This be a very stressful time of the year for all. If you are having any anxiety, talk to your professors. They want to help. Make it a priority to keep yourselves healthy. The counseling center is very busy at this time of year, but they exist to support you: http://www.k-state.edu/counseling/student/
At the start of the school year, departmental priorities for students were defined in order of importance:
- Your Health and Wellness
- Your Family (however you define it) and their Health and Wellness
- Your Academics (including rehearsals & performances)
Yes, take care of your health and family before your academics. This does not mean you get an automatic “A” when you prioritize appropriately, but when you communicate with faculty, they can review and consider the academic implications of your situation.
Stay healthy. Make time for healthy meals, drink plenty of water, minimize or eliminate alcohol and other altering substances, and get enough sleep. Build breaks into your schedule, be active- workout, dance, or just walk around campus with a friend. Do something free and fun!
See your professors. If you are anxious in general or confused/unsure about any course material, assignment, or preparation for a final exam, see your professor as soon as possible. Theatre faculty are not always in their offices at this time of year- working on their own end-of-semester obligations. Email them and they will get back to you with a time to meet.
Ask your friends for their support. Help each other stay healthy and agree to respect each other’s wellness and work priorities.
Manage your time. Break your work up into manageable chunks of time and vary what you’re doing. Take breaks, but try not to procrastinate.
Talk to your advisor (Shannon Skelton). Talking things over with your advisor can help put things into perspective, and he can advocate on your behalf. Contact him at sbskelton@ksu.edu.
Don’t be afraid to see Counseling Services. Any Theatre faculty member will be happy to walk you over to Counseling Services if you don’t want to go alone. There is no shame in asking for help if you need it. As a student you receive a number of FREE sessions.
Also, there are individual sessions available through the FAMILY CENTER. Please go to https://www.he.k-state.edu/familycenter/services/individuals/
We are part of a community and it is our responsibility to be on the look out for those in need. If you are concerned about a student or are in need yourself, please do not hesitate to contact me (sbskelton@ksu.edu) or K-State’s Office of Student Life at 785-532-6432. There is no shame in seeking help for yourself or others. The numbers below provide a variety of services for free or at a greatly reduced rate. Of course, if the situation is an emergency, calling 911 is your best choice for immediate results. If you have other resources, please include them in the comments below.
FOOD PROVIDERS (if you are food deprived or can no longer afford a meal)
Cats’ Cupboard (on campus, 009 Fairchild – between Nichols and the Union)
https://www.k-state.edu/cats-cupboard/about/
Community Food Basket
785-485-2597
Flint Hills Bread Basket
785-537-0730
VICTIMS OF ABUSE
Crisis Center (Victims of Sexual, Domestic or Relationship Abuse or Violence)
785-539-2785
Kansas Protection Report Center (Report Abuse, Neglect or At-Risk Behavior)
1-800-922-5330
EMERGENCY SHELTER (if you are evicted, kicked out or in a situation that puts you at risk in any way)
Manhattan Emergency Shelter
785-537-3113
DEPRESSION/MENTAL ILLNESS
Pawnee
785-587-4300
MEDICAL (reduced price of medical services if you qualify)
Flint Hills Community Clinic
785-323-4351
SUICIDE PREVENTION
1-800-784-2433
ALCOHOL/DRUG ABUSE
Kansas Alcohol and Drug Services (24 Hrs.)
1-800-586-3690
BIRTH CONTROL/EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION/WOMEN’S WELLNESS/ST & HIV TESTING
Riley County Health Department
785-776-4779
LEGAL HELP
785-537-2943
VARIOUS SERVICES
Shepherd’s Crossing (provides food, shelter, counseling, prescriptions, counseling, etc)
785-776-1470
We are here for you! -K-State Theatre Faculty