Sonoma State University

September 2026 Employee Wellness Newsletter

As we head into a new academic year, it's a great time to refocus on wellness. This month is packed with opportunities to check in on your health, stay active and connect with colleagues.

Vitalant Blood Drive

In partnership with SSU Student Involvement and Student Clubs, Vitalant will be hosting an on-campus blood drive:

  • Tuesday, September 22, 2026 (10:00am - 2:30pm)
  • Denali Gym, Campus Recreation Center
  • Appointment Link (appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcome)
     

CSU Wellness Challenge: Walktober

In partnership with the California State University and Kaiser Permanente, we are excited to announce “Walktober,” the 2026 systemwide wellness challenge. This free program is available to all employees regardless of their health plan. Employees can participate as individuals or as teams. Registration opens September 21st and the challenge will run 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, beginning August 25th. 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 two 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 code!

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: September 14 & 21, 2026
    • Time: Noon - 12:30pm
    • Register
     
  • Yoga for the Office
    Practice simple, desk-friendly stretches and breathing exercises to reduce tension and improve focus at work.
    • Date: September 16, 2026
    • Time: Noon - 1pm
    • Register
     
  • Strength Train at Your Desk
    Even on the busiest of days, you can still enjoy the benefits of strengthening exercises. In this session, you will learn about the positive effects of strength training and then put them into practice with a workout you can do right at your desk or workspace to build strength, stretch your muscles, and reduce pain. 
    • Date: September 17, 2026
    • Time: Noon - 1pm
    • Register
     
  • Functional Fitness: Active at Every Age
    Learn exercises and movement patterns that mirror your everyday activities to improve strength, balance, and mobility. By practicing real-life movements, you will enhance your quality of life, prevent injury, and move with greater confidence and ease.
    • Date: September 21, 2026
    • Time: Noon - 1pm
    • Register
     
  • The Power of Social Connections
    Learn why social connection is a foundational pillar of lifestyle medicine, recognize the health impacts of social isolation and loneliness across the lifespan, and identify practical, evidence-based ways to strengthen social connections in everyday life.
    • Date: September 24, 2026
    • Time: 12:30 - 1:30pm
    • Register

Calm Meditation Sessions

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

  • September 9, 2026 (10 - 10:15am) - Join here at the time of event
  • September 23, 2026 (2 - 2:15pm) - Join here at the time of event

Ergonomics in the Workplace

   CSU Learn Trainings

   Kaiser Permanente Webinars

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 wellbeing. 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.