Supporting You During Stressful Times
November 18, 2020 9:05 AM

Dear Student,

We know this semester and year have been especially challenging as we cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, and in the next few weeks, you and your peers may experience added stress and anxiety.

Tensions about 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, 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 - 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 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 or refer them for assistance by visiting 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 through Friday
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

McKinley Health Resource Center
222 McKinley Health Center
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
Phone: 217-333-6000
mckinley.illinois.edu/relax

Health Resource Center at the Illini Union
129 Illini Union (north)
8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Saturday
Phone: 217-244-5994

McKinley Health Education offers individual consultations for students interested in learning relaxation and other stress/time management skills. For more information, please call 217-333-2700.

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