November Events
Every year when October turns to November it seems as if the seasons swap out almost immediately. Our clocks move forward, the wind and rain sweeps in, and those of us in the Pacific Northwest settle into our winter routines. The colors of fall stick around for a few more weeks, but the days begin to get colder and the mountains start to become sprinkled with a fresh dusting of snow. This year, November is ushering in more than just a change of the seasons. November marks the 2020 presidential election, a holiday season much different than we’ve experienced before, and continued practices of social distancing.
We’ve been existing in this moment of COVID-19 for over 6 month now, and many of us are really seeing for the first time just how essential health and wellness are to getting us through these shorter days. This November, we invite you to explore what well-being means to you and what facets of wellness are going to usher you into a productive, happy, and healthy 2021. This month, join The Whole U and our partners for a variety of virtual events and activities designed to meet you where you’re at, build community, and celebrate your strengths.
UW WELLNESS WEEK
Nov 16-20
This November connect with UW like never before by participating in the first UW Wellness Week!
UW Wellness Week is a week dedicated to learning about the many resources and opportunities available at UW for faculty, staff, and students. Together, we’ll explore a wide variety of wellness topics, build community, and connect virtually. UW Wellness Week will be full of virtual events, classes, and drop-in sessions at different times and days of the week. Wellness Week sessions will be led by UW wellness experts from all across the University.
Right now, we are all doing our best to be healthy, absorb resources, connect, and stay afloat. UW Wellness Week is the perfect opportunity to explore what wellness means to you. Are there certain fitness phenomenon’s you’ve always been curious about? Looking to finally try meditation? Are you figuring out the difference between recycle and dispose?
Whatever it is, wellness is essential to all of our lives. We may define it differently, but at the end of the day we share in the fact that our lives become more balanced and fulfilling when we live well.
Together We Will Awards
Nov 1 – Dec 31
The UW Staff Together We Will Awards were created to celebrate outstanding staff contributions made during the extraordinary challenges of 2020. The awards will serve as a temporary replacement for the Distinguished Staff Award program, which will be back in Oct. 2021. Please help recognize your amazing colleagues, by nominating them for this prestigious honor. Nominate a UW staff member with a written statement or by submitting a video nomination between November 1 and December 31, 2020.
Nominees will be celebrated online and will receive a copy of their nomination materials. All nominations will be reviewed by a selection committee that will award up to 20 $1,500 awards.
Daily Fitness & Yoga
Monday-Friday, 11:00-11:15 a.m.
These mini fitness sessions will consist of various strength training movements with substitutions for all levels of fitness. On Monday’s and Friday’s, UW Recreation yoga instructors will host class leading a 10-minute yoga workout. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday’s, The Whole U will lead you in strength training.Join in to start your work strong! No equipment needed. You may want a towel or yoga mat for laying on the floor.
UW Recess
Mondays and Wednesdays, Noon-12:20 p.m.
Embrace virtual school with a Zoom your kids will actually want to join! This fall join The Whole U and UW Athletics in bringing back recess and P.E. with 15-minute recess breaks coached by UW athletes every Monday and Wednesday at noon. All kids are welcome to join, whether every time or when it fits their unique schedule. Get to know UW athletes and coaches, connect with fellow Husky pups, and move together!
Social Security Webinar – Nov 5
11:30-1:00 p.m.
This popular seminar on social security is presented by Kirk Larson, a Public Affairs Specialist with the Social Security Administration (SSA). In this virtual seminar, you will learn all about social security and how to collect. Get answers to your burning SSA questions covering eligibility, early retirement, benefits coverage, programs, the future of Social Security, Medicare, and more.
Race and Equity in the COVID-19 Pandemic – Nov 12
1:00-2:00 p.m.
For many BIPOC communities, the COVID-19 pandemic has hit much harder. There are many intersected and deep routed systemic issues causing this disparate impact. As we continue to shed light on horrific injustices in our country, it is essential that we work to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic is furthering the racial divide and damaging BIPOC communities at an alarmingly higher rate. In the last 5 months, Dr. Danny Colombara has been analyzing county level data from the COVID-19 pandemic, examining pandemic related changes in food insecurity and mental health impact, as well as deaths. The numbers do not lie—underrepresented communities are being disparately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this November 12 lecture, Dr. Colombara will dive into the data and research being collected at the Public Health Department discussing the economic and social impact of the pandemic, disparate impact on BIPOC groups in food insecurity and mental health, COVID-19 incidence, and systemic causes for disparate impact of COVID-19 on minoritized communities.
A Conversation with Leela Fernandes – Nov 12
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Students and researchers are partnering across traditional boundaries to create a more equitable world. Join new Jackson School Director Leela Fernandes and Akhtar Badshah as they explore the essential role of area studies and international engagement in building a brighter future for all. Leela Fernandes is an internationally recognized scholar and author on democratic politics and inequality with a focus on contemporary India. A professor of gender studies and political science with a STEM background, Director Fernandes joins the UW from the University of Michigan. She also served on the faculty of Rutgers University, New Brunswick and Oberlin College.
Akhtar Badshah is an expert on social impact, philanthropy, corporate social responsibility, and international development. Currently the Board of Directors Chair of Global Washington, Dr. Badshah is the founder and Chief Catalyst of Catalytic Innovators Group and teaches at the UW. His new book is “The Purpose Mindset: How Microsoft Inspires its Employees and Alumni to Change the World.”
America Recycles Day Coloring Book – Nov 15
During the week of November 15, join The Whole U and UW Recycling in celebrating America Recycles Day with family-friendly coloring pages. Learn about the importance of recycling and composting while using your artistic skills. America Recycles Day is a nationally recognized day dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the United States. The University of Washington values sustainability and lowering our carbon footprint. Proper waste reduction and diversion through composting and recycling at the UW supports these initiatives.
Global Fireside with Rick Steves – Nov 18
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Many of us are yearning for the adventure of a trip overseas, but not sure what that will look like in a post-COVID world. Join Rick Steves for lively and thought-provoking discussion with UW Study Abroad Director Wolf Latsch on the joy and future of travel. Rick Steves UW ’78 is America’s most respected authority on European travel, empowering Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening. In 1976, he started his business, Rick Steves’ Europe, headquartered in Edmonds, Washington, near Seattle. There he produces a best-selling guidebook series, a popular public television show, a weekly public radio show, a syndicated travel column, and free travel information available through his travel center and ricksteves.com. A proud Husky, Rick majored in business and history at UW.
Escape to Rome with Rick Steves- Nov 19
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Travel back in your imagination with Rick Steves and Trina Deines, Director Emeritus of the UW Rome Center, to Rome’s most fabulous and storied locations. Virtually visit the food, culture, history, and architecture of the Eternal City, and make sure to take notes for a future trip. Rick Steves UW ’78 is America’s most respected authority on European travel, empowering Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening. In 1976, he started his business, Rick Steves’ Europe, headquartered in Edmonds, Washington, near Seattle. There he produces a best-selling guidebook series, a popular public television show, a weekly public radio show, a syndicated travel column, and free travel information available through his travel center and ricksteves.com. A proud Husky, Rick majored in business and history at UW.
Professional Staff Organization 2021 Legislative Preview – Nov 19
3:00-4:00 p.m.
Join the Professional Staff Organization on Thursday, November 19th from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for a Legislative Preview. Joe Dacca, the Director of State Relations for UW, will be the featured speaker previewing the 2021 Washington State Legislative Session. Topics will include the state budget, how it impacts the UW budget and professional staff, along with the UW Legislative Agenda.