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.
Upcoming orientations are scheduled for October 15 and December 3, from 8:30 A.M. to 1:45 P.M.
Benefits Open Enrollment
The Benefits Open Enrollment period is October 5 – October 30, 2026! This is an annual opportunity for benefits eligible employees to enroll in or make changes to most benefits for the upcoming calendar year. Benefits Open Enrollment is the only time employees are eligible to make changes to most benefits without a qualifying life event, such as a family or employment status change. Changes made during open enrollment are effective January 1, 2027.
UWM’s Open Enrollment web page
Universities of Wisconsin Open Enrollment website
UWM Open Enrollment Benefits & Wellness Fair – October 7
UWM is hosting an Open Enrollment Benefits and Wellness Fair on October 7 in the UWM Student Union Wisconsin Room. See below for event details:
Benefits Open Enrollment Fair
- Student Union, Wisconsin Room B
- 10:00 A.M. — 2:00 P.M.
- Employees can find information on benefits and speak with benefit vendor partners and UWM benefit specialists on benefit enrollment questions.
Wellness Fair
- Student Union, Wisconsin Room A
- 10:00 A.M. — 2:00 P.M.
- Employees have an opportunity to step away from work and enjoy some fun and relaxing activities including chair massages, therapy dogs, fun games, art projects and some light snacks.
Flu Clinic
- Student Union, Wisconsin Room C
- 9:00 A.M. — 2:30 P.M.
- Offered to UWM employees and spouses enrolled in the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program. Preregistration is required. To register for a flu vaccination appointment, log into the WebMD Health portal.
Register for a Well Wisconsin Biometric Screening & Earn Your Annual $150 Well Wisconsin Incentive!
Employees (and spouses) enrolled in the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program have a final opportunity to participate in a Well WI Biometric Screening to count towards the 2026 Wellness Incentive on October 14 from 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. 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 “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 two more onsite flu clinics at the UWM Student Union. Flu vaccinations are free for UWM employees and spouses enrolled in the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program. See the flyer for more information.
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
- October 7, 9:00 A.M. – 2:30 P.M., Student Union, Wisconsin Room C
- November 11, 9:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M., Student Union, Room 240
Wellbeing Webinars & Workshops (*UWM Specific)
UWM employee specific wellness programming, denoted with an asterisk, highlight and align with the monthly dimensions of wellbeing. October’s focus is Cultural Wellbeing.
| Program | Description | Dates | Time | Location | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midday Reset* | Take 15 minutes to be guided through an activity that will calm your mind, release tension, and help you to regain focus for the rest of your day. | October 5, 13, 22, 28 | Varies | Virtual | Register |
| Yoga & Pilates | Build on previous sessions exploring modifications of familiar exercises. All participants are welcome to join and use appropriate modifications. | October 5 | 4:00 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
| Flu Clinic* | Flu vaccinations are free for UWM employees and spouses enrolled in the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program. | October 7 | 9:00 A.M. – 2:30 P.M. | Onsite | Register |
| Benefits Open Enrollment and Wellness Fair* | Employees can find 2027 benefits information, speak with benefit vendor partners and UWM benefit specialists and enjoy some fun and relaxing activities. | October 7 | 10:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. | Onsite | No Registration Required |
| Gut Microbiome and Mental Health | Discover the powerful gut-brain connection and leave with simple, practical tips to support a healthier mind and body. | October 7 | 12:00 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
| Core Strength for Back Care | Strengthen your core, hips, and glutes while improving mobility to support better posture and a healthier back. All levels welcome. | October 7 | 4:30 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
| Political Anxiety* | Explore ways to maintain peace and understanding in politically charged environments. | October 8 | 12:00 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
| Movin and Groovin* | This 30-minute party will be full of upbeat world music, friendly faces and fun so you can roll into your evening in a great mood! All levels welcome and open to all UWM employees at no cost. | October 8, 15, 22, 28 | 4:30 P.M. | Onsite | Register |
| Lunchtime Boost: Standing Core | Join us for a monthly 15-minute series of stretching, movement and mindfulness breaks for a lunchtime boost. | October 9 | 12:00 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
| Cultural Wellness: What is it and how do I get it?* | Explores the concept of cultural wellness and its importance in promoting individual, community, and organizational health. | October 9 | 12:00 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
| Biometric Screening | Employees (and spouses) enrolled in the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance Program can participate in a Well WI Biometric Screening to count towards the 2026 Wellness Incentive. | October 14 | 9:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. | Onsite | Register |
| Handling Financial Stress | Gain the tools you need to take control of your finances and build a more secure future. | October 14 | 12:30 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
| Food and Cultural Wellness* | Discover the important relationship between food, culture, and overall wellbeing. | October 15 | 12:00 P.M. – 12:45 P.M. | Hybrid | Register |
| Campus Tour* | Get out for a walk to meet new people, explore campus and join this informative and engaging event. | October 16 | 12:00 P.M. | Onsite | Register |
| Wellbeing for managers, leaders, and their teams* (Prof Dev) | Provides managers and leaders base knowledge to support their own personal health and wellness while promoting the wellbeing of their teams. | October 21 | 12:00 P.M. | Hybrid | Register |
| Campus Tour: Cultural Wellbeing* | Stretch your legs, your mind and your knowledge of how UWM embraces inclusivity, culture, and heritage for all who live and work here. | October 28 | 11:00 A.M. | Onsite | Register |
| Support for Managing Depression | Learn more about depression, build compassion, and discover practical tools to support mental well-being. | October 28 | 12:00 P.M. | Virtual | Register |
| Knead to Nourish Cooking Series | Learn to bake wholesome breads and discover how simple homemade recipes can nourish your body, support your wellness goals, and bring people together. | November 4 | 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 Employee Campus Tour
UWM Human Resources is hosting an employee campus tour on October 16 from 12:10 P.M. – 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.
UWM Health Coaching
Create healthy habits, empower inner potential, and accomplish your goals with UWM Health Coaching. Sessions are one-on-one and will focus on specific areas of wellbeing that are important to you. Available regardless of enrollment in the state group health plan. Schedule in-person or virtually with Tracy Oles, UWM Employee Wellbeing and Engagement Manager and certified health coach.
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.
- 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
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
- Handling Financial Stress, October 14, at 12:30 P.M.
- Living with Gratitude, November 11, 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.
- Benefit related content all throughout October
- Preparing for your retirement
See the Universities of Wisconsin Webinars web page for a full listing and to register.
Universities of Wisconsin Webinars
Financial Consultant Onsite
A financial consultant from Fidelity will be on campus to provide personalized financial guidance to help you plan for retirement. See the HR Calendar of Events for registration.
- Fidelity Consultant, November 18, from 11:30 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., Engelmann Hall Room 208
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.
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. 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.
- 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.
Student Health and Wellness Center Suicide Prevention Training
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.
UWM Sustainability Office
The 2026 Campus Sustainability Week runs from October 5 to October 9, with events daily so you can connect with sustainability efforts across campus!
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 in your tracking card to Tracy at teo@uwm.edu and receive a prize.