We Are Here For You
Things may feel out of your control right now. You are facing a lot of change in your learning environment and we are here to support you through this time. Please be patient with yourself, your classmates, and your instructors. Your self-care is a top priority and we want you to put your well-being and health first. Making a plan, adjusting your study routines and using virtual methods like Zoom to stay connected to your MBKU community may help you gain more control.
Stay Organized
Things are changing in your coursework and you may be feeling anxious about keeping up with your classes and staying on track but staying organized will help. We understand you are hard-working students who are used to balancing a lot of classes, clinical rotations, studying and more. Please be kind to yourself during this time and don’t be tempted to take on more and overwhelm yourselves.
Avoid Multitasking
Now that learning has become much more self-directed, it is tempting to try to do too much at once (can you really listen to lecture while scrolling through Instagram?). Keep in mind no one really does more than one task at a time, instead you are really just switching your attention back and forth between multiple tasks. It is less efficient and you are less likely to recall what you are learning.
Set a Schedule
As COVID-19 unfolds, you may have fewer social activities, class meetings, or work hours. Setting a schedule for yourself can help provide structure and keep you motivated. If you don’t already keep a weekly or daily calendar, try organizing your time more intentionally to include time for exercise and self-care.
If you find you have more time on your hands, consider enrolling in the Career Readiness Microcredential to learn some valuable skills to better prepare you for your future as a working professional. If you need help making self-care a priority, join the MBKU Wellness Challenge Facebook group or even just joining in on a Virtual Wellness Walk on Wednesdays at noon.
Make the Most of Video Lectures
- Stick to your instructor’s schedule as much as possible.
- Staying on a schedule will help you have a feeling of normalcy and prevent you from falling behind.
- Ask lots of questions. Participate in the chat feature and discussion forums.
- Close distracting tabs and apps while you are watching video lectures.
- We know it’s hard, but TikTok will be there after your lecture, we promise!
- Continue to take notes as you would if you were in class in person.
Trade Some of Your Usual Study Habits for New Ones
Your every-day routines have adjusted during this time. Look for healthy ways to adapt your usual habits and form new ones.
For example:
- Think about what kind of environment helps you study. If you usually study in a coffee shop or library, see if you can recreate that at home. Maybe it’s studying at the kitchen counter, rather than on your bed or couch, or moving to a new spot when you change tasks. If you feel you need background noise, consider a white noise app or some classical music.
- If you study in groups, try a virtual session with your classmates through a video app or even a simple phone call with a tutor. Tutoring serves are continuing remotely and tutors are still getting paid.
- If you thrive on tight timelines, but now have a more open schedule, think about how working with others or setting up a schedule can recreate that for you.
Try Not To Procrastinate
While it is nice to attend lectures and study on your own time, it also makes it easier to procrastinate. Try keeping in touch with your classmates to help keep each other on pace. For more tips on avoiding procrastination, check out the time management video on the Student Achievement Center (SAC) Moodle page.
Meet Regularly
If you usually touch base during class or lab, consider a quick text on your group chat about progress every couple of days. Ideally, have real conversations over video any week you’re working together.
Keep Videos Open When You Can
Seeing everyone on video will help you stay engaged. Focus on keeping the video visible on your computer screen. It’ll help you see the expressions of your teammates and stay connected to one another.
Check On Each Other and Ask For Backup
If someone has been absent from your group meetings or chat, ask them directly if they’re still able to participate in the project. If you aren’t getting responses within a day or two, let your instructor know. It’s important right now that we all care for each other well and check in on one another regularly.
Stay Connected
We know it is essential to practice social distancing and self-isolate right now, but connecting with family and friends virtually is more important than ever. Here are a few ideas:
Schedule Time with Friends and Family
Talking with loved ones is really helpful when you’re stressed or nervous about something. Taking a break to have a laugh is so important.
Use Zoom, Facetime or Google Hangouts
Connect with your Peer Advisor/Advisees or classmates to talk through a tough problem.
Attend Virtual Office Hours or Study Groups
Stay up on your coursework and classes to stay on track with your studies.
Self-Care
Staying in touch with your classmates and family and friends will go a long way to help you feel connected. Of course staying healthy requires getting enough sleep, nutrition and exercise.
If you are not feeling well please schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider via telemedicine. If you cannot get an appointment in a timely manner, Dr. Brandon Grove is offering telemedicine appointments for students at no charge during this time.
Don’t forget to evaluate your mental wellbeing too. Dr. Alyse Kirschen is also available for counseling appointments.
Please Remember: We Are Here For You
If COVID-19 has disrupted your travel plans, ended a clinical rotation you were excited about, or it feels like it came at the worst possible time, remember: we will get through this together.
You’ll find your way when it settles down. You’ll get back on track, and things will get back to normal. We don’t know when, but we know it will happen and we will help you through it.
Until then, watch some Netflix (in between your coursework, of course), take a deep breath, do your best, get some rest, and wash your hands.