News for Employees
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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.
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Bowling league for faculty and staff starts this month
The Wisconsin Union invites registrations for the Faculty and Staff Bowling League at Sett Recreation at Union South. The cost is $160 per four-person team; friends from outside UW–Madison may be invited to join a team. The next league will be held on Wednesdays, Oct. 29–Nov. 19, from 5–8 p.m. Register by Oct. 27.
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Online session provides help with benefits enrollment
The Benefits Open Enrollment period is currently underway and will end at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. Employees who need more information in order to make informed decisions about benefits may wish to attend a live, virtual presentation of “Benefits 2026: What You Need to Know” on October 15, 16, or 22 via Zoom. This session includes a review of 2026 benefits changes, information on how to enroll, and time for questions and answers. The recorded presentation is available for viewing 24/7 on YouTube. Links to these and other resources can be found at benefits.wisc.edu/2026.
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Nominations open for awards honoring academic staff
Each year, UW–Madison and Universities of Wisconsin honor academic staff members for their achievements and dedication to excellence. The UW‒Madison Academic Staff Excellence Awards will honor nine individuals in seven categories. The deadline for nominations is 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025.
Nominations are also open for the 2026 Alliant Energy Underkofler Excellence in Teaching Award. This award recognizes outstanding undergraduate teaching at Universities of Wisconsin institutions within the Alliant service area. Nominations for this award are also due Dec. 8, 2025.
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Workshop open to all employees teaches AI basics
The Learn@UW team is offering a one-hour workshop to introduce the basics of AI using UW–Madison approved artificial intelligence tools: Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini. This hands-on session will show attendees how to log in, write a successful prompt, protect university information, and think critically about the results these tools provide. Sessions will be held Monday, Oct. 20, noon–1 p.m., and Wednesday, Nov. 12, noon–1 p.m. via Zoom. UW–Madison employees may attend at no cost.
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Webinar helps employees reduce holiday stress
LifeMatters and the Employee Assistance Office are offering a virtual webinar, Holiday Stress, on Tuesday, Oct. 28, noon-1 p.m. via Zoom. Participants will learn how to create a holiday season that is relaxed, fun, and comfortable. This session will explore topics such as finding the meaning in the holiday season, evaluating traditions, relieving stress, tips for parents, and managing the holiday blues. The webinar is offered at no cost to all UW–Madison employees.
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Re-enroll to continue certain benefits in 2026
The Benefits Open Enrollment period is currently underway and will end on October 31, 2025. Even if you do not want to make any changes in your benefits elections for 2026, 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 2026, 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 Medical Opt-Out Incentive requires re-enrollment each year. Employees must choose the Medical Opt-Out Incentive when electing benefits; declining medical coverage is not enrolling in the Opt-Out Incentive. Those enrolled in family Accident Insurance must enroll if they wish to participate in 2026.
Employees may attend a virtual presentation, “Benefits 2026: What You Need to Know,” to learn about next year’s plan changes, their benefit election options, and the decisions they need to make by the Oct. 31 deadline. In-person sessions and help enrolling in benefits will be offered at the Employee Benefits and Resource Fair on October 14. Find details and other resources to help with benefits enrollment at benefits.wisc.edu/2026.