Thought of Finals Stressing you out? UO is here to help

Located in the Health and Wellness Center, the "coffee, candy, and condoms" bar is available for all students to look through and take what is needed. Photo taken by Ashley Vosburgh.

Finals are just a few weeks away for the Fall 2024 semester at The University of Olivet. For some this can cause a bit of stress and anxiety. UO has many resources to help combat those nerves. 

One way UO can help is through free tutoring. “The tutoring system is very easy to sign up for. In fact, it is found on the left column of the MyOlivet portal after you select the student tab. It will then ask for you to create an account.” said Thayne Bilicki, senior, tutor and double major in Chemistry and Mathematics.  

The sign-up for this tutoring will ask for a student ID number and some basic identity questions.  

“Then you just look for a tutor that tutors the subject that you would like help in, and the time blocks are laid out for you there,” said Bilicki.  

Courses range from accounting to marketing and more. “I can help in anything related to criminal justice, psychology, or with writing papers.” said one of the tutors, Madison Mervine, junior, criminal justice and psychology major. 

All of the tutors offer online meetings and most also offer in-person sessions.  

“Pick a time that works for you and meet in the office across the hall from Starbucks at your selected time,” said Bilicki. “Completing your work is very important in college and the real world and this job helps me support others achieve these goals, even if it is as simple as not working on your homework alone.” 

Bilicki said, “It is a great moment to be able to help connect dots for students in their learning with subjects that most find challenging.”  

The tutors are also great for study tips. Mervine said she recommends “setting times to sit down and do my homework to eliminate procrastination.”  

If students need help with stress management, UO has some solutions.  

“Some ways I like to destress are coloring, exercise, and taking a nap,” said Mervine. “I also always make sure I am getting enough sleep at night because you will have a harder time retaining information if you are tired.” 

The Health and Wellness Center offers free counseling, among various wellness resources. “There are contracted therapists, one can even be scheduled via Zoom”, said Robin L. Chadderdon, director of the Health and Wellness Center.  

“We also offer peer coaches at no cost”. The peer coaches are senior psychology students and “counseling is completely anonymous,” said Chadderdon. 

According to the MyOlivet Portal, the Wellness Center also has resources to de-stress like the Mind Spa.  Here students can find tools and resources to practice mindfulness, manage stress, and recharge.

The Mind Spa is a safe space that can be used at no charge to students, faculty, and staff. 

Don’t forget, if students ever have a question about things around campus, they can always text the university’s chatbot, Clyde.  

If you haven’t received a message from Clyde yet, update your phone number on the UO website under ‘student information’ to get started. 

Written by Ashley Vosburgh