Three Employee Assistance Program (EAP) educational programs for faculty and staff will be offered over the summer. Registration for each program can be made at employeeassistance@niu.edu.
The first program, “Is Retirement Right for Me,” will be held on Thursday, May 25, in the Holmes Student Center’s Glidden Room from noon-1 p.m. For many, retirement is the transition into a new and different life. With it comes the promises and challenges of greater freedom without the pressure of work and life demands. As it approaches, there may be many questions on the how’s, when’s, where’s and what’s associated with retirement. This seminar offers advice and guidance as you plan, pursue and go into retirement. This includes offering an understanding of different approaches to retiring and ways to work through this so that your own individual goals and dreams can be realized. Presented by Brian Smith, director of the Employee Assistance Program and Training Center.
On Thursday, June 1, Melissa Burlingame, assistant director for Environmental Studies, will present a seminar on “Container Gardening” in the Holmes Student Center, Glidden Room, from noon to 1 p.m. Whether you’re short on space or looking for an easy introduction to gardening, container gardens are a great place to start. Perfect for apartment dwellers, first-time gardeners, or bringing your plantings to other parts of your yard or patio. The presentation will show you how simple gardening can be and then walk you through planting your own container garden to take home. All supplies are included.
And finally, Liz Guess, director of Human Resource Services Benefits, will present “Deciding to Retire from NIU” on Wednesday, June 7, in the Holmes Student Center, Glidden Room, from noon-1 p.m. Once you’ve made the decision to retire and have made your State University Retirement System (SURS) retirement appointment, there are still many things you will need to do on campus. This presentation will focus on and teach you the step-by-step NIU processes that will help you retire successfully.
