Finals week and winter break can be stressful for all of us, especially survivors of gender-based violence. We want to offer some tips for caring for your mental and emotional health over the next few weeks.

We're here for you--please contact us or stop by for support and a warm space.

Be sure to also stop by Student Center East next week to get a made-with-love care package from our team!

Things to do and read:

[ID: Snow falling on bare white and dark blue trees and snow on the ground. Dark blue text reads, "Caring for ourselves during Finals & Winter."]

Share your thoughts in our weekly poll!

The end of the semester is approaching, and finals are just around the corner. We hope you're staying motivated as you prepare for exams and final projects.

How are you feeling about finals week? What are your go-to study tips or favorite ways to practice self-care during this busy time?

Check back next week for your responses and a new question!

Last week, we asked, "What are your plans for this short break? How will you honor the history of Indigenous peoples and/or recharge and care for your well-being?" Here are some of your responses:

Thank you for sharing your thoughtful responses and experiences.

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This Giving Tuesday, join us in supporting UIC's amazing students!

100% of your gift to WLRC and the Campus Advocacy Network provides

→ Tuition and Emergency Assistance to survivors of gender-based violence

→ Tuition Assistance to undergraduate women with great financial need (especially LBTQ women, pregnant and parenting students, women of color, women with disabilities, undocumented students, veterans, and students returning after a pause)

so they can continue to pursue their educational, professional, and life dreams.

Thank you in advance! We're grateful for our community!

[ID: A group of UIC student-parents and their children smiling and posing in front of a shiny backdrop and balloons at "It's a Family Affair," an event hosted by WLRC in May 2024. White text in dark blue bubbles reads "#UICtogether" and "yourgift.uic.edu/GTwlrc." Below that is "Together We Can Change the World" in stylized multicolored text, and the WLRC and CAN logos in red, with a light blue wave between them.]

Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Commuter Student Resource Center, Student Center East, 750 S. Halsted
Audience: Undergraduate, Graduate, Professional Students

As students seeking leadership opportunities, what power do we have to make a safer world? 

Abusive power and control is at the root of all gender-based violence. Join us to discuss how to prevent violence in your communities as you move into leadership roles. Hosted by Student Leadership and Civic Engagement and facilitated by WLRC's Campus Advocacy Network.

[ID: A person wearing a head scarf holds up two paddles with "Yes" and "No" written on them. Above them is "Leadership UIC: Power, Consent & Leading Healthy Communities" in large text. Next to them is the descriptive text above.]

Monday, December 9 - Friday, December 13
10am - 4pm most days (see below)
WLRC, 1700 SSB, 1200 W. Harrison St.
Audience: Everyone at UIC

Looking for a welcoming, quiet space to study for finals? Drop into WLRC for snacks and crafty break activities while you prepare to ace your exams!

[ID: A person with long brown hair wearing headphones, sitting at a desk and writing in a notebook. At the top is "Study for Finals at WLRC."]

Monday, December 9 & Wednesday, December 11
11am - 2pm
Student Center East Concourse, 750 S. Halsted
Audience: Undergraduate, Graduate, Professional Students

Need a little pick-me-up during finals week? Stop by our table at Student Center East to grab a fun care package!

You got this, Flames! We believe in you!

[ID: A person in a white top and orange skirt holding a book in one arm. Above them is large text that reads, "Ready for Final Exams? We Got You!" To their right are colored shapes with text inside them: Yummy Treats, Study Buddies, Fun Surprises, Self-care and Safety Tips, Affirmations. Below them is the date and location info.]

Sign up today to receive an invitation to a student org gathering in early spring semester!

Is your student organization

Become a WLRC Affiliated Student Organization! By partnering with us, WLRC can provide guidance to your e-board, help you with planning, provide opportunities for learning and collaboration, provide meeting space, and promote your activities. 

[ID: Text at the top reads, "Sign up to be a WLRC Affiliated Student Organization." Below that are two people high-fiving with a light bulb above them and text describing ways WLRC can support student organizations.]

We ask that all visitors wear a mask. Our staff is fully masked at all times. Masks continue to help prevent the spread of airborne respiratory illnesses and allow us to be in solidarity with those who are immunocompromised. Thank you for keeping our community safe! 

Visit the page linked above for additional accessibility info.

[ID: At the top is a light blue face mask. White text on a dark blue and red background reads, "Masks Strongly Recommended & Appreciated. If you do not have one, we can provide one. Masks continue to help prevent the spread of airborne respiratory illnesses and allow us to be in solidarity with those are immunocompromised. Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe."]

Survivors, we are here for you! Please reach out to the Campus Advocacy Network any time you need support, information, resources, answers, and/or advocacy related to safety, healing, or gender-based violence (sexual assault, domestic/dating violence, stalking, harassment, family abuse). We can connect in person at WLRC or via Zoom, phone, text message, or email. Our services are free, confidential, and open to all members of the UIC community.

We can help you build a safety plan, connect with resources (like mental health support or legal assistance), process your experiences, and stay informed about your rights and options. We can assist you as you navigate processes like requesting academic accommodations, communicating with Financial Aid and the Registrar's Office, filing a report with the Office of Access and Equity, and/or petitioning for an Order of Protection, depending on your needs. We are here not only for survivors and those facing gender-based violence, but also for those in roles where there may be a need to support survivors on campus, such as instructors, mentors, advisors, student leaders, friends, or colleagues.

To connect with an advocate:
- Call: (312) 413-8206
- Text: (312) 488-9784
- Email: can-appointment@uic.edu
- Submit an Ask an Advocate form

[ID: Four members of Mujeres en Medicina, smiling, hold a section of clothesline from WLRC's Clothesline Project, where t-shirts tell the stories of surviving violence or offer messages of support, such as "Women owe you nothing," "You are loved," and "I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become!"]

Everyone at UIC has a role to play in preventing violence and supporting survivors in our community. 

If you are an ally supporting a survivor in your life (whether that is a friend, family member, student, or employee), contact us to discuss questions around advocating for survivors, campus and community resources, mandated reporting, and more.

If you are a student leader, instructor, or supervisor, please consider inviting CAN to speak to your class through our Don’t Cancel Your Class! program, or request a training for your department, college, student organization, or other campus unit. 

[ID: A coffee cup, paper, paper clips, buttons, and pencils scattered around text about the Don't Cancel Your Class program, all on a teal background.]

If you are teaching, please share information about CAN during class and in your syllabus:

"If you have experienced sexual assault, domestic/dating violence, stalking, or harassment, there is help available. The Campus Advocacy Network provides free and confidential services to UIC students, faculty, and staff who have experienced or are experiencing interpersonal violence. Pregnant and parenting students are also welcome to contact CAN for resources, information, and support.

If you would like to speak with an advocate, please email CAN at can-appointment@uic.edu, call (312) 413-8206 and leave a voicemail message, text (312) 488-9784, or fill out CAN's Ask An Advocate form online at can.uic.edu/ask. To learn more, visit CAN's website at can.uic.edu."

[ID: The text of the CAN Syllabus Statement in dark blue on a white background, with a teal green border.]

UIC's Centers for Cultural Understanding and Social Change all have amazing opportunities for you! Click below for this week's events, services, and resources (all times listed are Central Time):

Arab American Cultural Center: Destress Week
Monday, December 2 - Thursday, December 5 | 10am-8pm, 101 Taft Hall
Join the Arab American Cultural Center for a week of destress activities and food to help you finish the semester strong. We will also feature a number of programs each day.

Gender Sexuality Center: Queer & Trans Drop-In Support Space: QTBIPOC Students
Tuesday, November 3 | 12-1pm, 183 BSB
What is a drop-in support space? A warm and inclusive space designed for Queer and Trans students to share, connect, and receive support from therapists. Whether you’re seeking a listening ear, community connections, or a place to be yourself, this space is open to all.

Disability Cultural Center: Crip Coffee Break: Game Time
Wednesday, December 4 | 3-4pm, 235 BSB & Zoom
Come as you are! We’ll put a pot of coffee on and we have snacks as well as tea/hot chocolate. Different meetings have different ways for us to hang out together– but we’ll let the conversation be guided by what’s going on in our lives or what’s on our minds.

Asian American Resource & Cultural Center: Sing & Scream Karaoke Night
Wednesday, December 4 | 5-8pm, 723 W. Maxwell
End the semester on a high note! Join us for a night of karaoke, cultural vibes, and fun at AARCC After Dark.

Black Cultural Center: Open Mic Night
Thursday, December 5 | 7:15pm, 207 Addams Hall
Join us at our last open mic of the semester! Bring your poems, songs, acts, and friends for a night of arts and expression at the BCC! 

Black Cultural Center: What's Going On
Friday, December 6 | 10-11am, 207 Addams Hall
Join us for a discussion of election outcomes, finals, holiday stress, and the new year!

Latino Cultural Center: Breakfast at the LCC
Monday, December 9 – Thursday, December 12 | 9am-5pm, Lecture Center B2
Fuel your finals week with pancakes and snack bags! Come to the LCC Gallery for a delicious way to flavor your study sessions. Pancakes and snack bags are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Asian American Resource & Cultural Center: ASA Destressing Hotpot
Wednesday, December 11 | 3-4pm, 723 W. Maxwell
Learn about the origins of hotpot and how to prepare one for yourself in this student-led event by the AARCC Student Ambassadors (ASA)!

Founded as a direct result of campus activism, the UIC Centers for Cultural Understanding and Social Change (CCUSC) work collectively to produce knowledge and shift university culture, validating the multidimensional lived experiences of historically and currently excluded communities. Informed by social justice frameworks, the Centers support students, faculty, and staff as they build a strong identity and sense of belonging, becoming change agents for a more just campus and society.

The Centers connect our communities and design intercultural and engaged-learning opportunities, student mentorship programs, cultural programming, advocacy, collaborative research, and community partnerships. Through these efforts, the Centers expand the educational and transformational mission of UIC.

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FINALS STUDY & SUPPORT

Asian American Student Academic Program: Writing Retreat
Thursday, December 5 | 11am-3pm, (AASAP Space) 2720 SSB
Enjoy lunch and refreshing snacks while you tackle your final papers. Writing advising is available

UIC LAS GANAS: Study Session
Tuesday, December 3 | 3-5pm, Library 1-470
Get support from Chem 101 tutors while enjoying snacks to help you power through your studies.

CLJ Student Society at UIC: Finals Study Tables
Dec 4 - 5 | 11am-1pm, 4011 BSB
Looking for a space to study? The CLJ Student Society is hosting Finals Study Tables to help you stay focused and prepared for your exams. 

African American Academic Network: Holiday Movie Day  
Thursday, December 5 | 2-4pm, 2800 SSB
Join AAAN for our Holiday Movie Day! We will show Home Alone, Create 3D Snowflakes, enjoy Hot Chocolate and learn about Lobby Day at UIC.

CHANCE Program: De-Stress Fest
Dec 9 - Dec 11 | Various Times & Locations
Kick off finals week with CHANCE at De-Stress Fest! Day 1 features Pawficer Ham, the therapy dog, and free breakfast. On Day 2, make your own button and enjoy lunch, and on Day 3, join for a quiet space with Dr. Mia Johnson to explore stress management while enjoying brunch.

Center for Student Involvement: Doggypalooza
Monday, December 9 | 12-2pm, Mac Gym SRF
Come unwind at DoggyPalooza with the Student Activities Board! Spend time with adorable dogs, enjoy fun activities, and take a well-deserved break.

African American Academic Network: Study Jams
Dec 9 - Dec 12 | 12-3pm, 1200 W. Harrison (SSB) Suite 2800
Stop by the AAAN office and have a meal, study with AAAN tutors, gain information from our workshops and close out the semester strong. Please be sure to RSVP.

Center for Student Involvement: Late Night Breakfast
Monday, December 9 | 9-11pm, SCE Illinois Room
Join the Student Activities Board for Late Night Breakfast. Enjoy delicious breakfast favorites, connect with friends, and refuel for your next study session.

Finals De-Stress with COCL: Holiday Craft and Wrap
Tuesday, December 10 | 12-2pm, Thompson Room, Student Center West
Unwind, create, and celebrate during this afternoon full of holiday cheer! Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just looking for some festive fun, this event has something for everyone.

Asian American Student Academic Program: Study Break: Games Day
Wednesday, December 11 | 1-3pm, (AASAP Space) 2720 SSB
Need a break from studying? Join us for Games Day at the AASAP Space. Enjoy board games, video games, and refreshments while relaxing and connecting with friends. It's the perfect way to unwind and recharge before hitting the books again!

OTHER EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES

Student Affairs: 2025-2026 Scholarships: Apply by January 28, 2025
Applications are now available for over 30 competitive scholarships for students across colleges and academic disciplines. Log in to the UIC SnAP portal and submit a General Application in the portal before addressing criteria specific to each scholarship.

Career Services: Upcoming Events
Click above for career prep workshops, career fairs, and more!

Daley Library: Upcoming Events
Click above for fun and engaging events for UIC students!

Graduate College: Weekly Funding Opportunities Newsletter
Check out this weekly list of funding (mostly external) and employment opportunities available to graduate students...and sometimes to recent graduates (to get you thinking long-term). Check out this week's list and be sure to subscribe!

Little Sparks Program: Services and Opportunities for Student-Parents
The Little Sparks Program supports student-parents as they complete their education by providing childcare funding and wrap-around support. They offer things like child care; tuition assistance; diapers, wipes, and formula; student-parent network & events; and community resources.

Counseling Center: Mind-Body Programs
Weekly on various days and times | Virtual
The Mind-Body programs are focused on fostering emotional, mental, and physical well-being and strive to take the whole person into account by offering services that promote students’ overall health, resilience, and quality of life.

Asian American Student Academic Program: Community Support Groups
Various dates and times | 2720 SSB
There are three groups for the following focus areas: Body Doubling to increase accountability and productivity, Returning from Leaves of Absence, and Completing Your Incompletes.

Asian American Student Academic Program: Low Sensory Space at AASAP
Tuesdays | 9:30-11:30am, 2720 SSB
Looking for a quiet or low-sensory space to relax before heading to classes? Every Tuesday starting 9/24, AASAP will have low light levels, little sound/relaxing music, and calming tools available.

Resilience: Upcoming Events
Resilience is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the healing and empowerment of sexual assault survivors through non-judgmental crisis intervention counseling, individual and group trauma therapy, and medical and legal advocacy in the greater Chicago metropolitan area. Resilience provides public education and institutional advocacy in order to improve the treatment of sexual assault survivors and to effect positive change in policies and public attitudes toward sexual assault.

- Dec 3: Survivor's Book Club: Free Support Group
- Dec 4: Survivorship & Family Estrangement Support Group
- Dec 9: WOC Free Support Group
- Dec 10: Survivor's Book Club: Free Support Group
- Dec 11: Navigating the Holidays: Journaling and Meditation Support Group
- Dec 11: Survivorship & Family Estrangement Support Group
- Dec 16: WOC Free Support Group
- Dec 17: Male Identified Survivors: Share Your Story Support Group

CAASE: Surviving the Mic: Virtually Together
Thursday, December 19 | 3-5pm, Virtual
Surviving the Mic: Virtually Together is an online gathering space for survivors of sexual harm and those who support them, either personally or professionally or both.

CAASE: Let's Chat Over Lunch: Community Forum
Tuesday, December 25 | 1-2pm, Virtual
Join CAASE for our monthly virtual community forum, Let’s Chat Over Lunch. At each gathering, we’ll discuss current cultural events, media, and news headlines related to sexual harm and/or social injustice.

Resilience: 40-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention Training
Jan 6 - Jan 16 | Various Dates & Times, Virtual
Participants obtain foundational knowledge of sexual violence and rape culture and its’ impact on those whom experience this type of victimization. Trainees gain basic crisis intervention skills, explore the neurobiology of trauma and learn how to respond appropriately to disclosures.

Chicago Women's Health Center: Menopause Workshop
Saturday, January 11 | 9:30-12pm, Virtual
During this 2.5-hour workshop, we'll explore research throughout history in order to both challenge misinformation and consider treatment options. During our discussion of care, we'll consider both self-care and community care in order to root ourselves in a feminist approach to menopause.

Chicago Women's Health Center: Four-Part Abortion Companion Training
Jan 11 - Jan 22 | Various Dates & Times, Virtual
The Chicago Women's Health Center invites you to join their very own four-part abortion companion training–while exploring various aspects of reproductive justice and health care access, workshops will build off of each other.

UIC Women’s Leadership and Resource Center

1700 Student Services Building (MC 363)
1200 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL 60607

(312) 413-1025 ∙ wlrc@uic.edu ∙ wlrc.uic.edu

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