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May marks the beginning of the Spring/Summer academic term. Whether you’re enrolled in condensed 6‑week courses or 12‑week Spring/Summer courses, how you organize yourself now can make a significant difference for the rest of the term.

Know Your Dates & Deadlines (Early!)

One of the most important steps at the start of May is confirming your academic dates and deadlines.

Add all key dates to your calendar now

This includes:

• Course start and end dates
• Add/drop and withdrawal deadlines
• Exam periods
• All deadline, test, midterm, presentation, etc. dates for each of your courses found on your course syllabi and in your Brightspace pages.

Review the official Spring/Summer 2026 academic dates

Why this matters:

• 6‑week condensed courses: There is very little margin for error. Missing one week can mean missing a large portion of the course content.
• 12‑week courses: You have more time, but that flexibility requires intentional planning so practice and review don’t fall off as routines relax.

Get Organized Immediately (Especially for 6‑Week Courses)

Condensed courses move fast. Organization is not optional—it’s essential.

Try this in your first week:

• Download all syllabi and highlight weekly expectations.
• Create a weekly task list with due dates clearly marked.
• Work one week ahead whenever possible.
• Set calendar reminders before deadlines, not just on the day they’re due.

For 12‑week courses:

Use the extra time intentionally—build in review and practice blocks each week to prevent last‑minute stress later in the term.

Set Up an Effective Workspace

Your environment directly affects your focus.

Ask yourself:

• Is my workspace consistent?
• Is it comfortable but not too comfortable?
• Does it support how long I need to focus?

For remote or online courses:

• Consider working from a nearby public library or coffee shop.
• Schedule that time in your calendar as a meeting—treat it like a class you must attend.
• Use noise management tools (headphones, white noise, or instrumental music).

Consistency matters more than perfection.

Use Accountability to Stay on Track

Body doubling can be especially helpful for starting tasks, staying focused, and following through—particularly for students with ADHD or executive functioning impairments.

Body Doubling Options to Try:

a. :

• Uses prerecorded “body doubles” designed for ADHD users
• Great for everyday tasks, organizing, or light academic work
• No live video and low pressure support

• Live virtual sessions (25, 50, or 75 minutes)
• Strong accountability with a check‑in at the start and end
• Great for starting hard or avoidable tasks

• Free, no‑video platform
• Themed rooms for users
• Low pressure environment for task initiation

Try one—or rotate tools—to see what works best for you.

Build Realistic Weekly Routines

Spring terms feel different than Fall/Winter, so your routines may need adjusting.

Strategies to try:

• Short, consistent study blocks (30–45 minutes)
• Designated “light days” and “heavy days”
• A weekly planning check‑in every Sunday or Monday
• Visual schedules or digital planners to track progress

Remember: progress > perfection.

If you’re looking for structure, tools, or guidance, the modules are available anytime.

How to register:
Go to the Discover tab in Brightspace → search PMC Learning Strategies → select Enrol.
If enrolment isn’t available, check your course list, you may already be registered!

Don’t Let Nice Weather Steal Your Practice Time

For many students, sunny days mean increased energy—but also increased distraction.

Protect your academic time by:

• Scheduling work before leisure, not after
• Pairing work with rewards (walks, social time, outdoor breaks)
• Keeping practice consistent even when deadlines feel far away

Learning requires repetition—especially in longer terms.

Need Support?

You don’t have to figure this out alone. The PMC Learning Strategies Team is here to help with:

• Planning and organization
• Time management
• Study strategies
• Accountability tools

Reach us anytime at PMC_LS@cunet.carleton.ca

Let’s make May a month of strong starts, clear structure, and steady progress.