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. Visit the Employee Wellness Website to learn about wellbeing resources and upcoming programs.
Wellness Programs and Resources
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 January 14 and 15 from 12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M. Visit the Benefits Reviews schedule to register for upcoming sessions:
Well Wisconsin Health Screening
Two free onsite health screening events are scheduled at the UWM Student Union Wisconsin Room, on March 18 and April 21, from 8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., for employees (and spouses) enrolled in the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program. At the onsite health screening, participants will learn their measurements for blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), cholesterol (HDL, LDL and total), triglycerides and glucose.
Complete the onsite health screening, along with the health assessment and well-being activity, by October 16, 2026, to earn the annual $150 Well Wisconsin incentive.
Follow these steps to register for an appointment:
- Log in to your WebMD Health portal.
- Click “My Benefits” at the top of the screen.
- Scroll to the “Take Action” section.
- On the Biometric Screening card, click “Get Started.”
- Choose “Click here to register” under “Onsite Health Screening” to be directed to the Quest site to reserve your spot.
Wellbeing Webinars & Workshops (*UWM Specific)
| Program | Description | Date(s) | Time | Location | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UWMidday Reset Series* | Take 15 minutes to calm your mind, release tension, and help regain focus for the rest of your day. | January 6 – 26 | Varies | Virtual | Register |
| Start with your Strengths* | Celebrate what you are already doing and learn how to use it to your advantage. | January 7 | 3:00 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
| Lunchtime Boost Stretch Break | Take a 15-minute stretch break to help release muscle tension and improve posture. | January 9 | 12:00 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
| Well WI 2026 Highlights | Discover programs and resources available through Well Wisconsin. | January 12 | 12:00 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
| Wellness for Leaders/Managers* Series | Leaders/Managers learn how to support their own personal wellness and their team’s wellbeing. | January 13 – 27 | 11:00 A.M. | Virtual & LECWC Jendusa Room | Register |
| Movin’ and Groovin’* | A 30-minute party full of upbeat music, friendly faces and fun. | January 14 – February 4 | 12:00 P.M. | Virtual & Union | Register |
| Create a Vision Board* | Create a fun and inspirational roadmap for your future self! | January 16 | 12:00 P.M. | Virtual & LECWC Dream Studio | Register |
| Getting to know Health Coaching Series* | Learn what health coaching is, how it can work for you and experience part of the process. | January 23 – February 6 | 12:00 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
| Make it OK* | Help stop stigma around mental health. | January 22 | 1:00 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
| Sip Smart: Healthy Beverages | Discover recipes for healthier beverage choices. | January 27 | 11:00 A.M. | Virtual | Register |
| Diabetes: Strengthening Lifestyle Strategies | Discover strategies to manage stress, plan meals and improve sleep to support healthy blood sugar. | January 28 – February 27 | 12:00 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
| Stress and Heart Health | Explore the connection between stress and heart health and learn strategies for reducing stress. | February 2 | 12:00 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
| Intro to Mindfulness* | Learn mindfulness and meditation in this evidence-based, 4-week training. | February 4 – February 25 | 4:00 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
All employees can participate in additional webinars/events that are offered this month and beyond. See the Universities of Wisconsin Webinars web page for webinar information and register via the links.
Universities of Wisconsin Webinars
Employees can also access recorded videos for Well Wisconsin on the web page below.
Make it OK Webinar
Let’s Make it OK to talk about mental health and illnesses so everyone feels safe and empowered to get the support and care they deserve. If you are interested in reducing the stigma of mental health and illnesses, supporting others and finding care resources, we invite you to attend this virtual session for UWM employees.
- January 22 at 1:00 P.M., Register
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
- Yoga & Pilates, starting January 26 at 4:00 P.M., Register
- Body Weight Strength, February 4 – 26 at 4:30 P.M., Register
If you are unable to attend a fitness class, visit the on-demand library of recordings for recorded classes.
Blood Pressure Monitor Pilot Program
UWM Human Resources is piloting a home blood pressure monitor program for eligible employees. Employees who meet the following criteria are eligible to receive a free home blood pressure monitor:
- Have documentation of an elevated blood pressure systolic over 120 and/or a diastolic over 80
- Diagnosis of prehypertension or Stage 1 hypertension
- Are not currently being treated by a physician for high blood pressure/hypertension
To see if you are eligible to receive a blood pressure monitor, contact Tracy Oles at teo@uwm.edu to verify and coordinate pick up in Engelmann Hall.
Blood Pressure Monitor Pilot Program flyer
Kaia Health
Living with pain can slow you down, keeping you from the people and activities you love the most. Well Wisconsin through Kaia Health provides free access to personalized therapy programs for back, shoulders, hips, knees, and more. Log in to your Well Wisconsin portal and locate “Benefits” at top of the page. The Kaia Health widget is housed within the Well Wisconsin portion of the “Benefits” page.
Wag More Wednesdays at the UWM Library
Therapy dogs will be at the UWM 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 here:
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
- Creating an Annual Well-Being Plan, January 14 at 12:30 P.M., Register
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
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
Multiple financial webinars are offered each month on a variety of topics. See the Universities of Wisconsin Webinars web page for a full listing and to register.
Universities of Wisconsin Webinars
Upcoming Financial Webinars
- WRS: Beneficiary Designations-What Happens to My Account When I Die?
- WRS Benefits: For New and Mid-Career Employees
New Employee Orientation
New Employee Orientation provides new employees with a high-level introduction and overview of UWM, including the organizational mission, culture and 2030 strategic goals, key areas of focus, and efforts that are underway to create future growth and success. In addition, Human Resources will present important information for new employees including how we strive to foster employee belonging and engagement. New employee orientation is required for all new employees within 90 days of their start date. The next session for new employees is scheduled:
- January 27, 8:15 A.M. – 3:00 P.M., UWM Student Union Room E280, Register
Safety Training
A variety of safety-related training courses are available to UWM employees. Please visit the link below for an upcoming list of training opportunities.
Campus Cares Wellness Wednesday Newsletter
Here is the Campus Cares Wellness Wednesday Newsletter content including wellbeing information, tips and recipes.
- Make Winter a Little Brighter
- 2026 Kindness Calendar
- Top Fitness Trends of 2026
- Future of Food – Key Nutrition Shifts
- 20-minute dinners