School of Public Health (SPH) Community Forum events provide an online space to strengthen connections across the school, discuss priority initiatives, and support our community on issues that impact our work and learning.

The topic for the August community forum, Advancing a Culture of Work-Life Balance  During COVID-19, will focus on adjustments we might take individually and collectively to help us succeed in our professional and personal roles, including caregiving responsibilities. In July, a survey was sent to all full-time SPH faculty and staff to understand the extent of caregiver responsibilities and gather ideas about ways the school can support employees as we continue to work in this new environment.

During this forum, Lynn Eberly, associate dean for faculty affairs, Susan Rafferty, chief of staff, and Tracey Kane, assistant director of human resources, will present overview findings from the survey and lead participants in full group and breakout session discussions. Breakout discussions will include topics such as: strategies to have fewer, more productive work meetings, and developing a COVID-19 impact statement as part of the annual faculty review.

Who should attend? SPH Community Forum events will be held monthly and are open to all SPH faculty, staff, and students. In August, student orientation and return to campus activities and events will provide student-specific support and resources as they enter fall semester. Accordingly, the August SPH Community Forum is focused mainly on faculty and staff support, but students are welcome to attend and will also benefit from the discussion. Future Community Forum events will foster school-wide discussion and sharing among faculty, staff, and students.