February 9 – 15, 2026
We are thrilled to announce that UWM is hosting an Employee Appreciation Week! UWM strives to acknowledge the tremendous talents and dedication of its faculty and staff beyond the scope of their respective departments through University-wide recognition initiatives and events. 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. Celebrate your hard work and bring a colleague to join in a variety of activities that honor and acknowledge your outstanding commitment to UWM.
Get ready to celebrate Employee Appreciation Week! See below for scheduled events and registration information.
Employee Appreciation Week Schedule
All Week
Employee Gratitude Cart
Managers, Supervisors, Department Heads: Looking for a way to show gratitude to your department and colleagues? Schedule a Gratitude Cart visit at your office or a department meeting to share some small pick-me-up items with employees! Ezmae, UWM’s Police comfort dog, is also available to accompany the Gratitude Cart.
To schedule, complete the UWM Gratitude Cart interest form.
Spirit Days
Employees are invited to wear their favorite UWM spirit wear to show their Panther Pride. If you have multiple shirts, wear a different one each day. Submit your photo in your favorite UWM outfit to win a prize.
Monday, February 9
Free Mug and Coffee/Tea for Employees
Employees can receive a free 12 oz drip coffee or 16 oz tea and a free mug at the Student Union Grind when they show their Work ID. Limit of one drink choice/mug per employee.
Time: 8:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M.
Location: Union Grind
Free Hearing Screenings
Hearing health plays a critical role in social, emotional, and mental health and well-being. Employees can schedule a free hearing screening at the HEAR Wisconsin Mobile Audiology Clinic and will receive results immediately after the screening.
Time: 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Location: Between Lapham Hall and the Architecture and Urban Planning Building on Maryland Ave.
Rejuvenation Station
Employees are invited to 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.
Time: 10:30 A.M. – 1:30 P.M.
Location: UWM Student Union Wisconsin Room A
Tuesday, February 10
Length of Service Awards Ceremony and Reception
UWM will honor employees who are reaching work milestones with a recognition ceremony and reception. All faculty and staff are welcome to attend and show support for their colleagues.
For more details and to see a list of awardees, visit the Length of Service web page.
Schedule:
- 9:45 A.M. – 10:00 A.M. Check-in
- 10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. Program
- 11:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. Reception
Location: UWM Student Union Wisconsin Room
Wednesday, February 11
Move With The Mascot
UWM employees are invited to join Pounce the Panther and Chancellor Gibson for a fun wellness break walking around the Klotsche Center. Employees will be able to take their picture with Pounce in a photo booth and will have the opportunity to win some fun giveaways. Come for movement, connection, and fun with others who work at UWM!
Time: 11:00 A.M. – 12:15 P.M.
Location: UWM Klotsche Center Indoor Track
Thursday, February 12
Free Mug and Coffee/Tea for Employees
Employees can receive a free 12 oz drip coffee or 16 oz tea and a free mug at the Student Union Grind when they show their Work ID. Limit of one drink choice/mug per employee.
Time: 8:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M.
Location: Union Grind
Panthers@Work Trivia Takeover
Join University Advancement and the UWM Alumni Association for a special edition of Thankful Thursday as we celebrate UWM alumni employees and the powerful connections that make our Panther community thrive. University Advancement is taking over the Gasthaus for a Panthers@Work Trivia Takeover, bringing together alumni employees from across campus for food, fun, friendly competition and Panther pride.
Prizes will be awarded to the teams that win trivia and show the most Panther Pride through their attire and props.
Schedule:
- 11:30 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. – Lunch & Networking (Lunch Provided)
- 12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M. – Trivia
Location: UWM Student Union Gasthaus
Employee Planetarium Program
Explore the origins of the cosmos dating back almost 14 billion years. In this live, interactive show, employees will learn about the clues that astronomers use to understand the birth and transformation of the universe, including the motion of distant galaxies and radiation generated by the early universe. The program will include an indoor stargazing session of the night sky followed by the opportunity to ask questions.
Employees who attend the planetarium program will receive a fun giveaway!
Time: 12:00 P.M. – 12:30 P.M.
Location: UWM Planetarium
Friday, February 13
Virtual Programming
Morning Jump Start
Start your day with a quick routine that will bring a smile to your face and help you finish the work week on a positive note.
Time: 8:30 A.M.
Mindfulness/Meditation Sampler
Learn about mindfulness and meditation practices and how they can help lower stress, improve sleep and lead to less self judgment.
Time: 12:00 P.M.
Fitness Dance Sampler
Roll into your afternoon in a great mood! Join this fun and upbeat class to experience moves and grooves that get your heart pumping and your body energized for the rest of your day. All levels welcome!
Time: 12:30 P.M.
Virtual Chair Yoga
Take a 15-minute break for a chair yoga routine that is gentle and relaxing and designed for all fitness levels.
Time: 12:00 P.M.
Sunday, February 15
UWM Employee Day at the Men’s Basketball Game
UW-Milwaukee vs. UW-Green Bay
Awardees with 30, 35, 40 and 45 years of service will be recognized during the halftime show!
Length of Service Awardees receive two complimentary tickets:
UWM employees who are not Length of Service Awardees can purchase discounted tickets:
Time: 2:00 P.M.
Location: UWM Panther Arena
UWM Student Employees are invited to participate in Student Employee Appreciation Week events that are scheduled April 12 – 18, 2026.
