WHAT TO PLAN NOW TO AVOID THE WORST DELAYS THIS FALL

Summer session is in full swing for some of you, with midterms and prep for presentations. Some of you are working, some are travelling, and some are just chilling out.

It may seem way early to be thinking about the fall term.

Yet next weekend is the August long weekend, and after that, campuses will be gearing up. I do recommend that you sketch out what you can get done in August that will minimize your hassle the first week in September.

For one thing, you will need to allow more time than usual to get anything done. Whether it’s campus help desks, government funding, or arranging for academic accommodation, staff is short everywhere. And the crush is going to be even worse the first weeks of the term.

What you can do is make a list this week of what you can attend to after the August long weekend. Your list can include

• Making sure that all documentation and transcripts are submitted for your program.
• Registering as soon as you are allowed for your courses.
• Knowing what you need to do and to submit to apply for funding for tuition, accommodation, learning assistance, room and board, etc.
• Knowing approximate wait times for applications to be processed. Everything is taking longer, and you want your funding before Thanksgiving!
• Scheduling any clinical appointments that may be required, for example, for learning assistance or for academic accommodations. Wait times for these appointments can be long thanks to COVID.
• Filling out and submitting documentation.
• Reviewing syllabi as they become available.
• Ordering texts and supplies.
• Determining computer requirements for your program and courses, then getting your order in for any upgrades–wait times and shortages are greater than we’d like.
• Firming up living arrangements, including room, board, roommates, and damage deposit.
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The more you can take care of in August, the less sleep you will lose worrying about these academic housework details! 

Let me know what else you do to get a jump on the year. I’d like to explore with you how we can customize a program to move you toward your goals this fall. Connect with me here: [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.