Upcoming Wellness Symposium enhances well-being on campus

“A Day of Resilience and Well-Being” is the theme of the upcoming Wellness Symposium, scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 23, 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m. at Union South. The event invites UW–Madison faculty, staff and students to take some time for self-care, enhance their energy and engagement, and connect with their best selves.

The event is designed to support the well-being of every employee and student, regardless of where they are in their wellness journey. Attendees can use the resources and tools gained at the symposium to define or reassess their wellness goals, develop stress management skills and resiliency, and start on a path to a healthier life.

“UW–Madison is committed to the overall well-being of our students, faculty and staff. That commitment is an important component of an engaged, inclusive and healthy campus culture,” says Laurent Heller, vice chancellor for finance and administration. “The Wellness Symposium is an excellent opportunity to connect with others on campus who are working to build an environment in which all members of our community will thrive.”

The symposium will offer experiential workshops, information on resources that support all aspect of well-being, and opportunities to connect with others who are interested in wellness on campus. Breakout sessions will be organized around the seven dimensions of wellness: health, achievement, meaning, growth, safety, resiliency and connection.

Attendees register for the entire day but may come and go throughout the day based on their interests and schedule. The symposium kicks off with registration at 7:15 a.m. and morning yoga from 7:30–8:15. Free credit report reviews will be available by appointment for those who would like a financial check-up.

The morning keynote will feature Laura Putnam, author of the best-selling “Workplace Wellness that Works” and CEO and founder of Motion Infusion, a leading well-being and learning provider. Putnam is an influential speaker and consultant whose work has been covered by major media. In the keynote, she will share her insights on how to transform the health and well-being of employees, based on the 10 steps outlined in her book. Attendees will learn how they can take action now and inspire behavior change in others. The interconnectivity between workplace culture and well-being will also be discussed.

A culture of well-being is essential to achieving the mission of UW–Madison. University Health Services (UHS) Medical Services Director Bill Kinsey says, “The Wellness Symposium is a great opportunity for our students to practice well-being, and also for our faculty and staff to care for themselves in order to create healthy environments that allow students to thrive.”

The conference is open to UW–Madison employees, students and UW Health employees. Managers and supervisors are encouraged to approve requests from staff to attend the conference.

Registrations are due Oct. 12 and include the workshops, keynote session and lunch. Walk-in attendance may be available on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the event. The cost is $35 for UW–Madison faculty and staff and $50 for UW Health employees, while UW students may attend for free.

See the symposium website for additional details and registration.

The Wellness Symposium is hosted by the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, the Office of Human Resources, and University Health Services. Campus partners include the College of Letters & Science, Division of Continuing Studies, School of Human Ecology, School of Nursing, School of Pharmacy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Wisconsin School of Business, Wisconsin Union, Office of the Registrar, and University Housing.