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
Employee Appreciation Week is February 9 – 15, 2026!
Employee Appreciation Week is an opportunity to celebrate employees’ incredible dedication, hard work, and the amazing contributions that drive UWM’s success. Employee appreciation events kick off Monday, February 9 and continue through Sunday, February 15. There are numerous events scheduled throughout the week to express gratitude for the exceptional contributions and difference employees make each day. Visit the Employee Appreciation website for more information and event registration details.
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 February 3 and 4, from 12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M. Visit the Benefits Reviews web page to register for upcoming sessions:
Changes to earning the $150 Well Wisconsin Incentive
Important updates have been made to how participants earn the incentive in 2026. Participants can earn a $150 prepaid card by visiting their Well Wisconsin portal and completing a health assessment, health check, and well-being activity. The deadline to earn the incentive is October 16, 2026. For more details, see the 2026 Highlights webinar or pages three to five of the program brochure.
Well Wisconsin Program Brochure
Register for a Well Wisconsin Biometric Screening & Earn Your Annual $150 Well Wisconsin Incentive!
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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Yoga & Pilates | Experience the meditative and calming effects of yoga as we focus on slow flow yoga this month. Designed for all fitness levels. | Weekly | 4:00 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 |
| Body Weight Strength | Full body strength training using dynamic movements and your body weight. Designed for intermediate to advanced fitness levels. | February 4 – February 25 | 4:30 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
| UWMidday Reset Series* | Take 15 minutes to calm your mind, release tension, and help regain focus for the rest of your day. | February 5, 16, and 25 | 12:00 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
| “Tiny Habits” Book Club | Virtual book club starts April 6. | Registrer by February 6 | 12:00 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
| Free Hearing Screenings Employee Appreciation | Schedule a free hearing screening at the HEAR Wisconsin Mobile Audiology Clinic and receive results immediately. | February 9 | 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. | Between Lapham and SARUP | Register |
| Rejuvenation Station Employee Appreciation | Take a break and participate in a variety of activities to help start the week on a positive note. There will be massage chairs, therapy dogs, arts and crafts, fun games, a blood pressure check station, the opportunity to create a microgreen kit and some light snacks for employees. | February 9 | 10:30 A.M. – 1:30 P.M. | UWM Student Union, Wis Rm A | Register |
| Move with the Mascot (MWM) Employee Appreciation | Join Pounce the Panther and Chancellor Gibson for a fun wellness break at the Klotsche Center. Employees can take their picture in a photo booth with Pounce and win some fun giveaways. Come for movement, connection, and fun with others who work at UWM! | February 11 | 11:00 A.M. | Klotsche Center | Register |
| Wholehearted Movement Series | Give yourself and your heart a gift by joining Tracy, UWM Employee Wellbeing Manager, for this engaging and fun movement series. All levels and abilities are welcome! | February 18 – Yoga February 25 – Stretch March 4 – Walk | 12:00 P.M. | February 18 – Union 191 February 25 – Union 191 March 4 – Chapman Hall | Register |
| The Power of Kindness in Trying Times | Explore how kindness and simple acts of goodwill can transform our workplaces, homes, and communities. | February 11 | 12:30 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
| Planetarium Program Employee Appreciation | Explore the origins of the cosmos dating back almost 14 billion years. In this live, interactive show. The program will include an indoor stargazing session of the night sky followed by the opportunity to ask questions. | February 12 | 12:00 P.M. | UWM Planetarium | Register |
| Lunchtime Boost – Chair Yoga | Take a 15-min break for chair yoga, a gentle and accessible form of yoga for all abilities. | February 13 | 12:00 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
| Heart Smarts | Test your knowledge and learn more about heart health, trivia style! Join Tracy, UWM Employee Wellbeing and Engagement Manger, for this 30-minute, fast-paced, informative and fun way to be heart smart. | February 17 | 3:30 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
| Heart Healthy Meal and Snack Swap Outs | Learn, discover and share quick and easy ways that boost nutrition and help you care for your heart. | February 20 | 12:00 P.M. | LEC Manpower Rm & Virtual | Register |
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.
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
- The Power of Kindness in Trying Times, February 11 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
Meet with a Financial Consultant at UWM
- TIAA, March 11, 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M., Engelmann 208, Register
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:
- February 25, 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.
- Wellness trends worth taking into the new year (and some that aren’t)
- 30 Days of Winter Wellness 2026
- NPR Life Kit Podcast: How to set resolutions you’ll actually keep
- Milwaukee Recreation: Winter Community Wellness
- Maple Apple Breakfast Chicken Meatballs