University of California, Merced
PA-13: Wellness Program

UC Merced’s wellness programs encourage staff and faculty healthy lifestyle choices that improve overall health. Classes that have been offered include include yoga, cardio, weights, and t’ai chi. The campus has also offered UC walks/wellness fair events, and lactation accommodation support. Human Resources also sponsors the Employee Assistance Program, which provides confidential and professional EAP services to employees and their families. UC Merced defines wellness holistically for students by adopting the World Health Organization’s Seven Dimensions of Wellness. This holistic approach is implemented by various departments in the Division of Student Affairs including Counseling & Psychological Services, Health Promotion, Health Services, and Recreation & Athletics. Counseling & Psychological Services provides free individual and group counseling to all registered students. All students pay a health fee when they register for classes, which provides them with access to various medical services provided by Health Services. Similarly, all students pay a recreation fee that provides them with access to two gyms, basketball courts, and tennis courts; for a cost, students can also access fitness classes, intramural sports, and outdoor adventure trips. Health Promotion offers outreach to students through education, connection, and advocacy. The department educates students on sexual health, substance use, physical well-being, and mental well-being topics via workshops, tabling events, and social media. Health Promotion connects students to various resources on and off campus, including ones offered by the department (free condoms, menstrual supplies, earplugs, sleep kits, etc.). Finally, Health Promotion advocates for policies that support student well-being; the most recent policy focus has been on creating non-instructional days prior to final exams.

Faculty and Staff Wellness Program website: https://hr.ucmerced.edu/Life-at-Work