News for Employees
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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).
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Upcoming sessions help employees with benefits enrollment
UW–Madison employees can enroll in or change benefits for the upcoming year now through Friday, Oct. 25, 2024. Certain benefits require re-enrollment every year. Employees are encouraged to attend upcoming virtual and in-person sessions that will provide information about benefits options and how to enroll. A 60-minute overview, “Benefits 2025: What You Need to Know,” will be offered virtually throughout the enrollment period. This information session will also be offered in person at the Employee Benefits and Resource Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 8. A daytime session will be offered in English, Spanish, Hmong, Tibetan, Chinese, and Nepali on Oct. 3, and a late-night session for the second and third shifts will be offered in all languages on Oct. 9. Details about these sessions and additional resources to assist with benefits enrollment are available at benefits.wisc.edu/2025.
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Well Wisconsin deadline is Oct. 11 to earn incentive
The Well Wisconsin program supports participants in meeting their health and well-being goals. Those who complete the program steps by the Oct. 11, 2024, deadline will earn a $150 prepaid card. UW employees, retirees, and their spouses who are currently enrolled in the State Group Health Insurance plan are eligible to participate. Participants must complete a health assessment, health check, and one well-being activity. A simplified process is available for those who do not have computer access, need language support, or find the online steps challenging to complete. Learn more at hr.wisc.edu/well-being/health-screenings. Call WebMD with any questions at 1-800-821-6591.
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Registration deadline approaching for Leadership and Management Development Conference
The annual Leadership and Management Development Conference will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 29 at Union South. The conference provides a full day of professional development to help emerging and advanced leaders develop the skills to lead and manage more effectively. Breakout sessions will address topics such as inclusive leadership, working in teams, process improvement, workplace culture, navigating burnout, leveraging generative AI, career growth, and more. The registration fee is $135 for employees of UW–Madison and affiliates. Register by Oct. 14 to secure your participation at the conference.