Virtual Mentor Tips: Semester Wrap Up

The crisp air and the delightful sighs of finishing classes tell us that it’s time to wrap up the Fall Semester and begin planning for Spring Semester. There are a number of things you can do to wrap up this semester and get started on the right foot for the next.

To wrap up-

  • Clean and organize your workspace. Even if you use an entirely digital workspace you can organize any files you want to keep and delete anything you don’t need. Consider keeping papers that might help you with applying for scholarships, graduate school, or asking for a reference letter. Instructor comments on your paper can be very helpful in reminding a professor what they said about your work originally. You can send them the paper when you want to ask for a letter of recommendation. 
  • Sell back your books. If you won’t need your textbooks for reference, consider selling back your books. There are many online retailers devoted to buying (and selling!) used books.
  • Set a schedule for checking your email during break. Important information from WSU will come to you that way so stay “in the know” by logging on routinely.
  • Look back at your semester goals. Did you complete the ones you wanted? Is there anything you would have changed? Have you learned anything about yourself that will help you with future classes?
  • Take a break! Celebrate your accomplishment of completing a semester.

To start up-

  • Beat the rush! Consider ordering your textbooks and supplies now. Shipping delays continue and you don’t want to have to pay for rush shipping.
  • Communicate with your advisor. Are you on track? Is there anything you could be doing now to accomplish your big goal of reaching graduation?
  • Set your schedule now. Spring semester will be here before you know it. Consider using a planner and adding in all the important dates through the end of May. Plan your study, work, and rest time so that you keep to your schedule. Once you get your Spring course schedules you can plug in the dates of assignments, exams, and papers.
  • Consider setting some S.M.A.R.T. goals for the semester. What do you want to prioritize this semester? Once you have your goal think of ways to make it Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time Based.

We can’t wait to “see” you again soon! Spring semester starts Tuesday, January 19th. 

-Fallon Hughes, Global Campus Virtual Mentor