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, ) 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.
Employee Wellness Events
Sponsored by MCRPA, MC Wellness, and ELITE. This training will be led by Tracey Smith-Bryant, PhD, and Megan Cooperman. Join here.
Join MC Line Dancing instructor Gizelle Merced for a free line dancing class at Life Time Fitness Gaithersburg. MC employees are invited to participate after completing Life Time Fitness waivers. RSVP here.
Join us at Central Services (CT) in S108 to make cards for your friends and family or donate them to seniors in need.
Experience the magic of the holidays with a live piano bar. Watch this event live at CT in S108 or via Zoom. Healthy snacks will be provided at CT. Register here.
Monday, January 20, 2025
Renew is a program focused on creating calm, boosting happiness, increasing energy,
and sharpening focus. It offers strategies for all aspects of well-being—physical,
mental, social, and emotional. Register here.
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, ) . For disability-related accommodations, please contact Megan Cooperman.
Please contact Megan Cooperman to secure the Zoom password.
Noon–12:40 p.m.
Register herenew window.
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
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
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
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.
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
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 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
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 24 Hour Fitness
- Active and Fit Direct for Cigna (PDF, )
- Aquatic Centers
- Barre/Pilates/Yoga Studios
- ClassPass for Kaisernew window
- CrossFit Gyms
- Fitness and Well-being Support from Optum for Kaiser (PDF, )
- Golds Gym
- Jazzercise Gaithersburg
- Kaiser ChooseHealthy® (PDF, )
Program (PDF, ) - LA Fitness
- Life Timenew window*
- NOOM
- Onelife Fitness (PDF, ) *
- Orange Theory
- Peloton
- The Rockville Swim and Fitness Center* (PDF, )
- Weight Watchers Digital*new window (MC Access ID: 15886609)
*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.
- A Practical Guide to Coping with Grief (PDF, )
- CDC How Right Now Tool Kitnew window
- Cigna Behavioral Mental Health Virtual Care (PDF, )
- Cigna Behavioral Virtual Providers (PDF, )
- Cigna Brightline Overview (PDF, )
- Cigna How to Find a Behavioral Well-being Provider (PDF, )
- How to Recognize and Reduce Anxietynew window
- Kaiser Self-care Apps (PDF, )
- MC CARES Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP)
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)new window
- National Mental Health Hotline: 988new window
- Resources for Mental Health in Montgomery Countynew window
- Resources for Resilient Wellbeing by Dr. Rick Hansonnew window
- Breathe2Relax - Free Breathing Appnew window
- Cigna Mindful and Meditation Podcasts new window
- Kaiser Audio Meditations for Healthnew window
- Kaiser 5 Step Guide to Self-care (PDF, )
- Marconi Union, Weightless, Eight (8) Minute Song to Reduce Anxietynew window
- Mindful Self-compassionnew window
- Topics for Personal Growthnew window
- UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness: Guided Audio to Practice Mindfulness Based Stress Reductionnew window
- Virtual Calming Roomnew window
- Wednesday Meditations with Dr. Rick Hansonnew window
- Yoga Videos with Willow Street Yoganew window
- Alcoholics Anonymousnew window
- American Diabetes Associationnew window
- American Heart Associationnew window
- DEA Resources Guide (PDF, )
- Giant Food: Healthy Livingnew window
- National Institute on Aging new window
- OMADA for Cigna (PDF, )
- Orange Theory Free Fitness Videosnew window
- Smoking Cessation Resourcesnew window
- YMCA Free Fitness Videosnew window
- Yoga Videos with Willow Street Yoganew window
Retirees are eligible to participate in MC Wellness. All scheduled classes are free.
- AARP Wellnessnew window
- ICAA for Active Agingnew window
- Montgomery County Senior Sitenew window
- National Institute on Agingnew window
- Rockville Senior Centernew window
FAQs
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, ) 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.