Well-being Resources
The Office of the Provost is committed to the professional success and personal well-being of all faculty members. This webpage highlights well-being resources available to faculty. Review the Faculty Work/Life and Family Resources brochure for information on work/life-related policies, relocation resources, and family support programs and benefits. Northwestern has also collected Information and Support for Faculty and Staff as part of the University's return to campus to address feelings of anxiety and stress, among other questions and concerns.
Consultation and Counseling
- Faculty Wellness Program: Northwestern’s Faculty Wellness Program offers assistance to full-time faculty members who are experiencing difficulties in their professional or personal lives. Contact: Gaurava Agarwal, MD at gagarwal@nm.org. or Learn more.
- Employee Assistance Program: The Employee Assistance Program (EAP), a program for faculty and staff, provides a network of services, including free short-term counseling, to help address everyday life challenges in a confidential, professional, and supportive manner. Contact 855-547-1851 or Learn more.
Wellness Programming
- Faculty Well-being Conversations: Learn about resources and share strategies and experiences on topics related to wellness and on navigating challenges including parenting, eldercare and dealing with chronic illness.
- October 27 (4pm-5pm) – Collective Trauma
- November 9, 2021 (12pm-1pm) – Navigating the Challenges of Parenting
- January 14, 2022 (12pm-1pm, virtual) – Navigating the Challenges of Eldercare
- Spring 2022 – Dealing with Chronic Illness
Time Management and Planning Workshops
- The Provost Office offers a quarterly series of interactive time management workshops led by external experts.
- October 6 (2pm-4pm) – Every Quarter Needs a Plan
- January 19 (2pm-4pm) – Delegating for Academics: You Have to Turn Loose
- May 20 (10am-12pm) – Think Through Your Summer Planning with Wisdom, Intention, and Truthfulness
Meditation, Yoga, and Exercise Classes
- Northwestern Recreation offers free remote fitness classes, both live and on-demand. Membership is not required for these classes. Learn more.
- The Office of Well-being is providing Your Daily remote yoga, meditation, and exercise classes. Learn more.
- Additional live meditation opportunities are available both virtually and in person. Learn more.
- White light therapy is available free to faculty, staff and students. Learn more.
- Northwestern Recreation offers faculty the lowest membership rates available, which include access to in person group exercise classes. Personal trainers, private yoga/pilates, massage therapy, and a breath class are also available for a fee. Learn more.
Additional Resources
- Office of the Ombudsperson
- The Office of the Ombudsperson offers assistance on a broad array of issues, including academic and work-related concerns. The Ombudsperson acts as a neutral, independent, impartial and confidential resource for faculty, staff and students on all three Northwestern campuses: Evanston, Chicago and Doha, Qatar. Contact the Ombudsperson at ombuds@northwestern.edu.
- Well-Being and YourLife Wellness Program, Human Resources
- A wide variety of programs, services, discounts, and resources to help you make thoughtful, informed choices to support your physical, financial, and emotional well-being. Learn more.
- Work-Life and Family Resources
- Explore information on work/life-related policies and family support programs and benefits including childcare and eldercare, including Backup Care and the Sitters and Tutors Network. Learn more.
- National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity
- Northwestern University is a member of the National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity (NCFDD). This membership offers free access to online professional development resources and support for well-being. Open to all faculty and graduate students. Learn more.