Dear UNT Faculty and Staff,

We've navigated unique challenges and tremendous change during the past few years, which revealed workplace issues around work-life balance, mental health, and other areas. This year, we will devote ourselves to looking at these issues and finding ways to address them with genuine care for our community.

We are kicking off our wellness focus today, on National Relaxation Day during National Wellness Month, by offering in-person and remote wellness opportunities for you. We know a 10-minute guided meditation won't cure your pre-semester stress, but relaxation activities can make a meaningful impact when regularly integrated into your routine. Throughout the semester and in UNT Today each week, we will continue these efforts, introducing new wellness activities and opportunities, and highlighting programs and resources that promote well-being. I encourage you to take some time today, and in the days to come, to participate in a session or activity that allows you to relax and recenter.

This year, our focus is on issues that directly impact you, our faculty and staff. By addressing our structural challenges — flexible work, supervision, and wellness — we can better take care of each other, and our students in turn. Thank you for all you do.

UNT Proud,
Neal Smatresk
President