Supporting You During Stressful Times
April 21, 2022 9:01 PM

Dear Students,

As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and as we close the semester, we know this is a challenging time. Final exams, deadlines for projects and papers and even returning home for the break can create stress and anxiety.

We ask everyone to be conscious and aware of your own health and wellbeing during this time, and please be vigilant for signs of distress or concern in your classmates and friends. Watch for signs of panic, depression, anxiety, excessive fatigue, avoidance or confusion as these are all signs that you may need help and should seek 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 and require an immediate university response. 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 health or 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-and-prevention/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. Brown Young
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs