Massages, major guides and counseling sessions are free and available to students on Western’s campus. The only problem with these services is that students don’t know about them.
From the Wellness Outreach Center to the Academic Advising Center, students and staff are ready to help. These resource centers are for students and can help answer questions ranging from sexual health to General University Requirements (GURs).
Western junior Jordan Bensky, left, gets help on her physics homework from science tutor senior James Soda in the Tutorial and Academic Skills Center on Monday June 7. Bensky spends time in the center a couple of days a week to do her homework without distractions and for help when she needs it. Photo by Kathryn Bachen
Wellness Outreach Center (WOC) Coordinator Jackie Stein said that often times students use these services too late in their academic careers and they do not benefit from these services as much.
The center employees can answer questions, provide reading materials and lend a shoulder whether it is a relationship issue or academic question, Stein said.
As a student, taking care of mental, physical and sexual needs can be difficult, Stein said. The WOC provides pamphlets and books that can help reduce stress, ensure a positive body image and maintain a comfortable lifestyle, Stein said.
Students can come to the WOC to relax, read a book and have a free cup of tea, Stein said.
The WOC is located in Viking Union Room 432. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
"It’s a student space," Stein said. "It’s always okay to come in."
Stress happens, but how it is handled is important, Stein said. Whether it is a workout or massage, Western has the resources.
Personal trainers are available at the Wade King Student Recreation Center (SRC) for motivation and support to stay committed to a routine. For nutrition questions, a registered dietician is available for a free consultation through the Student Health Center.
Students can also take advantage of massages, a service available at the recreation center for a fee.
Another service is the Western Counseling Center (WCC). The WCC has a staff of licensed therapists that provide short-term counseling for loneliness, depression and relationships, Anne Marie Theiler, a mental health counselor for the counseling center said.
"It’s not like you’re going to a clinic," Theiler said. "You don’t have to have a serious mental health issue to come here."
Anonymous individual or group sessions are also available and can help teach relaxation methods, Theiler said. The WCC is located in Old Main Room 540 and is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
If academics are the cause of stress, the Tutorial and Academic Skills Center can help with GUR classes such as math, geology or chemistry.
Western senior Marielle Hickman said peer tutors help relieve test anxiety by answering questions and teaching study skills. The Tutorial Center is located at Old Main Room 387 and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
"We know the tricks of the trade," Hickman said. Learning in college is more of a challenge compared to high school, Hickman said.
If planning for the future seems stressful, students can visit the Academic Advising Center (AAC).
Peer academic advisors conduct GUR evaluations, discuss dropping classes and provide major guides that can help decide on a degree.
The AAC is located at Old Main Room 380 and appointments with professional advisors can be made between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
"Make an appointment with yourself to visit campus resources," Stein said. "Make it a priority."
