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MC Wellness

Montgomery College is committed to fostering a culture of well-being that encompasses emotional, environmental, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual wellness.  Our inclusive wellness program is available to active and retired full-time and part-time faculty, staff, and their spouses.

We welcome you to:

  • embrace a world of possibilities with MC Wellness designed to nurture your mind and body
  • experience the thrill of in-person and virtual fitness sessions
  • find inner peace through mind-body classes
  • indulge in healthy cooking demonstrations that tantalize your taste buds
  • engage in wellness challenges, enlightening webinars, and health screenings
  • discover a wealth of transformative experiences that go beyond expectations

At Montgomery College, we go above and beyond to prioritize employee wellness. Benefit-eligible employees may receive up to 1.5 hours a week to engage in activities (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader.-Link opens in new window.) that enhance your well-being, ensuring a healthier work environment. Through the MC Educational Assistance Program (EAP) and Professional Development Assistance Program (PDAP)new window, active employees eligible for the EAP or PDAP can receive reimbursement for attending wellness classes, such as gym memberships and Weight Watchers, with a minimum requirement of ten (10) sessions per month or 75% participation.

To further support your wellness journey, we have established partnerships with leading fitness and wellness companies. These collaborations offer exclusive discounted memberships, empowering you to access premium resources at a fraction of the cost.

Unlock your full potential through our dedicated wellness program. Together, let's embark on a transformative journey towards holistic well-being, enriching every aspect of your life.

Registration for MC Wellness is required annually, and includes access to classes, locker rooms, and the campus open gym.

To enroll, MC employees must register for MC Wellness new windowand complete the required formnew window.

REGISTER FOR WELLNESS Complete the Par-Q form


Employee Wellness Events

MC Walktober 6-Week Move Your Body Challenge

Step into a healthier lifestyle by joining our 6-week challenge for fun, fitness, and friendly competition.

Register new windowfor the Montgomery College Walktober challenge.

The 2024 Walktober challenge dates are Tuesday, October 1 through Monday, November 11. Participate solo or with a group in this fun challenge. In the Walktober Mobile App, any movement you do will be converted to steps.

Join us for the kick-off and Q&A session on Zoom, Tuesday, October 1, 12:15–12:45 p.m.

Join Megan for a Walktober walk and ask any wellness questions you have. Weather permitting. Reservations are required, and a minimum number of participants is necessary for these walks with Megan to take place. 
  • Germantown (GT): Tuesday, October 1, 3:30 p.m
  • Rockville (RV): Wednesday, October 2, 3:30 p.m.
  • Takoma Park/Silver Spring (TP/SS): Tuesday, October 8, 12:30 p.m.
  • Central Services (CT): Monday, October 14, 12:30 p.m. 
October 7–November 11: Flu Shot Clinics

Kaiser Permanente provides free flu shots for all MC employees, retirees, spouses, and students.

In collaboration with Kaiser Permanente, Montgomery College is offering free flu shots to MC employees, retirees, and spouses on campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the following dates:
  • Central Services (CT): Monday, October 7, in CT S101.
  • Rockville (RV): Monday, October 21, in the Kaiser Mobile Health Van behind the Science Center.
  • Germantown (GT): Thursday, October 31, in the Kaiser Mobile Health Van behind the High Technology and Science Center.
  • Takoma Park/Silver Spring (TP/SS): Monday, November 11, in the Kaiser Mobile Health Van behind the Charlene R. Nunley Student Services Center.

Employees and retirees: You may drop-in at any time or pre-register in advance. A higher-dose vaccine will be available for individuals who qualify based on age.

Kaiser Permanente members: You can also receive a COVID vaccine. 

RSVPnew window today. 

October 10: Make Time for Self-care on World Mental Health Day 

Join us for enriching discussions and activities supporting mental wellness.

World Mental Health Day is Thursday, October 10
World Mental Health Day raises awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizes efforts to support mental health. Make time for self-care on World Mental Health Day. 

• Mental Health 101: Let’s Talk About It and Reduce the Stigma, noon
Mental Health 101: Let’s Talk About It and Reduce the Stigma webinar for MC employees. Review current data on mental and emotional health to better help yourself, your colleagues, and students. Insights on what influences mental health, ways to protect it and improve it; led by Brandon Muncy and Megan Cooperman via Zoom

Yoga to de-Stress for employees and retirees, 12:15 p.m. 
Germantown (GT), PK 106 and Rockville (RV), SV 414

15-Minute Mindful Movement Break, 3 p.m.  
Join via Zoom
Meeting ID: 874 277 9389

Sound meditation with Stacee Johnson for employees and retirees, 3:30 p.m. 
Central Services (CT), S108

Sound meditation is the use of sound as a tool to cultivate and support deep relaxation. Ultimately, the purpose is to create a gentle, yet powerful, experience that heals the body, clears the mind, and helps rein your attention to the present. Blankets will be provided. Bring a mat if you have one. If you need a mat, contact Megan Cooperman.
October 14: Become a MC Employee Wellness Ambassador

Support wellness initiatives, build a culture of wellness, and identify success stories.

MC Wellness is recruiting Wellness Ambassadors for the 2024-2025 academic year.

MC Wellness Ambassador:
 Promote and support employee wellness initiatives by modeling healthy behaviors.
• Help achieve the goals and objectives of the employee wellness program.
 Communicate wellness offerings, programs, and events through email and word of mouth.
 Foster a culture of wellness at your MC campus or work location.
• Identify employee success stories for wellness marketing and recognition.
 Collect feedback from current wellness participants.
• Provide ideas and recommendations for the wellness program.

This is a volunteer role that requires approximately two (2) hours per month and should not interfere with your primary job duties.

Meetings will be held three (3) times a year on Zoom. Attendance is encouraged but not mandatory.
If you’re interested in becoming a MC Employee Wellness Ambassador, please contact Megan Cooperman by Monday, October 14.
October 16: A Day of Breast Cancer Awareness 

Take a moment to connect and raise awareness about breast cancer.

Wednesday, October 16, A Day of Breast Cancer Awareness 

• Kaiser Permanente: Courage in the Face of Cancer, Noon.
This webinar is open to everyone; you do not need to be a Kaiser Permanente member to participate. The webinar will provide an overview of breast cancer, the importance of early detection, prevention methods, and treatment options.

Register here to attend the webinar at noon or to receive the recording. If you have any questions, please contact kp-ma-workforcehealth@kp.org.

• Courage in the Face of Cancer Gentle Yoga Practice, 12:10 p.m.
Join us at Central Services in the BOT Gallery, S108. No registration required.

• Dance Against Cancer, 12:30 p.m.
MC employees, retirees, and students, walk-in and bring your friends to the Rockville Campus in PE 137A. Dance your stress away as we honor those who have battled cancer and the friends and family we have lost to cancer. No registration required. Sponsored by MC Wellness, Student Life, and Exercise is Medicine.
October 23–31: 2025 Open Enrollment and Benefits Fairs

MC Wellness at the 2025 Open Enrollment and Benefits Fairs

Join MC Wellness at the Open Enrollment and Benefits Fairs! Enjoy free massages, nutrition consultations, fitness assessments, blood pressure screenings, healthy snacks, wellness giveaways, and more. Open to all employees, including those who are not eligible for benefits. Attendees can enter raffles for gift cards and more!

Campus Benefits Fairs:
Rockville: Wednesday, October 23, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
 Takoma Park/Silver Spring: Thursday, October 24, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Central Services: Wednesday, October 30, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Germantown: Thursday, October 31, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

October 31: Howl-O-Ween Bash: Line Dancing, Catwalk, Yoga, and More

Enjoy Halloween festivies on each MC campus. 

Get into the Halloween spirit with MC Wellness at these fun-filled events.

Takoma Park/Silver Spring: Monday, October 28, Halloween Cardio Strength Circuit Class with Rita in P4, 3:45 p.m.
Germantown: Tuesday, October 29, Halloween-themed yoga in PK 106, 12:15 p.m. 
Central Services: Thursday, October 31, Line dancing and costume catwalk, 3:30 p.m.
Rockville: Thursday, October 31, Halloween-themed yoga in SC 417, 12:15 p.m.

November 1: Employee Mental Health First Aid Certification Training 

Complete a Mental Health First Aid Certification Training. 

This hybrid training program, offered by the Mental Health Council, helps reduce mental health stigma, address challenges, and equips you to better support students and coworkers.

Participants must complete two (2) hours of preparatory videos on their own and six (6) hours of in-person training to become certified. The training will be led by Megan Cooperman and Brandon Muncy.

• Friday, November 1 and December 6, CT BOT S108, 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. 

To register, please email Megan Cooperman
November 7: Financial Wellness - Retiring from Montgomery College

Learn how to prepare for retirement with Sue Redding, HRSTM Benefits Manager.

Join Sue Redding, HRSTM Benefits Manager, on Thursday, November 7 from noon to 1:30 p.m., via Zoom. Learn how to prepare for retirement and get answers to your benefits questions.

Register here
30-Minute Massage at Central Services and Rockville

Schedule a 30-minute massage with Antwan Watson, Registered Massage Practitioner.

RSVPnew window a 30-minute massage with Antwan Watson, Registered Massage Practitioner at Central Services (CT) or at the Rockville (RV) campus. 

Cost: The $35 fee can be paid with cash, Venmo, or Zelle. 

Central Services (CT): Every Tuesdays in S115.

Rockville (RV): The third Wednesday of every month in SV 414. 

Healthy Habits Get Rewarded!

Preventive care helps you stay healthy and save money in the long run.

 

MC Wellness is raffling off gift cards to benefits-eligible employees who complete a preventive dental cleaning and annual physical exam. Enter our monthly raffle for your chance to win!

MC Wellness Class Schedule

Classes will be offered through December 20, 2024, excluding Montgomery College's official holidays.
Drop-ins are welcome, but we recommend registering to receive cancellation notifications. Register herenew window.

Please complete and submit the Staff Request for Time Off for Wellness Activities Form (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader.-Link opens in new window.) . For disability-related accommodations, please contact Megan Cooperman.

Virtual Live Classes – On Zoom

Please contact Megan Cooperman to secure the Zoom password.

Pilates Plus with Abril
Pilates is a low-impact, medium-paced class where you learn to utilize the breath and proper movement and alignment to improve your posture and balance. Pilates is a sequence of exercises designed to strengthen the entire body, with greater emphasis on the core, while increasing joint and spinal mobility and flexibility in all muscles.

What you will need: A yoga mat.

Noon–12:40 p.m. Begins September 30.


Join Zoomnew window Meeting
Email Megan Cooperman to obtain the access code. 

Registration Information
Registration for all classes closes 30 minutes before the class starts. You will receive the class link 15 minutes before class starts. If you are not able to attend the live class but would like to receive the recording, you must register for class before class starts. Recordings will be available for 24 hours.


Monday Meditation with Tonnie
A 15-minute meditation to begin your week on a calm and peaceful note. Stay for as long as you would like.

8:30 a.m. and noon

Join Zoomnew window Meeting
Meeting ID: 860 3348 0003
Passcode: Meditation

Yoga with Abril
A relaxing yoga class. For all levels. Class will be recorded for later use, please register herenew window.

5:15 p.m.


15-Minute Movement Break 

Includes movements and stretches from the Arthritis Foundation to increase mobility, help your joints, and support your overall well-being.

3–3:15 p.m.
Join Zoomnew window Meeting
Meeting ID: 874 277 9389 

Full Body Conditioning with Abril
Full-body conditioning is an effective, comprehensive, balanced, and well-sequenced workout. It is a perfect combination of low-impact cardio, muscular conditioning, and core strengthening exercises. The results... improved posture, increased stamina, mobility, and coordination. Cool down and stretch included.

What you will need: Tennis shoes, a yoga mat, a set of dumbbells weighing 3–10 pounds, a sweat towel, and a bottle of water.

Noon–12:45 p.m., Begins September 30.  

Join Zoomnew window Meeting
Email Megan Cooperman to obtain the access code. 

Registration Information
Registration for all classes closes 30 minutes before the class starts. You will receive the class link 15 minutes before class starts. If you are not able to attend the live class but would like to receive the recording, you must register for class before class starts. Recordings will be available for 24 hours.

15-Minute Desk Stretch
Includes gentle stretches to help your back, legs, hands, neck, and overall wellness.

3–3:15 p.m. 
Join Zoomnew window Meeting
Meeting ID: 874 277 9389

15-Minute Movement Break
Includes movements and stretches from the Arthritis Foundation to increase mobility, help your joints, and support your overall well-being.

3–3:15 p.m.
Join Zoomnew window Meeting
Meeting ID: 874 277 9389

 
Central Services 
 
 

Yoga with Pearl
A relaxing yoga class. For all levels.

12:10 p.m., Board of Trustees (BOT) Gallery 

 
Germantown Campus
Full Body Conditioning with Karen
Tone and strengthen your whole body. All equipment will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own mat.

12:30 p.m., PG, Main Gym  

Yoga with Joan
A  relaxing yoga class. For all levels.

12:15 p.m.

NEW Full Body Strength Training with Wai
Tone and strengthen your whole body. All equipment will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own mat.

12:15 p.m., PG Main Gym 
Rockville Campus
 

Pickleball
To participate you must register for wellnessnew window. To obtain the weekly sign-up link, please contact Megan Cooperman.

11:15 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Zumba Toning with Riko
Zumba dance moves with light weight toning.

12:15 p.m., PE 121  

Yoga with Alison 
A relaxing yoga class. For all levels.

12:15 p.m., SV 414

Aqua Zumba and Toning with Tania 
A shallow aqua fitness party that includes cardio, strength, and core. Aqua buoys (weights) and tools will be provided.

What you will need: Swimsuit or swim top and shorts. Aqua shoes recommended, but not required. Bring Your Own Towel (BYOT).

5:15 p.m., Pool. 

Cardio Dance Party with Megan and Karen
Start your weekend on a high note and join this easy-to-follow dance fitness class using various dance styles such as ballroom, pop, Latin, and more. Optional weights will be used for a short portion of the class.

12:15 p.m., PE 137A. 

NEW: Basketball 
Drop-in and play. *No coaching provided. 

1:15–2:15 p.m., PE 137A, Small Gym

 

Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus
Cardio and Strength Circuit with Rita
This class is a whole-body workout that includes cardio, core, strength, and toning exercises. For all levels.

3:45 p.m., P4 Open Fitness Center
 
Yoga with Lisa
A relaxing yoga class. For all levels.

12:15 p.m., P4 Open Fitness Center
Make sure to wear the appropriate fitness shoes for all classes, with the exception of yoga and Pilates.

Remain up-to-date with any schedule changes by frequently visiting the MC Wellness webpagenew window.  Please note,  instructors are subject to change and classes may be canceled due to low enrollment. 

Open Fitness Center 

The on-campus open fitness centers will be open from September 3 to December 20, 2024.

  • A current MC ID is required to participate .
  • Employees must submit a completed MC Wellness Formnew window and Par-Q Formnew window in order to use the Open Fitness Centers.
  • Approval in the DSERec system is also required prior to participating. To register in DSERec, employees must contact Megan Cooperman prior to attending the Open Fitness Center. 
  • Lockers are available for employees at the Rockville (RV) campus. To secure a lock, please email Megan Cooperman.
Germantown Campus

PG–108

2–4 p.m. 
 
2–4 p.m. 
1–4 p.m. 
Rockville Campus

PE–137B

8–9:30 a.m.  
1–3 p.m. Beginning September 16–December 14, 2024
3–4:30 p.m.
8–9:30 a.m.  
1–3 p.m. Beginning September 16–December 14, 2024
3–4:30 p.m.
8–9:30 a.m.  
Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus

P4, 101, and 102

 
3–6 p.m.  

9–11a.m.
11:15 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
2–4 p.m.  

 
  • A current MC ID required to participate .
  • Employees must submit a completed MC Wellness Formnew window and Par-Q Formnew window in order to use the Open Fitness Centers.
  • Approval in the DSERec system is also required prior to participating. To register in DSERec, employees must contact Megan Cooperman prior to attending the Open Fitness Center. 
  • Lockers are available for employees at the Rockville (RV) campus. To secure a lock, please email Megan Cooperman.

Wellness Resources

At MC, we are dedicated to supporting your success. Through the Wellness Educational Assistance Program (EAP) and Professional Development Assistance Program, active employees eligible for the EAP or PDAP can receive reimbursement for attending wellness classes, such as gym memberships and Weight Watchers, with a minimum requirement of ten (10) sessions per month or 75% participation.  

The maximum reimbursement amount for all activities is $50.


*Special membership rates are available to MC employees and retirees. If you are using a wellness app or participating in a wellness or fitness program that is not on this list and would like to know if it is eligible for EAPnew window reimbursement, please contact Megan Cooperman.

Retirees are eligible to participate in MC Wellness. All scheduled classes are free.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

MC Employees who want to obtain access to our wellness program must complete the Wellness Enrollment Form new windowand the PAR-Q Formnew window.

Yes, all employees, spouses, and retirees are required to complete the wellness registration forms, including the PAR-Q, once a year at the beginning of the new academic calendar in late August.

Yes and no. Upon completing the registration/waiver form, your spouse may participate in the wellness program.

Children may not participate in the wellness program.

MC allows up to 1 1/2 hours a week for wellness activities. Staff are encouraged to participate in wellness activities a minimum of three days a week.  A maximum of 1-1/2 hours of duty time per week can be approved for these activities. You must complete a Staff Request for Wellness Activities Form (PDF, Get Adobe Acrobat PDF Reader.-Link opens in new window.) that must be approved by your supervisor in order to utilize “release time” for wellness activities.

Staff who wish to request time to participate in wellness activities must match non-duty time with duty time. No more than one-half of the total wellness time may be released time; employees may use as much of their non-duty time as practical. Time for wellness activities must not exceed one hour at a time including time needed to get to and from the activity and time to change clothes.

To obtain access to the fitness centers on campus during their operating hours, employees, spouses, and retirees must complete an MC fitness center (DSE Rec) form. This form can be provided upon request after registering for MC Wellnessnew window. Prior to visiting an on-campus fitness center, please verify that your registrationnew window is complete.

To request reimbursement, active employees should create an expense report in Workdaynew window.  Attach documentation of attendance (e.g., for gym memberships, attendance must be at least ten times in a month; for studios or class packs, 75% of the offering must be utilized) along with proof of payment. For further assistance, please contact Megan Coopermannew window.

Yes, active employees may submit reimbursement requests for multiple wellness opportunities. Please provide proof of usage and payment for each opportunity, noting that the reimbursement limit is a maximum of $50 per activity.

Expense reports for wellness EAP reimbursements are typically approved at the beginning of the following month in which you submitted the request. For example, if you submit a request for September, it will be approved in October. Reimbursement will be processed within 2-4 weeks, depending on the bi-weekly payroll schedule. If you have direct deposit for your paycheck, the reimbursement will be deposited separately into your bank account on record. To check the status of your request, please search in Workdaynew window for "My Expense Reports."

No, enrollment fees are not eligible for reimbursement. However, you can receive reimbursement up to $50 per month for membership dues and class packs.

Yes, the wellness EAP reimbursement is considered part of your salary and is subject to taxation. The amount is taxed quarterly. You can find more information on the Educational Assistance Program (EAP) and Professional Development Assistance Program (PDAP) webpagenew window

According to IRS regulations, wellness prizes totaling $25 or more per employee are considered taxable income. This amount is taxed quarterly. You can find more information on this topic on the Educational Assistance Program (EAP) and Professional Development Assistance Program (PDAP) webpagenew window.

If you prefer lower-cost prizes, please contact Megan Cooperman for assistance.

Yes, as long as you meet certain conditions. Yes, you can hire one of the wellness staff as your own personal trainer outside the College campus. You will be responsible for the terms and payment of this individual and you enter into this agreement at your own risk. Please note, campus facilities may not be used for your training.

 Join Aqua Fitness on Thursday's at 5:15 p.m at Rockville.

If you cannot attend this session and would like an aqua fitness workout plan to do on your own, please contact Megan Cooperman.

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