UMGC Policy on Wellness Programs for Staff and Faculty Employees

(Approved by USM BOR on April 21, 2017; UMGC President on July 1, 2017)

1. Purpose and Applicability

   The purpose of this policy is encourage all University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) Staff on Regular and Contingent Status and Faculty employees, to participate in wellness programs offered by UMGC and other State agencies, which may vary by location, in order to improve health and maintain a healthy lifestyle.  Nonexempt Staff employees who are included in the representation of the collective bargaining unit are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and applicable UMGC HR Policies; where there is a conflict between the two, the MOU will prevail.

2. Definitions

   Release Time: An approved absence from duty during the workday without loss of pay for the purpose of attending an employer-approved wellness program or activity. Release Time does not apply to Contingent I employees.

3. Wellness Programs and Activities

   UMGC shall maintain a wellness program for employees. To the extent that such resources are available at UMGC (whether at a UMGC owned facility or at a commercial or military location), UMGC employees shall have access to:

   1. Recreation and fitness facilities;

   2. Wellness and benefits fairs and activities;

   3. Wellness information on UMGC's websites, employee newsletters and other sources;

   4. Retirement and other financial wellness planning workshops and other informational resources; and

   5. Employee assistance services, including but not limited to counseling, work-life referral services, and access to mental health counselors. Services may be provided through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

4. Release Time for Wellness Activities

   UMGC shall provide a reasonable amount of Release Time for employees to participate in specified wellness activities and events taking place at UMGC, operations permitting and with the permission of the employee's supervisor as set forth in the applicable procedures.

Implementation Procedures

The UMGC President has designated the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to administer this policy; to develop procedures as necessary to implement this policy; to communicate this policy to the UMGC community; and to post the policy and any applicable procedures on the UMGC website.  

Replacement for: 

• USM BOR VII-3.00: Policy on Wellness Programs

See Procedures P-VII-3.00-GC: Procedures for UMGC Policy on Wellness Programs for Staff and Faculty Employees

See all Human Resources Policies and Procedures