Anxiety and stress levels increase during the final weeks of the semester as final exams and project deadlines loom. To help, Cal Poly Pomona is launching a series of initiatives to support students and alleviate some of the pressure during the final weeks of the semester.
The coordinated “Focus on Finals” activities run the gamut from extended hours at the University Library, Bronco Recreation and Intramural Center, Bronco Student Center and Starbucks, to visits with therapy dogs, Nintendo Switch games, yoga and meditation sessions, coloring books and puzzles. Special activities include Donut Worry Monday, Loteria Night and Mad Tea Party Madness.
To take care of the physical body, the University Library with also have a Health Hut both pre-finals and finals week providing free inflatable neck pillows, brain food snacks that include nuts, seeds, dark chocolate, fruits and fruit juices, and fact sheets with recipes.
Finals Stations at four busy campus locations will offer free testing supplies, snacks and other resources to help students stay on track as well as information on the activities.
Individual departments and Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) have offered finals week programs in the past, but this year areas across campus are coordinating their efforts to help students.
“These two weeks can be highly stressful for our students,” said Emma Gibson, interim dean at the University Library. “We can see it in the library. Students can become very emotional during times of stress. Maybe they put off a project, or they have a packed schedule and have not been able to finish that research paper.”
“We hope these programs will relieve some of the pressure. We let them know that it’s going to be okay and encourage them to take breaks. It helps when they feel like they have people in their corner,” added Gibson “We all want to help them be successful.”
The collaboration includes Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, ASI, Facilities, Campus Police, Counseling and Psychological Services, the Health Center and Foundation Dining Services.