Illinois State University has offered a Wellness Participation Policy since 1984 because the institution values its staff and faculty. Employees may request up to 90 minutes per week to participate in activities that improve their well-being.
3.1.36 Wellness Participation
Policy
In support of the University’s commitment to the health, wellness, and vitality of its staff and faculty, full-time, hourly (non-exempt) employees may be permitted release time and full-time, exempt employees may be permitted time away from their normal work schedule, with the approval of their direct supervisor. Hourly and exempt employees are allowed 90 minutes per week and are not to exceed one and one-half hours per week, to participate in activities, programs, or events sponsored by Health Promotion and Wellness and Campus Recreation, held on the campus of Illinois State.
Guidelines
The Wellness Participation Policy illustrates that the University encourages its staff and faculty to participate in activities, programs, or events available through Health Promotion and Wellness. The following statements are guidelines designed to define what constitutes an activity, program, or event eligible for supervisor-approved release time/time away from work, and how this is administered.
An eligible activity, program, or event promotes health, increases productivity, and overall personal wellness, and is administered and/or sponsored by Health Promotion and Wellness at Illinois State. Illinois State Campus Recreation administered fitness classes, programs, and activities held on campus, in the Student Fitness Center, Horton Field House, or Thomas Metcalf School, are also eligible for supervisor-approved release time under this policy. Supervisors are responsible for monitoring the employee’s use of release time/time away from work as deemed necessary.
Release time/time away from work for participation in any activity, program, or event sponsored/administered by Health Promotion and Wellness (and/or Campus Recreation) is based on an agreement of the individual employee and their direct supervisor. Approval for participation considers the current and anticipated operational needs of the employing unit which should not be adversely affected by participation.
Individuals desiring release time/time away from work to participate in activities, programs, or events that occur during their normal work hours must be full-time university employees. Part-time employees are welcome to participate in activities, programs, or events on their own time.
Injuries that may occur during voluntary participation in activities, programs, or events sponsored/administered by Health Promotion and Wellness and/or Campus Recreation are not covered by workers’ compensation.
Release time/time away from work to participate in activities, programs, or events, is not approved for the patronage of any fitness or health facility located away from the Illinois State campus and not owned and operated by Illinois State University.
Health Promotion and Wellness activities, programs, or events occur on the Illinois State campus or in the facilities/areas approved by the Director of Health Promotion and Wellness.
Release time/time away from work to participate in activities, programs, and events sponsored or administered by Health Promotion and Wellness is not intended to be used in combination with another amount of release time that would exceed the amount of 90 minutes of time away from normal work duties per week.
Examples of approved programs, activities, or events:
Family swims, faculty-staff bowling league, family bowling/Children’s Discovery Museum events, health screenings, campus wellness/campus nutrition fair, Homecoming blood drive, massage therapy, walking on campus, fitness classes/activities held at Illinois State University-owned and operated facilities, educational presentations, badminton, table tennis, T’ai Chi classes, nutrition consults, and ergonomic reviews.
