Clemson University Libraries

Don't let stress overwhelm you!

You're a good student, but the stress of keeping your grades up is taking its toll.

You're procrastinating on important tasks. You're not getting enough sleep, you're surviving on junk food, and you've even started drinking on school nights to try to relieve the stress. (It's not easy taking notes and participating in class when you're hung over.)

Now it’s midnight on Sunday night. You have to turn in a paper tomorrow by 8 a.m. but you've barely started. You have an outline and start writing, but after a few hours you realize there's no way you're going to get this paper done in time.

You feel trapped: you're under so much pressure to get an A in this class! In desperation, you find one of those term paper websites promising "original ideas and supporting sources" and it has a paper for sale on your topic. At this point, you're thinking, maybe buying a paper is your only hope.

Your Choices:

1. Buy a term paper through the internet.

You risk academically:

an "F" for the assignment

an "F" for the course

suspension

permanent dismissal from the university

See the Academic Integrity Policy for the procedures involved.

You risk personally:

erosion of your self-regard

compromise of your values (Is this the kind of person you want to be?)

2. Ask for an extension and take the time to do it right.

You risk: a failing grade on the assignment, if your professor won't grant the extension.

To choose this option:

E-mail your professor (or call or stop by), explain the situation, and ask for an extension on the deadline. (You can find a professor's email address, phone number and office location using the Clemson Phonebook.)
The penalty for turning in a paper late is far smaller than the penalty for plagiarism, even if it means a failing grade on the paper.
Don’t be afraid to ask your professor for help.

How can you prevent this next time?

Consider counseling to help manage stress

Counseling & Psychological Services at Redfern has counselors to listen to you, support you, and help you through stressful situations.

Stress and substance abuse are often the triggers for decisions you might regret later -- like choosing to copy other people's work rather than submitting your own. Don't let it get to that point! Call 656-2451 to set up an appointment with a counselor.

Develop a personal time management schedule with an Academic Skills Instructor

Request individual assistance from an instructor at the Academic Success Center (it’s free!), who can help you develop a time management schedule that will work for you.

Call 656-6452 to schedule an appointment. The Academic Success Center also offers handouts and time management workshops.

Stressed?

Don't let stress overwhelm you!

Your Choices:

How can you prevent this next time?