CU Boulder’s FSAP Advances Employee Well-Being with Innovative Support
The University of Colorado Boulder’s Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) is contributing to employee well-being by addressing mental health challenges, fostering inclusivity, and driving systemic change. Through new initiatives and collaborative efforts, FSAP continues to expand access to vital resources and reshape workplace culture to support CU Boulder’s diverse faculty and staff.
Cultivating Belonging: CU Cultural Collective
In June 2024, FSAP counselor Carla Eugene, MS, LPC spearheaded the launch of the CU Cultural Collective (CCC), a bold initiative aimed at enhancing connection and belonging for faculty and staff of color. Recognizing that traditional mental health services often underserve racially marginalized groups, the CCC fosters engagement through culturally responsive programming. Supported by the DEI Impact Grant from the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office, this initiative empowers BIPOC employees and advances a healthier, more inclusive campus environment.
Since its launch, the CCC has hosted events that bring BIPOC faculty and staff together for community-building and resource sharing. Featuring a distinguished panel of speakers, these gatherings provide opportunities to discuss challenges, celebrate achievements, and explore strategies for personal and professional empowerment. The CCC also organizes monthly Colorful Women Coffee Chats, creating a welcoming space for women of color to network, engage in uplifting dialogues, and learn stress management techniques tailored to their unique experiences. With tiered funding from the grant, FSAP is working to make this transformative program a permanent part of CU Boulder’s health and wellness offerings.
Expanding Access: A Year of Growth for FSAP
In the 2024 fiscal year, FSAP achieved significant milestones in increasing access to mental health care for CU employees. By providing an impressive 2,604 counseling sessions—a 5% increase over the previous year—and engaging 1,668 participants in workshops and presentations (a 27% rise), FSAP delivered nearly $400,000 worth of services at no cost to faculty and staff.
This success reflects FSAP’s growing reputation as a trusted campus resource. Anecdotal evidence shows that positive exposure to FSAP increases referrals from campus leaders, underscoring its role in strengthening the university’s well-being infrastructure. This upward trend highlights a commitment to addressing the unique challenges of employees in academia, from burnout to work-life balance.
Innovations in Accessibility: Digital Transformation
In partnership with the Digital Accessibility Office (DAO) and Student Affairs Marketing and Communications team, FSAP completed a comprehensive audit of its digital platforms. By implementing all recommended improvements, FSAP has ensured its services are accessible to employees with disabilities, creating a more inclusive and user-friendly experience for all. These updates mark a critical step in making mental health resources available to everyone in the CU Boulder community.
Empowering Women of Color: The Return of the Colorful Women Group
In its second year, the continued to make a profound impact on BIPOC faculty and staff at CU Boulder. Providing a safe, supportive space for dialogue, connection, and empowerment, the group fosters community through meaningful discussions on topics such as race, gender, stress management, and professional growth.
One participant shared, “The 'Colorful Women' group is the first space at CU Boulder where I felt safe to show up as my full self. My emotional and mental health greatly benefited from the conversations and connections I made here.”
Survey results reinforce the group’s success:
- 94.1% of participants agreed their initial goals for attending the group were achieved.
- 82.3% reported learning healthy ways to cope with stress as women of color.
- 94.1% agreed that their overall well-being improved by participating in the group.
The overwhelmingly positive feedback highlights the Colorful Women Group’s ability to foster resilience, belonging, and a greater sense of community for underrepresented voices on campus. By offering this space, FSAP demonstrates its commitment to creating inclusive programs that help faculty and staff thrive.
Changing the Conversation on Burnout
FSAP’s insights have been part of a university-wide shift in how CU Boulder approaches burnout. Drawing on data and research, FSAP has helped reframe burnout as a systemic issue influenced by workplace culture, resources, and structure rather than just an individual challenge. This holistic understanding informs strategies to create healthier work environments across campus.
Collaborating with departments to implement changes such as clearer expectations, fairer practices, and stronger workplace connections, FSAP empowers employees and workplaces to become engines for mental health and well-being. National studies show that , and CU Boulder is embracing these findings to build a culture of well-being and resilience.
A Vision for the Future
FSAP’s accomplishments reflect its unwavering commitment to supporting CU Boulder’s faculty and staff. From enhancing digital accessibility to launching innovative programs like the CU Cultural Collective, FSAP is shaping a workplace where every employee feels valued, respected, and empowered. With its data-driven strategies and forward-thinking approach, FSAP is setting the standard for fostering mental health and well-being in academia.