Midterm season at Oakland University can be a stressful time for students. With multiple exams, assignments and personal responsibilities piling up, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Fortunately, OU offers a variety of resources designed to help students manage stress, stay organized and succeed academically. From tutoring and study support to counseling and accommodations, students have multiple ways to prepare for midterms and maintain their well-being.
The Academic Success Center (ASC) provides free services to help students achieve their academic goals. Located in Wilson Hall, the ASC offers peer tutoring, study groups, supplemental instruction and academic coaching. These resources are designed to improve study habits, time management skills and overall academic performance.
According to the ASC website, students can participate in peer tutoring for various subjects, join study groups to collaborate with classmates and receive personalized coaching to develop effective learning strategies. The center also hosts workshops covering study techniques, time management and other strategies to help students succeed.
Managing stress is just as important as studying during midterms. The OU Counseling Center (OUCC) offers confidential counseling, support groups and crisis resources to help students cope with stress, anxiety and other personal challenges.
Dr. David Schwartz, Director of the Counseling Center, emphasizes the importance of planning ahead and maintaining healthy routines.
“Things like getting enough sleep, eating healthy and having downtime to relax and be with friends are every bit as important to success as studying,” he said.
Schwartz recommends avoiding cramming and prioritizing self-care, noting that sleep plays a critical role in memory and recall.
The Counseling Center also offers support groups such as the “Academic Success” group, which meets weekly on Tuesdays at 2 p.m. These sessions provide students with a safe space to discuss challenges, develop coping strategies and share resources.
For students with disabilities, Disability Support Services (DSS) provides accommodations and assistive technology to ensure equitable access to learning. This includes extended test time, reduced-distraction environments, readers or scribes when appropriate and digital tools such as text-to-speech software and note-taking aids.
Kristen Swan, from DSS, encourages students to connect with the office early to ensure all accommodations are in place before midterms.
“Services are tailored toward the individual needs of each student,” she explained.
Swan advises students to register for accommodations and schedule exams at least three days in advance to avoid unnecessary stress. She also highlights the importance of breaking study tasks into manageable steps and building in short breaks to reduce stress and stay organized.
Both Schwartz and Swan emphasize the importance of advocacy and self-care during midterms. They recommend taking breaks, maintaining healthy routines and asking for help when needed. In addition to ASC, OUCC and DSS, students can utilize faculty office hours, peer study groups and workshops hosted by various departments and student organizations to gain extra support.
By planning ahead, utilizing campus resources and prioritizing self-care, students can approach midterms with confidence and resilience. OU provides a network of support to help students navigate this high-pressure time successfully.
Midterms can be challenging, but students at Oakland University do not have to face them alone. Whether through academic coaching, counseling, or accommodations, OU offers a wealth of resources to help students thrive. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength and taking care of your mental and physical well-being is just as important as studying.
