Where did Fall 2022 go? This bear outside the Denver Convention Center searches for clues.
Is it just me, or is time speeding up? Just yesterday it was early October, with midterms barely underway and daytime temperatures still in the 80s. Now here we are, bundling up on frosty mornings, holiday tunes already floating in the air, and the last day of instruction is around the corner.
There is so much time and attention that goes into launching a new semester, but what do you do to transition out of it? Looking back on my experience, December basically meant (1) grading exams and projects as quickly as possible to submit grade rosters, (2) doing a cursory wipe down of the crumbs on my keyboard, and (3) leaving campus with an extremely unrealistic plan to write ALL THE THINGS I didn’t work on during the fall.
If you have any capacity left at this point, here are some ways to more “consciously uncouple” from the semester:
Record quick notes about each of your courses as they conclude. While the experience is still fresh, reflect on what went well or better than you anticipated, and why; what did not work as well as you expected, and why; and what changes to the readings and/or assignments you might want to make for next time.
Review the papers and files that have accumulated over the past sixteen weeks. What do you need to keep—and do you need the physical copy or will a digital one suffice? What electronic files do you need to clearly label and store, either for future classes or for the RTP dossier or annual evaluation packet?
Reconsider your shoulda/woulda/coulda items. I’m talking about the email replies you’ve been sitting on, someone you meant to call back but forgot to, and other delayed “to do”s. What do you actually need to respond to or follow up on at this point? And what can go in the “oh well!” category? These decisions can help you move forward with peace of mind.
Finally, contemplate all the great things you might do over the break. Who are you going to spend time with—or how you will relish peaceful time alone? What are the books you want to read for fun? What are you going to binge watch while eating your fave snacks while you lounge on the couch? What delicious treats might you bake or libations will you concoct? What travels, near or far, might you embark on before reporting back for duty days?
Could you also tackle the research and creative activity, upcoming grant and conference proposals, and new course prep before early January? Sure. However, be sure to also pay attention to the important parts of yourself or personal projects that you might have put on the back burner since August. Winter break is nearly here and you deserve to make as much of it as you can. And sometimes “making the most” sometimes means “doing the least” so you can return for Spring 2023 feeling like your full self.
Wishing you a smooth end to the semester,
Magdalena Barrera,
Vice Provost for Faculty Success
