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December 12, 2023

 

To: All Students

Subject: Good Luck on Finals and Tips for Taking Care of Yourself!

 
Dear Seawolves, 
 
As the semester winds down and final exams begin today, we hope you are looking forward to the winter break as a time to relax, recharge, and enjoy time with loved ones. If you are graduating this December, congratulations! We’re so proud of you! 
 
If you’re currently a resident student, you are welcome to remain on campus during any or all of the winter break. Campus dining will be available during intersession. Visit their website for a full list of locations and hours of operation. The Recreation CenterUnion, SAC, and other campus buildings will operate on a reduced schedule, so please check their websites before your visit. 

We know the end of the semester can be a stressful time, so we want to offer you some advice and helpful resources: 
 
Take Care of Yourself 
As you study for your final exams and work hard on your final projects, remember that doing a good job is just as important as self-care. Self-care means taking care of yourself so that you are healthy, well, able to focus on studying, and successfully finish everything you want to accomplish. Part of self-care and stress relief is also getting a good night’s sleep and eating healthy meals.
 
Take a Break 
We have several events planned to help you destress during finals week. The Center for Prevention and Outreach (CPO) is hosting Study Break tabling at the Union Lobby this week from 12pm-2pm. Check SBEngaged for dates and times. 
 
Be Safe 
Please think carefully before you take an action you might regret. Drug consumption is dangerous, particularly because you may not know what you are ingesting, causing potential dire and even fatal consequences. The use, possession, and sale of drugs and illegal substances is not tolerated at Stony Brook and is subject to disciplinary action under the University’s Code of Student Responsibility
 
If you will be traveling off-campus, keep in mind the following:  

  • If you are traveling by car, stay safe and alert, and please get a good night’s sleep before getting behind the wheel.
  • You will probably want to get together with friends and celebrate the holidays. Remember your Red Watch Band training and be mindful that alcohol use may alter judgment and impact good decision-making.  
 
Reach Out if You Need Help
You may feel heightened stress during final exams, and we have resources available to help you through those situations. As part of our comprehensive Student Health, Wellness, and Prevention Services, you don’t have to be on campus to use TimelyCare’s free 24/7 virtual medical, mental health care, and health coaching services: just go to timelycare.com/stonybrook or download the TimelyCare app (iOS or Android) to use this free service. 
 
TimelyCare’s TalkNow offers on-demand virtual access to speak with a counselor anytime, day or night, about anything on your mind. In addition, the CAPS Crisis Line is available 24/7 at (631) 632-6720 if you are feeling distressed and need to speak to a crisis counselor.  
 
The Student Support Team is also available to help you navigate through difficult situations, academic or personal, that may impact your success at Stony Brook. You can contact the Student Support Team at student_suppportteam@stonybrook.edu or (631) 632-7320. 
 
If You See Something, Say Something
If there is ever a situation where you feel unsafe or need help, call University Police at 333 from a campus phone or (631) 632-3333 from non-campus phones. If you are not on campus, contact 911 for your local police. Stony Brook’s Good Samaritan policy encourages you to call for help in an alcohol or other drug related emergency without fear of facing university sanctions in most instances. 
 
Stay Healthy
We typically see an increase in respiratory diseases, such as the flu and COVID, during the holidays and winter time. Please do your part to keep our campus community safe and healthy by closely following these safety measures:
 
  • Wash your hands regularly with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer whenever soap and water are not available.
  • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.  
  • If you don’t feel well, stay home and rest.  
  • Boost your immune system. We’re in the midst of flu season, so now is a good time to get your flu and COVID shots up-to-date at any pharmacy or your doctor’s office.
  • Good luck on finals, Seawolves. Enjoy your time off and see you in the new year! 
 
Sincerely,
 
Rick Gatteau, PhD
Vice President for Student Affairs
 
Marisa Bisiani, DNP, ANP-BC
Associate Vice President 
Health, Wellness and Prevention Services