New Support Programs Available Via Zoom to Help Employees

Faculty and staff feeling the stress of current challenging times are invited to check out two new University programs designed to support and improve health and wellbeing.

A Meditation Practices for Challenging Times course on Zoom will be held Tuesdays at 12:10 p.m. starting Sept. 15. In addition, University counseling services and the psychology clinic offer weekly support group meetings Mondays at noon via Zoom. Both programs are open to all Duquesne faculty and staff.

“Meditation, mindfulness and yoga practices can be powerful ways to help us better manage current stresses and uncertainties during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Laura Kessler, assistant director and groups coordinator for the Center for Student Wellbeing (CSW). “The support group meetings will provide a space where Duquesne employees can assist each other and learn coping skills to help manage their mental and emotional health.”

Employees interested in attending Meditation Practices for Challenging Times can email Dr. T.J. Smith, CSW assistant director and training coordinator, at email Dr. T.j. Smith, to obtain a Zoom link for group meetings. Amber Lasure, CSW assistant director of wellness and fitness, will lead the group.

Employees interested in participating in the support group will need to schedule a brief pre-group orientation meeting with facilitators via Zoom. The orientation will answer questions about the support group meetings and assess the need for referrals to other mental health resources. To schedule an orientation meeting, email Dr. Amal Kouttab, post-doctoral resident at CSW.