Join the Recreation Membership Incentive Program to enjoy top-notch facilities across campus. Whether you want to walk on the track at the Field House, play pickleball at the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex, or take a fitness class at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center, there’s something for everyone.

Membership Discount

UI employees can earn 50% off their monthly recreation membership. The regular cost is $40 per month, but with the incentive, it’s only $20 per month. To qualify, sign up for payroll deduction with Recreational Services, complete the Personal Health Assessment (PHA) and use campus recreation facilities at least four times a month.

How to Get Started

  1. Sign Up: Join Recreational Services at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center, Field House, or the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex in person with a photo ID or email rec-services@uiowa.edu.
  2. Set-Up Fee: Pay a one-time $40 set-up fee. This fee is not included in the membership incentive.
  3. Monthly Payments: Authorize monthly payroll deduction of $40 per month for the membership fee. You will always be charged $40 on your monthly paycheck.

Monthly Payment Breakdown

  • First Month: One-time $40 set-up fee (payroll deduction)
  • Second Month and After: $40 regular membership fee (payroll deduction)
  • Third Month and After: Incentive payment of $20 per month (before tax), shown in the “Earnings” section of your paycheck. The incentive payment is considered taxable income and will be reflected on your monthly payroll statement.
    • If you are attending the facilities four times per month and have done your PHA, the incentive will be on your paycheck starting in the third month. 
    • This is because payroll cutoff is five business days before the end of the month. January visits will determine the March 1 incentive on your paycheck.

Eligibility

  • Active faculty/staff in 50% or greater regular positions (including UI Health Care House Staff and Postdoctoral Research Scholars). 
  • Complete the PHA every January. 
  • Use campus recreation facilities at least four times per month.
    • Postdoctoral Research Scholars do not have access to the PHA, but they are required to use campus recreation facilities at least 4 times per month to earn the incentive.

Tracking Facility Use

Scan your valid university ID at one of the membership desks each time you use the facilities. You can check your number of visits in person at the membership services desk or online.

Contact Information

Visit the Recreational Services website for more information on facilities, member services, and fitness programs/classes.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Recreation Membership Incentives

Can I participate in liveWELL programs and services during work time?

You may complete the Personal Health Assessment during work time, as your schedule and workload allow. It should take 10-15 minutes to complete. 

Other programs such as the Health Coach Service, using campus recreational facilities, or participating web-based programs at My liveWELL Portal may be done on non-work time or by receiving permission from your supervisor. The same is true for participation in any subsequent or referral programs. If you are unable to participate on work time, you can use vacation time to participate. 

For your convenience, Health Coach staff are available 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. on most days of the week and at two campus locations, or via phone, email, Zoom, Teams, or Skype. 

Do I have to use a facility to continue to receive the Recreation Membership Incentive?

Yes, to keep receiving the Recreation Membership Incentive, you must use UI recreation facilities four times per month (virtual visits count.) Facility use will be tracked by the number of times your ID is scanned at the membership desk of any facility. You can see how many visits you have logged during a month by registering for online services at the Recreational Services website.  Note:  There will be a one-month time lag on the incentive  (i.e., February visits will be used to determine the April 1 paycheck incentive, March visits will be used to determine the May 1 paycheck incentive, etc.)  

Who is eligible for the Recreation Membership Incentive Program?

The membership incentive to university recreation facilities is for faculty and staff in regular half-time or greater positions, including UI Health Care house staff and postdoctoral research scholars. Eligible faculty and staff will be required to take the Personal Health Assessment one time annually (beginning January 1) to qualify. 

Incentive recipients must visit recreation facilities at least four times each month to keep receiving the incentive. 

Note: Postdoctoral research scholars do not have access to the Personal Health Assessment, so their only requirement is to visit recreation facilities four or more times per month. 

Are retirees eligible to participate in liveWELL programs?

At this time, liveWELL programs are open to current faculty and staff only.

I am a staff member also enrolled as a student. How do I know whether I need to purchase a membership or whether it is included in my student fees?

If you are enrolled as a University of Iowa student, please review your student fee coverage for Recreational Services. You can contact Recreational Services directly at 319-335-9293. 

Why does the university offer Recreation Membership Incentives?

The University of Iowa is committed to a healthy campus culture for all UI community members. Exercise has health benefits and helps to reduce health risks associated with inactivity.