The fall semester has ended, the winter semester has begun; fluffy white snow has been falling all around us, and we are (hopefully!) working hard to prepare for final assignments and exams.
Check out the Paul Menton Centre’s New Term Checklist, in addition to the tips below for a strong start to your next semester.
Reflect on Your Fall 2023 Semester
What are your key learning takeaways from this semester – both academic and about yourself as a learner? What worked well and what would you change for next time? By self-reflecting, you can consider what changes would support your learning and take the necessary steps to put them into place.
Register for Winter Courses
If you have not yet registered for winter classes, now is the time to do it. Even if you aren’t 100% sure of your course decisions, register for courses at least as placeholders – you can always drop courses before the financial withdrawal deadline. This will reduce the risk of you not getting the credits that you need because classes have already filled up.
Review your Winter Schedule
If you have already registered in winter courses, you can double-check your course timetable to confirm that you have earned the correct prerequisite credits, that you are still available during your class times, and that the course load you registered for is realistic for you. If you need to make some changes, that’s okay!
Reach Out for Support
Speaking of registration and required courses, perhaps you would benefit from meeting with an Academic Advisor to discuss your program progression, academic audit, or Academic Continuation Evaluation. If you would like to discuss changes to your disability-related accommodations or PMC supports, it is a great time to schedule an appointment with your Disabilities Coordinator by contacting the PMC Front Desk at pmc@carleton.ca or 613-520-6608 (Mon-Fri, 8:30AM-4:30PM.)
Review Your Course Outlines
At the beginning of 2024, review your course outlines and request academic accommodations in Ventus. It’s always a good idea to request accommodations and introduce yourself to your professors at the beginning of a new semester. By sending an introduction e-mail to your professors, you open up a line of communication, can confirm that your accommodations will be applied to the course, and can respond to any questions that your professor may have about your accommodations.
Update Your Calendar!
Add your new classes, tutorials, labs, assignment deadlines, test dates, and university deadlines for the semester to your physical and/or virtual calendar. (Virtual calendars often have reminder notification features available!) Mapping out your semester means that you know what to expect, which helps you plan for major assignments and tests. If you need support with time management strategies, ask your Coordinator for a referral!
Consider What You Need for Self-Care During the Winter
As much as many of us are looking forward to the holidays, winter can be a cold and more isolated time of the year. Think about what you might need to take care of your mental health during this season. Is it a regularly scheduled check-in call with a friend? Study breaks in a cozy blanket fort? Daily Vitamin D supplements? By making a winter self-care plan now, you can better nurture yourself during the semester and reduce burnout.
If you ever need someone to talk to about mental health, you can visit the Wellness Desk on the second floor of the MacOdrum Library. If you’d like meet with a mental health counsellor, you can talk to your Coordinator about PMC Wellness or reach out to Health and Counselling Services.