DP&L Episode 230 - Closing Out Spring Semester

In this episode, President and executive writing coach Christine Tulley provides essential strategies for effectively wrapping up the spring semester and preparing for a smooth transition into summer. Christine focuses on specific end-of-academic-year tasks that differ from typical semester closures, offering practical advice for academics looking to tie up loose ends before the fiscal year ends.

Christine emphasizes the critical importance of addressing deadline-driven tasks first - from spending remaining faculty development funds to completing annual productivity reports and tenure-track requirements. She stresses that these tasks often involve funding or have significant consequences if missed, making them the top priority for spring semester closure.

The episode covers essential organizational strategies including managing digital files from spring classes, deciding what materials to keep versus delete, and developing effective naming conventions for future use. Christine shares her approach to handling physical materials like books and printed articles, recommending binder clips with descriptive notes over traditional filing systems that can bury important documents.

For educators, she discusses the nuances of course management between semesters, explaining why copying fall-to-fall courses often works better than adapting spring materials due to calendar differences and energy variations between semesters. She also suggests creating a dedicated folder for fall prep ideas without actively working on them until August.

Christine concludes with the importance of annual CV updates, timing this task to coincide with required annual reports. This systematic approach ensures nothing gets overlooked while maintaining professional documentation current.

Episodes Mentioned:

• Episode 74 – CV and Online Profile Updating

 

DPL Resources

• Summer Coaching Opportunity: Defend, Publish & Lead is offering a limited-time summer burst sale with 100 coaching hours available at reduced rates. Whether you're a current client or new to their services, email [email protected] to learn more.
• Free Consultation Available: New clients can schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation to discuss projects, summer writing planning, or fall preparation strategies.
• Need help with your academic writing goals or semester transitions? Contact Defend, Publish & Lead for personalized coaching support tailored to your specific needs and timeline.