That infamous time of year is quickly approaching. Finals Week. For all college students, finals week can be a time of last-minute work, studying, and catching up.
To stay on top of schoolwork and avoid excess stress, it is important to be aware of the resources Sacred Heart University (SHU) provides its students, setting them up for success during this time of year.
Source: Shannon Tuttle’26, Staff Photographer
Source: Shannon Tuttle’26, Staff Photographer
Located on West Campus, the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) offers a multitude of tutoring and writing support, free for all SHU students. Through the Pioneer Academic Support Services Portal (PASS Portal), students
can set up appointments for tutoring and writing support.
“I recommended using peer tutors, especially freshmen. These tutors have taken the classes before and not only do they help you understand topics, but give good advice on how to go about the exams,” said sophomore Sophia Gatto.
The CTL employs over 100 peer tutors and 22 professional tutors. If SHU tutors are not available, SHU provides 24/7 online tutoring through TutorMe, a third-party service. This website is accessible on MySHU.
“We want students to feel comfortable coming to us for assistance and understand that there is no shame in asking for help. When students come to the CTL, we will work closely with them to provide the specific support they need,” said Lisa Henderson, Tutoring and Academic Support manager.
In addition to tutoring, SHU’s Online Writing Lab provides students with the opportunity to have their papers reviewed by professional tutors returning them with advice on argumentation, content development, grammar, punctuation, citation styles, and more.
The CTL is hosting an event on Dec. 11 from 12-3 p.m. encouraging students to come relax, destress, and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies.
The hot spot on campus during finals week is the library. With three floors and numerous study rooms, the library is filled with students preparing for their finals.
Starting Dec. 3, the library is open every day until 3 a.m.
According to Emily Komornik, Discovery and Metadata Services Librarian, most librarians increase their consultation hours during this time to try and support students as best as they can.
“Being around your peers and seeing them studying motivates everyone that we are all in this together,” said Komornik. “Also, now that the library cafe is open, students don’t even have to leave the library for a snack or quick pick-me-up which is great.”
Partnering with the counseling center, the library is hosting Art in the Library Dec. 4 through Dec. 8, 1-2 p.m., and Dec. 11 through Dec. 14, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. to help students have a mindful break from studying.
Juggling extracurriculars and final exams can be difficult for students. Senior Victoria Vaglica is actively involved in numerous activities on campus and is a Student Library Assistant.
“Despite the preparation and time investment required for such activities and their events, they serve as essential breaks for my mental well-being and allow me to socialize with friends,” said V aglica.
Adopting a structured approach to finals, Vaglica creates study guides and utilizes Quizlets to grasp a deeper understanding of the material, rather than just memorizing it. She also prefers to study on the quiet second floor of the library, to help maintain her focus.
“Learning to distribute my workload throughout the week has been a pivotal adjustment, affording me the luxury of time for socializing, exercising, relaxing, and reducing the stress in my life,” said Vaglica.
Final exam week at SHU begins Tuesday, Dec. 12 through Saturday, Dec. 16. Be sure to check when your class meets for their final exam through Sacred Heart’s website or with your professor.
