Resources available to support employee health and well-being

Staying healthy during the holiday season can be a challenge – this year especially. Oakland University has numerous resources available to support employees with mental and physical health needs. In addition, resources are available to help students through their last two weeks of the semester.

Helping individuals cope during the holidays and knowing that it’s ok to not be ok is important. The following external resources provide excellent tips to help manage holiday stress:

• Coping with the Holidays Survival Guide – PsychCentral
  
  
• It's OK to Not Be OK During the Holidays – Psychology Today 

Taking Care

Faculty and staff are encouraged to save the dates for helpful AP Assembly Sessions, which are free to attend. For session descriptions and presenter info on virtual events, visit the AP Assembly calendar. Two examples of helpful sessions are:

• Managing Stress During a Global Pandemic (Infusing Mindfulness Meditation in your Daily Life)
  December 14, 4 p.m.
  
  
• Laughter During the Pandemic
  January 6, 10 a.m. virtual
  
  

Getting and Staying Active

One of the many ways to stay healthy is through regular physical activity. Here are two options to help keep campus community members moving over the next few weeks:

• Use the Rec Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through December 15. Precautions are in place to ensure workouts are safe! Abbreviated lap swim times are available by registration.
  
  
• Check out the free library of virtual group fitness classes at Facebook.com/ourecwell. Click on the video link at the top for a scrolling list of options.
  
  

Taking Care of Students

The Dean of Students Office is available to assist with multiple situations that students may find themselves navigating. The links below provide important information on how to help students. Additional information on cheating, academic misconduct or those needing emergency relief is also provided.

• Finding Support @OU
  
  
• Getting Caught vs. Reaching Out – Tips from the Dean of Students Office
  
  
• Student Emergency Relief Fund

For personal assistance, email [email protected] or call 248-370-3352.

The OU Counseling Center is another excellent resource to help students and employees with mental health needs. Counseling is available for students for free. Students can contact the Counseling Center to schedule an appointment at (248) 370-3465. Faculty and staff needing to consult with a counselor regarding a student or other need can call the same line.

Videos produced by Counseling Center staff also provide helpful of information related to staying motivated, depression and anxiety, self-care, grief and loss, and general counseling center services.

Finally, faculty and staff are encouraged to download the Suicide Crisis Resource Card for use in cases of emergency.