To avoid the potential meltdowns often associated with final exams, the Campus Information and Visitors Center is hosting the first-ever Stress Relief Week at the Red Gym. With aid from organizations including Greater University Tutoring Services and the Writing Center, the event is specifically geared toward reducing both physical and mental stress.
\It's a series of events to help students transition to finals and promote CIVC and the services we provide,"" said Student Services Coordinator Nancy Sandhu.
Stress is frequently a problem before and during finals week, as the collective amount of exams, essays and catch-up reading often wears students down.
""Part of [exam week] is a great deal of pressure to prove what you've learned for the entire semester,"" said Kathy Poi, executive director of University Health Services. ""There's a sense of urgency about exams that has perpetuated itself for many years.""
Activities such as chair massages offered by UHS are designed to relieve some of the physical tension, as are exercise classes in cardio-kickboxing, yoga and meditation. To prepare students for their upcoming tests, the Writing Center will offer a seminar on writing essay exams and GUTS will offer tutoring and study workshops.
For students who simply want to relax, the events also include quiet study hours and a viewing of Disney movies.
""The things we've put into place over the last couple of years seem to make a difference for students,"" Poi said about the activities sponsored by UHS.
The few concerns about the event are publicity related, as this marks the program's debut. ""It's just a matter of how well it's been publicized, as no one's really familiar with it and they don't know what to expect,"" Student Coordinator Brittany Grace said.
However, organizers are optimistic, feeling the work they have done got the message out. There has been a great deal of marketing for the event, centered on University Housing, and coordinators said they expect at least 100 student participants every day.
Hopes are also high that the event will become a regular activity each semester.
""I've talked to a lot of students and many of them are quite excited,"" Grace said. ""Hopefully this year it'll go well, and we can do it at the end of next semester and again next year.\
