Today is the day that most professors release their final grades on the SSC, which can often be more stressful than the act of writing exams itself.
It is important to keep in mind that grades are just a number — you are worth more than your grades and whatever you receive does not define you as a student or as a person.
If you are finding that a final grade is taking a toll on your wellbeing, please seek support. Whether it's picking up the phone to call a friend or talking to a professional, it’s important to put yourself before your academics.
These are not the only ways to cope, but here are some suggestions if you are feeling down to get those final grades off your mind:
- Get off campus and head to your favourite coffee shop, restaurant, clothing store, etc. — campus is a bubble and it is important to get out of there every once in awhile
- Write down three things you did well this semester, whether it was academically, socially or achieving a personal goal — repeat them to yourself out loud for however long you need
- Do something that you don't normally get to do during the semester — bake, read for pleasure, go on a walk, exercise, write, paint, or whatever else you may want to do; you are in a position where you can do the little things for yourself right now
- Disconnect — take a break from social media, from your laptop, video games and just be in the moment. The holidays are a time to be with family and friends that you don't get to see all the time so spend some quality time face time (not the virtual FaceTime) and make some memories
You are not the first or the last person to be upset with a final mark. You are not a letter grade or a percentage. You are not alone.
The Ubyssey’s editorial board are not mental health professionals. If you need additional support, please take a look at the list below that is suggested by /u/tobaccojuice and compiled by /u/Kinost. In case of an emergency, call 911.
Resources:
- Access & Diversity — for if you have a documented disability/illness/mental health challenges (or are planning to acquire documentation/diagnosis for such), an unforeseen event that could adversely affect your academic performance (a family member becoming seriously ill) or conflicting responsibilities (military duty, conferences, religious holidays, etc.). They will work with you to provide accommodations tailored towards your situation, including providing class notes, special examination accommodations and academic concessions. Book your appointments early as it can take a while before they can see you.
- Enrolment Services — the people that point you in the right direction when you don’t know what to do or where to go
- Faculty Advising — for questions about programs, majors and graduation requirements, as well as course enrolment.
- AMS Advocacy — for someone to assist and support you in regards to academic misconduct accusations, academic standing appeals, etc. They will offer you guidance for your situation and support you in any situation where you’re at conflict with the university.
- Office of the Ombudsperson for Students — which is responsible for pointing you in the right direction for things that Enrolment Services can’t easily direct to you or isn’t allowed to direct you for, and to inform you on university policies/mediate any academic standing conflicts.
- Your instructors — for questions pertaining to the course, grade and viewing your examinations.
Feeling distressed?
- To those who feel overwhelmed: You’re not a failure by /u/imahnick
- AMS SpeakEasy: need to vent? Speakeasy provides free, confidential, one-on-one peer support for UBC students and staff facing a wide variety of challenges.
- EmpowerMe: free counselling for those with the AMS/GSS Health and Dental Plan (which unless you’ve opted out of explicitly, then you pay for). Does not count towards your $300 annual limit for psychologist services. Sessions can be conducted over the phone, online or in-person at a local clinic.
- KidsHelpPhone.ca: offers immediate on-the-phone counselling for those from age 5-20. The name is a misnomer because it’s for both young adults and kids.
- BC Crisis Centre: if you’re having thoughts of suicide, the BC Crisis Centre can be reached at 1-800-784-2433. Interpreters are offered in over 140 languages if needed.
- EmpowerMe Crisis Line: if you’re in crisis, including thoughts of suicide, all students are able to access EmpowerMe’s services regardless of whether they have the AMS/GSS plan at 1-844-741-6389.
- Vancouver Access & Assessment Centre at the Vancouver General Hospital is a walk-in program that will direct you to the relevant community resources for mental health and properly assess your situation. Non-emergency situations only. Can be reached at (604) 675-3700 or at Vancouver General Hospital (address in the link).
- Are you or do you know someone threatening to hurt themselves? See this guide and call 911 immediately if you have immediate concerns for you safety or their safety.
Other clinics (that are closed or likely to be overbooked at this time of year):
- Student Health Services offers 30-minute appointments with psychiatrists that are billed under MSP. Reviews tend to be fairly positive.
- UBC Counselling — free counselling for UBC students.
- UBC Kaleidoscope — an informal support group at UBC that will resume in early January 2018.