University Letter

The University has set an all-time record for staff and faculty involvement in work site wellness programs, enabling the University to apply for the American Heart Association platinum-level Fit-Friendly Company award for 2012.

According to Kim Ruliffson, Work Well program coordinator, 50 percent of UND’s workforce took part in at least one Work Well or related wellness activity, such as the Health Club Credit or Healthy Blues programs.

The Work Well program inspires, supports and empowers UND employees to achieve well-rounded, seven-dimensional wellness. It promotes a culture of UND staff and faculty wellness by providing information, services and programs to support healthy living.

UND has received four platinum-level awards and six overall national awards from the American Heart Association. In 2007, UND was the first organization in North Dakota to receive a national Fit-Friendly Company award.

Criteria for the award include providing programing in physical activity and nutrition. The work site must have a culture of wellness, a wellness program coordinator, health risk assessments, preventive and health programing, and at least 50 percent of its employees participating in work site wellness activities.