The University has established an external Employee Assistance Program. As an employer, the University feels an obligation to each employee. The University recognizes that some employees may sometimes be faced with a personal, family or work-related problem that would be helped by counselling.

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is designed to help employees and family members who are experiencing personal problems. These problems may or may not be affecting the employee's job performance. Resolution of personal problems such as marital, family, substance abuse, etc. can promote employees' and their families' well-being.

Confidentiality is the keystone to the entire program. Regular full-time, regular part-time, and full-time contract (10 months or more duration) employees and their family members who seek help through the EAP are assured of complete confidentiality.

The role of the EAP is to provide help at the earliest possible opportunity and is not intended to interfere in the private lives of employees.

Participation in the program will not affect an employee's position nor opportunity for future advancement.

The EAP Service provides for:

  1. A confidential and professional, off-site counselling program for any regular full-time, regular part-time, and full-time contract (10 months or more in duration) employee and his/her family.
  2. Our provider, Family Guidance International (FGI), will do a telephone assessment, on-going counselling and referral, when necessary, to an appropriate professional service.
  3. Twenty-four (24) hour telephone accessibility, seven (7) days a week, in the event of an emergency or crisis. A qualified therapist will talk directly to the client. The toll-free number is 1-800-268-5211 across Canada and USA.

Covered employees and/or their families who feel they have a problem are able to seek help by contacting the 1-800 number directly. This contact could also be made, if the employee or family member wishes, through the Human Resources Department, the Supervisor, or the Union Steward.

Any decision on the part of the employee or family member to seek help will be held in the strictest confidence. Nipissing University will receive absolutely no personal information from Family Guidance.

Brochures and wallet cards regarding the Employee Assistance Program are available in the Human Resources department.

Board of Governors Resolution #92-12-03