The Joint Committee on Employment Relations (JCOER) met Tuesday to approve a pay plan for state employees and state collective bargaining agreements. JCOER approved raises for state employees, but excluded raises for Universities of Wisconsin employees. JCOER also did not vote on the tentative agreement with the Wisconsin State Building Trades Negotiating Committee (representing the UW–Madison Building Trades employees). View Chancellor Mnookin’s statement at go.wisc.edu/5l42pk.

The Annual Benefits Enrollment period ends this Friday, Oct. 20, at 4:30 p.m. This is the only time you can make changes to certain benefits without having an eligible life event or qualifying employment change during the year. In addition, certain benefits you may be enrolled in require action each year. Employees should choose their 2024 benefits via Self Service in MyUW at my.wisc.edu. Find helpful information about benefits enrollment at benefits.wisc.edu/2024.

Twelve computer kiosk locations are now available across campus for employee use. The kiosks provide computer access for all employees with a NetID who do not have access to general computer resources. These kiosks may be used to access MyUW, email, and other computer/internet-based activities related to employees’ job duties. All kiosks have instructions in six languages, and security features are in place to protect employees' personal information and the work they do. The kiosks are sponsored by the Office of Finance and Administration, with project support from Facilities Planning & Management (FP&M), DoIT, and the Second and Third Shift Issues Committee of University Staff Shared Governance.

LifeMatters and the Employee Assistance Office are offering a virtual webinar, Getting the Most Out of Your Life, on Monday, Oct. 23, noon-1 p.m. via Zoom. This webinar, offered at no cost to UW‒Madison employees, will help participants achieve a simpler, more meaningful life. Topics include assessing one’s values, commitments, and time; simplifying life; and seven strategies for happiness. Learn more at eao.wisc.edu.