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�鶹ӳ�� has been awarded a 2026 Gold Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health by Mental Health America, the second-highest distinction awarded by MHA.

The Bell Seal recognizes employer advances in workplace mental health by awarding Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum recognition. Only two in five employers meet the standards for Bell Seal certification at any level, and roughly one in seven receive Gold Bell status.

�鶹ӳ�� underwent a rigorous evaluation of its policies and practices in four areas: workplace culture, benefits, compliance, and wellness programs. Among the materials reviewed by MHA were the university’s benefits guide, paid time off (PTO) and holiday schedules, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and Tuition Remission Policy.

As the university strives to be an employer of choice in the region, it recognizes the importance of wellness programs in connection with a reduction in turnover and improved retention.   

“This recognition means a great deal to us, not just as a credential, but also as a reflection of the care we strive to show every member of our campus community,” said Dr. Jeff Gingerich, university president. “Mental health is personal, and at �鶹ӳ��, where compassion and integrity are among our core values, we want every employee to know they’re seen, supported and never alone in their journey.”

Gaining status as a Bell Seal recipient demonstrates the university’s ongoing commitment to employee mental health and well-being.

MHA is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health, well-being, and illness prevention for all. The organization has spent decades researching mental health in the workplace and introduced the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health in 2019 to recognize organizations that value and implement policies and practices that support employee mental health and well-being.

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�鶹ӳ�� the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, �鶹ӳ�� is a community committed to transforming the lives of its students inside and outside the classroom, inspiring in them a commitment to academic excellence and lifelong civic engagement. Out of 167 regional universities in the North, �鶹ӳ�� was ranked #8 for value and #19 overall by U.S. News and World Report (2025).