Easing Back Onto Campus

Clearly, I've taken the summer "off" from campus (since the last post published here was in April...). I've spent the last ten weeks on my own projects, some of which prepared me for class, some of which were just plain fun. But now, looking at my calendar, I realize that I've got to get back on campus and do some work.

But it's hard, right? I think about my Outlook inbox and I want to shrivel into a raisin and drop under the couch.

Image Credit

So I've decided to ease back into some of the administrative tasks I've got to get done before I can get down to the fun stuff of teaching. We've got two weeks until classes begin (holy cow). Here's how to start:

Start checking the Employ-E-Newsletter
If you're like me, you might have been auto-deleting these daily e-newsletters through June and most of July. But  now is the time to give those a glance for the information you'll need before the new school year, information about MCC facilities, new procedures, and new opportunities.

Open Your Outlook Inbox
Notice that I haven't told you to "read" any of your email -- right now, I just want you to open it. Then walk away and get a cup of coffee.

Delete Your Unnecessary Emails
Okay, now, look over the emails you've gotten since June 1. ("look over" -- don't "read") Delete anything that you don't need: emails from textbook buyers, from textbook publishers, from that weird company you used to order custom pencils for the student group you advise. Good job! Now, get a donut to go with your coffee.

Prioritize Your Remaining Emails
Some of the emails left in your inbox are important, so put them in an order to read and respond. You might put them into folders, you might even decide to answer a few that look time-sensitive. But don't check them all. Julie Morgenstern, time management professional and author of Never Check Email in the Morning, likens an email-reading-and-responding streak, especially first thing in the day, to not only a time-waster, but to an addiction. Don't get addicted to answering email; get addicted to something good, like donuts. Now, go get a second donut and a refill on your coffee.
(hear from Morgenstern talking about work-life balance on WBEZ's Morning Shift program)

Start Folders for Your New Classes
I have a file folder for each class I teach each semester, and in each folder are three sub-folders marked Handouts, To-Read, and Hand-Back. I carry these folders to classes with me, and they help me feel organized, even though most of my assignments are given and submitted via Canvas. You might have something similar, or you might have something different -- an electronic system, a notebook, a series of color-coded kazoos. Whatever it is, start to get it together.

Photo Credit: Milestone Music Therapy

Finish Your Syllabus
You might have started updating your Fall 2015 syllabus in a fit of productivity on May 19. And then it sat there, open on your computer, for the next eight weeks. Hey, me too! Well, it's time to get it done, so open those documents and get to work. Don't forget that Labor Day is September 7, Professional Development Day is October 13, and Thanksgiving is November 26.

Get Excited for Fall Faculty Development Day
Our Fall 2015 FD Day is Thursday, August 13, and it's going to be terrific. So look for the invitation letter (please read it!) and program in your Outlook inbox this week.

Okay, now get started! Don't do it all at once: give yourself a bit of time each day for the rest of this week, and you'll start to feel ready. And don't forget the donuts!