With Thanksgiving behind us and final exams and the holidays quickly approaching, this time of year often comes with increased anxiety and unease.

Breathe 鈥� you鈥檝e got this! Make a plan for preparation, schedule time for study and for self-care, do one thing at a time and check things off the list as you go. You will reach the finish line.

To help you balance your schoolwork with opportunities to refresh and recharge, I am sharing the many 麻豆原创 resources available to support your success and well-being.

Academic Support

If you are looking for some additional support with particular classes, check out now through Dec. 5. Before and during final exam week, the will host multiple in-person and virtual final exam review sessions spanning a variety of academic subjects.

helps you navigate state and university policies related to academic record changes, curriculum file management, degree audits and graduation requirements. For more information about any of these services, you can visit us in Millican Hall in Room 161.

Mental Health Resources

It’s important to prioritize taking care of your mental health. Take advantage of these resources here at 麻豆原创 to help you:

• : CAPS offers free mental health walk-ins, and their 24/7 crisis hotline can be reached by calling 407-823-2811 and pressing 5.
• : TAO is a self-guided interactive program that aids with managing anxiety, depression and other concerns.
• : Togetherall is a peer-to-peer space to connect with others experiencing similar feelings in a supportive environment, with trained professionals on hand 24/7.

Well-being Services

If you are facing unexpected challenges, reach out to 听for wrap-around care and support. The office can be reached by calling 407-823-5607, emailing caremanager@ucf.edu听and by submitting a听听for yourself or a fellow Knight.

听offers wellness coaching to assist with your health goals and help you make lifestyle changes to optimize your well-being. Staff can help with nutrition, physical activity, stress management and more. Call听407-823-5841听to make an appointment.

Other 麻豆原创 Resources

麻豆原创 has an abundance of additional resources available to you. Whether you need them now or down the road, please do not hesitate to reach out.

• : available for Knights who need support with items such as food, clothing and toiletries.
• : offers free legal advice, consultation and court representation in select areas of law that students encounter most often, including lease agreements and assistance.
• Emergency Funding: for those who are facing financial insecurity, contact Student Care Services for an application to be considered for emergency funds.
• : provides all members of the university community with an independent, confidential and neutral place to share concerns and seek resolution.
• : use this website as a guide to report an incident or concern.

We wish you every success on final exams and a happy, safe holiday season.

Positioning themselves at typical high-traffic locations like the John C. Hitt Library, Student Union and Recreation and Wellness Center, their charge is to encourage compliance with 麻豆原创鈥檚 COVID-19 safety measures.

鈥淭his is a way to help students, faculty, staff and visitors know what鈥檚 expected when coming on to campus,鈥� says Maureen Hawkins, director of Wellness & Health Promotion Services and the program鈥檚 coordinator. 鈥淲e鈥檝e looked at every possible way to engage the community 鈥� and one-on-one interactions are an important part of connecting.鈥�

The student ambassadors remind others about wearing face coverings, adhering to physical distancing and completing the daily COVID self-symptom checker on 麻豆原创鈥檚 app and website. They carry backpacks full of masks, hand sanitizer and door pulls, and give out T-shirts, sunglasses, snacks and other goodies to students who are adhering to safety guidelines.

Many of the students who applied for the positions said they wanted to find a way to help the campus stay healthy, says Hawkins.

Aishwarya Joshi, a graduate student studying health services administration, was one of the first ambassadors hired and trained. 鈥淚 have a healthcare background and during this COVID time I felt so useless not doing anything,鈥� says Joshi. 鈥淲hen I saw this, I was pretty excited, I was hoping I [could] get into it and I鈥檓 so glad [I did].鈥�

The students work in small teams and cover shifts that run Monday through Friday of each week.

Additional students will be hired in the coming weeks, bringing the total number of ambassadors to 60 and providing a daily presence on the main, downtown and Rosen campuses. The program will be in place through the end of the fall semester.

鈥淪tudents are grateful to see the ambassadors out and about and they appreciate the additional self-care items,鈥� Hawkins says.

The program is funded through 麻豆原创鈥檚 institutional portion of the CARES Act.

Tellier stopped at the portable sinks stationed alongside the Reflecting Pond and took advantage of the opportunity to freshen up.

鈥淚 think this is an interesting idea,鈥� Tellier says of the touch-free sinks, a new initiative offered by 麻豆原创 Wellness and Health Promotion Services. 鈥淚 like it especially because this area is usually a spot with a lot of activity 鈥� people listening to music or student organizations tabling out here 鈥� so it鈥檚 a great way to keep us protected.鈥�

麻豆原创 Wellness and Health Promotion Services promotes healthy lifestyle habits associated with higher academic performance by providing outreach and educational workshops. Their wide array of services includes free HIV testing, cooking demonstrations, healthy recipes, tutorials on mindfulness, couponing and wellness coaching.

鈥淲HPS wants to reduce as many barriers to self-care as we can. We want people to be as prepared as possible and continue the behavior of handwashing, especially through flu season.鈥�

The department鈥檚 latest outreach measure is bringing portable sinks to 麻豆原创, which will give students another option to sanitize their hands before attending classes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, handwashing for at least 20 seconds is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from getting sick.

鈥淭he hope is this will help reduce anxiety around our current situation,鈥� says director Maureen Hawkins. 鈥淲HPS wants to reduce as many barriers to self-care as we can. We want people to be as prepared as possible and continue the behavior of handwashing, especially through flu season.鈥�

The portable sinks, popular at music festivals and foot races, are touch-free and are stationed near a tent staffed by WHPS personnel to help guide users. Water flows by activating a foot pump 鈥� used water drains into a separate container and is disposed of while clean water is added to a different container by staff throughout the day. The soap dispenser and paper towels are automated.

The stations will be available daily around the main and downtown campuses in high foot-traffic areas for the first two weeks of the new school year, and WHPS plans to offer the service frequently throughout the fall semester.

鈥淚 think it鈥檚 important to take steps like washing our hands and wearing face masks,鈥� Tellier says. 鈥淭his is not only about protecting you, but also protecting those who may not be able to protect themselves. We all need to work together so we can get through and eventually overcome this pandemic.鈥�

For the latest information about returning to campus, visit 麻豆原创鈥檚听coronavirus听补苍诲听Returning to 麻豆原创听websites. Students, faculty, staff and visitors will be required to complete the听COVID Self-Checker听鈥� available via the听听or online 鈥� each day before arriving to campus.

Before the meal started, a student contributed to an art display, which was a new component to this year’s event.

Students were challenged to write what community means to them on cards and tape them to wooden letters.

The display spelled out “Gather”.

Each student received a banana with a message written on it. Here first-year transfer student Sophia Gonzalez-Lancing holds up her’s with the words “Reach for the Stars”.

One student holds up his main dish, a BBQ chicken sandwich from 4 Rivers, and says, “This is so good.” A mango quinoa salad, fruit and cookies were also served, as well as allergen-free and vegan options.

Knightro also showed up to make some friends.

He even posed for photos with some Knights. “I came here with my sorority sisters and we have our own little community, but it’s nice to be at an event like this and meet other people in the 麻豆原创 community,” says Rabia Zubair (right), a junior mechanical engineering major.

听Jars filled with questions were placed at each table to help break the ice between attendees. Sophomore electrical engineering major Sebastian Carrion’s question was, “If you had a personal mascot who would it be?” His response was Knightro, “because he is funny, fun to watch and good at hyping people up.”

麻豆原创 Ambassador Katie Seymour (left) and听Senior Health Educator for Health Promotion听Christine Pugh (right) pose for a photo. Pugh has helped organize the event for several years and says it’s exciting to bring something new, whether it’s an art display or caterer, to the Gather Luncheon each year.

Senior biomedical sciences major Geraldine Charles attended Gather Luncheon for the first time this year. “I was just walking by and saw these tables lined up. I go to a lot of events at 麻豆原创 for different organizations I’m in, but听I really like the concept of this event because it’s focused on promoting unity. Everyone is super friendly and I would have never met the people around me if it wasn’t for this.”

Junior health sciences major Laura Perez (left) and junior political science major Antonio Henry (right) laugh together as they finish their meal. “I eat pretty healthy and I really appreciated the free quinoa salad they provided because it shows [Wellness and Health Promotion Services] cares about what they’re feeding us.”

Knightro gave one final “Charge On” as the event came to a close.

As Harris-Jackson listened to the young woman, her tale unfolded. It became clear there was no way she could have been pregnant. The 鈥渆vent鈥� had happened just the night before, and impregnation would not have been possible.

She calmed the young woman, and gave her a mini-human sexuality lesson. It became clear that this young woman was not alone in her beliefs 鈥� or lack of beliefs 鈥� about all the workings of the human reproductive system. 鈥淚 felt like I needed to do something,鈥� Harris-Jackson says.

It was a defining moment for Harris-Jackson.

She became the unofficial resident expert on human sexuality to her peers, answering questions from persons of all backgrounds. She heard, 鈥淗ow does one get pregnant?鈥� all too frequently. Harris-Jackson says questions were occasionally accompanied by a snicker or a guffaw. She always tried to answer them in the manner she had gleaned from her unofficial mentor, Ruth Westheimer, a talk-show host who gained fame for bringing discussions about sex and sexuality to radio and television.

Soon, it became clear there was a need in all society for more resources about sex and sexuality. As she was pursuing her master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees, Harris-Jackson would still get questions from people who wanted to know why she wanted to be a sex therapist 鈥� a totally different area of study. Today, she鈥檚 a licensed clinical social worker and a certified sexuality expert.

Not much has changed in the 20 years or so since she was an undergraduate student. 鈥淧eople are hungry for information about sexuality at any age,鈥� Harris-Jackson says.

In her presentations to students, Harris-Jackson鈥檚 professionalism and non-judgmental demeanor offer the assurance that no question that is asked will be mocked or disregarded.

鈥淒r. HJ is so excited about what she teaches, that it draws you in. You don’t want the experience to end,鈥� says Nicole Smith. 鈥淪he showed the importance of being able to be open about speaking about sexuality at whatever age.鈥�

In her recent LINK (Learning and Interacting with New Knights) presentation at 麻豆原创, 鈥淪ex and the Senses,鈥� Harris-Jackson discussed the five senses while simultaneously educating students and participants on safer-sex practices. About 70 students attended the event, says Gabe Martinez 鈥�16, sexual wellness coordinator for .

鈥淒r. Tameca really goes into the chemistry of the aphrodisiacs,鈥� Martinez says. With tastings of chocolate, strawberries and honey, Harris-Jackson encouraged the students to be aware of the role their senses play in sensuous settings.

鈥淚 was blown away by her presentation,鈥� Martinez says. 鈥淪he was funny, engaging, knowledgeable and approachable. The students fell in love with her teaching style.鈥�

Harris-Jackson also has twice taken 麻豆原创 students abroad to Amsterdam, where, as part of a comprehensive program she developed, they are exposed to that culture鈥檚 open approach to sexuality. In Amsterdam, Harris-Jackson explained, issues related to sex and sexuality are part of school curriculums from kindergarten on up.

鈥淭his trip greatly prepared me for my future in social work,鈥� says Felicia Bender. 鈥淚 tried to train myself mentally before the trip to understand that I鈥檓 about to be in a different culture entirely.鈥�

Harris-Jackson is planning a study-abroad program to Thailand next year. All interested students are invited to find out about the program at .

Pugh is a graduate of 麻豆原创鈥檚 Leadership Empowerment Program where she created her own project to both help the university and encourage community building.

She works closely with WHPS鈥� FreshU nutrition initiative that gives students access to healthy food options on campus and provide sustainability for those items. She thought of a golden opportunity to meet both needs for her project and benefit WHPS when she heard about Lucky鈥檚 Market, which opened in June 2016 and is only about 10 minutes away from main campus.

Pugh and the WHPS staff took a field trip last December to see what they鈥檙e all about, and a month and a half later, the partnership began.

Every Tuesday and Thursday since February, Pugh has personally loaded her storm blue Nissan Altima with hundreds of food items to deliver to the Pantry. As of Nov. 14, Lucky鈥檚 has donated 3,319 food items 鈥� 1,709 this semester alone.

鈥淪tudents now have access to fruits, vegetables, baked goods, full meals, chips, peanuts, candied apples, juice, popcorn, cereals and more,鈥� Pugh said. Students can take up to five free food items per day at the Pantry with a 麻豆原创 ID.

In addition, WHPS and Lucky鈥檚 donate food items to the Creative School for Children.

Pugh also teaches a couponing class. 鈥淚 always love going to her couponing classes.鈥� 麻豆原创 student Jazmine Manriquez said. 鈥淪he makes the class engaging and fun. Apart from that you can tell she is really passionate for couponing, teaching others and helping them excel, too. She is sweet, funny and dedicated.鈥�

Pugh has a passion for health education and with this new partnership and her go-getter attitude, she has made a positive impact on the 麻豆原创 community.

The expo, a Healthy Knights 2020 initiative, is a collaboration between Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Health Services, Wellness and Health Promotion Services, Recreation and Wellness Center, 麻豆原创 Cares and several other Division of Student Development and Enrollment Services鈥� departments. Community partners include the National Association of Mental Illness of Greater Orlando and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

The week of October 2-8 is also Mental Illness Awareness Week. Join the campaign to turn stigma into hope, and promote acceptance and actively challenge social stereotypes. Students will have an opportunity at the Counseling and Psychological Services鈥� table to take a pledge to:

1. Learn about mental health issues
2. See the person not the illness
3. Take action on mental health issues.

Anyone can go online to review the commitment and take the pledge to raise awareness: https://www.nami.org/stigmafree.

The Healthy Knights Expo will offer health and wellness information and provide free flu shots to students courtesy of Student Health Services.

CAPS will offer opportunities for the students to learn about mental health issues as well as increase awareness around emotional literacy. Students can talk with clinicians about services and programs offered through the center.

Smoke Free 麻豆原创 will be on site to educate students about the smoke-free policy on campus, the risks of secondhand smoke and resources available for those ready to quit.

Wellness and Health Promotion Services will provide information about HIV testing and sexual health related resources as well as promote the FreshU campaign for growing your own healthy foods.

The Recreation and Wellness Center will share its exciting programs and conduct several demonstrations of fitness classes which are offered at the center.

Knightro will make an appearance, get his flu shot, join an exercise demo with the RWC instructors and have a great time taking photos with students.

Bodhi, CAPS animal assisted therapy dog, will be present to enjoy meeting new students and putting a smile on everyone鈥檚 face.

While waiting in line for the flu shot, students can enjoy free fresh fruit and fruit smoothies from Smoothie King.

The expo is also an opportunity for student groups such as the Student Health Advisory Committee [SHS]; and Peer Educators [WHPS and CAPS] to participate and talk with their peers about health and wellness related services and resources.

Additional activities will include fun coloring activities, a meditative drumming circle, and games such as pool, ping pong and fuse ball.

Overall, the Expo is expected to be a huge success and is expected to impact more than 1,000 students. This collaboration of departments including 麻豆原创 Cares within the Division of SDES is an informative way to share all the resources available to students to help them be happy, healthy and successful.

听Blinis from Russia, yucca con mojo from Ecuador, Curry chicken from Trinidad or good old Cookie Pie from the United States were just a few of the favorite dishes or desserts at the Recreation and Wellness Center event.

麻豆原创 professional and student staff from the RWC, Wellness and Health Promotion Services, College of Nursing and the Office of Compliance provided 25 dishes and desserts for nearly 90 people.

Scott Mauro RWC marketing and communications manager and a 麻豆原创 United Way advocate, says it鈥檚 the best show of support to date. 鈥淭o have a record turnout this year means a lot. One, our campus guests get to try world-class dishes from students and staff who volunteer their time, skills and money. Plus, they get to learn how they can impact lives across Central Florida. Real people in real need. We鈥檙e happy to do our part in spreading the message.鈥� There was no charge for the event. Staff only asked guests to take United Way Pledge Cards.

Each year guests vote on the best dishes. This year鈥檚 best dish went to Ayanna Lopez, assistant director for Academic Support Services College of Nursing, for her curry chicken. RWC Intramural Supervisor and Senior Greg Metzger won best dessert for his chocolate cream cheese brownies.

United Way Campaign Chair Richard Sloane encouraged 麻豆原创 donors to give because the money they donate stays here in Central Florida. This year鈥檚 goal is to raise $150,000 dollars to support dozens of agencies for the Heart of Florida Untied Way. For more information on the 麻豆原创 United Way Campaign, visit: .

Some activities will include 鈥淟ove Your Body through Exercise鈥� yoga and cardio dance classes, a panel on body image concerns and eating concerns across cultures, a meet and greet with therapy dogs to provide unconditional love, a healthy eating cooking demonstration, as well as a workshop promoting self-acceptance and how to seek help for eating concerns.

Body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors are a common problem on college campuses all over the country. They affect both men and women of all backgrounds and identities. They cause people to overeat, under-eat, exercise excessively, and/or utilize extreme methods to facilitate weight control, which can lead to medical complications. The guilt and feeling of shame associated with these issues often prevents people from seeking help.

Schools across the country are dedicating time to this sensitive issue in honor of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. 麻豆原创 is committed to increase awareness, offer support and provide treatment options to those dealing with eating concerns.

鈥淣EDA Week is an opportunity for students to come together and build a culture of self and body acceptance on this campus,鈥� said Susan Tweeten, CAPS coordinator of the events for the week. 鈥淲e also want to make students aware that if that if they are struggling with eating or body concerns, there is help for them here at 麻豆原创.鈥�

The week events will be hosted by a collaboration of Student Development and Enrollment offices including Counseling and Psychological Services; Health Services; Wellness and Health Promotion Services; Recreation and Wellness Center; and the student organization, Project Heal.

For a schedule of events, see the event flyer located at .

麻豆原创 Police and 麻豆原创 Health Services will partner to collect expired, unwanted or unused prescription or over-the-counter drugs as part of an anonymous, no-questions-asked national effort to curb drug abuse and safely dispose of unneeded medicine.

麻豆原创鈥檚 fifth drug take-back event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, leading up to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration鈥檚 Prescription Drug Take Back-Day on Saturday, Sept. 27.

麻豆原创 will host the event at the John T. Washington Center Breezeway a few days before the national take-back day to accommodate students鈥� schedules. 麻豆原创 Police will store all the turned in drugs until the DEA picks them up Saturday.

No needles will be accepted, but pills, inhalers, liquids and ointments are welcome. Pet medication also will be accepted.

The DEA will incinerate all collected items, which is the safest way to destroy expired or unneeded drugs, keeping them out of the hands of abusers and protecting our waterways and landfills. In total, the DEA鈥檚 drug take-back events have collected more than 4.1 million pounds of pills.

The initiative is important because medicine that sits in home cabinets is subject to misuse or abuse, which is why organizers suggest cleaning out your medicine chest at least once a year.

麻豆原创 regularly collects unwanted pills and patches at permanent drug take-back boxes located on the first floor of the Student Union and in the pharmacy of the Health Center. 麻豆原创 Police collects items from the boxes and stores them until they are picked up by the DEA.

For additional information about the DEA initiative, including other local drop-off sites, visit .