As we think about employee wellbeing, it is important to take a moment to recognize what many members of our community are experiencing in this moment.
The ongoing public discussion of sexual assault at Cornell and more broadly across the country is affecting members of our workforce in profound and deeply personal ways. Many Cornell employees are survivors of sexual assault or other forms of interpersonal violence. Others love, work alongside, or care for people who are survivors, and many support students who have experienced sexual violence. For some, recent events and conversations are traumatic or are resurfacing previous trauma. Others may be experiencing anger, fear, sadness, uncertainty, exhaustion, or a complicated combination of emotions. There is no single or expected response.
This edition of the Employee Wellbeing Update is dedicated to connecting you with resources, services, and current campus guidance. Additional information is available on HR’s Resources for Difficult Times (netID) webpage, which is being updated regularly.
The resources included vary considerably. That is intentional. Some members of our community may need confidential, individualized support for trauma or significant distress. Others may be looking for connection, help supporting someone they care about, or ways to sustain their physical and emotional wellbeing during a difficult time.
In the days and weeks ahead, please make space for what you need, extend care and understanding to one another, and use the support available to you when it is helpful. Our Work/Life, Faculty and Staff Assistance Program, and Cornell Wellness colleagues are here to support you.
Please reach out to us at wellbeing@cornell.edu with questions, needs, or suggestions. We welcome hearing from you.
With care,
Michelle Artibee Director of Workforce Wellbeing Division of Human Resources
Your Safety
Addressing Sexual Violence Website This new website provides information about Cornell’s response to the recent sexual assault allegations, including details about the independent inquiry, accountability measures, and ongoing efforts to strengthen prevention and support resources and advance institutional reforms.
If You Receive Harassing or Threatening Communications If you receive harassing or threatening communications, please do not feel that you need to assess or manage them on your own. Visit the Resources for Difficult Times webpage for up-to-date reporting procedures, safety guidance, and available resources.
Optional Personal Safety Resource: RAVE Guardian App
TheRAVE Guardian app allows users to create a personal profile and invite family and friends into their safety network. Users can request that a trusted contact virtually accompany them while walking on or off campus.
Report Bias, Discrimination, Harassment, or Sexual Misconduct Cornell Office of Civil Rights (COCR) promotes and ensures equal opportunity and access to enable all members of the Cornell community to succeed and thrive. COCR addresses bias incidents, sexual and related misconduct, discrimination, and protected-status harassment through data collection and analysis, incident response and resolution, and training and education. Cornell community members can report incidents to COCR in the following ways:
Cornell's Community Response Team
The Community Response Team (CRT) is a person-centered, trauma-informed alternative response unit serving all students, faculty, staff, guests, visitors, and unaffiliated community members located on Cornell’s Ithaca campus and in need of time sensitive support. Open Monday-Friday, 11am-11pm. Call 607-255-1111 to request urgent support or email commresponseteam@cornell.edu with general questions.
Want confidential counseling support and resources?
Cornell Faculty and Staff Assistance Program – a free, confidential resource to help benefits-eligible faculty and staff, postdocs, retirees, and spouses/partners with issues that may be impacting their personal and/or professional lives. Through counseling, consultation, and referral services, the counselors provide specialized care to meet the unique needs of Cornell’s staff and faculty. Call 607-255-6681 or email fsap@cornell.edu.
Bree Health Confidential Counseling Services – a free, confidential counseling program available to benefits-eligible staff, faculty, postdocs, retirees, and their spouses/partners. Call 1-800-327-2255.
Health Insurance Guidance for endowed and contract college health plans members seeking behavioral health support. Many health plans now contract with behavioral telehealth vendors that can provide time sensitive support.
Want confidential consultation about issues affecting your work?
Looking for Support as a Team? Cornell Community Support Meetings
Facilitated by staff of the Cornell Faculty and Staff Assistance Program, these meetings are available upon request to small teams of employees who are navigating complex and difficult communications and service delivery. Meetings are available virtually and in-person. These sessions can also be provided in-person to New York City-based groups/teams through the Weill Cornell Medicine’s Employee Assistance Program Consortium. Please reach out to wellbeing@cornell.edu to request support.
Supporting Children and Teens
Children and teens may also encounter difficult news and conversations through family, friends, school, social media, or other sources. Parents and caregivers may be wondering what to say, how much information to share, or how to respond when a young person has questions or seems affected by what they are hearing. The following national resources offer age-appropriate guidance for supporting children and teens through difficult news and conversations.
National Child Traumatic Stress Network(NCTSN): Resources for families and caregivers on talking with young people when frightening or difficult events occur, understanding age-related responses to trauma, and helping children cope.
Domestic violence affects people across identities, backgrounds, and circumstances, including members of our Cornell community. It can include physical or sexual violence, threats, intimidation, emotional or psychological abuse, and economic control. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, support is available.
Cornell Human Resources recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) during the month of October and throughout the year. Everyone is invited to participate in New York State’s “Go Purple Day” on Thursday, October 22. Learn more about ways to get involved at Cornell and in the community.
Caring for Your Body and Mind
Cornell Wellness is offering guided self-care programs for the mind and body during the month of October and beyond - no membership is required. Additionally, departments may request workshops for their teams on a variety of body and mind topics. Email wellness@cornell.edu for more information.
Healing in Place with Wellness - Guided Relaxation
Thursdays through October 22, 9-9:30am, virtual. Join these 30-minute virtual sessions featuring guided progressive muscle relaxation and an opportunity to pause at the beginning of the day.
For those who find time outdoors restorative, Cornell's natural areas and other local outdoor spaces may offer another opportunity for a break or change of environment.
Time Away From Work and Workplace Support
Some employees may find that time away from work is helpful or necessary. Staff can review available paid time off and leave options, while faculty and academic staff can find information about applicable time away/leave options. Information about workplace accommodations is also available.
Resources for Faculty and Instructors
The Center for Teaching Innovation has provided faculty and instructors with guidance on responding to incidents that affect the teaching and learning climate. Consultations with CTI are available.
Resources to Share With Students
Please visit the Resources for Difficult Times (netID) webpage for information faculty and staff can share with students.
Is something missing?
We welcome your questions, suggestions, and requests for additional resources.
Reach us at wellbeing@cornell.edu
About the Wellbeing Update:
Information curated by Cornell Work/Life, Cornell Wellness, and the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program with campus and community resources, programs, events, and informative articles. Explore past editions or email to ask questions or suggest a resource. Published twice per month. Information shared does not indicate Cornell endorsement.
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