Wellbeing and Self-Care for Faculty and Staff

Teaching and other aspects of faculty work are challenging on many levels. Here in WSRC, we encourage your care for your intellectual, mental, and physical health. There are resources on campus and in the community that support many aspects of self-care. If we can help you access specific forms of support, we hope that you will feel comfortable reaching out to colleagues, program directors, or the department chair.

Fitness

The Barnes Center offers all sorts of fitness opportunities, including fitness classes, a climbing wall, personal training, aquatics, and more. See the Recreation page for more information. Other opportunities on campus include the Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Center  and the Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion.

Physical Health

The Barnes Center offers a variety of physical health services year round and regular vaccination clinics during the fall and winter. See the Health Care page for more information. The Center also hosts a a resident Honwadiyenawa’sek who specializes in Indigenous and alternative medicine.

Mental Health

The Barnes Center offers 24 hour support as well as group counseling, mental health references, eating disorder support, substance abuse support, suicide prevention, and pet therapy. See the Mental Health page for more information on each of these services.

Hendrix Chapel is an ecumenical center that houses a variety of faith communities as well as student religious and spiritual life groups.

Off-Campus Medical and Health Resources

As a SU employee, your health insurance provides in-network coverage for regular physicals and health emergencies. You may also opt into comprehensive or preventative Dental and Vision plans. If you run into questions about the insurance plans, contact benefits@syr.edu.

Caregiving

If you are a caregiver, whether for children, aging parents, or other family members, we hope you'll let us know about your needs and how we can support you. If you have children and are looking for local childcare or a school, folks in the department are happy to share recommendations; many of us have undertaken eldercare as well. You also have access to Carebridge, which can help you find caregivers, tutors, and other relevant professionals in the area. 

Food Security

If at any time you find yourself running short of food, our community will support you. Please speak with the Chair, a program director, or any faculty member you feel comfortable talking with. There are also resources on campus and in the community that provide food support or regularly scheduled meals:

• Hendricks Chapel operates two food pantries. The main pantry is on the lower level of Hendricks Chapel and the South Campus pantry is located at the Carriage House (151 Farm Acre Road).  See the Pantry web page for information on operating hours, transportation options, and other food resources in the area, including SNAP benefits. 

• The off-campus Food $en$e program is a monthly food buying co-op for anyone who wants to stretch their grocery dollars.  It provides a monthly box of 12-15 staple grocery items at a discounted price. For more info, see their page. 

• There are a number of food pantries in Central New York, which 211 CNY maintains a list of.

• The Food Bank of Central New York offers assistance with accessing SNAP benefits, among other services. 

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