Congratulations! We've reached the halfway point of the semester AND you've survived the univited October snowstorm-- give yourself a pat on the back!
This semester has had some extra stresses so if you have not already done so, take some time to check in with yourself and your friends. And don't forget, the OIE is here to support you too. We hope to see many of you this week either during the Advisement Day OPT and CPT Workshops or during our rebooted Coffee Hours. You read that right! Danielle is bringing back Coffee Hours on Tuesdays and Fridays beginning this week. Stop in for as little or as long as you like; warm beverage optional.
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 about with yourself. If you are feeling like you need a release or like now is a good time to get on top of some of your feelings, 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.
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.
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. Keep in mind that changing rooms is not always the easiest or approrpriate solution. Very often, a calm, honest conversation with your roommate(s) is all that is needed to resolve issues.
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.
THE RETURN OF COFFEE HOUR
I'm setting aside two hours wach week for a social check in. You are not required to attend but you invited to sign in, pull up a chair and chat over your favorite hot beverage. You're going to have to bring your own, though! Stay for as little or as long as youl like!
Coffee Hour will take place on Tuesdays and Fridays through the end of the semester. The link to join the session is in the CONNECT event. Or you can join by clicking the button below. Please note that the link will remain the same for every coffee hour.
Tuesday, October 27 is Advisement Day. But while classes won't be in session, this day is not a "day off" but an opportunity to connect with your advisor regarding registration and enrollment and to take advantage of informational offerings from campus offices. International Student & Scholar Services will be hosting two bonus workshops on this day. Please plan to attend if you have not already been to a session.
Workshops will be held on the following topics:
Curricular Practical Training (CPT): CPT is what you will need as an F-1 international student if you wish to participate in an internship or co-op during your degree program. If you are thinking about doing a co-op prior to Fall 2021, you are strongly encouraged to attend!
Optional Practical Training (OPT): OPT is what you will need if you wish to participate in practical training (work experience) after you finish your degree program. The OPT Workshop is appropriate for students who will finish their programs in Fall 2020. OPT applications will take 3-5 months to review so it is very important that you apply as early as possible!