Services and Programs
Discover the breadth of services FSAWS offers, tailored to enhance the well-being of all faculty, staff, retirees, and their household members, at absolutely no cost. Our dedicated team of licensed professionals provides assessment, brief counseling, and referrals as needed, while also collaborating with supervisors and departments to foster a positive work environment. From fitness initiatives to mindfulness practices and nutrition guidance, our holistic approach to well-being encompasses a variety of programs and resources. Join our community and embark on a journey towards a healthier lifestyle, prioritizing both body and mind. We’re eager to serve you!
In today’s fast-paced world, prioritizing our well-being can often take a backseat. Through our programming and the resources on this website, we hope to help cultivate a lifestyle that nurtures both your body and mind.
Whether you’re looking to kickstart your fitness journey, explore mindful practices, or enhance your nutrition habits, our comprehensive range of programs and content is designed to cater to your unique needs and goals.
Join our community of like-minded individuals who are committed to embracing wellness as a way of life.
Faculty/Staff Assistance
Faculty/Staff Assistance Counseling
We are dedicated to providing quality, confidential assistance to employees and their families who may be experiencing difficulties that impact their lives.
Core Counseling Services
Assessment
We provide confidential assessment for all employees and household members to determine whether short-term counseling or a referral to a community provider is recommended.
Short-Term Counseling
We offer confidential short-term solution-focused counseling to University of Illinois employees, retirees, and their household members. Examples of issues addressed include work-related issues, relationship and family concerns, grief and loss, substance use/addictions, stress, anxiety, depression, and other personal concerns.
Referrals
We offer referrals to community providers when long-term counseling is recommended. Individual therapists and group practices are invited in to describe their specialties to tailor a referral not only for skill set but also for therapeutic style to match the client’s needs.
Crisis/Trauma Debriefing
We respond to campus and/or departmental crises through individual crisis intervention, individual or group debriefings, and consultations for supervisors or departmental leaders following a critical incident or traumatic event such as the death of a coworker.
Faculty/Staff Assistance Work Groups
We will meet with work groups to address how to move a group from impasse and persistent dysfunction to constructive growth and advance problem-solving skills.
Leadership Consultations
We facilitate a discussion to provide an understanding of the relationship between presenting problems, underlying needs, and service recommendations. Examples may include:
- Adjustment to personnel change.
- Responding to the difficult employee.
- Dysfunctional group dynamics or work culture.
- Shared experiences that have collective impact such as the loss of a co-worker, organizational restructuring, or policy change.
Group Structured Series
A four-part series combines individual and group services with the target group. The intention is to identify the problem that the group faces, and a plan for both the individual and the group awareness of the role each plays in the current culture. The group will engage in a problem-solving process in the last group session. This in-depth discussion focuses on culture change. This series consists of two individual sessions with each person in the work group and two group sessions.
Mediation Services
This service provides conflict resolution for 2 members of a work group (3 if joined by the supervisor). This is a voluntary process and cannot be assigned as a directive. It consists of each person having an individual meeting and then a facilitated joint session. The goal is to seek a solution, not to determine fault. It cannot be provided during an investigation but can be recommended as a follow-up.
Process Series
The group dynamic is the interaction between group members. When supervisors, directors, and department heads need to be a part of the process discussion, group facilitation can be reassigned. It is designed to:
- Promote group development.
- Identify problem solving obstacles.
- Encourage group emotional intelligence.
Well-Being
Well-Being Creative Programs
Tapping into your creativity has been shown to lower stress and improve wellness. Studies show that engaging in creative activities improves health by reducing cortisol, enhancing problem-solving skills, boosting self-esteem, and much more!
Art Journaling
Art journaling is a creative and expressive practice that combines visual art and journaling. It involves using a journal or sketchbook as a space for artistic exploration, personal reflection, and self-expression. Art journaling is not limited to any specific skill level or artistic style, making it accessible to individuals with varying levels of artistic experience.
Dare to Dream
Dare to Dream class offers a unique approach to life planning where participants will actively visualize their personal and professional lives, and creatively strategize how to move toward realizing their dreams. Sessions are free, fun, and interactive with group support, honest introspection, and creative expression encouraged.
Well-Being Life Skills
Our life skills classes empower people with the skills to thrive personally and professionally. Join us on the journey to greater well-being and fulfillment in all areas of your life.
Financial Wellness
An initiative designed to support individuals in managing their financial well-being. We aim to provide education, resources, and tools to help individuals make informed financial decisions, reduce financial stress, and work towards long-term financial stability.
Meditation and Mindfulness
Get energized, focused, and calm! Join our mindfulness instructor extraordinary in a four-week virtual Mindfulness and Movement series. These live video classes combine mindfulness-based meditation instruction with easy-to-do "desk yoga" type exercise.
Nutrition and Healthy Eating
A structured initiative designed to promote and support individuals in making informed and health-conscious food choices. We provide education, resources, and practical tools to encourage a balanced and nutritious diet.
Stress Management
An initiative designed to help individuals identify, understand, and effectively cope with stress. We offer a variety of tools, techniques, and resources to promote mental well-being and resilience.
Weight Management
Our goal is to support individuals in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight through a combination of education, lifestyle changes, and behavior modification. We focus on addressing various aspects of weight management, including nutrition, physical activity, and psychological well-being.
Wellness Ambassadors
Program Overview
Wellness ambassadors are faculty or staff who voluntarily serve as liaisons between Well-Being Services and the respective department, division or college.
Target Audience
Employees who have enthusiasm, the ability to bring wellness to life at the departmental level, ability to access email and a willingness to share ideas.
Expectations
Ambassadors are expected to:
- Participate in an initial two-hour training with other departmental wellness ambassadors and the Well-Being Services staff.
- Participate in a one-hour quarterly wellness ambassador meeting. It is strongly suggested that you attend this meeting in person. If this is not possible, please send someone else from your department, or arrange to listen in remotely.
- Promote campus wellness programs among your co-workers by: 1) passing along email communication from Well-Being Services, 2) making announcements in departmental meetings, 3) posting flyers, fact sheets and other information, 4) registering participants for campus wellness programs, or 5) answer questions coworkers may have about wellness activities. A two-hour commitment per month for these duties is suggested. This time commitment is above and beyond attending the quarterly wellness ambassador meetings.
- Personally participate in campus wellness activities.
- Collect and provide feedback and recommendations from your department/division to the ambassador network and Well-Being Services.
- Use your passion for health and wellness to serve as a role model and positive influence on our workplace culture. Create excitement around leading a healthy lifestyle, and wellness program participation
Terms of Commitment
Wellness ambassadors are expected to serve for a one-year term. All Wellness Ambassadors must secure supervisory approval to act in the role.
Application Form
We accept applications on a rolling basis. Please send your completed and signed application to wellbeing@illinois.edu. Once your application has been reviewed by Well-Being Services, you’ll be contacted to review your Roles & Responsibilities as a Wellness Ambassador.