Getting Organized

The quote “By failing to prepare, you’ve prepared to fail,” attributed to Benjamin Franklin, is a nice reminder of just how far intentionally preparing for a new project can go. To be successful in your DSW journey, only one thing is as important as your dedication, and that is your organization. Before you begin your courses, give yourself a few days to get oriented to the idea of being a doctoral student. Perhaps for you, starting on this journey means stepping into the student’s shoes for the first time in several years, so it is expected that you feel anxious. An effective way to ease some of the anxiety and expectations is to plan for success.

Make sure you have a dedicated space for your schoolwork. If you do not have a home office, a desk in a corner will do. The important part is to have a clean and organized space that is well-lit and stocked with sticky notes, highlighters, pens, and notepads. Make your space comfortable and welcoming because you will spend a lot of time there. Your virtual space is also important, so take some time to create a signature for your student email and upload your picture and short bio to your Canvas profile. Make sure all the administrative tasks are done before you start classes; for example, make a list of all the important players and their contact information, such as the DSW program director, your academic advisor, the Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs, and the registrar’s office. It is important to know who to go to when you need help.

During the DSW new student orientation, you will have the opportunity to meet and interact with the faculty, administrative staff, and other students. Take this opportunity to introduce yourself and make a good impression. The connections you make early on will be very important to your academic experiences and sense of belonging, especially in an asynchronous program.