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. Most programs and services are available to employees regardless of enrollment in the State’s group health plan. Visit the Employee Wellness Website to learn about wellbeing resources and upcoming programs.
Wellness Programs and Resources
Accessing Your Benefits Information with Workday
To view your current benefit information, log into Workday and go to the Benefits and Pay Hub under the Menu where you can view existing benefits. You can also manage your supplemental retirement benefits in Workday including enrolling in the UW 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Program (SRP) or make changes to your contribution election in Workday.
Workday Login: myworkday.wisconsin.edu
To make changes to other benefits, or to enroll if you are a newly hired or newly eligible employee, you will need to use My Insurance Benefits, a secure online application that provides access to insurance information administered by the Department of Employee Trust Funds (ETF). Through My Insurance Benefits you can view detailed information about your benefits enrollments (health, life, disability and spending accounts), review and update dependent information, or make changes to your benefits. Access My Insurance Benefits in Workday from the Benefits and Pay Hub under the Suggested Links on the left-hand side.
Before accessing My Insurance Benefits for the first time, you will need to complete a one-time registration and create a login using your personal email address and personal identification information. Using your personal email address and identification information to create your My Insurance Benefits account ensures you can access other ETF-managed benefits, such as retirement information, when you retire or leave UWM employment.
- Creating your account will generate a MyWisconsin ID, which will be your long-term credentials to view and manage most of your benefits. Visit the ETF website for more information.
- Use the “sign up” link if you have never created a MyWisconsin ID account before. Note: If you have not previously created a MyWisconsin ID account and try to enter your email at the login, the system cannot tell you if that email address was previously used.
- Contact ETF at: ETFSMBIDHelp@etf.wi.gov, if you have any issues setting up your MyWisconsin ID.
If you have any questions or need help, go to the Workday for New and Current Employees web page. You can also contact benefits@uwm.edu for support when using My Insurance Benefits.
Workday for New and Current Employees
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 September 2, from 10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M., September 3 and 17, from 12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M., and September 16, from 3:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Visit the Benefits Reviews web page to register for upcoming sessions:
As we start the academic year, new employees can also stop by the UWM HR office for help with benefits or schedule a virtual appointment now through September 10. During benefit consultations, employees can speak with a benefits specialist to ask questions about benefit offerings and receive assistance with benefits enrollment.
New Employee Benefits Virtual Consultations
Earn Your Annual $150 Well Wisconsin Incentive!
To earn the $150 prepaid card, employees and spouses enrolled in the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance program should go to the Well Wisconsin portal and complete the following by October 17, 2025.
- Health Assessment
- Health Check Option (Biometric Screening, Dental Cleaning or WebMD Coaching Session)
- Biometric screening events are scheduled around the Milwaukee area for employees (and spouses) enrolled in the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program.
- To see the schedule and register visit the WebMD Health portal. Go to the benefits page and select the biometric screening tile.
- At the onsite screening, participants will learn their measurements for blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), cholesterol (HDL, LDL and total), triglycerides and glucose, and be in and out in 20 minutes.
- One Well-being Activity
Well Wisconsin Health Screening
Join us for a Well Wisconsin health screening on the UMW campus, Monday, October 6, 2025, in the Student Union Wisconsin Room from 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. All employees, spouses and retirees who are enrolled in the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program are welcome to participate. Discover your numbers for blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), cholesterol (HDL, LDL and total), triglycerides and glucose.
Follow these steps to register for an appointment:
- Log in to your portal at webmdhealth.com/wellwisconsin.
- Click “My Health” 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.
Completing a health check (plus completing the health assessment and a wellbeing activity), earns you $150…and they’re all a big boost for your overall wellness.
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.
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 which will be available on the appointment confirmation page and in your confirmation email.
Dates and Times of UWM Flu Clinics
- October 8, 8:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M., UWM Student Union Wisconsin Room
- October 23, 9:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M., UWM Student Union Wisconsin Room
- November 11, 8:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M., UWM Student Union Wisconsin Room
Wellbeing Webinars & Workshops (*UWM Specific)
- Destigmatizing Mental Health Challenges, September 4 at 12:00 P.M., Register
- A Journey to Diabetes Health Virtual Workshop Series, biweekly, September 10 – October 8 at 12:00 P.M., Register
- Estate Planning, September 10 at 12:30 P.M., Register
- Health Aging Series*, September 25, October 2, and October 9 at 11:30 A.M., Register
- Mindfulness Under the Stars*, October 1 at 1:00 P.M., at the UWM Planetarium, 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 additional information and to register.
Universities of Wisconsin Webinars
Employees can also access recorded videos for Well Wisconsin on the web page below.
UWM Campus Connectivity
Give your mind and body a break from work while connecting with the UWM campus community! Meet at the UWM fountain by the library (or rain location in inclement weather) for a group activity and movement exercise such as a short walk or stretching. Come as you are, no special equipment or clothing needed and no registration required, just show up! Open to all abilities and levels.
- September 11 at 12:00 P.M. – Meet at the UWM Fountain (Rain location – Engelmann B38)
- September 30 at 3:00 P.M. – Meet at the UWM Fountain (Rain location – Engelmann B38)
UWM Employee Summer Park Challenge – Ends September 20
When was the last time you visited a local, state, or even national park? Doing so has many health benefits and this summer we encourage you to go outside, enjoy nature and win a cool prize for doing it! Visit three parks or nature areas and complete three activities at each park (details on the park challenge tracking sheet). Turn in your tracking sheet to Tracy Oles at teo@uwm.edu and you’ll get a prize!
- UWM Employee Summer Park Challenge Tracking Sheet
- UWM Employee Summer Park Challenge Information Sheet (find parks, health benefits, etc.)
Coming in October – UWM Onsite Movement Series
Mark your calendars and get ready to move! Join Tracy Oles, UWM Employee Wellbeing and Engagement Manager, for a total body “Try-It” series. Whether you try one or try them all, you will learn, have fun and meet new people from across campus! All levels are welcome. Dress comfortably and bring water and a towel. Check the HR Events Calendar for registration, opening soon, as space will be limited.
- October 3, 12:00 P.M. – 12:30 P.M., Stretching* at the Library East Wing Contemplation Area
- October 9, 4:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M., All level HIIT (with no/low impact options)* at the LECWC AmFam Dream Studio
- October 17, 12:00 P.M. – 12:30 P.M., Core* (location TBD)
- October 23, 4:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M., Dance Fitness (location TBD)
* bring a mat
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
- Slow Flow Yoga, 4-week class series, September 10 – October 1 at 4:00 P.M., Register
- Yin Yoga, 4-week class series, September 25 – October 9 at 4:00 P.M., Register
If you are unable to attend a fitness class, visit the on-demand library of recordings for recorded classes.
Kaia Health
Living with pain can slow you down, keeping you from the people and activities you love the most. Well Wisconsin has partnered with Kaia Health to provide full access to personalized therapy programs for back, shoulders, hips, knees, and more – all at no additional cost to you. 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 Daniel M. Soref 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
- Estate Planning, September 10 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
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 listing and to register.
Universities of Wisconsin Webinars
UWM Employee Campus Tour
UWM Human Resources is hosting an employee campus tour on September 19 from 12:10 – 12:50 P.M.! Whether you’re new to campus or have been here for many years and want to get out for a walk to meet new people, join this informative and engaging event. Meet at the UWM Union Ground Floor Information Desk. Space is limited to 15. Please register with the form below:
UWM Employee Campus Tour Registration
Environmental Wellness Offerings with UWM Sustainability
Explore sustainable features of our UWM Campus on this self-guided tour!
UWM Sustainability & Green Infrastructure
The Sustainability Office is hosting multiple events throughout October and November and employees are welcome to join!
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
Find the Campus Cares September Wellness Wednesday Newsletter content below including wellbeing information, tips and recipes that are sure to be your new favorites!
- Fall reset: A fresh start for life after summer
- Sept. 22 marks the first day of autumn. This change in seasons is the perfect time to reappraise our lives and start fresh; that’s where the fall reset comes in.
- The No. 1 Skill You Need to Learn if You Struggle to Regulate Your Emotions
- How well you regulate your emotions can play a major role in your success in life, psychologist Zorana Ivcevic Pringle, Ph.D., a researcher at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, says. If you struggle to regulate your emotions, here are some traits to try to learn.
- Why a good pep talk doesn’t always need to include advice
- Josh Linden and Paula Skaggs, co-authors of Tiny Pep Talks: Bite-Size Encouragement for Life’s Annoying, Stressful, and Flat-Out Lousy Moments share their ingredients for a great pep talk.
- 5 Things You’re Forgetting to Clean (But Really Should)
- Here, experts reveal which items in your house are harboring the most bacteria—and how to clean them.
- Mediterranean Meatballs with Tzatziki
- Quick and easy, this beef meatball recipe deserves a spot on your weekly meal plan! They’re loaded with flavor, kid-and-freezer-friendly and make delicious leftovers.