The Annual Benefits Enrollment period is underway and runs through Friday, Oct. 26. Benefits-eligible UW–Madison employees can get a better understanding of their benefits options by using ALEX, an online resource. ALEX will ask you a series of questions to walk you through your benefits options and suggest appropriate plans based on your answers. This interactive tool is completely confidential and can be found at www.myalex.com/uwsystem/2019#intro. UW–Madison employees who did not attend a benefits information session or need a refresher can view a video of the benefits information session at benefits.wisc.edu/2019.

All UW–Madison faculty and staff are invited to celebrate the start of Homecoming Week on Monday, Oct. 15 with a free breakfast at One Alumni Place, 650 N. Lake Street. Drop in anytime between 7:30 and 9:30 a.m. to meet campus colleagues and enjoy food and refreshments. Registration is not required. The breakfast is sponsored by the Wisconsin Alumni Association.

The 2018 UW–Madison Diversity Forum is scheduled for all day on Wednesday, Oct. 31 and Thursday, Nov. 1 at Union South. This year’s theme is “Beyond the Numbers: Relationships, Retention and Reality.” On Wednesday, keynote speaker Talithia Williams, Ph.D., will discuss the changing culture of higher education and effective techniques for recruiting and retaining students and faculty from underrepresented communities. Day One will also include a community town hall discussion about demographic change in America and the response to it. On Thursday, breakout sessions will focus on diversity and inclusion topics relevant to education. Attendees may register for one or both days. Register for this free event at go.wisc.edu/diversityforum2018.

The 20th Annual Leadership and Management Development Conference will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. at Union South. The event is designed to help attendees develop effective leadership and management skills. Workshop topics include communication, diversity and inclusion, employee development, employee engagement, leadership skills, wellness, workplace development, and more. The conference is open to faculty, staff, and community members. The $125 fee includes lunch. Register by October 26 to secure your place. Visit hr.wisc.edu/lmd for more information.