Survival Guide 2020

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50ISU


Students are the pride of ISU A welcome letter from Illinois State President Larry Dietz Dear Students, In a few short weeks, the 2020-2021 academic year will begin at Illinois State University. If this is your first year at Illinois State — welcome! If you are a returning student — welcome back! You are the pride of the university, and a big part of the reason Illinois State continues to attract large numbers of academically motivated and engaged students. Illinois State offers a welcoming environment, and a diverse and inclusive campus with excellent faculty, challenging academic programs, Illinois State University President Larry Dietz. caring support services, environment under unique and extraorand social and civic opportunities. dinary circumstances — the COVID-19 We boast a 19-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, pandemic. While our prime mission is to a rigorous curriculum, more than 150 majors, change lives through premier academic over 400 student organizations, global learnand co-curricular experiences, our top ing opportunities and so much more. priority is your health, safety and wellThe outstanding student support the being. Keeping safe and healthy is a university provides has helped Illinois responsibility that everyone shares. State achieve retention and graduation It will be critical for you to keep current rates in the top 10 percent of colleges and on topics such as social distancing, the universities in the nation. It is consistently wearing of face coverings, gatherings and recognized as a great value in higher edumany other aspects of campus life under cation by publications such as U.S. News this “new normal.” Please check the coroand World Report, Kiplinger’s and Money navirus link on the ISU homepage often magazines. and watch for targeted emails with updatIllinois State is a top-notch university ed information. If there is one lesson we that will prepare you for life and careers in have all learned through managing the a dynamic, globalized world. pandemic, it is that things can change on Our alumni include nationally recoga moment’s notice. nized business, healthcare and education Make time to take care of yourselves, leaders, diplomats, accomplished musiyour friends and the ones who are most cians and recording artists, and stage and vulnerable. Keep in close contact with screen actors. I encourage you to study your families and seek help from univerhard, get involved on campus, participate sity offices if you need it. We are all in this in the community, and take opportunities extraordinary circumstance together, and to reach out for assistance if needed. it is working together that will guide us This year, you also enter a university through these uncertain times.

I also ask that you take a moment to review Illinois State University’s core values under our strategic plan, Educate Connect Elevate. These values are Learning and Scholarship, Diversity and Inclusion, Respect, Collaboration, Individualized Attention, Civic Engagement and Integrity. Each of these values are important to your success at Illinois State — but following a difficult summer throughout our naVidette Archive tion and state, I hope you will especially take to heart the values of Diversity and Inclusion, Collaboration and Respect. We encourage you to take advantage of opportunities to express yourself individually and collectively on a variety of topics including social justice and the fight against racist behavior. We will continue to work throughout the campus community to make progress in these and many other important areas. I also encourage you to exercise your right to vote in the November general election. The Redbird Voter Guide https:// communityengagement.illinoisstate.edu/ vote/ has a great deal of helpful information, including advice on registration and early voting. Clearly, the fall 2020 semester at Illinois State will be like none other in the university’s history. By standing united in service to each other, we can also make it one of the best. Thank you and GO YOU REDBIRDS! LARRY H. DIETZ President of Illinois State University

ABOUT THIS SECTION: 2020 Vidette Survival Guide COVER DESIGN Flynn Geraghty Art Director

EDITOR Elizabeth Seils Editor in Chief

COPY EDITORS Katie Beste, Kelvin Pough Night Editors

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ADVERTISING SALES Brianna Wilkens, Michael Dukelow, Jacob Tarpey


Redbird family Dates to know: welcomes you COMPILED BY: GRACE KINNICUTT | NEWS EDITOR

Images Courtesy of ISU | Art by FLYNN GERAGHTY | ART DIRECTOR

AUGUST

A message from Lauren Harris, Student Body President

Aug. 17: Classes begin Aug. 22-28: Course drops and department approved adds with override Aug. 28: Last day to drop a course with no withdraw grade (WX); Deadline to put course on pass/no pass; Last day for full adjustment of charges for course

Hey Redbirds!

How are ya? Now I know you are probably wondering what’s in store for you when you arrive on campus. Truth is I don’t know, but I DO know that it is no mistake that you’ve found yourself here, at Illinois State University. On behalf of the Student Government Association, I’d like to welcome you with big open arms to the Redbird family. It’s safe to say that your Courtesy of Lauren Harris first taste of college Lauren Harris, Student Body President will be quite unique, but I am confident that you will have the most fulfilling experience while here. I know I sure have. ISU has so much to offer, you may find yourself overwhelmed at first, it may even seem daunting. If you’re anything like me, you may even find yourself calling your parents begging them to come pick you up (Hey, no shame in my game! LOL). Don’t worry though, you will find your way and I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way. I encourage you to seek out that organization you want to join, find your group of friends, enjoy all the marvelous food in the Bone Student Center, attend a game or two and most importantly GET YOUR STUDY ON! After all we are here for an education, right? Anyway, once again I am so happy to see you’ve found your way to ISU despite all odds. College is truly an experience like no other, and you’ve made the right decision to experience it here at ISU. We, the Redbird family, are embracing and supporting your every move on this newfound journey you’re embarking on. We believe in you and can’t wait to see you cross that stage when your time comes. Cherish your time here, because that time is coming sooner than you might think. Best of luck to everyone, and as always GO REDBIRDS! One last thing, WASH YOUR HANDS!

SEPTEMBER Sept. 7: Labor Day Holiday — No Class Sept.11: Last day to withdraw from a first-half semester course with WX grade; Last day to remove pass/fail option; Last day to receive 25% tuition adjustment for full-semester course withdrawals Sept. 25-27: Family Weekend

OCTOBER Oct. 9: Last day to remove pass/fail option from full-semester course Oct. 12: Second half of semester begins Oct. 15: Last day to put second-half semester course on pass/fail; Last day to drop second-half semester course with no WX grade Oct. 19-25: Homecoming Week

NOVEMBER

Nov. 3: Election Day holiday — No Class Nov. 6: Last day to withdraw from a second-half semester course with WX; Last day to officially withdraw from the university; Last day to remove pass/fail option from second-half semester course Nov. 21-29: Thanksgiving/Fall break Nov. 30: Classes resume online only

DECEMBER Dec. 5-11: Finals Week Dec. 11-12: Winter Commencement Dec. 12: Winter classes begin Dec. 17: Final grades available

LAUREN HARRIS | Student Body President

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The do’s and don’ts of dorm life

There’s a lot to remember when living at a different home for the first time. Here’s what you need to know: COMPILED BY KELLIE FOY | News Editor | @kellie_foy

Do

Try to synchronize your schedule with your roommates’ and set some boundaries and expectations right off the bat. This way you’re never causing avoidable problems with your roommates. All parties will be pleased and will get along with one another just fine with a little planning ahead of time.

Don’t

Don’t be that person who does not clean up after themselves. Roommates, floormates and the people who come in to clean up common areas are not your maids. This is absolutely silly to say, but you’ll be surprised at how many people do not clean up after themselves.

Do

Work smarter and not harder with organizing your room. Try to only bring the essentials when you move in. There’s always Target or Walmart for the extra necessities, such as a rug, pillow or mirror.

Do

Bring some food and water to keep in your dorm. The on-campus food options and hours may not always be in your favor. Sometimes keeping track of time and food options is easier said than done.

Don’t

Don’t be that roommate or floormate who starts unnecessary drama or problems. Not many people like dealing with high school-like drama. Just do what you have to do to get through.

Don’t

Don’t overpack or bring your entire wardrobe. Your room is not as big as you think it is and that closet space will not reason with you as much as you try to. Shoot to bring the clothes you know you’ll wear more than once or twice.

Do

Get to know the washing and showering cycles. There will be days when everyone wants to do laundry or shower at the same time, making someone with a tight schedule or long day a little more stressed than they need to be.

Socializing while socially distant Apps like these even let the user set preferences, as you would on a dating app, for certain interests, hobbies, etc. ne of the best parts of college is Masks make great conversation.Now making new friends, but how does that wearing a mask has become the one make new friends while keepnew norm, this can also ing a distance? be a great way to strike So, while classes and cama conversation. Masks pus will look different this have been coming in a coming school year, it’s imvariety of colors, prints, portant not to lose sight of and patterns and are no the value and importance doubt a great conversaof making new friends and tion starter when out building connections. and about at the grocery Alex Gant | Photo Editor So, don’t let distance and store or local coffee shop. a facemask stop you from Facebook groups allows users to find meeting someone new. Try some of these groups of people who share similar intertips. ests. Look for movies, television, hobbies, Try going online. Bumble BFF and etc. and connect in a larger, digital space. Friendster are great options when looking These are great because they present to make new friends in the pandemic era. opportunities to create connections with ERIN JOCHUM Features Reporter | @erin_jochum

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one or two people in the group and building a bond from there. Join a new club on campus. Clubs are a great way to meet new people and make connections. With the wide variety of videocall services available — Zoom, Google Hangout, Microsoft Teams, Skype and Facetime — clubs on campus can make it easier for members to meet and hang out. Class discussions boards are a great way to make new friends. Try reaching out to fellow classmates and starting a virtual study group. As mentioned previously, Zoom, Google Hangout and Facetime are all fantastic “face-to-face” video chat apps to stay connected. Study groups are a great way to work on class assignments, especially if there are particularly difficult questions or problems. Along the way, get to know those in your class.


Now Serving ~ Dining Center Secret Menu ~

COOKED UP BY GRACE KINNICUTT | NEWS EDITOR & ART BY FLYNN GERAGHTY | ART DIRECTOR

 Get your fruit from the best source

cereal as the topping and it’ll change your life. And if you are in the mood for a root beer float, just put some ice cream in a cup and add root beer.

When it comes to fresh fruit options, Tri Towers is where it’s at, so head on over to Tri Dining for an assortment of colorful, tasty offerings. Watterson also has some options in the mornings, as well as a fruit stand during the rest of the day.

 Take your food to the next level

Pro tip: If it will cook in the panini press, do it. Grilled cheese? Done. Flatbread? Done! Use the panini press as much as possible but please don’t break it or burn food.

 Chicken alfredo, a constant classic

If you get pasta, use the alfredo sauce. It has taste unlike the other sauces they offer. Also, the breadsticks are knockoff Olive Garden sticks so grab two of those since they go fast. Combine all of that with a piece of grilled chicken from the grill section and you’re set to go!

 Breakfast, the best meal of the day

Breakfast time is the best time to hit up the dining center because for one, most people aren’t up before 10 a.m. so it’s super quiet and two, the lines are short, and you’ll get a fresh batch of food.

Ice cream dreams

Want ice cream, but there are no good toppings? Put some of your favorite

Watterson Dining Commons

Marketplace at Linkins

(open seven days a week): Updated operation hours: Breakfast: 6:30-8:30 a.m. Lunch: 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dinner: 4:30-7:30 p.m.

(open seven days a week): Updated operation hours: Breakfast: 6:30-8:30 a.m. Lunch: 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dinner: 4:30-7 p.m.

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Keep yourself, your friends safe COVID-19 tips made by ISU students, for ISU students

EDITOR’S NOTE: This package of advice was compiled by Lauren Harris, the current Student Body president at Illinois State University, and Ethan Kosberg, the current Student Body vice president.

LAUREN HARRIS Student Body President ETHAN KOSBERG Student Body Vice President

 This semester, try designating one person to buy grocery and household needs and create a rotating schedule. Soon Bloomington-Normal will be receiving an influx of thousands of students. I know we all typically like to go in groups with our friends to grocery shop or buy household items. To protect yourself and the BloNo community, it’s best to avoid large groups permeating in the local shops. Elbow bumps are always great way to greet your friends. I know for a lot of us, we never thought that March was going to be the last time we’d see our friends for over five months. When we reconnect, we may be tempted to give each other big hugs and be affectionate. How about we switch it up this year? You may even want to come up with a footshake (like a handshake) routine with you friends. Create a mask and social distancing agreement with your friends. It may be awkward, but these conversations need to be had for all of your safety. If you see a friend without their mask, kindly remind them about it. If you feel like your friend is a little close, don’t be afraid to ask them to distance themselves a little more. Making an agreement with your friends to check each other on these things is I’m your best interest and you’re looking out for each other.

Trying to make a Starbucks run? If you can try to go when it’s not busy. I know we’ve all been there. Getting right out of class and ready for your Starbucks fix, only to find a line of 20 or more students. The first couple of weeks of school you’ll notice a pattern of when it’s most busy. Not only will you get your drink faster, you also won’t have to come in contact with a lot of folks in a condensed space. And this tip applies to all Bone Student Center Dining spots!  Did you know that Dining halls have traffic cameras? If you want to avoid a lot of people, try checking out the traffic cameras on the dining website to see how busy it is. You’d be surprised how fast the dining center clears out. So, if you take a look and find that it’s busy, take 10 minutes and check again there’s a good chance you’ll find a lot fewer people. That’s your chance!  Try staying in instead of going out. COVID-19 spreads best in close proximity. And the warm, close quarters of college parties can be a hotbed for infection. While there may be alcohol involved, none of it reaches the 60% proof needed to kill the virus. To protect yourself and others, refrain from attending large parties, and always wear a mask and social distance.  Be courteous with guests. You may not think your friend has the virus, but does your roommate know that? Be sure to communicate with your roommate on doing your part to prevent the spread of COVID-19. That may mean not having friends over in your dorm room, but you can still meet them in more open common areas.

Need-to-know resources for students Academic advisers

Milner Library

Academic advisers help students navigate through their intended academic path while at ISU, including planning a course schedule, helping to adjust to college life and choosing or changing a major. For first-year students, a University College academic adviser will be assigned based on their majors.

Currently, Milner Library is closed to the public due to COVID-19. The librarians are available via text, email and instant messages via the Ask a Librarian services. Curbside pickup is also available.

Student Health Services  Student Health Services provides students with a fully staffed clinic including physicians, nurses and pharmacists. All students are welcome to use SHS. The student insurance plan is not needed to access care at SHS.

Health Promotion and Wellness Health Promotion and Wellness offers resources and workshops for various levels of health and well-being, including, but not limited to, stress, sleep, nutrition, sexual health, financial wellness and alcohol and drugs.

Career Center  The Career Center provides various opportunities throughout the year to help students connect with employers, such

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as multiple career and internship fairs, workshops, networking and the Hire-ARedbird system.

Julia N. Visor Academic Center Located in Hewitt and Manchester Halls, The Julia N. Visor Academic Center provides students academic coaching, free weekly tutoring sessions, one-hour workshops and specialized programs.

Student Counseling Services Student Counseling Services offers group and individual counseling services for students who are experiencing any issues ranging from homesickness and anxiety to relationship difficulties. The staff is well-trained to help with these types of issues and are available by appointment.


Intro to Illinois State Sports ATH 101, fall 2020

S

The basics

INSTRUCTOR: JAKE SERMERSHEIM | SPORTS EDITOR

Illinois State University is a member of the Missouri Valley Conference in most sports. The MVC is a mid-major Division I sub-division. ISU offers 17 totals sports, 10 for women and seven for men. The football team plays at Hanock Stadium, while basketball and volleyball play at Redbird Arena.

o you want to be an Illinois State University sports fan. It may seem easy: show up to the game, cheer a little and go home. Well, there’s a lot more to being a sports fan than just knowing the fight song. Here’s a quick rundown of all you need to know to be the big fan on campus this season.

Last season recaps

just three sets in the final four wins of the season. That hot stretch continued to the MVC Tournament were the Redbirds lost just one match en route to earning an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. In the tournament the Redbirds matched up with the No. 1 Wisconsin Badgers where they were swept in Madison, Wisconsin.

Football

A solid 8-4 regular season that included a 27-18 upset over No. 4 South Dakota State in Brookings, South Dakota. Despite a solid record and a consistent season, the Redbirds were one of the last four teams in the FCS playoffs. ISU went into the playoff with a chip on their shoulder. Now-graduated running back James Robinson was key to the Redbirds’ success. Robinson led the Redbirds to upset wins over Southeast Missouri State and Central Arkansas for over 500 yards and a trio of rushing touchdowns. After the two upset wins, ISU was unable to take down the future National Champions and No. 1 North Dakota State.

Soccer

ISU’s soccer experienced one of the biggest stars in the MVC in recent history. Kate Del Fava made waves for the Redbirds, taking home numerous MVC Player of the Week Awards and the MVC Player of the Year Award. This led to Del Fava becoming the highest Vidette Archive drafted player in MVC history at No. 12 to the Utah The ISU Volleyball team had a Royals. But Del Fava’s great season was not enough strong season last year, breakas the Redbirds fell in the MVC Championship to the ing the conference record. Loyola Ramblers. ISU finished the season 14-6.

Cross country

Volleyball

The men and women finished the season sixth and fourth in the MVC, respectively. The men finished the season averaging an eighth place, while the women average a seventh.

ISU’s volleyball program continues to soar. The Redbirds fought their way to a 12-6 conference record with a 22-12 record overall. Before the MVC tournament, the Redbirds were red hot, losing

Names to know

Alums in the pros

Brock Spack

Paul DeJong

Brock Spack is in his 12th season of coaching football. He was hired by the Redbirds in 2009 as the 20th coach in Illinois State University history. Spack has led the Redbirds to five FCS appearances and two MVC Championships in that span.

In the 2015 MBL draft with the 131st overall pick, the St. Louis Cardinals took ISU alumnus Paul DeJong. By 2017, DeJong was in the Major Leagues making an impact as the starting shortstop for the Cardinals. In three seasons DeJong has already made an all-star game and was named a finalist for the Gold Glove Award.

Leah Johnson Leah Johnson was named as the seventh head volleyball coach in ISU history in 2017. In such a short time frame, Johnson and the Redbirds have had great success in making the NCAA Tournament in two of her three seasons. Last season Johnson and the Redbirds became the first team to win the MVC as a No. 3 seed.

Brad Silvey In his three seasons under the helm as head women’s soccer coach, ISU has never been below the .500 mark. Brad Silvey’s best mark came this last season as ISU went 14-6. He coached both Kate Del Fava and Kelli Zickert, who went on to play professionally.

Devonte Harris Devonte Harris was drafted in the fifth round by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2018. After being waived by Bengals, Harris has made his name with the Denver Broncos this last season as a cornerback. Last season Harris made 35 tackles.

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Spencer Schnell As an undrafted free agent, Spencer Schnell managed to sign a practice deal with the Chicago Bears. After being cut by the Bears, Schnell found his way to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp where he eventually caught on to the practice squad. Schell was made active at the end of the season.


Vidette Sports sees ’Birds above .500 JAKE FOGAL | Sports Editor

uncertainty lies with senior running 6-4 | Team MVP: Devin Taylor back Jeff Proctor, Coming off a postseason run who must follow the from last season, Illinois State incredible season University football’s defense of now Jacksonoutperformed expectations and ville Jaguar James gave opposing offenses nightRobinson. With mares. While I see the defense the odds stacked dominating once again with the against Proctor, likes of Romeo McKnight, Devin only time will tell Taylor and Christian Uphoff leadif he can step up ing the squad, the offense will Courtesy Redbird Athletics when it matters still manage to fall short. Quarter- Continuing last seasons’ strong defense lineup, most. Unless the back Brady Davis returns after a Devin Taylor will be year’s MVP, says Sports Editor offense can develop shortened 2019, along with many Jake Fogal. a more productive others on the offensive side of scheme to involve Davis and receivers, this offense will the ball. Davis did not perform stellar before his injury, struggle with the loss of Robinson. and I do not foresee that changing this season. Much

KEVIN KOSKI Sports Reporter 8-2 | Team MVP: Brady Davis I think the Redbirds will go 8-2 in the regular season. The Redbirds have always played well at home and I think they have a shot at going undefeated at Hancock Stadium. I think the Redbirds’ two regular season losses will happen on the road against North Dakota State and University of Northern Iowa. Both programs are already formidable in addition to holding the home field, and crowd, advantages. As for team MVP I think I’d give my nod to senior quarterback Brady Davis. With all-star rusher James Robinson graduating, the Redbirds will have to find a new offensive outlet and, barring any injuries, I think Davis will obviously be a big part in leading Brady Davis the new offense.

JAKE SERMERSHEIM | Sports Editor 7-3 | Team MVP: Jeff Proctor Many people may already be sold on the Illinois State University football regressing this season. Many people point to the losses of All-Americans James Robinson and Luther Kirk as a downside. But the Redbirds return a majority of starters with head coach Brock Spack saying, “this is the most experience we’ve ever had returning.” With a slew of players left from a team that made a surprise playoff run a season ago ISU should be in position to earn another playoff bid. Senior running back Jeff Proctor should pick up where Robinson left off in his second year with the Redbirds. With a strong offensive line and a traditional ground and pound style offense expect Proctor to be a key piece for ISU. Jeff Proctor

ZACH STANGEL | Sports Reporter 8-2 | Team MVP: Jeff Proctor I think ISU will be better this year than last year. Injuries killed the Redbirds last year and with many important players returning there’s no reason why they can’t be better than last year. Brady Davis returning will also help the offense have a balanced attack. The team MVP will be Jeff Proctor. Filling the shoes of James Robinson will be tough, but Jeff has big play capability and they will need a successful running game to have a successful offense.

MATT PETROVITCH | Sports Reporter 8-2 | Team MVP: Brady Davis The Illinois State football team will finish with a winning record of 8-2 and they will improve upon last year’s conference record. With the hiring of new Football Director of Operations Holden Boyle and already experienced coaching staff that is hungry to win, expect them to do so. The 2020 team’s most valuable player will be sixth year quarterback Brady Davis, who is eager to get back on the field after suffering a knee injury in the home finale against Missouri State.

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KEN KANOON Sports Reporter 6-4 | Team MVP: Romeo McKnight I see the Redbirds starting off slow at the beginning of the season facing off against North Dakota State. However, I think the Redbirds will rebound toward the end against North Dakota and Missouri State and finish with a 6-4 record. In addition, I think Romeo McKnight will continue his strong play from last season and finish with a team MVP and Devin Taylor finishing with the runner-up MVP.

2020 ISU Football schedule (Home games in red)

Sept. 12 Eastern Illinois Mid-American Classic Sept. 26 South Dakota Family Weekend Oct. 3 North Dakota State Oct. 10 Southern Illinois Oct. 17 Northern Iowa Oct. 24 Western Illinois Homecoming Oct. 31 Indiana State Nov. 7 North Dakota Nov. 14 Missouri State Nov. 21 Dixie State Senior Day

Illinois State Volleyball

The team does not have a set schedule for the season yet due to COVID-19.


Optimize your online learning I STORY BY ERIN JOCHUM | FEATURES REPORTER & ANDREA RICKER | FEATURES EDITOR

llinois State University announced that classes will be in a hybrid format leading up to fall break, and will switch to online after the break until the semester ends. Taking an online class might seem stressful, and it does require a lot of self-motivation, but it’s still possible to thrive in this learning environment. Here are some tips to help survive online classes.

Create a routine (and stick to it)

a physical planner, a phone, a computer app or even just a notebook, keeping track of everything can help you stay on top of coursework. When you’re not physically going to a class multiple times a week to be reminded of assignments, it can be easy to forget them. Before classes start, take some time to go through the syllabus and write down big due dates for projects, exams and papers as well, even if Maia Huddleston | Photo Editor | @maiawrites they take place months from now. To make online learning a little easier, try setting up a designated spot to do your work. Working in bed might lead to falling alseep, or losing focus.

This can seem overwhelming and finicky but creating a routine, even just changing a few small habits in your study routine, can keep you on track. When sitting down to start on homework and reviewing class work, start by making a to-do list of what needs to be done for the next class, as well as future due dates for assignments like essays and study guides. Once you begin working on homework, set a timer for 45 minutes to an hour and work on an assignment or class for that duration. In between, give yourself 20-30 minutes breaks to stretch your legs, have a snack or scroll mindlessly through Twitter and Instagram.

Reach out to professors

Do not be afraid to reach out to your professor if you have questions or concerns. Email is always a great resource, but now, in the age of COVID-19, we are introduced to the great video chat service Zoom.

Don’t work in bed

Most, if not all, students and teachers have had some experience with Zoom during the last couple of months and it is not likely it will be going away any time soon. If you can, try to set up a Zoom call with your professor during their office hours.

Check out library resources Adding to that last tip, do not be afraid to reach out to your librarians and tutors. Milner Library has wonderful and helpful online resources for all your research and study needs. Need to reach a librarian directly? Just follow the instructions on Milner’s “Contact Us” link and from there you will be able to contact a librarian who can assist you with your research questions.

Use a planner Even if a class is online only, it can still be helpful to have a designated place to write down due dates, Zoom meetings, set study times and more. Whether it’s

TWITTER

STAY CONNECTED

Here are some must-follow ISU accounts

MOBILE APPS

INSTAGRAM

Having online classes might seem like the perfect opportunity to lay in bed all day and do homework from there. However, getting out of bed and working at a desk or table if possible can give you a sense of physically going to class. It can help you be more productive and take away some of the temptation of getting under the covers and watching Netflix.

Take advantage of mental health resources No matter how you may feel, it is important to check in on your mental health, especially with all the uncertainties and anxieties in the world today. ISU offers mental health resources digitally and can adapt to students’ needs. Student Counseling Services offers online therapy options including one-on-one sessions, workshops and more. These services can be found by visiting counseling.illinoisstate.edu.

FACEBOOK

@IllinoisStateU

@IllinoisStateUniversity

@The_Vidette

@theVidetteisu

The Vidette

@illinoisstateu

@ISURedbirds

@UPB.IllinoisState

Illinois State University

@the_vidette

@ISUPolice

@RedAlertISU (Athletics)

@redalertisu

@Vidette_Sports

@WGLTFM

@isuupb

@ISUUPB

@saiilstu (Student Activities)

Safe Redbirds

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