Supporting You and Our Students During Stressful Times
November 16, 2021 10:17 AM

Dear Colleagues,

We know this semester remains challenging for you and our students as we continue to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic and we would like to share some resources for support.

For our students, this semester has been more stressful than usual. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused feelings of stress and isolation. Added to the usual tensions of personal and family stress, the end of the semester can amplify stress as final examinations and deadlines for projects and papers approach.

Students in your classes or laboratories who show signs of panic, depression, anxiety, excessive fatigue (e.g., from academic or personal stressors or COVID-19 vaccine side effects), avoidance, confusion or who report conditions such as their "mind goes blank," may need your help and encouragement in seeking assistance.

If you become concerned about a student, the Student Assistance Center (SAC) can help. Staff in the SAC is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Additionally, the Emergency Dean Program provides a University administrator who is on-call to assist in health or safety emergency situations that occur after business hours. To reach the SAC or the Emergency Dean, please call 217-333-0050. You can find additional information about these programs at odos.illinois.edu/community-of-care.

If it is a true safety emergency, please call 911.

Listed below are some of the specialized programs and services offered to support students:

Psychological, Interpersonal, and Academic Concerns

Counseling Center
2nd Floor, Turner Student Services Building
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, and Friday
8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday
Phone: 217-333-3704
counselingcenter.illinois.edu/counseling

McKinley Mental Health
313 McKinley Health Center
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
Phone: 217-333-2700

Stress Management/Self-Help

Counseling Center Outreach
This hub of resources includes videos on managing time, lessening test anxiety, and maintaining motivation. There is also information about how to attend Daily Mindfulness workshops that help students stay grounded and focused in times of stress.
counselingcenter.illinois.edu/outreach-series

McKinley Online Relaxation Exercises
Guided imagery, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation.
mckinley.illinois.edu/relax

McKinley Health Resource Centers
Over-the-counter self-care supplies.
Students may pick up a sleep pack and more to help keep them well to excel.

McKinley Health Center, main lobby
9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

Illini Union, Room 129 (north)
8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Saturday

McKinley’s Health Education unit has staff that provide one-on-one consultations in fitness, nutrition, sexual health, and stress management. Students should call McKinley at 217-333-2700 to schedule an appointment.

After Hours Psychological Emergencies and Other Critical Problems

The Counseling Center and McKinley Health Center collaborate with Rosecrance Central Illinois to provide students with Psychological Emergency Services, which are available 24 hours per day, 365 days a year, and focus on problems that need to be addressed immediately (e.g., serious illness, death in the family, severe anxiety, suicidal crisis).

For a consultation with a mental health professional after office hours, direct students to call the Crisis Line at 217-359-4141. The student and the mental health professional can strategize about the best way to make certain help is received.

Please note that college offices and the academic deans can also provide assistance for academically related and personal problems. Find your college or school contact.

Supporting You

We hope you are staying well as we move towards the end of the semester. However, you too may be experiencing greater levels of stress during these uncertain and challenging times. Your health and safety is of utmost importance to us. The Faculty Staff Assistance Services (FSAS) offers free confidential assistance to employees and their families who may be experiencing difficulties that impact their lives. This includes assessments, short-term counseling, crisis services, and referrals to appropriate resources. Please feel free to contact FSAS at fsas@illinois.edu or 217-244-5312 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. If you experience a crisis, outside of regular business hours, please call the FSAS Crisis Line at 217-244-7739.

Sincerely,

Dr. Robert J. Jones
Chancellor

Dr. Danita M. B. Young
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs