The University of Iowa’s wellness programs for faculty and staff are receiving some national and regional recognition for their innovative initiatives to improve campus health. The university was recently notified of two such awards: the CUPA-HR Midwest Region Successful Practices Award and the American Heart Association’s Fit Friendly Workplace Award.

The Successful Practices Award by CUPA-HR (College and University Professional Association for Human Resources) Midwest Region is presented for the development and implementation of the Recreation Membership Incentive Program. The award is given based on a program that demonstrates creativity, process improvement, or professional achievement through the implementation of a significant new practice that contributes to the overall excellence of the university’s human resources programs, services, and/or administration.

The Recreation Membership Incentive Program is unique among universities and provides a solid foundation in supporting a healthy campus culture through promotion of physical activity on campus. At the end of 2011, 2,794 faculty and staff received a 50 percent discount on their membership to use the campus recreation facilities. Results from the annual Personal Health Assessment survey demonstrate significant improvement in the number of faculty/staff reporting regular physical activity, with 66 percent engaged in exercise on a consistent basis.

“Through our partnership with Recreational Services, we are able to offer this unique opportunity for faculty and staff in support of a healthy lifestyle through physical activity,” says Joni Troester, a human resources director for health and productivity. “Feedback from campus has been extremely positive, with many individuals engaged in regular exercise who wouldn’t otherwise participate.”

Additionally, this program supports the designation as a Fit Friendly Company by the American Heart Association. This award is given to companies for:

• Offering employees physical activity support.
• Providing/increasing healthy eating options at the worksite.
• Promoting a wellness culture.
• Implementing at least nine criteria as outlined by the American Heart Association in the areas of physical activity, nutrition, and culture.

For more information on Wellness programming for faculty and staff, visit www.uiowa.edu/livewell.