Beginning April 24, the eastbound lane of Observatory Drive will close between Charter Street and Bascom Hall to accommodate utility work. The westbound lane will remain open until May 4, when a one-day closure is planned for both lanes. The area is expected to fully reopen May 5. Detour information can be found at transportation.wisc.edu.

If you were covered by the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) in 2022, your WRS Annual Statement of Benefits is now available. The statement includes your 2022 earnings, retirement benefit projections, primary beneficiary designation(s) for your WRS account, and more. To view your statement, go to MyUW at my.wisc.edu and launch the Benefit Information module. Then click on the “WRS Statements of Benefits” tab to find the 2022 statement. Information on understanding your statement is available online. If you have questions, please contact your human resources office.

The Research Professionals Conference is scheduled for Tuesday, June 13, at the Health Sciences Learning Center (HSLC) from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This conference is intended for all research staff, including project managers, postdocs, laboratory technicians, and laboratory managers. Breakout sessions will address a range of topics designed to enhance skills and promote professional growth. The keynote speaker, Director of Mental Health Services at UW‒Madison Dr. Sarah Nolan, will present on Collective Care: The Future of Well-Being. Registration is provided at no cost and includes continental breakfast and a boxed lunch. Register by May 30 to secure your participation at the conference.

LifeMatters and the Employee Assistance Office are offering a virtual webinar on Conquering Time on Thursday, April 27, 11 a.m.–noon via Zoom. Attendees will learn how to identify time management mistakes they may be making and determine how they can improve. Topics will include assessing one’s personal energy cycle, prioritizing to-do lists, managing common time wasters, and creating new habits. This webinar is offered at no cost to all UW–Madison employees. Register online at go.wisc.edu/7a9213 to receive the link.

The Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center will open on April 24 on the site of the old Natatorium. It features spaces dedicated to wellbeing, a teaching kitchen, strength and cardio equipment, an ice rink, sports simulators, a rooftop fitness area, and more.