University employees who complete the WellU Wellness Program requirements will receive a discount on their cost of enrollment in the University's Employee Health Care Plan of up to $25 per month for the 2025/2026 Plan Year. If the rate is less than $25 per month, WellU participants will pay $0.
To participate in the WellU Program during the 2025/2026 plan year, complete the WellU requirements before July 1, 2025:
- New Health Risk Assessment (HRA) must be completed at least once between September 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025, to receive the discount effective July 1, 2025
AND one of the following options:
- Four Different WellU Wellness Activities
- Create and follow a Care Pathway with the Osher Team (OCIH)
Wellness completions must be reported through Regence, participating University departments, or our University partners. Completions other than the flu vaccination and COVID-19 vaccine cannot be self-reported by individual employees. Due to processing and reporting of completion, please allow up to 90 days for activities to be updated on the participation tracker. If it has been over 90 days and your activity has not been updated, please contact our WellU team at WellU@utah.edu.
You are encouraged to complete the WellU requirements as early as possible to avoid any delays in application of the discount. Discounts will begin when timely completed requirements have all been reported.
If you complete all the requirements prior to June 30 and they are all reported to HR prior to July 15, your discount will begin on the July 22nd paycheck.
If you complete all the requirements prior to June 30; however they are not all reported to HR prior to July 15, your discount will begin on the paycheck following the date the last timely completion is reported. The discount is not retroactive.
Different participation requirements apply for new hires depending on their hire date.
Employees who are newly enrolled in the health plan have different requirements depending on the date you are first enrolled:
July 1, 2024 through August 31, 2024: Complete the General Health Assessment (GHA) on the Regence Empower website to participate and begin receiving the discount for the remainder of the current Plan Year. To participate and receive the discount for the upcoming Plan Year beginning July 1, 2025, you must complete the new Health Risk Assessment (HRA) between September 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025 and complete one of the following options before July 1, 2025.
- Four WellU activities; OR
- Create and follow a Care Pathway with the Osher Team
September 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024: Complete the Health Risk Assessment (HRA) to participate and receive the discount for the remainder of the current Plan Year. To participate and receive the discount for the upcoming Plan Year beginning July 1, 2025, you must complete one of the following options before July 1, 2025.
- Four WellU activities; OR
- Create and follow a Care Pathway with the Osher Team
January 1, 2025 through March 31, 2025: Complete the Health Risk Assessment (HRA) to participate and receive the discount for the remainder of the current Plan Year . To participate and receive the discount for the upcoming Plan Year beginning July 1, 2025, you must complete one of the following options before July 1, 2025.
- Two WellU activities; OR
- Create and follow a Care Pathway with the Osher Team
April 1, 2025 through June 30, 2025: Complete the Health Risk Assessment (HRA) to participate and receive the discount for the remainder of the current Plan Year and the following Plan Year.
Effective September 1, 2024 the Regence General Health Assessment (GHA) will be discontinued and replaced with the Health Risk Assessment (HRA) created by the Osher Center for Integrative Health (OCIH). The link for the new HRA will be sent to your UMail by the Osher Center for Integrative Health team (Wellness@utah.edu).
The self-reported health information gathered from the HRA will go directly to Dr. Amy Locke, Chief Wellness Officer, and the Osher Team so that they may better understand the health needs of our campus community.
The HRA will gather self-reported information regarding height, weight, blood sugar, and mental health. Based on the HRA, the Osher Team will offer concierge wellness support (“Health Care Pathway”) for employees who identify certain medical needs to provide individualized support and care toward thriving.
The HRA is the entry point for the WellU Program. Participation in the WellU Program is optional.
Obtain these services from a health care provider of your choice – they must be billed through the health plan to receive credit for completion of the option. The WellU program does not have access to any employee's MyChart or EPIC information. Confirmation of completed Health Care Provider activities are reported by Regence BCBS. HR does not have the capacity to enter completions manually. If your Health Care Provider activity has not been updated on your WellU tracker after 90 days please reach out to WellU@utah.edu for instructions.
- Annual Physical/Wellness Exam
- Note regarding Physical Exams: Please remind your provider that your visit MUST be billed as a physical and not a regular office visit. A prenatal wellness exam does count as a physical, but requires additional action, as prenatal visits are not billed separately through Regence. For a prenatal wellness exam, have your provider fill out the Prenatal Physical Certification form and submit to UHRM at WellU@utah.edu. Please note – this form is not required for other types of annual physicals, only prenatal exams.
- Dental Exam and Cleaning
- Note regarding Dental Exams and Cleanings: The health plan covers a dental cleaning and exam with a network provider at 100%. If you are not enrolled in our dental coverage, please submit a billing statement from your dental office to WellU@utah.edu. The statement should include your name, the date, and the services received.
- Lifestyle Medicine Consult
- Meet with a health care provider specializing in life style health factors. During this consult you can explore areas such as nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and emotional health/resilience. Call 801-213 8720 to schedule an appointment or visit Osher Center for Integrative Health’s website to learn more.
- Cervical Cancer Screening
- Mammogram
- Osteoporosis Screening
- Prostate Cancer Screening
- Colonoscopy
Most flu and COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are reported through Regence or by a partner who gave the vaccine if you received it at Employee Appreciation Day, RedMed or in your department.
- If you had a vaccine and it is not showing on the tracker, you can self-report your vaccination.
- Log in to Campus Information Systems (CIS) web page
- In the search bar at the top of the page enter the word “Vaccine”
- Select the box titled, Vaccinations. You will then be redirected to the Vaccinations page on CIS
- Select the Add Vaccination box under the title, Vaccine Details
- In the drop-down box select the Vaccine type, COVID-19 Vaccination or Flu Vaccination
- Press the CONTINUE button on the top right-hand side of the small box
- Enter the date you received the vaccine, MM/DD/YYYY
- Proof of the vaccination (Proof of the vaccine must include your name and the date the vaccine was received. Without proof of the vaccination you will not be able to complete the submission.)
- Check the box certifying that the information being submitted is true and correct
- Press the SAVE button on the top right-hand side of the box
- You will then be redirected to the main Vaccinations page on CIS
- Select the Add Vaccination box under the title, Vaccine Details
All vaccinations will be uploaded to the Wellness Tracker within a month of submission. If you do not see your vaccination on the Wellness tracker after the waiting period, please contact our WellU team at WellU@utah.edu.
RedMed Employee Health Clinic offers wellness visits as a WellU Wellness Activity. Visits must be scheduled in advance – schedule by calling RedMed at (801) 213-3303 or by scheduling online. The visit with a nurse practitioner will include basic labs, a brief physical exam and preventive health screenings. Employees will be able to discuss any health concerns and create a wellness plan. Employees will be referred to a primary care provider for any ongoing, chronic conditions.
Healthy Body & Healthy Mind Individual Care Pathway: Concierge wellness service for employees who qualify and opt in to participate. Employees enrolled in the Tailored Care Pathways will be encouraged to receive biometric testing through PEAK or a lab convenient to them.
- The Osher Team can assist in submitting lab orders.
- Employees receiving biometric testing as part of the Tailored Care Pathway will incur no cost for the biometric testing if received via PEAK.
OCIH Services (up to 4 at low to no cost):
After four low or no cost services, employees may continue to utilize their benefit and will pay the University price. Employees can participate in as many services as they want at the University price.
Service | WellU Discounted Rate (first 4 services) | Employee Cost (unlimited) |
BodPod- Body Composition (Individual) | $15 | $30 |
Fitness Assessment | $15 | $50 |
Nutrition Workshop Series (two-sessions) | $20 | $40 |
Nutrition Consultation | $0 | $35 |
Personal Training | $0 | $40 |
Exercise Prescription | $0 | $40 |
Health Coach Consultation | $0 | $35 |
OCIH Programs (employee copays apply):
- Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) ($50)
- Intensive Lifestyle Program ($50)
- Intuitive Eating ($50)
- Everyday Mindfulness ($50)
- Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction ($125)
- Build-a-Bone ($25)
For additional information visit Osher Center for Integrative Health.
Campus Recreation Services (Eccles Student Life Center)
- Campus Recreation membership required – employee pays fitness class fees.
- Work out or take a fitness class and tap your ID card when you access the facility. The first ten taps on different days will count as completion of one Wellness Activity.
- Fit 3D Body Scan- use code STAFFSCAN when purchasing online for one free Fit 3D scan limited to one use per employee.
Red Butte Garden
- Employees have free access to Red Butte Garden! Check in at the front desk for WellU credit and take a relaxing stroll or aerobic walk through the garden. The first ten check-ins on different days will count as completion of one Wellness Activity
Tanner Dance Class
- Tanner Dance Adult Classes are meticulously designed to enhance your physical fitness and artistic expression. Research supports that dance is a multifaceted activity that offers significant neuroprotective benefits for aging adults, making it a promising non-pharmacological intervention to support brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
- The program focuses on building a strong core, increasing strength, enhancing flexibility, boosting endurance, improving balance, refining agility, and mastering control through dynamic dance movements. The classes incorporate both floor and barre work, grounded in modern dance and ballet techniques. Participants will engage in spatial movement exercises and delve into the creative process, fostering both technical skill and artistic innovation.
- Enroll and attend at least 8 classes to receive participation credit for WellU.
Financial Wellness Workshops
- Participate in a one-on-one consultation with a licensed Fidelity Investments or TIAA representative and earn WellU credit. Your instructor or financial advisor will need to email your name and uNID to WellU@utah.edu, saying that you participated, so that your participation can be reported for one Wellness Activity.
- To schedule a meeting with a Fidelity representative go to Fidelity's site and click on the “Meet with Us” tile or call (800) 343-0860.
- To schedule a meeting with a TIAA representative go to TIAA's site and click on “Schedule now” in the Professional Advice tile or call (800) 732-8353.
Departments can coordinate programs on their own. The Osher Center for Wellness & Integrative Health is available to help you create inclusive, meaningful and fun challenges.
- The program must be pre-approved by the Osher Center for Wellness & Integrative Health. Complete the Department Program Application which will be submitted to Wellness@utah.edu for review.
- The program must be designed to increase the health and well-being of participating employees;
- The program must include a series of activities over at least a 6-week period; and
- Departments must designate a wellness coordinator to track participation and submit an excel spreadsheet including the name and uNID for each employee who completed the program requirements to Wellness@utah.edu at the conclusion of the program.
- Potential examples include: departmental wellness challenge including step counting, departmental mindfulness offering and practices, scheduled movement breaks, and much more. For inspiration, please check out past department wellness challenges!
Health & Wellness Quick Links
- Health & Wellness
- Annual Open Enrollment
- Benefits Advisory Committee
- COBRA
- Employee Assistance Program and Mental Health
- Employee Health Plan Coverage For Fertility Treatments
- Flexible Spending Account Plans
- Flexible Spending Account vs. Health Savings Account
- Health Care & Dental Plans
- Health Savings Account
- RedMed Employee Health Clinic
- Life Change Events
- Well-Being Resources
- WellU Wellness Program
WellU Wellness Activity Options – Osher Center for Wellness & Integrative Health:
PEAK Health & Fitness Options – PEAK Health and Fitness is a partnership between the College of Health and the Osher Center for Wellness and Integrative Health. PEAK offers a variety of workshops and seminars, health assessment and fitness testing, continuing education opportunities, and employee fitness classes.
PEAK individual nutrition, physical activity and wellness consultation options include the following:
- Health Coach Consultation - Virtual or in-person: Health coaches work with individuals who wish to adopt lifestyle changes that will help them reach their short- and long-term goals for satisfying and healthful lives. Health Coaching may include: Integration of spectrum of health needs; assisting individuals navigate through biometric results and developing a plan to address needs for change; developing an action plan for health goals/goal setting and tracking, help clarify their health goals, and implement and sustain behaviors, lifestyles, and attitudes that are conducive to optimal health.
- Nutrition Consultation - Virtual or in person: The nutrition consultations offered through the WellU program help individuals improve their overall health by improving their diet. Whether you need simple nutrition guidance or have a specific concern, our staff of nutrition specialists can help you reach your nutrition goals. In addition to general and preventive nutrition consultations we have several specialty areas to help you including family/child health and nutrition, sports nutrition, hypertension control, cholesterol lowering, weight loss and maintenance, cardiovascular nutrition, bone health, diabetes management, and others.
- Personal Training / Exercise Prescription - Virtual or in person: Personal Training is one of the most safe and effective ways to improve your health and fitness. When you take advantage of this service, you are provided with a personal exercise program and 60-minutes of one-on-one guidance from an educated fitness professional. Our personal trainers rely on evidence-based practices to safely guide you on your journey to better cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility.
PEAK health and fitness testing options include the following:
- Bod Pod: Bod Pod is a measurement of your body composition (% fat and % lean). BOD POD PREPARATION 1. Do NOT eat or exercise for 4 hours prior to your appointment. You can drink water, but do not ingest anything with calories or caffeine. 2. Special clothing is necessary for the bod pod. Women need to bring a swimsuit or form fitting shorts and a sports bra. Men need to bring a speedo or compression shorts.
- Fitness Assessment: PEAK's general fitness assessment is an excellent way to get a picture of how your fitness compares to others in your age group so you can make attainable, realistic, and healthful fitness goals. Our general fitness testing package includes the following tests: Submaximal aerobic fitness test Upper body strength (push-ups) Flexibility (sit and reach) Please bring/wear clothes that you are comfortable exercising in
WellU member cost: $25
Build-a-Bone is an osteoporosis prevention and treatment program offered throughout the year at various U Health Clinics as well as virtually via zoom. Our innovative 4-day 2-hour classes are taught by medical professionals and health educators. Topics covered during class include:
- Bone basics
- Posture
- Spine sparing strategies
- Exercises for bone health
- Balance
- Nutrition for bone health
WellU member cost:
$50.00
The Intensive Lifestyle Program looks at the components of a healthy lifestyle to get you started on your way to feeling great. Most chronic diseases can be prevented or improved by lifestyle, but a healthy lifestyle also helps immediately by improving sleep, energy, mood, and focus. The program consists of 10 weekly 1-hour sessions. This program is offered in-person and virtually via Zoom.
FEATURES OF THE PROGRAM
- Weekly sessions led by a health coach in a group of 12 to 15 other participants
- Personalized exercise prescription
- Focus on eating for pleasure and health at the same time
- Discussions on sleep
- Using mindfulness to improve resilience
- Coaching to help make these changes doable and fun
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Anyone interested in making changes in their lifestyle (nutrition, physical activity, sleep, or stress management) should consider this program. We screen for symptoms of active heart disease and may require clearance from your physician.
Weekly class topics include:
- Wellness
- Nutrition
- Exercise
- Mental/emotional health
- Stress management
- Motivation
- Healthy coping strategies
WellU member cost: $50.00
Our four-week group program includes instruction in various forms of mindfulness, practice time, and opportunities to connect with others who may also be looking for ways to reduce stress, manage health issues, and more easily respond to difficult emotions.
Weekly group sessions, led by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, assist with:
- Getting unstuck from unhelpful patterns
- Increasing psychological flexibility
- Enhancing resilience
- Improving stress management
- Reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Enhancing general feelings of wellbeing
WellU member cost: $125.00
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, (MBSR), was developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the Center for Mindfulness, University of Massachusetts Medical School. MBSR is an intensive training in developing mindful awareness and accessing our innate capacity for health, healing and growth. Groups meet for an orientation, eight weekly classes and an all-day retreat between weeks 6 and 7. Guided instruction in various practices is provided, including seated and walking meditation, a body scan, gentle yoga, and mindful communication. These practices are enhanced through inquiry exercises, group dialogue, and daily home assignments.
In research published by the Center for Mindfulness, the majority of people who complete the course report:
- Lasting decreases in physical and psychological symptoms
- An increased ability to relax
- Reductions in pain levels and an enhanced ability to cope with pain that may not go away
- Greater energy and enthusiasm for life
- Improved self-esteem
- An ability to cope more effectively with both short and long-term stressful situations.
WellU member cost: $50.00
Prediabetes affects nearly 88 million people in the US (greater than 1 in 3 adults), but many aren’t aware of their risk. Prediabetes is when your blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough yet to meet criteria for diabetes. People who have prediabetes are at a higher risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke than people who have with normal blood sugar levels.
This research-proven program can help you make modest lifestyle changes and cut your risk of Type 2 diabetes by more than half. This 24-session program is offered either in person or online.
The program will help you to:
- Learn about healthy food choices.
- Build physical activity into your life.
- Lose weight.
- Decrease your risk of diabetes.
WellU member cost: $50
This 10-week class is virtual via Zoom! Come make peace with your food, body, and movement by learning and practicing the 10 principles of Intuitive Eating! Intuitive Eating is all about creating a healthy relationship around food, body, mind, and movement through self-care and body appreciation, regardless of weight or size. The main concepts in Intuitive Eating include seeing satisfaction and pleasure in eating, moving your body for the sake of feeling good, rejecting diet mentality, respecting your body (regardless of how you feel about its shape), and applying gentle nutrition without judgment. Founded in now decades of research, becoming an Intuitive Eater pays off. Several of the research-supported health benefits include:
- More positive body image
- Increased body appreciation
- Increased self-confidence
- Increased pleasure and satisfaction around food
- Increased self-compassion
- Increased body acceptance
- Decreased markers of anxiety and depression towards food
- Decreased guilt around food
- Decreased binge-eating
- Week 1: Introduction + Reject the Diet Mentality
- Week 2: Honor Your Hunger
- Week 3: Make Peace with Food
- Week 4: Challenged the Food Police
- Week 5: Discover the Satisfaction Factor
- Week 6: Feel Your Fullness
- Week 7: Cope with Your Emotions with Kindness
- Week 8: Respect Your Body
- Week 9: Movement - Feel the Difference
- Week 10: Honor Your Health - Gentle Nutrition
Answers to Questions
If you have questions about the WellU program please contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 or email WellU@utah.edu.