The Annual Benefits Enrollment period ends this Friday, Oct. 23, 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 2021 benefits via Self Service in MyUW. Find helpful information about benefits enrollment at benefits.wisc.edu/2021.

An online survey seeks input from faculty and staff as plans are made for the spring semester. The brief, confidential survey asks how the university can support you and requests input on improvements in the campus response to COVID-19. The survey is open through Thursday, Oct. 22. Find the survey at this link: go.wisc.edu/8ggd73.

Through Partners in Giving, UW–Madison employees can donate to the local, national, and international charities of their choice. Online pledges can be made through payroll deduction or by credit card at giving.wi.gov. Employees can also contribute using a paper pledge form and mail in or email their pledge. More details about ways to obtain a paper pledge form can be found at giving.wi.gov/about-us/2020-options-for-giving. Even small gifts of $1, $5 or $10 per pay period add up to make a positive impact in our community and around the world. The “Stronger, Together” campaign runs through November 27, 2020. Contributions will be welcomed through May 15, 2021.

The UW–Madison 2020 Diversity Forum will be held virtually this year on October 27–28, 8:30 a.m.–4:45 p.m. This year’s forum, The Pandemic Effect: Exposing Racism and Inequities, will explore a convergence of contemporary issues—from racial equity and social justice to disparities in health care and white privilege—during two full days of speakers and interactive sessions. The keynote speakers will be best-selling authors Robin DiAngelo, Ph.D., and Austin Channing Brown, both of whom write about sociology and the impact of race and race relations. Hosted by the Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement, the event is free and open to the public. For more information and to register, visit go.wisc.edu/df20.

The Office of Strategic Consulting has added a new session, “The Role of Race in the Workplace,” to its Showcase 2020 Virtual Lunch & Learn Series. There are also spots remaining in the two sessions on change management scheduled for November. The Lunch & Learn Series is open to all faculty and staff at no cost. Space is limited in order to facilitate participant interaction. To learn more and to register, visit the Showcase 2020 website.