How the U of M can help students achieve New Year’s resolutions

The new year has begun, and with a new year comes a new set of resolutions for people to accomplish. 

These goals could range from losing weight to making better grades. For students who already have a loaded schedule, accomplishing new goals could seem like an insurmountable challenge. Often, New Year’s resolutions do not last February.

“The stress of college life can be considerable with students reporting increasing rates of anxiety and depression,†said M. David Rudd, president of the University of Memphis.

Across the world, only 9.2 percent of people achieve their New Year’s resolutions, according to Statistic Brain Research Institute, an organization dedicated to compiling statistics.

At the UofM, there are multiple facilities and services designed to help students achieve their resolutions. 

Schoolwork and classes could make students forget to focus on taking care of themselves. The Counseling Center offers free counseling and a relaxation zone for students to meditate and relax for students who made resolutions to focus on self-care.

“We encourage all of our students to seek assistance when needed and recognize help and hope are always available,†Rudd said.

Students can speak one-on-one with staff counselors to talk about the stress from school and living mentally healthy.

The Counseling Center also conducts presentations to help educate students on various topics, including healthy ways to drink, skills to cope with stress and other mental health topics. The Center also expanded their staff by adding a new psychologist staff position.

For those aiming to raise their GPA:

Many students desire to make good or better grades, but not every student knows that the university offers tutoring in every subject offered on campus. For students who are not on or near campus, online tutoring is offered as well. The Tutoring/Educational Support Program also offers supplemental instruction for the more difficult courses. This supplemental instruction has been known to have a positive impact on the grade for that course.

“The value of a Uof M education improves each and every year, with a clear commitment to containing costs and improving access,†Rudd said.

For those wanting to get involved on campus:

Some students come to college yearning to become involved in campus life. The Tiger Zone lists a database of registered student organizations to help you get involved with like-minded individuals.

The university fosters a Student Government Association for students who have an issue that they want changed. The SGA lets students voice their opinions while being involved on campus and making real connections with other students.

For those wanting to exercise more:

The Campus Recreation Intramural Services offers fitness classes such as yoga, Zumba, boot camp and many more for students who are new to exercising. Students can also take the high intensity programs they offer such as the intramural sport teams and lifeguard training courses.

There will be a new Student Wellness and Fitness Center constructed on campus targeting wellness in a holistic manner, Rudd said. The center will integrate academic programming and include improved healthy eating options.

“When a student enters the university, they go in with just an idea,†said Tanja Green, a U of M religious studies alumna. “The university helps turn that into a dream.â€