Welcome to the monthly Health and Wellness newsletter for UWM employees that highlights various upcoming programs and services that are available to employees. We hope you take advantage of the many opportunities detailed below. Most programs and services are available to employees regardless of enrollment in the State’s group health plan.
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. Virtual benefits review sessions are scheduled for Wednesday, March 12, and Wednesday, April 2, from 12:00 P.M. to 1:00 P.M. Visit the Benefits Reviews web page to see the schedule and to register.
Earn Your Annual $150 Well Wisconsin Incentive! Register for a 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’s Wisconsin Room, on March 11 and April 8, from 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 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 of screenings, and register for a screening, visit the WebMD Health portal, go to the benefits page, and select the biometric screening tile.
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.
- Mindfulness Under the Stars, UWM Planetarium, March 4 at 12:30 P.M., Register
Self-Care and Self Compassion, UWM Student Union, room 240, March 11 at 12:00 P.M.Canceled- How to Cultivate Compassion and Empathy in the Workplace Virtual, March 12 at 12:30 P.M., Register
Emotional Intelligence, UWM Student Union, room 240, April 8 at 12:00 P.M.Canceled- Mindfulness Under the Stars, UWM Planetarium, April 9 at 12:30 P.M., Register
Wellbeing Webinars & Workshops
All employees can participate in additional webinars/events that are offered this month and beyond. See the Universities of Wisconsin Webinars web page for additional information and to register.
Universities of Wisconsin Webinars
- Cooking with Eggs 4-week Class, March 5-26 at 10:00 A.M., Register
- Heart Healthy Living (with cooking demos), March 6-27 at 1:00 P.M., Register
- Elevate Manager Series: Fostering Resiliency to Prevent Burnout, March 20 at 12:00 P.M., Register
- Meet with a TIAA Financial Consultant, Engelmann Hall, room 208, March 18 at 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., Register
- Eating Right and on the Run on a Budget, April 9 at 12:30 P.M., Register
- Healthier Starts with You (Learn about Well Wisconsin Resources), April 16 at 12:00 P.M., Register
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.
- Core Strength for Back Care 6-week class, March 10 to April 14 at 4:00 P.M., Register
- HIIT Series Fitness 4-week class, April 23 to May 14 at 12:00 P.M., Register
If you are unable to attend a fitness class, visit the on-demand library of recordings and workout when it fits your schedule. Visit the Well WI Group Fitness web page for recorded classes.
Wag More Wednesdays at the UWM Library March 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 friend. Each visit is about one hour. Schedules for upcoming therapy dog visits at the library can be found on the UWM Libraries Services & Outreach web page.
UWM Libraries Services & Outreach
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:
- 833-539-7285
- sowi.mylifeexpert.com (password: SOWI)
EAP Webinars
- How to Cultivate Compassion and Empathy in the Workplace, March 12 at 12:30 P.M., Register, Tip Sheet
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.
UWM Suicide Prevention Training
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).
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.
Self-enroll in the Canvas course
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 Offerings
A number of financial webinars are offered each month on a variety of topics. See the Universities of Wisconsin Webinars web page for additional information and to register.
Universities of Wisconsin Webinars
- Meet with a TIAA Financial Consultant, Engelmann Hall, room 208, March 18 at 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., Register
Wellness Wednesdays through Campus Cares
Subscribe to a bi-weekly newsletter from the Campus Cares group.
Subscribe to the Wellness Wednesday newsletter
Safety Training
A variety of safety related trainings are available to UWM employees. Please visit the UWM Police Department’s web page below for an upcoming list of training opportunities.
Support U Workshop
The Dean of Students Office is offering a “Support U Workshop: Fostering a Culture of Support at UWM.” Attendees will learn tools to identify and support students who may be experiencing challenges or crises. You’ll also learn about how to make referrals, seek assistance, and connect students to the Dean of Students Office Case Managers as well as campus and community resources. This workshop is good for those newer to UWM and/or those wanting to learn more about the support functions of the Dean of Students Office. More information and registration can be found on the Dean of Student’s web page below.
- Lubar Entrepreneurship Center, room 107, March 13, from 1:30 P.M. to 3:30 P.M.
- Lubar Entrepreneurship Center, room 107, April 18, from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.
WWHEL Lunch Bunch
The UWM WWHEL chapter aims to positively impact the growth of current and aspiring leaders by providing professional development and networking opportunities. The UWM chapter is organized by a steering committee made up of volunteers who meet regularly to plan events, communications, and activities that support our mission. All UWM employees in every job category who self-identify as a woman are included in our chapter’s membership.
Hear from the WWHEL Women Leaders Conference Scholarship Recipients as they share key takeaways from the conference and discuss ideas for future WWHEL events. Bring your own lunch (plenty of great options in the Union).
- Student Union W181, March 25th, from 12:00 P.M. to 1:00 P.M.
The Power of Intellectual Joy with Melissa M. Shew, PhD
Dr. Melissa Shew will share practical strategies from her research on improving women’s joy at work and lead us in engaging discussions on how to apply these insights to uplift and support other women in the workplace. Drawing from a wide range of disciplines and studies, she will discuss why organizations of all kinds should care about intellectual joy for women at work, barriers that keep this joy from happening, and what we can do about that. You don’t want to miss this insightful and empowering session!
The Power of Intellectual Joy for the Future of Women at Work
Register to attend by April 1.
- Golda Meir Library 4th floor conference center and Online, April 8, from 12:00 P.M. to 1:00 P.M.