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Fall welcome from the Faculty Wellness Program director

September 29, 2022

Dear faculty colleagues,

No matter the stage of our careers, living and working as faculty members at a top-tier university challenges us in ways that are unique to our chosen fields. As we settle into another academic year, I want to share some reminders and updates about the resources that Northwestern offers faculty to support your personal well-being.

 

Faculty Wellness Program

The Faculty Wellness Program (FWP) has served as a valuable resource for hundreds of faculty navigating personal and professional issues over the past six years. The FWP’s primary function is to make resource connections for full-time (benefits-eligible) faculty members experiencing difficulties stemming from stress, depression, anxiety, family strains, workplace relationship problems, burnout, alcohol or substance abuse, or other issues.

I assumed the role of FWP director last December, and I am pleased to share that Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Jason Washburn, Ph.D., recently was named associate director. Together, we are working to be your wellness advocates. Please contact us if you are ever in need or have suggestions for enhancing our resources and programming.

 

Employee Assistance Program

Beginning Oct. 1, Northwestern will transition from Humana to SupportLinc for its Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services. To help you understand how this transition affects faculty and their families, I will join SupportLinc account manager Jamee Johnson for a faculty information session at noon on Oct. 18. Among the enhancements we will see with the new EAP are:

  • 10 short-term counseling sessions per life issue for employees and household members, including children age 1+, dependents up to age 26 living in or outside of the household, other household family members and roommates
  • Access to a diverse and multilingual provider network
  • Support from a licensed clinician Care Advocate throughout your entire care experience
  • Digital support programs: Text coaching, self-guided behavioral health programs and anonymous virtual support groups
  • Financial and legal consultations

 

Faculty Wellness Month

After a successful launch of Faculty Wellness Week in February, Northwestern will expand the program to a full Faculty Wellness Month in October. Check out the full calendar of special events and daily wellness suggestions designed to address several dimensions of well-being. I want to draw special attention to a handful of key events and opportunities:

  • Oct. 10, noon: Parenting Children and Teens with Mental Health Challenges (register online)
  • Oct. 18, noon: SupportLinc EAP: Faculty Informational Session (register online)
  • Oct. 27, 1 p.m.: How to Have More Time for Research and Writing (register online)
  • Oct. 10-13: Free Access to the Henry Crown Sports Pavilion (more information)

You can find many more wellness recommendations on the Faculty Wellness Month webpage and calendar.

 

I wish you a healthy and productive academic year.

Sincerely, 

Gaurava Agarwal, MD
Associate Professor and Director of the Faculty Wellness Program