Sonoma State University

October 2026 Employee Wellness Newsletter

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, participating in the CSU wellness challenge, or joining a wellness webinar. Can’t attend a webinar live? No problem! Register and you will receive an on-demand link for convenient access.

CSU Wellness Challenge: Walktober

If you missed our announcements last month, the 2026 systemwide wellness challenge, Walktober, starts TODAY! In partnership with the California State University and Kaiser Permanente, this FREE program is available to all employees regardless of their health plan. Employees can participate as individuals or as teams. The challenge runs from October 1st to 31st. For more information and to register, visit https://csu.walktober.com/welcome. 

Yoga and Pilates Classes

Lunchtime yoga and pilates classes are open to all experience levels and are a great opportunity to meet employees from other units, while also taking a break to stretch and have a midday reset. 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 

Couch to 5K Training

Join our 45-minute Couch to 5K Training with Yavé Guzman Valdez (bio)! Training is held weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Arbor and Lakes 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. 

Local Opportunities to Get Moving

Get ready to lace up your sneakers as the SSU Employee Wellness Program has once again secured exclusive discount codes for several local running events 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.

Email employeewellness@sonoma.edu for the exclusive discount codes!

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 90 days after the live stream, with the exception of the Calm Meditation Sessions, which are only available live.

  • Move It Mondays
    These 30-minute classes are designed to boost both your body and your mind and are available for all fitness levels. These classes will include a gentle warm-up, energizing movement, and a cool down. 
    • Date: October 5 & 19, 2026
    • Time: Noon - 12:30pm
    • Register
     
  • Women's Health
    Explore preventative steps that women can take to enjoy good health. Risk factors and screening recommendations specific to women will be reviewed.
    • Date: October 15, 2026
    • Time: Noon - 1pm
    • Register
     
  • Care for the Caregiver
    Caregiving can be overwhelming, often leaving little time to care for yourself. Learn practical ways to navigate the demands of multi-generational caregiving, from supporting children to aging family members, and gain tools to strengthen your own health and well-being.
    • Date: October 19, 2026
    • Time: Noon - 1pm
    • Register
     
  • Hormone Health
    How we spend our day can greatly affect how well our hormones function. Learn the roles of various hormones as well as practical methods to optimize their regulation for a balanced body.
    • Date: October 21, 2026
    • Time: Noon - 1pm
    • Register
     
  • Revolutionizing Healthcare with Kaiser Permanente
    Learn when and how to engage your health care team, stay current with health technology and devices, and review current uses and pitfalls of Healthcare AI. 
    • Date: October 22, 2026
    • Time: 12:30 - 1:30pm
    • Register

Calm Meditation Sessions

Join for 15 minutes to de-stress, reset, and renew yourself.

  • October 14, 2026 (10 - 10:15am) - Join here at the time of event
  • October 28, 2026 (2 - 2:15pm) - Join here at the time of event

Employee Access to the Campus Recreation Center

Employees have access to the Campus Rec Center, which offers a wide range of fitness, recreational and wellness resources that support physical and mental well-being. The Rec Center also provides opportunities to connect and build community outside of your work space. 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.