Take a Stroll During Seventh Annual UC Walks on June 15

Grab a pair of sneakers and get ready to move: UC Walks is set for Wednesday, June 15.

UC Walks is the annual systemwide event that encourages University of California faculty and staff members, retirees and students to take time out of their day to go for a stroll in the name of wellness, community and campus spirit.

At UC Merced, the event is from 8:30 a.m. to noon, and getting involved is easy. Participants should bring their CatCards to check in at the UC Walks registration table, and each person is asked to walk for at least 15 minutes. Each registered participant will receive a free UC Walks T-shirt while supplies last.

Walks take place on campus and at the Promenade, Castle Commerce Center, the Parcade Building, Mondo Building and the Fresno Center. Participants can walk wherever they choose or follow a Cat Trails path if on campus or at Castle.

Several of UC Merced’s campus leaders have led walks in previous years and will do so again this year. The schedule is still being determined but will be posted before the event.

At UC Merced, walk organizers have added an additional incentive to encourage participation. Departments with 90 to 100 percent participation will be entered into a drawing to win a catered lunch for its next staff meeting. The amount for lunch will be capped at $15 per person, up to $1,000. If funds remain, additional department(s) will be selected from the drawing until the funds are depleted. Percentage participation will be calculated as follows: total number of eligible Participants divided by the total number of active faculty or staff members within the department multiplied by 100.

The contest is open only to active faculty and staff members. The winning department will be in charge of ordering food from a restaurant of choice. The vendor must be a university-approved caterer. Funds cannot be used to purchase alcoholic beverages. Human Resources will announce the winning department(s) on June 22, and the prizes must be redeemed no later than Aug. 31.

Last year, more than 5,700 people took part in walks at UC’s campuses and medical centers, racking up more than 10,000 miles collectively.

Questions about UC Walks at UC Merced can be sent to benefits@ucmerced.edu.