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.

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.

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.

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).