UWF Perks
The University of West Florida provides employees the opportunity to participate in a variety of benefit programs. Our goal is to provide employees with a robust selection of benefits to meet their personal needs in dealing with work/life balance issues.
UWF has established a work-life task force to review work-life policies, benefits, and programs. The members focus on Flexible Work Options (tenure clock extension policy; modified duties policy; family/parental leave policy), and Education and Awareness (support programs for faculty during family transitions; formal policy review and development).
The work-life task force recognizes the varied responsibilities of work and personal life for UWF’s faculty and staff. Research and common experience suggest that work and personal life may conflict with one another, but may also provide synergistic opportunities. A harmonious relationship between work and life promotes individual and organizational well-being. The purpose of the work-life task force is to evaluate and advocate for policies, practices, and services that facilitate an enriching work-life relationship.
Part of the work-life task force's mission is make UWF employees aware of the programs, services, and discounts available to all employees of the university. The information contained herein aims to encapsulate all of the work-life programs made available to staff. Please let us know if there is something new or missing and we will update as appropriate.
The University of West Florida offers many different educational opportunities for employees. Please visit the links below to explore your options.
The University recognizes paid holidays as listed below. If a holiday falls on a Sunday, it will be observed on the following Monday. If it falls on a Saturday, it is observed on the preceding Friday.
| 2023 Holidays | |
|---|---|
| Veterans Day (Observed) | Friday, November 10, 2023 |
| Declared Holiday | Wednesday, November 22, 2023 |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, November 23, 2023 |
| Day after Thanksgiving | Friday, November 24, 2023 |
| Declared Holiday | Thursday, December 21, 2023 through Friday, December 22, 2023 |
| Winter Holidays | Sunday, December 24, 2023 through Monday, January 1, 2024 |
| Declared Holiday | Tuesday, January 2, 2024 through Wednesday, January 3, 2024 |
| 2024 Holidays | |
|---|---|
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Monday, January 15, 2024 |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 27, 2024 |
| Juneteenth | Wednesday, June 19, 2024 |
| Independence Day | Thursday, July 4, 2024 |
| Labor Day | Monday, September 2, 2024 |
| Veterans Day | Monday, November 11, 2024 |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, November 28, 2024 |
| Day after Thanksgiving | Friday, November 29, 2024 |
| Winter Holidays | Tuesday, December 24, 2024 through Wednesday, January 1, 2025 |
The Office of Recreation provides a wide variety of recreational activities designed with the University community in mind. The program has six basic areas: Informal Recreation, Aquatics, Fitness/Wellness, Intramural Sports, Outdoor Adventure, and Sport Clubs. For more information, please visit the Office of Recreation, Building 72, Room 269,or call 850-474-2586,or Customer Service at 850-474-2580.
The following is a list of the travel and vacation resources available to UWF employees. Offers made by other organizations may change or be removed at anytime without notification to UWF. If you discover that an offer has been discontinued, please email Adrian Rowley and we will do our best to resolve the matter. UWF is unable to endorse or guarantee any discounts or offers.
Walt Disney World - Experience the magic for less. Visit the Disney website to take advantage of savings available to Florida residents. On occasion, tickets may be offered through the Commons Information Desk in Building 22. These are independent from the Florida resident discount and any discount that may be received by being a UWF employee.
Georgia Aquarium - The Georgia Aquarium Welcomes The University of West Florida
AAA Group Membership - The University of West Florida now has a Group Membership account with AAA. Effective immediately UWF faculty and staff can obtain a new AAA membership at a reduced rate. Membership can be used towards discounts on many items from movie tickets, trips, hotels, shopping, restaurants, and more. To sign up, please speak with a AAA staff member by calling 850-936-1755. If you have questions, please call Adrian Rowley at 850-474-2604.
Car Rental: Avis/Budget - For personal use, reservations may be made online or by phone. Employees would choose “Leisure” if no portion of travel is for business reasons. For further instructions, visit the Procurement and Contracts Vehicle Rental Contract Summary Page.
The following is a list of the discounts on programs and services afforded UWF employees. If there is a discount that you are aware of that does not appear below, please email Adrian Rowley and we will do our best to keep the list as up-to-date as possible. If you become aware of new discounts, please email them to us and we will look into adding them to our list.
Did you know?...
- That at UWF, employees can enjoy a free membership to the HLS facility (exercise equipment, variety of workout classes) as well as access the Aquatic Center (Olympic-sized pool, hot tub, dry sauna) for a low rate?
- That UWF employees are eligible for discounted rates on cell phone plans through cell phone carrier companies, such as AT&T?
Employee Suggestions
The Program of Incentive for Efficiency (PIE) was established as a way to gather suggestions that save money or create new revenue for the university. Employees may be rewarded up to $25,000 for adopted suggestions depending on the benefit to the university.
Several employees have suggested ideas and have received cash awards. PIE also rewards the employees who implement the suggestion; everyone who is involved in making the suggestion a success, shares in the rewards.
Forms and Instructions
You may also review the PIE charter and committee membership.
In an effort to support nursing mothers, UWF now offers an area for individuals needing a private place to express breast milk. The room is located on the third floor of the John C. Pace Library on the main UWF campus and is open to faculty, staff, students, and visitors. In order to use the space, one may check out the key using a Nautilus card at the Circulation Desk during the Library’s regular operating hours.
Anyone who wishes to verify whether the room is available or already in use prior to traveling to the Library may call ahead to the Circulation Desk at 850-474-2414. Though the key may be checked out for up to two hours, patrons are asked to return it when they have finished using the lactation room so that others may access this space.
