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

1. To the extent that such resources are available, UMGC may provide low- or no- cost wellness activities and benefits to employees, which may include:
   1. Smoking cessation, nutrition and weight loss, stress relief, and other classes to promote wellness;
   2. Exercise, dance, and other physical fitness classes and programs;
   3. Collaborations with private and local government fitness and wellness program providers to provide discounted access to UMGC employees;
   4. Health screening programs through State sponsored medical plans;
   5. Employee Assistance services, including counseling and work-life referral services, and access to mental health counselors through an Employee Assistance Program; and
   6. Other wellness activities & benefits that UMGC may establish.

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 supervisor.  For the purpose of these procedures, a reasonable amount of time is defined as the amount of time that it will take to attend the event either in its entirety or the requested portion thereof.  If an employee must travel to a UMGC location other than the location that is the employee’s regular work location, travel time shall also be considered when determining a reasonable amount of time.

1. Such release time may be used for screenings, preventive health services, seminars, classes and other special events provided as part of UMGC’s wellness program.
2. Release time may be in the form of sick leave, paid administrative leave, or other form of paid time away from duty, as determined by the CHRO or designee.