Welcome to the monthly Health and Wellness newsletter for UWM employees that highlights upcoming programs and services. 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
New Employees
Benefit Review Sessions
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. Visit the Benefits Reviews web page to learn more and register for upcoming sessions.
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. New employee orientation is required for all new employees within 90 days of their start date.
The next orientation is on September 1, from 8:30 A.M. to 1:45 P.M.
Register for a Well Wisconsin Biometric Screening & Earn Your Annual $150 Well Wisconsin Incentive!
An onsite health screening is scheduled at the UWM Student Union Room 191, on September 16 from 8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. (appointments are filling up fast) and October 14 from 9:00 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 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.
Walk-in appointments will be accommodated as the schedule allows.
Well Wisconsin Flu Clinics
The Well Wisconsin Program is offering onsite workplace flu clinics including three scheduled at the UWM Student Union. Flu vaccinations are free for UWM employees and spouses 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 found in the Benefits portion of the portal.
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.
Dates and Times of UWM 2026 Flu Clinics
- September 16, 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M., Union Room 191
- October 7, 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M., Wisconsin Room
- November 11, 9:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M., Wisconsin Room
UWM Wellness Get Outdoors Summer Challenge
This summer we encourage you to go outside, reap nature’s benefits and win a cool prize! From June 21st to September 20th, complete at least 12 activities on the list and answer the final question. Turn in your tracking sheet to Tracy Oles at teo@uwm.edu and get a prize!
Get Outdoors Summer Challenge Information Sheet
Get Outdoors Summer Challenge Tracking Sheet
Get Outdoors Information Sheet
Engage in Wellbeing Activities and Become a UWM Wellbeing Warrior
The UWM Wellbeing Warrior program is designed to encourage the motivation and consistency needed to achieve your wellbeing goals.
- From June 1 to December 31, 2026, complete and document 9 UWM specific wellbeing programs, challenges, and/or series on the Wellness Warrior card.
- Turn your tracking card into Tracy at teo@uwm.edu.
- Receive a prize!
Wellbeing Webinars & Workshops (*UWM Specific)
| Program | Description | Dates | Time | Location | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In Nature Series* | Take 30 minutes to be surrounded by the sights, sounds, and benefits of nature. | August 3, 11, 19, 24, 28 | 12:30 P.M. | Various | Register |
| Yoga & Pilates | Enjoy Outdoor Hatha Yoga and then switch to Pilates on August 17. | August 3 | 4:00 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
| Midday Reset* | Take 15 min. to calm your mind, release tension and regain focus. | August 4, 10, 21, 27 | 1:00 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
| Strength Training w/Resistance Bands | Build strength with controlled, muscle burning workouts—no heavy weights. First 100 who register receive a free band. | August 5 | 4:30 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
| The Basics of Eating for Resilience* | Gain a better understanding of how everyday food choices can help the body and mind cope with stress, improve energy levels, and support long-term health and wellness. | August 7 | 12:00 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
| Everyday Choices to Lower Cancer Risks | Learn about risk factors, screenings and simple steps to support a healthier lifestyle. | August 11 | 12:00 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
| Sleep Basics | Be equipped with valuable resources and actionable strategies to enhance your sleep and elevate your quality of life. | August 12 | 12:30 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
| Lunchtime Boost: Full Body Stretch | Recharge, refocus, and feel your best with this 15-minute full body stretch. | August 14 | 12:00 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
| Healthy Aging | During this 6 week series, discover how aging well starts with the choices you make today. | August 19 | 12:00 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
| HA-ving a good laugh* | Join this presentation to discover the science and role of laughter in supporting resilience and overall wellbeing | August 26 | 11:00 A.M. | Virtual | Register |
| Wander WI: Discover Green Spaces | Stroll through stunning green spaces in Ashland, WI. | August 27 | 4:00 – 6:30 P.M. | In-person | Register |
| Back to School Cooking for Busy Families | Discover strategies to help you reset, reconnect and recharge while nourishing your family. | August 28 | 12:00 P.M. | 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.
UWM Health Coaching
Create healthy habits, empower inner potential, and accomplish your goals. Sessions are one-on-one and will focus on specific areas of wellbeing that are important to you. Schedule in-person or virtually with Tracy Oles, UWM Employee Wellbeing and Engagement Manager and certified health coach. See the flyer for more information and fill out the interest form to get started.
Become a UWM Wellness Ambassador
The UWM Wellness Committee is looking for additional Wellness Ambassadors to represent and support wellbeing within all schools, colleges, programs and departments. The committee meets every other month, and the time commitment is approximately 1 – 2 hours per month. Email teo@uwm.edu if interested.
Blood Pressure Monitor Program
UWM Human Resources offers 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
Contact Tracy Oles at teo@uwm.edu to verify eligibility and coordinate pick up in Engelmann Hall.
Blood Pressure Monitor Program Flyer
Well Wisconsin: Elevate Management Training Series
Empower your leaders to inspire healthier, more resilient teams. This quarterly series is designed to strengthen leadership skills and foster a culture of well-being in the workplace.
- Speaking Candidly with Your Team, September 24
- Fostering Resiliency to Prevent Burnout, November 18
See the flyer for more information and recordings of missed sessions.
Well Wisconsin: Elevate Management Training Series 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.
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
- Sleep Basics, August 12, 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. Below are examples of programs offered.
- Preparing for Your Retirement
- Annuity Options
See the Universities of Wisconsin Webinars web page for a full listing and to register.
Universities of Wisconsin Webinars
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.