The Benefits Open Enrollment period is October 6–October 31, 2025. This is your opportunity to enroll in or change your benefits for the upcoming calendar year. Certain benefits require re-enrollment if you wish to continue them into 2026. Changes made during this period will be effective January 1, 2026.

Benefits-eligible employees can find information about how to prepare for benefits enrollment online. Employees are also encouraged to attend upcoming virtual and in-person information sessions to learn about benefits options and how to enroll. This information session will also be offered in person at the Employee Benefits and Resource Fair on Oct. 14. A daytime session will be offered in English, Spanish, Hmong, Tibetan, Chinese, and Nepali on Oct. 8, and a late-night session for the second and third shifts will be offered in all languages on Oct. 15. Details and additional resources to assist with benefits enrollment are available at benefits.wisc.edu/2026.

The Employee Benefits and Resource Fair will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Varsity Hall at Union South. The event features resources and presentations that can help with benefits enrollment for 2026. The Benefits Open Enrollment period runs from Oct. 6–Oct. 31, 2025. Representatives from Benefits Services will be on hand to answer questions, and a 60-minute session, “Benefits 2026: What You Need to Know,” will be presented at 9:15 a.m., 10:15 a.m., and 12:45 p.m. An Open Lab will be available 9 a.m.–3 p.m. for those who have made their 2026 benefits decisions and would like help enrolling or making changes through Workday.

Units and services from across campus will have representatives on hand to introduce resources and opportunities available to UW–Madison employees. Employees may also attend free sessions to learn about resources for families, retirement planning, and more. For details, visit go.wisc.edu/employee-resource-fair.

An upcoming workshop will teach UW–Madison faculty and staff how to navigate difficult conversations effectively, so that they can contribute to positive work cultures and relationships. The three-hour workshop, Navigating Difficult Conversations: Healthy and Effective Approaches, will be held online on Wednesday, Oct. 8 and repeated on Tuesday, Dec. 16. Participants will be given a framework for engaging in healthy conversations and will have an opportunity to practice in small groups. This program is part of the Inclusion@UW program from Learning and Talent Development. There is no cost to attend. Seating is limited and advance registration is required.