I know, school doesn’t start until January 17th, but people often ask me “what do you do when students are not around?” It’s as if people think because I work at a college, there is never any work to do when students are not on campus. The week has actually been very busy…
As a side story, my wife and I are expecting our first child sometime later this month. While that is certainly exciting and something we are really looking forward to, it’s putting the pressure on me at work to make sure everything is ready to go for events in the months ahead. This week has been filled with a little bit of everything. We’ve received some new promo stuff in the mail including t-shirts, sunglasses, headbands and bandanas for upcoming theme nights for the basketball games. To promote those events, I’ve been working on the posters and other advertising so students will know about these events. For other events such as a musician or comedian, I’ve been signing contracts and booking the space on campus to host the events.
Each January & February, I’m fortunate enough to prepare and lead students on two different trips off campus, a trip to Des Moines and one to Washington DC. With the baby on the way, I’m not going to be leaving the Cedar Rapids area this year. With that said, I’m working this week on schedules, dress codes, and information for the students so when they do travel off campus, they can be the best representatives the college can have and show respect to the other advisors in attendance.
So is there one main thing I do before the students get back in January? No, but the truth is, there are several little things that need to be done. So far, it’s going well – I’m almost far enough ahead on some things that the advertising, promotion, and contracts for events are about 95% finalized between now and the end of February. I know one thing’s for sure – it’s going to be a GREAT spring semester!!
