Wellness is a year-round effort!

Staff Council recognized that navigating resources across the University can be challenging. Below is a comprehensive list of benefits and opportunities for staff to stay well, get moving, and take full advantage of the benefits of working at Pitt throughout the year.

The University has defined a commitment to the 8 Dimensions of Wellness: physical, emotional, financial, environmental, intellectual, occupational, social and mindful in an effort to support the Plan for Pitt.

We encourage you to find new ways to engage in all eight dimensions to improve your overall health and wellness and deepen your network across staff units.

The links below offer a full list of Human Resource’s wellness resources, tools, and services on campus by dimension:

Wellness events and opportunities

• Webinars, on-campus events, wellness campaigns, and more can be found on this page. Upcoming sessions focus on sleep, mindfulness, nutrition, stress management, and more.

• The Mental Wellness Task Force has created a forum called Pitt’s Online Water Cooler to offer remote or partially remote staff an opportunity to come together in a social way. Use this form to sign up.

• Join the Mental Wellness Book Club with new offerings each season organized by the University Senate's Committee on Benefits and Welfare--Mental Wellness Task Force.

• The Music Department hosts concerts and events throughout the year to rejuvenate your senses.

• The Center for Creativity has multiple facilities to express yourself through various media.

• Let your eyes do the walking and take a peaceful break with an Online Art Walk.

Not sure where to start your health journey?

• Ask a Health Coach questions on health and wellness through this online form.

• Work directly with a Health Coach (available for all Pitt campuses). Schedule and appointment.  

• Bring a wellness expert to your department! Visit the Departmental Wellness page, then contact: Ashley Boykin, wellness specialist, 412-624-1541.

Ways to get moving!

• Free bike rentals via the Parking and Transportation Office. 

• Join a Tree Trek via the Sustainability Office. 

• Take a self-directed walking tour of the gardens all over campus.

• Use one of Pitt's Walking Routes which are mapped and measured feel-good strolls.

• Pittsburgh Elite Aquatics (PEAQ) offers a year-round swimming program at Trees Pool for all ability levels. Contact PEAQ for more information.

• Recreation and Wellness Center: Visit the Campus Recreation website for membership and benefit details.

• The Active&Fit Direct Program is open to UPMC Health Plan participants. It gives access to a wide range of national fitness centers and on-demand fitness videos.

• The University Club offers UClub Fitness memberships with gym and class options.

Staff benefit highlights:

• LifeSolutions is the University of Pittsburgh's Faculty and Staff Assistance Program that provides a broad range of services to assist University employees and their household members to balance work and the stresses of daily life.

• Faculty and staff can participate in the Wellness Incentives program by earning Reward Dollars for every healthy activity you complete.

• For a full list of benefits by employment type visit the Human Resources Health and Wellness website and select your employment type.

Staying healthy!

• MyHealth@Work: An onsite health and wellness center exclusively for faculty and staff that treats a variety of health issues at no cost, regardless of insurance coverage. Services also include blood pressure checks and one-on-one health coaching for faculty, staff, and departments. Located in the Medical Arts Building on campus.

• Flu shot clinics and Other Services at Falk Pharmacy including medication consultation and counseling, assistance navigating medication costs, medication refills, immunizations, specialty medications, employee discounted over-the-counter medications, and more.

• The Pitt’s Vaccination & Health Connection HUB offers vaccinations, health screenings, and care connection services to the University community and our neighbors.

  • Available services
  • FAQ about the Hub

Additional resources:

• SHRS computer ergonomics includes a collection of videos from Pitt’s own Occupational Therapy department.

• The Pitt Pantry serves to increase food security among the Pitt community. Students (graduate & undergraduate), faculty, and staff are encouraged to visit the Pitt Pantry to supplement their nutrition with healthy foods at no cost.

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at any time by calling 1-800-273-8255.

Have a resource to share that isn’t listed above? Email us!

Staff Council serves as a center for input and dissemination of information, provides a means of communication between staff and other members of the Pitt community, and provides opportunities for professional development.  

Staff Council has historically represented the interests of Pitt staff not covered under a collective bargaining agreement and continues to participate in shared governance on campus to advocate for the interests of staff members on issues not addressed by collective bargaining. Additionally, the council continues its mission to advocate for unrepresented staff members.   

Stay informed with the Staff Council Newsletter: View past issues and subscribe  

Stay connected:    

• Instagram: @upstaffcouncil   
• Facebook: @upstaffcouncil   
• LinkedIn: Pitt Staff Council   

For more information about Staff Council, visit the Staff Council website.  

Sarah McMullen is Staff Council’s vice president for public relations and director, Project Management Office in University Communications and Marketing. Linda Tashbook is the chair of the Mental Wellness Task Force of the Senate Benefits and Welfare Committee.