Employee Wellness

The Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorder Prevention Program at Nipissing University was developed to support staff and faculty to work safely and efficiently and to optimize their comfort. Workers across Nipissing perform a variety of jobs with different physical and cognitive demands.

Ergonomics applies scientific theory, principles and methods to explore the relationships between the worker job tasks and the workplace. Ergonomics removes barriers to quality, productivity, and safe human performance by fitting products (equipment), tasks and environments to people.

MSDs are strongly linked to risk factors or hazards in the workplace, therefore it is mandatory that all employees receive Ergonomics and MSD Prevention training.

Employee Training ❯   How to request an ergonomic assessment ❯

We’re excited to bring back Fruity Tuesdays this April as part of our ongoing wellness initiatives!

Starting on April 7, 2026, and every following Tuesday throughout the month, we’ll be offering a selection of fresh fruit for all employees to enjoy. It’s a simple way to encourage healthy habits, and take a moment to recharge during the workday.

Come by Human Resources (B215), say hello and grab a snack.

Please join us in person or virtually, on Tuesday April 28th, 2026 at 10:00 AM for an informative nutritional session facilitated by local Registered Dietitian Michelle Her.

Together we will explore metabolic health and the key factors that influence metabolism, including nutrition, physical activity, and body composition. You'll Learn how everyday nutrition choices can support metabolic function. 

Come and gain practical, evidence-based strategies to support healthy weight management, improve energy levels, and build sustainable habits that fit into a busy work and life schedule.

Those interested in attending are asked to register in advance using the following  link.

In recognition of Earth Day, we're once again teaming up with Clean Green Beautiful North Bay to host our annual Clean Up, Green Up event. Come out with co-workers and friends and together we'll make our campus greener all while enjoying some fresh air and being active outdoors. 

Date: April 22, 2026

Time: 1PM - 3PM

Who: This event is open to all employees (Faculty, Administrative & Support Staff)

Gloves and litter grabbers will be provided.

A social gathering with light refreshments will follow in the Nipissing small cafeteria (A246) for all those who participate in the Clean Up, Green Up event. 

Those interested in registering for this event can do so by clicking here. 

Join us on May 7, 2026, for an informative virtual seminar on financial fraud awareness, designed to help you recognize, avoid, and protect yourself from today's most common scams.

RBC Investment Advisors, Jim Palangio and Adam Delorme will present on a range of fraudulent acts, from phishing emails and phone scams to investment schemes and identify theft tactics, all while providing practical, real-world strategies to safeguard your personal and financial information.

This seminar will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape with confidence.

Click here to register for this webinar.

Offered most Fridays from 12:00PM – 1:00PM at the R.J Surtees Athletic Centre in Gym A.

NEW: We're able to offer a few gym times for pickleball on weekends in April, see details below!!

Spring and Summer 2026 Schedule:

April 3, 24

Sunday April 5 12:00PM - 2:00PM Gym A 

April 10 - Gym B

Saturday April 11 12:00PM - 2:00PM Gym B

April 17 Gym B 

Saturday April 18 12:00PM - 2:00PM Gym B

May 15, 22 & 29

June 19

July 24

Limited equipment available on a first come first serve basis at the gym front desk. Feel free to bring your own paddle if you have one.

Offered every Wednesday from 12:30PM – 1:30PM at the R.J Surtees Athletic Centre in Fitness Studio 2.

Note there is no yoga on April 22, 2026

May 5, 2026 will be the last Yoga session before we pause for the summer.

This is a great way to relax, re-energize, and take care of your well-being during the workweek.

All levels are welcome — whether you're new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner. See you on the mat!

No registration necessary – limited yoga mats available, feel free to bring your own.

Come stretch, breathe, and move with us!

Nipissing University currently offers a complimentary gym membership as part of our ongoing wellness initiatives with the R.J. Surtees Athletic Centre until December 31, 2026. This great initiative is open to all FT and PT employees.

In order to participate in this initiative, please ensure to provide your employee card to access the gym. 

• If you currently have an employee card and want to participate in this initiative: Please drop in to see the Manager, Health and Wellness (B 215C) with your employee card to register the membership. Once the membership has been registered you can begin using your card to access the athletic facility.
• If you don't have an employee card and want to participate in this initiative: Individuals will need to submit a ticket to helpdesk.nipissingu.ca to request an employee card. Once the card is printed and received, drop in to see the Manager, Health and Wellness (B 215C) with your employee card to register the membership. Once the membership has been registered you can begin using your card to access the athletic facility.

Campus Respiratory Illness Guidelines - Last Updated September 2025

As we welcome the fall season, we want to provide some public health guidance on how we all can learn to protect ourselves and our campus community from respiratory illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, Measles or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

If you are sick, we ask that you please stay home to prevent the transmission to others around you until all the following apply to you:

• You are fever free
• You do not have any new symptoms
• Your symptoms have improved for at least 24 hours (48 hours for gastro related symptoms)

When returning to campus wearing a 3-ply mask for ten (10) after your symptoms started can provide extra protection against the spread of respiratory illnesses. Please note that masks will continue to be provided at the main entrance.

Protection from respiratory illness

We strongly recommend that folks stay up to date with their routine immunization and seasonal immunizations. We will be offering our annual flu shot campaign in conjunction with the Canadian Shield Health Care Services here on campus. Keep an eye out for an upcoming email about this campaign.

Personal protective measures are actions you can take to reduce the spread of viruses. Combining layers of protection are an effective way of preventing illness and can help reduce the risk of illness and the spread of respiratory illnesses to others.

Staying home when you are sick, washing your hands often and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze are simple ways help keep our campus community safe.

Vaccine recommendations for optimal protection against Measles

Currently the best protection against Measles is immunization and the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit advises that all adults born before 1970 are presumed to have natural immunity to measles. All other individuals born after 1970 are recommended to ensure they have had two doses of a measles-containing vaccine.

Individuals who are unable to work due to any respiratory illness, will be required to utilize sick leave credits if available. Employees without sick leave credits will be required to use vacation time or leave without pay.

For more information, please visit the North Bay Parry Sound Health Unit

Should you have any questions, please contact Michelle Banks, Manager, Health and Wellness via email at michellb@nipissingu.ca.