University to Expand Faculty and Staff Assistance Program

Syracuse University is exploring opportunities to partner with a comprehensive employee assistance services provider to enhance and expand the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP). The program currently offers a variety of counseling, consultation, family care and educational services for Syracuse University to benefits-eligible employees and their dependents.

Under this expanded model, the University will integrate wellness and work-life resources into a more diverse and accessible portfolio of services to better support the needs of employees. In addition, the program will include faculty and staff at all domestic University locations, and components will also be available to faculty and staff at international University locations. The expanded services and benefits are expected to be introduced in January 2016.

The University is committed to supporting the social, emotional and physical well-being of its employees and their dependents. Gail Grozalis, executive director of wellness for faculty and staff will be the University community point of contact for ensuring ongoing services through the selected partner. Grozalis is a health and wellness professional with more than a decade of experience leading organizations to ensure a comprehensive program of wellness and work-life strategies.

In addition to existing FSAP services, some of the new services will include:

• a network of trained local providers 24 hours a day, seven days a week
• local counseling
• crisis support and resources
• mental health professionals with specialized training
• on-demand work-life learning opportunities
• self-service health portal with health trends and wellness information

“As a global institution, we should offer a best-in-class faculty and staff assistance program as part of the comprehensive package of benefits our employees receive for working at Syracuse University,” says Andrew R. Gordon, senior vice president and chief human resources officer. “This program will reflect a modern, comprehensive suite of counseling, wellness, training and support that will better serve the evolving needs of our faculty and staff.”

A number of universities have recognized the need for and benefits provided by a full-service partner providing a range of services, including Rochester Institute of Technology, New York University and Tufts University.

As part of the University’s ongoing Wellness Initiative, the existing FSAP offerings have been under evaluation since 2014. Currently, a committee comprised of faculty and staff is reviewing proposals from several leading employee assistance providers. The team will review proposals and select a partner with a demonstrated ability to meet the needs of the University’s diverse population.

The members of the committee include:

• Ryan Beauford, commander, Department of Public Safety
• Gail Grozalis, executive director, University Wellness Initiative
• Kathleen Hinchman, associate dean and professor, School of Education
• Aaron Hodukavich, director and ADA Coordinator, Equal Opportunity, Inclusion, and Resolution Services
• Amy Kleine, assistant director, Health and Wellness, SU Abroad
• Lucille Murphy, office coordinator, Faculty and Staff Assistance Program
• Gabe Nugent, associate general counsel
• LaVonda N. Reed, associate provost for Faculty Affairs; professor of law
• Christine Tarnowski, Major (Ret.), director, Institute for Veterans and Military Families
• Bette Brown Thoreck, Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, School of Social Work; bachelor of science in social work program director
• Cory Wallack, director of counseling center
• Sonya Williams, executive director of HR Services, Office of Human Resources

Once a partner organization has been selected, additional information will be shared with the campus community later this semester.

Employees who are currently utilizing services offered through the FSAP will transition to the new provider and receive a detailed orientation summarizing the enhanced support that will be available going forward.

During the transition, questions can be directed to Grozalis executive director, wellness for faculty and staff, at 315.443.4193 or Williams, executive director, human resource services, at 315.443.9095.