Managing Midterm Stress for Academic Success

Dear Students:

Please take a moment to review our message below outlining a number of resources available to you to help manage stress, anxiety and the demands of your classes.

We are reaching the point of the semester where you are balancing coursework, exams and projects on top of social and co-curricular activities. It’s common to feel stressed or overwhelmed or feel you aren’t able to juggle everything you need or want to do. It is important to take care of yourselves, and to care for one another. We want you to know the University has staff and a variety of resources to support you and help you be the best student you can be and succeed.

If you find yourself needing help, reach out to any of the resources outlined below. In addition to using the academic support available, this is a good time to prioritize your well-being. Practicing self-care includes getting enough sleep and taking breaks to engage in healthy activity, including exercise and mindfulness. Below are some resources to help you do that as you prepare for midterms. Asking for help and taking advantage of resources is one of the best ways to ensure your success.

Tutoring—Center for Learning and Student Success

The Center for Learning and Student Success (CLASS), located on the lower level of Bird Library, offers many free academic support services to help students manage stress and academic deadlines during midterms.

Options include:

• Mindfulness workshops to Conquer Procrastination by Tackling Assignments Mindfully and Reduce Stress by Approaching Your Next Exam Mindfully;
• One-on-one Maximize Your Learning sessions in English and Mandarin help students construct concrete plans for succeeding in their coursework, from time management calendars to test-prep strategies; and
• Group tutoring to promote understanding of concepts and problems in large, historically challenging introductory courses.

Don’t see the academic support service you are looking for? Email CLASS@syr.edu for help finding relevant supports at CLASS or through other offices and academic departments on campus.

Disability Accommodations for Exams

The Center for Disability Resources (CDR) provides academic resources and accommodations for students with disabilities and supports faculty in their role in the classroom. Students can access or request accommodations through the Disability Student Portal, including signing up for their exams. Faculty can coordinate with CDR (and you) in implementing accommodations using the Disability Faculty Portal. Both portals are found on MySlice.

Asking for Help With Orange Success

Orange Success helps you connect across your success network on campus, including faculty members and advisors. Students who need help can use the “Raise Your Hand” feature to provide more information on the assistance you need. From there, students will be connected to coordinated support and other resources on campus.

Stress Reduction, Mindfulness and Self-Care Resources

The Barnes Center at The Arch offers a host of resources that can help you relieve stress and practice self-care so you can be better prepared, rested and focused during midterms and throughout the year.

Below are just a few of the programs and services you can participate in to support your well-being:

• Schedule an appointment at the Crowley Family MindSpa to practice mindfulness and use guided relaxation techniques, biofeedback tools and a massage chair while you wait.
• Participate in the Wellness Leadership Institute for tips and tools on stress management, sleep management and more, including a session dedicated to stress and midterms.
• Visit the Deborah A. Barnes Pet Therapy Program for pet therapy opportunities.
• Stay active! Try a fitness class, take a walk, run or stroll on the indoor track, or spend some time outside on an outdoor adventure trip.
• Download the Sanvello mobile app using your Syracuse University email address to access free, premium services to help manage mental health.
• Take a break and visit the Esports room or Tennity Ice Skating Pavilion for an event.

If you find yourself struggling to manage stress or anxiety, please know there is staff ready to help. You can reach case managers at 315.443.4357 for consultation, support and referrals, and counselors at the Barnes Center at The Arch are available by calling 315.443.8000.

Syracuse University is committed to your success. Please reach out and connect with these many resources that are here to support you.

Wishing you all the best this semester.

Gretchen Ritter
Vice Chancellor, Provost and Chief Academic Officer

Allen W. Groves
Senior Vice President for the Student Experience