UPEI faculty and staff help to eliminate end-of-the-semester stress
December is one of the busiest months in the academic year and for students it’s filled with final assignments, exams, and presentations. Eating properly, sleeping, and taking care of one’s physical and mental health become secondary as a student’s time is consumed with studying and the need to meet deadlines. December 2016 saw a host of activities, that were employee-led-and-initiated, geared towards supporting UPEI students and relieving end-of-the-semester stress:
- Meet and Greet with treats and Santa Claus, Student Affairs
- Festive Coffee, Hot Cocoa, and Cookie Break, Office of the President
- Chili luncheons, Chaplaincy Centre
- Stress-Free Zone with board games and treat breaks, Robertson Library and Chartwells
- Bo the Golden Retriever therapy dog and board games, International Relations Office
- a variety of healthy grab-and-go snacks provided by various departments across campus
“It is clearly a gesture that demonstrates how staff care for these students on a personal level,” said Dr. Christine Hoffman, a parent who was comforted by the kind actions of UPEI employees at the Chili Luncheon, hosted by the Chaplaincy Centre and led by Rocky Paquet and Sister Sue Kidd. “As a parent I was actually emotional to know that a group of staff members felt it was important to prepare a meal to nourish and comfort students just like would happen if they were at home.”
Hoffman wished to thank everyone who kindly spent hours preparing, planning, and serving students at the many activities and events hosted by UPEI staff during the exam period. “All of your efforts and thoughtfulness are truly appreciated.”
UPEI is proud of the kind and caring faculty and staff that take time “out from behind their desk” to serve students during this typically stressful time of year.
