Make Your Meetings More Active

  • Include items on your meeting agenda that require participants to get out of their seats (breakout groups, stand and write ideas on an easel).
  • Choose movement friendly meeting locations (walkable neighborhoods, on-site gym, nearby park).
  • Hire a professional instructor (pilates, yoga, tai chi, stretching, Zumba) to lead a class before or during the meeting.
  • Point out the stairs and encourage attendees to use them. Consider including the location of stairs in meeting directions or putting arrows to the stairs in front of elevators.
  • Organize a group walk early in the morning, during a break or before/after dinner.
  • Consider incorporating standing ovations after each speaker to encourage participants to stand and stretch.

Standing Breaks

  • At least once an hour, participants should be encouraged to stand up to improve blood circulation, boost metabolism, and relieve physical discomfort from sitting for prolonged periods of time.
  • Announce that it is fine to stand up and move around, as needed. If possible, provide raised tables for those electing to stand during the meeting.

Stretch Breaks

  • Stretch breaks help participants wake up their bodies and minds.
  • Encourage people to stand up and stretch in place.
  • Try playing a Healthy UC Davis WakeBreak video! These instructor-led stretch videos range from 4 to 15 minutes. 

Breathing Exercise

  • Focused breathing is an energizing activity that can help relax and clear your mind. Simply inhale for four seconds, hold it for seven seconds, and exhale for eight seconds.

Suggested Activity Agendas

LENGTH OF MEETINGSTANDING BREAKSTRETCH BREAKSBREATHING BREAKSMOVEMENT BREAKSWALKING BREAKS
50 - 60 minx x  
2 - 4 hoursxxxx 
All Dayxxxxx

5 Things to Know for Open Enrollment

From UCOP article published Oct. 14, 2025

There are some big changes to UC’s medical plans and premiums. 

Subsidized Medical Plan Rates for 2026

UC Davis will continue to subsidize the employee share of the UC Blue & Gold HMO plan to match Kaiser Permanente, keeping employee rates lower for an HMO plan that includes UC Davis Health providers.

Find personalized rates that are specific to UC Davis, your plan(s) and bargaining unit.

Note: special rates for UC Davis and ANR employees are not published on the UCnet website, though they are inserted in the UC Open Enrollment brochure mailed to you.

If you sometimes ignore Open Enrollment, this is the year to take another look at your options.

  1. HealthSavings+ is replacing CORE and UC Health Savings Plan.
  2. If you don’t choose a new plan during Open Enrollment, your premiums may change a lot.
  3. Blue Shield of California will be the plan administrator for HealthSavings+ and UC Care.
  4. Your coverage through Delta Dental PPO is expanding.
  5. Coverage for weight loss medications and infertility services is changing.

Learn More on UCnet

FAQs: 2026 Benefits Changes
  • UC’s response to rising costs?
  • How much is UC contributing to medical plan costs?
  • Why is HealthSavings+ replacing CORE and UC Health Savings Plan?
  • What are the advantages of a Health Savings Account (HSA)?

All FAQs on UCnet


Questions?


Dates for New Plans and Rates

Your new coverage will begin on January 1, 2026 and your payments are made via payroll on a pre-tax basis.

  • Monthly paid employees: You will see the first deduction on your January 2, 2026 paycheck.
  • Bi-weekly paid employees: Deductions will begin on your January 14, 2026 paycheck.
    • Premium deductions for all benefit plans will now align with the current month of coverage instead of being taken one month in advance. For example, deductions for January 2026 coverage will be taken from the January 14th paycheck.
    • Bi-weekly paid employees will not see premium deductions in December.

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