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. Visit the Employee Wellness Website to learn about wellbeing resources and upcoming programs.
Wellness Programs and Resources
New Benefits System Launching with Workday Transition
A new online benefits administration system called My Insurance Benefits is launching this month and will be available for all Universities of Wisconsin employees. My Insurance Benefits will be accessed through the new Workday system starting July 7. Your UWM Benefits Contact will remain your primary resource for benefit questions and support. More information and resources about accessing the My Insurance Benefits system, including a user guide, will be provided following the launch of Workday.
My Insurance Benefits will provide secure access to benefits information and allow employees to directly:
- Access the system 24 hours a day; 7 days a week
- Review, enroll and change benefits during a qualified enrollment period (reducing paper applications)
- Review and update dependent information
- Submit required documentation (for example, proof of a qualifying life event)
- Review a breakdown of benefits costs
Earn Your Annual $150 Well Wisconsin Incentive!
To earn the $150 prepaid card, employees and spouses enrolled in the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance program should go to the Well Wisconsin portal and complete the following:
- Health Assessment
- Health Check Option (Biometric Screening, Dental Cleaning or WebMD Coaching Session)
- Biometric screening events are scheduled around the Milwaukee area for employees (and spouses) enrolled in the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program.
- To see the schedule and register visit the WebMD Health portal. Go to the benefits page and select the biometric screening tile.
- 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.
- One Well-being Activity
The deadline to earn the incentive is October 17, 2025.
Benefit Review Sessions 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 Tuesday, July 15, and Tuesday, August 5, from from 12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M. Visit the Benefits Reviews web page to register and see upcoming sessions:
Wellbeing Webinars & Workshops (*UWM Specific)
- UWM Nutritional Sciences Student Culinary Nutrition Cooking Demo*, July 10 at 2:00 P.M., in END 130
- Finding Relief with Kaia Health (virtual), July 16 at 12:00 P.M., Register
- Sleep: Don’t Leave Bed Without It* (virtual), July 17 at 11:30 A.M., Register
- UWM Nutritional Sciences Student Culinary Nutrition Cooking Demo*, July 17 at 2:00 P.M., in END 130
- Cooking with Summer Produce, 4-week virtual class, July 21 – August 11 at 12:30 P.M., Register
- Mental Health and Diversity, 3-week workshop, July 28 – August 11 at 12:00 P.M., Register by July 24
- Managing Fear and Anxiety in Children, August 13 at 12:30 P.M.
All employees can participate in additional webinars/events that are offered this month and beyond.
Well Wisconsin Training Series Flyer
See the Universities of Wisconsin Webinars web page for additional information and to register.
Universities of Wisconsin Webinars
Employees can also access recorded videos for Well Wisconsin on the web page below.
UWM Campus Connectivity
Give your mind and body a break from work while connecting with the UWM campus community! Meet at the UWM fountain by the library (or rain location in inclement weather) for a group activity and movement exercise such as a short walk or stretching. Come as you are, no special equipment or clothing needed and no registration required, just show up! Open to all abilities and levels.
July 15(canceled)- July 31 at 12:00 P.M. (Rain location is Engelmann Hall Room B38)
- August 13 at 12:00 P.M.
- August 28 at 12:00 P.M.
UWM Employee Summer Park Challenge
When was the last time you visited a local, state, or even national park? Doing so has many health benefits and this summer we encourage you to go outside, enjoy nature and win a cool prize for doing it! From June 21st to September 20th, visit three parks or nature areas and complete three activities at each park (details on the park challenge tracking sheet). Turn in your tracking sheet to Tracy Oles at teo@uwm.edu and you’ll get a prize!
- UWM Employee Summer Park Challenge Tracking Sheet
- UWM Employee Summer Park Challenge Information Sheet (find parks, health benefits, etc.)
Virtual Fitness Classes
Well Wisconsin offers virtual fitness classes that are open to all employees. There are a variety of classes underway and new classes start periodically.
Well Wisconsin Training Series Flyer
- Foundational Fitness 4-week class series, June 25 – July 16 at 4:00 P.M., Register
- Strength Training 4-week class series, July 23 – Aug 13 at 4:00 P.M., Register
If you are unable to attend a fitness class, visit the on-demand library of recordings for recorded classes.
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
- Business Etiquette, July 9 at 12:30 P.M., Webinar Flyer and Registration, Tip Sheet
- Managing Fear and Anxiety in Children, August 13 at 12:30 P.M.
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
- meQuilibrium-a stress and resiliency program
Well Wisconsin Mental Health Flyer
Financial Wellness Offerings
Multiple financial webinars are offered each month on a variety of topics. See the Universities of Wisconsin Webinars web page for a listing and to register.
Universities of Wisconsin Webinars
Examples of upcoming financial webinars include:
- WRS Benefits: For New and Mid-Career Employees, July 8 or July 29 at 1:00 P.M.
- Annuity Options, July 16 at 1:00 P.M. or July 29 at 11:00 A.M.
Environmental Wellness Offerings in partnership with UWM Sustainability
Explore sustainable features of our UWM Campus on this self-guided tour!
UWM Sustainability & Green Infrastructure
The Office of Sustainability is hosting weekly volunteer gardening events that you can participate in this summer! To learn more, visit the web page below.
UWM Sustainability Faculty & Staff
Well Wisconsin Flu Clinics – Three (3) Scheduled at UWM
Plan now to protect yourself for the upcoming flu season by getting your annual flu vaccination! The Well Wisconsin Program is offering workplace flu clinics including three scheduled at UWM.
- October 8, 8:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M., UWM Student Union Wisconsin Room
- October 23, 9:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M., UWM Student Union Wisconsin Room
- November 11, 8:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M., UWM Student Union Wisconsin Room
Flu vaccinations are free and voluntary for UWM employees (and spouses) who are enrolled in the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program. Preregistration is required. To register for your flu vaccination appointment, log into the wellness portal and click “Register Today” on the Flu Vaccination card.
You will be required to present your medical ID card at the flu clinic. After you register for your appointment online, complete the digital consent form. A link to the digital consent form will be available on the appointment confirmation page and in your confirmation email.