting neurodiverse employees and helping them to thrive. The webinar is offered at no cost. Register online to receive the Zoom link.
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UW‒Madison ranked among America's Best Large Employers
The University of Wisconsin–Madison ranked in the top 700 among “America’s Best Large Employers” for 2026 in a survey by Forbes. UW–Madison came in at No. 251 on the list of employers with more than 5,000 employees. Eighteen private and public sector employers with headquarters in the state of Wisconsin were recognized in the 2026 rankings, with UW–Madison ranking fifth.
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New wage agreement reached for campus Building Trades employees
A new collective bargaining agreement with the Wisconsin State Building Trades Negotiating Committee, which covers campus Building Trades employees, has been approved by the Joint Committee on Employee Relations, the state legislature, and Gov. Tony Evers. The agreement includes a 2.95 percent general wage adjustment for employees within this bargaining unit, effective June 29, 2025.
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Measles vaccine clinics on campus
University Health Services (UHS) is hosting measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine clinics for employees and students who are unprotected against measles or unsure of their vaccination status. Clinics are scheduled for today (Wednesday, Feb. 11) from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. at the Bakke Recreation and Wellbeing Center, and tomorrow (Thursday, Feb. 12) from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. at the Nicholas Recreation Center. Appointments are recommended, but drop-in vaccinations are available. MMR vaccines will be billed through employee health insurance plans (note that employee insurance coverage varies by health plan). If an employee does not have health insurance, or if their insurance does not cover the cost, the university will cover the cost of the vaccine. For appointment pre-registration and additional details, visit go.wisc.edu/mmr.
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Free resources to help employees lead with purpose
Learning and Talent Development offers UW–Madison employees free professional development opportunities designed to help them lead with purpose, align actions with values, and strengthen team engagement. Fully Prepared to Lead is a series of free courses or certificate program that build leadership skills for employees in any role. Principles of Supervision and Management is a free certificate program for supervisors and managers focused on creating a healthy, inclusive, and engaging work environment. Employees can also take advantage of Grow as a Leader, a campuswide collection of leadership resources. Personal Brand and Leadership Awareness is another free course focused on self-awareness and leadership identity.
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Learn how the UW 403(b) SRP can supplement retirement savings
UW–Madison employees can take advantage of free one-on-one counseling sessions or webinars to better understand how to save for retirement with the UW 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Program (SRP). On-demand webinars are available online. Employees can also schedule free individual counseling sessions with financial consultants from TIAA and Fidelity. These sessions are appropriate for employees who are new to retirement planning and those who are refining their retirement strategy. Virtual appointments are readily available. In-person financial counseling will be held at 780 Regent Street in Madison, with free parking available, with TIAA on February 18 and 19 and with Fidelity on February 25.
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Spring professional development offerings from the Office of Strategic Consulting
Beginning February 19, the Office of Strategic Consulting will launch a new slate of virtual professional development sessions as part of its Ignite: Fueling Organizational Excellence and In Scope: Managing Projects at UW–Madison series. These sessions are designed to help faculty and staff build the knowledge and skills needed to improve efficiency, address challenges, and advance strategic priorities. Spring session topics range from making the most of meetings to leading projects in turbulent times. Sessions are free, but registration is required.
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Nominations invited for outstanding mentors
Nominations are open for the annual Awards for Mentoring Undergraduates in Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities, recognizing faculty members, groups of mentors, academic staff, post-doctoral fellows and graduate students for the outstanding work they do in mentoring undergraduates in their areas of professional activity. These awards provide $2,000 of university expendable funds (supplies and expenses) as well as recognition during the 2026 Undergraduate Symposium. Nominations are due March 3.
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UW investigates measles case
UW is working with Public Health Madison & Dane County and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to investigate a confirmed measles case in a student. The student lives in an off-campus apartment in Madison and is recovering after receiving medical care, but it is possible others were exposed to the virus. University Health Services (UHS) is providing guidance to all members of the UW community to help prevent further spread of the disease. Visit uhs.wisc.edu/measles to learn more.
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Overtime reporting for tax purposes
The Working Families Tax Cut Act will affect employees who were paid overtime in 2025. Employees who received qualified overtime compensation in 2025 may be able to deduct the pay that exceeds their regular rate of pay (such as the “half” portion of “time-and-a-half” compensation). For 2025, employees have received an email indicating the amount of their overtime pay that may be deductible for 2025. The email has been sent with the subject line “2025 – Overtime Earnings.” This amount will not be displayed on W-2 tax forms this year. If you have questions, please send an email to GetHelpUW@support.wisconsin.edu.