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Center for Faculty Excellence Announces Faculty Wellness Coaching Pilot

Learn more about the pilot by registering to attend the “Creating a Culture of Faculty Coaching” event; April 28.

  • published: 2023/04/18
  • contact: Connie Schaffer - Center for Faculty Excellence
  • email: cschaffer@unomaha.edu
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The Center for Faculty Excellence's (CFE) mission is to is to advance instructional excellence, facilitate professional success, and foster faculty leadership through a collaborative approach, supporting the goals of UNO as a premier metropolitan university. CFE supports efforts to enhance the diversity and inclusivity at UNO and provide a wide-range of professional development opportunities.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Center for Faculty Excellence (CFE) will launch a new faculty wellness coaching program this spring. The pilot program will continue through the 2023-24 school year and offer individualized support for current full-time faculty and includes up to five coaching sessions per academic semester.

According to Connie Schaffer, Ph.D., CFE Director, faculty wellness coaching is designed to address the unique demands – both personal and professional – that are associated with being a university faculty member. It is intended to supplement existing resources for faculty such as the services offered through the Employee Assistance Program. The service is free and confidential.

Coaches will work with faculty on a variety of topics including addressing well-being, developing career strategies, enhancing skills, improving daily habits, integrating work-life balance, navigating difficult situations, and more. Faculty can choose from a virtual quick coaching (15-minute) session or a full session (virtual or in-person) that will last approximately an hour.

Those interested in learning more about this faculty wellness coaching pilot can register to attend the “Creating a Culture of Faculty Coaching” event on Friday, April 28, from 9 to 10 A.M. in the Milo Bail Student Center Dodge Rooms. Carrie Bowler, MLSCM (ASCP), a faculty coach trainer from Minneapolis, will facilitate the event and define and clarify the role of faculty wellness coaching at UNO. Bowler will explain how coaching differs from mentoring and therapy. Attendees will also learn how faculty wellness coaching can support individuals, increase faculty retention, and equip faculty for professional success — including how this connects to student performance.

Following Bowler’s 9 A.M. session, 20 faculty leaders from across campus will spend the remainder of the day with her and Linda Love, Ed.D., to learn more about faculty coaching. Love, leads the faculty coaching initiative at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC).

For additional information, please contact Connie Schaffer (cschaffer@unomaha.edu).