UK employees invited to attend Work-Life Harmony Self-Defense & Caregiving Series
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sep. 28, 2026) — Balancing work, personal responsibilities and caregiving can be challenging. To help employees build confidence, enhance personal safety awareness and support overall well-being, the University of Kentucky Police Department (UKPD) is partnering with UK Human Resources Work-Life Benefits to offer a Work-Life Harmony Self-Defense & Caregiving Series.
“Work-Life Benefits is focused on enhancing the whole person, which includes self-care at work and in life,” said Azetta Beatty, UK work-life benefit. “Having basic knowledge of self-defense can boost an employee’s physical safety confidence and morale. We are excited to partner with our UK Police Department to offer this three-part series. We invite employees and retirees to join us for one of two virtual workshops and the in-person demo practice session.”
The series features educational sessions led by Officer Paul Evans, coordinator of UKPD’s nationally recognized STARR (Self-defense Tactics and Risk Reduction) program. Participants will learn practical strategies for personal safety, situational awareness and self-defense while exploring resources that promote healthy work-life harmony.
These virtual sessions will introduce participants to personal safety concepts, risk reduction strategies and simple techniques that can help individuals feel more confident and prepared in everyday situations.
Session Dates (virtual via Zoom)
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Wednesday, Oct. 7 | noon to 1 p.m. Register for Oct. 7 session.
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Monday, Oct. 19 | noon to 1 p.m. Register for Oct. 19 session.
In-Person Self-Defense Class
Employees who would like hands-on instruction are encouraged to attend the in-person self-defense class led by Evans. Space is limited for the in-person session, so register early.
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Friday, Nov. 13 | noon to 1 p.m. | Alumni Gym, Mat Room. Register for in-person class.
These opportunities are open to all employees. Registration is free, but advance registration is required. If you have any questions, email starr@uky.edu.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and healthcare. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $1.02 billion research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.