Confidential counseling for CSU employees and family
We all experience problems in life. It is okay to receive help navigating these challenges. CSU employees -- and their dependents -- are offered six free counseling sessions per family member, per issue, per calendar year. Issues may include, but are not limited to:
- Relationship conflicts
- Problems with children
- Substance abuse
- Eating disorders
- Stress and anxiety
- Grief and loss
- Depression
- Job pressures
Participation in counseling is private and completely confidential. CSU employees will be referred to licensed clinicians whose expertise matches the employee concern.
For more information on free mental health resources for employees, go to: https://eap.colostate.edu/.
Center for Family and Couple Therapy
Based at CSU, the Center for Family and Couple Therapy provides low-cost individual, couple and family therapy during daytime and evening hours. The Center is committed to creating a safe environment that honors diverse backgrounds, family forms, and experiences.
Child trauma assessment and resilience
CSU’s Child Trauma and Resilience Assessment Center provides resilience-based trauma assessments and offers recommendations for helping young people and families understand and heal trauma.
Physical and bodily well-being is linked to mental health
The CARE program provides CSU employees with information about and referrals to agencies, programs and organizations in Northern Colorado who provide low-cost or no-cost services for mental health, dependent care, food, housing, pets, and more.
The Commitment to Campus program has a range of programs, groups, and support for employee wellness, including discounts through CSU health insurance to community recreational facilities and campus programs for support of many types.
CSU now provides access to SilverCloud, an online counseling and coaching program for managing different challenges, including stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
Mindfulness
CSU’s Center for Mindfulness draws from diverse traditions to inspire personal and community transformation. The intended outcome is more mindful communities and socially conscious and compassionate leaders.
The Center facilitates events open to CSU employees and others, including mindfulness Mondays (an hour of meditation and reflection currently offered via Zoom) and wellness classes via Larimer County Extension.
For events and online classes see mindfulness.colostate.edu.
Free meditation apps and information about yoga and local mindfulness resources are also available.
Caretaking
Outside of work, employees have many care-taking responsibilities. For many, these commitments have become amplified during the current pandemic. CSU provides various resources to support employees with care-taking responsibilities. In addition to the groups below, the Commitment to Campus and Employee Assistance Program provide additional resources and contacts.
Children
CSU Childcare Centers. There are several CSU-affiliated childcare centers. All are fee-based, but they offer limited scholarship funds.
Babysitting & More. CSU Student Employees can post jobs such as babysitting or nannying for CSU students on Handshake.
Youth Sport Camps. The College of Health and Human Science runs this program during the school year at a reduced price to employees.
Campus Connections. A therapeutic youth mentoring program that pairs children 10-18 years with a CSU student mentor for weekly group meetings on campus. The program recruits young people not reaching their full potential due to a range of situations and is open to the community.
GRANDcares. Supports those caring for grandchildren with classes, webinars, and resources.
GPS Program. Through the Black/African American Cultural Center, this program is for 3rd – 9th graders who identify as Black or African American. It provides mentoring and fun activities through cultural awareness, leadership development, and community service while they are developing a sense of who they are as individuals and collectively.
Summer Camps. CSU runs some of the most cost effective summer camps in town!
Pets
- CSU employees receive a 20% discount at the CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
- Various local organizations also provide assistance with pet supplies and services, particularly for senior citizens and those facing financial constraints.
Seniors
- CSU’s Aging Clinic of the Rockies. Provides services like support groups, therapy sessions, neuropsychological assessments, and peer groups. Many of these services are free or offered at reduced costs.
- Larimer County’s Office on Aging. Provides support services for those in caretaking scenarios.
Community
There are many groups and events at CSU that offer community around a variety of interests and issues. Here we list a few around fitness, teaching and learning, and inclusion and equity.
Fitness Groups
Noon Hour Faculty and Staff Fitness program. Facilities available in the Moby B Complex from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. include: basketball courts, handball/racquetball courts, weight rooms, swimming pool, and locker rooms. In addition, work out clothing, laundry, and lockers are provided. The current fee is $100 per semester; discounts available.
Adult Fitness. This program offers Fort Collins community members regular fitness assessments and a variety of exercise options including group classes, strength training, and flexibility training. CSU faculty and staff receive a discount, and can get a month free membership.
Drop-in Dance Class. CSU Dance hosts a free dance class for faculty and staff on Fridays from 4 – 5 p.m. No prior dance experience is needed. Classes are centered on Ballet, Modern, and Jazz techniques and accommodations are made for beginning through advanced dancers as needed.
Fort Collins International Center. FCIC organizes monthly outdoor activities provide an active and fun environment for students and community members to enjoy the beauty of Colorado and surrounding states together. Activities include hiking, skiing, snowshoeing and more!
Teaching and Learning Groups
CLA Master Teacher Initiative Luncheon. A monthly lunch with a talk on pedagogy from a CLA teacher.
Faculty Writing Groups. A variety of groups for faculty writing and researching. Starts with a facilitated group-up to match writers together into small groups.
Feedback Groups. For faculty seeking peer feedback on research proposals or manuscripts.
Show up and write. Drop-in groups in writing-centered and quiet spaces that help faculty, postdocs, and graduate students build momentum on writing projects.
Wellness Resources Syllabus Language
Below is proposed language to include on syllabi to address wellness resources.
Accommodations
The Student Disability Center (SDC) at CSU offers accommodations and support that will contribute to your learning. Students seeking accommodation(s) should visit the SDC at TILT Building, room 121, call them at 970-491-6385, or go to their website at https://disabilitycenter.colostate.edu/.
General Health & Support
University life is full of challenges. The CSU has a variety of mental and physical health services for anyone who feels like they need help dealing with the pressures of life as a student in a safe and confidential setting. The CSU Health Network offers a range of services, including treatment programs, emergency services, and free group and individual counseling. See https://health.colostate.edu/about-counseling-services/, or call (970) 491-6053 to make an appointment for an assessment. For help navigating all the services CSU provides, contact Student Case Management at https://studentcasemanagement.colostate.edu/. Student Case Managers consult with students, faculty, staff, families, and providers to offer guidance on the next best steps.
In addition, the YOU@CSU portal provides confidential assessment and recommendations customized to your interests. They have resources for a range of questions, from deciding your major and career path, to stress management techniques, to advice on relationships. For more information, see https://health.colostate.edu/youcsu/.
