Finish Strong: End of semester coping strategies, reminders, and summer database access information

Final exams, graduation, summer jobs, externships, and bar exams are just around the corner. Below you will find information to help you during these stressful and hectic times as well as helpful reminders. Take a pause and consider this:

• Seek Nature. There are flowers to smell and sunshine to absorb. You may think you don’t have time for flowers and sunshine. You need them more now than ever. “Spending time in nature can help relieve stress and anxiety, improve your mood, and boost feelings of happiness and wellbeing.” A little time enjoying the benefits of nature, sunshine, fresh air, and flowers, is time well spent.  
• Take a Relaxing Walk. Check out the law library’s guide on Stress Management, Mindfulness and Wellness. The section on Reflective Spaces at RWU includes some images of lovely locations on campus to absorb nature. The campus has nice views and relaxing walks just right for a beautiful spring day. If you are not on campus, a walk around your block, a neighborhood park, or even just your yard can be a pleasant and useful break.
• Breathe Deep. Deep breathing is a good way to lower stress in the body.
• Exercise. Beyond practicing deep abdominal breathing, there are other ways you can let go of some stress and anxiety this finals season. One way is through exercise.
• Address your Basic Needs. Remember to listen to your body. Being focused on your studies may lead to not fulfilling your basic needs. Use the HALT method to address your needs; it stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired. These four states can affect your mood and behavior, ultimately damaging your work.  
• Talk to Someone. If you need someone to talk to during exam times, or any other time, please contact the RWU Counseling Center.

In the Library:

To help ease exam period tension, the library will again show live streams of cute baby animals in our main computer classroom during reading days and finals. Whether you prefer snuggly puppies, mewling kittens, polar bears, or coral reefs, we have got you covered! Please stop by the main computer classroom; you’ll ooh and ahh over our furry friends.

If you are planning on booking study rooms, please be sure to read the study room policy. The library staff will strictly enforce the study room policy to ensure equitable access during the busy exam period.   Study rooms may be reserved for individual and group study sessions. Reservations will be cancelled if the policy is not followed, and multiple failures to comply with the policy will result in the loss of reservation privileges through the end of the semester.

Summer Access and Graduate Access:

Returning students will have summer access to licensed digital resources, including Westlaw and Lexis. Students can use these resources for summer coursework, research assistant assignments, Moot Court and Law Review research, non-profit work, clinical work, and externships sponsored by the school. For workplace-related research, students should check with their employer. Some employers prefer that summer employees use a firm- or agency-issued ID access.

Graduates will have access to Lexis through December 31, 2025. Graduates will have access to Westlaw’s Grad Elite Program for 6 months after graduation. You must opt in to the Grad Elite Status. Other digital resources will be available until July 31.  

The law library offers a variety of resources and services to alumni. Our Alumni Services Page explains services available and how to apply for an “Alumni Borrower Card.”

Remember, the law librarians are here to answer your questions or to help point you in the right direction. Just Ask a Librarian.