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
Become a UWM Wellness Ambassador
The UWM Wellness Committee is looking for additional Wellness Ambassadors to represent and support wellbeing within the following schools, colleges and programs. The committee meets every other month, and the time commitment is approximately 1-2 hours per month. Email teo@uwm.edu if interested.
- Architecture & Urban Planning
- School of Education
- Lubar School of Business
- MarComm and University Relations
- University Advancement
- Business and Finance
- Student Services
- Community Empowerment and Institutional Inclusivity
- Student Affairs
- Children’s Learning Center
- Dining and Retail Services
- Student Union
- University Housing
- Technology Integration
- Dean of Students
- Athletics
- Advocacy and Student Engagement
- Student Learning, Assessment, and Planning
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.
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
Engage in Wellbeing and Become a UWM Wellness Warrior
The UWM Wellbeing Warrior program is designed to reinforce motivation and consistency needed to achieve your wellbeing goals. How it works:
- 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 | Date(s) | Time | Location | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yoga & Pilates | Yoga class starts July 6. | July 6 | 4:00 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
| Outdoor Yoga* | Feel refreshed from this 30 minute outdoor yoga class. Open to all levels. Bring a mat if you have one. | July 6, 13, 20 & 27 | 11:00 A.M. | Grass between AUP and ENG (Rain ENG 206) | Register |
| Midday Reset* | Take 15 min. to calm your mind, release tension, and regain focus. | July 7, 16, 22 & 28 | Varies | Virtual | Register |
| Diabetes: Sustaining Motivation | Stay motivated, navigate challenges, and build a plan for long-term success. | July 8 | 12:00 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
| Understanding Your Immune System | Discover how the immune system functions and learn to optimize its performance. | July 8 | 12:30 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
| The Importance of Play* | Discover simple ways to weave play back into your routine for more energy and inspiration. | July 9 | 12:00 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
| Lunchtime Boost: Desk Strength | Take a 15-minute break to practice bodyweight strengthening. | July 10 | 12:00 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
| Green Space Gathering* | Give yourself the gift of play, a moment to unwind, and win prizes! Play bags, giant Jenga, Yahtzee, frisbee, cribbage, etc., or just relax outdoors. | July 15 | 11:00 A.M. | Between Chapman & Enderis Hall (Rain Union WI Room C) | Register |
| The Why’s and How’s of Rest* | Learn how intentional, non-sleep rest improves focus, creativity, emotional resilience and long-term health. | July 24 | 12:00 P.M. | Hybrid – Virtual or ENG 206/208 | Register |
| Unplugging to Recharge: Combat Technostress* | Explore strategies to help reclaim balance and wellbeing in the digital world. | July 29 | 11:00 A.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.
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
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 Wisconsin Room, on September 16 from 8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. 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 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.
Walk-in appointments will be accommodated as the schedule allows.
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
- Understanding Your Immune System
- Sleep Basics
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