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1. Purpose and Applicability

   The purpose of this policy is to encourage all Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ (Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ) staff on regular and contingent status and faculty employees to participate in wellness programs offered by Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 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 Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 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

   Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ shall maintain a wellness program for employees.  To the extent that such resources are available at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ (whether at a Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ owned facility or at a commercial or military location), Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ employees shall have access to:

   1. Recreation and fitness facilities;
   2. Wellness and benefits fairs and activities;
   3. Wellness information on Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’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

   Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ shall provide a reasonable amount of release time for employees to participate in specified wellness activities and events taking place at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ, operation/s permitting and with the permission of the employee’s supervisor as set forth in the applicable procedures.

IMPLEMENTATION PROCEDURES:

The Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ 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 Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ community; and to post the policy and any applicable procedures on the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ website.

Replacement for:

USM BOR VII-3.00 – Policy on Wellness Programs

See all Human Resources Policies and Procedures