News for Employees
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Set up a My Benefits account now to access benefits enrollment system
The Benefits Open Enrollment period will be Monday, Oct. 6–Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. This is an annual opportunity for benefits-eligible employees to enroll in or make changes to most benefits for 2026. All benefits-eligible employees must create a My Benefits account to access the new benefits enrollment system, My Insurance Benefits. Creating an account is a one-time registration process. Employees should complete this process using their personal email address (not a wisc.edu address) before Benefits Open Enrollment begins. This will prevent any login issues that could delay enrollment. Review complete instructions on how to Set Up an Account in My Benefits. Employees with questions should contact the human resources office in their unit.
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Cybersecurity Awareness Training available in Workday
The Cybersecurity Awareness Training for employees is now available in Workday. Employees will receive a notification via Workday 30 days before they are due to complete their training. Because the Workday training has known accessibility barriers, an alternative training is offered in Canvas. If you have concerns about completing this training in Workday, please request the Canvas “Alternative Cybersecurity Awareness Training” course from your Divisional Disability Representative or your human resources office. Paper-based training is available for employees who do not use computers in their UW–Madison job and for employees who need language support. Employees must be assigned the paper-based training by their supervisor or human resources contact. If you have any questions about the training assignment in Workday, please submit a GetHelpUW ticket.
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CIO listening sessions scheduled for this fall
University information technology (IT) professionals can share feedback about challenges and opportunities with Chief Information Officer Didier Contis during six listening sessions this fall. The 90-minute sessions will gather input to shape CIO priorities for the next year. These sessions are for university employees involved in planning, developing, delivering, supporting or maintaining IT services.
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Webinar helps employees get the most out of life
LifeMatters and the Employee Assistance Office are offering a virtual webinar, Getting the Most Out of Your Life, on Tuesday, Sept. 23, noon-1 p.m. via Zoom. Participants will learn about assessing their values and commitments, simplifying their lives, strategies for happiness, and more. The webinar is offered at no cost to all UW–Madison employees.
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Important leave deadline coming up on Sept. 30
The deadline for Faculty, Academic Staff, and Limited Appointees (who have or had an active leave-eligible appointment) to submit missing leave reports for fiscal year 2025 (July 1, 2024‒June 30, 2025) is Sept. 30, 2025. Employees must report either time off or “No Leave Taken” for every month of the fiscal year. If missing leave reports are not entered and approved in Workday by the Sept. 30 deadline, the employee will have their sick leave balance permanently reduced. See the instructions on Reporting No Leave Taken to learn how to check for any missing leave reports and enter reports for any months in which no leave was taken.
New this fiscal year, University exempt staff are also required to submit no leave taken, but they are not subject to sick leave reduction if they have missing leave reports. Employees who have questions should contact the human resources office in their unit.
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Free flu vaccines available on campus
University Health Services (UHS) will be offering free flu vaccine clinics throughout the fall semester in a variety of campus locations. Employees and students can receive a no-cost flu vaccine, even if they do not have proof of health insurance or if their health insurance does not cover it. Employees should bring their Wiscard and health insurance card or health insurance information to their appointments. Register for an appointment at go.wisc.edu/vaccine. COVID-19 vaccines will also be available; information about COVID-19 vaccine eligibility is provided on the registration web page.
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Academic staff invited to become mentors or mentees
The 2025–2026 Mentor Match Program invites academic staff to connect with others and grow professionally at UW–Madison. The program, offered by the Academic Staff Mentoring Committee, pairs mentors and mentees based on interests, goals, and meeting preferences. Matches commit to meeting monthly through the nine-month academic year, with access to optional events and resources focused on mentoring and career development. Sign up to be a mentor or mentee by September 12. Matches will be notified by October 3.
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Upgrade to Windows 11 before October 14
After October 14, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or bug fixes for Windows 10, and support will end. Using unsupported operating systems can pose security risks and other problems. Employees who are still using Windows 10 should upgrade to Windows 11.
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New series helps employees take charge of their careers
Career Development@UW is a new virtual training series offered to UW–Madison employees at no cost by Learning and Talent Development. Participants will learn about strategies, tools, and resources to navigate their career path, identify opportunities for growth within UW–Madison, and develop career resilience. Hour-long sessions will be held September through December, 2025, with the first session scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 24. Employees may choose the sessions that interest them; there is no obligation to complete the entire series. Register online.
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Edvest 529 College Savings webinars and bonus offer
Wisconsin’s Edvest 529 College Savings Program enables participants to save for college costs for a child, grandchild, or loved one. A 529 account is a tax-advantaged, benefits-oriented college savings account that can be used for a variety of qualified higher education expenses. Upcoming online webinars will provide information on how 529 college savings plans work, the benefits of these accounts, and other resources available to help families plan and pay for college. Individuals who open a new Edvest account between Sept. 8 and Sept. 26, 2025, can qualify for a special bonus of $50. Register for a live webinar on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 11 am.–noon or Wednesday, Sept. 24, 11 a.m.–noon to learn more.