Mental health is an issue that’s taken very seriously at Brock University, and with student exams set to begin Dec. 7, a wide-range of services are being made available to help ease the stress.

A busy schedule of events, workshops and seminars kicked off on Monday and Tuesday with Aboriginal Student Services, International Student Services and A-Z Learning all offering workshops.

“It’s a commitment to student well-being, knowing that this time of year with exams approaching, can be stressful and potentially difficult for students,” said Brad Clarke, Director, Student Life and Community Experience. “We want to ensure that students are aware of supports that are available to them at Brock and in the community.”

Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre Director Sarah Pennisi said it’s a University-wide effort.

“Wellness is the foundation for success that’s why the team at the Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre works with students to address their mental and health concerns and offer real life strategies that help to address stress during exams,” she said.

Here’s a look at some of the other mental health wellness initiatives taking place:

Wednesday, Nov. 29:

• A-Z Learning Services, Paragraphs versus Quotations, 9 a.m., Classroom B
• Academic Advising, Exam tips, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thistle Hallway
• Financial Literacy Fair, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thistle Hallway
• Brock University Students’ Union and Wellness: Puppy Room, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pond Inlet; Free massages, 1 to 5 p.m., Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts; Mindfulness workshops, 10 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 3 p.m., Isaac’s Lounge
• International Student Services, Academic Skills Support Workshop — Preparing for Exams, 9:30 to 11 a.m., EA 306
• A-Z Learning Services, Exam Prep: Multiple Choice, 4 p.m., Classroom B
• SWAC, Strategies to Combat Test Anxiety, 4 p.m., WH 203

Thursday, Nov. 30:

• International Student Services, Language Support Workshop — Academic Writing: Introductions, 2 to 4 p.m., IC 112
• A-Z Learning Services, Academic Integrity, 3:30 p.m., Classroom B
• SWAC, Coping strategies for stress management, 1 to 2 p.m., Kenmore Centre

Friday, Dec. 1:

• A-Z Learning Services, Build a five-day study plan, 11 a.m., Classroom B

Saturday, Dec. 2:

• Brock International, Holiday Party and Brock basketball games at the Meridian Centre, ca/international for details

Thursday, Dec. 7:

• SWAC, Coping strategies for stress management, 1 to 2 p.m., Kenmore Centre

Also during exam period:

• Wellness Hub peer educators will be circulating and providing pencils, ear plugs and information to students while they wait for exams to begin.
• BUSU will have a snack trolley with nutritious options circulating throughout the exam period.
• James A. Gibson Library will have extended hours with the main floor open until 2:30 a.m. most days of the week until Dec. 18. For a full schedule, see the library website at ca/library
• Student Life will be handing out motivational stickers and nutritious snacks, water and juice to students.

If your Department or Faculty is offering additional services for students during the exam period, please send the information to campusnews@brocku.ca