With finals arriving on campus faster than snow this season, it’s important to be aware of the resources available to students. The next two weeks are stressful, with this in mind UW-Eau Claire has a number of resources for students to use, alongside some special events that support students during finals season. 

McIntyre Library is extending its hours for the next few weeks. McIntyre will be open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. from Dec. 18-20, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 21 and  8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Dec. 22, when it will close for the semester. 

There will be therapy dogs available in McIntyre throughout finals week. There are multiple dogs around each day, and they will be there until Friday, Dec. 22. There is normally at least one dog around in the morning or early afternoon, and one in the evening. 

The schedule for the therapy dogs can be accessed on the library’s website, along with a plethora of other resources. 

According to the McIntyre website, the therapy dogs are available to provide support to students by relieving end-of-semester stress. 

There will also be a few activities held in McIntyre during finals week. There will be pancakes served by Chancellor Jim from 7-9 p.m on Monday, Dec. 19. This event is on the first floor of McIntyre and is free to students. 

There are a few other activities hosted by the university this week for students to help be a break from studying. From 8-10 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 15 there will be extreme bingo in the Karlgaard Towers Lobby. 

Student Support Services offers peer mentoring services, academic advising and tutoring for students. They will be providing some goodies during break and offering treats at their office from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 18. 

The Center for Writing Excellence has available appointments for the next week. They can help students look over final essays and provide advising through all stages of the writing process. The final time for students to access the Writing Center is Friday, Dec. 15. 

Counseling Services will have a drop-in session during finals week. In collaboration with the Multicultural Student Services Office, students have the opportunity to walk-in and talk with a professional.

This is different from crisis hours, as it is time specifically set aside to focus on mental wellness, and is not as formal as a crisis appointment. The drop in event is from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 19 in the Multicultural Students Services Office in Centennial 1106. 

If you need support beyond this timeframe, Crisis Services has emergency drop-ins available during from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or 24/7 at the Universities of Wisconsin mental health support line, at 888-531-2142. 

No matter what, personal health comes first. Make sure to take care of yourselves Blugolds; finals season will come and go very quickly, and there will be a much-needed break. 

Leick can be reached at [email protected].