College of Education and Human Development

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CEHD Wellness Program

The College of Education and Human Development wellness program is meant to encourage the use of employee health benefits and beyond. You are an essential part of the WMU community with and we want to invest in you and your health and well-being. On this page, find numerous health resources, wellness events, monthly tips, walking maps and more!

College of Education and Human Development
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5229 USA
Main office:  (269) 387-2960
Student services: (269) 387-3474

CEHD Wellness Club

Exclusive for faculty and staff within the college, the club meets for lunch (not provided) in Sangren most Thursdays from Noon-1pm. Lunches are a casual meet up where members share wellness related goals, challenges, or celebrations for that week. Attendance is not required every week to be a part of the club. For updates on club activities, join the Microsoft Teams group.

The club also hosts wellness workshops. Upcoming workshops are below:

  • Hormones & Environmental Toxins: Tuesday, March 25th, Noon-1pm
    Research has identified substances in our environment that are known hormone disruptors, many of which we can encounter in our daily lives. Join us to discuss the most common disruptors, and ways we can minimize our exposure to them.
  • Autoimmune Conditions and the Gut Health Connection: April 15th, Noon-1pm
    Digestion is a core physiological process that is critical to human health. When our digestive system isn't functioning well a cascade of symptoms can arise, including some autoimmune diseases. Join us to discuss recent research on this connection, followed by practical tips on ways to support healthy digestion and overall gut health.
  • Exploring Local Trails: Monthly Outings in February, March, and April
    Are you interested in joining us on a walk once a month at a nearby trail? RSVP at the link above if so! Dates, times, and locations will be set each month based on participant schedules and interests.
RSVP
More information

Monthly wellness tips

Seasonal Food Guide
Seasonal food is fresher, tastier and more nutritious than food consumed out of season. Check out this Seasonal Food Guide to determine what food is season throughout the year.
 
Summer Harvest Cooking Demonstration (Facilitated by Gretchen Kauth, Registered Dietitian)
Friday, August 8 from 12:05 to 12:55 p.m. in Kohrman, Room 3302
This taste-testing workshop will highlight summer-inspired recipes with fresh produce from the Gibbs House Farm. Register by Wednesday, August 6 on ExperienceWMU. Flyer
 
Student Recreation Center
Fall GroupEx and F45 Schedule
Fall GroupEx and F45 Fall Passes are on sale! Purchase your pass online or at the SRC 2nd Floor Customer Service Desk before September 7 and save $10 off the Unlimited Fitness Pass. Flyer
 
Fall 2025 Pickleball League 
Faculty/Staff Only - Wednesdays, September 3 to October 15 from 12:15 to 1 p.m. or 
Students/Faculty/Staff - Mondays, September 15 to October 13 from 5:15 to 6 p.m.
All skill levels are welcome. Participants must have SRC access to play in the league. Cost is $12 per player. See the attached flyer for additional information.
 
West Hills Athletic Club
Take Advantage of Your FREE Membership
Every full-time WMU employee has a membership at West Hills, all you have to do is activate it! Your membership is redeemable as a taxable benefit. Call (269)387-0410 to schedule a tour or ask questions. See the attached document or https://www.westhillsathletic.com for the three membership options and additional information. 
 
2025 Wellness Assessments
The deadline for completing your 2025 wellness assessment is Thursday, December 18. Schedule your assessment today to avoid the last-minute rush by logging into your account at https://www.holtynwellness.com. You can also see your personal provider and submit the Medical Provider Assessment, which can be found at 
 
Hope Health August Newsletter
 
West Hills Athletic Club Newsletter
 
Monthly Recipe
The August recipe is Garlic Parmesan Sheet Pan Shrimp with Zucchini. This is perfect for busy evenings, taking less than 30 minutes and cooking on one pan. Zucchini, yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, and basil are currently in season and high in nutrients.
The Power of Pulses (Facilitated by Gretchen Kauth, Registered Dietitian)
Tuesday, July 29 from 12:05 to 12:55 p.m. in Sindecuse, Room 3131
Pulses are the dry, edible seed within the pod of various legumes – think lentils, chickpeas, and beans such as black, navy, and pinto. Pulses are nutritious, versatile, affordable, sustainable, and delicious. Register by Monday, July 28 on ExperienceWMU. Attached flyer.
 
Student Recreation Center
Summer II GroupEx and F45 Schedule
The Summer II GroupEx and F45 schedule starts on Monday, June 30! GroupEx, F45 30-day and Unlimited fitness passes are available for purchase online or at the SRC 2nd Floor Customer Service Desk. The schedule is attached. 
 
West Hills Athletic Club
4th of July Workout with Fitness Director Dre Ballinas
Friday, July 4 at 8 a.m. 
Join us as we kick off the celebrations with a high-intensity session that is sure to get your heart pumping. Let’s start the fireworks early and crush those fitness goals together. The cost is $20 for members, $25 for guests, or $10 SMG unlimited pass holders. Register at https://wmich.edu/westhills/july4.
 
See the attached document or https://www.westhillsathletic.com for additional information. 
 
 
2025 Wellness Assessments
Summer is a great time to complete your annual wellness assessment. Schedule online at https://www.holtynwellness.com). We respect your time and schedule and kindly ask that you extend the same courtesy to our coaches. Please provide at least 24 hours' notice for any cancellations or rescheduling.
 
Hope Health July Newsletter
Human Resource TIAA Presentations (In-Person and Live Streamed)
Session 1: May 7 at 10:30 a.m. in Sangren Hall, Room 1730
Session 2: May 7 at 2 p.m. in Sangren Hall, Room 1730
HR is pleased to host two live-streamed presentations with TIAA focusing on retirement contributions and financial wellness planning. These sessions are designed to support employees at different stages of their careers and provide valuable guidance for planning their financial future. Registration information can be found in WMU Today. Flyer
Session Details:
  1. 10:30 AM – Early Career Employees
    Aimed at those in the earlier stages of their careers, this session will focus on foundational strategies for retirement planning and maximizing contributions over time.
  2. 2:00 PM – Near Retirement Employees
    Tailored for employees approaching retirement, this session will cover topics such as income planning, withdrawal strategies, and making the most of your benefits.
 
Spring Into Summer Cooking Demonstration and Taste Testing
Friday, May 9 from 12:05 to 12:55 p.m. in Kohrman, Room 3302
Join Registered Dietitian, Gretchen Kauth, her awesome dietetic students, and Gibbs House staff for a cooking demonstration and taste-testing workshop highlighting spring and summer-inspired recipes. Fresh produce from Gibbs Farm will be featured. Flyer
 
2025 Poker Walk
Tuesday, May 20th (Rain Date: Wednesday, May 21) from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the SRC Indoor Tennis Courts
A fun-filled event designed to celebrate National Employee Health and Fitness Day. Participants will be given a scorecard, which includes a QR Code, course map, and directions on how to build your hand. See the attached flyer for additional information. 
 
The Park Challenge
Sunday, June 1 to Monday, June 30 
Go for a walk in as many parks or nature preserves as you can during this 30-day challenge. Bring along a family member, friend, or furry friend and enjoy the outdoors this Spring. You can walk, hike a trail, engage in a game of pickleball, or even bicycle to uncover the beauty of the park you explore. Email Katie Alkema at @email to register. 
 
Student Recreation Center
Summer I GroupEx and F45 Schedules
Begins Monday, May 5
Fitness passes can be purchased at the SRC's 2nd-floor Customer Service desk or online. Receive $10 off the Summer I and II Unlimited pass when purchased by May 11. Discount is only offered on the Unlimited pass for the entire summer, not one session. Flyer
 
Summer Pickleball Camp
July 15 to 18 and July 22 to 25, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Beginner to intermediate skills camp (skill level 2.0 to 3.5) for kids entering grades 6 to 8. The cost is $150 and includes a t-shirt. Register by June 30 at www.wmich.edu/rec/pickleballcamp. Flyer.
 
West Hills Athletic Club
Tennis Camps and Junior Tennis Academies 
June 9 to August 18
West Hills is the perfect choice for youth summer opportunities. Half-day summer camps for ages 6 to 11 offer lessons and age-appropriate games. The tennis academies strengthen player’s foundations and provide focused attention and guidance for players to excel in competitive tennis. See the attached document or https://www.westhillsathletic.com for additional information and to sign up.
 
2025 Wellness Assessments
Schedule your 2025 Holtyn wellness assessment at www.holtynwellness.com to maintain your $240 health insurance incentive. You can also submit the Medical Provider Assessment form to fulfill the incentive requirements (print it at https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/2025-02/2025_medical_provider_assessment_form.pdf).
 
Hope Health May Newsletter
 
West Hills Athletic Club Newsletter

Walk your way to wellness

Walking is one of the easiest ways to get your daily fitness in! Just a short walk can help to improve your mood, boost endorphins and help you to feel your best for the rest of the day. Grab a co-worker and take a walk around WMU's beautiful campus or visit one of CEHD's three buildings: Kohrman Hall, Sangren Hall or the Student Recreation Center.

 

Want to walk more?

Join WMU's Let's Get Moving walking group! This group goes on a walk on Monday's and Wednesday's and is open to all WMU students, faculty and staff. There is no pressure to walk with the group the entire time as participants can join and leave as they see fit. Each walk is approximately 30 minutes long. Register for an upcoming walk. 

 
Risk Statement: Participation in exercise activities, fitness activities, wellness rooms and special events is purely voluntary, and individuals participate at their own risk. Participants should be aware of the possibilities of bodily injury and should understand that they are responsible for any and all costs arising out of injury or property damage sustained through participation. Should someone become injured, please notify a program or facility supervisor for assistance.