The end of the semester is quickly approaching. Are you ready for that dreaded, stress-filled week known to college students everywhere as finals week? Well this year doesn’t have to be stressful for you. The Office of the Ombudsman offers some tips that may help make this year’s end of the semester a big success.

Simplify your life. If you have more than two final examinations scheduled for the same day, or if you have two finals scheduled at the same time, review the exam policies on page F25 of the Schedule of Classes booklet to learn how final exams can be rescheduled.

Faculty members often give special announcements near the end of the semester that can impact your successful completion of the course. You will find it important to attend class daily to make special note of any changes in assignment due dates or changes of exam times and locations. It can also be to your advantage to attend review sessions made available by your instructor or department.

Utilize campus resources. Are there some things you are still not understanding in class? It is not too late to benefit from a tutor — www.esp.niu.edu/access.

Consult. See your academic adviser at least once a year to monitor your academic progress and degree requirements. Many students who fail to do so find themselves unable to graduate when expected due to unknown requirements.

It is also important to make sure all university bills and fines are paid in a timely manner to avoid an encumbrance, or hold, being placed on your records, which may prevent you from registering for classes, receiving your grade report and/or obtaining a copy of your transcript. If you are not sure about the status of your account, contact the Office of the Bursar at 753-1885.

If you plan to collaborate with a classmate on an assignment, obtain prior approval from your instructor. Academic misconduct can result in severe sanctions, including a failing grade and suspension.

Chill. Stress levels tend to increase as the end of the semester approaches, so take a deep breath and think before allowing stress to cause you to respond quickly with some verbal retort or e-mail you might later regret.

The university also provides counseling services to students, free of charge. If you feel you need to talk to someone about managing your stress, contact one of the four counseling centers on campus: Counseling and Student Development Center ,www.niu.edu/csdc; Psychological Services Center, www.niu.edu/psyc/psc/psc_index.shtml; The Counseling Lab, www.cedu.niu.edu/cahe/nested/counselinglab.html; and The Family Center, www.chhs.niu.edu/fcns/facilities%5Fservices/family%5Fcenter/.

Evaluate. Take the time to fully complete the course evaluation forms administered in your classes. Most faculty members and department chairs want to make their classes more effective and your input is essential to this process.

Save everything. Save all graded materials returned to you by faculty. Should an error result in the posting of an incorrect grade, your saved materials could allow for easier correction. Also, if a faculty member has agreed to award you an incomplete grade for the course, it is advisable to generate a written record of the course work that is expected and the date it is due.

Secure it before you leave campus. To prevent theft, do not leave valuables or money unattended in your place of residence. If you live in a residence hall, you can review and follow the guidelines provided to you for securing your room over break.

If you are experiencing difficulties on campus, you may discuss your concerns in the Office of the Ombudsman, where all communications are held in strict confidence. The office is located on the sixth floor of Holmes Student Center and can be reached at 753-1414.

Good luck to all of you as you complete your course work this semester!