Supporting You During Stressful Times
December 8, 2021 5:01 PM

Dear Student,

We know this semester remains challenging for you as we continue to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, and as we close the semester, you and your peers may experience added stress and anxiety.

Tensions surrounding COVID-19 and personal and family stress can be amplified at the end of the semester with final exams, deadlines for projects and papers and even returning home for the break.

Your peers 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 help and encouragement in seeking assistance.

If you become concerned about a friend—or yourself—the Student Assistance Center (SAC) is here to 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 with staying grounded and focused in times of stress.
counselingcenter.illinois.edu/outreach-series

McKinley Online Relaxation Exercises
Take a break to engage in relaxation.
Guided imagery, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation.
mckinley.illinois.edu/relax

McKinley Health Resource Centers
Over-the-counter self-care supplies.
Pick up a sleep pack and more to help keep you 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. 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, call the Crisis Line at 217-359-4141. You 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.

Thank you for your care and concern for your fellow students and the well-being of our community.

Sincerely,

Dr. Robert J. Jones
Chancellor

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