As the United States engages in military action against Iraq, anxiety increases among American citizens.

While everyone in some way will be affected by the war, the impact may add to the already stressful lives of college students. However, just like in other times of stress �€such as mid-terms, finals and the events of Sept. 11 �€the way in which one deals with the anxiety matters.

“There are healthy ways to help forget about worries,”said Kenneth D. Gray, vice president for Student Affairs. He recommends students try to burn off nervous energy by working out at the StudentRecreationCenter or spending time involved with group activities such as those offered at WVUp All Night.

He adds that”negative behaviors, such as misuse of alcohol or drugs, will only deplete your energy, increase your stress and cause greater problems in the long run.”

Better and healthier ways exist to deal with emotions. Channel your emotions into positive energy by taking part in some of the many activities offered on and around campus:

Get involved:

�?�  Join others with similar interests by joining one of over 270 student organizations exist on campus. Contact Student Organization Services for more information, 293-4397,http://www.wvu.edu/~sos/.

Feed your mind:

�?�  The line-up for the 8th annual Festival of Ideas, which runs from Feb. 17 to April 7, can be found athttp://www.events.wvu.edu/foi/index.shtml. Attend the free lectures to hear discussions of todays current issues ranging from national security to missing children and victimsrights.

�?�  Attend other on-campus lectures or colloquia. Seehttp://www.wvu.edu/~calendar/index.htmfor a listing of events.

�?�  Study. Take advantage of the downtown librarys extended hours. For more information about library hours and services, go tohttp://www.libraries.wvu.edu.

Give your competitive spirit a workout:

�?�  Play ping-pong or pool. Or check out basketballs, volleyball nets and balls, frisbees and a variety of board games from your residence hall main desk.

�?�  Interested in intramural sports? Form a team, and compete in the Intramural Sports Program. Play basketball, flag football, and more! Call 293-PLAY for more information.

�?�  Not athletically inclined? Cheer on your friends at intramural games or attend a WVU home game to lend the Mountaineers your support.

Nurture your body:

�?�  Work out at the StudentRecreationCenter. Play basketball, volleyball, badminton, racquetball; lift weights; literally climb a wall; go for a swim; soak in the hot tub.

�?�  Equipment rental is available through the Outdoor Recreation Program. For more details and hours, go tohttp://www.wvu.edu/reccenter/.

�?�  Dance. Do yoga. Meditate.

Entertain your soul:

�?�  Attend an Arts and Entertainment WVUp All Night event. Go see a movie, speaker, comedian, live band, concert or performance. Eat breakfast at midnight. For more information, call the Movie Hotline at 293-TIXX or visit the Arts and Entertainment Web site athttp://www.events.wvu.edu.

�?�  Become a connoisseur of the visual and performing arts at the CreativeArtsCenter. Peruse the exhibitions in the Mesaros Galleries or attend a recital, theatre production or concert. For event schedule, go tohttp://www.wvu.edu/~ccarts/Collegepages/calendar.html. Call 293-4841, ext. 3108 for more information or 293-SHOW for information on ticketed events.

Just relax:

�?�  Hang out at the Mountainlair. Eat at the food court, study in theLair lounge, watch the tube with others, check out the art gallery, browse the bookstore, go bowling or just sit and chat with friends.

Get creative:

�?�  Write poetry, essays and editorials. Document your feelings and experiences in a journal. Develop a love for photography. Paint or draw.

Use your connections:

�?�  Use the Internet to keep in touch with friends and family.

�?�  Surf the Web.

�?�  Play games online.

“Most importantly,”said Gray,”we want to remind students that all around them are faculty, staff and other students who are there to support and encourage them.”

“While its normal to feel worried during times like these, if such feelings are becoming overwhelming, students should not hesitate to ask for advice and help. The CarruthCenter staff, for instance, can listen and provide support, and best of all, the service is free and confidential.”

During the war, WVU will continue with classes and programming. Additional events and extended hours may take effect to provide students with the outlets needed to reduce tension and anxiety.

“Whatever events unfold, WVU is prepared to respond appropriately,”said Mary Collins, special assistant to the vice president of Student Affairs,”with measures such as increased security, outreach counseling and advising, extended hours at facilities such as the Student Recreation Center and dining halls, and other needed action.”

WVU will post updated war-related information periodically to the WVU web site (http://www.wvu.edu) along with the employee Intranet (http://intranet.wvu.edu) and the student MIX .