The School of Public Health is dedicated to the well-being of faculty and staff and believes in the importance of work-life balance. Here are resources supported by the school and University to incorporate health and wellness into your life.
Inclusive SPH
Here are some groups in the school who are striving to create a culture of inclusivity
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Training (EDIT) Team: (EDIT 2.0) is the central development group for DEI training in SPH. This team will support the realization of an antiracist school by developing training programs and initiatives rooted in various aspects of, but not limited to, antiracism, equity, inclusion, and justice within public health. The team will research, develop, and implement ongoing DEI training programs as well as review potential speakers and trainers.
- Community Building Task Force (CBTF): Membership and events are open to all EpiCH faculty, staff, and students.
- SPH BIPOC Affinity Group: In an effort to continue supporting the School of Public Health’s commitment to anti-racism, the SPH Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Team created an affinity group for those for faculty and staff who identify as Black, Indigenous or a person of color.; Contact Lauren Jones, director of diversity, equity, and inclusion, at lljones@umn.edu, to join the group.
SPH Lactation Space: The School of Public Health has a designated lactation space located in A345 Mayo that is available to employees, students, and visitors to the University. It is a safe, private, locked room. To reserve the space contact sphfdesk@umn.edu. Learn about other lactation spaces by visiting the Lactation Resources Site.
U Resources
U of M Affinity Groups
Affinity groups help make the University of Minnesota a more welcoming and inclusive place to work and learn. Connect with the groups below to find out how you can join their mailing lists, learn about their upcoming events, programs, and meetings, and get involved. Learn more
Disability Resource Center (DRC)
The DRC is a voluntary resource available for all employees. Their UReturn office is designated to serve employees with any disability or medical condition requiring job accommodations or modifications, including temporary health issues. Learn more
Ergonomics Programs
Ergonomics is the art and science of designing and modifying the workplace so that it fits each individual worker. Visit the Department of Environmental Health and Safety Ergonomics Programs for resources.
Parental, Medical, Military, and Other Extended Leaves
For leaves arising after December 1, 2022, the new Leave Administration Team in the Office of Human Resources handles parental, medical, military, and other extended leaves.
Note that the SPH HR Team continues to handle leaves and support graduate assistants, student workers, fellows, and professionals-in-training. Shorter absences, such as regular vacation or sick leave, continue to be requested to supervisors and handled as usual via MyU self-service.
Employees have three options to submit their leave request: self-service using the My Time tab in MyU, or by emailing or calling the Leave Administration team at leaveadmin@umn.edu or 612-624-8647.
An OHR leave specialist will then contact the employee to walk them through the process and support them until their return to work. The specialist will also coordinate with the employee’s supervisor and SPH HR staff throughout the leave.
For general information about the new procedure, visit the OHR web page Leave of Absence Assistance. For specific instructions on requesting a leave, see How to Request a Leave of Absence Using MyU.
Calendar of Holidays and Religious Observances
Managers should be mindful of the religious holidays of their employees when planning meetings or deadlines and managing absences. The University’s calendar of holidays and religious observances provides an overview for many religions. Visit the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EOAA) for religious accommodations resources.
Safe Campus
We all have a part in promoting a safe workplace. Find helpful information for a culture of safety at Safe Campus.
Taking Charge of Your Health & Wellbeing
The Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing offers free resources to enhance employee wellbeing. One resource is the Taking Charge of your Health & Wellbeing site which focuses on the six domains of Health, Relationships, Security, Purpose, Community, and Environment.
U Wellbeing Program
Eligible employees may participate in programs and earn points to save money on health premiums. Learn more
