October Events for Connection and Wellness
This fall, The Whole U and UW Employee Experience invite you to a season full of opportunities to focus on wellness, connection and community.
From expert-led panels on resilience and well-being to flu shot clinics, benefits fairs and retirement plan updates, there’s truly something for everyone. Join colleagues across UW to learn, recharge and celebrate the many ways we can thrive together.
Read on to explore this month’s events and register today.
Fall Wellness Series
Faculty Well-Being Roundtable: Navigating Transitions Together
Tuesday, October 7 | 12:00–1:15 p.m. | Zoom
Join colleagues for a reflective and supportive roundtable focused on wellness, connection, and sustaining one another through change. Moderated by Megan Kennedy of the UW Resilience Lab, this session will feature mindfulness practices and insights from a panel of faculty leaders including Anne Browning, Ryan Fehr, Christina Fong, Alexes Harris and Deepa Rao.
Navigating Change with Resilience
Monday, October 13 | 12:00–1:00 p.m. | Zoom
Change is constant and often challenging. In this panel discussion, UW experts will share evidence-based strategies for managing stress, building team belonging, preventing burnout and finding steadiness during transitions.
Panelists include Jessica Cole, Bruce Avolio, Megan Kennedy and Jonathan Bricker.
Energy, Focus & the Science of Recharging
Tuesday, October 28 | 12:00–1:00 p.m. | Zoom
Reignite your energy and sharpen your focus with this expert-led panel exploring movement, nutrition, mindfulness, and daily habits that restore balance and resilience.
Panelists include Lauren Updyke, Anne Lund, Caitlin Morin and Jeff Palmer.
Discover practical ways to beat burnout, recharge and thrive at work and at home.
UW Benefits Fairs
The Whole U brings the annual UW Benefits Fairs to four on-site locations.
Employees who work on the Seattle campus or at one of our medical centers during regular business hours will find the fairs informative and fun.
Harborview Medical Center | Monday, October 20
Husky Union Building | Tuesday, October 21
Magnuson Health Sciences Center | Wednesday, October 22
UW Medical Center, Northwest | Thursday, October 23
Learn more about the Benefits Fair and the vendors in attendance on the UW Benefits Fair webpage.
At the fairs, you can also attend a TIAA benefits presentation to learn about upcoming changes to the UW retirement plans. TIAA representatives will share details about new account structures, future plan contributions and additional resources. These sessions will be presented at:
- Harborview Medical Center | Monday, October 20 | Noon – 1 p.m.
- Husky Union Building | Tuesday, October 21 | Noon – 1 p.m.
- Magnuson Health Sciences Center (UW Medical Center, Montlake) | Wednesday, October 22 | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
UW Flu Shot Clinics
This fall, The Whole U and the Seattle Visiting Nurse Association are bringing flu shot and COVID-19 booster clinics to UW campuses.
This fall, The Whole U and the Seattle Visiting Nurse Association are bringing Faculty, staff, students and guests can register in advance to receive the updated Moderna COVID-19 booster and annual flu vaccine. Shots are covered for most UW-insured employees and graduate students, with options for others to participate via insurance or out-of-pocket payment.
Multiple clinic dates and locations make it easy to stay protected this season.
Book your appointment today, clinics are available through mid November
Get to know TIAA this fall
Learn What’s Changing in UWRP & VIP
As UW prepares to transition the UW Retirement Plan (UWRP) and the Voluntary Investment Program (VIP) to TIAA in January 2026, you’ll have many opportunities to get your questions answered.
Staying Healthy and Engaging Interests
Ergonomics for Your Office and Home Setup
Thursday, October 16 | 12:00–1:00 p.m. | Zoom
Avoid sore necks and tight shoulders with simple, science-based tips from Claudia Kelley, ergonomics specialist at WA Labor & Industries.
Learn how to: Adjust your chair, desk, and monitor for comfort, Position your keyboard and mouse to reduce strain and more.
Walk away with a personalized checklist for a healthier workspace.
The Mental Side of Training – Finding Focus and Motivation
Monday, October 27 | 12:00–1:00 p.m. | Zoom
Training isn’t just physical, it’s mental. Join Dr. Polo DeCano, Student Athlete Wellness Services Coordinator at UW, for a session on mindset and motivation in training.
Learn how to: Stay motivated during long training cycles, Overcome setbacks and challenges and Connect to your “why” for running or walking. Perfect for those preparing for the Seattle Marathon or any personal fitness goal.
UW Combined Fund Drive
UWCFD Lunch & Learn: Helping Neighbors and Strengthening Futures
Tuesday, October 28 | 12:00–1:00 p.m. | Zoom
Learn how local nonprofits are meeting essential needs and creating long-term stability for families in our region. This inspiring panel will feature organizations like WestSide Baby, Solid Ground and more.
Discover ways to get involved, support their missions, and help build stronger, more connected communities.
Thank you to BECU for sponsoring The Whole U!
We hope to see you at one or more of our many engaging events for wellness, connection and community this October and throughout fall at the University of Washington!
Thank you to our sponsor BECU.