May 8, 2023

Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the U.S. since 1949. Each year,

millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition.

In May, the Office of Employee Assistance (OEA) joins the National Alliance for Mental Illness movement to raise awareness about mental health.

This year's campaign, "More Than Enough," is a message of hope and inclusion - uplifting and empowering all who face mental health issues. We want to affirm the idea that people are inherently worthy of life, love and healing — no matter where they are in their journeys.

To learn more about your mental health, please consider taking a free, confidential and anonymous mental health screening.

To gain a fuller understanding of the importance of mental health, please join us and enroll in the OEA's Mental Health Matters webinar.

Questions? Contact the OEA at 

305-348-2469.

Connection is a fundamental human need! Meaningful interpersonal relationships play a crucial role in promoting well-being, happiness, and fulfillment in life.

In the Harvard Gazette, Liz Meneo shared the following result of the Harvard Study of Adult Development: “Close relationships, more than money or fame, are what keep people happy throughout their lives. Those ties protect people from life’s discontents, help to delay mental and physical decline, and are better predictors of long and happy lives than social class, IQ, or even genes.”

Our spring workshop, Being Connected - Building Meaningful Relationships with Family, Friends, and Colleagues, will discuss what a truly meaningful relationship is. Additionally, it will provide tools and resources to develop and maintain strong social bonds. Register for the upcoming session on Tuesday, May 23rd.



Questions? Contact the OEA at 

305-348-2469.

Join us for a 3-part virtual discussion group for historian Annette Gordon-Reed's book,

On Juneteenth.

Spaces are limited, all 25 participants will receive complimentary copies of the book and professional development hours. Register now for these upcoming sessions:

• Friday, May 19
• Friday, May 26
• Friday, June 9

Questions? Contact DEI at 305-348-7762.

Camp Discover, on the Modesto A. Maidique Campus, connects future Panthers with the work of FIU. Open to all of the community, FIU faculty and staff get a discounted weekly rate and the ability to use payroll deduction for their camper's tuition

Registration is open and spots are filling fast - reserve your spot today!

Questions? Contact the CASE at 305-919-5568.

KOFE is delighted to be back with more chance drawings and financial counseling resources for faculty and staff.

To join the fun, visit FIU KOFE, and log in with your FIU credentials to participate in the following complimentary activities:

• Online Monthly Scavenger Hunt Series: Answer this month's scavenger hunt question! Those who participate and submit the correct answer will be entered into a chance drawing. 
• Upcoming Webinars: Register to attend the upcoming webinars that cover essential topics in finance and health.

We are also excited to announce the winner of last month's scavenger hunt! Thank you to all who participated, and stay tuned for more chances.

Be sure to check out KOFE’s May Newsletter.

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

The FIU Embrace Education program is recruiting faculty and staff who are interested in becoming a student mentor.

This program is a non-degree, inclusive postsecondary transition program for students with Intellectual Disabilities and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The primary goal of the program is to offer a comprehensive and integrated university-based education that is inclusive, accessible, and promotes competitive integrated employment and independent living.

The FIU Embrace Education's new addition, the Faculty Mentor Program, aims to provide our students with the support necessary to navigate challenges faced during the college transition. This enriching mentorship opportunity spans one academic year with an opportunity to continue at the beginning of the following academic year.

Eligibility Criteria:

•  Bachelor’s degree
•  Full-time faculty/staff
• Available to meet with student(s) one hour per week

Faculty and staff members who are interested in participating, please contact FIU Embrace Education. Registration deadline for recruitment is Friday, June 30th.

Questions? Contact FIU Embrace Education at (305) 348-5445.

Be sure to review these important benefits updates and reminders:

• Wellness Bite Webinar: Better Sleep with Baptist Health
• Address Review & Update Reminder
• TIAA's New Spanish-Language Experience for Your Retirement Well-being

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

Take a look at these savings from our Perks Program:

•   Brightline
•   FIU KOFE
•   Miami Attractions and Museums
•  Youfit
•  Adrienne Arsht Center

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

The FIU Calendar is always being updated with new and exciting events. Check it out and see if you find any upcoming events that may interest you, such as these:

• War and Hope in Ukraine: The Power of Art Exhibition
• Tierra Media Project Exhibition
• 2023 Annual BSI Research Symposium
• Disaster Resiliency: It's Your Business

Want to share an in-person or virtual event? Complete an event submission form to be featured on the FIU Calendar.

Questions? Contact [email protected].