During Annual Benefits Enrollment (ABE), October 2–27, 2017, benefits-eligible UW–Madison employees can enroll in or make changes to select benefits for 2018. This year, a new online tool called ALEX is available to make the process easier. ALEX acts as a personalized benefits counselor, asking a series of questions and suggesting appropriate plans based on the answers. This engaging, interactive tool is completely confidential and can help employees better understand their options before enrolling in benefits. Find ALEX at www.myalex.com/uwsystem/2018#intro.

Alumni Park, a new lakefront destination between the Memorial Union and the Red Gym, will open on Friday, Oct. 6. All are invited to grand opening festivities beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Library Mall, with a park opening at 6 p.m. and activities until 9 p.m. On opening day, Langdon Street will be closed between Park Street and Lake Street from noon to 9 p.m. The opening celebration continues Saturday and Sunday with drop-in guided tours and family-friendly art activities. The new destination features outdoor exhibits and art installations, the Goodspeed Family Pier, and One Alumni Place, a new welcome center for alumni and visitors.

UWell, UW–Madison’s campuswide wellness initiative, in partnership with the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, will host the third annual Wellness Symposium, “Wellness Now: Being Our Best Selves in the Current Moment,” on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at Union South. Experts from across campus will share insights into how to care for oneself in the midst of everyday life as it relates to the seven interconnected dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, spiritual, community, work/school, financial, and environmental. The event is free to students and costs $20 for UW–Madison faculty and staff.

Employees have two final opportunities to provide feedback on the job family portion of the Title and Total Compensation Study (TTC). Attend the Tuesday, Oct. 10 forum from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Union South Varsity Hall II, or watch the forum online and provide online feedback. UW–Madison is completing a two-year review of current job titles and compensation. The forums are designed to introduce you to the study and gather your input on the job families under development. The deadline for providing job family feedback is Friday, Oct. 13.