Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022

Dear UNT Faculty and Staff,

It’s hard to believe the middle of November is already here, and before we know it, we’ll be pushing through finals and celebrating our newest graduates at commencement. It’s a very busy time for everyone and often it can bring stressors and challenges for many.

As we head into this busy time, I want to refocus our attention on finding ways to promote wellbeing at work and to remind everyone to take time out to care for yourselves – and each other. To get us going next week Nov. 14-18, we’re launching Wellbeing @ Work, a monthly campaign to meet you where you are and provide support and resources for your wellbeing – mentally, emotionally, physically, socially, even financially.

In keeping with the holiday season, this month’s theme is Showing Gratitude and Dealing with Stress. From virtual stretches and meditation to social walking and a cornhole tournament, I encourage you to review the Wellbeing @ Work events planned for next week and find a few that would benefit you, then step away from your busy schedules and allow yourself that time to participate.

In addition, I’m encouraging our leadership in every division and college to allow for a “Casual Friday All Week” next week Nov. 14-18 as well. Dress down a little, and relax! Don’t forget that we’ve previously instituted “meeting free” days for the three days leading up to the Nov. 24-25 Fall Break to allow you to focus on what needs to be done without interruption before the break.

We’ll also soon launch our new wellness-based resource website, which will serve as a valuable resource for you and our students as we further support wellbeing across campus. Watch UNT Today to learn when the website is live, and be sure to watch for December’s Wellbeing @ Work events.

Please take the time to care for yourselves and each other. I appreciate all that you are doing for our university and our students.

UNT Proud,

Neal Smatresk

President