Employee Assistance Program

Responsibility: Employee Assistance Program Board 
Authorization: Board of Governors
Approval Date: Jun 1, 1990
Reformatted: Mar 30, 2001

To provide professional assistance to employees for distress resulting from personal or work-related concerns; to support personal measures and organizational strategies that prevent psychological distress.

The Program is available to all unionized and non-unionized University employees, including those hired through research grants, and their family members. The Program pays up to a specified annual amount for counselling that is provided through select contracted therapeutic resources.

Contact with the Employee Assistance Program is voluntary and confidential. The privacy of all clients is rigorously maintained. An independent and representative Board oversees the Program.

The Employee Assistance Program provides:

• Personal support, problem solving, counselling and consultation to employees of the University for personal or work related concerns which are perceived by individuals as significantly disruptive to their lives;
  
  
• Training and other preventive resources which enhance personal functioning by raising awareness of organizational, physical and mental health issues, and that encourage an early response to potentially stressful situations or events;
  
  
• Active participation in the development of a campus environment that is sensitive to personal needs and that supports an integration of personal and work life.