We've made it through the midterm! I hope that this, indeed, means that most of your midterm stress is now behind you. This is a good time to do a check-in with yourself academically, physcially and mentally and make some adjustments if things aren't quite where you want them to be.
This newsletter is full of information about the resources you can tap to ensure that you stay healthy mentally, physically and academically.
RESOURCES FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
By this point in the semester many of you may be experiencing symptoms of home sickness, perhaps even on top of your academic stress-- this is perfectly normal but it is sometihng you should be honest with yourself. If you are feeling like you need a release or like now is a good time to tackle some of your thoughts, consider the following:
SHARE YOUR CULTURE
Having opportunities to talk about home, your family, your favorite foods or wear traditional clothes from home may be just what you need to perk you up. Consider making a traditional meal for your new friends or enjoy conversation over a tea or coffee from your home country. The Internaitonal Club will be hosting a potluck on November 6-- watch for more details! But you are also encouraged to sign up for the International Night Expo (or Show), where you can show or tell everyone about what makes you proud to be you!
COUNSELING CENTER:410 Bowman Hall
The Counseling Center offers confidential services,and resources to ensure you receive the support you need to be successful.
Support is available in multiple ways:
Trained professional counselors offer individual, couples, and group counseling.
Online and mobile self-help resources help you track personal wellness.
Anonymous and confidential online tools help you assess mood, anxiety, or other topics.
Health and wellness events and activities hosted by students.
The Counseling Center is also home to the Zen Zone, an area with relaxing activities, massage chairs, books and light therapy resources.
ROOMMATE ISSUES: Talk to your RA about options
You've now had a few weeks to adjust to your shared living situation and we know that while some roommates can grow to have strong great relationships, this is not always the case for everyone. Talk to your RA if you live in University Housing and you are having roommate issues including:
difficulty communicating
being put in uncomfortable social situations (parties, drinking in the room, univited guests)
different worldviews
serious personality conflicts
Your RA will be able to advise you on how to manage the situation in a healthy way, offer a mediation or review options for mid-year room changes.
FAITH-BASED SUPPORT
There are numerous campus organization set up to help student connect with a faith-based community at Stout and in Menomonie. You can find many on CONNECT but also remember that the Jumu'ah Prayer Group meets every Friday in MSC for a 1pm prayer.
RESOURCES FOR YOUR ACADEMIC HEALTH
You've now had half a semester to self-evaluate your course performance. Now is a good time to check your grades. Even if you are worried they will be terrible, it is important to know where you actually stand at the mid-term so that you can respond appropriately for the rest of the semester.
If things are going well-- keep doing what you're doing! If things are not going as well as you had hoped, talk to your instructors and get feedback on how you can improve. Your instructor will know better than anyone how you can improve in their class. Listen to their advice and take action on the things they mention. Your instructors really do want to help you but to do that, you also need to make the choice to help yourself.
Regardless of where your grades are, keep in mind that Stout has a number of academic resouces available to you:
WRITING CENTER
The Writing Center offers free help to students with writing assignments for any class. Writers of all skill levels are welcome!
Each visit to the Center is confidential and will address students’ individual concerns or needs. Tutors won't edit or proofread student papers. Rather, tutors will work with students to develop skills, strategies, and confidence to improve their writing.
PREPARE FOR ADVISEMENT APPOINTMENTS
This is your chance to get one-on-one advice for next semester and to set your schedule for academic success. Be an active participant in your academic success by attending your advising appointments with questions and an interest in helping yourself. Your advisor probably doesn't know everything about you so if you have questions, or need to know certain information, don't expect them to read your mind; instead, ask them so that you can get the information you need and move forward with confidence.
TUTORS ARE YOUR FRIENDS
If you are finding certain classes difficult, be sure to ask the instructor about tutoring options. Many departments will have tutoring hours available for students to stop in and get extra help. Tutors are typically students who have already taken your class and performed well in it-- they can be one of your best campus resources!
ACADEMIC RESOURCE COUNSELORS (ARCs)
If you live in University Housing, use your ARCs, they are there to help you navigate Stout's academic resources!
CALCULATING YOUR GPA
This is one of the strangest adjustments for international students so if you do not know how to calculate your GPA, know that you are not alone! But it is easier than you think. This calculator is a good tool for you to see your current GPA. You can also review Stout's grade weights here.
KEEP ACTIVE TO STAY HEALTHY
To stay healthy this fall, be sure to drink lots of water, get the right winter clothing, eat your vegetables and be sure to get some good quality sleep!
FITNESS
URec and the StoutAdventures will continue to offer unique opportunities for you to challenge yourself physically through the semester. We also have numerous sports clubs and intramural opportunities for those of you looking for regular commitments and the opporunity to make new friends. Search the list on CONNECT to see if there are any that align with your interests.
GET THE RIGHT NUTRIENTS IN YOUR BODY
You may love pizza but your body may not be the biggest fan of it. Listen to your body and remember to get eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of water. The various dining services on campus offer a variety of options so you should have little problem finding suitable options. If you aren't sure what's right for you, or you need advice on food offerings, Stout also employs a registered dietician that you can speak to about a plan that will suit you.
GET PROPER WINTER CLOTHING
See Danielle's email from a few weeks ago regarding resources for getting warm clothes on the cheap!
