Stress has a new foe

As the semester comes to an end, stress levels go up for many students.

The mere mention of the "F-word" - finals, that is - makes some students cringe.

The College of Arts & Sciences (A&S) is stepping in to give students some help with stress relief.

Similar to the School of Education and the UMKC Nursing program, A&S now has a life coach, Deborah Cameron.

Cameron said her job is to be a support system for A&S students.

At the start of the semester, A&S conducted a UFirst survey with incoming students. The survey helped determine academic, social, psychological and biological issues the students could potentially face in the future.

"We initially were involved in the UFirst survey, and then we focused on the entire Arts & Sciences student body," Cameron said.

So far, the service has been quite popular. Students of all types have visited the life coach. Cameron also said many return for follow-up visits.

She said the service seems to be helpful to students.

"I hope so!" she added. "I've been told by many of the students that it helps them just to come in and talk to me."

The service goes beyond what the Counseling Center offers to all UMKC students.

"The Counseling Center is strictly for counseling," Cameron said. "I offer the students resources."

She said she helps by talking things out with the students and helping them find solutions.

If she believes they need more specific guidance, she will then refer them to other offices.

Cameron keeps office hours throughout the week.

For more information, contact her at deborahcameron@umkc.edu and schedule an appointment. Or visit her office in Scofield Hall, room 23.

mlinville@unews.com