The Faculty Senate has approved a change to UW–Madison’s academic calendar to better align spring recess with those of local K-12 school districts and provide greater consistency for the timing of the recess from year to year. This change will start in the 2024–25 academic year; it will not affect the 2024 spring recess. Under the new calendar, spring recess will usually occur the last full school week (Monday through Friday) of March. However, if the first day of Passover and Good Friday occur in the same week, and if that week is the eighth to the 11th week of the second semester, then spring recess will be held that week. The online academic calendars, beginning with 2024–2025, have been updated.

The 2024 WIAA State Tournaments kick off this week. The UW–Madison campus will host more than 125,000 visitors for individual wrestling (Feb. 22–24) and boys’ basketball (March 14–16). These events will impact parking and traffic around the Kohl Center. Permit holders who are asked to relocate will receive notification from Transportation Services. For details, visit transportation.wisc.edu.

Learning and Talent Development is inviting interested UW‒Madison employees to attend an introductory course on coaching circles. Coaching circle pods bring together 5‒6 people from different areas across campus to meet virtually once a month and share current challenges. Coaching circles are intended to provide connection and support, not advice. In the introductory session, participants will learn about the logistics, roles, and steps involved in participating in a coaching circle. Following the course, participants will have the opportunity to sign up for an ongoing pod. No coaching experience or special knowledge is required. Registration is open for introductory sessions through June.

Recreation & Wellbeing (Rec Well) is hosting a full day of activities on Thursday, March 7, for Active Badger Day. UW–Madison employees are welcome to participate. Inspired by National Recreational Sports and Fitness Day, Active Badger Day is a full day of opportunities to get up, get outside, and get moving. Activities include healthy meal specials at campus dining facilities, sustainable commuting options, workouts, nutrition education, a donation drive for River Food Pantry, and more. View the schedule of events for the day at recwell.wisc.edu/activebadgerday.