Monthly Wellness Update

Did you know your total compensation includes much more than just your paycheck? UCF provides employees with a wide range of competitive benefits that are a part of your total compensation.

To help employees understand the full value of their total compensation, we invite you to explore the Total Rewards Calculator to help you gain a clearer picture of your total compensation, highlighting the many components that contribute to your overall rewards as a UCF employee.

June is National Safety Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about safety and preventing injuries in the workplace, at home, and in the community.

Did You Know? The UCF Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) department offers a variety of training programs for the UCF community, with a special focus on laboratory safety for researchers handling chemical, biological, and radiation materials. Beyond laboratory safety, they also provide valuable courses that are applicable to everyone; including CPR, First Aid, and Concepts of Safety, helping the UCF community stay prepared and protected.

Enroll now through the EHS Training Calendar

June 14 marks World Blood Donor Day, a global reminder of how one simple act – donating blood – can save lives and strengthen the health of our entire community. This year, let’s come together as a workplace and support social and community well-being by rolling up our sleeves and giving back. Blood drives are regularly hosted on UCF campus in partnership with OneBlood. Whether you’re a first-time donor or a regular, your contribution makes a difference. Let’s show the power of our community – one donation at a time!

Visit the Student Health Blood Drives website to find a blood drive near you and schedule your appointment.

Additional Resources:

• Donating Blood: Frequently Asked Questions
• The Benefits of Being a Blood Donor

June is PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder) Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder and its impact on mental health. PTSD is a mental health condition that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening or traumatic event. At UCF, we are dedicated to supporting all employees, including those who may be experiencing the effects of trauma.

Learn more online at the National Center for PTSD.

Did You Know? UCF employees also have access to resources through UCF RESTORES–a nationally recognized leader in evidence-based trauma treatment and mental health training. UCF RESTORES provides innovative, research-backed care and support for individuals impacted by trauma, including PTSD, stress, and other trauma-related concerns. Services include trauma-informed treatment approaches, mental wellness resources, and educational programs designed to promote healing, resilience, and recovery.

An Individual Development Plan (IDP) is a powerful tool for career growth and performance success. In this interactive session, participants will explore best practices for creating meaningful IDPs that align with personal strengths, career aspirations, and organizational goals. Using insights from leading performance management frameworks, attendees will learn how to set SMART goals, identify skill gaps, and develop actionable learning strategies.

Register Online

The State of Florida Shared Savings Program helps reduce health care costs and rewards you for making smart choices. If you’re enrolled in the State Group Insurance health insurance plan, you’re automatically eligible – no extra enrollment needed.

Under Vālenz Bluebook’s “Go Green to Get Green” rewards program, the website or mobile app will identify rewardable healthcare procedures and their reward amounts. Rewards range from $25 to $6,000.

To Earn Rewards:

• Search for your procedure in the Vālenz website or mobile app (Mobile Code: SOF) and use a green-rated facility.
• For inpatient procedures, use a facility of green-rated quality and green or yellow rated costs.

Helpful Links:

• Vālenz Bluebook website
• Frequently Asked Questions

Your eyes are your windows to the world – protect them! Good vision helps you stay safe, active, and connected. Small steps today can protect your sight for a lifetime. Let’s keep our future in focus!

Get more information on healthy vision tips and more from the National Eye Institute.

Did You Know? College Optical Express (InFocus Eyecare) is located in the UCF Student Union, and is a participating provider in the Humana vision network (through the State of Florida Group Insurance Program Vision Insurance Plan).

For more information, visit the InFocus Eyecare website.

A supportive circle during pregnancy can reduce stress, boost emotional well-being, and help expecting mothers feel encouraged during a season of change. Staying connected – to coworkers, friends, and community – makes a meaningful difference for both mom and baby.

This month, we’re celebrating and supporting our growing families by highlighting important benefits for expectant mothers:

• For employees in their third trimester of pregnancy (with a UCF parking permit), the Expectant Mothers Parking Program is available to to provide closer, more convenient parking.
• Secure, private Lactation Privacy Rooms are located across campus to support nursing mothers returning to work or school.
• Register for our upcoming June 16 Parental Leave Course to learn about your leave options and how to plan ahead.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a national health observance dedicated to shedding light on mental health conditions and fostering understanding and support for those experiencing them.

Additional Resources:

• Flyer: Mental Health Awareness – Mental health matters. Always.
• Are you at risk for depression? Take the assessment to find out.
• Take one minute just for YOU! Watch a short video.

Need Support? The UCF Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential support for all faculty and staff (excluding OPS student employees), as well as their eligible family members (including spouses, dependent children, parents and parents-in-law). Whether you’re facing stress, relationship challenges, financial concerns, or simply need someone to talk to, licensed counselors are available 24/7 via phone, video, or in-person. You also get work/life resources, legal and financial guidance, and even help with medical bill negotiation. Don’t wait until small issues become big ones—reach out anytime.

Access to LinkedIn Learning was interrupted beginning April 10^th as part of a new implementation for staff access.

Following the transition, LinkedIn Learning will be available for A&P, USPS, and Executive Service staff only.

For the latest information, visit the Talent Development webpage.

Join Knight Nation on Thursday, April 9 for UCF Day of Giving, a 24‑hour celebration of generosity and community that brings alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends together to support what’s next at UCF. Every gift – big or small – helps expand opportunities for students, fuel research and strengthen programs that make a difference in our campus community and beyond.

To learn more about how you can get involved, support causes you care about, and see real‑time impact, visit dayofgiving.ucf.edu.

Stress can affect your body, thoughts, feelings, and behavior. April is Stress Awareness Month, a time to recognize the impact that stress has on our lives and take steps to manage it effectively. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the demands of work, family, and other responsibilities. However, ignoring stress can lead to a variety of mental and physical health problems. Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health, so make your health a priority this Stress Awareness Month and beyond.

• Health Advocate: Stay strong through stress
• Health Advocate: Ease the stress of everyday life

Take your benefits on the go with the Health Advocate EAP Mobile App that puts expert support and helpful resources right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere. Whether you need guidance, have a quick question, or want to explore available services, everything is in one convenient place. You can even connect instantly with an advocate through live chat or web messaging for fast, personalized support when you need it most.

Health Advocate Member Mobile App: Get Started Today!

Looking for the perfect summer camp? The Health Advocate EAP website offers a convenient Camp Finder tool to help you explore options that fit your child’s interests and your family’s needs. From day camps to specialty programs, you can quickly search and compare opportunities – all in one place.

Take the stress out of summer planning and find the right fit with ease!

Health Advocate: Search for Summer Camps

Unlocking Potential: SMART Goals is designed to help participants set clear, actionable, and achievable goals using the SMART framework – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Attendees will learn how to craft goals that drive performance, foster accountability, and support professional growth. This session is ideal for supervisors, managers, leaders, and employees who want to enhance their goal-setting skills and align individual objectives with UCF’s priorities.

Unlocking Potential – SMART Goals

Your financial wellbeing matters. April is Financial Literacy month, and we are taking this opportunity to provide you with several upcoming presentations to level up your financial knowledge:

• Using the FRS to Plan for Your Retirement | April 13 @ 10am | Register Online
• Taking Control of Your Finances | April 13 @ 1pm | Register Online
• Protecting Yourself and Your Loved Ones | April 14 @ 10am | Register Online
• The CAPTRUST Participant Experience | April 14 @ 3pm | Register Online
• 457(b) Florida Deferred Compensation Plan Workshop | April 21 @ 10am | Register Online

CAPTRUST Virtual 1:1 Consultations on April 30

CAPTRUST Financial Advisors will be conducting dedicated virtual consultations on April 30. Topics covered in the individual advisory sessions include, but are not limited to, retirement and financial planning, investment education and advice, and the opportunity to create a Retirement Blueprint, CAPTRUST’s interactive retirement readiness tool. Sessions are limited and by appointment only. Schedule an appointment online.

Excessive alcohol use can impact your health, productivity, and overall well-being. This Alcohol Awareness Month, take a moment to reflect on your habits and explore resources to support a balanced lifestyle.

Learn More:

• Be a Better Influence: Know Your Alcohol Facts
• Alcohol Awareness Risk Assessment
• Is your drinking becoming a problem? Here’s what to do next.

This National Library Week (April 19-25), we’re inviting all employees to explore the vast world of knowledge and resources available to you through the UCF Library. As a UCF employee, you have access to a wealth of library services, including research databases, online journals, book lending, and professional development resources. By utilizing these resources, you’re not only enhancing your own growth but also contributing to amore informed and connected UCF community.

Learn more about UCF Library Services.