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

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 kalkema@holtynwellness.com 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

News

New Human Resources Benefit Resources Webpage
Access essential information from our benefit vendors in one convenient location. This page provides details on health and wellness programs, work-life balance resources, and more, helping you make the most of the benefits available to you. https://wmich.edu/hr/benefits-resources

March is National Nutrition month and this year’s theme is “Food Connects Us.” 
Food connects us to our cultures, our families and our friends. Sharing a meal is an opportunity to learn about its preparation, who made it and where the ingredients were sourced. The attached handout from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics provides additional information. You can also attend WMU’s workshop on the Mediterranean diet (see below) or schedule an appointment with a Registered Dietitian at Sindecuse by calling (269) 387-1850.
 
March's health-conscious recipe
Attached you will find this month's health-conscious recipe: Roasted Lemon Chicken. This quick and easy meal has an impressive 27 grams of protein per serving. Load up your plate with nourishing protein and fibrous vegetables for a filling dinner. PDF
 

Events

Mental Health First Aid Gatekeeper Training During Mental Health Week
Friday, March 14, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Sindecuse Health Center, Rm. 3131
This internationally recognized training teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders. More information and registration can be found on ExperienceWMU. You must be logged in to view the event. 
 
The Mediterranean Diet Workshop (Facilitated by Registered Dietitian Gretchen Kauth)
Thursday, March 20, 12:05 to 12:55 p.m. in Sindecuse Health Center, Rm. 3131
Celebrate National Nutrition Month by attending this workshop. The Mediterranean diet may help reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, some cancers, and other chronic diseases. Register on ExperienceWMU by Wednesday, March 19. Event flyer
 
Upcoming Programs
Tiny Habits Workshop (Facilitated by Darby Fetzer)
Thursday, April 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in SRC Room 3014
Based on Stanford behavioral scientist, BJ Fogg’s book, Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything, this workshop will educate participants on judgment-free, science-based methods of changing habits. This approach is far more effective than relying on motivation alone. Email Katie Alkema at kalkema@holtynwellness.com to register. 
 
Save the Date for the 2025 Poker Walk
Tuesday, May 20th
 

SRC & West Hills

Student Recreation Center
Pickleball Tournament
Saturday, April 12 at the SRC
Round-robin pool play followed by a single-elimination tournament. See the attached flyer for additional information. 
 
Spring Groupex and F45 Schedule
Monday, March 10 to Saturday, April 19
 
West Hills Athletic Club
West Hills Personal Training and Weight Management
Terry Cropper lost 100 pounds in a year and a half by eating healthier and working out at WHAC five to six times per week, sometimes with a personal trainer. Having a personal trainer can provide tailored workout plans, accountability, and motivation. Learn more at https://wmich.edu/westhills/personal-training#weight-management.
 
See the attached document or https://www.westhillsathletic.com for additional information. 
 

Holtyn Wellness

2025 Wellness Assessments
Schedule your 2025 Holtyn wellness assessment at www.holtynwellness.com to maintain your $240 health insurance incentive. Appointments are available at several locations across campus. 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 March Newsletter

February is American Heart Month, a time when we are all encouraged to focus on our cardiovascular health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. In 2022, one in every five deaths in the United States was causedby heart disease. High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease. Learn more about your blood pressure and blood pressure readings at https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings

2025 Wellness Assessments

2025 wellness assessments are available at several WMU locations including the College of Engineering, College of Aviation, CHHS, Physical Plant, Heritage Hall, and Main Campus. Schedule by logging into your personal account at www.holtynwellness.com or calling Katie Alkema at (269) 290-5167. You can also submit a Medical Provider Assessment form to fulfill the health insurance incentive requirements. Find it at https://wmich.edu/sites/default/files/attachments/u919/2023/Medical%20Provider%20Form.pdf

 

Upcoming Events

2025 Poker Walk: Tuesday, May 20th: Flyer

SafeTalk - Monday, February 10, 1 to 4:30 p.m. or Tuesday, February, 8:30 a.m. to Noon in Sindecuse Health Center, Rm. 3131

SafeTALK is a half-day training in suicide alertness. It helps participants recognize a person with thoughts of suicide and connect them with resources who can help them in choosing to live. Participants don't need any formal preparation to attend the training--anyone who wants to make a difference can learn the SafeTALK steps. Register on ExperienceWMU. 
 
Heart Health:  Food and Fitness Matter!
Thursday, February 13 from 12:05 to 12:55 p.m. in Sindecuse Health Center, Rm. 3131
February is Heart Health Month. A healthy diet and exercise routine are essential for optimal heart health. In this workshop, we will discuss the most current evidence-based recommendations and share information, strategies, and resources to help you incorporate them into your life. https://experiencewmu.wmich.edu/event/10787140
 
Mental Health First Aid 
Friday, February 21 or Monday, February 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Sindecuse Health Center, Rm. 3131
Mental Health First Aid for Higher Education is an internationally recognized training offered by Integrated Services of Kalamazoo. The training teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders. This in-depth training includes a discussion of specific risk factors, skill building to provide initial support to someone who may be struggling or in a crisis and practice applying the action plan in a number of scenarios. Lunch is provided! Registeron ExperienceWMU.
 
West Hills Athletic Club - 37th Annual Irish Open Tennis Tournament
Friday, March 14 to Sunday, March 16
This is a first-match loss consolation draw. Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, and Open divisions (must play the division of the highest-rated player). The registration deadline is March 7. Learn more at https://wmich.edu/westhills/events/westhillsirish-open.
 

Newsletters and more!

Mental Health First Aid Training
Thursday, January 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Sindecuse, Room 3131
Mental Health First Aid for Higher Education is an internationally recognized training offered by Integrated Services of Kalamazoo. The training teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders. This in-depth training includes a discussion of specific risk factors, skill building to provide initial support to someone who may be struggling or in a crisis, and practice applying the action plan in several scenarios. Lunch is provided!  Register by Friday, January 10 at Noon on ExperienceWMU. 
 
Cooked:  Getting Back to the Art of Cooking Workshop (Facilitated by Meredith Ganton)
Monday, January 27 from Noon to 12:30 p.m. in Sangren, Room 3335
This workshop is based on the book and documentary series, Cooked by Michael Pollen. It will inspire individuals to take on the art of cooking with a new perspective. We will explore how we can develop habits of cooking and how to tie them into our way of life. Email Katie Alkema at kalkema@holtynwellness.com to register. Program limited to 15 participants. 
 
The Healthy Way (Facilitated by Registered Dietitian Gretchen Kauth)
Meeting virtually on Wednesdays, January 22 to February 26 from 12:05 to 12:55 p.m. 
This 6-session program is designed for employees who want to achieve their health goals through evidence-based nutrition, mindful eating practices and behavior strategies. Sessions are facilitated by a Registered Dietitian and are designed to provide individual and peer support. Follow-up education and support will be provided by email. Register at Experience WMU link https://experiencewmu.wmich.edu/event/1078696.
 
Student Recreation Center
Spring GroupEx and F45 Schedule 
Monday, January 6 to Saturday, April 19
 
West Hills Athletic Club
Weight Loss Team Challenge
Monday, January 13 to Sunday, March 23
Research shows 95% of dieters regain lost weight within two years when using restrictive or trending diets. Let WHAC help you create permanent lifestyle change so you can lose weight and sustain it. Learn more and sign up at https://wmich.edu/westhills/weight-loss-2025.
 
See the attached document or https://www.westhillsathletic.com for current information. 
 
2025 Wellness Assessments
2025 wellness assessments are available at several WMU locations including the College of Engineering, College of Aviation, CHHS, Physical Plant, Heritage Hall, and Main Campus. Schedule by logging into your personal account at www.holtynwellness.com or calling Katie Alkema at (269) 290-5167. You can also submit a Medical Provider Assessment form to fulfill the health insurance incentive requirements. Find it at https://wmich.edu/sites/default/files/attachments/u919/2023/Medical%20Provider%20Form.pdf
 
Hope Health January 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.