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9 wellness programs and benefits for CU employees

staff at school's out for summer event

Did you know CU Boulder staff, faculty and employees have access to a wide range of wellness programs and benefits? 

Here are a few to check out and connect with. 

1. CU health programs

WorkWell supports the health and well-being of all our staff and faculty across the CU Boulder community by partnering with campus departments to provide a variety of services including: 

  • Counseling (FSAP) 
  • LearnWell Workshops 
  • Fitness classes (Rec Center) 
  • Acupuncture (Medical Services) 
  • Victim advocacy (OVA) 
  • Wellness trainings (Health Promotion) 
  • Flu shots (Medical Services) 
  • ... and more 

2. Energy savings

Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) is a non-profit organization that works with a network of industry, state and local partners to help Coloradoans meet and afford their energy needs. They offer a variety of programs, including bill payment assistance, emergency heating, community solar, healthy home upgrades and more. Qualifying CU Boulder employees can apply for these benefits online. 

3. Child, adult and elder care

CU Boulder employees have access to the following programs and benefits to help with child, adult and elder care. 

The Children's Center has been serving the University of Colorado Boulder community since it first opened its doors in 1975. They offer part- and full-time childcare services to staff and faculty for children aged six weeks to five years old. 

Bright Horizons helps employees better manage their work, family and personal responsibilities. Permanent staff, faculty and graduate students on appointment can reserve care services for children, adults or elder relatives at home or in a high-quality center. Employees receive 10 uses per calendar year. 

4. Retirement planning

It’s never too early to start planning and saving for retirement. CU partners with TIAA to offer staff and faculty retirement benefits and options that can meet your individual needs. TIAA consultants can help you set financial goals, plan out your savings, enroll in retirement plans and give you peace of mind.  

Employee Services also provides a variety of free online webinars to help you navigate pre-retirement planning, Medicare, social security, estate planning and more. 

5. Food assistance

CU Boulder employees have access to several benefits to help address food insecurity. 

Basic Needs Center on campus hosts monthly mobile food pantries to help staff, faculty and community members struggling with food insecurity to access high-quality food for themselves and their families. Attendees typically receive 30 to 50 pounds of food, including dairy, meat and fresh produce. Staff and faculty members must register in advance and have their Buff OneCard on hand to participate. Attendees are also encouraged to bring reusable grocery bags. 

Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a federal program that helps provide high-quality food, nutrition education, breastfeeding guidance and community support for income-eligible pregnant women and moms of infants and children under five years of age. In addition to food assistance and services, WIC can also provide families with referrals to pediatricians, dentists, immunization clinics and more. 

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford nutritious food to improve their health and well-being. 

6. Emergency financial assistance

The Staff and Faculty Emergency Fund was created to provide support for CU Boulder staff, researchers and faculty who are experiencing an emergency situation that creates financial hardship. This fund can help with housing, medical or mental health care, food insecurity, emergency childcare and more.

The Victim Support Fund provides assistance directly related to the impact of a traumatic, disturbing or disruptive life event. Any assistance can be requested, and applicants must demonstrate how the expense is directly related to impact from the traumatic incident. Financial assistance can be used towards personal property, bills/expenses, housing, legal fees and more. 

7. Staff Council

Staff Council is a team of elected and appointed members from across the CU Boulder campus who represent the interests of staff by advocating on a variety of issues and policies. This group also provides events and opportunities to get involved on campus. Recent initiatives include parental leave, staff recognition for years of service, expanded benefits (e.g., tuition assistance), blood drives, flu clinics and more. 

8. Be Colorado

Be Colorado offers programs and discounts to CU employees who are enrolled in one of the CU Health Plans, including Anthem and Kaiser. These programs cover a variety of topics, including sleep, pregnancy, flu shots, physical activity, counseling, weight management and more. 

9. Healthcare benefits

All CU Boulder employees, spouses, partners and dependents can enroll in a variety of healthcare benefits, including medical, dental and vision coverage through Anthem or Kaiser Permanente.  

Health First Colorado is a state Medicaid program that offers affordable health insurance options for qualifying Colorado residents. These plans provide coverage for health care providers, dental services, emergency services and transport, maternity and newborn health, mental health services, pharmacy and more. Qualifying employees can check their eligibility and apply online, by mail or over the phone. 

Follow @CUHealthyBuffs on social for more tips, events and activites.