Welcome to the monthly Health and Wellness newsletter for UWM employees that highlights various upcoming programs and services that are available to employees regardless of enrollment in the State of WI Group Health Insurance Plan. We hope you take advantage of the many opportunities detailed below.
Employee Wellness Survey—Deadline Extended to February 14
As a part of the 2030 Action Plan, UWM emphasizes creating a positive employee experience by fostering an environment that prioritizes health and wellness. As we start the new year, we would like to hear from employees on UWM’s wellness efforts. UWM is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of its employees and offers a variety of resources to enhance the workplace culture and meet employees where they are on their health journey. As we work to offer additional health and wellness programming, we would like your feedback to better understand employee needs and preferences for programs/services, ease of access to current offerings as well as gaps in programs.
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and share your insights on what’s working well, where improvements can be made, and help us tailor programs that better support your wellbeing. The survey deadline has been extended to February 14, 2025.
https://milwaukee.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5am9I4EmecCYwCO
Employee participation in this survey is voluntary, and responses will remain anonymous. The data collected will be maintained by UWM’s Department of Human Resources and only aggregate information will be reviewed and shared.
Well Wisconsin Biometric Screening (for employees/spouses enrolled in the State of WI Insurance Program)
Two free health screening events are scheduled at the UWM Student Union Wisconsin Room on March 11 and April 8 from 8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. for employees (and spouses) enrolled in the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program. At the onsite screening, participants will learn their measurements for blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), cholesterol (HDL, LDL and total), triglycerides and glucose, and be in and out in 20 minutes. Complete the biometric health screening, along with the health assessment and well-being activity, by October 17, 2025 to earn the annual $150 Well Wisconsin incentive. If you cannot attend the UWM health screenings on March 11 or April 8, additional screenings are available in the Milwaukee area.
To see the schedule and register go to the benefits page and select the biometric screening tile.
https://webmdhealth.com/wellwisconsin
Benefit Review Session for New Employees
New employees are encouraged to attend a benefit review session to learn about their comprehensive benefits package and how to enroll within the 30-day enrollment window. A virtual benefits review session is scheduled Tuesday, February 18 from 12:00 P.M.–1:00 P.M.
Mental Health Series
The department of Human Resources is offering a Mental Health Series of webinars and onsite education sessions to better support UWM employees. Below are upcoming sessions that are scheduled as part of the series:
Mental Health Spring Semester series flyer
- Increasing Mental Toughness Virtual Session, Feb 12 at 12:30 P.M. Registration
- Intro to Mindfulness 4-Week Workshop, Onsite at Golda Meir Library, (Tuesdays) Feb 18-March 11 at 12:00 P.M. Registration Flyer
- Mindfulness Under the Stars, Onsite at UWM Planetarium, March 4 at 12:30 P.M. Registration Flyer
- Self-Care and Self Compassion, Onsite Student Union Room 240, March 11 at 12:00 P.M. Registration Flyer
- How to Cultivate Compassion and Empathy in the Workplace (Virtual) March 12 at 12:30 P.M. Registration
Wellbeing Webinars & Workshops
All employees can participate in additional webinars/events that are offered this month and beyond. See the website below for additional webinar information.
https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/well-being/webinars/
- Heart Healthy Living (with cooking demos) 8-week Class, Feb 6-March 27 at 1:00 P.M. Registration
- Cooking with Eggs 4-week Class, March 5-26 at 10:00 A.M. Registration
- Leading and Thriving in Challenging Times, Onsite UWM Fireside Lounge, February 18 at 1:00 P.M.–2:30 P.M. Registration
Virtual Fitness Classes
Well Wisconsin is offering virtual fitness classes that are open to all employees. There are a variety of classes currently underway and new classes starting periodically.
- Restorative Yoga 7-week Class Jan 17-Feb 28 at 12:00 P.M. Registration
- Core Strength for Back Care 6-week class March 10-April 14 at 4:00 P.M. Registration
If you are unable to attend a fitness class, you can visit the on-demand library of recordings and workout when it fits your schedule.
https://www.gotostage.com/channel/wellwigroupfitness
Wag More Wednesdays at the UWM Library Feb 5th and 19th
During the spring semester therapy dogs will be at the UWM Daniel M. Soref Library Learning Commons on various Wednesdays each month. This is a great opportunity for employees and students to de-stress and snuggle with a furry friends. Each visit is about one hour.
https://uwm.edu/libraries/commons/services/
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Acentra Health
UWM’s Employee Assistance Program offers confidential counseling and support services to all employees including both short-term counseling and referrals for additional services. Acentra Health is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Contact Acentra Health at 833-539-7285 or online at sowi.mylifeexpert.com. Sign in using UWM’s password: SOWI. Please share EAP information as needed.
Additional Mental Health Resources
Employees enrolled in the State of Wisconsin Group Health insurance Plan have access to the following mental health resources through the Well Wisconsin Program/WebMD Wellness portal: Mental Health Coaching, Togetherall–an online mental health community, and meQuilibrium–a stress and resiliency program.
https://www.webmdhealth.com/wellwisconsin
UWM Suicide Prevention Trainings
The Student Health and Wellness Center and the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Mental Health encourage faculty and staff to complete Recognize, Respond, Refer Suicide Prevention Training, an interactive, experientially based workshop designed to improve participants’ suicide intervention skills. With each person who completes the training, UWM develops its network of individuals who are prepared to assist in identifying and supporting individuals in crisis. It’s okay to do Part 1 without Part 2 (though Part 2 is highly recommended).
Recognize, Respond, Refer Suicide Prevention Training
Part One: Online Training via Canvas — UW-System’s Recognize, Respond, Refer: Suicide Prevention Training for Faculty and Staff, an asynchronous online training builds awareness, knowledge, and skills about mental health and suicide prevention. The training requires approximately 45 minutes to complete.
https://uws-td.instructure.com/enroll/EKHMBB
Part Two: In-Person Discussion — This 75-minute in-person discussion session builds on the foundational online training by focusing on skills-based practice, scenario discussions, and campus-specific resource/referral information. Time for Q&A is also included.
Financial Wellness Webinars
A number of financial webinars are offered each month on a variety of topics. See the link below for a listing and to register:
https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/well-being/webinars/
Wellness Wednesdays through Campus Cares
Subscribe to a bi-weekly newsletter from the Campus Cares group.
Subscribe to the Wellness Wednesday newsletter
Campus Cares – Dean of Students
Safety Training
A variety of safety related trainings are available to UWM employees. Please visit the link below for an upcoming list of training opportunities.
https://uwm.edu/police/safetytraining