Íøºì±¬ÁÏ

(Approved by USM BOR on April 21, 2017; Íøºì±¬ÁÏ President on July 1, 2017)

1. Purpose and Applicability

   The purpose of this policy is encourage all University of Maryland Global Campus (Íøºì±¬ÁÏ) Staff on Regular and Contingent Status and Faculty employees, to participate in wellness programs offered by Íøºì±¬ÁÏ 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 Íøºì±¬ÁÏ 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

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

   1. Recreation and fitness facilities;

   2. Wellness and benefits fairs and activities;

   3. Wellness information on Íøºì±¬ÁÏ'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

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

Implementation Procedures

The Íøºì±¬ÁÏ 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 Íøºì±¬ÁÏ community; and to post the policy and any applicable procedures on the Íøºì±¬ÁÏ website.  

Replacement for: 

• USM BOR VII-3.00: Policy on Wellness Programs

See Procedures P-VII-3.00-GC: Procedures for Íøºì±¬ÁÏ Policy on Wellness Programs for Staff and Faculty Employees

See all Human Resources Policies and Procedures