GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (May 13, 2025) — With students deep in the throes of finals week, Colorado Mesa University (CMU) is working to ease the burden through a mix of practical support and emotional encouragement, spearheaded by its campus library.
At the heart of the initiative are free snacks, extended library hours, and a continued emphasis on student wellness — small gestures that aim to make a big difference during one of the most stressful periods of the academic year.
“It’s like a little care package from within our building for the students who are spending their time here working on finishing things well and being successful,” said Dr. Laureen Cantwell-Jurkovic, Head of Access Services and Outreach at the Tomlinson Library.
More Than Just Snacks: Supporting Academic Resilience
The university library has provided snack stations to help students stay energized during long study sessions. But beyond food, CMU has extended its operating hours on key days, offering quiet space and essential resources late into the night.
“We’ve been supporting students with resources the entire semester,” said Dr. Cantwell-Jurkovic. “Finals week is just the culmination of that.”
These efforts are part of a broader strategy by CMU to foster a supportive environment, acknowledging the mental and emotional toll that academic deadlines can take — especially on first-generation and working students who may carry additional pressures.
“We See You”: Emotional Wellness at the Core
Dr. Cantwell-Jurkovic emphasized that part of the library’s mission is to create a sense of visibility and community for students under pressure.
“I think it can be really easy to feel like people don’t care or to feel like your stress doesn’t matter,” she said. “Part of it is just making sure that they feel seen… that we understand what this week is like.”
The sentiment reflects a growing recognition among universities that academic performance is linked to student well-being, especially during high-stakes assessment periods.
Long-Term Resources and Outreach
CMU’s student support isn’t confined to finals week. The library, along with other campus services, has spent the semester offering workshops, tutoring, and personalized research assistance to build academic confidence well before exams begin.
From access to databases and citation help, to spaces designed for both group work and silent study, the Tomlinson Library has become a cornerstone of the university’s academic infrastructure.
