The final month of the semester can feel like an uphill battle. We juggle finals, student support, and administrative tasks, all while maintaining our own energy and enthusiasm. After a long year, in turbulent times, summer may appear as a much-needed respite, but it also is a crucial time for reflection, planning, and rejuvenation before it all begins anew in the fall. How about some practical “what to do’s” for sustaining momentum and for making the most of the final month and the summer months ahead.

1. A Milestone, Not a Marathon

It’s easy to see the last month as the grueling final mile of a marathon, but view it as a milestone instead...you know, a moment to acknowledge your achievements. Take stock of your accomplishments, celebrate progress, look behind you to see how far you’ve come, and remember: Don’t be ahistorical about yourself!!  You’ve done a lot and have come far!! Not kidding...it’s pretty impressive!

2. Keep Engagement High

Students, like us, experience slumps as the semester nears its end. Keeping students engaged not only enhances their experiences but also makes our work more rewarding. Helping them with getting stuff done often helps increase our own “getter ‘er done” quotient.  

3. Shhhh!  A Moment for Me

The final month can be draining, making caring-for-self essential. Even small things—like taking a walk between meetings, scheduling lunch with a colleague, watching YouTube videos here and there— have impact on energy. Keep in mind that students, too, need encouragement to practice this, so consider incorporating mindfulness or check-ins into classes or organizational meetings.

4. Recognize Achievements

Recognize achievements, big and small. Take time to reflect on the semester: What worked? What challenges did you overcome? Encourage others to do the same, perhaps through office-wide email or a casual gathering. Celebrate those wins. . .come on, you can do it. . .and seriously, it reinforces the value of our efforts. Because, you’re darn right we made effort this year!

6. Summer Recharge

While summer can offer some breaks, it’s also an opportunity to prepare for the upcoming year in a way that feels energizing rather than exhausting. Divide summer into three phases:

• Recovery and Reflection (early summer): Take a break, get the heck outta town, rest, and reflect on successes. Leave work behind.  Trust us, work waits.  Always does.
• Growth and Development (mid-summer): Attend workshops, engage in professional development, read that book gathering dust on your shelf, or get those pesky logistics things set up for the fall.
• Preparation and Planning (late summer): Outline syllabi, go out to lunch a lot, and decide what’s gotta get done now so you can say “Thank goodness, that’s done!”

6. Stay Connected with Colleagues

Professional isolation can be challenging during summer. Keep momentum by staying in touch with colleagues through meet-ups, collaborations, or casual check-ins. This helps maintain a sense of community and shared purpose, making transitioning back smoother.

7. Embrace a Growth Mindset for Fall

Rather than viewing the upcoming semester as “yet, one more,” approach it with a sense of renewal and excitement. Experiment with new teaching strategies, borrow cool ideas from colleagues, and challenge yourself to keep evolving (i.e. AI offers so many remarkable options). By fostering a mindset of continuous growth, you’ll naturally sustain momentum.

8. Hey!  There’s a Bigger Picture Here

Finally, remember why you embarked on this career path in the first place. Whether it’s inspiring students, contributing to your field, or fostering a dynamic learning environment, reconnecting with your passion is the ultimate momentum-nator. Remind yourself—and your colleagues: The work you do matters and has a lasting impact!  It does!!

The final month of the semester and the summer months don’t have to feel like an endurance test. By implementing intentional strategies for maintaining momentum, celebrating progress, and using summer deliberately, we can enter fall feeling refreshed, prepared, and inspired. Keep the momentum going—YOU’VE GOT THIS!