Mental Health Action Plan
As part of the university’s Strategic Priorities, Ontario Tech has recognized the importance of mental health in our efforts to develop a sticky campus and support well-being. This commitment extends to the development and implementation of a Mental Health Action Plan.
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Background
- As part of the university’s 2023-2028 Integrated Academic-Research Plan, Ontario Tech has recognized the importance of mental health in our efforts to develop a sticky campus and support well-being.
- Onboarding of new role: Manager of Employee Health and Wellness
- Creation of Employee Mental Health and Well-being Committee (EMHWBC)
- Collaborate with stakeholders such as the Healthy Workplace Committee
- Information Gathering Sessions were conducted in October-November 2023 to determine what is working well and areas for improvement
- Feedback grouped into themes and shared with the EMHWBC to develop recommendations
Communication
Regular reminders of the available supports and resoruces.
Actions we're taking:
- Establish a network of Wellness Champions
- Offer Crucial Conversations training - register for upcoming sessions today.
- Collaborate with key stakeholders to create awareness for the resources available to staff and faculty to support student mental health and well-being
- Resources include:
Someone to talk to
Increasing access and providing timely support.
Actions we're taking:
- Promotion of Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Chat/Text Feature - Visit our EAP web page to learn more.
- Create toolkits
- Staff/Faculty Mental Health Toolkit: Crisis reponse, Trauma-informed care, and Self-care
- Leader Toolkit: Supporting your team's mental health and well-being.
- Visit Leader Support: Wellness at Work for Leaders to access additional leader resources.
- Creating awareness within leadership to explore Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Group Sessions during exceptional times of need
Social connections
Fostering a Sticky Campus.
Actions we're taking:
- Providing opportunities for social connections via annual mental health and well-being events:
- January: Let’s Talk Day
- May: Mental Health Week
- October: Health, Safety & Wellness Fair
- Visit the University's Events Calendar to view upcoming events, examples include:
- Creative Wellness Hive offered in partnership with The Living Room Community Art Studio on Thursdays from noon to 4 p.m.
- Wellness Wednesdays (virtual) from 2:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
University culture
Creating a healthy workplace culture where we can all thrive.
Actions we're taking:
- Toolkit to support Disconnecting from Work
- Explore opportunity with IEAC to embed Indigenous Medicine Wheel
- Create dedicated web page for MHAP and initiatives
