Claire Reynolds
Tis’ the season: coffee is flowing and the midnight oil is burning. As finals week draws nearer, the University of Mississippi is offering a multitude of resources for students wishing to finish the year strong. Whether you are looking for last-minute tutoring sessions or information on student disability services accommodations, look no further for a guide on everything being offered to help students succeed during the last stretch of the semester.
J.D. Williams Library resources
If students need to find a reliable spot to study, the J.D. Williams Library is a great choice. On Saturday, Dec. 2, the library begins its 24-hour schedule, meaning someone could work continuously until the library resumes its normal hours of operation on Friday, Dec. 8.
One of the benefits of studying at the library is that students can choose the type of environment they want to work in based on which floor they go to. The first floor is perfect for group work, whereas the third floor is best for complete silence concentration. Additionally, many departments and majors offer free tutoring at the library.
The library also offers several printers for students to use. Students can pay using Ole Miss Express or a library printing card and print as much as they would like at a rate of 15 cents per page for black and white and 50 cents per page for color.
The Writing Center
Final exams can take many forms. Not everyone needs to know where to get a green scantron the day of — instead their final may be in the form of an essay. If you fall into the this category, look no further than UM’s student-run Writing Center. Located on the third floor of Lamar Hall in Suite C, it is open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m. until noon on Friday. If students cannot make it to the physical location, online sessions are available. Online hours are 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for Monday through Thursday and 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday. The Writing Center is willing to help with any aspect of the writing process, from brainstorming to polishing up and adding proper citations.
To make an appointment at the Oxford campus, go to the website and select the time that works best for you or a staff member with whom you would prefer to meet. After that, you will be prompted to fill out some general information. The Writing Center encourages students to share their papers before the meeting begins so the staff can get a head start on reading them.
The Speaking Center
The Speaking Center, similar to the Writing Center, is perfect for students who have to give presentations for their final projects. Directed by Lecturer in Speech Professor Elizabeth Moore and staffed by students, the center is located in Lamar Hall in Room 404.
Students can make appointments online or walk in for an appointment between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The center also offers an online meeting format.
Mental health resources
Finals week is a notoriously stressful time. There is no shame in seeking outside help to alleviate anxiety, stress or any other feeling that could affect your quality of life and academic performance. Additionally, most of the services offered are free to students.
The university offers counseling services in the form of one-on-one meetings with professionals as well as support groups.
The Department of Psychology’s website also provides information on what to do if your GPA is below 2.0, the freshman forgiveness policy and tips for how to study effectively.
SDS accommodations
Student Disability Services makes it possible for students to do their best academically by providing equitable test-taking accommodations. Located on the third floor of Kinard Hall in Wing F, the SDS testing center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can contact the center by phone at 662-915-2514 or through email at sdstesting@olemiss.edu.
More information on the SDS guidelines can be found on the website.
