Welcome to the monthly Health and Wellness newsletter for 51猎奇 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鈥檚 group health plan.
New Wellness Website for Employees
We are excited to announce the launch of the new 51猎奇 Employee Wellness Website that is a 鈥渙ne-stop-shop鈥� for employees to learn about all the wellbeing resources available to them. Continue to check back for regular updates and information!
Wellness Programs and Resources
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Follow along with the 51猎奇 Employee Mental Health Awareness calendar for small action steps to boost your mental and emotional health throughout the month.
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. A virtual benefits review session is scheduled Wednesday, May 14 and Tuesday, June 3 from 12:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M. Visit the Benefit Review schedule to register and see upcoming sessions:
Earn Your Annual $150 Well Wisconsin Incentive! Register for a Well Wisconsin Biometric Screening
Free health screening events are scheduled around the Milwaukee area 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, and be in and out in 20 minutes.
Complete the biometric health screening, along with the health assessment and well-being activity by October 17, 2025, to earn the annual $150 Well Wisconsin incentive.
To see the schedule and register for a screening, visit the WebMD Health portal, go to the benefits page, and select the biometric screening tile.
Mental Health Series
The department of Human Resources is offering a Mental Health Series of webinars and onsite education sessions to better support 51猎奇 employees. Below are upcoming sessions that are scheduled as part of the series.
- Befriending Anxiety, May 8 at 12:00 P.M.,
- Grounding and Presence, onsite in Enderis Hall Room 109, May 13 at 12:00 P.M., Register
- Fear and Anxiety Moving Forward, May 14 at 12:30 P.M.,
- Wellness from Within Activities Bring Balance to your Emotional Wellbeing with the following virtual events:
- May 2: Mindfulness Walk,
- May 5: Mindfulness Run,
- May 6: Breathing Exercises,
- May 27: Reflection through Journaling,
Wellbeing Webinars & Workshops
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.
- DASH Diet for Heart Health, 6 Week Class, May 14-June 18 at 12:00 P.M.,
- Teamwork-The Essentials, June 11 at 12:30 P.M.,
- Building ONE Cohesive Culture, June 19 at 12:00 P.M.,
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 starting periodically.
- HIIT Series Fitness 4-week class, April 23-May 14 at 12:00 P.M.,
- Pilates 4-week class, April 29-May 20 at 4:00 P.M.,
- Pilates 4-week class, June 6-June 27 at 12:00 P.M.,
- Foundational Fitness 4-week class series, June 25-July 16 at 4:00 P.M.,
If you are unable to attend a fitness class, visit the on-demand library of recordings and workout when it fits your schedule. Visit the Well WI Group Fitness web page for recorded classes.
Wag More Wednesdays at the 51猎奇 Library May 7 & 14
Therapy dogs will be at the 51猎奇 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 on the 51猎奇 Libraries Services & Outreach web page.
51猎奇 Libraries Services & Outreach
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Acentra Health
51猎奇鈥檚 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
- (password: SOWI)
EAP Webinars
- Fear and Anxiety Moving Forward, May 14 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, and meQuilibrium–a stress and resiliency program.
Financial Wellness Offerings
Multiple financial webinars are offered each month on a variety of topics. See the Universities of Wisconsin Webinars web page for additional information and to register.
51猎奇 Suicide Prevention Training
The Student Health and Wellness Center and the Chancellor鈥檚 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鈥� suicide intervention skills. With each person who completes the training, 51猎奇 develops its network of individuals who are prepared to assist in identifying and supporting individuals in crisis. It鈥檚 okay to do Part 1 without Part 2 (though Part 2 is highly recommended).
Part One: Online Training via Canvas 鈥� UW-System鈥檚 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 鈥� 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.
Wellness Wednesdays through Campus Cares
Subscribe to a bi-weekly newsletter from the Campus Cares group.
Safety Training
A variety of safety related trainings are available to 51猎奇 employees. Please visit the 51猎奇 Police Department鈥檚 web page below for an upcoming list of training opportunities.
51猎奇 WWHEL
The 51猎奇 WWHEL chapter aims to positively impact the growth of current and aspiring leaders by providing professional development and networking opportunities. The 51猎奇 chapter is organized by a steering committee made up of volunteers who meet regularly to plan events, communications, and activities that support our mission. All 51猎奇 employees in every job category who self-identify as a woman are included in our chapter鈥檚 membership.
WWHEL Into Summer: End-Of-Year Social
Tuesday, May 13, 3:00-4:45 P.M.
Gasthaus, lower level of the 51猎奇 Student Union