Day of Reflection: Our plans to address well-being at UTSA
November 7, 2024
Roadrunners,
We know there are deep concerns about the well-being of members of our community as we witness an increase in stress, anxiety and uncertainty across our campuses. We’re writing to share how we plan to do better and be better as an anchor of support for you.
We’ve heard you, and we are committed to taking swifter, stronger actions to address these needs. Tomorrow, to support our students and the entire campus community, we are canceling all classes and halting non-essential work activities to share a Day of Reflection for us to pause, reflect and care for one another. We encourage you to come to campus, lean into resources and participate in free support programming throughout the day.
Please note that employees with essential job functions, such as Facilities, Public Safety, LARC, as well as those in units supporting tomorrow’s planned activities should report to work on-campus for their regular schedules or as directed by their supervisors. These employees will be granted a Day of Reflection at a different date. Please contact your supervisor if you have questions.
Tomorrow, you can expect:
We’ve heard you, and we are committed to taking swifter, stronger actions to address these needs. Tomorrow, to support our students and the entire campus community, we are canceling all classes and halting non-essential work activities to share a Day of Reflection for us to pause, reflect and care for one another. We encourage you to come to campus, lean into resources and participate in free support programming throughout the day.
Please note that employees with essential job functions, such as Facilities, Public Safety, LARC, as well as those in units supporting tomorrow’s planned activities should report to work on-campus for their regular schedules or as directed by their supervisors. These employees will be granted a Day of Reflection at a different date. Please contact your supervisor if you have questions.
Tomorrow, you can expect:
- Deer Oaks Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Counseling
- On-site counseling 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. North Paseo Building (NPB 1.408)
- Virtual counseling 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- HR Business Partner Support
- On-site support – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at North Paseo Building (NPB Suite 451)
- Teams Virtual support 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Campus Connect training – Participate in a suicide prevention bystander intervention program offered on-campus, in-person from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Wellbeing Meeting Room (RWC 1.806) and also virtually from 3 to 4 p.m.
- Leading for Wellbeing – join the Employee Success Center at UTSA for a virtual leadership huddle focused on leading for wellbeing on Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Therapy animals - Enjoy time with these pets at Campus Recreation from 9-11 a.m. and 2-4 p.m.
Please know these actions are just the beginning of our ongoing work to improve our well-being efforts. Beyond tomorrow, you can also expect to see and participate in an expanded wellness campaign that will include:
- Daily tabling at the Sombrilla – Stop by the Central Plaza from Nov. 11 – Nov. 15 to learn more about wellness resources offered at UTSA for employees. People Excellence team members will be available to answer employee questions and provide support.
- Enhanced employee programming – The UTSA Employee Success Center will offer leadership programming focused on well-being through the month of November. More details to follow.
- Additional training for faculty and staff
- Additional resources for faculty and staff
We mean it when we say—if you are struggling, reach out. If you’re hurting, we want to hear from you. If you have an idea to help us improve our work in this space, please share it.
Let’s continue to listen, lend a hand when needed, and tackle well-being head-on for the growth, wellness and care of our entire UTSA family.
With appreciation,
Taylor Eighmy
President
President
Veronica Salazar
Executive Vice President for Business Affairs and Chief Enterprise Development Officer
Executive Vice President for Business Affairs and Chief Enterprise Development Officer
Heather Shipley
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Katy Madden
Associate Vice President for People Excellence
