Contents
From the PresidentSearch
All on-line issues
Memorial
Home Page
Division of University Relations Home Page
| From the President |  |
Working well
We
are all finding that it is becoming increasingly challenging to serve
our students and community. Our expectations are rising and our work is
becoming ever more demanding intellectually. Most of us have sedentary
jobs, and we do not pay adequate attention to our physical health. A growing
body of research indicates that a focus on workplace wellness results
in improved job satisfaction and personal lives while, at the same time,
reducing accident rates, sick leaves, employee turnover and medical costs.
Accordingly, I want Memorial University to make a strong commitment to
workplace wellness and provide our members with opportunities to lead
healthy and active lives.
Our Department of Human Resources recently sponsored three short-term
wellness initiatives: a smoking cessation program, free drop-ins at The
Works and a health fair. The programs were well attended and the department
is now developing a comprehensive approach to employee wellness and active
living. The article on page 3 tells you more about the department’s
plans.
As you know, we recently consolidated all of our sports and recreation
facilities into The Works. The latter includes our new Field House, the
Aquarena, pools, squash courts, outdoor sports fields, the Strength and
Conditioning Centre and the Splash Facilities at Long Pond. The Field
House includes walking and running tracks, courts for basketball, volleyball,
tennis and badminton, as well as a weight training and exercise room.
Although these facilities were designed for students, and students are
the primary users, faculty and staff may also access most of these features.
In many cases, they can use the facilities jointly which is very convenient.
We now have first-rate facilities and I encourage you to use them. The
summer is a very good time to start and you should soon see results.
I wish you an enjoyable and rewarding summer with your family.
Axel Meisen
PRESIDENT AND VICE-CHANCELLOR