Finals are a daunting time for students at Iowa State. To help combat this, the Division of Student Affairs is hosting Cy’s Finals Frenzy, an event to promote study habits and improve general well-being before final exams.
The event will take place inside and outside the Memorial Union from April 28 to 30 and is free for Iowa State students.
According to a survey done by the National College Health Association in fall 2023, 39.7% of students said stress had a negative impact on their academic performance.
“We recognize that the end of the academic year can be overwhelming for students as they balance finals on top of regular classes, jobs, clubs and other responsibilities,” said Toyia Younger, senior vice president of student affairs. “We want students to feel their best so they can perform their best on exams and final projects for the semester. Oftentimes, that means stepping away for a couple hours to re-energize.”
To help students with their academic worries, there will be supplemental instruction review sessions, writing consultants to assist with projects, academic coaching for one-on-ones and time management help.
More than 100 volunteers are needed to help run this event, where they will help monitor wellness activities, pass out to-go crafts, facilitate meal lines and more. Volunteers can sign up here if interested.
Free meals will include Sunday lunch and Sunday and Monday late-night breakfast.
“This is the first time we’ve hosted this event, so I’m excited to see it all come together. I look forward to welcoming students to the Memorial Union and work on projects in our multipurpose spaces, enjoy a movie on Central Campus and grab some free food offered by ISU Dining,” Younger said.
Stress-relieving activities include a smash room, tango class, yoga, karaoke, bowling and pool at CyBowl and Billiards. A movie will be played on Central Campus on the Sunday evening of the event.
Daily prizes and giveaways, along with outdoor games hosted by recreation services, will also be available to students.
“It’s important for students to know that the MU is open and available to them so they can feel free to be in these spaces to do whatever they need to do to feel prepared and ready to finish the semester strong,” Younger said.
