9 wellness programs and benefits for CU employees

Graphic with the text Healthier U at CU Employee Wellness Fair.

Health and Wellness Services hosted their first Employee Wellness Fair on Wednesday, Feb. 22. Here are some event highlights to know about in case you missed it.

1. Employee wellness programs

Health and Wellness Services supports the health and well-being of staff and faculty across the CU Boulder community by providing resources, workshops, programs and training opportunities.

Learn more about employee wellness

2. Energy savings

Qualified CU Boulder employees have access to a number of energy-saving benefits:

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.

Learn more about EOC programs

3. Child, adult and elder care

CU Boulder employees have access to the following programs and benefits to help with childcare:

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. Applications are now open for the 2023-24 school year.

Learn more about the Children’s Center

CU Boulder has partnered with Bright Horizons to help 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.

Learn more about Bright Horizons

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.

Learn more about retirement benefits

5. Food assistance

CU Boulder employees have access to a number of benefits to help address food insecurity:

The 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 have their Buff OneCard on hand to participate. Attendees are also encouraged to bring reusable grocery bags.

Learn more about mobile food pantries

Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a national public health nutrition 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.

Learn more about Colorado WIC

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.

Learn more about the emergency fund

The Victim Assistance Fund provides assistance directly related to the impact of a traumatic, disturbing or disruptive life event. Any assistance can be requested and the applicant 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.

Learn more about the victim assistance fund

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 a number of 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.

Learn more about Staff Council

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.

Learn more about Be Colorado

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.

Learn more about health benefits