CHECKLIST: WRAPPING UP THE TERM

/in /by

We’re at the last full week of class for many of you. Before we think about end-of-term checklists, take a moment, look ahead to the end of term, and think of the reward that you are going to award yourself for getting through. After the last exam, what will you do to mark the success of finishing? I’m not talking about what if you get an A or a B or a pass. This is the reward for just going to class and doing the work for the whole term.

You don’t want to break the bank, but it does have to be something special and meaningful to you: a special spa session, or hiking gear, or a makeover, or a special tool or kitchen equipment, or an afternoon with a specific budget at a favourite specialty shop.

Put a reminder of that reward within eyesight–something visual and physical, such as an L L Bean catalogue or a Sephora flyer or a spa brochure.

OK. That anticipation is there in the background of your mind as you finish the term.

Now the checklist for the last week. Some of these tasks you will have already done–check them off! 

These kinds of lists always start with the admonition, “Make sure you . . . “ and I say it myself to my clients, so I’ll say it here:

This week, make sure you

  • Check the syllabus to see you have not overlooked a must-do.
  • Know the deadlines for any work to be handed in before class ends.
  • Check your graded assignments on line to ensure you have got credit for work done.
  • Check that any accommodations for exams and extensions are lined up.
  • Check your equipment for writing online exams and finishing online assignments.
  • Have paid your ISP provider.
  • Are ready for any presentations you will make before classes end.
  • Know the last day to withdraw from the course to avoid an F.
  • Have no scheduling conflicts for exams.

Those are some of the little things that can become big things in a hurry.

If you’re in a group with an upcoming presentation, your group probably has a similar checklist. I’ve blogged more extensively earlier on giving good presentation, but you will have done all of that by now, so it’s time for your group to make sure that your group

  • Checks that presentation equipment and software have been trialled.
  • Has backup equipment available, and trialled if possible.
  • Runs through two timed presentation rehearsals.
  • Has copies of any handout material.
  • Has backup presenters who have rehearsed in case a presenter is ill.
  • Has a quick group reward planned–coffee debriefing, if nothing else.

Spend a moment reflecting on your reward, then schedule your checklist items and . . . 

That’s it for wrapping up! 

I’m booking into January now, if you’d like to get a running start on the winter term and stay on track from the get-go. Connect with me in the form below or directly through email: [email protected] 

The information in this blog cannot take the place of support from your own mental health professional or community health resources. Reach out to them. And IF YOU ARE IN CRISIS PLEASE DIAL 911.