News for Employees
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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 Friday, Nov. 15.
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Online session provides help with benefits enrollment
The Annual Benefits Enrollment period is currently underway and will end at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024. Employees who need more information in order to make informed decisions about benefits may wish to attend a live, virtual presentation of “Benefits 2025: What You Need to Know” today, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 3–4 p.m. via Zoom. This session includes a review of 2025 benefits changes, information on how to enroll, and time for Q&A. The recorded presentation is available for viewing 24/7 on YouTube. Links to these and other resources can be found at benefits.wisc.edu/2025.
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Reminder: Leave policy for voting
With Election Day coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 5, employees are reminded of the UW–Madison policy regarding taking time off work to vote. Employees who cannot vote outside of working hours may vote during their scheduled work hours and must provide their supervisor with a written absence request prior to Election Day. Employees can arrange a flexible schedule with their supervisor that will allow them to vote or, depending on their eligibility, receive leave with pay or take leave without pay. Details are available in the Leave for Voting and Serving as an Election Official policy at policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-5059.
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Metro Transit service disruptions may continue through October
As Metro Transit works to resolve the issues causing delays and cuts to bus service, UW community members are advised to use rider tools and bus trackers to plan ahead when riding the bus. Links to these resources can be found at transportation.wisc.edu.
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Webinar teaches skills to enhance well-being
LifeMatters and the Employee Assistance Office are offering a virtual webinar, Mind-Body Wellness, on Tuesday, Oct. 29, noon‒1 p.m. This webinar teaches skills that can help participants slow down, get centered, and get focused by using mindfulness, gentle stretching, and more. The webinar is offered at no cost to all UW‒Madison employees. Register online to receive the Zoom link.
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Volunteer student org advisors needed
New this year, all registered student organizations (RSOs) are required to have an advisor to ensure students receive support while growing as leaders and community-creators on campus. Many RSOs are looking for UW–Madison faculty, staff, or graduate students, as well as non-UW volunteers, to fill the role of volunteer RSO advisor. Complete the interest form by Oct. 25 for earliest consideration.
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University Staff leave schedule to change starting January 2025
Beginning January 1, 2025, University Staff employees at UW–Madison will begin the transition to receive vacation and personal holiday hours on a new schedule. The new leave schedule aligns with the university’s fiscal year, which starts on July 1 and ends on June 30. Changes that University Staff employees will see with their leave balances will happen automatically. Employees who want to prepare for this change can access several online resources, including frequently asked questions, by visiting the University Staff Leave Changes website at go.wisc.edu/rb4ebg. Employees with additional questions may contact their supervisor or their local human resources office.
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Re-enroll to continue certain benefits in 2025
The Annual Benefits Enrollment period is currently underway and will end on October 25, 2024. Even if you do not want to make any changes in your benefits elections for 2025, 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 2025, 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 Health Insurance Opt-Out Incentive requires re-enrollment each year. Employees must choose the Health Insurance Opt-Out Incentive when electing benefits; waiving health coverage is not enrolling in the Opt-Out Incentive.
Employees may attend a virtual presentation, “Benefits 2025: What You Need to Know,” to learn about next year’s plan changes, their benefit election options, and the decisions they need to make. A recorded version of the presentation is also available. Find these and other resources to help with benefits enrollment at benefits.wisc.edu/2025.
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Partners in Giving campaign: Together We Do More
Through UW–Madison’s annual workplace giving campaign, Partners in Giving, employees can donate to the local, national, and international charities of their choice, now through May 15, 2025. Gifts of even $1 per pay period add up to make a positive impact in our local community and around the world. Donors choose which organization(s) they support. Sign up for a virtual lunch and learn to find out more about the charities employee contributions support. Pledges can be made online by payroll deduction or credit card. A paper pledge form can be downloaded to submit by email or mail, allowing payroll deduction or check. All requests for payroll deduction must be received by Dec. 31, 2024. Learn more at giving.wi.gov.
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Professional development series helps instructors succeed
The Teaching at UW Fall Series provides instructors at UW–Madison with strategies for a wide range of topics, from engaging students in large courses and discussion sessions to fostering well-being for students and oneself. The series is offered by the Center for Teaching, Learning & Mentoring (CTLM).