Programs & Workshops
IU offers programs and workshops to help you live your best you.
Spring 2023
Physical Wellbeing
Move More IU Challenge
4-week online challenge
February 6-March 3, 2023
A free program open to allIncentive: IU employees and their spouses on an IU-sponsored medical plan are eligible to receive a $10 Amazon e-gift card for completing the challenge.
(Registration closes on February 3!)
Challenge yourself to move more throughout the day!
Physical activity helps our minds and bodies feel great! And a little bit throughout the day really goes a long way.
Sign up for Move More IU to:
- Receive e-mails with movement tips, exercises to try, and encouragement
- Experiment with adding short (1-15 minute) bouts of physical activity throughout the day
- Log and track active minutes achieved
Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
Wednesdays, January 25-May 10
12:30-1:30 p.m. ET
OnlineOne out of every three adults has pre-diabetes. Are you or your spouse at risk? Answer a few questions to find out here: http://www.diabetes.org/are-you-at-risk/diabetes-risk-test/.
"Prevent Type 2 Diabetes" is a proven program to prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes. If you're looking for guidance and support with making small lifestyle changes to prevent Type 2 diabetes, this program is for you!
In this program, you will learn strategies that fit YOUR life in an expert-led, confidential, small-group setting. Examples of sessions in this 16-week program:
- Simple lifestyle changes resulting in a healthy you
- Food choices that make you feel great
- How to take charge of what’s around you
- Group motivation and individual mentoring
Every day is a chance to live your best you! Register for Prevent Type 2 Diabetes today!
Note: This program is intended for those with pre-diabetes. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, learn more about the diabetes management program available through IU's prescription benefit. Find additional resources for living with diabetes on the CDC website.
Nutrition Nuggets
Tuesdays, January 17-April 25, 2023
Noon-12:30 p.m. (ET)
OnlineJoin Registered Dietitian Steven Lalevich on Tuesdays for a nutrition conversation via Zoom. Each week, we’ll explore a nutrition topic and open up the dialogue for Q&A. No need to attend every session; join us when you can.
Let’s Play Table Tennis!
Friday, February 24
1:30-3:00 p.m. ET
IMU Bowling & BilliardsDid you know table tennis is an Olympic sport and it is also being used as therapy for patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease? Experts agree that recreational table tennis increases concentration and alertness, stimulates brain function, helps with the development of tactical thinking skills, hand/eye coordination, provides aerobic exercise, and social and recreational interaction. So “Let’s Play Table Tennis!” Each session will include a blend of kinesthetic, auditory, and visual teaching styles with an end goal of each participant feeling comfortable playing the game recreationally.
Instructor: Ryan Clemons has been the General Manager of IMU Bowling for 10+ years and helps oversee Billiards/Table Tennis courses for the School of Public Health.
The Fundamentals of 8-ball and 9-ball Pool
Friday, March 24
1:30-3:00 p.m. ET
IMU, Billiards Hall (next to the bowling alley)If you have ever wondered how to play 8-ball or 9 ball pool, would like to improve your skills or just need an excuse to get active in a social game, this is the program for you! This experience-based program is designed to teach you the rules, equipment and physical game play associated with 8-ball and 9-ball pool. We will also touch on the health benefits of playing this social, skills-based, and strategy-based game. Each session will include a blend of kinesthetic, auditory, and visual teaching styles with an end goal of each participant feeling comfortable playing the games recreationally.
Instructor: Ryan Clemons has been the General Manager of IMU Bowling for 10+ years and helps oversee Billiards/Table Tennis courses for the School of Public Health.
De-Stress, Move, & Bowl!
Friday, April 21
1:30-3:00 p.m. ET
IMU Bowling AlleyIf you have never bowled before or just need some extra tips to improve your game, this is the program for you. This fun and interactive program is designed to teach the rules and 4-step approach of bowling. The session will include time to actively practice skills and concepts with the guidance of a coach. Socks are required. Bowling shoes will be provided. Hosted by IMU Bowling & Billiards.
No Cost Indoor Walking Track Access
Eligibility:
- Full-time faculty and staff
- Part-time faculty and staff (adjunct faculty and hourly with retirement benefits)
- IU medical and optometry residents
Eligible IU employees can access the Bill Garrett Fieldhouse from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Before your first visit, please stop by the Recreational Sports Member Services suite located in the fieldhouse, 1025 E. Seventh Street.
Day use lockers and locks are available in the main level general locker rooms free of charge. Please note that free indoor track access does not apply to the Student Recreational Sports Center facility. Questions? Call (812) 855-SRSC (7772).
This program is offered by Campus Recreational Sports and supported by Healthy IU.
Mental Wellbeing
Mindfulness and Values-Based Action (3-Part Series)
- Part 1: Tuesday, March 21, 12:30-3:30 p.m. ET
- Part 2: Tuesday, April 4, 12:30-3:00 p.m. ET
- Part 3: Tuesday, April 18, 12:30-2:30 p.m. ET
Online
This experiential training offers evidence-based strategies to improve psychological health, vitality, and effectiveness at home and at work. Engaging session activities will focus on promoting self-awareness, identifying and pursuing valued goals and actions, and enhancing mindfulness and compassion for self and others. Each session includes short mindfulness practices, guided self-reflection, opportunity to interact with other participants, mini-lectures, and personal values development.
Instructor: Kathy Beck-Coon, MD, certified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction instructor
Mindful Way to Stress Reduction
Wednesdays, February 15-April 5 (skipping March 15 for Spring Break)
Noon-1:00 p.m. ET
OnlineA growing body of research has shown that mindfulness practices improve concentration and focus and may lead to greater well-being, less reactivity to stress, and fewer symptoms of anxiety, depression, fatigue, and sleep disturbance. In this 7-week, experiential course, we will discuss and practice mind-body tools to reduce the experience of stress and anxiety in mind, body, and emotions and turn on the relaxation response.
IU staff and faculty who attended this class have said:
- “The class is absolutely wonderful—and for me, life-changing.”
- “I can find inner peace through the techniques learned in this class that brings me a renewed sense of energy!”
- “This course has helped me realize what is most important and foremost in my life. All the other things are very small in comparison.”
- “I am so grateful for this opportunity—expert guidance, supportive work environment, a walk to the Union each week. What I am learning extends way beyond my work at IU; this class is giving me the tools I need to be a calmer, more focused and aware wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend—a calmer, more focused and aware me.”
This program focuses on:
- Recognizing and addressing stressful situations effectively “on the spot”
- Managing chronic stress
- Improving focus and communication
- Enhancing mind-body wellness
Employees are invited to the orientation, which is the first session, to assess if this class meets their needs. The class is free to employees committed to attending the weekly sessions.
Facilitator: Leslie Flowers, certified health and well-being coach, mindfulness-based stress reduction teacher, and director of student wellness at IU School of Dentistry
Mid-Day Mindfulness Drop-In Sessions
2 Options Available!
Mondays, January 9-May 8, 2023 (skipping week of March 13 for Spring Break)
12:30-1:00 p.m. (ET) / 11:30-Noon (CT)
Live online at https://iu.zoom.us/j/4827247576
Facilitator: Leslie Flowers, certified health and well-being coach, mindfulness-based stress reduction teacher, and director of student wellness at IU School of Dentistry.These 25-minute drop-in Zoom sessions are an opportunity to relax, restore, and re-charge to meet our daily lives with inner peace and balance. Together, we will practice the relaxation tools of conscious breathing, meditation, and chair yoga. No previous experience necessary.
Thursdays, January 12-May 4, 2023 (skipping March 30)
12:15-12:45 p.m. (ET) / 11:15–11:45 a.m. (CT)
Live online at https://iu.zoom.us/j/99813946997?pwd=SWdnYkQreXNiKzBpejd1WWlNeFhnZz09
Facilitator: Linda F. Brown, PhD, HSPP; clinical health psychologist and certified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction instructorYou are warmly welcome to participate in these 30-minute sessions that include 15 to 20 minutes of guided mindfulness meditation practice plus a short reading about mindfulness. This is offered on a drop-in basis; you can join us whenever it fits your needs and/or circumstances, no advance notice required. We hope you will benefit from this span of stillness to relax and refocus in the midst of your workday. Participants are muted throughout the session; we encourage you to have cameras on to create a sense of community.
Mental Health First Aid Training (MHFA)
Tuesday, March 7
8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (ET)
IMU, Walnut RoomOffered by Healthy IU and in partnership with PSIA, this 8-hour course teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders.
Much like Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency lifesaving training, MHFA training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.
This training is provided by IU Public Safety and Institutional Assurance (PSIA).
Note: This is a full-day, in-person training. Partial attendance is not an option.
This training is for employees only.
Instructors: Laury Flint and James Vastag
Questions: Please contact IU Public Safety at 812-855-2004.
Art Therapy Open Studio
5 Sessions Available!
Noon-1:30 p.m. (ET)
Eskenazi Museum of Art, Art-making Studio, 2nd FloorClick on a date below to register. Register for as many dates as you’d like:
- Thursday, February 9, 2023 »
- Thursday, February 23, 2023 »
- Thursday, March 9, 2023 »
- Thursday, March 23, 2023 »
- Thursday, April 13, 2023 »
Join the Eskenazi Museum of Art’s art therapist, Lauren Daugherty, for 90 minutes of art-making! An activity will be provided, but you are welcome to work on other projects if you desire. All art materials are provided. All skill levels and individuals welcome. No art experience necessary. This is a drop-in event. You will be required to register, but can come and go as you please. Please feel free to bring a lunch with you or purchase your lunch from the museum café.
Work + Life: 2023 Compassion Culture Series
Mindful Self-Compassion
Thursdays, January 26-March 2
11:00 a.m.-Noon ET
OnlinePeople who adopt self-compassion practices have less depression and anxiety and are more likely to experience positive mind states like happiness and life satisfaction. Mindful Self-Compassion is a training developed by Kristen Neff, Ph.D., of the University of Texas at Austin, and Christopher Germer, Ph.D., of Harvard. It is a research-proven 6-week course with each session lasting an hour. Please join us for this chance to re-learn how to include yourself in your own circle of caring.
The course provides a number of ways to bring self-compassion into even the most stressful moments. Here is a breakdown of the classes:
- Jan 26: What is self-compassion and how do you cultivate it?
- Feb 2: Integrating self-compassion in your life, made easy.
- Feb 9: Working with your inner critic and finding your inner compassionate voice.
- Feb 16: Using self-compassion to work with difficult emotions.
- Feb 23: Practicing self-compassion while attending to others' needs.
- March 2: How self-compassion can help when we can't completely live in alignment with our values.
Facilitator: Jonathan Walker, MD; Clinical Assistant Professor, Indiana University School of Medicine, Fort Wayne; Certified Mindfulness Facilitator, International Mindfulness Teacher's Association
Mental Health First Aid in the Workplace
2 options available:
Wednesday, February 8
11:00 a.m.-Noon ET
OnlineOR
Wednesday March 1st
11:00 a.m.-Noon ET
OnlineEveryone suffers when mental health issues or other types of emotional distress are left unaddressed in the workplace. Fortunately, basic mental health first aid training helps ensure that individuals in the workplace who may be struggling get the help they need.
In this training seminar, participants will learn how to identify the signs of someone struggling with a mental health issue, connect with the person in a supportive and appropriate way and guide them towards the resources available to help them address and resolve the issue, such as the EAP.
Overcoming Workplace Negativity
Wednesday, March 8
11:00 a.m.-Noon ET
OnlineWorkplace negativity impacts an organization's productivity, quality of work, and retention of skilled employees. Negativity that is not addressed effectively grows and breeds discontent. Participants in the workshop will identify the "why" of workplace negativity. They will explore the differences between organizational and individual negativity, address "top-down" negativity, learn how to shape negative behaviors into positive behaviors and determine how to become a role model for positive results.
Presented by SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Helping your Tween/Teen Manage Negative and Distracted Thoughts (2-Part Series)
- Part 1: Monday, February 13
- Part 2: Monday, February 27
11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. ET
OnlineResearch shows that our tweens and teens are more anxious and distracted than ever before, which often affects their academic performance and social well-being. In this 2-part workshop, participants will attain tools to assist their tween/teens with managing anxiety and distractedness, in the moment, and long-term. Strategies for addressing test anxiety will also be shared.
Understanding & Navigating Mental Health Support Services
Monday, January 30
11:00 a.m.-Noon
OnlineMany times it is challenging to work up the courage to seek mental health treatment, and so is taking the next step to find the right mental health professional and treatment option.
In recognition of Mental Wellness Month, this webinar will explore the differences between short-term counseling and long-term therapy. Participants will take a detailed dive in the comparison of therapy options to help make informed decisions, best for their mental health needs.
Building a Resilient Team Amid Change: Addressing Anxiety at Work
2 options available:
Wednesday, February 1
1:00-4:00 p.m. ET
OnlineOR
Thursday, April 6
1:00-4:00 p.m. ET
OnlineThis virtual training shares strategies and resources for building an emotionally safe workplace and a resilient team. Leaders will learn how to spot rising anxiety levels among their team members, ease the concerns of employees who are overwhelmed or worried about the future, and engage in effective conversations about emotions in uncertain times. This training will also illustrate how team members at all levels can work together to build an environment that fosters camaraderie, productivity, and calm. Each participant will receive a complimentary copy of the book, "Anxiety in the Workplace," by Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton.
NOTE: To attend this 3-hour training, please select ONE scheduled date when registering.
Health & Safety
Prostate Cancer Prevention 101: Take Charge of Your Health
Wednesday, February 22
Noon-1:15 p.m. ET
OnlineJoin a panel of experts to learn the basics about prostate cancer and actionable steps to take to ensure your best health. This session will cover risk factors, trends in Indiana, signs and symptoms, how and when to get screened, and more. Also hear from IU Human Resources benefits to learn about your covered preventive health care benefits.
Panelists:
- Mary Robertson, MPH, Prevention and Screening Program Leader, IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Michael Koch, MD, Chair and Professor, Department of Urology, IU School of Medicine; member, IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Danielle Abplanalp, IU Human Resources, Manager, Benefits
Beginner Self-Defense: Level 1
Wednesday, February 1
Noon-1:00 p.m. ET
IMU State Room EastClass and waitlist are full.
Join us for this interactive self-defense class! Learn how you can protect yourself and others around you. This class will focus on mindset, situational awareness, as well as how to avoid being a victim by using physical tactics to defend yourself if attacked. The class will focus on self-defense techniques when upright. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for practice.
Instructor: Arthur Luhur, PhD; IU Biology; NASM personal trainer; black belt degree in Jujitsu.
Beginner Self-Defense: Level 2
Wednesday, February 15
Noon-1:00 p.m. ET
IMU State Room EastJoin us for this interactive self-defense class! Learn how you can protect yourself and others around you. This class will focus on mindset, situational awareness, as well as how to avoid being a victim by using physical tactics to defend yourself if attacked. The class will focus on self-defense techniques when upright and begin to explore ground defense. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for practice. Note: Those not comfortable with participating on the ground may choose to observe.
Instructor: Arthur Luhur, PhD; IU Biology; NASM personal trainer; black belt degree in Jujitsu.
Beginner Self-Defense: Level 3
Wednesday, April 19
Noon-1:00 p.m. ET
IMU State Room EastJoin us for this interactive self-defense class! Learn how you can protect yourself and others around you. This class will focus on mindset, situational awareness, as well as how to avoid being a victim by using physical tactics to defend yourself against a knife-wielding attacker. Please wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for practice. Note: The session will use training knives or similar objects. Participants who feel uncomfortable may choose to observe.
Instructor: Arthur Luhur, PhD; IU Biology; NASM personal trainer; black belt degree in Jujitsu.
Year-Round
SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP), administered by CuraLinc Healthcare, is a confidential resource that provides 24/7 access to professional counseling and referrals. SupportLinc’s licensed counselors can provide short-term assistance with issues such as:
- grief and loss
- substance abuse
- marriage and relationship problems
- depression
- work-related pressures
- stress and anxiety
Eligibility: Services are provided at no cost to all employees, IU Residents, Graduate Appointees, Fellowship Recipients, and their household members.
Services include:
- Unlimited 24/7/365 telephonic counseling with a professionally licensed counselor
- Up to six face-to-face counseling sessions per issue, per year at no cost (sessions are held in-person or over secure video)
- Access to comprehensive content and tools through SupportLinc’s website and eConnect® mobile app (Case sensitive username: iu)
WW — Weight Watchers
IU is excited to offer WW as a covered benefit, year-round, at no cost to you! Core and Premium options are available.
Who can participate?
The following individuals are eligible to participate in WW:
- All benefit-eligible Academic and Staff employees; and
- Spouses covered on an IU medical plan
Visit iu.ww.com to learn more and register!
What options are available?
WW provides science-based tools through nutrition education, social support, and healthy lifestyle habits like physical activity and stress management. WW delivers programming in two ways to fit your lifestyle:
- Core — Digital Only (e-Tools): an easy-to-use app and website to track your food, movement, and weight goals; barcode scanner, restaurant items, and over 5,000 recipes; and expert chat available 24/7.
- Premium — Workshops + Digital: offers access to workshops in the community (check WW Studio locations) and online, with guidance from a trained WW Coach and motivation from members who are on the same path. Additionally, this option provides access to all the digital tools.
Attend a Private Virtual Workshop Exclusively for You and Your IU Colleagues
IU employees have the option to attend weekly Virtual Workshops with familiar faces. Gather your fellow WW members and join a Coach for your healthy dose of guidance, inspiration, and support.
To view the schedule and details, join IU’s Connect group by clicking here.
Important: You must click the link from a mobile device to be directed to the Connect group.
What is WW?
A science-based approach that works
WW has helped millions lose weight with the latest nutritional and behavior change science.Smart tools in the palm of your hand
Just tap the WW app for simple tracking, a barcode scanner, loads of recipes, 24/7 support...and more great weight loss tools to help you succeed!The power of community
Share your journey and swap tips for success in our Workshops and on Connect, our members-only social platform.Enrollment Questions? Read the FAQs or contact askhr@iu.edu.
Diabetes Management
IU-sponsored medical plan members with Type 1 or 2 diabetes have access to a diabetes management program. This voluntary program utilizes advanced technology from Livongo to help participants manage their diabetes and reduce out-of-pocket costs. Benefits of the program include access to no-cost tools, expert support, advanced monitoring with a connected Livongo glucometer, unlimited test strips/lancets, and more. All program costs are covered by the university. Program provided through IU Benefits.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management
Livongo, available at no cost to IU medical plan members, helps you manage hypertension using a smart blood pressure monitor, personalized action plan, and expert coaching.
Tobacco Cessation
Quit for Life Program
Eligibility: Full-time academic and staff employees and spouses who are enrolled in an IU-sponsored medical plan
The Quit For Life Program offers an integrated mix of support tools to help stop using tobacco products. The program is telephone based and accessible across all IU campuses. Participants have access to:
- Five coaching calls with a “Quit Coach” to work with and set and reach a quit date
- Nicotine replacement therapy (as needed)
- One year of follow-up phone and web assistance
Learn more about Quit for Life »
Tobacco Cessation Prescription Benefits
Eligibility: Anyone enrolled in an IU-sponsored medical plan
IU employee medical plans cover 100 percent of the cost of tobacco cessation prescription and over-the-counter tobacco replacement products. Coverage is limited to a 180-day supply per covered individual per year. Covered prescriptions drugs include Chantix, Zyban (bupropion), and Nicotrol. Over-the-counter products require a prescription in order to be covered under the employee’s medical plan.
These tobacco cessation resources are offered through Human Resources.
Virtual One-on-one Nutrition Counseling
Offered throughout the year, excluding June & July
Sessions last approx. 1 hour
E-mail askanrd@indiana.edu to schedule an appointmentIf you have questions about food, we have answers. Our wonderful registered dietitian (RD) can help you develop a plan to achieve your health goals. Sessions include personalized nutrition education on any topic of interest, including weight loss, heart-healthy eating, digestive health, and more. One-on-one nutritional counseling is available at no charge for all IU employees, their spouses on an IU-sponsored medical plan, and IU retirees by appointment.
CPR Training
Offered through the Office of Insurance, Loss, Control, and Claims