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
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 November 11 from 12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M. Visit the Benefits Reviews schedule to register for upcoming sessions:
Final On-Site Well Wisconsin Flu Clinic
The final onsite flu clinic for employees is being held at the UWM Student Union through the Well Wisconsin program. 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 Flu Clinics
- November 11, 8:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M., UWM Student Union, Room 240
Wellbeing Webinars & Workshops (*UWM Specific)
- Mindfulness Under the Stars*, November 5 at 1:00 P.M., at the UWM Planetarium, Register
- Centering Leadership in Empathy, November 6 at 12:00 P.M., Register
- Healthy Holiday Recharge, 4 week series starting November 6, at 12:00 P.M., Register
- Healthy Holiday Baking, 4 week series starting November 17, at 12:00 P.M., Register
- Holiday Card Hangout*, November 25 at 12:00 P.M., Union W183, Register, Flyer
- UWMidday Reset*, December 4 at 12:00 P.M., Register, Flyer
All 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.
Make it OK Webinar: Reducing the Stigma of Mental Health
Let’s Make it OK to talk about mental health and illnesses so everyone feels safe and empowered to get the support and care they deserve. If you are interested in reducing the stigma of mental health and illnesses, supporting others and finding care resources, we invite you to attend this virtual session for UWM employees.
- November 20, 12:00 P.M., Register
Movin’ and Groovin’
Join Sylvia Banda, Certified Zumba Instructor, and Tracy Oles, UWM Employee Wellbeing and Engagement Manager, for onsite dance fitness designed specifically for busy schedules. This 30-minute party will be full of upbeat music, friendly faces and fun so you can roll into your afternoon in a great mood! All UWM employees welcome, no matter your fitness level! Wear comfortable clothes, bring water and a towel and you’ll be set to move and groove!
- November 5, 12:00 P.M. – 12:30 P.M., Library 4th Floor Conference Center
- November 12, 12:00 P.M. – 12:30 P.M., UWM Union Ballroom B
- November 19, 12:00 P.M. – 12:30 P.M., UWM Union Ballroom B
- November 26, 12:00 P.M. – 12:30 P.M., UWM Union Ballroom B
Movin’ and Groovin’ Flyer (PDF)
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
- Holiday Themed Variety Fitness Classes, 4-week series starting November 10 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.
Blood Pressure Monitor Pilot Program
UWM Human Resources is piloting 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
- Are not currently being treated by a physician for high blood pressure/hypertension
To see if you are eligible to receive a blood pressure monitor, contact Tracy Oles at teo@uwm.edu to verify and coordinate pick up in Engelmann Hall.
Blood Pressure Monitor Pilot Program 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.
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. 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
- Best Practices for Supporting Others, November 12 at 12:30 P.M., Register
- Riding the Change Wave, December 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
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. With each person who completes the training, UWM develops its network of individuals who are prepared to assist in identifying and supporting individuals in crisis. 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.
Self-enroll in the Canvas course
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.
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 full listing and to register.
Universities of Wisconsin Webinars
Meet with a Financial Consultant at UWM
- Fidelity, November 4, 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M., in Engelmann 206/208
UWM Employee Campus Tour
UWM Human Resources is hosting an employee campus tour on November 21 from 12:10 – 12:50 P.M.! Whether you’re new to campus or have been here for many years, join this informative and engaging event. Meet at the UWM Union Ground Floor Information Desk. Space is limited to 20. Visit the HR events calendar to register.
Campus Tour, November 21, 2025
New Employee Orientation
New Employee Orientation is a full-day, in-person session that 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. In addition, Human Resources will present important information for new employees including how we strive to foster employee belonging and engagement. New employee orientation is required for all new employees within 90 days of their start date. The next session for new employees is scheduled:
- December 2, 8:15 A.M. – 3:00 P.M., UWM Student Union, Room E280, Register
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 their annual Pumpkin Smash event on November 5, from 3:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. Located on the lawn behind Enderis/Chapman parking lot. Enjoy snacks, cider and a bonfire! Can’t make the event? Drop your pumpkin off to be composted!
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
Here is the Campus Cares Wellness Wednesday Newsletter including wellbeing information, tips and recipes that are sure to be your new favorites!
- Think Twice About Following Food Trends
- Is going out of your way to find the latest superfood, giving your kale a massage to make it tender or trying to figure out how to make quinoa taste good worth it? Read this article to find out.
- Having Trouble Sleeping? To Get Back on Track, Avoid These 5 Mistakes
- Sleep experts share common mistakes people make when they have trouble sleeping – and what to do to fix them. (24-minute listen)
- Seven Incredible Stories of Animal Bravery
- The interplay between humans and animals is a constant source of wonder and the subject of a great deal of scientific research. Here are some astonishing tales of animal courage and compassion.
- 155 Funny Jokes That Are Dumb But Hilarious
- If you love silly one-liners, you’ve just landed on a collection of funny jokes so bad, they’re good.
- Fall Harvest Grain Bowls
- These fall harvest grain bowls are a healthy vegan dinner. Give them a try!
- Apple Carmel Protein Scones
- These scones have a tender crumbly texture, golden brown edges, cinnamon apple chunks, all drizzled with low sugar caramel. Best of all, they are gluten-free and low in sugar with a healthy boost of protein!