Finals Prep: Shaping Success At Shsu

Finals week is a stressful time for students at Sam Houston State University. To help students prepare for their final exams, the SHSU Program Council and the Academic Success Center host a Don't Sleep on Finals event. The event provides students with a quiet study space, free food, and access to tutors. It also aims to relieve some of the stress associated with finals week by offering stress relief activities such as therapy dogs and making stress balls.

Stress relief activities

The end of the semester is a stressful time for students, with academic deadlines, concerns about grades, and pressure from teachers all contributing to anxiety and worry. Sam Houston State University (SHSU) offers an event called "Don't Sleep on Finals", which provides students with free food, access to tutors, and study space. This is a great initiative to help students manage their stress and prepare for final exams.

Get Enough Sleep

A good night's sleep is essential for managing stress. Aim for at least 8 hours of sleep each night and take short power naps during the day if needed. Sleep deprivation can negatively impact your mood, productivity, and learning ability. It can also increase the risk of academic failure and car accidents.

Practice Guided Imagery and Deep Breathing

Guided imagery involves visualizing a peaceful scene to help you relax and detach from stressful thoughts. You can use a guided imagery app or simply sit in a quiet place, close your eyes, and imagine a calming image. Deep breathing exercises are also beneficial, as they can be done anywhere and help to relieve stress in minutes.

Exercise Regularly

Physical activity is a great way to blow off steam and reduce stress. Yoga, walking or biking to class, and joining an intramural sport are all excellent options. Exercise has been shown to lower perceived stress levels and can help buffer against the negative effects of stress on your health.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR)

PMR is a technique where you tense and relax all your muscles until your body is completely relaxed. This can be particularly helpful during tests or before bed to induce a deeper sleep. With practice, you can learn to release stress from your body very quickly, making you better equipped to handle stressful situations.

Listen to Music

Music can be a convenient and effective stress reliever. Classical music can enhance productivity and reduce stress while studying. Upbeat music can improve processing speed and memory, and relaxing music can help calm the body and mind.

Build a Support Network

Having emotional support from friends, family, or mentors can help create a protective buffer against stress. Join study groups or participate in social and leisure activities to meet new people and expand your support network. Different types of relationships can offer different types of support, so nurture a variety of connections.

Eat a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet can help combat stress by providing stable energy levels and improving your mood. Keep healthy snacks like fruits and nuts on hand, and stay hydrated by carrying a water bottle with you. Limit caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol intake, as these can contribute to stress and anxiety.

Eliminate Sources of Stress

Evaluate the things that are causing you stress and anxiety. If possible, cut out or reduce activities that are not necessary or beneficial to your mental health. This could include limiting social media use or saying no to commitments that overload your schedule. Prioritize self-care and stress management to reduce the negative impacts of stress on your life.

Study tips

• Know your exam schedule: Knowing when your exams are scheduled will help you plan your study sessions more effectively. Check your exam schedule and make a study plan that allows you to dedicate sufficient time to preparing for each exam.
• Utilize campus resources: Sam Houston State University (SHSU) offers various resources to support your learning. Take advantage of the Academic Success Center, which provides assistance with writing, math, and supplemental instruction. The writing tutors can help with structuring papers and using the proper writing style, while the math tutors can provide extra support with equations. The supplemental instruction sessions are peer-facilitated and use reviews, discussions, and activities to enhance your understanding of the course content.
• Manage your stress: Finals week can be stressful. It is important to take care of your mental health and well-being. The SHSU chapter of Active Minds is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and encouraging students to seek assistance when needed. They often organize stress relief activities during finals week, such as bringing therapy dogs to the mall area and helping students make their own stress balls. Remember to take breaks, relax, and engage in activities that help you de-stress.
• Study in a conducive environment: If you're having trouble finding a quiet place to study, consider attending the "Don't Sleep on Finals" event organized by the SHSU Program Council. This event provides students with a quiet study space, supplies, and food to help them prepare for their exams. It's a great opportunity to focus on your studies without distractions and connect with other students who are also preparing for their finals.
• Seek academic advising: If you need help choosing the right courses or have questions about your degree plan, graduation requirements, or prerequisites, you can reach out to academic advisors like Megan St. Vigne, an Associate Academic Advisor in the SAM Center. Academic advisors can provide valuable guidance and ensure you're on the right track with your studies.
• Start early and stay consistent: Avoid cramming and last-minute studying. Give yourself enough time to review the material thoroughly and seek help if needed. Create a study schedule that allows you to cover all the topics for each exam. Consistency is key to effective learning and retention.

Time management

Plan and Prioritize:

Create a study schedule by allocating specific time slots for each subject. Prioritize the subjects that require more time and attention, and be sure to stick to your plan. Knowing when your exams are scheduled will help you plan your study sessions more effectively. You can check your exam schedule at https://www.shsu.edu/dept/registrar/calendars/final-exam-schedules.html.

Utilize Campus Resources:

Take advantage of the resources offered by SHSU to help you during finals. The Academic Success Center is a great place to start. They offer writing assistance, math tutoring, and supplemental instruction sessions. These sessions are peer-facilitated and use reviews, discussions, and activities to help you grasp the content. Follow the links to find tutoring times that match your courses.

Manage Your Environment:

Find a suitable place to study where you can focus without distractions. If your roommate is too loud, consider studying in a quiet place on campus, like the library or a designated study area. The SHSU Program Council also hosts "Don't Sleep on Finals" nights, providing students with a quiet study space, supplies, and food.

Take Care of Yourself:

Finals can be a stressful time, so it's important to take care of your well-being. Ensure you get enough sleep, eat healthily, and take regular breaks to relax and recharge. The SHSU chapter of Active Minds is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and encouraging students to seek assistance during stressful times. They often organize stress relief activities during finals week, such as bringing therapy dogs to the mall area and helping students make their own stress balls.

Stay Organized:

Stay organized by creating to-do lists and breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This will help you stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, stay on top of your assignments and deadlines by using a planner or digital tools to keep track of important dates.

By following these time management tips, you can approach your finals with confidence and reduce the stress associated with this challenging period. Remember, SHSU provides various resources to support you, so don't hesitate to reach out and take advantage of the help available.

Academic resources

Academic Success Center

SHSU's Academic Success Center is a great place to start when looking for academic support. The centre offers a range of services to help students with their courses, including:

• Writing Centre: Offers help with structuring papers, using the proper writing style, and provides an extra set of eyes to review your work. They offer both one-on-one and group instruction for reading and writing.
• Math Centre: If you're struggling with equations, the Math Centre has tutors available to provide assistance.
• Supplemental Instruction: The centre also offers peer-facilitated study sessions that use reviews, discussions, and activities to help you grasp the course content.

Other Resources

In addition to the Academic Success Center, SHSU offers a variety of other academic resources:

• SAM Centre: Provides academic advising and course guidance. They can assist you in selecting the appropriate courses for each semester and answer any questions about your degree plan, graduation requirements, prerequisites, and more.
• Bearkat Forward Friends (BFF) Program: Connects students with academic advisors, such as Megan St. Vigne, who can provide one-on-one support and guidance throughout their educational journey.
• "Don't Sleep on Finals" Events: The SHSU Program Council hosts events to help students prepare for their final exams by providing study space, supplies, and food. These events also include stress relief activities like therapy dogs and making stress balls.

Student support services

The SHSU Program Council and the Academic Success Center are committed to helping students prepare for their final exams through various initiatives. One such initiative is the "Don't Sleep on Finals" event, which was held on May 2, 2016, from 6-10 PM in the LSC Ballroom. During this event, students were provided with study space, supplies, and food to help them stay focused and energized during their preparation.

The Academic Success Center is a valuable resource for students seeking assistance with their courses. Within the center, there are dedicated writing, math, and supplemental instruction services available. The Writing Center offers both one-on-one and group instruction to help students with structuring papers, using the proper writing style, and providing an extra set of eyes to review their work. The Math Center provides math tutors to help with any challenging equations. Additionally, the supplemental instruction sessions are peer-facilitated study sessions that utilize reviews, discussions, and activities to enhance understanding of the course content.

SHSU also prioritizes the mental health and well-being of its students during stressful periods like finals week. The SHSU chapter of Active Minds, led by Organization President Alex Cuellar, organizes stress relief activities such as bringing therapy dogs to the mall area and helping students make their own stress balls. These activities aim to create a calming presence and ease the anxieties of students who tend to overstress during testing times.

Furthermore, the university offers the FORWARD program, which is specifically designed to support former foster youth, orphans, wards of the court, or homeless students in achieving their graduation goals. The program provides mentoring, connects students to financial aid opportunities, and links them to other relevant SHSU services like the Counseling Center and Career Services. The FORWARD office serves as a one-stop shop for students, ensuring they have access to all the resources and support they need to succeed.

Frequently asked questions