In Anticipation of Fall
By Sylvie Edwards | As the summer days are slowly resuming and the crisp air of autumn begins to settle in, higher education professors across the globe find themselves on an emotional rollercoaster.
By Sylvie Edwards for Sankarsingh-Gonsalves Productions
As the summer days are slowly resuming and the crisp air of autumn begins to settle in, higher education professors across the globe find themselves on an emotional rollercoaster. The start of the fall semester brings with it a mix of anticipation and dread, each emotion alternating as the first day of classes approaches. In my case, as I write this the countdown is on – 3 days to school fully resuming.
What am I feeling? Well, it is a mix of several emotions.
Anticipation – The Excitement of New Beginnings
Let’s define anticipation which refers to the feeling of excitement and eagerness about something that is going to happen. It’s the positive expectation and enthusiasm for the opportunities and new beginnings that the semester brings.
For many professors, including myself, the fall semester is a time of renewal and excitement. The prospect of engaging with a fresh cohort of students, introducing new course material, and exploring innovative teaching methods can be invigorating. The classroom becomes a dynamic space where ideas are exchanged, and intellectual growth is fostered. My goal is to bring knowledge to explore with students how they can do this.
New Opportunities: Each new semester offers a chance to refine and improve upon previous courses. Professors often spend their summers attending workshops, conducting research, and developing new curricula. The anticipation of unveiling these new elements to students can be thrilling. This is the time to see your development work in action.
Student Interaction: Building relationships with students is a core aspect of teaching. The start of a new semester means meeting new faces, understanding diverse perspectives, and guiding students through their academic journeys. This interaction is often a source of joy and fulfillment for educators.
Dread – The Weight of Expectations
Let’s define dread which refers to a feeling of great apprehension or fear about something that is going to happen. It’s the anxiety and stress that come with the anticipation of these challenges.
The excitement or anticipation of a new semester is often tempered by a sense of dread. The responsibilities and challenges that come with teaching can be daunting, and the pressure to meet high expectations can weigh heavily on professors. In my case, my concerns are often related to knowing if they are going to engage and learn from my classes. I have been teaching for several years and I still feel those little butterflies at the bottom of my stomach a week or two before the start of classes.
Workload: The beginning of the semester is composed of a flurry of activities—preparing learning management system files, organizing course materials, and setting up delivery platforms. The sheer volume of tasks can be overwhelming, leading to stress and anxiety.
Student Engagement: Engaging students, especially in large classes or in an online format, can be challenging. Professors may worry about maintaining student interest, managing classroom dynamics, and ensuring that all students are keeping up with the material. For me, it’s about getting them to attend and participate in our classes, so they gain the maximum amount of knowledge within the time they are with me.
Institutional Pressures: Colleges have high expectations for faculty performance, including coordination activities, professional development, and service commitments. Balancing these demands with teaching responsibilities can be a significant source of stress.
Navigating the start of the fall semester
To navigate this potentially emotionally charged landscape, professors often rely on a combination of preparation, support, and self-care.
Preparation: Thorough preparation can alleviate some of the anxiety associated with the start of the semester. By organizing materials in advance and having a clear plan for the first few weeks, professors can feel more in control and less overwhelmed. I say that preparation can help me reach “my cruising altitude” earlier and in a calmer fashion. Over time you often develop a rhythm to the activities and the work that you do for a classroom.
Support Systems: Leaning on colleagues for support and sharing experiences can be incredibly helpful. Many institutions offer resources such as faculty development programs, mental health services, and peer mentoring to assist professors in managing their workload and stress. Take advantage of these options if you feel overwhelmed. It often just needs another person to tell you – you will be okay.
Self-Care: Taking time for self-care is crucial. Whether it’s through exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones, finding ways to relax and recharge can help professors maintain their well-being throughout the semester. You need to have something outside of your “teaching” activities to help redirect some of the anxiety that you may feel at this time of year.
The start of the fall semester is a time of mixed emotions for higher education professors. The fall semester is often when most colleges have the largest intake of students as well, so it becomes key to take steps to keep yourself balanced. While the anticipation of new beginnings brings excitement and joy, the weight of expectations and responsibilities can also lead to feelings of dread. By preparing thoroughly, seeking support, and prioritizing self-care, professors can navigate this emotional rollercoaster and set the stage for a successful and fulfilling academic year.
In the words of Carly Simon:
We can never know about the days to come
But we think about them anyway
And I wonder if I'm really with you now
Or just chasin' after some finer day
Anticipation, anticipation
Is makin' me late
Is keepin' me waitin'
Here’s to hoping that this fall semester is filled with the best of expectations and anticipation. In my case, I know that time will tell.
About the author: Sylvie Edwards has been involved in Project Management in several industries for more than 25 years, overseeing projects in the IT, Banking, Health, Government and Securities sectors. She is a post secondary #educator assisting hundreds of potential PMP® achieve their certification, and a blogger on all things related to #projectmanagement. Sylvie is a two term past President and current member on the board of directors for the PMI-DHC (Project Management Institute- Durham Highlands Chapter). She had the honour of being named Fellow of the Project Management Association of Canada (FPMAC).
