Free wellness classes available this April
More than a dozen wellness activities are available to members of the UC Davis and UC Davis Health community. Check out the events happening in April:
The Menopause Series
This multi-week series is designed to empower individuals with education and discussion around the changes leading up to, during and after menopause. All team members are welcome to learn information that is pertinent to you or a loved one. Key learning points include:
- The science of menopause
- How to maximize nutrition and exercise habits
- Additional lifestyle factors to consider
- Special Q&A session with Dr. Kathryn Macaulay, a UC San Diego Health OB/GYN, director of the Menopause Program
Time: Noon
Various Dates:
- Tuesday, April 7
- Monday, April 13
- Tuesday, April 21
Nurse CUs are available for the series
Financial Well-being spring lunch and learns
Staff Assembly, in partnership with Employee Well-being, is pleased to offer a financial well-being series presented by University Credit Union.
Navigating interest rates
From buying a home to refinancing a car, learn how to navigate changing rates and get the most bang for your buck. Review credit scores, debt repayment, and utilize high interest savings vehicles to offset costs.
Date: Monday, April 6
Time: 12:10 – 1 p.m.
Location: Zoom
10 steps to financial success
This session teaches participants steps to financial success — including how to develop a spending plan, create objectives, weigh insurance needs, and other helpful tools.
Date: Thursday, April 16
Time: 12:10 – 1 p.m.
Location: Student Community Center Meeting Room D
Lunch will be provided (Note: Space at in-person events is limited. If demand is high, attendees will be selected by random drawing and notified by email.)
Investing to achieve your goals
Explore smart strategies to grow your savings and take control of your financial future. Learn practical ways to save, discover how to tailor investment choices to your unique goals, and gain insights into why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work when it comes to financial success.
Date: Thursday, April 30
Time: 12:10 – 1 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Virtual physical activity challenge – Journey to Japan
Join your UC Davis colleagues and explore Japan this spring. Take your favorite activities (e.g., swimming, biking, yoga) and convert them into steps – striving for 8,000 steps per day. Join as an individual competitor or create a team of four to 10 people.
Challenge dates: April 6 – May 1
Register at: https://ucdavis.walkertracker.com/
Priority registration for current UC Davis and UC Davis Health employees. If you are a retiree, please email wellbeing@ucdavis.edu to inquire about spots available.
Questions? Email wellbeing@ucdavis.edu
Jacquelyn Anderson Wellness Innovation Award – 2026 nomination call
The UC Davis School of Medicine Office of Wellness Education (OWE) is now accepting nominations for the Jacquelyn Anderson Wellness Innovation Award, which recognizes outstanding staff or faculty members who demonstrate exceptional innovation in advancing wellness through research, education, or advocacy.
The selected recipient will receive $2,500 to support wellness initiatives and will be featured on the OWE website.
Eligibility: All staff and faculty members at UC Davis or UC Davis Health
Nomination deadline: Friday, April 17
Staff and faculty may nominate a colleague or themselves. A selection committee composed of UC Davis and UC Davis Health leadership will review submissions and determine the award recipient.
Submit a nomination through the online form: https://ucdavis.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0DFwGU5VtqYqC6q
Questions? Contact the OWE at wellness@health.ucdavis.edu.
Potty readiness family education workshop
Learn potty readiness fundamentals and develop an approach that supports your child’s development and aligns with your family’s needs.
Time: Noon – 1 p.m.
Date: Wednesday, April 22
Register for potty readiness family education workshop
One-time live workshop will not be recorded. If your plans change, kindly cancel your registration to open your spot for others. Zoom link will be emailed one day in advance. For cancellations or questions, contact sarmienfunk@ucdavis.edu.
Relax and release series
Taking time to relax is vital to our health, well-being and optimal functioning. Learn how to activate your body’s natural relaxation response in these sessions presented by Neesha Patel, Ph.D., Staff and Faculty Health and Well-being.
Dates: Wednesdays, April 1 – June 24 (excluding 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 6/17)
Time: 3:30 – 4 p.m.
Register for the relax and release series
Zoomba with Noriko
Noriko Satake, UC Davis faculty, leads Zumba classes online for exercise and wellness. Beginners are welcome to this friendly and fun class.
Dates and times
Mondays and Thursdays: 6 – 7 p.m.
Saturdays: 9 – 10 a.m.
Zoom meeting ID: 930 1723 3118
Passcode: 729535
Live online mindfulness meditation, kindness meditation and mindful pause:
Focus on your health and well-being and strengthen your inner resources with science-based mindfulness meditation, kindness meditation, and mindful pause. Neesha Patel, Ph.D., Staff and Faculty Health and Well-being, will lead these sessions.
Live kindness meditation
Dates: Wednesdays, April 1 – June 24 (excluding 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 6/17)
Time: 12:30 – 1 p.m.
Register for live kindness meditation sessions
Live mindful pause
Dates: Thursdays, April 2 – June 25 (excluding 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 6/18)
Time: 12:45 – 1 p.m.
Register for all mindful pause sessions
Live mindfulness meditation
Dates: Mondays, April 6 – June 22 (excluding 4/20, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11 and 6/15)
Time: 4:30 – 5 p.m.
Register for all mindfulness meditation sessions
ASAP support groups
The Academic and Staff Assistance Program (ASAP) offers several online support group sessions for UC Davis and UC Davis Health community members. Multiple dates are available for each group session. Registration is required.
To learn more about each support group and register, click here.
Support group for neurodivergent staff
This is a caring space for neurodivergent staff at UC Davis to share ideas and support one another in using their strengths to cultivate professional effectiveness, emotional well-being, mindful living, and interpersonal understanding.
Dates: Monday, April 5
Time: 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Coping with grief, loss and change
This support group provides space for participants to share experiences of grief and loss due to the death of a loved one. Participants will have the opportunity to share personal experiences if they choose.
Dates: Tuesdays, April 14 and 28
Time: 4 – 5 p.m.
Eldercare support group
Participants will have the opportunity to share personal experiences with eldercare, learn about community resources, and obtain guidance on relevant topics.
Dates: Wednesday, April 15 and 29
Time: Noon – 1 p.m.
Want your wellness event highlighted in a future monthly wellness Insider post? Email Carolyn Ramirez at cjramirez@health.ucdavis.edu.

