TO: Sonoma State Employees
FR: Employee Wellness Program, Payroll and Benefits
As fall settles in and the pace of the semester picks up, it is a great time to check in with your well-being. This month’s offerings include opportunities to move, connect, and learn - whether that means attending a lunchtime class, joining a wellness webinar, or participating in the on-campus blood drive.
Vitalant Blood Drive
In partnership with SSU Student Involvement and Student Clubs, Vitalant will be hosting an on-campus blood drive on October 15, 2025.
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
10:00am - 2:15pm
Denali Gym, Campus Recreation Center
Appointment Link
(appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcome)
Couch to 5K Training!
Please join our 45-minute Couch to 5K Training with Yavé Guzman Valdez (bio)! Training is held weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the SSU Track from 12:05 to 12:50pm. All levels are welcome, from beginners to intermediate as well as advanced runners looking for some extra workouts. Suggested items to bring with you: A pair of good running shoes, comfortable clothing to run in, water, post run snack, and a yoga mat.
Yoga and Pilates Classes
Lunchtime classes are open to all experience levels and offer a great mid-day break to stretch, reset, and connect with colleagues. Please join us in Ives 80 from 12:05 to 12:55pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Yoga mats are available.
- Mondays: Pilates
- Wednesdays: Meditative Yoga
- Thursdays: Meditative Yoga
Wellness Webinars
Kaiser Permanente is offering a range of wellness webinars open to all employees, regardless of your health plan. Most sessions are available on-demand for six months after the live stream, with the exception of the Calm Meditation Sessions, which are only available live.
Candid Conversations about Women’s Health - The journey through the years of perimenopause, menopause and post menopause is different for everyone. Women have so many questions and hear so many opinions on the subject it can be a bit confusing. Listen in on some candid conversations with Kaiser Permanente physicians regarding women’s health.
October 15, 2025 (Noon - 1pm)
Register
The Journey to Parenthood: Pregnancy to Baby - Learn about planning your pregnancy, choosing your pregnancy journey, midwifery care, and postpartum survival.
October 23, 2025 (12:30 - 1:30pm)
Register
A Focus on Women’s Wellbeing - Explore preventative steps that women can take to enjoy good health. Risk factors and screening recommendations specific to women will be reviewed.
October 27, 2025 (Noon - 1pm)
Register
Calm Meditation Sessions
Join for 15 minutes to de-stress, reset, and renew yourself.
- October 8, 2025 (10 - 10:15am) - Join here at the time of event
- October 22, 2025 (2 - 2:15pm) - Join here at the time of event
Employee Access to the Campus Recreation Center
If you missed last month’s announcement, employees now have access to the Campus Recreation Center! This initiative promotes physical and mental wellbeing by providing employees access to the outstanding fitness, recreational, and wellness resources available on campus, while also creating opportunities to connect and build community with one another outside of work spaces. More information about the Rec Center’s facilities, classes, and hours of operation can be found at Campus Recreation’s Rec Portal. Instructions for activating your employee access are available on our website.
Local Opportunities to Get Moving
Get ready to lace up your sneakers as the SSU Employee Wellness Program has secured an exclusive discount code for a local running event featuring distances for all levels. Whether you are a seasoned runner or wanting to try something new, you are invited to join us and walk, run or even skip your way to the finish line.
Clo Cow Half Marathon (October 12)
5k, 10k, half marathon
https://www.clocowhalf.com/
25SSU = 15% discount for any distance
As we approach this year's cold and flu season, we encourage all employees to prioritize getting their flu shot. Unfortunately, Kaiser is unable to host the on-campus sponsored flu shot clinic this year. We recommend reaching out to your healthcare provider for information on local flu shot clinics and available dates.
Additional information regarding our SSU Employee Wellness programs can be found here: https://hr.sonoma.edu/payroll/