Faculty and staff well being is valued at GVSU. Physical activity is a vital component to wellbeing and GVSU strives to increase the ability for faculty and staff to take time to fit physical activity into their day. The exercise release time policy reflects University’s mission by providing opportunities for faculty and staff to maintain optimal health and capacity to educate students. The policy supports university values, specifically sustainability and effective teaching. The concept of sustainability includes modeling a lifestyle of healthy living through active living, which this policy supports.

The policy provides opportunities for physical activity during the workday encouraging and promoting health risk reduction. It has been shown that physical activity increases attentiveness, reduces stress and biochemical functions such as blood pressure and glucose levels. A healthier faculty and staff population with fewer health risks can increase the number of positive interactions between faculty, staff and students through improved attentiveness, reduced stress and more. 

Upon supervisor approval, GVSU staff may utilize up to two (2) 30 minute time periods a week to allow time to freshen up from, or to prepare for, a fitness class or individual workout. Pending schedules and workload, up to two additional 30-minute time periods per week may be permitted. This time can be added to the beginning of the workday, added to the lunch period, or to the days end and is inclusive of travel time if needed (i.e. to the Field house or YMCA for a class). Days and times to utilize this policy may be determined with the help of a written agreement between the supervisor and staff member (see HR website for this optional written agreement form). The release time may be divided into time prior to or after the indicated workout period. For further information contact Human Resources at 331-2215.