With finals fast approaching, the University is preparing various events for students with increased stress. Here is a comprehensive guide to the programs and events offered by the University in the two upcoming weeks.

The Writers Workshop

The Writers Workshop is available for everyone during the school year and continues its work in the regular mode, providing extensive feedback on the papers of the students who need it. 

“We know it’s important for students to feel that they’re submitting their best work when completing final papers or applying for jobs,” said Carolyn Wisniewski, director of the Writers Workshop in an email to the Daily Illini. “And many students say they leave the Writers Workshop with a much stronger sense of confidence in their own work.”

The Writers Workshop is located in the Main Library. To visit, you can schedule an appointment in person or on Zoom and walk-in hours are available as well. 

According to Wisniewski, the service hosted “The Final Check: Proofreading and Editing Strategies” event on April 30 at 4-5 p.m., where students can learn about and apply strategies for “polishing final papers.”

For advanced writers, the Writers Workshop will host the “Publishing Your First Journal Article” event on May 4 at 1-2 p.m., where students will be able to learn more about writing academic articles. 

In addition to that, the Writers Workshop will participate in the Main Library’s De-Stress Fest on May 4.

“We’ll have a ‘Creative Brain Break’ station from 1-4 p.m. in the Main Library’s Orange Room, where students can stop by for snacks and a fun writing-related activity,” Wisniewski said in the email. 

Counseling Center 

In addition to offering individual counseling appointments, the Counseling Center offers the Finish Strong program from April 25 to May 4, spreading awareness about tips for handling stress. 

“We are throughout campus the last few weeks of the semester, letting people know about the importance of taking care of their mental and physical health at all times, but especially during stressful times like finals,” said Nichole Evans, media communications coordinator at the Counseling Center. “In addition to the self-care education component, we also want to remind students we’re here and we pass out finals care packages to remind people to reach out if they need.”

McKinley Health Center

Starting on May 1, besides working during its regular schedule by appointments, McKinley Health Center will pass out stress relief packs to students in the Health Center and the Illini Union.

“Stress relief packs will be distributed starting May 1,” said Jennifer Carson, assistant director of marketing for health and wellbeing. “A limited number are available and will go quickly.”

In addition to that, McKinley will host multiple events to improve your mental health during finals. This will include “Kick the Stigma” on May 1 at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. which aims to spread awareness about mental health resources through an inflatable soccer game with the Illinois soccer team. 

La Casa Cultural Latina will collaborate with McKinley Health Center to host “Relaxation of the Mind and Body” on May 1 at 6:30-7:30 p.m. The event will introduce visitors to four relaxation techniques that can be helpful for stress management. 

For more details and events, visit McKinley Health Center’s website. 

Student Affairs

The Office of Minority Student Affairs Academic Service Center offers drop-in tutoring for Math and Chemistry, working during its regular schedule.

Additionally, Office of Inclusion & Intercultural Relations International Education will host a Finals Snacks for Success event on May 3 at 5:30-7 p.m. in the lower level of ISR where people will be able to try international snacks and relax before the exams. 

OIIR-International Education is also hosting an alternative event Finals Week Pop-up at the Library with some international snacks and beverages on May 9 at 1:30-4 p.m. in the Main Library Orange Room.

Similarly to La Casa, the Asian American Cultural Center is hosting a self-care event “We Care!” on May 4 at 2-4 p.m. at the AACC. The event will offer arts and crafts with snacks and beverages.

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