MAVS Newsletter | April 2025

A vibrant green lawn leads to a red brick academic building with white trim and a central cupola. Lush trees and bushes frame the scene, and a pathway with stairs provides access to the building. The bright sky casts soft shadows, highlighting the neatly maintained landscape.

This message includes the following:

Monthly reminders – timely information to share with students
Active student engagement resources – ideas to enhance student engagement
Vital Support – highlighted student support services

Email the Center for Faculty Excellence

Prep Week is right around the corner (May 5-9). Except for makeup exams, tests in self-paced courses, or lab exams, no major exam accounting for more than 20% of a student’s grade may be given during this period. Papers, projects, or presentations assigned at least two weeks in advance of Prep Week may be due during this period. Clear and consistent campus-wide expectations allow students a fair opportunity to succeed in all their classes.

Remind students about De-Stress Fest (May 7-14). Encourage them to participate in one of many opportunities listed on the De-Stress Fest website.

To “get through” course content, it is tempting to push through the remainder of the semester with long lectures or readings. Consider balancing an onslaught of new content with other more engaging activities.

Interactive review activities using Jeopardy-style games, friendly competitions, or quizzing apps (i.e., Kahoot, Quizlet, Padlet, etc.) can reinforce key material. They also keep the students mentally present and actively engaged.

Reflective and creative assignments may be good end-of-semester engagement strategies. Short video discussion board posts, journaling, and creating an infographic or graphic organizer can keep things fresh and help students personalize your course and connect it to real-life experiences.

To help students maximize the time between now and finals, share these tips and resources with them.

📆Plan Ahead

Use a planner or digital calendar to map out your finals schedule and study sessions. Prioritize subjects based on difficulty and exam dates. Break your studying into manageable chunks and avoid cramming. The Library offers numerous options for comfortable and quiet study. Check the Library website for extended hours.

🧠Practice and Repeat

Don’t just reread notes—quiz yourself, teach the material to a friend, or use flashcards. Review the same material multiple times over a few days for better retention.

💧Prioritize Health

Physical well-being is important for academic success. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep, stay hydrated, and fuel up with brain-friendly foods (think protein, fruits, veggies, and whole grains). Follow the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes studying, 5-minute break) to maintain focus. Get up, stretch, walk around—physical activity boosts mental clarity and mood. Campus Recreation and the Mav Food Pantry are great resources. Don’t forget about De-Stress Fest.

🌟Positivity Can Help

Avoid negative self-talk. Finals are tough, but so are you. You don’t have to go through it alone. Reach out to professors, tutors, friends, or family if you're stuck. Don’t hesitate to contact CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services) at 402.554.2409 to set up an appointment.