Faculty & Staff Resources
Recreation & Wellbeing is committed to fostering a campus culture prioritizing holistic wellbeing and active lifestyles. Our vision aligns with UIC's Health Promoting Campus framework, aiming to make health and wellness integral to your success and the broader campus community.
Why Physical Activity Matters
Engaging in regular physical activity offers numerous benefits:
- Enhanced Wellbeing: Regular exercise reduces stress, boosts mood, and increases energy levels.
- Improved Health: Consistent physical activity can prevent and manage various health conditions, contributing to a better quality of life.
- Community Connection: Participating in group activities fosters social connections, enhancing your sense of belonging within the UIC community.
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M & P
- Exclusive Offer for Faculty & Staff NEW Recreation & Wellbeing Members:
- Receive your first two months of membership FREE with any new application. (Taxable fringe benefit payment will apply)
- Afterward, monthly or biweekly payroll deductions will begin. See affordable payroll deduction rates here
- If you choose not to continue with your membership, fill out and submit a membership cancellation form by the end of your first free month.
- Membership Benefits:
- Access to two state-of-the-art facilities:
- Student Recreation Facility (737 S Halsted)
- Sport & Fitness Center (828 S Wolcott)
- Use of outdoor spaces:
- Outdoor courts (adjacent to SRF)
- Outdoor Field Complex (900 W. 14th Place)
- Free general fitness assessment included with membership.
- Access to two state-of-the-art facilities:
- How to Sign Up:
- Visit SRF or SFC in person to activate your membership.
- For questions, contact us at uicrec@uic.edu.
Classroom & Academic Resources
Faculty often refer struggling students to the counseling center, but there are additional resources that can support their overall wellbeing and academic success. The following highlights programs and services through Recreation and Wellbeing that can help students manage stress, improve focus, and build resilience—key factors in academic performance. By exploring these resources, faculty can offer a more holistic approach to student support.
- Recreation & Wellbeing as a Teaching Tool:
- Invite guest speakers from Recreation and Wellbeing to discuss health, wellness, and fitness.
- Utilize recreation facilities for class activities.
- Request collaborations for wellness-related research and projects.
- How Faculty Can Engage:
- Request presentations or wellness workshops for students.
- Use Recreation and Wellbeing data for research or case studies.
- Integrate wellness topics into the curriculum with RecWell support.
- Email rec@uic.edu to request resources from RecWell
Transferable Benefits of Physical Activity for Students, Did you know…
Engaging in regular physical activity provides students with advantages that extend beyond physical health:
- Enhanced Cognitive Function: Regular exercise has been shown to improve cognitive functions such as memory retention and overall academic performance.
- Stress Reduction: Physical activity effectively reduces stress and anxiety, improving mental health and resilience.
- Improved Self-Esteem and Motivation: Physical activity can enhance self-esteem, boosting learning motivation and academic success.
Building Community Through Recreational Programming
For students experiencing loneliness, participating in recreational activities offers a pathway to meaningful social connections:
- Group Fitness Classes: Joining group exercise sessions provides a sense of community and shared purpose, helping to alleviate feelings of isolation.
- Intramural Sports: Participating in team sports fosters camaraderie and builds lasting friendships.
- Sport Clubs: Engaging in clubs centered around physical activities allows students to meet others with similar interests, creating a supportive social network.
- Outdoor Adventure: Engaging in outdoor adventures immerses students in nature, promoting wellness by reducing stress, enhancing mental clarity, and fostering a sense of community.