September 18, 2020

Dear UM Family,

As we approach the end of our fifth instructional week, I’ve been thinking about the amount of time, effort and emotional labor our community has expended to take care of our students and each other. I know that many of you are drawing upon reserves that might feel close to depleted, and yet you continue to give your energy and care to our UM family. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every portion of my life, and I know the same is true for many of you as you balance work, family responsibilities and self-care. I am deeply grateful to be facing this alongside all of you.

For many of us, this has been one of the most challenging times of our careers. And as I look ahead to the continued uncertainty, I realize how important it will be for us to prioritize our well-being. We are here because we believe in our students and our work, and we give so generously of ourselves because what we do truly matters. But this belief alone will not sustain us through a particularly taxing time in higher education.

And so I encourage you to take advantage of opportunities to recharge, destress, and invest in your own well-being. I recently recommitted to a personal practice of a few minutes of reading and quiet contemplation early each morning, and I hope you will also find ways to attend to your own wellbeing. Please take advantage of the many benefits and resources available to you during this unprecedented time. A few of those resources are listed below.

Resources for Self-Care and Well-Being

• The Montana University System provides paid COVID-19 leave for up to 30 calendar days for all eligible UM employees. For those of you interested in learning more about this unique benefit and other forms of leave, visit our Human Resource Services webpage.
• Revisit the Choices Benefit Workbook to understand all of the unique health and wellness benefits that are available through the Montana University System Health Plan. Many of you are enrolled in this health plan, which provides access to Wellchecks, lifestyle education and support and other important wellness resources. Take advantage and learn more about these wellness resources.
• The Montana University System (MUS) provides the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).  At no cost to you, the MUS EAP helps you privately work through challenges that may interfere with your work, family, and life in general. This confidential service is available to all MUS employees and household members, and includes many free resources including a 24-hour crisis hotline, in-person counseling and online consultations with licensed counselors.
• In partnership with the Namchak Foundation, Curry Wellness is providing weekly guided meditation to all UM employees. These mindfulness mediation sessions take place from noon to 1 p.m. every Tuesday. Register for an upcoming meditation session.

These are just some of the health and wellness opportunities that are available to you at UM. As we develop new resources, we will share them widely.  

We will get through this uncertainty together. Please take care, stay healthy and stay well.

Seth