Jack Abbott- general reporter
The College Access Program is collaborating with several other organizations to raise awareness of the decline in mental health that occurs after midterm exams and to discuss the importance of professional communication at the annual Vibe Outstanding on Business We hosted an event.
“Today’s event is a ‘vibeout’. We do this every semester as a mid-semester check-in just to check in with our students to see how they are mentally, physically and emotionally,” said Dominick, PASS Program Coordinator. Brel said.
The event consisted of several presentations focusing on various issues of mental health and professionalism. The event began the discussion with a presentation on how to create a comfortable learning environment by focusing on the senses.
The next presentation, “Finding Balance as Life Lives,” was moderated by Alison Regis, Wellbeing Coordinator. Her presentation discussed how many students struggle to find a balance between school and other obligations at work, family, and friends.
“Money is real. We need it,” Regis said. “In some cases, that can be a challenge.”
Next, Rachel Cunningham-Xavier, Deputy Director of the Office of Career and Professional Development, took a diversion from other presentations to discuss the importance of professional communication through email.
She says writing emails in a professional and detailed manner ensures that students get the information they need from their professors without creating an unintended tone.
“It also helps you advocate for yourself. There are a lot of people who have told someone something verbally but never followed it up with email,” Cunningham-Xavier said. . “You don’t have proof. You don’t have receipts of what you told people, what you told people, and probably what they said back to you.”
The final presentation, given by Zaria Anderson, graduate intern in the Center for Academic Success and Accessibility Services, discussed the importance of paying attention to midterm grades and how to improve them later in the semester.
Anderson suggested four steps to help you improve your grades. It’s about self-reflection, asking for help, creating a plan of action, and taking responsibility for yourself.
“It’s okay to ask for help. This is why professional resources like ours are here for you,” Anderson said.
The event concluded with a meal and a discussion session where students expressed and discussed their concerns.
“By participating in this work, I learned a lot of things that I didn’t even realize,” said Shane Lister, a graduate student intern and chaperone. “I think students should incorporate some part of their day into self-care.”
According to Brell, student burnout and mental health levels can be measured in part using the percentage of students who access resources such as academic success centers and accessibility and counseling services. She says these resources are used much more frequently after midterms, suggesting people are more concerned about their grades and mental health after spring break.
“I know how important it is to lend a helping hand,” Anderson said. “I had to get through the first half of my college life on my own.”
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