The Observer, January 27, 2006
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 14
Just in CASE...
...You're stressed
William Hale, Ph.D.
University Counseling Services
With the new semester beginning, stress levels that were reduced over the break can again rise rapidly. Stress is unavoidable. It is the natural response of the body and mind to circumstances that demand attention and must be dealt with.
A moderate level of stress is normal and even necessary to help us achieve our goals and function at our best. However, when the level of stress becomes too high, our ability to cope effectively can be seriously impaired.
Managing your stress when you are feeling overwhelmed can seem like an impossible task. However, there are several things you can do to keep your stress at a manageable level:
Identify your stressors and your physical, mental, and emotional responses to them.
Focus on what you can change and let go of what is out of your control.
Set small goals for yourself and do one task at a time.
Try to eat healthy food and avoid junk food.
Get enough sleep – avoid pulling "allnighters."
Avoid alcohol when you are under stress.
Set limits – don't over-extend yourself with too many extra activities.
For more information about stress, depression, and other mental health issues and how to cope with them, visit the University Counseling Services website at www.case.edu/stuaff/ucs or the Center for Collegiate Behavioral Health website at www.case.edu/stuaff/mind-body.
...You're broke
Sandy Baker-Evans
Student Lending Works
Changes to the federal financial aid program are currently pending in the House and Senate. These changes could pass as soon as February 2006. While the exact date is uncertain, we do know some of the changes being considered:
Increased Loan Limits
The loan limits for Stafford student loans will increase. This is a good thing for students. If the changes take effect,
Freshman borrowing limits will increase from $2625 to $3500.
Sophomore limits will increase from $3500 to $4500.
Junior and senior limits would stay the same at $5500 for each year.
Graduate students will see increases in unsubsidized Stafford loan limits from $10,000 to $12,000.
The above limit increases would be effective for loans made on or after July 1, 2007.
Graduate and professional students would be able to borrow money under the PLUS loan program (i.e. Cost minus Aid) effective July 1, 2006.
Increased Interest Rates
The current interest rates on Stafford student loans, as of July 1, 2005, are 4.7 percent for students in school or within their grace period and 5.3 percent for students in repayment.
On July 1, 2006, the interest rates on new Stafford loans will be fixed at 6.8 percent. New PLUS (parent) loans as of July 1 will be fixed at 8.5 percent.
Teacher Loan Forgiveness
This program will be made permanent and will institute new grant programs (ProGap/National Smart Grants).
These are only a few of the changes being considered and here is our recommendation: College seniors or college graduates (and parents) should consolidate their federal education loans to lock down low interest rates before July 1.
Spousal consolidations as well as in-school consolidations may be eliminated. If you have already consolidated your loans and you want to get a "new" consolidation loan to take advantage of some of the borrower benefit programs being offered by lenders, do so before this option is eliminated.
...You're altruistic
Neeraja Krishnaswamy
Student, World Health Advocate
In recognition of World AIDS Day, the Obelisk, Bueno Aires's most famous monument, was covered with a giant pink condom. As aberrant as that sounds, the organizer of the effort, Sandra Castillo, felt that organizers of the event would "have the biggest impact by putting a condom on the most important symbol of the city."
After all, a virus that has caused more than 25 million deaths in the last 25 years is entitled to at least that. I could go on about statistics stating how much this infection has impacted the world, but what really matters is that out of the 6.5 million people in developing nations that are in need of life-saving drugs, only 1 million receive them.
You are probably thinking, "So what? I hear these statistics often enough, but what can one person do to make an actual difference?" My thoughts were similar until I came across the efforts made by our own university.
In conjunction with the University Hospitals of Cleveland, Case created the Center for AIDS Research (CFAR). Involving over 140 faculty researchers from the School of Medicine, Nursing, Arts and Sciences, and Law, CFAR has introduced seminars, lectureships, publications, and funding to partake in this battle. Having the only AIDS center in the Midwest, Case has made significant progress in terms of AIDS research and funding.
Beyond contributing to the research done on campus, you have a chance at influencing international health epidemics such as AIDS through the different health organizations such as the Global Medical Initiative (GMI). The group coordinates fundraisers and events devoted to sending medical shipments to under-developed nations, with one main motive in mind: to fight international health crises.
As a part of Case, the supposition that you can not do anything to help is ignorant. With the vast amount of opportunities available on campus combined with the right amount of your empathy and dedication, change is more than possible.
