Hello, Huskie families!
Can you believe that, when this week wraps up, the semester will be a quarter of the way over? By now, your Huskie is probably thinking about midterms, or is at least aware of major projects for the spring.
This newsletter offers three steps all students can take to stay on track and keep stress levels in check.
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1. Use resources, practice self-care and enjoy downtime.
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Overwhelmed or not, Huskies would do well to start each week with Mindfulness and You. This weekly virtual and in-person group helps students build resilience and be aware of their mental health needs.
NIU believes in caring for every member of our pack holistically. Our wraparound services are meant to meet critical life needs that arise — whether inside or outside the classroom:
When you share these tips with your student, suggest they get out and have fun this weekend, too. NIU's first A Night at Holmes event of the semester has been rescheduled for this Friday, Feb. 11!
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2. Prioritize the habits of a successful student – especially showing up.
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No matter what program your Huskie is in, the most important component toward helping them achieve is being present. A secondary goal should be actively participating.
Encourage your student go to class, attend professors' office hours and establish friendships within their cohort. Why does this matter so much? Huskies with good classroom attendance are more likely to retain the material and form beneficial relationships with peers and faculty.
In-depth, personalized support is available to all students. All they have to do for access to study tips, coaching on essential skills, tutoring or writing help is contact the Huskie Academic Support Center.
A good starting point for your student is downloading these must-have NIU apps.
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3. Lean into campus leadership and professional growth opportunities.
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Huskies who are engaged on campus are more likely to be successful in their studies. Likewise, holding a role in a student organization will prepare students for their postcollege paths.
On top of the Career Services resources I shared in my last message, there are plentiful ways for your Huskie to experience essential behaviors and experiences that will serve them at work and in life.
Leading the Pack kicks off this week as a great introductory program for developing leadership skills, with another session starting in March. NIU's Student Government Association also begins hosting candidate meetings for Huskies interested in running for election this spring.
Consider suggesting our Diversity and Cultural Resource Centers to your student as another doorway to exploring their identity and finding belonging at NIU.
My team in Student Affairs would love to hear from you anytime. Hit "Reply" to get in touch with us.
Go Huskies!
Charles J. Fey, Ed.D.
Interim Vice President
Division of Student Affairs
Northern Illinois University |
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