July 17, 2023

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, act, handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.

Many people from racial and ethnic minority groups have difficulty getting mental health care. This can be due to financial reasons or inadequate health insurance coverage. It may also be challenging to find providers from one’s same racial or ethnic group, as they may believe in the stigma about mental health care.

The Office of Employee Assistance (OEA) serves as an internal resource in support of faculty and staff's mental health needs. Offering wellness webinars, anonymous mental health screenings, virtual support groups and more, the OEA is here for you.

For assistance or to make a free and confidential appointment, please contact the OEA via email or telephone.

Questions? Contact OEA at 305-348-2469.

The OEA is a firm believer in the benefits of social connections and support. It aims to provide faculty and staff with a safe space to cultivate and maintain a sense of empowerment and wellbeing while connecting with colleagues.

Register now to take advantage of these professionally moderated virtual support groups:

• Gathering Place Support Group: This stress relief focused support group meets every first Friday of the month at 12 p.m.



• Caring and Sharing Support Group: This caregiver relief focused support group meets every last Friday of the month at 12 p.m.

Questions? Contact OEA at 305-348-2469.

We are pleased to announce that Ileana Gonzalez, Senior Administrative Assistant, Center for Internet Augmented Research & Assessment, will commence her well-deserved retirement on Monday, July 24.

Join us in congratulating Ileana by sending her well wishes via Empower.

Want to recognize your deserving colleagues nearing retirement? Complete the Retirement Token of Appreciation and University Announcement form to be featured in upcoming newsletters.

Questions? Contact the FIU Retiree Association at 305-348-0101.

We are delighted to share with the university community that another Panther will soon embark on their retirement journey. Maggie Zabalo, Accounting Specialist, FIU Foundation, will begin her retirement on Friday, July 28.

Don't forget to celebrate Maggie's important milestone by sending her a congratulatory e-card via Empower.

Questions? Contact the FIU Retiree Association at 305-348-0101.

Be sure to review these important benefits updates and reminders:

• Retirement Scam Alert
• Wellness Bite Webinar: The Curative Power of Solitude
• Deferred Earning Program (DEP) Enrollment Period: April - August

Questions? Contact Benefits Administration at 305-348-2181.

Check out these savings from our Perks Program:

• Brightline
• Zoo Miami
• FIU KOFE
• Sam's Club
• Adrienne Arsht Center

Questions? Contact Benefits Administration at 305-348-2181.

Join the Office of Scholarships, Financial Aid and the Financial Wellness Program on Friday, July 21 at 12 p.m., for a virtual training on Supporting Panther's Financial Wellbeing.

Register for this upcoming webinar to learn about the university's resources and protocols meant to help students who are experiencing financial difficulties.

Questions? Contact the Office of Academic Support Initiatives & Services (OASIS) at 305-348-2963.

Check out the FIU Calendar regularly, as it is frequently updated with new and exciting events, such as these:

• Turnitin: AI Indicator Training for FIU Faculty
• Turtulia Nights
• The Sales Blueprint: Crafting a Winning Strategy

Want to share an event? Complete an event submission form to be featured on the FIU Calendar.

Questions? Contact [email protected].