In addition to the demands of their regular work responsibilities, staff and volunteers across University Libraries helped ensure Wildcats got study fuel, enjoyed downtime activities, and received therapy animal cuddles during the rush of studying for finals.

Stamp making & self-care goody bags, Dec. 6

More than 120 students either grabbed a pre-filled goody bag or decorated a goody bag using unique stamps they made out of rubber erasers at our drop-in workshop. Students filled their stamped bags with self-care treats provided by Student Learning & Engagement (SLE) such as instant coffee, tea, Emergen-C, snacks, erasers, lip balm, and bracelets with encouraging affirmations (photo, below).

Campus Health and Counseling & Psych Services also provided self-care tips handouts and links for mental health resources in every goody bag.

"Thanks to CATalyst Studios staff and student employees for helping host our event," said Michelle Halla, SLE.

Movie night, Dec. 7

Twenty-three students joined our "Home Alone" movie night. "We had popcorn from RoadHouse Cinema, drinks, and stuffed animals to borrow to get comfy and cozy for the classic movie," said Olivia Postal, Access & Information Services (AIS), who coordinated the event.

Study snack break, Dec. 8-10

Students could choose from a wide variety of snacks: granola bars, goldfish, tuna salad kits, fruit, tea, soda, and popcorn during the three-night event. "Word about free snacks spread throughout the library like wildfire and attracted over 700 students," said Violeta Keifer, AIS, who spear-headed the snack break. "We heard lots of thank yous, and several students commented on how cool it is that the library hosts this event multiple times a year."

"Big thank you to Chris Nicholson Miller, Kai Vides, Elissa Mondschein, Noelle Morris, and Mariella Johnson for their help providing students with a much-needed snack break during finals week. As one student said, '[Finals Study Snack Break] screams Student Success District!'"

Self-care goody bags, Dec. 10

SLE staff distributed an additional 300+ self-care goody bags during the Pause for Paws event with therapy pets, totaling 450 bags between Dec. 6 and 10.

"A special thanks to CATalyst staff Mona Nakamura and Hana Lipke; SLE staff Beth Reese and Shelley Peper; SLE graduate students Ryann Squires and Megan Ashcraft; and Peer Information Counselor (PIC) students Ky-Jah Greene and Sarah Wallace," said Michelle.

Pause for Paws with therapy pets, Dec. 10

"We had another huge turnout, roughly 2,200 people," said Nellie Nano, AIS, who coordinated the event with Olivia. "We brought back our friends at Pet Partners of Southern Arizona, continuing our 11-year partnership. We also partnered with the Student Health Advocacy Committee, who handed out kindness notes and snacks, and Student Engagement & Learning, who gave out self-care goody bags."

"Thank you, Pet Partners of Southern Arizona, for being such great team players, and providing this experience for our students and staff," said Olivia and Nellie. "We also thank our AIS staff for assisting: Michelle Monroe, Lucy Provost, Tory Middlebrooks, Sydney Aguirre Miranda, and Brad Comden."

Story & photo contributors

Michelle Halla, SLE; Violeta Keifer, AIS; Nellie Nano, AIS; and Olivia Postal, AIS