Wellness Information for Postdocs

Wellness and Work-Life-Balance is integral to the demanding life of a postdoctoral scholar. We recognize that balancing work and family responsibilities can be both time consuming and stressful. There are a number of valuable resources available to help postdoctoral scholars lead productive and healthy lives.

UC Postdoctoral Scholar Benefits Plan (PSBP)

UC Postdoctoral Scholar Benefits Plan (PSBP) The University of California Postdoctoral Scholar Benefits Plan (PSBP), brokered by Garnett-Powers & Associates, is a comprehensive program that offers Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D Insurance, Short-Term Disability Insurance and Voluntary Long-Term Disability Insurance.

Newly appointed postdocs have 31 days from their appointment start date to enroll for benefits. Failure to enroll on a timely basis will prevent receiving benefits for the current plan year. Do not wait to enroll in benefits if the the 31 day Period of Initial Eligibility (PIE) ends prior to Postdoc Orientation. If a postdoc has questions, email benefits@uci.edu or call 949 824-5198 to receive answers so the form can be submitted to the department administrator well in advance of the deadline.

Graduate Division Counselor

The Graduate Division Counselor, Phong Luong, Psy.D. is here to support postdoctoral scholars with their academic journey. This includes time management skills, effective communication skills, and referrals to campus or community resources. The office is located in Aldrich Hall, room 120. Appointments can be made by calling (949) 824-0246.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free, confidential service that is available to campus academic appointees and staff: EAP has 3 components: clinical, personal, and work/life services

All of the services provided under EAP are available by a single point of contact via a toll-free telephone number, (800) 433-2320, 24/7.
Multilingual counselors are also available. Callers need to identify their connection to the University of California, Irvine as either an employee or a dependent of an employee.

Office of the Ombudsman

The Office of the Ombudsman provides a safe and comfortable environment to discuss complaints, concerns or problems confidentially. When appropriate, the office will initiate an informal intervention with the goal of facilitating a resolution that is acceptable to all parties involved. The ombudsman acts as an independent, impartial resource. If a matter cannot be resolved through our office, a referral will be made. When appropriate, the office can make recommendations regarding policy review and change. The Office of the Ombudsman serves all students, faculty, staff and administrators of the UCI community – both on the main campus and at the medical center.

Anteater Recreation Center

The Anteater Recreation Center (ARC) offers programs such as classes and clinics, intramural sports, fitness and wellness, outdoor adventures (including sailing), and other organized programs both inside the ARC and at convenient off-site location. The ARC is located on East Campus. Check the website for quarterly/annual rates for UCI employees.