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 ❯

An orientation to Psychological Health and Safety in the workplace

This free, 20-minute course provides an introduction to workplace mental health, including an overview of the six categories of psychosocial factors and how they impact the psychological health of individuals and groups. Participants will develop an understanding of the role they play in promoting mental health at work.

Click here to be redirected to the CCOHS website to register for this training

We hope that through this BINGO challenge, we can begin making slow and sustainable changes to improve our physical health that can support in building a heart healthy lifestyle and get entered for a chance to win prizes for your participation!

All you need to do is print the bingo card found in the event email or on the Employee Wellness website and mark off squares as you complete them!

Come by and make your own stress ball — perfect for squeezing away a little stress and taking a short break.

All materials will be provided, and no experience is needed. Just drop in, get creative, and leave with something you made yourself.

Allergy notice: This activity will involve latex products. Please take this into consideration if you have a latex allergy or sensitivity.

Those interested in participating in this event please be sure to complete the event registration that can be found at the link below by Wednesday January 28, 2026, at 4:00pm

Click here to register for this event

Through petting, affection, and regular visitation, many people benefit both physically and emotionally from the unconditional love of a dog, while also providing the volunteer with a unique and rewarding volunteer experience.

We invite you to come and visit the therapy dogs at the Harris Learning Library on February 3rd and 17th, 2026.

No registration is required for this event

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

Winter 2026 Schedule: 

January 9, 16, 23, 30

February 6, 13, 20, 27

March 6, 27

Spring 2026 Schedule:

April 3, 24

April 10 - Gym B

April 17 Gym B 

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: No yoga on February 4, 2026 

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!

Join Malinda Hirvilammi, Health Promotion Coordinator from CMHA North Bay and District, for a Wellness at Work session that aims to empower participants through building greater awareness and understanding of mental health and stress, reducing stigma, and gaining practical tools to help foster positive mental health and wellness both inside and outside of the workplace.

Those interested in participating in this event please be sure to complete the event registration that can be found at the link below by Friday February 6, 2026, at 4:00pm

Click here to register for this event

There are many elements of our work and workplaces—repetitive movements, heavy lifting, workstations that throw our posture out of alignment—that can make aches, pains, and strains more likely. Join Kii Health this month to learn more about workplace ergonomics, including tweaks you can make to your posture, exercise and stretching routines, and workstations that can help prevent long-term injuries.

Click here to register for this 30 minute webinar

Come out and enjoy an afternoon at the movies where we’ll enjoy both THIS WAS REAL and THE NIPISSING WARRIOR short-form documentaries.

The Nipissing Warrior film was jointly produced by Dr. Katrina Srigley, professor of History; and Glenna Beaucage, Nipissing First Nation culture and heritage manager. This documentary showcases the remarkable history of the Nipissing Warriors hockey team from 1965 – 1975.

This Was Real produced by Dr. Cindy Peltier, Associate Professor and Chair in Indigenous Education in the Schulich School of Education. The film shares an Anishinaabe collective story of cancer through the lens of the teachings. Facing a struggle with choices and the weight of emotional burdens, one woman comes to terms with an understanding that cancer can be a teacher.

Because no movie afternoon is complete without snacks—hope to see you there!

Those interested in participating in this event please be sure to complete the event registration that can be found at the link below by Wednesday February 11, 2026, at 4:00pm

Click here to register for this event

Join Gateway Martial Arts for a comprehensive and dynamic self defense class using techniques from a variety of martial arts including karate

and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Learn realistic and practical techniques to keep yourself safe. Be prepared to work hard and learn to defend yourself in a variety of situations. 

Those interested in participating in this event please be sure to complete the event registration that can be found at the link below by Friday February 13, 2026, at 4:00pm

Click here to register for the self defence class

Are you looking to start a new fitness or wellness journey but feel overwhelmed at the thought of going to the campus athletic centre? Not sure how to use equipment, or even where the fitness rooms are?

Join us on a tour of the RJ Surtees Athletic Centre and discover the equipment that is available to our employees and why the athletic centre might just be the best fit for you.

Those interested in participating in this event please be sure to complete the event registration that can be found at the link below by Tuesday February 17, 2026, at 4:00pm

Click here to register for the RJ Surtees Athletic Centre Tour

Come mingle and chat with community representatives and learn about local wellness services available to you.

Please note we’ve moved this event to the Small Cafeteria this year to accommodate the 15+ groups who are joining us this year, including:

No registration required for this event – Come out and say hello!

Back by popular demand, Grounded Studios will be offering Virtual Chair Yoga!

Chair Yoga is a great way to keep the body moving. This gentle style of yoga is practiced using the support of a chair and can benefit anyone, especially those who sit at a desk for much of their workday.

Those interested in participating in this event please be sure to complete the event registration that can be found at the link below by Tuesday February 17, 2026, at 4:00pm.

Click here to register for this session

Join Yes Employment Services and PHARA Community Services for a free virtual session focused on exploring how mental health impacts the workplace and what employers can do to support their teams. It focuses on reducing stigma, promoting awareness, and creating a psychologically safe environment.

Click here to be redirected to Yes Employment’s registration form

Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) and tax-free savings accounts (TFSAs)—what's the difference and how could they help you save money?

Join this webinar to learn what these plans are, how they’re different, and why you could think about both when you’re deciding how to save.

Click here to be redirected to the Manulife website to register for this webinar

This info session will help you learn more about our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and the resources available to you and your household members.

The EAP offers confidential support for a wide range of needs—such as mental health, stress management, work-life balance, financial and legal concerns, and more. This session will walk through what’s available, how to access services, and when it might be helpful to use them.

Whether you’re already familiar with HumanaCare or simply curious about what it offers, we encourage you to join and learn more.

Those interested in participating in this event please be sure to complete the event registration that can be found at the link below by Tuesday February 24, 2026, at 4:00pm

Click here to register for this event

There’s never a better time to start thinking about planning your estate than right now, no matter your age or where you are in your life journey. It can be tough to think about a future without you in it, and getting started can be the hardest part.

Join this webinar to learn how valuable starting your estate planning can be. We will talk about how your estate plan can protect your loved ones, the things you’ve worked so hard to build, and even you.

Click here to be redirected to the Manulife website to register for this webinar

In this Lunch and Learn we’re going to focus on activities that will help us relax, clam our minds and energize up. Each activity was created specifically for us to do during break times when we need to recharge.

Join us to enjoy lunch and learn to recharge yourself.

Limited availability – register early to not be disappointed

Those interested in participating in this event please be sure to complete the event registration that can be found at the link below by Tuesday February 24, 2026, at 4:00pm

Click here to register for this event.  

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.